Spiral Stairs to Loud Noises (DM) Wednesday October 27th, 1999 4:13:59 PM
Milo, examining the trap door, sees a crack in which to work his blade. He jimmies the latch loose and gets the door open easily. Immediately, the background hum becomes a cacophony of metallic noises. Milo, in getting the door open, gains a glimpse of what is beyond - a dark attic filled with all types of gears, beams, and bars -- all in motion. There appears to be a narrow catwalk threading its way thru the maze of machinery, but you'd have to move extremely slowly to avoid getting caught in the moving parts.
Milo Wednesday October 27th, 1999 6:25:59 PM
Talking over the noise, "Okay folks, its going to be tricky, but maybe there is a switch in there to turn this mechanized horror off.. follow if you want, I could use the back up." With that said, Milo moves up onto the narrow catwalk. He goes ever so slowly, taking every precaution. As he moves along, he pauses every few moments to check for traps and such.
Shadrach Wednesday October 27th, 1999 7:22:59 PM
Shad's eyes got big. "Maybe we can BREAK it!"
Figment d20=9 Wednesday October 27th, 1999 7:33:59 PM
finally feeling in his element again the mage moves quickly up the stairs and looks at the machinery. "This is amazing... It takes a great deal of engineering to do something like this." He moves through the catwalk with care trying to look for key gears which could disable the contraption (made engineering proficiency check).
Olana Wednesday October 27th, 1999 8:19:59 PM
Olana follows the others as they move through the machinery, looking for the organic element in this entire monstrous mess. After all - someone had to build this thing, and maybe they were around to protect it, too. "Careful, now...." she whispers to her companions.
Ingrge Thursday October 28th, 1999 6:43:59 AM
Ingrge irritated at the bruising his shoulder took when all it took was a slim blade and some know how, scowls at K'nara for a moment and then enters behind Milo. When he sees all the gears he is reminded of the water wheel that got gummed up by a large stick and grinning to himself digs into one of his outside pockets and pulls out another of his iron spikes and casually tosses it into the track of one of the sets of gears and teeth.
Gears in Motion (DM) d20=17 d20=13 d20=16 d20=15 d20=11 d20=10 d20=17 d6=5 Thursday October 28th, 1999 1:35:59 PM
Figment and Ingrge both notice that whoever put this place together did a very good job - the gears seem to serve redundant purposes, and when one set is stopped (by Ingrge's spike), it appears to disengage from the rest of the system. Olana, on the lookup, gets a glimpse of a shadowing figure through the forest of machinery, and then a arrow comes flying down the catwalk, striking Milo for 3 points of damage, and requiring a save vs. poison. Whoever shot it ducks back into the flying mass of gears before you can respond. Whoever is back there knows this place well -- if you were to step into the machinery, you'd surely be ground into sausage.
Shadrach Thursday October 28th, 1999 5:06:59 PM
Shadrach stiffens and pulls a piece of iron from his pouch. If he has any idea where the figure was, he casts Hold Person (1d4 persons in 20-foot cube)
Olana Thursday October 28th, 1999 6:58:59 PM
Frowning, the elf pulls her own bow, and nocks an arrow, with another at the ready. "Come out, come out," she whispers softly, her eyes watching for any slight movement that will indicate the position of their attacker. She will continue slowly through the machinery, but directly away from Shad's casting area.
Figment Thursday October 28th, 1999 7:19:59 PM
looks around for a control center. He moves quickly down the catwalk trying to give as small a profile as possible for the would be sniper. He looks for key gears to disable or for gears that could be quickly pulled off their spindles.
Milo d20=8 Thursday October 28th, 1999 8:05:59 PM
Milo shrieks as the arrow thumps into him... between this wound and the wounds he received earlier, he looks very bad. Dropping down on one knee, he winces, and speaks in a very shaky voice, "Guys, I don't feel so good."
K'nara Friday October 29th, 1999 12:26:59 AM
K'nara sheathed her sword, kneeling by Milo. "Damn!" she swore. "Shadrach...can you heal Milo? Or does anyone have a potion he can use..?"
Shadrach Friday October 29th, 1999 5:55:59 AM
"Got both," Shad said tightly. He was still looking for the archer. "Milo, drop back with me, ok?"
Ingrge Friday October 29th, 1999 6:34:59 AM
Ingrge seeing the shadowy figure grips his staff a bit more firmly and keeps an eye out in the direction it disappeared as he takes point, prepared to try and deflect any arrows coming his way.
Flueterflam d20=11 Sunday October 31st, 1999 1:07:59 AM
Fluet, having been mumbling before to himself, seems to be a bit better. He still looks as though something is troubling him, but he's not so....erratic. Taking the upper hand that no one has noticed him for awhile, he quietly disappears. Looking for whoever shot Milo. Although he has some trouble doing it, trying to fight off the urges he has to talk about dead people.
Wheels in Motion (DM) Sunday October 31st, 1999 2:58:59 AM
Apparently, Shad’s spell had some sort of effect, as there is a momentary bone-crunching sound as the gears ensnare something in the rumble of machinery. Almost simultaneously, Milo collapses, and it is only the quick thinking of his comrades that keeps him from sharing the same fate of the enemy -- He is pulled onto the cat-walk before a swinging shaft manages to brain him, but appears to not be breathing, and his body remains in a rigid posture. Figment fails to spot any controlling or major piece of equipment in the bewildering jungle of moving parts, and the harsh sounds are starting to wear on everyone’s nerves. Those on lookout fail to spot any other individuals who may or may not be hiding elsewhere in the attack. A final note: Although everyone is on the relative safety of the walk, you must constantly be moving, even while standing in one place, to avoid the sporadic crossing of various parts. This is not particularly difficult to do (no rolls necessary), but running down the catwalk would be out of the question (Dexterity check -4 for moving over half your movement rate; and Dex -6 for moving at full movement rate; running (double rate) not possible).
K'nara Sunday October 31st, 1999 7:44:59 AM
Immediately seeing the danger Milo is now in, K'nara picks the halfling up. "Shadrach, make sure Fluet moves along--we can't afford to stand around here. C'mon, everyone...let's keep it moving!" The human bladesinger bears her paralyzed colleague as she moves at a steady pace down the catwalk, muttering about one more thing that Madam Colsum owes her and the party.
Shadrach Sunday October 31st, 1999 5:37:59 PM
"Uh, he was here a minute ago," Shad noticed suddenly that Fluet was gone. "Fluet?" Moving cautiously, "Did anyone see who that was? Hey, K'Nara, try to find someplace to set Milo down. I want to take care of his wounds."
Figment Sunday October 31st, 1999 7:24:59 PM
continues to move down the catwalk to see where it leads. Upon hearing the crunch of bones he calls back "Well done, Shad. Looks like at least one threat has been turned away...". The very thought of being able to eliminate such a mechanical threat moves him forward carefully. He methodically evaluates as he moves trying to guess his proximity in the house below as he goes. He follows the catwalk to the end - wherever that is.
Ingrge Monday November 1st, 1999 2:13:59 AM
Ingrge moves forward at point staff at the ready.
Flueterflam Monday November 1st, 1999 5:49:59 AM
Fluet continues moving in and out of shadows and gears. By this time, he's noticed that he is not so near his companions anymore. The thought of being alone....with all the dead people....he suddenly begins to walk more frantically. He stumbles over things, with no thought of his own safety. He's not looking for anything, except dead people.
Olana Monday November 1st, 1999 7:26:59 AM
On seeing that Milo seems to be taken care of as far as possible, and after Shad's exclamation that Fluet was missing, Olana attempts to find the whereabouts of the bard, bow still drawn, moving carefully through the machinery. "Fluet," she calls softly. "Fluet......"
I'm, too sexy for this catwalk, too sexy for this...(DM) d20=14 d20=4 d20=3 Monday November 1st, 1999 2:06:59 PM
Figment heads one way down the catwalk, and Fluet the other. It has been a full minute since Milo last drew breath, and he's starting to turn blue. No pulse is detected. And he's still rigid. By the end of the round, Figment has come to appreciate the perfection of how this machinery has been laid out. Looking around, he discovers holes in the floor, allowing a view of the rooms below. He has located the banquet hall, with its minions seated at the table, in the act of eating a meal. Fluet, in his mad dash, still maintains enough control to stay on the catwalk, but takes 2 points of damage as he smacks into machinery before slamming into a small door that would usually have been difficult to notice.
Milo d20=15 Monday November 1st, 1999 5:26:59 PM
OOC(Spending my lonely little hero point for a second chance... whew) Milo's face twitches, and his brow furrows as if in extreme concentration. A gasp of air fills the halfling's lungs, and a low growl can be heard emanating from his diminutive chest. The pallor of his skin slowly begins to revert to normal. He speaks in a ragged growl, almost as if he is fighting back the toxin by will alone, "...there is a potion in my pack... I need the potion..."
Figment Monday November 1st, 1999 5:49:59 PM
marvels as he witnesses the artistic yet gruesome project before him. Determined as ever to find a way to kill this thing he continues down the catwalk. In a moment of inspiration the wily mage calls to Ingrge "The tower. Look for an entrance to the tower - the mechanism powering the clock may also be powering this thing. That would be the place to sabotage it. Then we can continue our search of this place without worrying about things dropping from the ceiling.".
Shadrach Monday November 1st, 1999 6:29:59 PM
Shad caught up to K'Nara and stared at Milo. Something was wrong. The Hold Person spell didn't stop breathing, and Milo didn't look that wounded. "Hold him up," Shad directed, and began rummaging hurriedly into the halfling's backpack. If he found a potion, he fed it to Milo, working his throat if he couldn't swallow. "Anybody know purgatives?"
K'nara Monday November 1st, 1999 10:16:59 PM
K'nara supported the halfling as Shadrach searched for and found a potion. "Ingrge--any sign of our attacker? I do hope that was him, her or it that got crunched up before! Serve 'em right!" Her hazel eyes darted around the perimeter, doing a head count which came up one short. "Hey...where's Fluet..? FLUET?!? Gods dammit!" the female fighter swore, scowling. "Olana...I think he's over there--can you go get him--CAREFULLY, of course? He's obviously still spooked from before."
Ingrge d20=18 Tuesday November 2nd, 1999 5:25:59 AM
On point and advancing steadily, Ingrge keeps an eye open for the mysterious opponent and any obvious or not so obvious methods of egress.
Olana Tuesday November 2nd, 1999 7:56:59 PM
The elf nods toward K'Nara and continues her search, moving smoothly through the machinery. Fluet had to be around somewhere, surely. Her bow is still drawn.
Flueterflam Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 4:23:59 AM
Fluet rubs himself where he bumped into the door. Then to himself, "Ooohh....dead people." He proceeds to open the door, and very not carefully walk through.
Clothes and Poison (DM) d20=15 d2=2 3d8(2+4+7)+3=16 d20=3 Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 4:49:59 AM
Olana catches a glimpse of Fluet’s backside disappearing into a doorway, beyond which is a room seemingly filled with clothes. From Fluet’s perspective, the volume of clothing is even more overwhelming. Fortunately, there are no dead bodies in sight -- this is some type of wardroom, filled with various vintage costumes to overflowing capacity. A dim light filters in from somewhere above, providing scant views. Flueterflam is quickly lost in the swish of cloth as he plows ahead to a ladder leading upward. Way overhead, he sees the ponderous swaying of a long brass pendulum. Something sharp bites into his arm for 2 hps of damage, and he must save vs. poison. Meanwhile, Shad’s administration of the potion seems to make Milo a bit perkier (he gains 16 hps), and then the after-effects of the poison kick in, rendering Milo weak as he suffers 20 hps of damage (leaving him with a total of 1 hp) (FYI: The potion allows a temporary increase above maximum hit points, but the lingering effects of the poison brought it back down). Milo is able to milk out the remaining silvery sheen of poison, which he recognizes as being silver-mercurium -- something that easily runs 1,000 gp per ounce on the black market. He suffers no further damage.
Figment Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 5:07:59 PM
amazed at the length of the catwalk, the mage wonders if the house goes on forever... He continues until it ends.
Shadrach d8=5 Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 8:47:59 PM
Shad cursed as Milo's skin tone pinked and then turned blue again. He went fishing in the bag on his belt, pulling out an old potion, and fed it to the halfling.(5hp from potion of healing)
Ingrge Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 11:12:59 PM
still advancing and looking
Milo Wednesday November 3rd, 1999 11:57:59 PM
Milo looks up and smiles gratefully, if not weakly at Shadrach and K'nara, "Hey thanks guys... Shad, lemme see my empty potion bottle." Taking the potion bottle, Milo attempts to harvest any of the silvery toxin that he can, as he milks it from the fading wound. He mutters under his breath, "Two can play that game."
Flueterflam d20=8 Thursday November 4th, 1999 1:46:59 AM
Not succeeding in warding off the poison, Fluet feels the tingling begin to move through his body. Although it seems somewhat strange to whomever may hear him, "Yes, this....feeling....I know..closer to the........dead...p...p...eople...." He continues to walk. He doesn't know where he's going. The poison and 'condition' he's in carry him on to his goal, as well as in and out of reality. He starts to stumble, and suddenly doesn't have a clue what's going on.
Olana Thursday November 4th, 1999 1:53:59 AM
Seeing Fluet disappear through a door, Olana waves and yells to the others. "He's here. He's found a door!" As soon as she catches her companions' attention, she will move through the doorway and into what looks like a large closet full of clothes. Her stomach still feels somewhat jittery, expecting to find horrors at every turn, and Fluet's distant whisperings of "dead people" aren't helping at all. She moves - bow first, ready to shoot anything that doesn't look like Fluet, her eyes scanning here, there and everywhere.
Levers and Clothes (DM) d20=3 Thursday November 4th, 1999 7:49:59 AM
Figment successfully navigates to the far end of the house, and discovers a series of what look to be control levers on a panel, although they don’t seem to be labeled…due to the noise of the machinery, he does not hear Olana’s shout. However, everyone else does hear. Fluet collapses amongst the racks of clothing, and disappears from view. Olana, standing in the room, spins about, keeping her armed bow ready for action, but the mass-swaying of clothes prevents her from pinpointing the source of the disturbance. Meanwhile, Milo, fully coming around, realizes just how deadly this poison is, and that to try containing it would expose him to further poisoning. Belatedly, he packs away the bottle.
Figment d20=3 Thursday November 4th, 1999 6:50:59 PM
begins to examine the system of levers. He looks behind and around the panel to try and determine what each lever does (made intelligence check plus has engineering NWP). Before attempting a shutdown the mage carefully looks at the levers and surrounding walls and gears for any potential traps. Once satisfied he then begins pulling levers to attempt and shut down the machinery.
Ingrge Friday November 5th, 1999 1:49:59 AM
Ingrge turns at Olana's call and hears Fluet fall. As he heads back to them to aid the he keeps his eyes open for any other movement that is occurring that does not belong to the party.
Olana Friday November 5th, 1999 8:10:59 PM
Seeing Ingrge approaching, she smiles with relief and says "Careful Ingrge - Fluet's in here somewhere, he's amongst all these clothes on the floor, but I suspect our enemy is very near too - armed with poison going off Milo's reaction. Unless you've a better suggestion - do you want to find him while I stay close and keep guard with my bow? I have some healing potions in my pouch if we need it."
Milo Friday November 5th, 1999 11:08:59 PM
Looking over at Ingrge, "Olana has judged correctly... they are indeed using a most deadly toxin." Milo heads towards Flueterflam in order to get a look at the levers he has found.
Shadrach Saturday November 6th, 1999 6:21:59 AM
Shad furrowed his dark eyebrows and looked Milo carefully over for further signs of weakness. He gave him a smile and patted him on the back. "Speak up if you need any more help, ok?" Nodding to K'Nara, he said, "I'll go see about Fluet," and he moved to where Olana had shouted.
Flueterflam d20=14 Saturday November 6th, 1999 11:04:59 PM
[re-rolled save using hero point] Fluet, with his last remaining ounce of strength, attempts one last time at warding off the poison. Although he succeeds, he is temporarily too tired to do anything else (for the rest of the round). He just sits for a moment, trying to regain his energy and breath.
Re-Introducing: Madam Colsum (DM) d20=17 d20=3 d20=11 d20=13 Sunday November 7th, 1999 12:56:59 AM
Fluet struggles mightily with the poison, and manages to resist out-right death. However, the dregs of the poison are more than a match for him, and he quickly drops into unconsciousness (currently at a -8 hps). At almost the same moment, Ingrge and Olana spy Fluet’s legs sticking out from under one rack of the clothing -- some sort of women’s wear, perhaps? Shad & Milo enter the room, and both manage to glimpse the huge girth of Madam Colsum, decked out in a black lace dress and wearing some wicked 5" heels, bearing down on Olana from behind with a stiletto blade. Somehow, the blade becomes entangled in Olana’s bowstring, yanking it from Madam’s grasp. The blade goes flying, lost somewhere in the sea of clothes. At this opportune moment, Figment has managed to (easily) determine the master lever, and promptly shuts down the whole works, leaving a vacuum of silence -- quickly pierced by Madam Colsum’s despairing wail. Figment will not be able to reach the room for two rounds. K’nara will need one round before she is able to enter. The other four conscious heroes will be able to act immediately.
Ingrge 3d8(4+4+4)+3=15 Sunday November 7th, 1999 1:59:59 AM
Almost simultaneously hearing the unhappy wail and the sad twang of a cut bowstring, followed by a sudden silence, Ingrge chancing that his compatriots can take care of things for a moment quickly gets to Fluet rummages thru his backpack to find one of his remaining extra -healing potions. Not really knowing whether he is alive or dead Ingrge tries coaxing the potion down Fluet's throat. (returning 15 hps)
K'nara Sunday November 7th, 1999 7:45:59 AM
To the warrior woman's perspective, the room goes silent and then she hears a scream from the direction that Fluet and Olana went into. "FIGMENT! TROUBLE!" she bellowed to the mage at the opposite end of the works, then paused a moment to decide whether to leave Milo there or not. Then K'nara leaped to her feet, drawing her sword and running for the door that Fluet, Olana and Ingrge disappeared through...
Milo d20=5 d20=5 d20=7 Sunday November 7th, 1999 5:02:59 PM
Getting the full view of Madam Colsom in drag, "MY WORD!" Milo steps out of the doorway, anticipating K'nara's charge, and launches three darts into the air at Madam.
Figment d20=2 d20=14 Sunday November 7th, 1999 5:47:59 PM
smiles as the machinery shuts down - that is until the wail of that Banshee Colsum and K'Nara's warning. Without a second to spare the agile mage hurls himself down the catwalk at top speed (made 2 Dex checks for 2 rounds). He looks to see if he can actually see Colsum through the door at the far end. That is, if he can see the door.
Shadrach d20+3=18 Sunday November 7th, 1999 6:10:59 PM
"OLANA! BEHIND YOU!" Shad screamed as he came upon the scene too late. His face twisted in rage as he beheld the author of the horror in this house. "Witch!" He launched himself at Madame Colsum, dropping his trident to get hold of her. Who knew what secret doors and traps she could use in here? The priest showed unexpected agility as he somersaulted onto his hands, tackling her mid-section.(Hit AC2, unarmed attack, grappling rather than doing damage.)
Olana d20=19 d8+1=5 Monday November 8th, 1999 12:23:59 AM
Feeling, rather than seeing something disturb her bow, Olana wheels around, pulling her sword - only to see a yelling Shad come flying in and tackling what looked remarkably like Madame Colsum. Then the machinery seemed to stop, but her blade was already moving toward the one who attacked her.(Hit AC1, 5 dam)
Fall of Colsum (DM) d20=7 d20=3 d20=3 d20=18 Monday November 8th, 1999 2:59:59 AM
In a fantastic feat of skill, the mage traverses the attic in one round, entering the clothing room immediately behind K’nara. Milo’s darts go wide, barely missing Shad’s tumbling form, who connects with Madam in a solid ‘thud’ -- sending both crashing to the floor. As she falls, Madam manages to claw at Shad with her fingernails, doing 1 point of damage and getting dangerously close to his left eye. A stoppered silver vial spins from Madam’s hands as she hits the ground with a grunt. Great cakes of makeup have smeared from her face, revealing a late middle-aged woman underneath. Almost as soon as the pair hit the floor, Olana’s attack lands true, and Madam Colsum’s labored breathing ends in a final ‘whoosh’, not unlike that make by bellows in a smithy. Meanwhile, Ingrge successfully administers the potion, bringing Fluet up to 6 hps. However, it will take a minute for Fluet to regain his bearings -- it is only the potency of the magic that allows him to recover from what would take most others a fortnight to rise from.
Flueterflam d20=17 Monday November 8th, 1999 4:30:59 AM
[Fluet finally manages to break free from obsession] It seems that being faced with the brink of death himself, he was able to overcome his insatiable fear of death. On top of that, recovering from the poison. Fluet will need some help for awhile, being very weak and tired. In fact, he begins to start dosing off immedi.......
Ingrge Monday November 8th, 1999 4:42:59 AM
Hey guys, you all want to watch it up there? We really don't want to get flattened down here by you all after avoiding all these puppets and there mistress. Ingrge will assist Fluet to his feet or carry him out which ever seems the most expedient.
K'nara Monday November 8th, 1999 8:15:59 AM
K'nara thudded heavily up to the scene, disappointed to see that Colsum was effectively unable to answer any questions about what the heck was going on. Then the glint of the silver-filled vial caught her eye and she sheathed her sword, bending over to pick it up. "Oh, ho...what's THIS?"
Shadrach Monday November 8th, 1999 4:23:59 PM
Shad stared at Madame's slack face, looking up at nothing. She wouldn't be telling anybody anything now. "Damn it." He shuddered and got away from the corpse, going to look at Fluet.
Milo Monday November 8th, 1999 5:30:59 PM
Moving quickly through the room, Milo attempts to retrieve his pitched darts. He gets a quick glimpse at Fluet as he moves along, and recognizing the sign of poisoning queries, "Fluet, who shot you... should we be looking out for somebody else up here?"
Figment Monday November 8th, 1999 6:17:59 PM
Seeing everything in hand the relieved mage exclaims "So! it looks like Colsum and Heuse were in this together. I would bet Heuse was the one who lubricated the cogs with his body. You may recall that we saw nobody else when we came up to the estate - at least not another living soul..." - the mage shivers visibly with the chills that come over him - "I would suggest we contact the authorities and let them handle the cleanup of this atrocity. Perhaps we could also look around a bit more and see if we can find more compensation for our trouble as well. I'm sure the late Madame is not bereft of riches and I think her estate owes us for our trouble. No need to let the authorities have it all.". If no further danger appears, the mage climbs the ladder - wanting to see the workmanship of the clock - from the inside. As he begins to climb he offers "I would also suggest we leave the poison. I would not want to sell it and cause another death, nor would I want to be caught with it. Just putting it down would be best, I think."
Olana Monday November 8th, 1999 10:17:59 PM
Still rather startled at what happened, Olana stares for a moment at Shad and the Madame, before saying to everyone "She dropped something ..... I saw it. Careful what you step on." She then hurriedly re-strings her bow, still looking around. "I'm not convinced that was Madame Colsum we saw earlier - seemed far too agile to me, so there still might be someone else."
Moody Blues (DM) d20=18 d20=15 d20=8 Tuesday November 9th, 1999 12:14:59 AM
K’nara retrieves the small silver vial, and notices it has some type of bib-applicator affixed to the top. The contents feel a bit too heavy to be water, and the slight-sloshing sound indicates that it is about half-full. Figment pushes his way past mounds of clothing to the ladder, and easily ascends to the next level, getting a close view of the massive pendulum, ponderously swaying to and fro. Also visible is a pair of large brass weights, each easily weighing over 200 pounds, connected to the clock above via a thick chain. Figment is twenty feet above the others, and has the option of stepping onto a workman’s platform (no egress from this level)for a look out of one of the small windows, or continuing up the ladder to the belfry. Looking at Madam’s corpse, Olana notices an eerie blue light starting to surround her body. It takes a moment, and then everyone notices a faint blue glow tingeing everything in the house. Olana also notices some nice jewelry: There’s a silvery fine-mesh hair net over the foot-tall beehive hairdo, inset with small rubies. And that pearl necklace around her neck is to die for (it’s so long it’s wrapped three times around her chin). Fluet, a little groggy, is able to stand up with the help of his friends.
Flueterflam Tuesday November 9th, 1999 1:16:59 AM
Fluet shrugs his shoulders, "I don't know who shot me." He looks around, trying to reorient himself with the world of the non-poisoned.
Shadrach d20=16 d100+3=13 Tuesday November 9th, 1999 3:06:59 AM
The priest had been ascertaining if Fluet's wound would require further treatment. Looking up at the sudden blue glow, he said, "Does anybody know what's going on?" Suddenly he pulled out some ivory sticks, jeweled in runes. He prayed for a minute or so, before throwing the sticks on the ground. "Will we do well if we stay and search the house?" (Cast Augury successfully)
Ingrge Tuesday November 9th, 1999 3:13:59 AM
Getting Fluet back to his unsteady feet and over to Shad, Ingrge notices the blue glow surrounding the body. "Ware magic, something is happening." Milo can you remove that hair net and necklace without touching with your body. Maybe by using something wooden??
K'nara Tuesday November 9th, 1999 12:54:59 PM
The woman warrior frowned at the vial, nonplussed, then noticed what Shadrach and Figment pointed out--that blue glow about Madam Colsum. She stepped back quickly, still clutching the container with the silver stuff in it. "Damnation! More foul magic?!?!?!?!"
Milo Tuesday November 9th, 1999 5:10:59 PM
Not wanting to miss the payoff, Milo moves quickly to crouch over Madam Colsom at her head. Pulling out a pair of darts, he quickly works at removing the hair net from her head, using the tips of the darts to dislodge the net and pull it away from her head without cutting it. "This is tricky stuff guys." If successful, he will then attempt to use the darts to hook and pull the necklace over her head.
Figment Tuesday November 9th, 1999 5:25:59 PM
forgoes a look outside and climbs on wanting to get a look at the clock in the belfry. He calls down to the others who appear to be dealing with magic of some kind. "I'm climbing up into the clock tower now. I want to see the clock and also to get a look at the city - just to make sure we indeed are where we are supposed to be - Plateau City. Call out if you need help with any magic you encounter.". Careful not to trip strings or touch liquid on the rungs of the ladder he ascends. Once in the belfry he admires the clock but looks for a window to see the city. Once satisfied he begins to look around the belfry trying to see what's there. Anything of value, perhaps?
Olana Tuesday November 9th, 1999 7:06:59 PM
After pointing out the jewels and whispering "Oooooh...." Olana spots Figment climbing up the steps. "I'll follow him," she says, still not convinced they've got all the bad guys. Glancing apprehensively at the blue glow that seems to be painting everything, she bites her lip, shivers and ascends quickly.
Many Views of Blues (DM) d20=9 d20=1 Tuesday November 9th, 1999 11:36:59 PM
The blue glow has become more pronounced, and Figment easily spots it on the ladder, walls, and clockworks. However, his attention is temporarily diverted by the breath-taking view of Plateau City spread out before him. He is barely able to tear his gaze away to study the belfry before Olana clambers up the ladder. Other than the exceptional work that went into constructing this clock, the only other thing of note is the small rookery filled with squawking black birds nested near the huge iron bell. Both heroes at the top need to make a perception check. Down below, in the relatively darker area of the clothes room, all walls, door, and Madam’s body are now bright enough to read by. Shad, gazing at the tossed sticks, appears to read some message in its patterns. Meanwhile, Milo successfully extracts both hairnet and necklace from Madam’s body. The glow does not seem to cling to these two items, nor to the clothing hanging on the racks surrounding you.
Figment d20=7 Wednesday November 10th, 1999 12:18:59 AM
easily figures out whatever is going on (made perception). He quickly shoos any birds that get in his way as he looks into the rookery for any "pretties" the birds may have picked up - as they are prone to do such things. Looking at the prominent blue glow bothers him. "Olana, I am worried about this glowing. I would say it's about time to leave.". [OOC: Remember Shad's Augury...]
Shadrach Wednesday November 10th, 1999 6:24:59 AM
The glazed expression on the priest's face transformed to a stupefied look. He stuttered, "Uhhhhhh, um, Goddess says we oughta hurry up." He looked around as if surprised, then lit out for the catwalk, deciding he didn't want to know what the goddess of disasters thought would be bad for them.
Olana d20=2 Wednesday November 10th, 1999 5:47:59 PM
Olana nods at Figment. "Yes, I think you're right," she says, glancing around apprehensively.(Made perception)."At least there seems to be no one lurking up here." She stays with Fig, on guard while he appropriates whatever there is, and then will follow back down the steps quickly.
Milo Wednesday November 10th, 1999 6:59:59 PM
Stuffing the loot into a pouch, Milo looks up grinning, "Last one on the lawn is dragon kibble." He bolts for the door, taking the appropriate caution on the catwalk, but once he is clear of it, he runs for all his worth.
Ingrge Wednesday November 10th, 1999 7:07:59 PM
moving over to the entry that Olana and Figment just went up, Ingrge motions for K'nara to help Fluet back along the cat walk. "I'll bring up the rear and get these guys moving as well. Ingrge shouts up through the trapdoor, "Figment, Olana, Get a move on Shad has gotten a negative reading about staying in this place any longer, so Lets move out NOW."
K'nara Wednesday November 10th, 1999 8:55:59 PM
Immediately K'nara was at the foot of the ladder that Figment and Olana had climbed, bellowing up in a VERY loud voice: "You two HEAR that? Let's MOVE!" The human bladesinger stayed only as long as it took to make sure that Olana and Figment both came back down, determined to shoo the rest of the party out ahead of her so that she could adequately cover the rear of the party's retreat...though she still did NOT like the idea of having to leave without finding out the entire truth of what Colsum had truly had on her mind when she "hired" the party in the first place.
The Big Bang (DM) Thursday November 11th, 1999 1:52:59 AM
Before Figment gets a chance to shoo the birds, the blue-ness intensifies and then disappears with a loud ‘BANG’, followed by a tremor rippling through the estate. The birds take flight. From his vantage point, Figment has difficulty spotting any items in the nest (it is 12 feet up to the rafters), but he does realize that the clock is exclusively powered by the pendulum, meaning that the gear works below are powered by... Meanwhile, Olana, glancing about, notices that the blue glow (now gone) had extended to the rooftops, grounds, and fence of the estate. The rest of the group scrambles through the attic, with Shad leading the way -- he manages to make it to the room with the frayed coat by the end of the round, with Milo close at his heels.
Shadrach Thursday November 11th, 1999 3:43:59 AM
Down the stairs, out the door and down the hall! Shad paused to look around, to make sure people were coming.
Figment d20=3 d20=7 d20=9 d20=11 Thursday November 11th, 1999 5:27:59 AM
frowns at his foolishness as he races down the ladder (Olana said she went second). He shouts to Olana "It's the power supply for the gears in the attic! I'm afraid it's going to blow! Hurry!" He puts his feet on the outside and slides down it like it was a pole, braking nicely and hopping off at the bottom (made dex check by a bunch). He then races after everyone else at breakneck speed down the catwalk, through the hall and down the stairs (lots of dex checks).
Ingrge Thursday November 11th, 1999 5:38:59 AM
Ever vigilant Ingrge waits until figment and Olana get down and moving and then hurries after them letting K'nara follow as she will. He needs no urging to hurry as he has had a bad feeling about this place since before they showed up.
Figment Thursday November 11th, 1999 11:28:59 PM
Note: Figment grabs the war hammer in the bedroom as he goes by...
Milo Friday November 12th, 1999 12:05:59 AM
As Shadrach pauses to quickly check the progress of the others, Milo who was hot on his heels, cruises right on by... into the hall, down the stairs and out the front door.
Flueterflam Sunday November 14th, 1999 2:14:59 AM
Fluet races along with help. He gets a bad feel about whatever it is that is going on. Since he rather confused about the whole situation, he tries not to think about it, just to keep moving.
Olana Sunday November 14th, 1999 7:10:59 AM
Olana makes haste, following Figment down the ladder, and runs along with the others.
K'nara Sunday November 14th, 1999 8:20:59 AM
The female fighter brought up the rear, practically growling her frustration at the unsolved mystery they were being forced to abandon, but it was imperative that her party live to snoop another day. She raised an eyebrow at Figment's quick stop at the bedroom with the (relatively) recently deceased fighter in it, then mentally shrugged. That hammer could help to identify the woman later, hopefully...provided that the rest of them all got out in one piece...
The Round After the BANG (DM) d12=3 2d6(4+2)=6 d12=1 d6=3 d20=2 d20=14 d20=2 d20=14 Sunday November 14th, 1999 1:46:59 PM
Figment neatly slides down the ladder into the room of clothing, and manages to get back into the machine-filled attic. Without warning, gears, bars, and rods start swinging out onto the catwalk -- Figment will need to save vs. Dexterity to avoid 3 hp dmg. Meanwhile, Olana, coming down the ladder, barely manages to exit the belfry before the huge iron swings in a resounding ‘BOOOONNGGG’ -- Olana needs to save vs. Death Magic to avoid temporarily deafness. She manages to get halfway down the ladder when one of the large clock counterweights swings out, barely missing her head, and breaking the ladder off above her -- save vs. Dexterity to hold on (failure means falling for 6 hp dmg into the clothing room). K’nara , still in the clothing room, takes in the strange events from both above and out in the attic. Meanwhile, at the other end of the race to the exit, Milo and Shad are neck-and-neck at the end of the hall, near the staircase, when behind them, spears begin descending from the ceiling. Ahead on this same level, the sound of piano wire snapping can be heard coming from the banquet hall. As the two head down the marble steps, both spot bodies shambling from the dance hall below, heading for them! Pieces of broken wiring dangle from various joints on their bodies, and an evil gleam now pierces their eyes. As the rest of this is occurring, Ingrge focuses on helping Fluet navigate through the attic, and both manage to get into the room of the frayed coat before the craziness begins. Ingrge is just behind Fluet, coming down from the trap door leading to the attic, when it (the door) slams against Ingrge for 1 point of dmg -- save vs. Dexterity to avoid tumbling to the floor below for 3 additional points. Fluet is far enough down to avoid both Ingrge and the door. Looking towards the now-spear-filled hallway, both see the door slam shut with a ‘THUD’, trapping them in the servant's quarters.
Figment d20=10 Sunday November 14th, 1999 6:26:59 PM
avoids the gears as he heads straight for the entry to the next floor down. He moves with haste as things get worse around them. He looks back to make sure Olana and K'Nara make the door. He continues to move forward but not so fast as to lose sight of them. (OOC: the hammer was left at the bottom of the ladder heading into the attic. That is where Figment picks it up. No detour necessary.).
Figment Sunday November 14th, 1999 11:00:59 PM
when he gets to the trap door leading to the next room he attempts to open it before descending...
Olana d20=20 d20=6 Monday November 15th, 1999 12:20:59 AM
The huge "BOING" rings in her ears for a moment, before they return to normal, and she manages to drop and crouch, doing no harm - as the ladder breaks. "Oh my!" she exclaims. "The whole thing seems to have started up again!" The elf will try and pick her way along the catwalk, while yelling on ahead. "Fig! Figment! How did you stop this??"
Flueterflam Monday November 15th, 1999 1:12:59 AM
"UUUhhhhh....that isn't good, is it?"
Milo Monday November 15th, 1999 2:40:59 AM
Any thoughts of turning back and helping his friends fly from Milo's mind as he sees the walking dead headed his way, "Holy Shnickeys Shad!" Milo runs for all he is worth towards the front door, and freedom, blind terror etched across his face.
Ingrge d20=5 Monday November 15th, 1999 4:49:59 AM
being hit by the door sends Ingrge propelling forward and with unbelievable elven grace, manages to turn a pratfall in to a fairly nice forward flip which he manages to land without stumbling on the floor and on both feet looking back at Fluet, he shakes his head and with a wry grin says, My that first step is a doozy." Ingrge will then take stock of the situation in the servants' room.
Shadrach Monday November 15th, 1999 5:26:59 PM
"AAAAAAAA!" Shad screamed in rank terror. He began to babble, "Colsum, it's her! Her ghost is bringing all the puppets to life! She's trying to kill us all!" Wailing, he stumbled after Milo. (Any windows without bars nearby?)
Figment d20=6 Monday November 15th, 1999 5:38:59 PM
somehow manages to open the jammed trap door leading to the second floor. Seeing Ingrge and Fluet he exclaims "Can you open that door? This one was stuck? The gears are running again so I would bet the spears will prevent our escape. Perhaps we should try and turn off the gears again or find an outside window from the attic?!". Figment places his weight against the door to prevent it from closing again. He looks for some way to bar it or wedge something in it so it won't shut.
Olana Monday November 15th, 1999 5:45:59 PM
The elf dodges and weaves along the catwalk, frantically looking for the levers that will stop this horrible machine. She attempts to head in the direction she thought Figment went before.
Milo d20=19 Monday November 15th, 1999 11:21:59 PM
Milo hits the front door, and pulls on the handle for all he is worth, though it avails him naught. Terror etched across his face, Milo turns to Shadrach and practically screams while tugging on the doorknob futilely, "Shadrach.... help me!!!"
Ingrge d20=16 Tuesday November 16th, 1999 4:55:59 AM
Ingrge at figments question goes over to the door and with a might elven heave tries to open the door and succeeds only in all but pulling his arm out of joint. Turning to Fluet and figment, Ingrge says ah well I guess feats of strength aren't my forte this day, and then steps aside to let someone else try.
Keep'em separated (DM) d12=1 d12=9 4d20(7+17+6+17)=47 d6=3 d6=2 Tuesday November 16th, 1999 5:49:59 AM
Olana makes it down the ladder, out of the clothes room, and into the gear-filled attic. Strangely enough, not all of the device is in motion -- it is only this or that piece that seems to assume a life of its own as it strikes out at those running through the area. Olana and K’nara will need to save vs. Dexterity to avoid 1 hp of damage from flying metal pieces. Figment, casting about, decides the hammer at the foot of the stairs is the best item to prop the attic trapdoor open; this door seems willed to slam shut, but Figment is successful in holding it back. Fluet and Ingrge, in the room with Figment, distinctly hear the crashing of spears in the hallway beyond, and the screams of their companions on the first floor: Milo and Shad are both in the entrance foyer, standing before a seemingly blocked door (Shad has a chance this round to try to wrench it open, or the two may combine their efforts; or they may choose to face the face the countless hoards of walking dead and fight, since they are currently cornered). Two of the hideous dead attack Milo and one gouges him in the left arm for 3 points of dmg; and two others attack Shad, with one slicing his thigh for 2 points of damage (If Shad and Milo manage to wrench the door open, they'll be able to slip out without further mishap).
Flueterflam d20=5 Tuesday November 16th, 1999 6:38:59 AM
Fluet looks around, then suddenly focuses on the door alone. With two steps aiding in his journey to the door, he slams an entire side of his body into the door. His attempt succeeds at two things, forcing the door open and knocking all the sense out of him momentarily. He just sits/lies on the floor for a minute after the blow.
Shadrach d20=16 Tuesday November 16th, 1999 8:09:59 PM
"AAh!" Shad struggled to slam his shoulder into the door. "Milo, help me!" (Failed by 5, unless Milo's help can combine)
Figment Tuesday November 16th, 1999 8:40:59 PM
wedges the hammer into place so that the trap door cannot close. Seeing the spears in the hall he says "Perhaps we could get out by lowering ourselves down from the attic into one of the other rooms or maybe there is an outside access somewhere? I don't think the hall looks like a good idea.". He makes sure Olana and K'Nara make it. He also looks at the gears for any clue as to how and jam them good.
Milo d20=6 Tuesday November 16th, 1999 10:14:59 PM
Strength powered by fear drives the halfling as he backs up a few steps and launches himself into the door at the same time as Shadrach hits it.(Made open doors roll by 1) As the door bursts open, Milo runs screaming into the front yard.
Ingrge Wednesday November 17th, 1999 2:39:59 AM
"well......." ::looking around the room for a window:: I don't feel much like shish-K-bob meat myself, so I am all for finding an alternative route out. I don't suppose any of you just happen to have a dispel magic spell or scroll by any chance?"
Olana d20=7 Wednesday November 17th, 1999 2:57:59 AM
(Made dex) Olana runs along the catwalk, looking for those levers that will switch of the infernal machine. If she can't find them quickly, then she will return with all speed (machinery permitting) to the others.
Keep'em separated (DM) d12=4 d20=13 d20=3 d20=16 Wednesday November 17th, 1999 4:48:59 AM
Milo and Shad manage to make it out of the mansion and onto the lawn. As they clear the building, with the dead streaming out behind them, they hear the slam of wooden doors off to the left. Looking that way, they see that the carriage house doors stand open, and the black carriage that Madam Colsum had ridden in earlier is rolling out of it’s own accord. The black horses that originally pulled it bolt from around it, making for the iron gates. Looking beyond the walls of the compound, the two heroes notice a slight shimmer in the air, and what look like wisps of fog starting to rise up from the ground outside of the estate. As the horses approach the gate, the bars swing shut, causing the equines, mad with fear, to veer off, galloping about the yard. The animated carriage turns and heads for Milo and Shad. Meanwhile, up in the attic, Olana finally makes it to the control panel. However, it appears that none of the main gears and shafts are actually engaged -- it is as if this or that part has become animated, independent of any controls. Both she and K’nara will need to make additional Dexterity checks, as heavy metal pieces detach themselves and hurl toward the two (suffer 4 hp dmg if save failed). Meanwhile, to the remaining three heroes standing in the butler’s quarters, it is obvious that, while they could dodge through the forest of gnashing spears, damage would be unavoidable -- Fluet is in bad-enough shape that he probably wouldn’t survive that gauntlet. You all watch as the door he bashed open is rendered splinters within a few seconds. Figment, thinking back to his long journey through the attic, doesn’t recall any other egress. And going further up would require rope and/or climbing gear...
Figment Wednesday November 17th, 1999 6:09:59 PM
"Is there any chance of pounding through the wall there into the bedroom next door? We could then exit without becoming pin cushions.". He raps on the wall between the rooms trying to figure out how thick it is and where the studs might be (using engineering skill).
K'nara d20=9 d20=17 Wednesday November 17th, 1999 8:25:59 PM
K'nara frowned at the frenetic activity around her. "The damned place has gone crazy!" she scowled as she and Olana dashed over, around and through the bits and pieces of the mechanical maelstrom (made both her Dexterity checks). The spears made her frown, but she knew that they had to get to Fluet, who was obviously far too battered to survive such a gauntlet. "I have a potion that should help Fluet...let's time this and then dash over to his room so I can administer it to him." The human bladesinger grits her teeth, gages the timing on the deathtrap and then--when she felt she had the best chance of suffering the least damage, hurled herself forward, racing for the room that the bard was recovering in...
Milo Wednesday November 17th, 1999 10:56:59 PM
"Shad follow me!" Milo shouts as he breaks away from the animated carriage, and towards the closing gate. As he gets nearer, he eyes the gate, looking for a handhold, or purchase he could use to climb over the thing.
Shadrach d20=19 Thursday November 18th, 1999 12:46:59 AM
"No! We can jump on top of the carriage so it won't hurt us!" Shadrach stood his ground, and leaped just as the carriage came at him--only to trip and fall flat on his face.
Ingrge d20=10 d20=14 Thursday November 18th, 1999 3:12:59 AM
Taking the non response from Figment and Shad as a negative, Ingrge peers out the door at the spears to see if they are made of wood or metal. If he notices that they are made of wood, he is going to take out a flask of oil, his bow, two arrows and some cloth from an old shirt. Then he will make two flame arrows and toss the oil flask towards the ceiling with the intent of coating several of the wooden spears as possible, at which time he will light his two arrows and attempt to light the oiled up areas, hoping to burn up at least some of the spears.(hits AC2 and AC-2)
The spinning of wheels (DM) 3d6(2+4+5)=11 d20=3 d20=17 d20=17 Thursday November 18th, 1999 4:29:59 AM
Milo easily sprints to the closed iron gate, and sees that he’ll be able to climb over quickly enough. However, Shad’s cry causes him to look back and spy his friend, prone on the ground, just as Shad is run over by the midnight carriage, causing 11 points of damage, and leaving him very sore (and perhaps unconscious -- roll vs. Constitution to be able to remain awake next round) at 0 hps. Because of its momentum, the carriage continues on, and works to circle around for another pass, nearly hitting the two horses as it swings in a maddening arc. Meanwhile, back in the attic, both Olana and K’nara manage to avoid more flying gears and work their way down to the servant’s quarters on the 2nd floor, where the other three, Ingrge, Figment, and Fluet, continue to debate the best course of action. Out in the hallway on the 2nd floor (not up in the attic), the spears continue stabbing up and down. Ingrge sees that they are of iron -- but a foreboding feeling steals over him - even if they were of wood, it would take too long to clear the way... Meanwhile, Figment has finished his examination of the walls, and concludes that, unlike the typical house construction used by more modest folk, this mansion was built to last. Beyond the plaster, the walls must be made of solid stone -- perhaps six to twelve inches thick! Outside, beyond the gates, the mists continue to coalesce.
Shadrach d20=1 Thursday November 18th, 1999 4:18:59 PM
Shad gasped more than screamed as the wheels crushed his bones. Lying on the ground, his hands shook as he tried to roll over. Then he saw the carriage coming back. Not to mention the puppet undead beyond it. He croaked, "Milo, stay back!" Then he surrendered his spirit to Donyra, his body POOFING into white mist.(Turn to Gaseous Form)
Milo d20=3 d20=5 d20=6 d20=5 Thursday November 18th, 1999 5:14:59 PM
Not realizing that Shadrach is capable of turning gaseous Milo screams, "SHADRACH!" With red in his vision, the halfling charges the ghostly carriage, tumbling to the side as it approaches. He launches three darts at the wheels in an attempt to gum up the works.
Olana Thursday November 18th, 1999 5:34:59 PM
Dodging and weaving, following K'Nara, the elf joins the others in a bit of a fluster. Assessing the situation for a moment, she asks "Hey, you know all those clothes we saw? Maybe they could be used as padding or something. If that speared hall is the only way out. Or - " she looks around. "Are there any pieces of furniture in here we could use as a shield, like a table...or a bed"
Description of Butler's Room (DM) Thursday November 18th, 1999 7:00:59 PM
A dust and cobweb free room, with only a few articles of furniture: A simple wood-frame bed, a wooden chair (over which the black servant's jacket is draped, and a small wooden credenza, atop which sits a pewter bowl filled with fruit, and a ceramic jug, full of wine.
Figment Thursday November 18th, 1999 7:11:59 PM
Frowning at his discovery in the wall, the determined mage offers another idea. "OK guys, I have another idea. Maybe if we bend one of the spears bad enough with that war hammer, it will prevent them all - or some from retracting. They are iron and so they should bend pretty easily with a steel hammer. We also have to stop the trap door from closing with something - or somebody else... I would suggest K'Nara or Ingrge use their fighting skill and give it a try.". Figment goes and gets the hammer - and uses the chair in the room to brace the trap door instead.
Olana Saturday November 20th, 1999 5:56:59 AM
Nodding at Figment, Olana walks over to the bed. "I'll check this bed - just in case it's strong enough for us to use as a shield maybe," she says, and does just that. But not before checking out the servant's jacket. Maybe there was a clue to this mess here too.
Ingrge Saturday November 20th, 1999 6:09:59 AM
Looking at figment as if he has lost his marbles, Ingrge looks up and says let me get this straight, you want me to go out in that hallway with a weapon I don't know how to use and while dodging all those jabbing spears try and hit several so that they bend. And you want me to do this with the protection of my leather armor? No thank you. I think I will ponder another way out of this mess. Ingrge then wanders over to the credenza and looks at it and the items on it.
K'nara Saturday November 20th, 1999 4:15:59 PM
Now that she was finally face-to-face with the sight of the iron spears of the hallway of doom, K'nara realized that her initial plan was folly--too much damage in too little time...and Fluet still needed help. "Can't go through...no way over or under...how about around..?" she murmured, thinking hard. "Is there a window to climb out and around the outside of the house..?"
Flueterflam Saturday November 20th, 1999 8:42:59 PM
Fluet looks around confused, the blow had knocked a lot of sense out of him. He looks to Ingrge and Figment, "Is there anyway out? There's gotta be a way." He rakes his own mind for any idea of getting out.
Heated, stormy debates (DM) d20=20 d20=3 d20=20 d20=8 Saturday November 20th, 1999 10:23:59 PM
A subterranean vibration, too low to be heard, touches the soles of your feet. Out in the yard, Milo’s darts momentarily lock up one of the wheels of the carriage, and it careens towards the mansion, stymieing the efforts of the undead trying to reach the halfling. The cloud formerly known as Shadrach manages to drift away from the brunt of the action, gliding toward the rapidly mist-filling gates. Milo notes that this cloud has not lost its cohesion, and that it is moving against the wind. Looking up, the thief realizes that the wall of fog (surrounding the estate) now reaches roughly halfway up the sky. Meanwhile, in the Butler’s room, the group continues its debate. The following is determined: The furniture may manage to survive for a round in the pounding of the spears, perhaps affording protection for 2 or 3 people; Nothing of note (pun intended) is located in the coat; for whatever reason, a window was never provided in this room. The only windows that come to mind are the one across the hall, in the room of the dead warrior, and the windows up in the bell tower, halfway up on the work scaffolding area (the top of the tower is now inaccessible, since the ladder leading upward was smashed by the metal counterweights). Either of these windows would require some type of rope to exit safely. Suddenly (in the room), the air temperature soars upward with a blast of heat from every direction -- rather than a cozy 70 degrees F, it’s now somewhere closer to 200 degrees. Everyone takes a single point of damage in the oven-like conditions, and the heat remains unabated. Meanwhile outside, menacing clouds immediately boil up out of the clear blue, filled with rushing winds. Milo and Shad need to make perception checks.
Shadrach d20=7 d100=1 Sunday November 21st, 1999 4:10:59 PM
(Not sure if it's a d100 or d20) He swirled and slid across himself, a little delirious with pain. Vaguely, he noticed the clouds darkening overhead and wondered, *How could one woman's death cause so much chaos?* Wondering what was with the rising mist, he drifted thataway.
Figment Sunday November 21st, 1999 6:28:59 PM
jumps at the sudden increase in temperature. "OK forget that, lets jump out the tower window. It will hurt but we'll live. We can't survive the spikes or the heat for sure.". If there's no objections the mage climbs back into the attic and moves down the catwalk - hoping the heat is causing the gear-work to malfunction. He climbs the ladder to the tower and uncoils his rope.
Milo d20=19 d100=77 Sunday November 21st, 1999 6:50:59 PM
Not needing anymore encouragement, Milo dashes back to the gate, looking skyward for just a moment. Pulling the rope from his pack, the halfling holds one end, throwing the coil up over the iron obstruction. As the other end swings back down, he ties it off and pulls it tight. Looking back at the house one last time, Milo mutters to himself, "I'm sorry guys, I wish I could've gotten you out." He then turns back to the gate and prepares to climb.
Ingrge Monday November 22nd, 1999 12:39:59 AM
The blast of heat almost sends Ingrge to his knees as he braces himself against the heat he looks around and then at Figment and asks, Figment, Rather than go back up which I'm not sure we can from hearing all the ruckus up there, why not use the furniture to protect us to cross the hallway into the other room and try using our ropes out of a lower window.
Figment Monday November 22nd, 1999 12:58:59 AM
"Let's do it your way. I see no good answer here. I just felt the spears would be almost certain death.". He helps get the furniture for the daring dash.
Flueterflam Monday November 22nd, 1999 3:23:59 AM
Fluet holds his throat at the explosion of heat, finding it rather difficult to breathe. After recovering from the shock and pain of the heat, "We have to leave. Yes, let's use the furniture." He immediately begins to help the other two push the furniture into positions most suitable to stop the spears for as long as possible. Once they finish that, he will run to the room with the window with Ingrge and Figment.
Olana Monday November 22nd, 1999 4:05:59 AM
"Er......" The elf starts to look a bit panicky. "If I have to go in the room with that corpse...." Taking a deep breath, she then says, "Okay - Once I reach the room, I'm going to have to close my eyes, okay? So if someone can drag me to the window, then I have rope we can use. So long as I don't see it, I think I'll be alright." Biting her lip with determination, she helps the others with the furniture, preparing to make the mad dash.
Getting Smashed (DM) d20=3 Monday November 22nd, 1999 5:25:59 AM
Down in the courtyard, Shad manages to make his way through the gates and into the fog. Shad noted that the weather appearing overhead reminded him of some of those nasty thunderstorms that he saw back home...was that the beginning of a spout he saw forming? Meanwhile, the carriage has managed to regain control of its movement, and barely misses crushing Milo, who clambers upward, just as it smashes into the gate, sending wood flying in all directions. In a minute, the skillful rogue makes it completely over the barrier, disappearing into the mist beyond. The undead, following close behind the now defunct vehicle, mill about aimlessly for a moment near the gates, before turning and heading back toward the mansion. Meanwhile, serious spring-cleaning is occurring up on the 2nd floor, as the other heroes manhandle the bedroom furniture out into the hall. The chair splinters almost immediately, and the bed doesn’t hold up much longer, but the credenza proves to be quit sturdy, allowing the group to make a dash into the room of the dead warrior. Somehow, you’ve all managed to avoid any damage…perhaps due to the short distance. As you enter the room, the door slams shut behind you, and the dead warrior lunges from the bed at K’nara, using its crossbow as a club in an attempt to brain her. It misses.
Figment Monday November 22nd, 1999 6:32:59 PM
gets chills thinking about how bad that body is going to smell at 200 degrees. He lets the warriors handle the corpse - unless it looks like they need help - and he pulls out his rope, ties an end to the bed with a fast and efficient knot - avoiding the temptation to engineer a masterpiece - and drops the other end over the side. He waits to make sure the corpse is disposed of before he climbs down. He also looks out to see what's in the courtyard - not remembering if the window looks out to the front of the property or not.
Shadrach Monday November 22nd, 1999 11:10:59 PM
*Oh no* the disembodied priest thought. Things were going from bad to worse. He could only hope there was a limit to the duration of this destruction. At least, the halt of the undead puppets offered a respite. He tried to find Milo in the mist.
Ingrge d20=5 Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 12:05:59 AM
Seeing the corpse animate and attack K'nara, Ingrge takes a swipe at it with his staff from the Gold Dragons and somehow manages to get the staff tangled in the bed linens.
Olana Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 4:15:59 AM
Entering the room, Olana squeezes her eyes firmly shut, her stomach doing flips at the thought of being in the same room as that awful thing. "What's going on?? What's going on??" she yells as a scuffle starts.
Is change good?(DM) d20=5 Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 5:11:59 AM
Shadrach, while floating around in the mist, sees Milo run into it, but its pretty obvious that Milo wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the normal mist and Shad's mist. But both of them can see that the storm is getting worst, and Shad can definitely see a funnel of wind starting to form, but there doesn't seem to be any effects of bad weather in the cloud of mist. Meanwhile, up in the house, Figment has gotten the rope secured and ready to go, and looking out the window, he can definitely see the high winds starting to form into a funnel cloud(make a perception check Fig). everyone else can feel the winds gushing through the window. The undead warrior continues its attack with his crossbow on K'nara, but his swing goes wide, exposing his back to K'nara
Milo Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 5:28:59 AM
Noticing that the bad weather has no hold on the mists, Milo stops momentarily to catch his breath. Then, beginning uncertainly, and building, "shad...Shadrach... where are you... Shadrach..." muttering to himself, "How am I supposed to find a foggy priest in the fog..." panicking..."SHADRACH!!!"
K'nara d20=8 Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 1:18:59 PM
(OOC: forgot to add the +4 for the sword vs. Undead, so the roll above is 12, not including any "backstab bonuses" that may apply) K'nara, startled by the sudden animation of the warrior, nonetheless draws her sword and whirls the blade diagonally down and to her left, hoping to cut the zombie down before any of her party freaks out at the automaton's presence...
Ingrge d20+2=15 d6+1=6 Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 5:31:59 PM
Ingrge's staff finally gets untangled from the sheets and the force of the release swings the staff back towards the warrior and catches him right across the waist (15 hits AC3 for 6 points of damage). A little amazed by how that happened, Ingrge chuckles and watches as K'Nara's strike finds a home.
Shadrach Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 6:41:59 PM
He watched the funnel nervously, wondering if it was coming his way and would suck up his misty form, or was headed for the house. If so, destruction might actually allow those trapped inside to get out. He was distracted by Milo's yelling. Wanting to reassure him, Shad plunged into the halfling's clothes, ruffling around. (Should feel like a breeze under the clothes)
Olana Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 9:16:59 PM
The elf makes her way toward the breeze and hopefully the window, her eyes still squeezed shut, knowing full well if she opens them, and sees the corpse, she's liable to leap straight out of the window - no rope necessary, thankyouverymuch!
Figment d20=17 Tuesday November 23rd, 1999 11:25:59 PM
distracted by the wind is barely able to see what is going on outside (made perception check - barely). Seeing that K'Nara and Ingrge are handling the body, the mage grabs Olana as she careens toward the window. He puts her hands on the rope, helps her out of the window, and tells her to climb down. Unless he sees any reason not to (battle not concluded), the mage follows her down. He still tries to get a proximity of the window: Is it at the front of the property or the back?
Milo Wednesday November 24th, 1999 12:00:59 AM
His clothes moving and shifting about... Milo's eyes grow wide..."Dear me.... I'm possessed." Milo dances about wildly with his clothes puffing and rustling of their own accord. He begins to slap himself all over... "Away evil spirits... away." Getting a wild eyed look in his face, "My clothes are attacking me!!!"
Are we there yet(DM) Wednesday November 24th, 1999 2:11:59 AM
K'nara and Ingrge strike the warrior at the same time, bashing and cutting the thing into a little pile of goo. there is a moment of relief until they hear the undead in the previous room starting to move towards them. Meanwhile, Figment notices that the mist at the gate of the courtyard doesn't seem to be moving in the high winds, and that the funnel of wind is starting to get bigger and its starting to get lower to the ground. The window is right over the courtyard, 20 ft below. As he grabs Olana and helps her to the rope, Figment can tell it will be a difficult climb, but what choice does he have?(make a dex check at -1 to climb down, or thieving skills at -5%) Milo, feeling the mist that is Shadrach moving about in his cloths, panics a bit and starts moving through the mists(make a perception check Milo at -2, due to your panic).
Milo d20=15 Wednesday November 24th, 1999 5:03:59 PM
Realizing that he isn't actually being harmed, Milo stops dancing about and talks to himself, "This has got to be the strangest thing that has ever happened to me... it's almost worth writing home about..." shrugging his shoulders... "But... since I've never known anything to write home about... it is nothing to write home about... my dear, I'm going mad... " Milo turns about looking, and not seeing himself in any immediate danger, sits down, pulls off his backpack, pulls out his bag of raisins and begins eating.
Figment d20=9 Wednesday November 24th, 1999 7:11:59 PM
waits for Olana to make it far enough down the rope for him to begin. "The house will be consumed in the funnel forming outside! We must make the immediately or we are lost! Hurry!". He quickly slides down the rope relying on his sturdy calloused hands to endure the heat from the rope (Made Dex check).
Olana d20=11 Wednesday November 24th, 1999 7:52:59 PM
(Made Dex) Olana clambers down the rope as fast as she is able to, her eyes now open and taking in her surroundings. "Thanks!" she yells up to Figment, while sliding down. At the bottom of the rope she'll stay to help the others, if need be.
Flueterflam d20=16 Thursday November 25th, 1999 12:11:59 AM
Fluet, having waited for the other two to get down the rope, decides he'll follow. So he starts down the rope. (didn't make dex check)
K'nara d20=7 Thursday November 25th, 1999 12:03:59 PM
K'nara hastily wiped her blade as she growled to Ingrge: "Get your pointy-eared butt down that rope! Now!" She waited until the others were out before practically leaping out the window herself in order to escape the escalating sounds and vibrations made by the wailing undead and the discombobulating clockworks, managing to snag the rope and clamber down to the ground. "Everyone okay?"
Ingrge d20=9 Thursday November 25th, 1999 4:29:59 PM
At K'Nara's command, Ingrge turns back to her, grins and the scampers down the rope easily
Figment Thursday November 25th, 1999 7:06:59 PM
looks for the shortest distance to the fence - trying to choose a path clear of undead. Once found he races for the wall yelling for everyone else to do the same - and not waiting to see if they do.
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