[DM Hugh] - "What is it? Is it .. him again?" d20+3=5 ; Sunday May 10th, 2015 8:26:32 PM
The party beds down for the night. Bliss and Alleah take first watch and do not notice anything out of the ordinary. Veseley took second watch and also did not notice anything unusual. Shel took third watch and notices that Sardok does not appear to be in his bedroll.
"Everyone wake up...Sardok isn't here! We need to see who has taken him. It looks like another Huntsman trick!" Shel cries out.
Hazel looks around for Sardok and then orders Faoil, "Smell his bedroll Faoil! Now, find!"
The dog sniffs Sardok's bedroll then starts sniffing the ground. He gets 10 feet from Sardok's bedroll and then leaps into air before howling beneath the bright Koshe Marr moon. He then looks at his master lowers his head and whines.
Alleah and Murphy are woken by the others. "What is it? Is it .. him again?" Alleah whispers sleepily. Murphy raises the possibility that Sardok has gotten himself up to relieve himself.
The party searches the clearing for any sign of where Sardok could have gone but turns up nothing besides the empty bedroll.
======================================= Meanwhile...Sardok has many dreams, of the huntsman, the battle, fighting the bats, and lastly he flies up into the air to meet Imrael a prophet of Gargul. Imrael charges Sardok with the task to end the evil that is brought before him. After that Sardok is falling, falling until he wakes up hanging upside down in the crook of a tree. ======================================
The party fans out to look Sardok and some time later it is Alleah that finds him hanging upside down in a tree. "Hello? Can anyone hear me?" he calls out as he tries to extricate himself from the tree. Seeing Alleah he jogs forward and tells her that he is okay and that he was just 'out for a walk.'
The party now reunited breaks camp and heads forward toward the cemetery. Despite having rested a decent amount of time the moon still hangs overhead from the Koshe Marr night sky. (OOC: Spellcasters except Veseley and Tiana have their spells renewed) It appears the mist of the previous night caused a few optical illusions. For one the cemetery is farther away from the clearing than it seemed before you slept and for another both the wrought iron gates and connecting wall are in a state of serious disrepair. One of the gates hangs lopsided from its frame and the other is mostly gone. There are several breaks in the wall and the wrought iron itself is pitted with rust and the decay of time.
Beyond the gates and the remains of the wall lays the cemetery itself and the old abandoned church. The church has lost its roof and is open to elements. Several graves are exposed leaving gaping holes in the purple dirt.
Tombstones no longer standing reveal the names of those long gone... Here lies Alyssia, loving wife and mother....Here lies Xandre, caring husband and father...Here lies Cigrit our precious daughter.
There is a distinct chill in the night air and you realize that you can see your breathe as you exhale. Faoil raises his hackles and growls in the direction of the old church.
Suddenly a translucent, ghostly figure fades into view from the decaying church, its face distorted by wrath into a hideous mask, remnants of its clothes resemble those of a priest... The moment the figure sees you it opens its mouth... the hideous black teeth widen to a grin followed by a sickening shriek! 2 more Spectres glide into view...
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Sunday May 10th, 2015 9:02:58 PM Has it gotten colder, Shel wonders to herself as the group enters the graveyard proper. "Can anyone tell what those undead are? I don't suppose they'd be friendly, what with the awful grins and shrieks."
Shel casts Protection from Evil on Hazel.
OOC: first 1st level casting of the day,
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 47/50 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 20/23 AC 18/13/16 Sunday May 10th, 2015 11:31:22 PM
Hazel thanks Shel. "Thanks... do you think my sling bullets will affect them?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Monday May 11th, 2015 3:05:32 AM (OOC: DM - Can we assume everyone is at full health following the night's rest?)
Alleah is visibly relieved to have found Sardok. She had been sure the Huntsman had something to do with his disappearance. What was Sardok doing up a tree though? "Perhaps he's practising to become a Greenmage?" she deduces.
"Isra. Stand behind me and stay close" Alleah ushers the girl behind her "Who has the Undead Bane tear? Could come in really handy right about now"
Alleah says a quick prayer to Wardd - may her friends strike true this day (Cast Bless. All allies get a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.)
(OOC:DM Hugh edit: yes we can assume full HP :D ))
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+7=27 ; Monday May 11th, 2015 3:11:39 AM
[I]Knowl Religion check to ID the undead, and any potential strengths/weaknesses: 27![I/]
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 50/50 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Monday May 11th, 2015 10:35:52 AM OOC: Healing Hazel and Faoil...
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Monday May 11th, 2015 8:16:18 PM
Bliss and Mookie, already at the rear, back out. Mookie takes a move action to exit the cemetery, hiding, crouching down if necessary, behind the ruined wall of the cemetery. He is taking total cover, so that he presents no line of sight to the spectres.
Bliss backs off just five feet, fumbling in his pack for a vial. "I bet I need my bah to be magic," he says, and then he smears the weapon with his Oil of Magic Weapon.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 50/50 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Monday May 11th, 2015 11:10:51 PM OOC: Not much posting today... Hazel winks at Alleah and Shel. "I think I will try a "Murphy" with those things... Wish me luck! Faoil, defend the girls!" He advances towards the ghosts, with his hands high. "We don't want to fight! Leave us alone!" Using total defense for an AC of 22/18/15
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Tuesday May 12th, 2015 5:16:17 AM
Murphy casts longstrider, and looks to see how Hazel's overture goes.
[DM Hugh] - ""I think I will try a "Murphy" with those things..." d20+10=30 ; d20+10=21 ; d8=2 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 7:01:40 AM Shel asks if anyone knows what the undead are and then casts protection from evil on Hazel.
Alleah ushers Isra behind her and casts bless on her companions. The goblin girl complies. Alleah then reminds her group of the undead bane tear and tries to identify the undead before you.
Alleah knows that the creatures are spectres, lawful evil incorporeal undead who hate living things and natural sunlight. Generally they try to get living creatures to join them with their touches that drain life energy. Most spectres the remnants of murdered or evil humans, their anger preventing them from entering the afterlife. Alleah thinks she remembers hearing that a raise dead spell cast without material components can destroy spectres and that animals (wild and domesticated) will not approach within 30 ft without some coaxing. (OOC DC 25 ride, handle animal or wild empathy)
Bliss steps back and makes his bah magical and Mookie takes cover behind the ruined wall.
Hazel strides forward attempting to parley with the undead ordering Faoil to stay back and protect the girls, "We don't want to fight! Leave us alone!"
Faoil whines at his master as he moves forward then growls back at the creatures. That dog does not like those things.
Murphy casts longstrider on himself and waits to see how Hazel's overture goes.
The priest spectre glides forward so that it hovers over the empty grave that Hazel is standing before. As the spectre approaches Hazel can feel the chill get closer. In a harsh whisper that sounds as it if it is composed of multiple voices in different timbres the spectre replies, "We don't wish to fight...either....we wish you to.....join....us." before attempting to touch Hazel. The creature critically touches Hazel dealing only 4 points of damage but bestowing 4 negative levels. (OOC: see the link regarding touches that drain life energy)
Seeing the spectre touch Hazel Veseley fires off a volley of 5 maximized empowered magic missiles at the creature. The spectre looks less substantial after that attack.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Tuesday May 12th, 2015 7:48:50 AM
Alleah quickly reaches into her kit and withdraws a vial of Holy Water
"Here!" she thrusts it to Isra "Hold onto this. If they get close to you, pour it over yourself. It should help protect you"
"Who has the Undead Bane tear?" Alleah stands ready to cast a spell to help whoever may currently wear the tear
(Move action to take Holy Water from Haversack Standard action pending...)
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d20+11=21 ; d6+3=5 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 8:12:50 AM
Bliss fires his now-magic bah at a spectre in the back. He hits AC21 for 5.
"Take that, you big mean ghost!"
Then he steps back 30 ft.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 d20+7=12 ; 4d6=13 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 9:12:17 AM
Shel moves forward 20' and fires a scorching Ray at the specter due north of her.
OOC: Ranged Touch Attack 12. 13 Damage if it hits.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 26/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels)- Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Tuesday May 12th, 2015 10:17:06 AM "I knew this was a bad idea..." Hazel feels the life drain from his body, feels his sight darken and his legs give way. He will die if touched again. He hates this cursed place. He withdraws behind the others... "They are too strong! We need to get out of here! Get into Faoil and let him get you out of here!" Faoil will wait for somebody to climb on him, and then moves south, behind Hazel.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Tuesday May 12th, 2015 12:11:10 PM "We can't outrun them, Hazel. They are much too fast. Our best chance is to work together. Now where is that blasted tear?"
Alleah plans to use her "Touch of Luck" ability on whoever is wearing the tear ("For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result")
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Tuesday May 12th, 2015 2:01:21 PM
Sardok steps forward, just behind Hazel, ready to spring forward and run some steel through the screaming shade.
Then with a single touch Hazel is stricken and weak and sagging, yelling something about getting out of here.
Sardok is no fighter, made to stand on the line and take the blows. Without Hazel to act in tandem, he is but a shield of rusty wire. Slowly, he shakes his head. To strive at a chance of victory was one thing. To die without hope was quite another. And he's died enough lately. "Aye, Hazel, if anything we must needs exit the cemetary, and see if their strength wanes outside their sepulchre."
Sardok grabs the offered Faoil's back and accepts the ride south.
[DM Hugh] Tuesday May 12th, 2015 10:24:06 PM
(OOC: I'm going to turn in so next post will be tomorrow morning...trying to give Kim/Murphy a chance to post)
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Wednesday May 13th, 2015 2:17:40 AM
Murphy moves to a point outside the gate, about 15 feet along the wall (to the right side facing up from the bottom of the map), then begins to cast call lightning.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=11 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 5:21:43 AM
As Shel presses forward, Alleah takes a moment to pat her on the back for luck (Use "Touch of Luck" ability on Shel, granting her a reroll of her Scorching Ray attack if she chooses)
She then does a quick stock-take. Hazel, Sardok, Murphy and Bliss are all pulling back. Alleah, Shel, Isra, and Tiana are all staying put. "I guess chivalry is dead" she grins on seeing the boys heroicly cover the party's rear and flank.
It is only then that Alleah realises that the Undead Bane tear AND the Ghost Bane tear are in her possession. Sometimes Wardd just smiles on you :)
A feeling of calm passes over Alleah as time slows down. She can feel the wind softly brush her cheek, and see the combat unfurling around her. "I know you're watching out for me now, Wardd." she whispers quietly.
"I'll do my best to hold them off" Alleah calls out, before turning to face Isra "I need you to be brave now, ok? Stay with the group. I'll be right behind you. Tiana, Veseley - watch over her"
The spectres would easily be able to pick off the party one by one, and Alleah has sworn nothing - NOTHING - bad will happen to Isra if she can help it. If giving her life means that she can prolong the lives of Isra and the Second Dinner Club (and the party too I suppose) then she is prepared to do so.
She draws on her inner reserves and takes the form of a raptor (Leyline check:11=Pass, just. Cast Beast Shape I. Alleah changes form into a Deinonychus). Stepping forward, she issues a gutteral growl.
------------ Recap of Alleah's action for this round: Move action - Retrieve Holy Water from pack (Free action to pass it - or drop it - for Isra) Standard action - Use Touch of Luck ability on Shel Hero Point for extra action - Cast Beast Shape 5ft step north
[DM Hugh] - "I know you're watching out for me now, Wardd." d20+10=19 ;d8=3 ; d20+12=13; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 8:02:37 AM Alleah inquires as to who has the Undead bane tear and gives Isra a vial of holy water for her protection.
Bliss fires an arrow that hits the priest spectre.
Veseley casts invisibility on Shel before Shel fires of a scorching ray. It was fortunate for Shel that he did as this was just enough to allow her ray to fry the lead spectre into a puff of smoke. Shel turns visible again after the ray hits.
Hazel feeling the effects of the life drain and decides a retreat is in order.
He doesn't have to tell Sardok twice. The rogue jumps on the back of Faoil at the ranger's direction and beats a retreat with Hazel.
Murphy moves outside the wall and begins to cast call lightning.
Alleah uses touch of luck on Shel.
(OOC: I rule that the touch of luck can be used on Shel's next attack)
Alleah realizes that she is the one with both the undead bane and the ghost touch tear and turns into a Deinonychus via beast shape.
Veseley puts Tiana's hand in Isra's and says, "Please lass take my friend with you when you run. She is a little addled. I'm going to do my best to help Alleah."
Isra and Tiana flee from the graveyard at Alleah's orders.
Spectre 3 decides that Veseley is the bigger threat uses its full 80 ft move to avoid dino-Alleah. It then touches Veseley dealing 3 damage and 2 negative levels. Spectre 2 charges dino-Alleah but critically misses.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+3=22 ; d20+3=21 ; d8+2=7 ; d8+2=7 ; 2d6=9 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 8:22:48 AM
Alleah can feel the tips of the spectre's claws narrowly miss her ... snout. "Thankyou Wardd! I promise, the next town I visit I'll donate something to the poor"
Now though she feels a kind of primal rage. These abominations are an affront to Gargul, Lord of Life and death. What's more, they are attacking her friends! Before she can stop herself, Alleah-raptor slashes two talons at Spectre #3 (Hit AC22 for 7pts damage + 9pts bane, so 16/2=8pts damage. Hit AC21 for 7pts damage with Ghost Touch. 15pts damage total)
She bares her fangs whilst giving a small thanks to Wardd for her luck "... Ok, I'll even go to temple more!"
Of course, she is flanked now by both spectres. Alleah-raptor takes a 5ft step to the east.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 d20+7=24 ; d20+7=26 ; 4d6=14 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 8:43:20 AM
Shel uses the Bit of Luck she was granted and fires yet another scorching Ray at Spectre 3. It seems to be a clear hit. "We can't outrun them...we have to fight," Shel yells to the others. She takes a10' move backwards, hoping that if the undead came after her, the rest of the group could help hold them off.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+5=10 ; d20+9=11 ; d4+2=3 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 10:55:16 AM
Out of the corner of his eye, Sardok sees the lead phantasm consumed in a ray of flame. "Huh," he says, his jaw hanging a bit slack. "Well, they're not as tough as I thought. Alright, boy, let's once more unto the breech go."
Using his knees to guide him, Sardok suggests to Faoil to charge the nearest spectre. Which is #3, unless it's already dead, in which case it's #2.
Sardok draws Krieg and makes a two-handed swing.... [atk = 11, dmg = 3] ...and vastly overcompensates.
"Well, I've had better weeks...."
(OOC: DM edit - I need a DC 25 ride check to make Faoil go w/in 30ft of the spectre or was that the 10?)
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 26/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels)- Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Wednesday May 13th, 2015 11:25:33 AM
Hazel gets out of the cemetery and stops to see Alleah and the others fighting. "Get out of there!" Faoil will refuse to go in unless Sardok can push him.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Wednesday May 13th, 2015 12:54:31 PM OOC: addition to last post. Ranged touch attack was 26. Damage was 14.
Bliss shoots at Spectre S2, hitting AC18 for 8 [Plus do I recall a 50% miss chance for non-ghost touch magic weapons?]
The tiny fellow curses with dwarven words he learned in the Mailed Fist. Although he is not exactly sure what they mean.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) 3d6=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 10:06:49 PM
Murphy aims at Spectre #2 with a somewhat weak bolt of lightning - doing a very light 4 hp of electrical damage (reflex save for half).
[DM Hugh] - "We can't outrun them...we have to fight" d20+5=16 ; d2=1 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+10=29; d20+10=16 ; d8=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2015 11:34:07 PM Alleah-raptor attacks spectre 3 with primal ferocity and hits with 2 claws.
Shel hits spectre 3 with a scorching ray and tells her companions, "We can't outrun them we have to fight."
Sardok attempts to charge the nearest spectre astride Faoil but his skill as a rider was not enough to force the dog to approach the Spectre. Faoil will go forward no more and stands firm growling at the spectres.
(OOC: You may want to dismount to join this battle)
Hazel instructs the rest of the party to get out of the cemetery.
Bliss fires a magic cross bow bolt at spectre 3. It hits but it does less damage than it should.
(OOC: Good catch, however 50% miss chance was 3.5 edition; in Pathfinder magic non-ghost touch weapons only do half damage and cannot score criticals)
Murphy hits Spectre 2 with a weak lightning strike.
Veseley defensively casts mage armor on Alleah and then moves back in front of Shel
Tiana and Isra flee further along the wall.
Spectre 2 continues to attack Veseley. "Wizard.....You will....replace....the...one....we...lost." The raspy shade says before touching the wizard for another 4 damage and 2 negative levels.
Spectre 3 decides to attack the pesky Alleah-raptor, but the draining touch is just deflected by the cocooning force armor Veseley imbued her with.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 26/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels)- Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+5=22 ; d20+5=19 ; d6+2=5 ; d6+2=7 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 12:36:49 AM
Hazel sees that his friends are not exiting the cemetery, so he rapid shots S3, trying to help Alleah. Attack rolls (with -4 because of negative levels) 22 and 19; Damage 5 and 7.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 12:50:29 AM
Murphy targets Spectre #2 again with a better lightning strike: 11 hp damage. He takes out a vial of holy water, and says, "I've holy water here for who wants to splash it on a spectre." He places it to rest on the wall in front of Hazel (so long as there is a relatively flat surface).
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+3=10 ; d20+3=21 ; d8+2=10 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 3:46:00 AM Assuming Spectre #3 is still around. If not, 5ft step to attack Spectre #2 instead
Alleah-raptor once again lashes out at the abomination. Unfortunately the talon with the undead bane tear doesn't come close to hitting the spectre, but the Ghost Touch one works much better! (Hit AC10 with the Undead Bane talon, so assume miss. Ghost Touch hits AC21 for 10pts damage in full)
All this violence doesn't fit well with Alleah. As a Walker she has chosen to walk the path of non-violence. These undead though are the exception to the rule, and though she is allowed to harm them it just doesn't sit well in her stomach. "How can anyone enjoy such things?"
She continues to stay close to the spectres, presenting herself as a sacrifice and hoping Veseley will take the opportunity to withdraw.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 d20+3=8 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 6:55:34 AM
Shel tries another Scorching Ray, focusing on spectre 3, but she misses it unfortunately. Even if it wasn't in melee, she would have struggled to hit it. "Vesely, move behind me. If you take another hit, you might be a goner! I should be able to take a hit or two, while we chip away at it," Shel yells at the Mage.
OOC: RTA of 8.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Thursday May 14th, 2015 3:37:40 PM
Grumbling, Sardok climbs down from Faoil, and makes his way forward, setting himself up to attack when the opportunity presents itself. [move action to dismount, move action forward]
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d20+7=22 d6+3=6 Thursday May 14th, 2015 8:30:37 PM
Bliss has to shoot into melee, it seems, so he rosins up his bah and plays his fiddle hard, taking a -4 to hit.
Nonetheless, he hits AC22 with his third bolt, for 6 damage to the one that seems most "wounded."
And he backs off another 30 feet, thanking goodness for the long range his bah has.
[DM Hugh] - "I've holy water here for who wants to splash it on a spectre." d20+9=13 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+10=16 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 9:52:48 PM Hazel attacks with his sling staff at range. Unfortunately the weapon and its ammunition are non-magical so although the bullets are both on target in the center of the spectre's shadow-mass they sail harmlessly through its torso. (OOC: I don't suppose anyone has anyway to make Hazel's weapon or ammunition magical?)
Murphy strikes spectre 2 with a better lightning strike than last time.
Alleah lashes out at spectre 3 again this time missing with the claw affected by the bane tear but striking true with the ghost touched claw. She then ponders what it means to be a Walker fighting undead. Although undead creatures are exceptions to the non-violence of the Walker philosophy her actions against the spectres do not sit well for her. To be fair Hazel did try to parley with the spectres and they were not interested. She then hopes that Veseley takes the opportunity to withdraw.
Shel fires another scorching ray but this time the fiery missile is off target and flies wide of the spectre.
Veseley takes a 5 foot step back to stand shoulder to shoulder with Shel then casts Shadow Conjuration mimicking acid arrow aimed at spectre 3. Spectre 3 gets hit by the acid missile and falls for the illusion.
Sardok moves forward and prepares to engage with the spectres.
Bliss shoots a bolt from his magic bah, which strikes true against spectre 3 causing the phantasm to also vanish in a puff of black smoke.
Isra and Tiana stay where they are for now as Isra is worried about getting lost from her new friends and her brother's remains.
Spectre 2 is all by its lonesome now. It lashes out at Alleah-raptor with its draining touch and is once again thwarted by the magical barrier.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 26/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels)- Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+7=15 ; Friday May 15th, 2015 12:26:25 AM
Hazel fires one more bullet to the remaining Sprectre, not to harm, but to aid Alleah hit him. Attack to AID ANOTHER Alleah DC 10: 15 Alleah gets a +2 to attack on her next attack.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Friday May 15th, 2015 3:05:44 AM
Murphy lands another bolt of lightning on the remaining spectre (9hp). "None of us will join you, shade."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+5=9 ; d20+3=21 ; d8+2=8 ; Friday May 15th, 2015 6:06:49 AM "Run for it, guys! I can hold this one back" Though the others didn't follow through with her original intentions, Alleah feels bolstered by the fact that they wouldn't leave her behind. If she wasn't currently in a reptile form, she would probably smile.
Even with Hazel's help, the Undead Bane tear just doesn't work (Hit AC9 = Miss!)
But at least the Ghost Bane tear continues to do its job (Hit AC21 for a full 8pts damage)
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+9=15 ; d4+3=4 ; Friday May 15th, 2015 9:47:18 AM
Seething with frustration and anguish, Sardok screams with rage beyond reason, running up to the spectre and taking a two-handed slash.
[atk=15, dmg = 4]
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 d20+3=23 ; 4d6=18 ; Friday May 15th, 2015 11:09:06 AM
Shel uses her fiery magic yet again, and this time it's a smashing success. OOC: Natural 20 on the attack roll! 18 points of damage.
Again taking a -4 to fire into combat, Bliss shoots the spectre in the back. Actually, he tries to angle the shot so it goes through the spectre's head and then on over Alleah's dino head. He can do that because he is already so close to the ground!
"Duck, Miss Alleah!" he shouts.
Bliss hits AC17 and inflicts a base 6 damage. (cut in half, though, right?)
Then, feeling a bit more confident, Bliss moves 30 ft closer.
[OOC: That's four bolts, for them what's keepin' score at home. Bliss rubbed his oil onto his bah on Monday, then fired daily Tues-Fri.]
[DM Hugh] - "None of us will join you, shade." Sunday May 17th, 2015 9:49:57 PM Hazel, realizing his last attacks did absolutely nothing despite hitting their intended mark decides to instead use his attack to aid Alleah.
Murphy keeps raining electricity down on the spectre, "None of us will join you, shade." he cries.
Alleah is glad that her friends did not leave her behind despite having ordered them otherwise. She then attacks with her magic claws, missing with the bain one and hitting with the ghost touched one again.
Sardok seething with rage, attacks the spectre with a vicious two hand swing which does less damage than it should but hits nonetheless.
Shel and Bliss open up at range on the last remaining spectre and it joins its brethren, disappearing in a puff of smoke as it is simultaneously hit with a scorching ray and magic cross bow bolt from Bliss's bah.
The spectres have been vanquished.
(OOC: Everyone please take 1600 xp from the spectre battle. Alleah gets a hero point for volunteering to cover the parties retreat despite the fact that the spectres nearly killed Hazel. Hazel gets a hero point for approaching the spectres despite the fact they were frightening and attempting a non-violent solution...I will be accepting nominations via email for others members of the party to receive hero points from that last battle)
Now that the undead are gone the way to the old abandoned church is clear. The inside of the church is no better off than the outside. The floor of the church is littered with various debris. A lonely pew is all that is left standing of the seating arrangements for a modest sized congregation judging by the church's size. No stain glass adorns any of the windows and the interior is eerie in the moonlight. The carpeting in the aisle has worn away exposing the wooden planks that make up the church's floor. The raised dias that the aisle leads up to is devoid of any altar or holy symbol. What now?
Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that where the altar once stood there is now an entrance to an underground labyrinth.}
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 26/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+8=18 ; Sunday May 17th, 2015 11:47:46 PM In Hazel case is an "Idiotic Point"... Hazel drop in the floor, Faoil licking his face. "I knew it was a bad idea. I don't feel well..." Perception Roll (with -4 for negative levels): 18 Inside the church he calls the others. "Here! Where the altar should be there is a tunnel going down."
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=22 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; Monday May 18th, 2015 12:17:57 AM
Murphy lets out a sigh of relief as the last dark spirit is overcome.
"Alleah, your form is remarkable. Pray, before you change back, may I look you over? I may want to try to adapt that shape myself. Such sharp teeth and claws!" If she allows him, the druid takes a few moments to see how she is put together. "I'm going to touch your skin, if you will so permit, to see how it feels." Unless she clearly indicates she does not want this, he does so. Once done, he says, "Thank you. Remarkable. And you are most brave, friend."
"Hazel, Veseley, you both look a bit rough around the edges. How did the touch of these grave dwellers feel? What do you sense their touch may have done to you?"
If they want, he will use his wand of cure light wounds (claim and apply healing as follows: 6 hp, 9, 3, 6, 5, 6).
He looks at Isra, trying to gauge how she is faring.
On entering the chapel, he joins the others in looking about. "Say, it looks like there's an opening heading downwards here at the front."
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday May 18th, 2015 12:20:04 AM
[ha - I had a post in the works, was interrupted halfway through, and did not see Hazel's post until after mine posted.]
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday May 18th, 2015 12:20:14 AM
[ha - I had a post in the works, was interrupted halfway through, and did not see Hazel's post until after mine posted.]
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Monday May 18th, 2015 12:32:35 AM
With the spectre's gone, Alleah raptor issues another growl and looks about for more prey. Taking such a form feels her with the animals primal instinct to hunt, and it takes a moment for her to calm down.
She's able to understand Murphy quite well, but unfortunately can't speak back to him. She stands tall and proud while he 'admires' her, and is happy enough for him to pat her on the head.
With that out of the way, she reverts back to her halfling self and quickly seeks out Isra "Are you ok?" she holds the goblin girl by the shoulders, looking her over.
Hazel and Veseley both look a little grey, and based on what Alleah knows of spectres, healing the two is currently beyond her skill.
She can't help but feel a little dejected. Some cleric! Two bodies that she can't raise, two people who have lost a part of their life force that she can't treat, and she had to resort to fisticuffs to kill some undead. Wait a minute...
"Uh, I don't have the power to stop these things from rising again. We can't linger here too long."
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Monday May 18th, 2015 8:50:34 AM
Normally Shel would have preached taking their time and proceeding carefully, what with her expending much of her strongest magic, and some of the others looking quite gaunt and beaten up. However, with none of them being aware of The Huntsman's 'timeline,' she pushed the others on.
"I think we need to press on down that tunnel. There might be some clue as to the Huntsman's game down here. Or at least a clue leading us to Amalee. The injured should take a spot at the back of the group, as we don't need tehm taking any unneccessary risks," she said as she glances at Hazel. Alouryn would kill me if I let something happen to HAzel.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Monday May 18th, 2015 11:47:49 AM
Hazel leans on Murphy. "Remember that time, when we were little, when we stuffed a very old full pie between the both of us and it was bad... it was worst. i think I am going be be sick again." He only uses the first wand charge, as Alleah said, Hazel is mess up beyond our current ability to fix him. His eyes grow wide at Bliss idea. "Down there? I am more worried in what can get out from there, and never occurred to me to go in! I think we must go away from this damn place at once, before more things like those that attacked us appear!"
Bliss is all in favor of exploring the tunnel, as Hazel anticipated. "Of course we gotta explore," he says as he reloads his bah and renews his reduction magic.
"Yeah, you're an open book, Kid," says Mookie. "Your friends know what you'll say before you say it."
"That's okay," says Bliss, "That's because they know what a HERO would say!"
=== === === ===
Bliss thinks he should get a hero point because he did not even hide behind the wall and snipe! He stood up tall and brave and obvious and fired as he backed away! :-) Probably others besides Bliss would not exactly label his actions "heroic."
=== === === ===
Bliss is determined to demonstrate his heroism. He looks for the way to open the door (Perception 25), and if it requires brute strength, he puts his considerable (for his size) Str 7 to the task ... He says a prayer (casts Guidance) and rolls a str check of 2.
"It's not so heavy," he says. "It's just my hands slipped."
[DM Hugh] - "Say, it looks like there's an opening heading downwards here at the front." Monday May 18th, 2015 11:03:22 PM Alleah allows Murphy to inspect her dinosaur form before changing back and asking Isra if she is all right.
(OOC: The spectres aren't coming back...The raise dead spell is an alternative means to destroy a spectre beside reducing their hp to 0. Sorry if that was unclear)
Hazel and Murphy are the first to entrance to the labyrinth. Hazel is looking worse for the ware and as is the case with Veseley the damage to their health that can be cured with the wand is less than the damage inflicted by the negative levels. Murphy also tries to gauge how Isra is feeling. The goblin girl looks a little shaken by the encounter with the spectres but aside from that she is fine. Tiana] is still catatonic as ever. Hazel brings up the life drain making him feel worse than an incident from childhood and he cautions against going down into the labyrinth. (OOC: The roll of 9 heals Veseley to his reduced HP total. That is all he needs)
Shel is for pressing on. After all the Huntsman did only give the party 3 days.
Bliss is also in favor of exploring, as it is the heroic thing to do. Mookie is of the opinion that Bliss is an open book.
The entrance to the labyrinth is not a door at all but rather a jagged hole in the ground. There is a ladder that is surprisingly sturdy enough to bear weight and the group is able to descend. It seems that under the church there is an old labyrinth of corridors, where rectangular holes on the wall, stacked 3 high stand. Obviously. these corridors must have been the old burial chambers of the church. What corpses there once was buried here are now strewn all about the floor and some pieces and scraps still in the crevices.
Following the corridors you eventually come to a wall that has been ripped out... through it you are met with a Large room, created through a combination of natural cave and humanoid digging. Looking up to the ceiling you can see the roots of various shrubbery (OOC: ni) and every now and again the bottom of a coffin. It would appear that you are beneath the very cemetery where you fought the spectres.
Some of the coffins have no bottoms and on the floor below them are the bones and debris from whoever used to reside in them. From this opening you have one exit other than that which you entered, a rough cut, semi-hewn, semi-humanoid made passageway to the right.
Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {Before reaching the passageway you notice that at some point in the past, some of the floor in this room has collapsed.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {It would appear that the floor used to be trapped and some poor hapless adventurer triggered this trap. There is a large skeletal hand sticking out of the loose pile of stone and earth and you can just make out the glint of metal caused by the tip of a long spear flanked by 2 shorter blades.}
Perception DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {The haft of the aforementioned weapon is still pinioned by the collapsed earth. Despite the fact that the spear had been down here for a long time as evidenced by the state of its former owner it is free of rust and looks as deadly as a freshly forged blade. Perhaps the weapon is magical}
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+11=27 ; Monday May 18th, 2015 11:17:40 PM Perception: 27
Alleah walks hand-in-hand with Isra. She's not usually the most perceptive person in the world, but in protecting this little goblin girl, Alleah finds her sense are on high-alert.
"Careful. This area looks like it was previously trapped. What's that there?" she asks, spotting something in the rubble "Is that .. is that a spear?" She points with her free hand to the object.
Just to be sure, Alleah casts "Detect Magic and scans the area and the spear.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+12=22 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2015 12:19:14 AM
Hazel, leaning on his sling staff, nods. "Alleah is right. The floor seems like it collapsed. And grasping the spear is the skeleton hand of the poor soul that triggered the trap. And next to the spear I can see a couple smaller blades. They should be magical as they have not rusted away. Be careful, there could be more traps around."
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=19 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2015 5:23:55 AM
Murphy is pleased that Isra seems to be coping well enough. He approaches Veseley. "May I ask you, Veseley, if, as you three prepared the portal, if there are any things that might help us return whence we came? And is where we are anything like what you expected to find? Any background or context you can provide that might aid us here? Do you know aught about the huntsman and his ways?"
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Tuesday May 19th, 2015 7:36:27 AM
Shel casts Detect Magic as well, trying to ascertain the particular auras of magic on the blades, assuming they were indeed magical. "Make sure there are no more traps. Last thing we need is to blunder into something like that, while we are in a hurry."
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+12=32 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+12=30 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2015 9:11:14 AM
Sardok idly glances aobut the corpses strewn about, seeing if any of them have anything that might be useful. (perception = 32)
Sardok nods at Shel's suggestion. "Alright. Stay back and I'll see if we can safely get at that."
Sardok looks around the dead-fall trap and sees if there are any more traps around. If the area is safe, he sees about dismantling it so they can free the corpse. (Perception = 32, Disable Device = 28)
Bliss notes that if there were some traps in the past, then some of them may still be around, untriggered.
He looks for them as best he can, but he is no rogue. Perception 31.
He also casts his detect poison, in case there are any poison traps around.
"It seems a shame that these poor dead people are just lying here careless like. Lord Gargul would not like that. We should at least put them to rest nice like."
Mookie pipes up, "Sure, and what if they hop up and try to strangulate you!"
"Oh, yeah," says Bliss. He also casts his deathwatch cantrip to serve as a kind of detect undead. "You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct)."
If no one objects, assuming no danger, he arranges the bones in more peaceful poses and says a simple prayer, taught to him by his mom: "Now I lay you down to sleep. Lord Gargul, please, your soul to keep."
[DM Hugh] - "Alright. Stay back and I'll see if we can safely get at that." Tuesday May 19th, 2015 9:17:38 PM Alleah walks hand and hand with Isra through the labyrinthine underground. Caring for the goblin girl has made her hyper aware of things so she spots what looks to be the tip of a spear jutting from the site of a past cave-in.
Hazel leaning on his sling-staff opines, "Alleah is right. The floor seems like it collapsed. And grasping the spear is the skeleton hand of the poor soul that triggered the trap. And next to the spear I can see a couple smaller blades. They should be magical as they have not rusted away. Be careful, there could be more traps around."
Murphy is more interested in his traveling companions than his surroundings. He is happy to see that Isra is doing well and inquires to Veseley if he knows anything that may help them back home, if where they are is where the second dinner club expected to be, if he has any background or context that might be useful and lastly if he knows anything of the Huntsman or his ways.
Veseley says to Murphy,"We did not intend to open a portal to Koshe Marr. We were doing some experiments involving portable holes and dimension doors. We were curious what would happen if we supercharged a portable hole with energy from the giant towers and then opened a dimension door on the hole. We were hoping to find a way to massively extend the bounds of dimension door's limited range. We hoped to stretch the portable hole and for the area inside of the hole, alter the definition of 880 feet as it pertained to the casting range of the portable hole spell. It seems that we stretched the range, but not in the way that we intended. While I do have the capacity to cast another dimension door, I have neither a portable hole nor the means with which to supercharge one. Although there is a lot of ambient magical energy here in Koshe Marr it is not that concentrated, so we would need some way to collect it and transfer it to the portable hole, which as I stated earlier we are sorely lacking. As to Koshe Marr, it is not really my field of study. Poor Bazeck was the expert in inter-dimensional lore and as I lack the ability to converse with the dead, that will not help us. As to the Huntsman I had not heard of him before encountering him here in this realm of madness. I'm sorry that I could not be more help to you, Murphy. You and the rest of Humble's Sword seem like a good lot. You shouldn't have to pay for the hubris of my club."
Shel breaks up Veseley's exposition by once again pointing out that since there was one trap, there could be more traps.
Shel and Alleah both cast the spell detect magic and perceive 3 distinct magical auras emanating from the area of the cave-in. One is coming from the weapon, which upon closer inspection is actually a ranseur. The 2 smaller blades are actually connected to the long blade. The other 2 auras are coming from the rock pile.
Sardok does not find anything useful on the corpses in the cavern, nor does he find evidence of any other traps besides the cave-in trap that caught the other adventurer. As the way is safe Sardok is able to successfully excavate the remains. You find a large horned humanoid skeleton wearing a breast plate and boots.
Shel and Alleah note that the other 2 auras are emanating from the breastplate and the boots.
Bliss is concerned for the state of the remains of the adventurer and the rest of the bodies in the chamber and after casting deathwatch thanks to some prompting from Mookie is able to determine that everything in the chamber save for Humble's sword, Isra, Veseley and Tiana is dead. Nothing undead is lurking in the cavernous chamber. Bliss then proceeds to arrange the remains in some semblance of respect and says a brief prayer over them.
With the additional loot salvaged and the deceased seen to the party continues on down the other passageway. You find yourselves in a hallway that is 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall. For the first 100 feet the walls and floor are made of uneven natural rock and dirt excavated in a straight line. The last 30 feet is Humanoid made and the walls and floors are smooth and even. This shorter manufactured passage ends with a double wooden, iron bound door with the letter F on the left door and a letter A, positioned slightly lower on the right door. Whatever could be in there?
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 d20+7=19 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2015 9:29:41 PM OOC: spellcraft on boots 19, on weapon, 22, and on breastplate 17.
Shel focuses on the small trove of magic, examining each object in turn for the distance aura of magic, whether major or minor, and the school of the magic. "All three of these are magical, no doubt. Let me see if I can figure out anything in particular about them..."
She leaves the strange doors to the others. They weren't magical, so they didn't concern her for the moment. "I doubt that the 'A' stands for Amalee, but wouldn't that be nice!"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+11=26 ; d20+7=25 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2015 10:41:09 PM "Do you suppose this passage is for things to come or go?" Alleah looks about for signs of recent activity.
The "F" and the "A" are interesting. A monogram perhaps? In the furthest recesses of Alleah's mind, she searches for a possible link with the letters (Knowl Nobility: 25). She doesn't dare approach the door though yet, and keeps Isra close by her.
"I could create a magical sensor on the other side of the door to see what's there?" she suggests (The spell she is thinking of is 'Clairaudience/Clairvoyance')
Perception: 26
All other Knowl checks at 18 (Take 10 + Guidance) Dungeoneering - Identify underground hazard as well as Identify mineral, stone, or metal Engineering - Identify dangerous construction as well as Determine a structure's style or age Local - Know local laws, rulers, and popular locations as well as Know a common rumor or local tradition Nature - Identify natural hazard
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Tuesday May 19th, 2015 11:00:09 PM "An F and an A? I think it's a code word for Get out of this horrible tomb before it is too late." He keeps at the back, covering the rearguard.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Tuesday May 19th, 2015 11:20:44 PM "Ah yes, I see it now. The O is missing. It's meant to say 'Flee At Once'" Alleah grins to Hazel
Walking down the long corridor, Bliss renews his reduction magic and begins to feel nervous. He casts his Longstrider Domain spell. At the doors, he also casts a Cat's Grace on himself, anticipating trouble. Ley Line check 13 is OK; he fails on a 01-10.
[I have not been rolling for cantrips, but just for S&G ... 54, 62, no prob]
Bliss grins at the joking, but then says, "Sshhh everybody! Let me listen." Bliss casts Guidance and Taur's Try to make his hearing keener.
He crouches close to the doors at ground level and tries hard to hear anything behind.
Perception 28
He also uses his Deathwatch spell, which lasts 30 minutes. Maybe the spell will penetrate the door, or its emanation will extend through the cracks between the doors or between the doors and the floor.
========
DM Sanity Info
Spells: level 1: 2 of 2+1 cast (Cats Grace, Longstrider) Level 2: 0 of 1+1 cast
Current effects: Reduce Person 8 rounds of 30 gone Deathwatch: 10 min?? of 30 gone Longstrider: 1 min of 3 hours gone Taur's Try (+1 perception) 3 rounds of 10 min gone Cat's Grace 5 rounds of 30 gone Other resources used: magic weapon oil; 13 bolts from prior battles. Current clip of five is his last normal clip. After this Bliss has a clip of silvered and a clip of cold iron.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=34 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 5:36:41 PM
Murphy thanks Veseley for the explanation. He wonders whether, when all is said and done, that Bezeck might be brought back to life - and Tiana brought out of her coma.
Turning attention to the doors, he remarks, "Well, this is a chapel of sorts, though to which deity I cannot discern. Does the 'F' stand for Ffloy or Flower? The 'A' for Alemi? Likely not, but perhaps we might find out once we open the doors."
He quiets down when Bliss requests silence. He raises his senses to discern what he might about the area they are in [Perception: 34 - nat 20]
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+12=32 ; d3=3 ; d20+12=14 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 6:40:53 PM
Sardok tries to make himself useful and checks each door for traps. [F = 32, A = 14]
[ooc: Yeah, like back in the day. :]
[DM Hugh] - "Ah yes, I see it now. The O is missing. It's meant to say 'Flee At Once'" Wednesday May 20th, 2015 8:30:09 PM Shel attempts to determine the magical properties of the weapon, the breastplate and the boots. She is able to identify the boots as Boots of Striding and Springing, the weapon as a +1 ranseur and the armor as a +1 BreastPlate. Although the weapon and armor are large in size, they are also magical and the nice thing about magical weapons is they can accommodate their wielder. (OOC: I hope no one mines but I am taking the idea from Bonetown that magical weapons and armor can shrink or grow to the size of the wielder)
Alleah points out that the F and the A could be a monogram. She then searches her mind for links to what these letters could represent. Alleah is able to remember that the ruler of this patch of Koshe Marr is named Fidelia(OOC: Know [Local] + Know[Nobility]). Perhaps Shel's observation that that the A could stand for Amalee is not that far from the mark.
Alleah suggests that she could make a magical sensor to see what is on the other side of the door but no one in the party has said yea or nay to this idea. (OOC: I'm going to rule that since you said Alleah suggested it she didn't actually cast it. I would rather err on the side of caution and not have you potentially waste a spell) She then probes her own mind for any bit of information that could potentially be useful to where the party is now. Alleah identifies the humanoid sculpted portion of the tunnel as being made of granite. She identifies shale, coal, limestone, salt and siltstone as being present in the dirt in the non-sculpted segment of the tunnel. As far as the passageway and the door she gets the impression that they are both old. Though the door and the passage seem well preserved and structurally sound in their old age. She does not find any natural hazards.
Hazel says, "An F and an A? I think it's a code word for Get out of this horrible tomb before it is too late."
"Ah yes, I see it now. The O is missing. It's meant to say 'Flee At Once'" Alleah grin and replies to Hazel
Walking down the corridor, Bliss renews his standard spells. He then casts Longstrider and Cat's Grace on himself in case of trouble. He follows these spells with castings of Guidance and Toros Taur Try. The tiny, nimble, hyper-aware halfling attempts to hear what may be going on behind the door. Bliss is able to detect what sounds like several large things sleeping a medium range away from the door. He is not able to perceive anything additionally using deathwatch. (OOC: If you want to have a discussion concerning the use of deathwatch as a detect creature spell I would suggest email)
Murphy thanks Veseley for the info he provided and then theorizes that the wooden doors are potentially the doors to a chapel of some deities. Perhaps Ffloy or Flower for F and Alemi for A. Murphy then quiets down when Bliss requests silence. He too hears what seems like several large things sleeping a medium range away from the door.
Sardok checks for traps on the door. There are no traps and to Sardok's discovery the door is actually unlocked. Do you enter the mysterious door? Perhaps the way to the Inn that Isra spoke of is beyond the ingress?
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Wednesday May 20th, 2015 9:53:12 PM
Hazel stands quiet, grabbing his sling staff with both hands. He feels very weak, sick and tired of the hellish dimension they are now. He closes his eyes and remember's Alouryn's face. The freckles. The green eyes, the red hair. The way her mouth looks when she says "I love you". He opens his eyes. He doesn't feel any better. At all. Faoil, at his feet, looks up at his master. He whines softly. Hazel smells heartbroken.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Wednesday May 20th, 2015 10:05:50 PM
Murphy says, quietly, "There are large bodies breathing slowly and deeply on the other side of those doors. Maybe sleeping giants. Do we want to awaken sleeping giants?"
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Wednesday May 20th, 2015 10:33:47 PM
Shel points out the magical items to the others. "Can anyone wear a breastplate or use a magical ranseur? If so, take these, they are both magic. Any of us can wear these boots. They make the wearer faster and able to jump much better. Whoever wants them should put them on before we go any further. Especially if there are biguns down here, too."
OOC: whoever wants the items, go ahead and make a claim on them. None of them really do much for Shel, and could be used better elsewhere in the group.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Wednesday May 20th, 2015 10:39:12 PM "Fidelia. She's the local ruler of this place" Alleah whispers, nodding towards the doors.
She looks longingly at the Magical Boots. She had intended to buy a pair once she had the funds. But right now, someone needs them more. "If noone minds, perhaps Hazel should wear the boots? In his weakened state, movement is his best bet" Alleah places her free hand on the man's shoulder. He looks a shadow of his former self.
"Anyway, we can't stay in this passage forever. Someone will come through sooner or later. And can what's behind door number 1 actually be worse than the Huntsman?"
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Thursday May 21st, 2015 1:39:11 AM
Murphy backs up Alleah.
"Hazel? Boots. We command that you wear them," he says in the imperious and reedy voice of an old halfling militia commander that they used to imitate when they were playing games as boys.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Thursday May 21st, 2015 11:34:46 AM
Hazel looks like he is going to argue with his friends about the boots, but he only grabs them, sits and put them on. In a low voice he complains. "I have never liked to wear shoes... even magical ones..." Hazel could use the breastplate and the ranseur. None of them goes with his "style". I think the Breastplate will slow him too much, and he shouldn't go "head-to-head" with anyone right now, so is better if someone else got it. The ranseur would be good if Hazel wasn't such a good ranged damage dealer, so I think I will pass too. Thank you very much for the boots, I'll make sure Hazel makes a good use of them.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Thursday May 21st, 2015 12:45:46 PM
"Hazel, you are good with the staff sling - but, until it is magicked, I wonder if the ranseur might be good for hitting some critters that can only be hit with magical things?" Murphy ponders. "And, with your new boots, even wearing the breastplate won't keep you from hopping in and out of combat quickly. Why not try the armor on, give yourself a little time to adjust to it?"
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d20+14=18 ; d20-2=7 ; Thursday May 21st, 2015 5:31:58 PM
Bliss tells his friends quiet like what he hears. He thinks hard about what could be on the other side of the door. It's probably not undead, if he can hear them breathing in their sleep. And he hears more than one. He waits for Hazel to get equipped, listening carefully all the while to see if the sleepers awaken.
Perception 18 this time. Bliss is a bit distracted from his watchfulness. His spells are expiring, and if it takes too long to don that armor, what was the point of casting them? But he does not complain.
What else is distracting this would-be hero? Maybe it is his familiar, who seems to be coping poorly with the inherent stress of Kosh-Marr.
When he hears that there are sleepers inside, Mookie opens his beak in a birdie grin, and whispers, "I taste the dreams of mad children." Then he has to stifle his hysterical laughter by hiding his head under his wing.
"What does that even mean?" asks Bliss quietly.
When Hazel is all garbed with the magic items, Bliss gets ready to reach up high and open the door. This time he seems to think he can do it.
Str check when it is time to open the door: 7.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+16=30 ; Thursday May 21st, 2015 6:29:07 PM
As Hazel ponders if he is worthy to wield the magic spear (with his helmet) Sardok helps him decide.
"Hazel, my borther in melee, look at us. Count among us all those that specialize in standing toe-to-toe with the foe. There are none. None among us, save yourself, is worthy of wearing the magicked steel chestplate and taking their place in the lines. So too, I know you like to stand back and shoot with your sling, but in that Bliss is everyone's master, and he will need you to toe-the-line and give him safety to shoot. So too, I can not man the line on my own, and need a stout yeoman to weild steel and provide an anvil for my hammer. Hence, I beseech you, I think your True Nature is with the spear and plate, not with that sling that tries to be both bow and sword, and does neither well. Say you will stand with me on the lines, and let us forge an ironwork and the others might cast their slings and arrows behind.
And though this can not be for now, in time this disease of yours will pass, and when it doesn, think on my words and listen to your heart.
And on that day, I would prefer to wear the boots, for I am best when on the move."
With that said, Sardok bades the others to silence, and opens the door a small amount, peering in as stealthfully as he can.
[I didn't see where we need a str. check to open the unlocked door. Stealth = 30.]
[OOC: Bliss enjoys roleplaying his poor strength!]
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Thursday May 21st, 2015 9:50:28 PM "Not good with my sling staff? I will give you a good beating if that is what you want. But Ok, I will equip all this metallic trash if that makes you all happy." He equips the rest of the items, and prepares to enter the room if needed, to avoid anything from getting out.
[DM Hugh] - "I taste the dreams of mad children." Thursday May 21st, 2015 10:31:49 PM Hazel pines for his beloved and his home. Faoil whines because his master reeks of sadness.
Murphy brings up the fact that there are several large sleeping bodies somewhere on the other side of the door and asks if the party wants to wake sleeping giants.
Shel informs the rest of the group of the properties of the boots, weapon and armor.
Alleah points to the F on the door and points out that Fidelia is the ruler of this place. She then suggests that Hazel wear the boots since being able to flee quicker may be his best tactic in his weakened condition.
Murphy joins in in suggesting Hazel don the boots. Hazel informs the rest of the group that he does not like wearing shoes. This turns into a further debate where Murphy and Alleah are for Hazel using the armor and weapon as well as the boots and Hazel wishing to stick with his sling staff.
Finally Sardok weighs in with a stirring speech concerning Hazel's true nature as a front line fighter, performing the hammer and anvil maneuver together and forming a bulwark of steel from behind which the other member's of Humble's Sword could shoot their missiles from.
Hazel reluctantly agrees to wear the armor and take up the ranseur.
Meanwhile, Bliss ponders the nature of what is behind the door. When Mookie hears that there are sleepers behind the door the bird cryptically states, "I taste the dreams of mad children." in a whisper and Bliss quietly asks what that means.
After Hazel is suited up, Bliss and Sardok each take a door. Although Sardok was intending to open the door a crack, it is like the doors have minds of their own and both swing wide.
As the doors open your collective breath is taken aback. The room in which you find yourselves is lavish and un-destroyed. It is very clean, like a maid has been in recently to clean it.
Centered along the back wall is a huge bed with satin sheets and a perfect mattress. Two nightstands, one on either side adorn the bed and at the foot of the bed is a bench. The bench is unbroken and unscratched. It also looks like it belonged in the church above. To the left is a 20 foot wide bookcase, filled to overflowing with many books and spaced randomly on this bookcase are 3 large jars. On the floor is many skins from cats and bears to, on either side of the bed, perfectly skinned humans. Torch sconces line the room and the hallways on either side of the room you find yourself in.
Although this is a bedroom and you heard the sounds of sleepers, the room appears empty save for the furniture. Perhaps the sounds of sleep you heard earlier were merely echoes from the hallways flanking the bed chamber. The ambient magical energies in Koshe Marr can interfere with the senses. What next?
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+9=28 ; d20+8=15 ; Thursday May 21st, 2015 11:03:42 PM
Hazel moves into the room, alert, next to Faoil. Faoil Perception check (with scent): 28 Hazel Perception Aid Another Check (-4 negative levels): 15 So it is a 30 for Faoil "What king of nightmare is this? I can imagine who sleeps here, looking at the furs and skins. I just pray my own hide won't adorn this room in the future..."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+11=18 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday May 22nd, 2015 5:40:00 AM
Alleah's eyes go wide at the sights in this room. "Wardd help us, we've marched right into the Huntsman's bedroom" She keeps that pleasant thought to herself.
She makes her way to the bookcase and begins having a read of the titles. Not to mention trying to get a closer look at whatever is in the jars.
(Perception: 18. Also, are the torches in the sconces lit? Appraise: 13)
Her fingers delicately touch the spines of several of the books, and for the briefest of moments, she considers "borrowing" some books from this library.
After that will be checking under the bed, very wary of what she might find. "What kind of monsters hide underneath a monster's bed?" followed by a quick check of the nightstands.
(OOC: DM Hugh edit: yes the sconces are lit
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Friday May 22nd, 2015 10:47:06 AM
Shel keeps scanning for any signs of a magical aura in the room. "AlleH, don't suppose you see any volumes about the Wardd moon, do you? I've found one rare volume of a set in the past. Seems like this is as likely a place to find another as any. ". After looking for magic, she heads over to look at the tomes with Alleah.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+10=29 ; Friday May 22nd, 2015 5:13:24 PM [So, both doors opened into a single room, yeah? And what's that about a flanking bedchamber? Sorry, I'm having trouble imagining this in my head."
The whole scene makes Sardok uneasy. His instinct is to case the place, but his companions seem to be of a like mind, so he stays wary, scanning about for unseen threats.
[Perception = 29]
(OOC DM Edit: Both doors open into a single bedchamber. There are 2 hallways connected to the bedchamber one going to the left and the other to the right. These hallways are towards the back of the room.)
Bliss's eyes widen as he looks around the bedroom of "Hunter." He does not doubt Alleah's intuitive leap, and mostly he wants to get the heck out of here.
"This is not the place to find that Amanda girl," he says slowly. "Maybe we should just back the heck out of here."
Mookie, however, eyes the appointments and doubts that the Huntsman lives in a room under a cemetery. He says so as he flies over to a nightstand, opens it with his beak, and rummages around.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Saturday May 23rd, 2015 2:56:32 PM
"This is wrong," says Murphy, looking at the human skins. "The dweller in this room is likely wicked," he surmises. The Leafwin Pipewood family tend to be judgmental about such things.
He looks under the bed, using his staff sling to sweep the area. If he finds something, he brings it out.
Next he joins Shel by the books. "Find anything interesting?" he asks her. He joins in looking, pulling down a few volumes to open them to see what may be inside. He loves books.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Saturday May 23rd, 2015 2:57:37 PM
Then he thinks to cast detect magic. He first scans the books, then the rest of the dwelling, recasting as needed.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Sunday May 24th, 2015 2:52:09 PM
Hazel will keep an eye out on the door. "I think we should get out of here as soon as possible."
[DM Hugh] - "What king of nightmare is this?" Sunday May 24th, 2015 10:01:08 PM Hazel and Faoil enter the bed chamber, the dog taking in the surroundings with his eyes, ears and nose.
"What king of nightmare is this? I can imagine who sleeps here, looking at the furs and skins. I just pray my own hide won't adorn this room in the future..." Hazel asks.
Alleah assumes that this is the Huntsman's bedroom but keeps that thought to herself. She then checks the books on the bookshelves, the jars on the bookshelves, under the bed and the nightstands.
Shel scans the room for signs of magic via detect magic and then joins Alleah at the bookshelves.
Sardok enters the room and remains vigilant to unseen threats letting the rest of his companions case the place.
Bliss's eyes widen as he takes in what he also assumes to be the Huntsman's bedroom. "This is not the place to find that Amanda girl," he says slowly. "Maybe we should just back the heck out of here."
Mookie tells Bliss that he doubts the Huntsman would live under a cemetery. The bird then rummages through one of the nightstands.
"This is wrong," says Murphy, looking at the human skins. "The dweller in this room is likely wicked," he surmises. He then makes a sweep under the bed with his sling staff before joining Shel by the books. He too casts Detect Magic.
Neither Murphy nor Alleah find anything under the bed. It would appear that any monster dwelling in this morbid room would sleep above the bed and not below it.
Alleah finds folded sheets and pillow cases in the nightstand on the right hand side when entering the room.
Alleah and Mookie find a loin cloth, and other night clothes as well as some costume jewelry and a candle in the left hand night stand.
Alleah finds a pile of bones in each of the three jars.
Alleah, Shel, Murphy and Veseley all inspect the books on the bookshelves. At first glance the books appear to be bound in a light brown leather. Upon closer inspection you realize that the type of leather used in binding the books looks eerily similar to the human skins hanging on either side of the bed. Apparently the owner of the room is a big fan of Anthropodermic bibliopegy.
If that wasn't bad enough most of the books do not have titles. Those that do are written in languages that none of the party understand, not even Veseley who is fluent over 14 forms of communication (he in fact knows 15 languages). Not all of the books have pictures, but those that do indicate that whatever languages the tomes are written in, they are most likely bad news. Grotesque drawings of what could possibly be demons, devils or other monsters are present on some pages, while other pages show graphic diagrams detailing what must either be scenes of brutal torture or infernal ritual to the Gods only know what purpose.
Nothing in the room radiates magic, though strangely enough there is what seems to be a weak flow of magical energy emanating from either hallway. The aura is very faint conjuration, just a tad above the Koshe Marr baseline but not as strong as a faint aura emanating from a magic item would be.
Isra and Tiana are also in the room of horrors, but the goblin child and addled halfling give the room's decorations a wide berth.
Hazel turns his attention to the door, he starts to say, "I think we should get out of-- when the doors slam shut also seemingly on their own. "--of here as soon as possible." he finishes realizing that something else potentially has other plans. As the doors close, the sconces flicker but do not go out.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Sunday May 24th, 2015 10:19:49 PM
Not knowing what was happening in this wicked place, Shel casts Shield on herself. "Something's not going to let us leave without a fight, Hazel! Everyone be ready," she says as she backs away from the slammed doors.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+9=24 ; d20+12=25 ; Sunday May 24th, 2015 11:32:58 PM "Something invisible maybe... Faoil! come boy!" He quickly goes to the wardrobe and makes Faoil smell the clothes. "Faoil, track!" OOC: Faoil has the scent ability, so he can find the source of the odor. He can also detect creatures by smell. Faoil Perception Check: 24 Hazel Aid Another Perception Check: 25 So it is a 26 for Faoil.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=81 ; d20+11=14 ; Monday May 25th, 2015 1:22:17 AM
There has been another nagging thought in Alleah's mind. The Hunstman - who is no doubt trying to harm them - has directed the group to find Amalee. Who's to say Amalee is friendly? It could just be all part of a game by the Hunstman. The door had the letters 'F' and 'A'. The 'F' is likely for Fidelia. So what if the 'A' IS Amalee and she lives here too? By everything Alleah has seen in this room, anyone that lives in a place with a room like this isn't likely to be good natured. For now, all she can do is trust that her faith in Wardd (ie: her luck) will see her through.
BANG. That was either the sound of a door slamming, or the sound of Alleah's heart striking her ribcage. She consciously works on getting her breathing back in check.
"Could it be the wind? No, the flames flickered after the door closed. We were underneath a cemetary not long ago. It is possible there is some invisible or undead creature in the room. Maybe the Hunstman has a ring of invisibility and is standing in the room right now?" She runs through various possibilities in her head. "Best check for sure"
"Just give me a moment" Alleah reaches for a well-placed leyline and uses it to cast See Invisibility (Leyline check:81 - Freebie! Cast See Invisibility)
She has a closer look about the room and braces herself for the worst (Perception: 14)
-------------- Spells per day Cleric 0 : Unlimited 1 : 3 - 1 = 2
Bliss drops prone and rolls under the bed, drawing his bah as he does so. He is ready to snipe. He looks around (Perception 16).
Mookie joins him under the bed.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+16=36 ; Monday May 25th, 2015 8:17:40 PM
Sardok also drops, merging with the shadows.
[Stealth roll 36]
[DM Hugh] Monday May 25th, 2015 10:37:36 PM
(OOC: really tired from storage space...may post later but will more than likely post tomorrow morning...giving kim/murphy a chance....
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+6=22 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2015 1:09:43 AM
Murphy looks at the slammed door, then up at the casket bottoms.
"If needed, perhaps we can get out by going above." He looks at the bookshelves, and gauges to see whether by getting on top, he might be able to reach or poke at the dangling burial boxes. He climbs the shelf, and gets up on top. If, for some reason, the shelves extend all the way to the ceiling, then he will get most of the way up, clear some books from the shelf to the floor, and tuck himself in along one of the upper shelves. Either way, he will then use this vantage point to begin poking at the nearest reachable dirt next to a coffin bottom - warning his friends to stay away from the floor directly beneath the coffin.
[climb: 22]
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Tuesday May 26th, 2015 6:03:27 AM
Alleah stays quiet as she looks about the room. If there is something invisible in here, she hopes to be able to find it very quickly. Perhaps fortunately, she still has both the undead bane and ghost touch tears.
[DM Hugh] - "Could it be the wind?" d20+21=34 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2015 8:43:30 AM
The party braces for something.
Shel casts Shield on herself.
Hazel orders Faoil to track. The dog takes a deep sniff of the clothes from the nightstand then starts walking toward the right hand hallway.
Alleah starts thinking about Amalee potentially not being friendly, she then casts see invisibility tapping into a particular strong leyline.
Bliss and Mookie take cover underneath the bed.
Sardok also drops becoming one with the shadows.
While the rest of the party goes down or stays put, Murphy climbs one of the bookshelves. There are no coffins hanging above the bed chamber. Either the bed chamber is outside of the graveyard, the bed chamber is of a lower elevation than the chamber with the cave-in or the masonry ceiling, though vaulted is blocking access to the earth beneath the cemetery.
Faoil halts at the entrance to the right hallway waiting for the word from his master to continue. Meanwhile the moments creep by with the party on high alert. Alleah with her enhanced senses scans the room and finds nothing. Finally Veseley breaks the tension by saying, "Anyone else notice that flow of conjuration magical energy emanating from down the hallway? Teleportation is a subschool of conjuration and seeing Alleah tap into that strong leyline makes me wonder if we proceed down one of the passages might we find a way home?" Faoil is tracking something toward the right hand hallway, do you decide to follow the dog's nose, take the left hand hallway, or do something else?
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Tuesday May 26th, 2015 9:56:27 AM "Faoil is smelling something down there, probably the owner of the clothes... Do we follow him? I think maybe take the contrary direction is the prudent thing to do..."
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Tuesday May 26th, 2015 11:14:42 AM "I think I'd rather confront whatever Faoil smells head on, rather than have it sneak up behind us at some awful time. And there is always the chance that he isn't smell something that isn't a terrible evil. That'd be a nice change in this place, wouldn't it?"
Bliss crawls out from under the bed, blushing a little. "I was only under there for sniping," he says. "I wasn't a-scairt or anything."
He says the group should follow Faoil because, number one, he's a good doggie, and number two, because following a scent is a clever and good idea, Hazel!
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d2=2 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2015 11:31:25 PM
Alleah grins as Bliss rises from underneath the bed. If things weren't so tense right now, she might try and jest with him.
As for which door to go through, Alleah decides to leave this up to Wardd's wisdom. She takes her lucky coin from her pocket and tosses it in the air. Heads, they follow Faoil's head. Tails, they turn tail. (D2=2. Tails)
"Hazel might have the right of it. Why head towards danger when we might be able to go around it? Not that I'm scairt or anything" She gives a friendly wink to Bliss.
"How about we open both doors and look down each one for a better idea?"
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Wednesday May 27th, 2015 1:56:51 AM
"All right. I'm going with Bliss and Faoil for now... likely, it'd be better if we stuck together," Murphy says. "But go where you will."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Wednesday May 27th, 2015 4:43:46 AM "Before we go, let's seal up the way we came in. Probably not a good idea to let people know we just waltzed in through the bedroom"
Whatever the decision, Alleah has no intention to split up. Whichever way the majority goes, she will follow with Isra in tow.
[DM Hugh] - "Could it be the wind?" Wednesday May 27th, 2015 8:44:09 AM Hazel points out that Faoil is tracking something and then voices a preference to go in the opposite direction.
Shel prefers to confront whatever it is head on, rather than chance it sneaking up behind you. Ever the optimist Shel raises the possibility that whatever they are heading towards isn't a terrible evil, to which Hazel winces.
Bliss crawls out from under the bed. "I was only under there for sniping," he says. "I wasn't a-scairt or anything." He too has a preference for the right because Faoil is a good doggy and the idea to track was clever of Hazel.
Alleah consult's Wardd's wisdom. Her coin tells her to go left. "Hazel might have the right of it. Why head towards danger when we might be able to go around it? Not that I'm scairt or anything" She gives a friendly wink to Bliss.
"How about we open both doors and look down each one for a better idea?"
Murphy voices a preference for the right, indicating he think it best if everyone stays together, but that Alleah is welcome to go where she will.
Alleah agrees to the majority decision, but recommends sealing the way you came in.
Following Alleah's advice you push the bench in front of the bedroom door.
You then proceed down the right hand hallway. Like the bedroom ceiling, it to is of masronry with lit sconces higher up. It winds around until you turn a blind corner and upon following it end up in a 100 square foot chamber.
There she stands... Dozens of ghostly figures swirl and cavort, floating through the air as they follow the steps of an ancient, rhythmic dance--seemingly keeping time with the ebb and flow of life itself. Amid this eerie crowd of dancing specters looms a dark cloaked figure wielding a scythe, an ominous wraith with the dreaded countenance of Death itself. 4 armor clad minotaurs (wearing the same armor as Hazel is now) stand in front of her with weapons drawn. While facing 4 minotaurs would be terrifying for most Amalee smiles... she opens her arms as in a welcoming embrace. The 4 charge!! But soon they fall under the bewitching spell of the Dance Macabre and join the ghostly figures in their eternal dance...
Amalee is not here it seems... 8 large wolves lay in front of a portal. They were apparently the sleeping giants you heard earlier. One rolls over and yawns. It looks at you as it ears perk up. Then it lets loose a howl alerting it's brethren to your prescence.
Perception DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see the interior of a cheery inn on the other side of the portal.}
here is your map. The blue donut in the center is the portal.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=35 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+9=22 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 10:36:10 AM
Alleah's shoulders slump on hearing the wold howl and alert the others. "Well that's not good"
"I'm going to try and settle down those five - " she says pointing out her targets "Try not to attack them if you can help it"
Quickly drawing on a leyline, she tries to calm things down before they escalate (Cast Calm Emotions. Leyline check: 35 = Ok. Target the southwestern square of DW1. With a 20ft radius is should affect DW1, DW2, DW4, DW7, and DW8. Each to make a Will Save vs DC17 or be calmed)
Perception: 20 Knowl Nature check to ID the type of Wolves: 22
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 30/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+12=27 ; d20+14=22 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 12:10:58 PM Perception Check: 27 "The inn is on the other side of the portal! Go slowly and quietly, and let me deal with the doggies. Faoil, defend the girls!." Hazel realizes now is time to see what he is made of... and probably they will discover it when the wolves rip him to pieces. The approach the wolves slowly, with his hand extended in front of him, trying not to show fear or aggression. "Easy boys! I am one of the good guys!" He will use is Wild Empathy Ranger ability to try and improve the attitude of the wolves. He will spend his Hero Point to gain a +8 to the roll. Wild Empathy Check: 22 He will try to control the wolves so his friends can go into the portal.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Wednesday May 27th, 2015 1:16:20 PM
Shel waits to see if the wolves are controlled by her friends. If they do not react violently to the actions of the two, she will rush past all of them and try to get to the inn on the other side of the portal. "Wish me luck," she exclaims as she makes for the portal, hoping the wolves don't rip her to shreds as she goes.
Bliss also casts a Calm Emotions spell -- If it will not uncalm those affected by Alleah's spell, see Rules Board.
Ley Check 17 = A-OK.
Bliss casts it to affect DW2, 7, 3, and 6.
Being a less potent witch than Alleah, Bliss has only a DC13 on the spell.
Bliss uses his move action remaining to point out the Calmed ones, so that no one attacks them. He points out to Hazel and Shel that DW5 in the back has been covered by none of the spells.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+7=16 ; d20+7=10 ; d4+2=5 ; d4+1=3 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 11:01:31 PM
Sardok stomps forward to the head of the party, drawing his swords and crouching into defensive position.
"Alright, lets see if you can calm the beasts well enough. And if not, I'll quiet down their rage with a different tune."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Wednesday May 27th, 2015 11:56:02 PM
Alleah will point out those that succumb to her spell, and give explicit instructions not to attack them. "Don't target those ones, even if they approach. I can keep them calm for about 20seconds"
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=16 ; Thursday May 28th, 2015 4:32:26 AM
"Looks like a cheery inn just past that circle," Murphy comments in a pleasant, level voice, seeking to augment his friends' attempts to calm the animals.
"Here, let's take a walk to the inn, what say?" He holds out his arm for Isra to take. "These wolfies may let us through peacefully, one hopes."
[Perception: 16. Are the squares on the map 5' per side?]
[DM Hugh] - "Here, let's take a walk to the inn, what say?" d20+2=4 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+2=20 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+8=26 ; d8+6=7 ; d20+7=13 ; Thursday May 28th, 2015 8:31:08 AM Alleah casts calm emotions on the wolves, she identifies the wolves as Dire Wolves.
Dire Wolves 1, 4 and 8 fail their saves.
Bliss casts calm emotions on the wolves as well targeting Dire Wolves 2, 7, 3, and 6
Dire Wolves 2 and 3 fail their saves.
Hazel approaches the wolves with his hands raised. He tries to use wild empathy. As wild empathy can only be used as diplomacy within 30 feet he targets Dire Wolves 6 and 7. Unfortunately for Hazel the wolves will not be reasoned with. (OOC: These wolves started with attitudes of hostile. They are loyal to Amalee, they were guarding the portal, they are dire wolves and this is Koshe Marr)
Sardok readies an attack in case the calming spell failed.
Murphy, Shel and Isra await the outcome of their companions calming and empathic overtures.
Dire Wolves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 all move up. Dire Wolf 5 was not calmed but the portal was blocking it's charge.
Dire Wolf 7 attacks Hazel Dire Wolf 7 savagely bites Hazel for 7 damage. Hazel is also tripped prone.
Dire Wolf 6 is attacked by Sardok. Sardok's first attack cuts the wolf, but the wolf easily avoids the second attack.
Dire Wolf 6 bites back at Sardok, but Sardok dodges the wolf's jaws.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Thursday May 28th, 2015 8:53:24 AM
Alleah holds her arms out, as if channelling the calming power through her hands "I can only keep those three subdued for so long" she advises with a forced smile "Whatever you do, don't threaten them"
Standard action: Maintain concentration on Calm Emotions spell
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Thursday May 28th, 2015 10:59:56 AM Sorry, forgot the -4 because of the 4 negative levels last round, not that it makes too much difference anyway. "Get into the portal! Quick!" He gets his sling staff out and takes a 5' step towards the portal. He assumes a Total Defense stance, trying to fend off the Dire Wolf. His AC would be 10 + 7 (+1 breastplate) + 6 (Total defense with more than 3 acrobatics skill ranks) + 3 Dex + 1 size = 27
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Thursday May 28th, 2015 11:02:34 AM
On his part, Faoil will keep next to the others, defending them, but not attacking (unless the girls are attacked).
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Thursday May 28th, 2015 2:16:04 PM
Shel makes a move for the portal, trying to avoid the less than calm wolves as best she could. (Avoiding 5,6,&7).
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Thursday May 28th, 2015 2:50:10 PM About Hazel and his "prone" status, what I would like him to do is: - Standard Action: Total Defense, +4 to AC - Move Action: Stand up from Prone (causes AoO but to his "full" AC) - Take the 5' step (if Standing up "move equivalent action" is not considered and actual move) If Standing up precludes the 5' step Hazel will not take the 5' step.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+9=17 ; d20+9=20 ; d4+2=6 ; d4+1=5 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=8 ; Thursday May 28th, 2015 3:13:34 PM
Sardok fences with the wolf, tagging him on the first one and exchaning whiffs, getting his feel.
He sees that Hazel is steadfastedly maintaining his position in the center of the line. 'That is the bravest thing I have ever seen. I hope he lives through this,' he thinks. Sardok accepts the gift the ranger is giving him, and steps deftly to one side, dividing the beasts, attention, and sends his swords forward like stabbing needles.
[atk1: 17 dmg: 6+10; atk2: 20 dmg 8]
Guys, he's using Googledocs now, so you can move your own fig, if that makes things easier.
Bliss concentrates on the Calm. He hops on Mookie ... Ride check to mount as a free action ... needs a DC20, has a +11 on the check ... fails. That's not bad, though -- it just means that Blis has to use his Move action to mount instead of a free action, no problem.
Now here is the question that takes the cake ... this 100 ft x 100 ft chamber ... has a ceiling that's HOW high?
Mookie does not move at all yet (but the two of them should now be in the same space, Mookie's space).
========
DM Sanity Info
Spells: level 1: 2+1 of 2+1 cast (Cats Grace, Calm Emo, Longstrider) Level 2: 0 of 1+1 cast
Current effects: Reduce Person ... random roll ... 12 rounds of 30 gone Deathwatch: 21 min of 30 gone Longstrider: 12 min of 3 hours gone Other resources used: magic weapon oil; 13 bolts from prior battles. Current clip of five is his last normal clip. After this Bliss has a clip of silvered and a clip of cold iron.
[DM Hugh] - "I can only keep those three subdued for so long" d20+7=17 ; d20+7=21 ; d2=2 ; d20+7=18 ; d2=2 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=8 ; Friday May 29th, 2015 9:07:24 AM Hazel takes a full defensive action then stands from prone and takes a 5 foot step towards the portal.
Both dire wolves 6 and 7 fail to land a blow with their AOOs. One of them Hazel somehow manages to dodge and the other's bite is turned aside by the breast plate. Good thing the other party members insisted on Hazel wearing that breast plate.
Alleah keeps channeling the calm emotions spell. "I can only keep those three subdued for so long" she says.
Shel makes a move towards the portal, avoiding the non-calmed wolves. (OOC: I guessed at where to put you.)
Sardok takes advantage of Hazel's gift to gain flanking against dire wolf 6. Both of his attacks find their marks.
Bliss concentrates on the calm spell then hops on Mookie. (OOC the chamber has a 20 foot high ceiling.)
Dire Wolf 5 makes its way towards Shel and attacks, but the jaws are halted by Shel's shield of force.
Dire Wolf 6 takes a 5 foot step and attacks Sardok, but the bite misses.
Dire Wolf 7 attacks Hazel but the ranger avoids the attack.
Dire Wolves 1, 3 and 4 move up and towards the groups.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Friday May 29th, 2015 9:17:53 AM
Alleah can see Murphy guiding Isra towards the portal. But the way the wolves are moving ... there's not enough time! They'll be trapped "Isra, love, come stand behind me." She gestures to the girl - taking her hand if possible, and shepherds Isra behind her.
"Make it good people!"
Standard action: Concentrate on Calm Emotions spell. This will be round 3/4
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Friday May 29th, 2015 12:54:28 PM
Hazel will keep up the Total Defense action, so his is AC 27. Next he will provoke attacks of opportunity from all the threatening wolves. He will retrieve a potion from his belt pouch. After the wolves attack him, he will scream to the others. "Now, run! Quickly, while they are distracted!" If able, and after everybody else pass, he will take a 5' step back towards the portal. OOC: Run for it guys!
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+9=21 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=29 ; d4+2=5 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=6 ; Friday May 29th, 2015 6:39:08 PM
Sardok back-pedals, trying to keep the wolf's back to him as it keps trying to hate-murder the potion-quaffing ranger. "Aye, Hazel, I'll make a go. Though 'twill be better distracted if we can put this mad dog down!" Sardok again sends both blades at the dog. Again his rapier performs with delusions of mediocrity, while the short sword lunges out, as if thristing for blood by its own accord.
atk 1: 21, dmg, 5+11; atk 2: 29, confirm 29 (w00t!!). dmg 5+2+6. Also, forgot sneak atk on this one last round. Boo me. :((
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Friday May 29th, 2015 8:32:25 PM
If Hazel is able to run around and take an AoO from DW5, Shel flows hisead and runs by, making straight for the portal.
OOC: I think a double move should get Shel directly to the portal, counting a diagonal or two, DM. Shel will try to get to it.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Friday May 29th, 2015 10:17:58 PM "We're not all going to make it!" Alleah calls out to Hazel
(OOC: If I'm not mistaken, Bliss' Calm will run out at the end of this round, which leaves DW 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7 all able to attack us and make AoOs if we move past them (and I expect with 10ft reach). Plus note the attack on Hazel earlier. A successful attack looks like it includes a trip attack. Some might make it, but we'd be split up. Alleah can only take a single move action in order to keep her Calm Emotions spell going)
Bliss's Calm lasts three rounds, since he is third level, and I am pretty sure this is just round two. So Bliss will stay mounted on Mookie and concentrate with his move action. He'll draw his bah with his move action.
[edit: I mean that the round just past was the second round, and the round coming up is the third round. Sorry for any confusion.]
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Saturday May 30th, 2015 12:05:20 AM OOC: Hazel's plan is for him to "attract" all of the Attacks of Opportunity, so when the others run past the wolves don't get attacked. He draws the potion to provoke them (not really to drink anything). The Wolves are not "intelligent" as to "divide" the Attacks of Opportunity, they will use them at the first (and possible only) chance they can, on Hazel, and everyone else can use that to double move next to them and get out quickly.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20=18 ; Sunday May 31st, 2015 7:15:16 AM
[Sorry folks - slammed all over the place last few days.]
Murphy attempts to complete his escort of Isra to the portal. "Stay on the other side of me away from the wolf, and dash into the portal as soon as we are close enough."
He has his staff sling between him and the wolf, and works to allow the girl to escape to what he hopes is safety. He uses it for full defense (please make any adjustments to my roll of 18 on d20 required for full defense).
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 18*/17*/12 (*Mage Armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Sunday May 31st, 2015 8:30:20 AM
Alleah speaks firmly to those near her "Tiana, Veseley, Isra, stay behind me and head back to the corridor. With such a narrow entry it nullifies their numbers." She has no intention of serving these people up as dinner to the wolves.
And besides, why fight in a wide open area with such large creatures when you can funnel them into a corridor?
------------- OOC: Sorry guys, all it takes is for anyone (including one of the other wolves) to make a "hostile" action and the Calm spell breaks, leaving us surrounded.
[DM Hugh] -"Now, run! Quickly, while they are distracted!" d20+7=8 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=23 ; d8+6=11 ; d20+8=20 ; Monday June 1st, 2015 12:16:50 AM Alleah concentrates on her calm emotions spell.
Hazel maintains his total defense action then provokes 2 AOOs by pulling a poition from his pack from dire wolf 6 and dire wolf 7. (OOC: Dire wolf 5 does not have the range to do so.) Dire wolf 6 misses so bad that it nearly attacks dire wolf 7 and Hazel manages to nimbly avoid dire wolf 7.
Sardok's deadly blades dispatch dire wolf 6, he stabs the dire wolf through the eye with his rapier.
(OOC:Hazel did not provoke an AOO from number 5, but since the wolves flanking the portal are calmed they do not threaten squares, so Shel can take a full round withdraw action and get to the portal, if this is wrong feel free to revise this in your next post and put Shel somewhere else on the map...if this stands does she go through)
Shel takes a full round withdraw action and ends up standing in front of the portal.
Bliss concentrates on calm emotions and draws his bah while remaining mounted on Mookie.
Murphy tries to shepherd Isra to the safety? of the portal, but Alleah countermands this order. As Murphy was trying to take her towards the giant scary wolves, the girl decides that Alleah's suggested course of action is the more prudent one and exits back into the hallway. Murphy still moves towards the portal with his move action. (OOC: again if this is wrong you can adjust in your next post)
Veseley casts haste on Alleah before following her outlined course of action and returns to the hallway with Tiana
Dire wolf 5 moves up and attacks Sardok, but the rogue deftly sidesteps the wolf's slathering jaws.
Dire wolf 7 steps over its fallen comrade and attacks Sardok as well. Sardok does not avoid this attack and takes 11 damage from the wolf's bite and is tripped prone.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Monday June 1st, 2015 4:20:33 AM
Hazel, keeping his total defense action takes a 5' step towards DW5 and stores the potion back into his clothes, trying to provoke the wolves AoO again, so Sardok can get up again... "What do I do? I don't know what to do!" OOC: And not only him... I thought we had a way out for everybody, but somehow many of you stayed back... I don't know what to do now.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Monday June 1st, 2015 6:50:34 AM
Alleah looks to Veseley and gives him a nod of thanks, but a thought enters her mind "You had a haste spell ready and didn't tell us?! Had you cast that earlier maybe we all COULD have made that portal". Some things are better left unsaid.
She keeps up her concentration on the Calm Emotions spell, keeping Dire Wolves 1, 4 and 8 under control for the time being. (This will be the last round though!)
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d100=15 ; Monday June 1st, 2015 7:56:45 AM
Mookie sees the wolves closing in, and the moment Bliss's spell ends, the raven says, "Cast! Cast! Make me bigger before the spell ends!"
Bliss nods and renews the Enlarge Person spell on Mookie. Ley check 15 is still above the 11 required to cast the spell, thank Lem!
Then Mookie spreads his wings and flies. He heads due west, directly toward wolf three. He ascends at a 45 degree angle (but not more than 45 because that would require a fly check). Five feet on and five feet up. Ten feet on and ten feet up. Fifteen and fifteen. Twenty and twenty! At an elevation of 20 feet, right under the ceiling, right out of wolfish reach (I hope), Mookie and Bliss fly out of the trap the party is facing.
Mookie uses 20 ft of his move in ascent, so he ends move 60 ft west of where he started, but 20 ft in the air and still going strong.
========
DM Sanity Info
Spells: level 1: 2+1 of 2+1 cast (Cats Grace, Calm Emo, Longstrider) Level 2: 0 of 1+1 cast
Current effects: Reduce Person: 15 rounds of 30 gone Enlarge Person: 1 rounds of 30 gone Deathwatch: 21 min of 30 gone Longstrider: 12 min of 3 hours gone
Other resources used: magic weapon oil; 13 bolts from prior battles. Current clip of five is his last normal clip. After this Bliss has a clip of silvered and a clip of cold iron.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Monday June 1st, 2015 8:35:40 AM OOC: Yeah, I thought the plan was that we were all going to rush for the portal as we could. I hope this doesn't take me out of the game, but Shel ain't waiting around.
"Come on, everyone! This might be our chance to escape this hell hole!" Shel looked around, trying to see if she could aim a well placed spell before she ducked out through the portal. Both of the nearby wolves seemed ready to break the spell Alleah had cast on them, so Shel casts a Color Spray on the two in front of her, before trying to move her way through the portal.
OOC: Cast Color Spray on the two wolves nearby, #2 and #8. Dc 15 Will save to resist.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Monday June 1st, 2015 12:40:42 PM OOC: RobC, not sure what you want to accomplish here.... Do you want Alleah to sacrifice herself staying behind? Why she didn't escape when she could? Do you expect us to beat the dire wolves?
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+14=24 ; Monday June 1st, 2015 11:25:06 PM
As Sardok is thrown to the ground, he hears the mildly familiar arcane language saying something about 'Rapido' and sighs heavily. That would'a been a lot more use coming THIS way, old man' he thinks. Rolling to his feet (AoO #7) he quickly scans the situation. Hazel is cut off, maxing out his luck. Alleah is headed for the safety of the hall. Murphy is...being Murphy. And Shel is...leaving them. Well, she done what's best for her. Keep to the code, Shel.
Sardok thinks Hazel's luck is about run out. If they could all force their way to the portal, that's one thing. But there are just too many. Time to fall back. Cut down their numbers. Form a new front. Consolidate. But usually that meant that some rear-guard was going to need to do something extremely...stupid.
I only need to get past one of them' he thinks.
Taking a huge gulp of air, Sardok takes one quick step forward does a cork-screw leap over the Direwolf's head to land flawlessly in front of a stunned Hazel. (Acrobatics roll = 24)
"Sorry, Hazel. Not all of us are getting out of here today. But at least you are."
Gathering his arms like tightened springs, Sardok launches Hazel up and over the line of DireWolves, toward the hallway of safety. [Spending a Hero Point for an extra action.]
"Alright you mutts." he says as he's slowly surrounded by Dire Wolves. "Any'a you guyz got a light?"
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 5:56:14 AM "Shel - see if there is help on the other side!" shouts Murphy. As Sardok lands next to him (at least that appears to be what is showing on the map, he says, "I won't be able to talk for a while." He shapeshifts into the form of a cheetah, and dashes due south (for convenience sake, considering south to be directly downward on the map) after leaping over Sardok, and pivots at a point 60 feet from his starting point (longstrider), letting out a fierce screaming snarl, a cat challenging a pack of wolves - natural enemies, with strong natural enmity.
Come and get me, doggies, he thinks to himself.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+9=28 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 10:19:16 AM [W00t! PH33R m4h N3wt0nz!!! PH33r THEM!! O.O]
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 18/13/16 Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 10:46:30 AM OOC: Can Hazel be thrown out like that? Can Sardok really lift him up? There is another thing here... I haven't counted the Breastplate and the new weapon in his weight... :S
[DM Hugh] -"What do I do? I don't know what to do!" d20+7=17 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+7=13 ; d8+6=8 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+7=21 ; d8+6=8 ; d20+8=19 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 1:27:47 PM Hazel takes another total defense action, stows his potion and takes a 5 foot step. He avoids the bite from the AOO he provoked from Dire Wolf 7.
Alleah nods her thanks to Veseley for the buff but then angrily thinks that the wizard's casting was ill timed. Alleah heard him mutter as he walked past, "Wolves, it had to be wolves, I hate wolves."
Bliss renews the enlarge spell at Mookie's behest then they take to the sky, moving away from the large wolves.
Sardok springs to his feet. Luckily for the rogue, Sardok ate the AOO from that Dire Wolf and he can stand unmolested. Sardok leaps over the dire wolf's head and then launches a surprised Hazel to safety (OOC: see the mail for an explanation of the math that I did using in game rules)
Hazel: make a DC 13 Reflex save to roll with the throw and not take any damage and land standing. If you fail take 2 damage and you are prone again.
Murphy see's Shel going for the portal and then asks her to find help. He then says to Sardok "I won't be able to talk for a while." before his limbs elongate, his clothes meld into his body forming a spotted skin and he takes the form of a cheetah. He then sprints 60 feet away and lets loose a challenging roar at the wolves hoping to draw emnity from his adopted form's natural enemy.
Shel steps through the portal firing off a parting color spray at the 2 wolves closest to her. Both wolves fail their saves and are stunned. Unfortunately this casting of color spray broke the calm spells that were cast by both Bliss and Alleah as each wolf was part of a separate group affected by the spells.
Veseley noticed that the calm broke and you hear him say, "After all they have done for me and Tiana I couldn't forgive myself." He steps forward and casts a fire ball using 2 uses of metamagic mastery to make it maximized. He is able to make the fireball target 1, 4, 7 and 2. Dire Wolves 1and 7 both succeed on their reflex saves but DIre Woves 2 and 4 do not and are immolated. "That was my last fireball." The wizard informs the group.
Dire Wolves 7 and 1 take Cheetah-Murphy's bait and they take double move action to flank the cat-druid.
Direwolf 3 attacks Sardok, bites the rogue for 8 damage but fails to trip Sardok at this point.
Direwolf 5 bites Faoil. Faoil also takes 8 damage and remains standing.
============================================= Meanwhile Shel is transported to a cozy inn. It feels very calm and tranquil in the Inn and you get the sense that whatever evil Koshe Marr holds it can't get you here. There is a portly human innkeeper with a towel standing at a bar. He sees you, laughs wholesomely and says, "Welcome, welcome. The pies are cooling and should be ready shortly. I was expecting more of you." (OOC: The man kind of looks like Sallah from Indiana Jones as portrayed by John Rhys Davies)
Shel turns and looks behind her and sees a stoney tapestry depicting a cave. She sticks a hand through and it passes into the tapestry. She pulls her hand back and it is unharmed. (OOC: Shel can go back the way she came if she prefers)
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 2:02:49 PM "Quick Mister, there's no time for pies yet! Well, what flavors are they? No, never mind, my friends are being attack by a pack of huge wolves. Can you come help them out? If I go back to help, will this portal stay open? And where are we exactly?!".
Shel waits for his answer before heading back through the portal to help the others.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 15/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+8=16 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 11:31:47 PM Hazel Reflex save: 17, forgot the +1 of haste. "Wh-wh-whaaaaat!!!" Hazel screams while he flies 30' on the air, over the Dire Wolves and Faoil, landing on his feet almost at the mouth of the room. He shakes his head and regain his senses. He looks there is a way open for them to get out. "Alleah, Vaseley, run for it! We will keep the way open! Faoil, defend!" Hazel grabs his Slingstaff with both hands and moves to protect the escape route. "Follow me! Stay behind me!" OOC: I moved him 55' (25' normal speed + 30' haste). He keeps in Total Defense, so his AC is 21 (normal) +1 (haste) +4 (total defense) = 26. He sees Shel on the other side of the portal. "Stay there! Tell Alouryn that I love her!" On his part Faoil assumes total defense too, trying to delay the wolves, while taking a 5' step southwest, following Hazel. OOC: Faoil AC is 23 (18 normal +1 haste +4 total defense).
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d20+7=10 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 11:44:25 PM
Mookie concentrates on flying right under the ceiling, making careful turns and taking no risks. He knows that if he falters, if he dips down even five feet, he might find himself in the jaws of a dire wolf. In fact, he focuses on flying deliberately away from the wolves, so that he passes over none.
He makes a careful move, 80 ft, turning gently, ending up almost due west of the donut.
Meanwhile, Bliss's tongue is sticking out of the corner of his mouth as he too concentrates on shooting from the back of an enlarged flying raven. The motion spoils his aim a bit [OOC: stock -4 to hit from the back of a moving mount], but he picks his target and fires.
He hits AC10, a miss. "Darn it to heck," he mutters.
"Tut tut! Language," says Mookie.
"Hush Mookie," says Bliss.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=29 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 12:53:57 AM "Alright, move it people! Go, go, go!" With Veseley's haste spell, Alleah is confident that those behind her can make it safely to the portal (20ft base + 30haste = 50 x 2 = 100ft in a double move)
Alleah too, moves closer to the portal but casts a spell on the way so as to help the retreat (Move to the square east of Hazel. Cast Hold Animal on DW3. Leyline check: 29 = Pass. DW3 to make a Will Save vs DC18 or become paralyzed)
-------------- Spells per day Cleric 0 : Unlimited 1 : 3 - 1 = 2
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+6=25 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d6+3=4 ; d3+3=6 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 4:10:09 AM
Cheetah-Murphy takes a diagonal 5-foot step to just north of dire wolf #7, avoiding for a moment the enemies' flank, and attacks him, biting down near the shoulder (AC 25) for 4 hp damage, wrenching the wolf's body while within the bite in an attempt to trip him. He misses with the left claw, but then rakes along the neck (AC 17) for 6 hp damage (total 10 hp damage to DW7). He snarls and spits, hackles raised.
[DM Hugh] Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 1:45:12 PM
(OOC: Anyone hear from Brian? I'm trying to give him a chance to post before putting the DM Post up)
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 5:38:18 PM [Withdraw move away from DW3 into the portal.]
[DM Hugh] - Quick Mister, there's no time for pies yet! d20+2=14 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+7=19 ; d8+6=7 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+7=13 ; d8+6=14 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=13 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 8:14:41 PM Shel responds to the Inn Keeper, "Quick Mister, there's no time for pies yet! Well, what flavors are they? No, never mind, my friends are being attack by a pack of huge wolves. Can you come help them out? If I go back to help, will this portal stay open? And where are we exactly?!".
"I'm sorry my new small friend but I am charged with keeping the inn and can not leave. We get adventurers such as yourself that pass through time and again, but we are currently vacant at the moment. If you go back the portal will still be here, at least for now. And you are at the Inn, the one safe place in all of Koshe Marr."
Shel then goes back through the portal ================================================== Shel pops back into existence south of the portal.
Hazel flies through the air as a result of Sardok's throw. He then takes a hasted move action get to a place where he can hopefully defend the way to the portal. Faoil and Hazel both use total defense actions.
Mookie takes an 80 foot move and ends up almost due west of the portal while Bliss snipes from raven-back but ends up missing.
"Darn it to heck," he mutters.
"Tut tut! Language," says Mookie.
"Hush Mookie," says Bliss.
"Alright, move it people! Go, go, go!" Alleah says and she moves closer to the portal, casting Hold Animal on Dire Wolf 3. Dire Wolf 3 fails the save and is paralyzed.
Cheetah-Murphy takes a diagonal 5-foot step to just north of dire wolf #7, avoiding for a moment the enemies' flank, and attacks him, biting down near the shoulder, wrenching the wolf's body while within the bite in an attempt to trip him. He misses with the left claw, but then rakes along the neck. He snarls and spits, hackles raised. Murphy is unsuccessful on the trip attempt.
Veseley, Tiana and Isra follow Alleah's direction but do not make it to the portal. It would seem as if Veseley with his fear of wolves had forgotten to include them in his spell.
Sardok, however has no problem withdrawing through the portal.
Dire Wolf 8 moves forward and bites Shel for 7 damage and Shel is tripped prone.
Dire Wolf 5 rushes past Faoil to attack the halfling that burned it earlier. The wolf bites the wizard for 14 damage and he is tripped prone.
Dire Wolf 1 moves to get flanking with Dire Wolf 7 and attacks Cheetah-Murphy but the cat with cat reflexes avoids the bite. Dire Wolf 7's attack is also deftly avoided. ================================================ Meanwhile Sardok is transported to a cozy inn. It feels very calm and tranquil in the Inn and you get the sense that whatever evil Koshe Marr holds it can't get you here. There is a portly human innkeeper with a towel standing at a bar. He sees you and says, "Welcome, welcome. Hopefully you can stay longer than the last halfling who entered through the portal. I was just telling her that I was expecting more of you and that the pies are cooling when she asked me a few questions and then left." (OOC: The man kind of looks like Sallah from Indiana Jones as portrayed by John Rhys Davies)
Sardok turns and looks behind him and sees a stoney tapestry depicting a cave. He sticks a hand through and it passes into the tapestry. He pulls his hand back and it is unharmed. (OOC: Sardok can go back the way he came if he prefers)
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 23/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 15/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+5=6 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=24 ; d4+3=4 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 9:36:20 PM "Everybody go into the portal! Shel, go back in! Faoil, defend them!" Faoil, with his 40' speed (plus 30' Hasted) moves towards DW5 and distracts it, barking at it. Faoil Attack Roll: 6. Also, when moving, should attract the AoO of the wolf, letting Vaseley stand up without provoking another. Hazel realizes we will have to get away from the portal again. The screams and charges DW8. Attack roll: 29 (+10 -4 negative levels + 2 charge +1 haste) NATURAL 20! Critical confirm: 24 Damage Roll: 4 I think we will provoke an AoO from DW8, letting the others go into the portal without issue.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 10:41:40 PM
Shel follows Hazel's direction and crawls back into the portal, bleeding from the bite attack. she lets her friend take the attack from the wolf, and crawled away as it was distracted by Hazel. "Hurry through Hazel! It's nice in there! They have pie," she yelled, not quite sure why she added the last part, as she again teleported.
Mookie continues to circle the room counterclockwise, trying to avoid wolves.
Bliss fires his bah at Wolf 7, firing with -4 from a flying mount and -4 shooting into melee. He hits AC5. Oh well.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+6=22 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d6+3=9 ; d3+3=6 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 3:29:05 AM
Cheetah-Murphy shifts five feet to the west, slightly out of reach of DW1. His sharp incisors again pierce the (#7) dire wolf's skin, this time more deeply (AC22, dam 9), again aiming to trip the massive canid. The pattern used a moment ago is repeated, as he misses with his right paw, yet his left claws rip deeply at the throat, roundly bringing the beast down (AC 17, dam 6).
He pivots to face the other dire wolf (#1), screaming a challenge. You think you can take this cat? YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE THIS CAT?!?!!! is what he is thinking as he faces the huge animal before him. Blood covers his face and chest - but it is not his own blood. Think well, doggy.
=======
He is grateful to his Aunt Nilly for taking him into the Red Hills a few years ago, when she spoke with a cheetah mother, and then, after an hour or so of interactions with the great cat and her cubs, took - apparently with the mother's blessing - a nearly weaned cheetah cub, and began to raise him. He loved how fast the kitten learned to move as it grew into a cat. He loved the various sounds that Zuberi made. Murphy and Zuberi had many cat conversations.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=36 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 6:09:18 AM
Alleah continues towards the portal, but stops just before it. "Come on!" She casts one final spell to help her allies retreat.
(Move to the square east of the portal. Cast Hold Animal on DW5. Leyline check: 36 = Pass. DW5 to make a Will Save vs DC18 or become paralyzed. Also, DW3 is allowed a full-round action to try and make a new Will Save vs DC18 to break his paralysis)
-------------- Spells per day Cleric 0 : Unlimited 1 : 3 - 1 = 2
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+13=20 ; d20+13=27 ; d4+2=3 ; d4+1=2 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=12 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 10:35:49 AM
Sardok pauses at the spelunking tapestry, taking in a deep breath. "Hey, is that pie I smell? We'll need two of every kind of pie you have!"
But before he can partake of his baked goodness, a halfling socerer crawls into the inn, bleeding slightly.
"Oh counfound. Not everyone jumped in, huh? May as well at least stablize the lines. Sir! I shall return anon! See to it that your pies are well accompanied by ale! Slaying beasts is thirsty work!"
Sardok jumps back into the portal, taking in the situation. He nimbly twirls past the mutt that seem to play sentry at the portal and makes a headlong dive at the wolf that is currently standing motionless. "I owe you some pain, dog!" He twwirls his blades into a reverse-grib and brings them both down on the motionless wolf.
[DM Hugh] - "Hurry through Hazel! It's nice in there! They have pie," d20+7=19 ; d8+6=8 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+8=26 ; d8+6=9 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 7:44:03 PM Hazel cries out "Everybody go into the portal! Shel, go back in! Faoil, defend them!" Hazel then moves toward Dire Wolf 8. He clubs the wolf over the head for 8 damage. (OOC: critical confirmed, however the critical confirms either way so if you want to provoke the AOO I will allow you to move through threatened square and then attack instead of charging please let me know if this is wrong) Dire wolf 8's jaws bite into the air, missing the ranger.
Faoil, moves towards Dire Wolf 5 and distracts it, barking at it. This provokes an AOO bite from Dire Wolf 5. The wolf takes a bite out of comparatively smaller dog for 8 damage and the smaller dog is tripped prone.
Shel follows Hazel's direction and crawls back into the portal, bleeding from the bite attack. she lets her friend take the attack from the wolf, and crawled away as it was distracted by Hazel. "Hurry through Hazel! It's nice in there! They have pie,
Mookie continues to circle the room counterclockwise, trying to avoid wolves.
Bliss fires his bah at Wolf 7 and the missile flies wide.
Cheetah-Murphy shifts five feet to the west, slightly out of reach of DW1. His sharp incisors again pierce the dire wolf's skin, this time more deeply again aiming to trip the massive canid. The pattern used a moment ago is repeated, as he misses with his right paw, yet his left claws rip deeply at the throat, roundly bringing the beast down. The wolf lies dying.
He pivots to face the other dire wolf screaming a challenge. You think you can take this cat? YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE THIS CAT?!?!!! is what he is thinking as he faces the huge animal before him. Blood covers his face and chest - but it is not his own blood.
Alleah stops shy of the portal casting hold animal on dire wolf 5. Dire wolf 5 fails the save. Dire wolf 3 fails to shake the paralysis.
======================================================= Meanwhile back at the Inn...
"Hey, is that pie I smell? We'll need two of every kind of pie you have!" Sardok hollers out.
A bloody Shel appears crawling on hands and knees at the foot of the tapestry. Sardok seeing Shel
"Oh confound it. Not everyone jumped in, huh? May as well at least stablize the lines. Sir! I shall return anon! See to it that your pies are well accompanied by ale! Slaying beasts is thirsty work!"
============================================= Sardok jumps back into the portal, taking in the situation. He nimbly twirls past the mutt that seem to play sentry at the portal and makes a headlong dive at the wolf that is currently standing motionless. "I owe you some pain, dog!" He twirls his blades into a reverse-grip and brings them both down on the motionless wolf.
Dire Wolf 8 attacks Hazel. The wolf's bite sinks into the ranger's torso for 9 damage and Hazel is tripped prone again.
Isra, Tiana and Veseley move closer to the portal as a group after Veseley stands up.
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d20+7=21 ; d6+2=7 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 9:09:17 PM
Bliss shoots at Wolf 8, the one threatening Hazel. [OOC: I think I penalized myself too much last round, because the wolves are two size categories larger, and Bliss can shoot at the part away from his friends.]
As Mookie keeps flying, Bliss shoots. He hits AC21 this time, for 7 damage.
"Good shot," says Mookie.
"Thanks!" says Bliss.
[That's three of five bolts in Bliss's clip shot.]
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=31 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 11:06:18 PM
It should be clear running now for Isra, Tiana and Veseley. And a good thing too. Alleah is all out of Hold spells. "Plan B, I guess"
"Hold on Hazel!" Alleah reaches for a familiar ley line and uses it to cast a spell just west of DW8 (Leyline check: 31=Pass. Cast Sleep. DW8 to make a Will Save vs DC17 or fall asleep. Also, DW3 and DW5 are allowed a full-round action to try and make a new Will Save vs DC18 to break their paralysis)
-------------- Spells per day Cleric 0 : Unlimited 1 : 3 - 1 = 2
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Thursday June 4th, 2015 11:37:39 PM
Shel gets to her feet. "I can't go back out there. That nasty wolf is waiting on me. I hope he others can find a way here.". Quite worried about her chums, Shel doesn't think to question the innkeeper any further until the rest arrive.
"Those pies do smell nice..."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 18/13/16 d20+5=18 ; d4+6=10 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 12:44:24 AM The wolf, being large, don't have an AoO when Hazel gets near to attack, "by default"? If Hazel don't need to provoke, let's not provoke. Hazel, in the ground, sees blood staining Faoil hair, and screams to him, while pointing to the portal: "Faoil, down! Go there, now!" He sees Sardok get out of the portal. "Damn it! Stay inside of the portal! Let's get out of here!" Hazel then stands, provoking an AoO from DW8 (if not paralized by Alleah). If the wolf is paralyzed he will Power Attack it. Attack Roll 19 (forgot the Haste +1; Damage Roll: 10 If not, or after the attack, he will move into the portal.
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+6=14 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=11 ; d6+3=7 ; d3+3=5 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 5:29:06 AM
Finally noting that the wolf he just screamed at seems motionless, Murphy breaks away in an arc, coming in behind DW8, his cheetah form biting (AC 14, Dam 7) and raking with the right paw (AC 15, Dam 5).
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d4+2=6 ; d4+2=4 ; 3d6=14 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 9:08:02 AM
Sardok just shakes his head as the wolf keeps breathing. "Not gonna makes this easy on me are ya?"
He dispassionately runs his scimitar across the beast's throat, and looks over at the other held wolf.
[Coup de grace. dmg = 24. Make fort save DC 34 or die.]
[DM Hugh] - "Not gonna makes this easy on me are ya?" d20+7=14 ; d20+2=16 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 8:59:42 PM
As Mookie keeps flying, Bliss shoots at Wolf 8. His bolt flies true this time.
"Good shot," says Mookie.
"Thanks!" says Bliss.
"Hold on Hazel!" Alleah shouts as she reaches for a familiar ley line and uses it to cast a sleep spell just west of DW8. The wolf having more than 5 HD shakes off the spell.
Hazel on the ground, sees blood staining Faoil's fur, and screams to him, while pointing to the portal: "Faoil, down! Go there, now!"
He sees Sardok get out of the portal. "Darn it! Stay inside of the portal! Let's get out of here!"
Hazel then stands, provoking an AoO from DW8, the wolf's jaw bite down on air, missing the ranger. Hazel exits through the portal.
Murphy breaks away in an arc, coming in behind DW8, his cheetah form biting and raking with the right paw.
Sardok just shakes his head as the wolf keeps breathing. "Not gonna makes this easy on me are ya?"
He dispassionately runs his scimitar across the beast's throat, and looks over at the other held wolf. Dire Wolf 3 expires.
Dire wolf 5 fails to break the paralysis.
Dire wolf 8 withdraws down the opposite hallway that Humble's Sword came in. Dire wolf 1 takes a double move action to get to that same hallway entrance.
Amalee emerges from a wall on the right hand side, a large dark cloaked figure wielding a scythe She laughs in a disturbing manner. The ghostly figures including the 4 minotaurs you saw earlier twirl and cavort through the air. An eerily soft ethereal dirge is emanating from Amalee. The ghostly figures surrounding her dance in time to the music
Amalee smiles at Veseley and says in a raspy voice, "Veseley...I can help you help Tiana." She holds out her hand.
Veseley calls out to his traveling companions, "Amalee is a Danse Macabre. The Huntsman's game has been a sham. She can't help us, in fact she'll more than likely kill us all if we stand against her, now. The only way out of this nightmare is through the portal."
=================================== Meanwhile back at the inn:
Shel gets to her feet. "I can't go back out there. That nasty wolf is waiting on me. I hope he others can find a way here.". Quite worried about her chums, Shel doesn't think to question the innkeeper any further until the rest arrive.
"Those pies do smell nice..."
A short while later she is joined by Hazel and Faoil
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Friday June 5th, 2015 10:32:34 PM
Shel heads and sits down next to the innkeeper. "Tell me more about this place. As you can see, we are beaten half to heck here. There were crazy big wolves out there. I hope the rest of the crew make it through, but I can't help them right now. What is the story behind this Huntsman? Why did he take an interest in us? I've never heard of someone so evil!"
Murphy - HP 34/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=21 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 11:35:00 PM
Seeing whom he now knows is the wicked Amalee enter the chamber, and hearing what Veseley says, Murphy recalls the human-skin lampshades in the bedroom chamber they came from. She did that.
The cheetah paces back and forth, keeping himself between the portal and Amalee, glancing back at his companions, and with his head motioning them to go through the portal.
Cheetah-Murphy awaits the rest of his friends and companions, ensuring they pass through the gateway first, then, with a last snarl in Amalee's direction, he will leap on through to the other side. [If some remain behind after this round, Murphy will shepherd them through the portal next round.]
[Perception: 21]
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Friday June 5th, 2015 11:51:40 PM
Alleah sighs and glances towards Veseley and Tiana. How many times is she going to have to tell them to go through the portal? What's with the dilly-dallying? Her patience is wearing thin.
"I said move it!" Alleah moves towards Veseley and Tiana, and takes their hands - escorting them to the portal, whilst making sure Isra is holding on tightly to Tiana's hand
(Move action to go to the trio, then move action to walk with them through the portal.)
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 18/13/16 Saturday June 6th, 2015 12:56:06 AM
Hazel makes sure Faoil is at the inn, and looks towards the tapestry. "I can't believe we made it. I just hope the rest can escape too." He looks at Shel and smiles. "I heard something about pie?"
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Saturday June 6th, 2015 2:13:00 AM
Sardokc goes through the portal.
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Sunday June 7th, 2015 7:30:37 AM
Caught up in the battle, Bliss focuses on shooting that darn wolf again!
"Ahem" coughs Mookie. "AHEM"
Bliss says, "Mookie, what? I'm shooting here."
"Kid, look around."
Bliss glances around.
"Where is everybody?" the tiny halfling says. "The only one in our group I see is Mister Murphy-cat? Why is Mister Murphy-cat looking at us like that? And who are those ghosties? Why are they dancing? Where's that music coming from?"
But Mookie is too busy flying to answer questions. The familiar flies 75 ft straight into the blue donut, and through!
[DM Hugh] - "I can't believe we made it. I just hope the rest can escape too." d12=1 ; Sunday June 7th, 2015 10:05:45 PM Cheetah-Murphy paces back and forth, keeping himself between the portal and Amalee, glancing back at his companions, and with his head motioning them to go through the portal.
Alleah, exasperated walks over to where Veseley and Tiana are and grabs their hands in order to physically escort them into the portal. "I said move it!" she says to the two wizards and goblin child.
Sardok goes through the portal.
Bliss focuses on shooting that darn wolf.
"Ahem" coughs Mookie. "AHEM"
Bliss says, "Mookie, what? I'm shooting here."
"Kid, look around."
Bliss glances around.
"Where is everybody?" the tiny halfling says. "The only one in our group I see is Mister Murphy-cat? Why is Mister Murphy-cat looking at us like that? And who are those ghosties? Why are they dancing? Where's that music coming from?"
Mookie is too busy flying to answer questions. The familiar flies 75 ft straight into the blue donut, and through!
Cheetah-Murphy gives a last snarl in Amalee's direction, then leaps on through to the other side.
=========================== Meanwhile back at the inn:
Shel heads and sits down next to the innkeeper. She then tells the innkeeper about the conditions on the other side of the portal and asks some questions about the Huntsman.
Hazel makes sure Faoil is at the inn, and looks towards the tapestry. "I can't believe we made it. I just hope the rest can escape too." He looks at Shel and smiles. "I heard something about pie?"
Almost as if on cue, Alleah,Veseley,Tiana, and Isra enter the inn through the tapestry. Cognizant of the fact that other members of Humble's Ford are going to want to enter the Inn, Shel herds the 2 wizards and goblin child away from the tapestry.
Sardok is the next to enter the portal. He keeps going and takes a seat at the bar. The innkeeper slides a pint of ale his way.
Bliss, riding Mookie is next to enter the inn. The small familiar finds a perch in the rafters of the inn and lands there.
Cheetah-Murphy is the last one to enter the inn. The agile Cat-Druid makes an about face and faces the portal. Those watching the portal see a large scythe try to enter the inn but something is preventing it from fully gaining egress. Sparks start to appear from the friction between the scythe and whatever invisible wards protect the inn. Finally something gives. With a tearing sound the tapestry is rent in twain, the two pieces fall from the wall, crash land on the floor and shatter into many pieces as if the tapestry had been made from stone as it appeared to be.
"I lose too many tapestries that way." The Inn Keeper says. He grabs a broom and dustpan from behind the bar and proceeds to sweep up the shards of the tapestry.
As he cleans he says to his new guests, "Welcome to The Harrowed Moon Inn. This is the one safe haven in all of Koshe Marr. Not only that this is the one place that has reliable means of getting outside of Koshe Marr, but we will talk more about that later."
"The pies should just be about cooled." he says. He goes behind the bar and through a door and comes back with a tray laden with many different types of baked goodness. There is a blackberry pie, a blueberry pie, a strawberry rhubarb pie, an apple pie, a boysenberry pie, a cherry pie, a mango pie, a raspberry pie, a chocolate pecan pie and a meat pie. He sets the pies down along the bar and he reaches under the bar and gets a bunch of knives and pie servers. He puts a pie server and knife by each pie.
Each pie looks more delicious than the last and then you come across the meat pie. This hearty meat pie seems to have some form of tentacle beasty in it, too. You see a tentacle reach up through the crust and pluck a pecan from the chocolate pecan pie before retreating back into the meat pie.
"Don't be bashful my new friends," The Inn Keeper says with a twinkle in his eye, "eat up."
He then goes behind the bar and through the doors to the kitchen and comes back with a large saucer filled with cream that he puts down in front of Cheetah-Murphy, a large bone that he sets down in front of Faoil and a small bowl full of worms that he sets down on an empty place at a table. He looks up into the rafters and says, "I have some delicious worms here for the bird."
He then says to Shel, "The Huntsman, well not much is known about him. He is one of Fidelia's captains and loyal servants. In fact it is best to steer clear of him if you can. Once he's marked you there is only one place in all of Koshe Marr that you can go where he cannot follow and that is here. So eat up and let yourselves be at peace while you are here."
==================== (OOC1: You are not in battle but I just thought I would keep this info here for as a reminder) Alleah: Hasted, [inn] Murphy: wildshaped, cheetah [inn] Bliss: [inn] Mookie: [inn] Sardok: 19 damage, Hazel: 16 damage, 4 negative levels, Hasted, [inn] Faoil: 16 damage, Hasted, [inn] Shel: 7 damage [inn], Veseley 4 negative levels, 14 damage [inn] Tiana: addled [inn] Isra: [inn]
(OOC2: everyone please add 1750 xp. I think this puts your xp gain for this module at 8000xp. If my math is wrong, please correct me)
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d100=29 ; Sunday June 7th, 2015 10:53:19 PM
Alleah isn't much of a meat-eater as it is, and seeing that something is still moving in the meat pie reinforces this.
But before eating, she heads to Isra and kneels to inspect the girl, checking for any signs of harm "Are you ok?". Once done, she gives the goblin girl a hug, and asks which pie she feels like eating. No matter which pie Isra chooses, Alleah responds with a smile and a wink "Me too".
She stands to face the inn-keeper and speaks with a smile "Please forgive me, sir, but it has been a very challenging few days for all of us. We are truly grateful for your hospitality, but I'm sure you understand Koshe Marr is full of surprises." Alleah taps into a leyline and casts Detect Poison whilst looking over the tantalising food.
"The name's Alleah. Alleah Heathertoe" she says, drawing on one of her aliases "and we could not have come here a moment too soon. It looks like Amalee was right behind us."
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Sunday June 7th, 2015 11:31:51 PM
Assuming Alleah gives the all clear, Shel hops up and cuts off a large piece of the chocolate pecan pie. "We haven't really eaten proper in the last few days since we've got pulled into this hellish land. Vesely could you tell us more about how the Huntsman might have marked you, or us? Innkeeper, how do we get the mark off of us? And you said earlier, this place might lead us out of Koshe Marr. How do we do that? I'm fed up with this strange land...I want to go home and forget all about this Huntsman."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 18/13/16 Sunday June 7th, 2015 11:41:06 PM
Hazel rolls and sits on the floor, panting. "I am glad we are all alive. I am glad we are here. Thank you man! What is your name?" He looks at the food, but don't get up. Faoil go to the bone and starts chewing, hungrily. I have only registered 6,000 xp
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Monday June 8th, 2015 1:42:33 AM OOC: Here's the XP tracking. We should all now be at level 6 too! Woot!
09/03/2015 -- Purple smoke at the tower -- 2000xp 05/04/2015 -- In Koshe Marr -- 1000xp 03/05/2015 -- Werebat battle -- 1650xp 17/05/2015 -- Spectre battle -- 1600xp 08/06/2015 -- Dire Wolf battle -- 1750xp
Murphy - HP 36/36 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=24 ; Monday June 8th, 2015 4:12:48 AM
As Amalee attempts her assault on the tapestry portal, Murphy prepares to leap forward should she breach and gain entrance. But when the portal shatters, the great cat sits on his haunches for a moment, then steps forward to sniff at the pieces. He moves aside as the man cleans up the debris, and begins to clean himself. licking where he can, and dampening his paws to clean the areas his tongue does not reach directly.
When the milk is offered, he walks over, sniffs at that. Cleans himself a bit more. Then tests the milk with his tongue. After a moment, he gets down to the business of really lapping it up.
Following the fastidious clearing of the few drops of milk which wet his muzzle, he goes into some stretching of his spine and limbs. Finally Cheetah-Murphy transforms into his own hobbit self, a towhead gap-toothed coverall-wearing fellow. "Milk tastes better in cat form."
"So, you have mango pie?" he asks the proprietor with a polite bob of the head. "Isra, want to share some of that with me? Or would you prefer blueberry?"
========= [Perception: 24]
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday June 8th, 2015 4:29:58 AM
[Link to partially-updated character sheet for level 6 druid for Murphy]
After digging into the pie, and taking in the shape of his companions, Murphy comments, "Sir, a few of our friends here were harmed badly by spectres. Have you the means, or know you the means, of overcoming the harm they took?" He indicates Hazel and Veseley. "And while we're at it, this very bright woman," he nods toward Tiana, "has not quite been herself since a portal-stretching experiment went awry a few days past." He looks to the bodies of the goblin boy and the other halfling wizard. "I do not know what we can do with our two fallen companions. Might one call upon Lord Gargul from this place, to the best of your knowledge?"
He takes a slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Monday June 8th, 2015 5:39:18 AM "I've been thinking about this myself, Murphy. I think I might have a way to treat some injuries. Others might just require a good night's sleep"
----------------- OOC: Alleah now knows the "Purify" spell, which can end ongoing magical effects and curses. As for temporary negative levels, you're allowed a new saving throw each day to try and cure yourself of them. So fingers crossed! :)
[DM Hugh] Monday June 8th, 2015 10:21:13 PM
(OOC: Will post tomorrow...have headache...giving Brian and Cayzle a chance)
Mookie swoops into the inn. "Just in the nick of time," he caws.
Bliss says, "Whew, that was a close one."
Mookie looks at Bliss's shadow and sees it has a curved slice in it.
"I think it was closer than that, Kid!"
Bliss does a double take, looking at his damaged shadow.
"Wowsy." He stares at it.
"Just in the nick of time, that's for sure."
"Does it hurt?" asks Mookie.
"Not ... exactly?"
"Whatcha gonna do, Kid?"
"Um ... fix it?"
Bliss bends the ley lines to cast Mending, and he uses a charge from his wand of cures.
The tiny halfling looks around at his friends. "Anyone wanna try something?"
[OOC: The preceeding was okayed by DM Hugh as part of Bliss RPing his becoming a shadowdancer.]
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) d20+14=24 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2015 4:30:08 PM
"You might? Terrific, Alleah. What would that be?" he asks his friend.
Looking to see what Mookie and Bliss are discussing, he sees that the little halfling's shadow almost, but not quite, seems to match with his body. He does not comment, but hides away that observation for perhaps another time.
Responding to his question, the druid asks, "What did you have in mind, Bliss?"
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Tuesday June 9th, 2015 5:46:15 PM
"I dunno, Mister Murphy. Cures? Mends? I'm trying both of those. A Restoration spell? A Virtue spell? A bath in Miss Alleah's pot with that new spell she mentioned?"
Mookie caws in nervous laughter. "Needle and thread? Bit of glue? Color it in with a black sharpie?" The raven is a font of brilliant ideas.
[DM Hugh] - "It looks like Amalee was right behind us." Tuesday June 9th, 2015 9:09:46 PM Cheetah-Murphy faces the portal as it shatters. He then cleans himself and drinks the cream that the Inn Keeper put in front of him. After he has had his fill from the cream, he reverts back to halfling form and eats some of the strawberry rhubarb pie. He asks the innkeeper about aid for his traveling companions who suffered from the energy drain, Tiana who is still addled and those they have lost.
Alleah checks Isra for harm, asks the goblin lass's preference in pie flavor and then asks the Inn Keeper's forgiveness before casting detect poision on the pies. The pies are not poisonous. She then asks Isra which of the pie she prefers. Isra says, "The boysenberry," so Alleah and Isra partake of it.
Shel after hearing the prognosis on the pie helps her self to a large slice of the chocolate pecan pie. She then inquires as to how the group might have gotten marked by the Huntsman, how to get unmarked and how to utilize the Inn to get home.
Veseley says to Shel, "I am not quite sure which if any of us the Huntsman marked nor how he accomplished it. I believe Jancassis imbues her Avengers with the ability to find people seeking revenge through divination perhaps becoming the huntsman's quarry is some form of divination spell?"
Hazel is just thankful to be alive. He asks the Inn keeper for his name, but does not get up. Faoil starts chomping on the large bone.
Alleah thinks that a new spell she knows may be able to help Tiana and that Hazel and Veseley may just need some rest.
(OOC: Regarding Undead Energy Drain: Negative levels remain until 24 hours have passed or until they are removed with a spell, such as restoration. If a negative level is not removed before 24 hours have passed, the affected creature must attempt a Fortitude save (DC 16 in the case of the spectres). On a success, the negative level goes away with no harm to the creature. On a failure, the negative level becomes permanent. A separate saving throw is required for each negative level. You may want to prepare and cast spells to boost Hazel and Veseley's Fort Saves before 24 hours happen or else restoration will be needed if they fail their saves. Hero points can also be spent to boost saves.)
Mookie riding Bliss made into the portal just in the nick of time or perhaps a little later. It turns out Amalie's scythe had sliced Bliss's shadow as he made his escape from the cave. Bliss and Mookie banter about what happened before asking the rest of the group for aid. Several potential remedies are discussed some more brilliant than others.
The Inn Keeper addresses the group, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is John McGiven, proprietor of the Harrowed Moon Inn. At your service."
John weighs in regarding the mark, "As with other things regarding the Huntsman, not much is known regarding how his marking functions. It may just be an intimidation tactic or as your wizard friend stated it could be some divination. Regardless as far as I know there has never been a case of the Huntsman following someone out of Koshe Marr so if there is something to this mark it only functions here, in this realm."
He then goes on, "As to how to get home, I have a statue that when you place your hand on it and say the command word reditum you will be sent back home to the same place you were when you entered Koshe Marr at the exact same instant you entered. It will be like you never left home."
"As to healing for your companions. I unfortunately am not a healer and as I was telling the lovely halfling lass earlier, the only adventurers currently visiting this inn are yourselves. We sometimes get adventurers passing through here, but you are the first we have had in weeks."
"Now I'm not sure what you know about Koshe Marr, but if you die here your soul does not go to Gargul like it would in other plains. Here if you shuffle off your mortal coil, then it is Marteus's to keep. If you want to get to bring your fallen companions back you will have to petition the lord of suffering or another local horror he designates to deal with you."
He lets that thought sink in for a bit. When he hears the talk about torn shadows he goes behind the bar and through the door and comes back with a needle and some black thread. "I don't know what a sharpie is but I do have needle and thread. I believe there is an old legend regarding some lost boy losing his shadow and his adoptive mother sowing back on, but I don't rightly remember the telling. Perhaps this will help, though."
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Tuesday June 9th, 2015 9:26:30 PM
Shel claps her hands and hops to her feet. "Alrighty then, easy peasy. Show us to the statue, we'll pay you for the pie, and we shall be on our way. Thanks so much, I'm ready to go home now. Anyone object? If so, I don't care. I'm leaving."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Tuesday June 9th, 2015 10:51:06 PM
There is much for Alleah to think about. Come to think of it, there is much for Isra to think about.
Alleah takes the girl aside for a quiet talk over boysenberry pie.
"Isra, do you have family at home? Someone to take care of you? From what this man is saying, the statue will send each of us back to where we were immediately before we came to this place. If it is safe for you to do so, you have that choice. Otherwise, you are welcome to stay with me. We have a nice, safe home, and more than enough food to go around." Alleah rubs Isra's back as a comforting gesture.
Then comes the even more difficult part of the conversation
"Isra, I ... I think we might have to lay Rais to rest. I'm so sorry"
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 18/13/16 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 1:18:10 AM
Hazel groans... "That is just great... we have our ticket home at the reach of our hands, so we only need to say "abracadabra" and we will appear in a falling tower, ready to die crushed. Just great! I guess the good news is that Gargul, and not Marteus, is going to torture our souls for all eternity!" He lies in the floor. "I hate Koshe Marr!" He takes the boots off fmbling with his feet. "And I don't like these boots. It hurt my feet. Anyone else want them?" OOC: Thanks for the XP clarification, I am Leveling Hazel to 6. Alleah, I think you wanted the boots?
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Wednesday June 10th, 2015 3:19:33 AM
[Sardok also expressed interest in the boots of striding and springing]
"Shel Breezelee Kromnite, don't yet touch that statue nor say the word. Come here a moment. Your name, and maybe a relative, are involved."
"Veseley." He says the mage's name, waits, and looks in his eyes. "Bazeck Breezelee was slain by the Huntsman in Koshe Marr." He drops his eyes for a moment. "I remember when you, and Tiana Taithen, and Bazeck together helped to adjudicate the Games." One can see his face as he recalls those days - a mixture of a pleasant expression, and determination, then sorrow as his eyes lift again to see Veseley Vortence.
"You and Tiana and Bazeck together helped over the years to fortify the towers. You three know more about those which remain than anyone I know. With the one down, we may again be threatened by giants from the north. I do not know whether it be possible to rebuild the tower by which we came to this land. If it is to be rebuilt - or if alternative defenses are to be erected, I think we need every member of the Second Dinner Club.
"We have heard what Mister McGiven has to say here. Shall we appeal to the powers of this dark realm for the return of your friend's soul?" He searches Bazeck's face as he awaits his reponse. "Because, if so, I will stand with you for him."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 18/14/15 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 18/13/16 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 12:27:40 PM "What? Try to deal for a soul here? I fear that will cause our souls to remain here!"
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 21/14/18 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 21/14/18 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 1:20:58 PM Hazel has been leveled to 6. Now the question: Should I use the "surgical clause" to make a tank out of him? We surely need one...
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Wednesday June 10th, 2015 4:31:45 PM
Bliss thanks the gentleman for the needle and thread, and he tries his best to sew his shadow back together, but it is really hard. Mostly because whenever he moves, his shadow moves. Also whenever the flame in the light source moves. He sticks to it, though, with his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth.
Meanwhile, Mookie has been following the conversation, and now he weighs in, pitching his voice low so as not to disturb his master's work. "No way, no how! You do not want to go hat in hand to the god of sniffles and plagues. Bad idea. Really bad idea. The Kid's mom tried that once, to bring back a real hero, and in the end the price was too high. You wanna cut a deal with that guy, just to save the idiot who blew up the tower in the first place? And a goblin kid? You know what goblins did to the Kid's mom?"
Mookie shudders, feathers going which a-way.
"I ain't sayin' in earshot of the Kid, but it was not pretty. Oh no. Let the gob-boy go."
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Wednesday June 10th, 2015 8:24:00 PM
Murphy nods his head acknowledging he heard Mookie's whispered counsel, but also awaits Veseley's response.
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 9:09:37 PM "Murphy, those wizards are much stronger than we are. If they can't handle the Huntsman, what are we going to do with him? We are just regular townsfolk...if the Dinner Club can't stop him, how can we? Staying here gives that huntsman more time to try to stalk us down. It's a bad idea!"
[DM Hugh] - "...we will appear in a falling tower, ready to die crushed. Just great! I guess the good news is that Gargul, and not Marteus, is going to torture our souls for all eternity!"" Wednesday June 10th, 2015 9:35:02 PM Shel claps her hands and hops to her feet. "Alrighty then, easy peasy. Show us to the statue, we'll pay you for the pie, and we shall be on our way. Thanks so much, I'm ready to go home now. Anyone object? If so, I don't care. I'm leaving."
Alleah has a lot on her mind. She takes Isra aside and asks her if she has a home to return to. She informs Isra that if she doesn't she can stay with Alleah.
Alleah then says, "Isra, I ... I think we might have to lay Rais to rest. I'm so sorry"
Before Isra has a chance to respond Hazel points out the gaping hole in their escape plan, "That is just great... we have our ticket home at the reach of our hands, so we only need to say "abracadabra" and we will appear in a falling tower, ready to die crushed. Just great! I guess the good news is that Gargul, and not Marteus, is going to torture our souls for all eternity!"
He then bemoans both Koshe Marr and the boots the party forced on him, taking the latter off as they made his feet hurt.
Murphy also tells Shel not to touch the statue, but not for the reason that Hazel pointed out, though it does involve the giant towers. Murphy brings up the fact that since one of the tower's fell they might need every member of the Second Dinner club to repair it or come up with some other way to protect the valley. He then looks Veseley dead in the eye and asks the wizard if they should appeal to Marteus for Bazeck's soul and if so that he will stand with the wizard in petitioning the God. (OOC: I never realized that Bazeck was related to Shel until Murphy said something)
This causes some derision among the group. Hazel fears that all their souls will remain in Koshe Marr if they attempt to barter with Marteus and Mookie emphatically echos this sentiment by pointing out that Bliss's mother tried to deal with Marteus to save a real hero and the price then was too high.
Meanwhile Bliss has been innocently trying to repair his shadow with the needle and thread provided by the inn-keeper, John.
"While I would love to have Bazeck back, I fear that our avian friend is correct. When dealing with Marteus, historically mortals have had to pay steep prices. Undead hordes, plagues, pestilence and Wold-wide disasters are just some of the consequences that could arise from parlaying with the Chief God of Testing. I thank you for your sentiment and it is a noble one, but bargaining with Marteus is too big a risk to take for just one halfling. Furthermore, do any among you have the capacity to cast a spell capable of bringing someone back form the dead? I know that you, Murphy and Alleah have the ability to heal, but I fear the injury done to Bazek and that poor goblin boy are beyond your current abilities..."
John clears his throat and chimes in, "Begging your pardon good sirs and madams, but as I said earlier the Inn is devoid of guests save yourselves. If you leave through the front door you may be able to find some sage somewhere in this realm who is capable of casting the spell, but being able to do something and wanting to do something are two separate things. Veseley is right about Marteus driving a hard bargain and this is well known around these parts. Most people not under His direct employ such as Lady Fidelia and her Huntsman do everything they can to avoid Him, so even if you did find this sage he would probably tell you that you were out of your mind. Also if you did leave the inn through the front door, the inn itself, wouldn't be guaranteed to be in the same spot when you returned from where you left it. This feature of the inn helps ward it against divination. Which, speaking of divination, and the huntsman, didn't you say you were marked by him. Not only would you not have a sure way back here, but he could be on your trail again, so this is starting to sound like a suicide mission with an extremely low probability of success."
"It is as John says," Veseley states glumly, "To attempt to bring back Bazeck or the boy here would be a fool's errand, one that I would like nothing to do with. I will morn Bazeck, he was a good friend, but he wouldn't want us to throw our lives away for nothing. For the sake of argument though, if we could figure out how to return home, there may still be a theoretical way to bring them back, but the way would be treacherous, the cost would be steep and even if you succeeded the results might not be what you expect. Marteus is the patron of Koshe Marr, so if you sought him out at his main temple, the Bone Tower, he may very well answer your summons. However, Marteus is the God of Plagues, not the God of Puppies or Kittens so traveling this road would be difficult and He may take pains to skew the odds highly in his favor. I would not recommend seeking him out from our home plane. If we do figure a way back and you insist on this route, Tiana and I will have to part ways with you. We must make it back to Humble's Ford with all haste to try to make right what happened."
Isra weighs in too, "I don't think Rais would want you to get hurt because of him. I miss my brother a lot, but I don't want to see you hurt, Miss Alleah. You all have been kind to him and me, when other's may not have especially since we are goblins."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 21/14/18 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 21/14/18 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 10:39:12 PM
Hazel groans. "Great, so it is squished grapes time... Hey, innkeeper, is there other way of of this place, what is not exactly back to the same place and time we got in?"
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Thursday June 11th, 2015 12:28:03 AM
Mookie says that hanging out here for a few years might not be a bad plan. "We could wash dishes and serve patrons," he says, "which might not seem like fun, but it beats teleporting into the heart of a collapsing tower."
"I can brew potions!" chimes in Bliss, not sure exactly what the topic of conversation is. "Plus maybe there is some hero's work to do here?"
"Hold still!" he says to his shadow. He thinks he sees a space right THERE! He tries to tack and sew some extra shadow from the corner to fill the gap.
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Thursday June 11th, 2015 1:47:10 AM
Murphy takes in the counsel and perspectives of friends and wise innkeep.
"Very well. So, if we touch the statue, and arrive back in the same place and time, in the midst of a shattering tower, how do we survive that?
"Mookie - how about if - should Mister McGiven so allow - we remain overnight. Not quite years, but perhaps he would let you wash some dishes between now and then. We rest, we heal as we might, we plan our spells with care. We figure how we might be able to survive the tower's explosion and escape safely. Perhaps some combination of flying, reductions, enlargements, dimension doors - who knows what? Anyone know the spell feather fall? Maybe Bliss's shadow will be repaired by then."
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Thursday June 11th, 2015 2:28:06 AM
"I could change form into a giant eagle, a dire bat, a giant vulture," Murphy further suggests, "or a, a pterandon, maybe, and, if some of you were reduced in size, we could work out a harness, and have you cling to me as we glide away from the tower. I land in that form, and you dismount, and we avoid mixing our bones with the rubble."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 d20+11=21 ; d20+7=27 ; Thursday June 11th, 2015 6:11:07 AM
Alleah looks about for some more pie, and ensures Isra gets seconds (and thirds). She tousles the girls hair, and walks over to have a very quiet word with the rest of the gang. She's impressed by Isra's maturity.
"Do you think we can trust this guy? Is there really a place in Koshe Marr that is safe from the Huntsman? If he can no longer detect us, wouldn't he know to go to the one place he can't see into? I would dearly love to catch a good nights sleep here before heading back, but, I don't know, I'm just a little worried"
Sense Motive: 21 Knowl Local: 27 - Is there really a safe place in Koshe Marr?
ShelGerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Thursday June 11th, 2015 6:56:52 AM "Our chances are better with the tower. The Huntsman took a Fireball clear in the face and it didn't bother him at all. And Vesely is much more powerful than me. Perhaps we'd have a few seconds to escape the tower when we return. And I think Murphy has a good idea. If he and Mookoe can fly us out quickly, we just might make it. I think the basics for a new spell is floating around in my head....if I cast it right, it will make all of us much faster. If we can get a night's rest, I might have it by the morning."
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Thursday June 11th, 2015 11:22:56 AM
Mookie grins at Alleah, to the extent that a creature with a beak can grin. "While I admire your caution, missie, you got no worries here. I been here before, with the Kid's mom, and it's a safe place to rest your tootsies after a refreshing dip in Koshe Marr."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 21/14/18 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 21/14/18 Thursday June 11th, 2015 12:14:48 PM
Still in the floor, Hazel laughs. "So we are safe here? Great, because I wasn't planning on moving anytime soon." he looks around and see Bliss trying to see his shadow back. He blinks. He checks his own shadow. He looks at Bliss again. "What the hell? Am I dreaming? What happened to your shadow?"
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Thursday June 11th, 2015 2:27:11 PM [sry. was at a Con. And then it was Wednesday. And this Wednesday was the most Wednesday of them all.]
Sardok takes out a sharp dagger and attacks the meat pie. With what he's seen, a little spunk in his meal is far from enough to disuade him from a savory helping of protein. After the tentacle has been well washed down with ale, he grabs the closest fruit pie within reach and eats until he can hold no more. Letting loose a great belch of approval, he suietly listens to the discussion going on.
"I'm of agreement with the old man," he says at last. "We are but strangers here, brought by powers we've neither control nor ken of, and we've been outclassed by foes at every turn. Perhaps, in time, when we've craft enough to return here on our own terms and secure our own way back, then we might kick open the door of this Bone Tower and bring him to terms. But for now, 'tis no cunning plan to seek to treat with an enemy that could more easily kill us all and then have the whole bag without the need for speachcraft. Aye, as they say the soul is immortal, and they be already dead, we've no need for haste. Death comes soon enough, no need to hasten to it's grasp.
Alleah, could the Hunstman see us, we would be beset by now, wounded and spent as we are. That we are speaking at all gives proof to the pudding. He has no need to wait until we sleep.
Murphy, Bliss, you've a good plan for the tower. If we can all be shrunken, then perhaps we can be flown out of there and on our way. I vote for a night's sleep and then spells in plenty."
[ooc: If we need to stay two nights so that Hazel's fort save can be buffed, and then spells for the Tower prepared, that's fine too. And, yes, I'd like the boots. I'm taking Mobility for lvl 6. Speaking of that, Hazel. Yes, we are MASSIVELY low on melee power. We both of us need to tank. I'm taking my 6th level as a 1st level in Fighter (I've been RPing the love of STEEL! for some time now) and if you would do the same, that'd be great. =]
[DM Hugh] - "Great, so it is squished grapes time... "" Thursday June 11th, 2015 7:39:10 PM Hazel poses the question, "Hey, innkeeper, is there other way of of this place, what is not exactly back to the same place and time we got in?"
Mookie points out that staying at the inn for a while might not be a bad idea. After all they could wash dishes and serve patrons. Bliss not really following the conversation chimes in that he can brew potions, plus maybe there is some hero work around here that needs doing. He then proceeds to sew his shadow filling in the empty space with some of the shadows in the room's corner.
Murphy takes in the perspective of his friends and the inn keeper and raises the idea that if they stayed a night at the inn and chose their spells the next day very carefully might they be able to survive the tower collapse. He then points out that he has a variety of large flying creatures to chose from when wild shaping that may aid their plan.
Alleah looks for more pie and sees to it that Isra eats her fill. She then takes her companions aside and quietly says, "Do you think we can trust this guy? Is there really a place in Koshe Marr that is safe from the Huntsman? If he can no longer detect us, wouldn't he know to go to the one place he can't see into? I would dearly love to catch a good nights sleep here before heading back, but, I don't know, I'm just a little worried." She gets the feeling from the Inn Keeper that he is legitimately trying to help the party and the safe haven offered by the inn is genuine. She also vaguely remembers at some point in the past hearing about the existence of magical inn in Koshe Marr, that lacks a fixed location but serves as a sanctuary to the needy and within its walls, time does not pass. The members of Humble's Sword are in an inn without a fixed location, within the realm of Koshe Marr, so it would appear as if they have found that sanctuary that the witch learned of long ago.
Mookie confirms this, "While I admire your caution, missie, you got no worries here. I been here before, with the Kid's mom, and it's a safe place to rest your tootsies after a refreshing dip in Koshe Marr."
Shel points out that their chances of survival are better with the tower than the Huntsman considering the Huntsman took a fireball to the face and survived. Plus she thinks she may have just figured out a new spell that will make them faster.
Hazel asks if the party is safe and then says good because he does not feel like moving. He also just noticed what Bliss was doing to his shadow and is taken aback by this. He asks the tiny halfling, "What happened to your shadow?"
While everyone else had been having a conversation regarding resurrecting Bazek and how to get out of Koshe Marr, Sardok had been wrestling with the meat pie. The rogue easily wins and after thoroughly washing the tentacle down with ale, he grabs the closest fruit pie (the raspberry) and gorges on it till he can eat no more. He then lets out a large belch to which John replies, "That is a high compliment indeed, good sir."
Sardok finally speaks his mind, "I'm of agreement with the old man, we are but strangers here, brought by powers we've neither control nor ken of, and we've been outclassed by foes at every turn. Perhaps, in time, when we've craft enough to return here on our own terms and secure our own way back, then we might kick open the door of this Bone Tower and bring him to terms. But for now, 'tis no cunning plan to seek to treat with an enemy that could more easily kill us all and then have the whole bag without the need for speachcraft. Aye, as they say the soul is immortal, and they be already dead, we've no need for haste. Death comes soon enough, no need to hasten to it's grasp.
Alleah, could the Hunstman see us, we would be beset by now, wounded and spent as we are. That we are speaking at all gives proof to the pudding. He has no need to wait until we sleep.
Murphy, Bliss, you've a good plan for the tower. If we can all be shrunken, then perhaps we can be flown out of there and on our way. I vote for a night's sleep and then spells in plenty."
The party continues to discuss how best to survive a falling giant tower.
During a break in the conversation, Isra says, "Miss Alleah, I'm sorry I forgot that you asked me about my home before we started talking about Rais and bringing him back and then you all started talking about that tower falling. Anyway, my father is an innkeeper like John, 'cept he is a goblin." The girl smiles, remembering her pa, "and I live with him and the rest of my family at the Goblin's Rest Inn in Izen. It is a cozy inn, kind of like this one, though not magical. In fact if you are ever in Izen I'm sure you'd be welcome at my pa's Inn, what with all you've done for me." She then says in regards to Alleah's earlier offer, "I think I've had enough adventure at least for now and since my family is waiting for me, I think I will skip the falling tower, though thank you just the same for offering me a place with you."
John overhearing what Isra has to say, "Lass, is what you say true? You found your way here from a different place than the rest of those you travel with?"
"It is, sir." she replies.
"Hmmm. Well your friends may be able to visit your father's inn sooner than you expected, that is if they are willing. It may just be possible for you to activate the statue by speaking the command word and have the halflings piggy back off of the teleportation magic to get them there too. For this to work though, you would have to all hold hands and you could not let go no matter what. There is no telling where you would end up without the focal point of the goblin child to get you to her specific destination." Inn Keeper John warns.
Veseley who is fairly knowledgeable when it comes to teleportation says, "Fascinating, in essence we would be using this child like a living Portkey with the target destination being her home. I have never seen an actual Portkey before nor seen one used, obviously. Venturing back in this manner would certainly be an experience. It is a shame Tiana has not recovered yet. I think she would really enjoy it if she were in her right mind. I guess we could always try the falling tower, though, if you are too worried about what might happen if one of us were to let go. If memory serves, I believe that if we return to the tower, besides dealing with the hazard of it collapsing in on us, we would also have to risk ending up like Tiana since that noxious gas was spewing all over the place. Things could end rather poorly if the flying creature we were riding on ends up catatonic." He points out.
It seems you have another choice to make. Do you stay the night and head home in the morning risking the collapsing tower and poison gas or do you head to Isra's home in Izen instead. The benefit of the latter would be not be landing in the middle of a disaster area and being able to head out right away if you so wanted. Could there potentially be another option no one thought of, or some variation of the outlined courses of action not discussed? The choice is up to you.
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Thursday June 11th, 2015 10:27:19 PM
Sardok nods at Veseley's speech. "That's sound thinking, old man. If this village is any less than a thousand leagues away, we make a good trade for sure, solid ground at the risk of a brief walk. I'd still have us go there after some rest, for a goblin village, even at the most tranquil of times, might take a band of halflings as a less than peaceful sign. If we are at our very best, we would be best able to handle whatever it is that goes on."
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 14/50 AC: 21/14/18 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 7/23 AC 21/14/18 d20+5=19 ; Thursday June 11th, 2015 11:51:29 PM Knowledge (Geography) about Izen: 19 "I vote for the Goblin Inn instead of the squishy dead!"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Friday June 12th, 2015 12:04:48 AM "I, too, think we should head to Izen. I have a responsibility to see Isra returned safely and Rais returned home. I think his parents deserve to know what happened to him"
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Friday June 12th, 2015 5:32:17 AM
"Huh. Izen is far on the other side of the Red Hills, right? We could learn much about that territory on our way back home. Yet, if we can somehow get through to survive the tower falling, we'll be back with our community - and can quickly help set up defenses against the giants."
The druid turns toward Alleah. "I was going to ask you if you wanted to consult the flip of a coin."
"Do let us take at least one night's rest, or possibly two, so that Hazel and Veseley have time to recuperate from the touch of the spectre. Once we have done so, then let us travel together. If to Izen, fine."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19*/17*/13* (*Mage Armor+Haste) -- CMD 12 -- HP 33/33 Friday June 12th, 2015 6:41:47 AM
Alleah grins to Murphy "True, I rely on Wardd to guide my hand in many many ways, but doing the right thing is never a matter for chance. I'm happy to consult him to see if he thinks we should rest here or not tonight?"
She takes the coin from her pocket and tosses it in the air. When she catches it, she sneaks a peak at the result and winks to the group, before placing the coin back in her pocket.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Friday June 12th, 2015 9:13:53 AM
Shel nods at the words of the others. "I want to be home more than anything. But this goblin child needs to get home too. I'm willing to see her home with the rest of you," she said, still obviously feeling bad about her initial reactions to the goblins.
Bliss looks up and listens long enough to hear the issue at hand.
"What a minute," he says.
"On one hand, we go into peril because the defense tower is knocked down, and we need to maybe stop a giant invasion before people are killed. On the other hand, we travel a long way out of our way to get a girl safely home, even though odds are she would get home safely anyway, and to help her carry her dead brother."
"Well, if we got home to find Humbles Ford knocked down by giants, wouldn't we feel silly?"
"If we are worried about arriving in the middle of a tower falling, well, me and Miss Alleah and Mister Murphy can all change into animals that fly. All three of us plus Mookie can be medium or small in size. And we can reduce and carry Shel and Hazel and Sardok and Veseley."
"I think a hero would go stop the giant invasion. Right?"
Meanwhile, as he speaks, Bliss's repaired shadow has been reaching out into a dim corner, and also wrapping itself around the tiny halfling. If you fail a perception check vs DC37, the little guy just fades away right before your eyes ... although his voice still comes from the same spot as before.
Mookie rolls a Perception 23 check, and he interrupts his master. "KID! KID! Where'd ya go! Stop playing tricks!"
"Hush Mookie," says Bliss, not getting it. He is too caught up in his vision of heroism.
"And Miss Alleah! Miss Alleah! You can even be something big, like a big old bat, and carry two people! Right? Or fly on a witchy broom, so you can cast Feather Fall on the rocks above us when we get there."
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 Friday June 12th, 2015 3:44:52 PM "Kid," says Sardok, picking up on Mookie's nickname for Bliss, "we don't have to worry about the town already having been taken over, becuase he says we get to go back to the exact time when we left. But we do have to worry about unknown traps, and an awful poison gas, and possibly falling rocks. I'd much rather we avoided all of that and saw the little girl home to boot. The giants aren't known for their efficient leadership and rapid logistical department. We'll have some time before they even know that a tower has fallen, more time for them to gather, and more time for them to decide what to do. Let's take the sure path, and not have to worry about spells made meaningless under the weight of one too many stone blocks than we could dodge."
[DM Hugh] - "I vote for the Goblin Inn instead of the squishy dead!" d2=1 ; Friday June 12th, 2015 7:48:21 PM Sardok points out that Veseley has a point, but they should still rest before heading to the goblin village in case things get dicey.
Hazel also casts his vote for the Goblin Inn. He also tries to think about what he knows about Izen. Hazel - Highlight to display spoiler: {You know that Izen is located between Blackbird Forest and New Elenna on the west and east, and between the Culverwood and the sea on the north and south and that it is filled with many different kinds of monsters and demikind. It is roughly 4 geographic regions removed from the crescent valley and several week's travel at least.}
Alleah feels the group has a responsibility to see Isra home and inform her parents about Rais.
Murphy weighs both options, saying. "Huh. Izen is far on the other side of the Red Hills, right? We could learn much about that territory on our way back home. Yet, if we can somehow get through to survive the tower falling, we'll be back with our community - and can quickly help set up defenses against the giants."
He then asks Alleah if she would care to consult her patron through the flip of a coin.
Alleah responds, "True, I rely on Wardd to guide my hand in many many ways, but doing the right thing is never a matter for chance. I'm happy to consult him to see if he thinks we should rest here or not tonight?"
She takes the coin from her pocket and tosses it in the air. When she catches it, she sneaks a peak at the result and winks to the group, before placing the coin back in her pocket.
Alleah - Highlight to display spoiler: {It was heads. Make of that, what you will}
Shel says that she would prefer to head home, but is willing to see the goblin child safely home, feeling guilty about how she first reacted.
Bliss is strongly for heading back to the collapsing giant tower, mitigating the risks through the use of magic, so they can face the giant invasion head on; after all it is what a hero would do, right? He also ends up wrapping himself in shadow while voicing his opinion, fading from view, though his disembodied voice remains.
Mookie is distressed by this, "KID! KID! Where'd ya go! Stop playing tricks!"
Bliss tells Mookie to shush while he comes up with more ideas for confronting the falling tower.
Sardok attempts to talk some sense to the overly enthusiastic Bliss. He points out that they would have to contend with the rocks, the smoke the traps, and Gods' know what else if they head back to the tower and that he'd rather just avoid it and see the girl safe home. Plus the giant's aren't known for their efficient leadership, so it will still take a while for them to figure out that the tower is destroyed, let alone assemble an invasion force and come up with a cohesive plan.
(OOC: It seems like the general consensus is you spend the night and then head out to Izen by way of Isra turned Portkey, this is correct yes? If not please let me know ASAP and I will revise the next passage...also since time does not pass in the inn, I'm going to rule that you can take your rest, but that the negative level fort saves won't be triggered until you return to a place where the time does pass. What this means is you get your (adjusted) level (for those w/ negative levels in hp healed from a full night's rest and that everyone except for Veseley and Tiana can renew their spells and abilities)
After resting you feast on a scrumptious breakfast of assorted styles of pancakes, crepes, waffles, and eggy bread (OOC: French Toast, but there is no France in the Wold). Various syrups and butters are available as well as fruit, chocolate, honey and nut toppings and fillings. There are also sides of bacon, sausage, grits, hashed browns, muffins, biscuits and fresh fruit to go around.
John says, "In case someone lets go early and something goes horribly wrong, no one can accuse John McGiven of not preparing a truly stupendous last meal." with a wink
After everyone has their fill, the group assembles in a daisy chain around the statue that John shows them. Everyone links hands and a Isra puts her hand on the statue and says, reditum. As if you were inside a top the room starts to spin...
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Friday June 12th, 2015 10:39:39 PM
Wait, please. Murphy is not joining in without a bit more discussion... will post in about 2 hours - have to take care of my mother first.
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Friday June 12th, 2015 11:28:43 PM
Also, before having a good night's sleep, Murphy points out that he can change into a large animal, not just medium-sized. "I shall change into a very large eagle. From whatever rope or clothing or what have you we may assemble, once I have changed, please fashion a suitable harness which will allow me to fly, and allow you to be fastened to or hanging steadfastly onto me. Perhaps not all of you need be reduced in size for this to work."
He first explains to John and to his friends his intentions, clears a fair-sized space of tables and chairs, then, in the matter of a few seconds, takes a few items out of his backpack - including a needle and thread and his last bit of silken rope, transforms into a giant eagle (size: large). Knowing this is not a huge space, Eagle-Murphy gently moves his wings, goes for a very short hop with wings unfurled - perhaps six feet ahead, and, trying to avoid actually gaining lift, softly and slowly flaps his wings, getting a feel for this new form. He tucks his wings in, turns around to face the other way, and repeats the motions. He has flown before, but is now significantly larger than the owl body he has grown somewhat accustomed to.
Hmmm... he had not noticed the dust in that far corner before. Nor the thing tiny hair on the outside of Hazel's right nostril. He spends enough time in this form for his friends to fashion a harness if they will, and to try it out, albeit within this confined space.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d100=92 ; d20+11=26 ; Saturday June 13th, 2015 12:11:38 AM That night...
Alleah spontaneously casts her remaining cure spells to treat Hazel's wounds (Hazel is cured for 11 + 9 = 20pts).
She follows this up with a fresh casting of Gentle Repose on both Rais and Bazeck. As she strokes Rais' hair, Alleah gets a strong feeling that she may be able to do just that little bit more for the boy.
"Isra, love, come sit beside me for a moment" she beckons the girl to sit on a cushion next to where Rais lays. "I know I can't bring Rais back to you, but I think we may still be able to do something for him" Alleah reaches for a nearby leyline - particularly strong here it would seem - and casts Speak with Dead. (Leyline check: 92=Freebie! Cast Speak with Dead. Allowed to ask 2 questions. 1: Is there anything Rais wishes Alleah to tell his family? 2: Is he in any pain?)
After that, she will hug and hold Isra until the girl falls asleep.
Alleah, however, will remain wide awake. She hasn't forgotten about finding Sardok up a tree the previous morning. Now, she trusts him and knows he wouldn't be spying on the group or relaying information about them intentionally. But what if he has been enchanted? She can't rule anything out in Koshe Marr. She might pretend to sleep, but will keep an eye on Sardok throughout the night (Not sleeping means Alleah will be fatigued the next day)
Perception: 26
------------------------- The next morning...
Alleah feels quite tired, so immediately uses one of her Calming Touches for the day (Removes the fatigued condition).
This McGiven fellow sure is a gracious host! Alleah eats until her stomach starts to get a little sore. "If you don't mind, Mr McGiven, might I take some of that delicious chocolate with me for the road?"
"They say good luck comes to those who take care of a follower of Wardd. May good luck come to you sir" Alleah says, shaking John's hand (Use Touch of Luck ability. John can reroll any check he makes in the next round). It's a small gesture, but its the least Alleah can do for such a nice man.
Finally, Alleah casts Endure Elements on everyone. There's no telling what the weather will be like in Izen today.
Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 20/55 AC: 21/14/18 (4 negative levels) - Faoil: 23/23 AC 21/14/18 Saturday June 13th, 2015 12:46:27 AM "Certainly Izen is a monster territory, and weeks away from home. I trust in Murphy. If he thinks we can do it, I trust in him. But I remember the tower. I don't think is a good idea..." he thanks Alleah, but ask her to heal Faoil instead. "More than wounds what pains me are that curse the ghosts did to me... "
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) d100=49 ; Saturday June 13th, 2015 12:56:17 AM
Bliss looks downcast when he sees the group does not agree. He mumbles, "Well, it's hard to know what a hero would do."
He looks around and sees his shadow hiding him. "Wowsy! That's pretty nifty!" he says. He forgets about where the group is going in the morning and plays around with his shadow, fading into and out of view all evening. Pretty late, too. Eventually, a slightly drunk Mookie (who has been enjoying the tavern's amenities in different ways) tells him it's bed time.
That night, he rests up and in the morning he meditates and says his daily verse to Lord Gargul:
"Now I rise from my sweet bed. Thank you, Lord, that I'm not dead. Now please let me say my prayer And grant the spells I must prepare."
At breakfast, Bliss lets his reduce wear off and instead casts Enlarge Person on himself. The size of a human, he wolfs down a ton of the delicious food. "I can eat more this way!" he declares as he helps himself to more eggy bread.
Mookie groans. "Before I met you, Kid," he says, nibbling on some eggs, "I never thought I'da seen the like."
The raven cocks his head and stares at the inkeeper.
"That reminds me," he says to John, "You got any merch for sale? You know, tchotchkes, like? You know, souvenirs, mugs, T-shirts, shot glasses, stuff like that? Picture post-cards of that spooky castle? A hoodie that says 'I went to Koshe-Marr and all I got was this hoodie"? Maybe a Huntsman bobble-head? The Boss, she had a mug from this joint. Maybe the Kid would like some momento too. Maybe a momento mori, the place being what it is and all."
If the innkeeper has anything he will sell to the bird, Mookie tells Bliss to pay the man and pack it away in his pack.
Then it is time to say good-by. Before the group uses the portkey, Bliss refreshes his Reduce Person and casts a Cat's Grace. Ley check 49.
"Bye-bye!" Bliss calls to Innkeeper John. "Thanks for your hospitality!" He holds on tight so he does not get lost between planes. One time lost between planes is plenty for anybody, he thinks. No need to go for number two.
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Saturday June 13th, 2015 8:22:47 AM
Then he laughs to himself. "Go Number Two!"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 Saturday June 13th, 2015 12:59:38 PM OOC: For those curious, here's our unsold loot list so far:
15000 gp ... 6 x Tears : Flaming, Frost, Shock, Thundering, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane 05500 gp ... 1 x Boots of Striding & Springing 02310 gp ... 1 x +1 Ranseur 01350 gp ... 1 x +1 Breastplate
Total: 24,160gp - 50% resale value = 12,080gp / 6 = 2,013gp each :)
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 13--HP 34/34 Saturday June 13th, 2015 6:19:01 PM
Shel is convinced that the group must escort the little goblin home. [b]"Wecan't just have her show up at her parents and tell them that her brother died. I don't know anything about goblins, but they might not believe her. We need to be sure she's okay before we head back to the Valley. If we hurry, I'm sure we will be back before those nasty biggun's even realize something happened with the tower.
She also tries to take a piece of pie for the road. She doubts very seriously that the goblins will have any delicious pie to offer the group. They might have to fight their way out of there, if the situation got bad.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Sunday June 14th, 2015 2:09:35 PM OOC: Shel is now updated to 6th level. When we get around to handing out gold, remember Alleah that Shel still owes you 72 gold for the WLA membership dues.
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday June 15th, 2015 12:43:24 AM Murphy demures, and tries to explain why "Some do not want to return to Humble's Ford, using the resources we have at hand, because they fear we will not make it. Yet we can make it, and should do so. It astonishes me the levels of fear some of you feel for returning to that place. Are we cowards? I hope not. I trust not. I have seen each of you be brave in a variety of moments of impending peril.
"And, I realize that last night, for a bit, I thought it may be all right for us to go elsewhere. But, having given it greater thought, I believe that what Bliss said earlier is correct.
"Many of our loved ones are there. Will they not think we have died in the tumbling down of the tower? With the Second Breakfast Club gone from there, and with Humble's Sword gone from there - and with some measure of evil afoot within the Valley that we have been seeing - is it right for us to avoid returning with due speed, instead going very far afield from our place of responsibility?
"One thing I just said - Yes, Veseley, I realize you intend to return with your companions to our home. If you are confident you have the means to get Tiana Taithen in her addled state to safety (along with bearing the mortal remains of Bazeck Breezelee) during the falling of the tower without our aid, please tell us plainly. If that would be too much of a challenge without our working together to escape the tower, please tell us plainly. I would not abandon you in your need, as Humble's Ford has so great a need of you at this time.
"The tower has fallen. The giants will hear of this. Rather than trusting in them taking a long time to take advantage of the sitution, and taking our sweet time to return to the Ford, should we not rather BE THERE and take the time to build up counter defenses, as well as to set up a warning system which will get word to us quickly should giants begin to move against us?
"I value greatly your compassion for Isra. She is far from home. Yet, she has the means to return herself, and we to return to our homes.
"Do we forsake our duty to Crescent Valley? Do we take many weeks, many months, to wend our way back home?
"Isra, it has been an honor to meet you, and I join in grieving for your sweet and innocent brother. Do you think you could get on well among your own people should you return by yourself?" He awaits her response.
"But, friends, long story short - I do not wish to abandon you - but I will not abandon Humble's Ford in what surely is another coming hour of great need. If you will fly to Izen, then my prayers will accompany you. I will be in and around Humble's Ford, and see if we can raise some defense to patch the hole in the defense the remaining towers give us."
If the group gathers to travel to Izen, then he will hold a brief, heartfelt leavetaking, but will not join in the circle to go there.
He will discuss with Veseley their return to Humble's Ford, work on the harness. "You can place both companions on my back, use the harness to affix them safely. Just before doing so, there are some spells of endurance and strength and dexterity which may increase our odds of surviving the journey and dealing with the crumbling surroundings. You also can attach yourself to the harness, then shall we prepare for chaos and, heaven supporting, escape from undue harm."
He will work out other details with the wizard, and consult with Innkeep John. Murphy will carefully select his spells, and may discuss spending one more night at the inn. "Is there a place here in the Inn where I my better spread my wings, that I may practice?" he asks John. He wants to take great care to do things correctly, to have a well-designed harness, to practice putting people on and taking them off.
As a large bird, he can bear the three small-sized halflings (and a few more beyond that, if need be) without them needing to be reduced.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 Monday June 15th, 2015 2:08:19 AM "The group is strongest as a whole. But it seems you are making the decision not to go with a consensus. If you wish to get a message to your loved ones back in Humble's Ford, then a simple 'Animal Messenger' spell will do the trick once we are in Izen."
Alleah shakes her head in disappointment "If you can look your mother in the eye and tell her that you abandoned a lost girl, then that is your decision. But I have made a commitment. I will be seeing Isra home safely" She looks to Bliss "It is what a hero would do"
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday June 15th, 2015 2:16:25 AM
[OOC: Friends - I don't like to split the party, yet have been carefully considering Murphy and his ways of thinking, and the current circumstances. No doubt the party will have an exciting and rollicking (and challenging and enriching) time should they go to Izen. What I will do if the party does so is to work hard to recruit additional players for the game, then look forward to reuniting with you all when you get back to Humble's Ford - or perhaps at some point when the party is drawing nearer. Offline, then, Murphy would be working with local citizenry, constabularies, etc., to set up suitable preparations against the giants which, presumably, Humble's Sword can take advantage of upon their return. Whichever way the party decides I hope and trust there will be no animus - I love you guys, all, as does Murphy love the characters you play. Meanwhile, one more thing... /OOC]
Murphy takes aside the one member of the Second Dinner Club who still has his wits about him, though the spectres took a toll that yet remains. Quietly, he inquires, "Veseley, might you know of any means for us to remain in contact with each other over vast distances, should my friends go one way, and I go another? In due course we shall need their aid in the Valley, I've no doubt. I do not wish to separate from them, but also cannot abandon Humble's Ford under the circumstances. How would you counsel me?"
Along with that, he spends some time in prayer and meditation, seeking from Eberyon his direction in this enormous matter.
He will listen to whatever his friends have to say, as well. It is unlikely he will be dissuaded from returning to Humble's Ford, but they can give it a try.
[One more OOC: I don't want to be stubborn or disruptive, but I just cannot see any in-game reason, so far, that Murphy would choose the Izen option. I personally appreciate others' reasons and perspectives. They just do not yet sail for him under the circumstances as he understands them.
Murphy - HP 43/43 AC 16/14/14 (Kim) Monday June 15th, 2015 2:29:19 AM
Murphy considers Alleah's suggestion, "I could send out an animal messenger, yes, but if a bird, for example, needed to travel a thousand miles - would it reach the intended place within six days? I am not certain that would do it. A few score miles, even a hundred or two, quite possibly that would work."
Then as she tells him her decision, he responds, "As our host has explained that she would be returning to her home, I do not equate that with abandonment, Alleah - but if you choose to go, I will not try to dissuade you at all. I admire your compassion. And I can easily look my mother in the eye on this matter - just as I believe you would be able to do so with your own mother with your decision. My mother would likely think both you and I are doing right. Sometimes friends must part ways for a time. I pray, should this be such an occasion, that our mays may rejoin further down the path."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 Monday June 15th, 2015 6:16:08 AM "Perhaps you misheard, Murphy. You'd be returned back to the same instant that we departed. And if I recall correctly, the tower was crumbling. If you want a reason to chose Izen, it's this: you'll survive the trip"
---------------- OOC: Per DM post Sunday March 15th, 2015 6:21:58 PM: "The tower COLLAPSES!!!"
Bliss (AC20, HP35) & Mookie (AC19, HP17) (Cayzle) Monday June 15th, 2015 6:44:21 AM
Bliss looks from one friend to another. He feels bad because maybe his speech made Murphy decide to try the other way.
"Please Mister Murphy," says Bliss, "please come with us. Because we need you."
=====
[OOC: Kim, you said, "I don't want to be stubborn or disruptive, but I just cannot see any in-game reason, so far, that Murphy would choose the Izen option." How about, because he would not leave his friends? And, because although he thinks there might be a better course of action, Murphy realizes that sometimes being part of a group means compromising?]
Sardok HP 41/44 AC 21/16/16--Atlas2112 d20+12=22 ; Monday June 15th, 2015 8:11:20 AM
Sardok vigorously nods at Alleah's statements, and then begins a fresh assault upon a platter of eggy toast. He doesn't know when he'll be able to eat this good again, so he wants to pack in as much as he can.
Although, just to stay in practice, every few minutes he secures a biscuit in his sack. Force of habit. [Sleight of Hand = 22]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday June 15th, 2015 11:40:45 AM "Alleah and Bliss both make sense. If you go back, you might just get smooshed by the tower. Mehta good would that do the town? Getting back there slowly isn't perfect, but it's the only way to assure we are in any shape to help them once we do get there. And this little girl needs to be taken home. Her parents need Tao know the truth of what happened. The rest of us are going, so it's up to you."
Mookie listens and nods when Shel says, "you might just get smooshed by the tower."
The raven cocks his head and stares at Murphy. "Look, beastie-boy, the Shelster has a point, and the Kid would be sad to see you go on a suicide mission. What if you get 'smooshed,' as Shel so colorfully puts it? Well, it's not like we can't find out. You kiddies ever hear of a little spell called 'Augury'?"
"OOH! Me! Me! I can cast that one!" shouts Bliss happily, looking up from his shadow-boxing, or whatever he's doing in the dim corner. "Um, what's the question?"
Murphy - "Well enough, then. You are right. Let's go" (Kim) Monday June 15th, 2015 1:16:43 PM
While listening to his friends, the often self-willed Murphy's sometimes excessive optimism and bravery receive some tempering as he considers the import of their words. He felt certain that they could, somehow or other, survive the collapse of the tower if they planned carefully, chose spells wisely, and acted in concert. How can he, by himself, or he and Veseley, for the moment somewhat hindered as he is, survive the return there without a high risk of death, not to mention the helpless Tiana. And, how would that help the Valley? Murphy pauses as he considers the outside chance that he might be in the wrong this time.
He looks at Hazel. "No. No, friend, you do not need to join the chorus to try to convince me." Murphy looks to the others. "I think I was wrong. Sometimes we need to heed the abundance of counselors, and, in this matter we face, I must bow to your better wisdom."
Turn to the innkeeper, he asks, "And how can we repay your hospitality, John McGiven, and that of the Harrowed Moon Inn? You helped to save our lives."
Following any arrangements that need to be made on that account, taking leave of Veseley and his charges, and so long as the rest are ready for the trip, Murphy, with joy in the company he shares, and gratitude for his friends pulling him back from a time of division, joins in the circle to travel to Izen - or wherever this statue manages to throw them.
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