Nonam d20=10 Thursday January 13th, 2000 3:49:59 PM
Nonam stops and looks for a way to get by the fake web without ripping through it. He whispers back, "Everyone wait a second." (percep 10/made by 8)
Kibo Thursday January 13th, 2000 3:56:59 PM
Kibo, wondering why everyone is ignoring potential traps and wandering ahead, says, "Well, at least look for the symbol on the stairway shaft -- there's probably (hopefully) a secret passageway to bypass those undead." The he shrugs his shoulders at his fellow halfling in one of those big-people-love-em-though-they're-oafs looks, and moves aside until most of the others pass, deciding a brush with undeath is not his forte.
Saire Thursday January 13th, 2000 8:16:59 PM
As the party proceeds down, Saire examines the tunnel wall that is closest to the compound. He hopes to find a spider symbol on this wall.
Tericus Friday January 14th, 2000 12:10:59 AM
waits to see if everyone can find away through the spider web
Teko Friday January 14th, 2000 2:41:59 AM
Teko also searches the walls for spider symbols.
Jus d20=16 d6=6 Friday January 14th, 2000 3:28:59 AM
Jus closes his eyes in the blinding light of Onrad's latern, but it's too late. With a chuckle and shake of his head, Jus whispers to Onrad, "Yes, I see -- well, actually, I don't see anything but a white blob right now, but I'm sure it'll go away in a few minutes. Nifty device, though." When his blindness passes, Jus edges his way downward to the web. Seeing the barrier, Jus keeps in mind the broach Hatchme gave the party and helps search for a way past.
Gareth d20=5 Friday January 14th, 2000 7:05:59 AM
In a brief moment of brilliance the warrior softly adds "What if we trace the second spider symbol we just past as we did the one on the entrance?".
Onrad d20=12 Friday January 14th, 2000 1:01:59 PM
Onrad tries to wait patiently, but fails (perception check of 12). He whispers in a loud whisper, "It's a spider web. It has our symbol on it. That means go that way. So go!"
An Absence of Spiders (DM Jerry) Friday January 14th, 2000 1:05:59 PM
No traps or other spider symbols are found. No casual looking for secret doors reveals anything unusual. If Bishop can make another wisdom check, he notices that the undead below seems to have moved on. He no longer detects them. (Please note if you are in the dark and cannot see. Everyone is still invisible.)
Nonam Sunday January 16th, 2000 4:48:59 PM
"I'll try tracing it." Nonam reaches up and traces the pattern three times on the marking spider. In the dark, everyone easily notices the glow left behind by his finger.
Gareth Sunday January 16th, 2000 6:38:59 PM
watches and waits - not knowing what to expect next.
Teko Monday January 17th, 2000 12:23:59 AM
Teko watches to see the effect, if any, of Nonam's action.
Tericus Monday January 17th, 2000 2:11:59 AM
waits to see if Nonnan's action does anything. if not, Tericus casts free action on himself(lasts 7 turns) and walks through the web, hoping the spell will keep him from getting tangled up in it.
Kibo Monday January 17th, 2000 2:12:00 AM
Getting nervous about the pause, Kibo checks toward the back of the group, making sure no 'nasties' are descending from above.
Jus Monday January 17th, 2000 9:34:59 AM
On the edge of Onrad's magical light, Jus notices it gets dark again if he stays a bit farther ahead of Onrad. Since Jus can see 120' in the dark, Jus steps out of range and lets his infravision return -- looking past the web to whatever is beyond.
Onrad Monday January 17th, 2000 7:45:59 PM
Onrad nods grinning to Jus as he moves ahead of the effect of his light. He whispers, "I'll try to keep it out of your way, Mighty Jus." Onrad then focuses on Nonam and moving ahead.
(DM Jerry) Monday January 17th, 2000 7:56:59 PM
Nonam touches the spider symbol and it causes a vibration which splits the web causing it to fall harmlessly to the ground. The stairs continue down curving to the left as they wind around a central pillar descending down into the darkness. The stairway seems to bear a weight upon the souls of those who travel it's lonely steps. Sounds of breathing, creaking armor, and footsteps seem exagerrated.
Saire Monday January 17th, 2000 8:29:59 PM
Saire continues down to the bottom, but stops to examine any doors along the way. [Saire currently is invisible and displaced]
Gareth Monday January 17th, 2000 9:07:59 PM
Pleased that his idea resulted in successfully bypassing the first challenge the invisible warrior continues down the stairs trying to determine who - if anybody is in front of him. He activates his shield to silence the noise. (Silence 5' radius).
Bishop d20=6 Monday January 17th, 2000 11:23:59 PM
Bishop begins to fidgit neverously. "Who ever is in charge of this motley parade, the undead have moved, I don't know where they are any longer. NOT A GOOD SIGN! We are spending WAY to much time in one place. If I can feel them than they can feel us. We need to move."
Tericus Tuesday January 18th, 2000 12:24:59 AM
hears what Bishob says. "Your right, we need to keep moving." then he moves throught the door where the spiders web was
Teko Tuesday January 18th, 2000 2:42:59 AM
Teko mutters, "I don't want to spoil the fun, but we are talking far too much. Let's get moving." And he continues down the stairs with the others. [Teko remains invisible.]
Onrad Tuesday January 18th, 2000 4:47:59 AM
Onrad picks up the end of the adventurer train and follows along. "Thanks for the info Bishop," he whispers softly.
Enter the Bowels (DM Jerry) Tuesday January 18th, 2000 4:53:59 AM
The party winds around and around, down and down. Eventually after 5 1/2 revolutions, the stairs end. A hallway extends ahead for as far as the eye can see. A gridlike sign is on the wall with an arrow pointing down the hall.
Kibo d100=30 Tuesday January 18th, 2000 1:37:59 PM
Listening for noises, Kibo waits at the stairs while the others examine the markings on the wall.
Nonam d20=11 Tuesday January 18th, 2000 5:17:59 PM
Nonam whispers, "That seems a little too obvious. Let's see if we can find a spider. I'll check the wall with the arrow." Nonam studies the wall with the arrow (made percep). While he looks, he asks Kibo through the ring, "Are you getting enough time to check for traps? It's hard to tell when we can't see you."
Gareth d20=2 Tuesday January 18th, 2000 5:29:59 PM
the warrior scours the walls, ceiling, and stairs as he decends for a spider symbol. He turns every few steps and looks at the side of each step (perpendicualr to the floor) as well. (Int by 10!).
Onrad Tuesday January 18th, 2000 7:27:59 PM
Onrad follows the group down the stairs. "Kibo, please do us the honor of continued scouting. Any idea what this symbol means. Looks like "cross passages" or a grid of some sort. It wouldn't be a literal map would it?" Onrad remains in the rear. Suddenly he bumps into someone. "Um, sorry bout that."
Jus Tuesday January 18th, 2000 8:11:59 PM
Jus, invisible and using his circlet's infravision, goes to the front of the party and pears down the hallway, looking to the extent of his enhanced ability (120').
Saire Wednesday January 19th, 2000 1:39:59 AM
Saire's gnomish background causes him to attract toward the grid-work. As he peers up at it he whispers, "Is this some kind of clever device? I wonder... if these are buttons or something..." as he reaches out to touch the one of the squares. [second row from bottom, second from right.]
Saire Wednesday January 19th, 2000 2:03:59 AM
"Oh my! I remember what this is. It's not a device, it's a symbol. This means "BATTLEMAZE!" Oh guys, we shouldn't go that way. It's a drow defense network that forces an opponent through a focused channel of deep kaka. Unless you're just in a mood for a fight."
Bishop Wednesday January 19th, 2000 2:06:59 AM
Bishop relaxes a bit after having moved some but is still nervous. He closes his eyes and tries to find the undead he felt earlier.
Teko d20=15 Wednesday January 19th, 2000 2:44:59 AM
Teko takes a look at the sign and the wall behind it to see what else he might notice. (Makes perception roll by 4.)
Tericus Wednesday January 19th, 2000 3:42:59 AM
continues to move with the others, keeping his eye out for danger
Kibo d100=49 Wednesday January 19th, 2000 10:30:59 AM
Replying back to Nonam via the ring, Kibo says, "Well, I was trying to check for traps at the start, but you big folk kept barging ahead. I'm currently at the tail-end of this pack..." With some huffing and puffing, he starts slipping to the front again. When he hears Saire's response to the symbol, he tries to think if he's ever heard of such a thing, and decides he hasn't. Once at the front, he says, "Well, if I wanted to put a secret entrance into the compound, I think I'd use a Battlemaze, too, to scare off intruders." He then says to the group, "Okay, if you want me to check the way ahead, you have to give me more time." He looks in the area immediately ahead of the symbol for traps.
Nonam Wednesday January 19th, 2000 4:06:59 PM
"Battlemaze sounds bad. Is there some sort of secret to them, Saire?"
Gareth Wednesday January 19th, 2000 5:25:59 PM
The warrior frowns at the prospect of a battle so soon into the compound. He disengages his shield and offers a thought - quietly. "I doubt the Matron would go through such an area to get to her lair - unless there are tricks to not setting it off. See if you can find a way past Kibo. I'm sure you are better at that than most.". The warrior tries to remember if he saw any spider symbols on the perpendicualr part of the stairs as they decended.
(DM Jerry) Wednesday January 19th, 2000 7:35:59 PM
Jus looks ahead and sees straight corridor for 100'. After that it opens up into a chamber. He distantly sees the railing on a set of stairs that seems to descend further at a right angle to the hallway. Kibo scouts 60' ahead finding nothing except for footprints and some clawmarks on the floor. All are muffled as if the ones following messed up the tracks of those who came before. There is a light layer of dust, hence the prints. Nothing happens as Saire traces the Battlemaze symbol. Bishop, once again senses the undead. This time the scent is somewhat different...older. (Perception check Bishop to realize that your undead detecting senses are somehow heightened in this place.) The party as a whole remains by the end of the stairs where the Battlemaze sign is carved into the wall.
Jus Wednesday January 19th, 2000 8:11:59 PM
Jus whispers to the others what he's seen. "Battlemaze? I don't recall clearly, but I think I heard the Gold Dragons were involved in one, once. But unless we find another marker, it looks like the battlemaze is our only way through." Jus waits for Kibo to report and for Saire's descriptions before continuing.
Saire Wednesday January 19th, 2000 8:53:59 PM
"Well, fortunately I don't know a whole lot about them. Once, I took a wrong turn down in the markets... and I came upon a symbol exactly like this one. A drow grabbed my elbow and told me that I must not go that way, it would be dangerous to eneter a Battlemaze. I didn't ask why, I just assumed that he was telling me straight up. Although, the name 'BattleMaze' has a nasty sound to it. Hmmm... It doesn't make since to have an entire BattleMaze guarding a so called secret entrance. Have we missed something? Maybe we should back up and go the other direction."
Gareth Wednesday January 19th, 2000 10:17:59 PM
The warrior waits for Kibo to report back. He sees if there is a pattern to the Battle-Maze symbol. He whispers "Unless Kibo finds a spider symbol I would say we'd better go back and check up the tower stairs. It's possible she could teleport across. There may even be a path from the top to the house."
Tericus Wednesday January 19th, 2000 11:49:59 PM
"I disagree Gareth. We have wasted enough time stumbling around here. We need to choose one one way to go, and we need to choose now."
Bishop d20=6 Thursday January 20th, 2000 12:32:59 AM
"I agree with Tericus, there is something, very old down here, and in terms of undead, old menas bad. We are probably pretty close to attracting it's attention as it is. It seems alot eaiser for me to know where they are down here so it stands to reason that they can find us alot eaiser too. Every second we are hear narrows the odds from our favor to theres, the time for action is here, we leap and hope we don't die, but I say leap we must."
Kibo d100=36 d100=80 d100=36 Thursday January 20th, 2000 2:03:59 AM
Kibo briefs Nonam via the ring, and informs him that he will scout the rest of the passageway to the chamber, probably taking another 5 minutes. Kibo keeps a look out for the spider symbol on any surface while searching the remainder of the hall for traps. He peeks into the chamber beyond while hiding in shadows and moving silently (passed all skill checks).
Teko Thursday January 20th, 2000 2:36:59 AM
Teko quietly says, "I think now may be the time to use that Detect Invisibility that I have memorized. I would prefer to use it in battle, but if it helps me see something that we're missing, it would be certainly be worth it. What do you think?"
Onrad Thursday January 20th, 2000 5:37:59 AM
"There was a spider sign like the one on the secret door on that web that was a few steps down the stairs, right? Then this is the way and Tericus and Bishop are correct. We should get moving. Whoever planted these spiders and this route must have known we would have to keep moving and wouldn't have the time to search in every crack for the way to go. We're gonna have to trust that we'll see what we need to see when the time comes. Let's move."
Confidence and Paranoia (DM Jerry) Thursday January 20th, 2000 5:53:59 AM
Kibo continues down the corridor making his way to the opening beyond. Once there, he notices a difference in construction. Whereas the corridor was rough, dusty and wet, the area beyond is clean, neat, and well constructed. A chamber opens at the end of the corridor on the left side. The chamber basically is a glorified balcony--the only feature of the room a flight of stairs going down with a protective rail preventing one from accidently falling. Scorch marks are on the stairs and railing reminiscent of the residue from a fireball related spell. (Map sent to Kibo)
Kibo d100=72 d100=54 d100=31 Thursday January 20th, 2000 2:04:59 PM
Kibo relays to Nonam (via the ring) what he sees, adding, "The chamber streches off to the left some distance, although it's not particularly wide. The stairs open at the opposite (left) end of the room, and extend downward coming back this way (they run under the floor of the room). I'm going to keep scouting ahead." Kibo makes his way to the stairs, remaining stealthy. He gives a quick glance around the room for any markings before descending the stairs. (Made all skill checks - Hide in Shadows, Move Silent, Detect Noise)
Nonam d20=16 Thursday January 20th, 2000 3:30:59 PM
Nonam speaks to the group, "Kibo is down at the opening to the room. It is safe until that point. The room beyond is constructed differently than these passages, and is heavily scorched by what looks to be fireballs." He then speaks to Kibo via the ring, "Be careful down there. Did you notice any spider symbol in the hall before you got there?" And back to the group, "He's checking it out a little more for us. We can wait a minute just to be careful. Teko, you should probably keep your spell. If we can't find a spider symbol to direct us, then we are probably supposed to go through the Battlemaze. Maybe, our spies turned it off. Or if its a maze, maybe spider symbols will leads us through without incident. Now, let's get to looking for the spider... um, if its okay with Gareth." Nonam steps down to the next section of hallway and starts looking for the spider symbol. (made percep)
Gareth d20=6 Thursday January 20th, 2000 6:41:59 PM
The warrior examines the Battle-Maze symbol in case it might be a map. He looks for a 'safe' path through it if he can see it (Int. by 6). "Yes, Nonam, lets get looking. Tell Kibo he's doing a good job up there. I would suggest you let me go first - in case of attack I think it would be better for me to be in front.". If nobody objects, the warrior moves to the front - knowing the time for the Three to prove themselves is at hand.
Onrad Thursday January 20th, 2000 7:38:59 PM
"Good work everyone. I'll stay here as rear guard, but if we get a frontal attack, watch out cause I'll be coming through to the front or to a flanking position. Kibo's through to the chamber beyond, let's move up to the end of the hallway. Hmm...I wonder if anyone in House Baenre ever expected someone to sneak in through their Battlemaze?"
Saire Thursday January 20th, 2000 8:34:59 PM
"I don't know what to think about this 'leap and hope you don't die' business. It might sound good to you muscle-heads, but it sounds down right silly to me." Saire then advances with the party. Halfway down the hall a thought comes to Saire, and he whispers, "If Bishop smells really old undead, and the matron is a lich, doesn't that add up to... the matron is down here with us."
Teko Friday January 21st, 2000 2:33:59 AM
Teko examines another section of wall, hoping to find another spider symbol.
Jus Friday January 21st, 2000 3:33:59 AM
Jus raises his eyebrows when he hears Saire talk about the lich. It's hard to believe this is real... "let's just hope these Drow are worth it," he thinks to himself. A soft blue glow appears around his blade as Jus begins to pull his sword from its sheath. Thinking it best to keep the lights down, he slides it back home with a 'snick'. Pulling out his bow, he readies his arrows instead.
Gag Me and Call Me a Ghoul (DM Jerry) d10=5 d10=4 Friday January 21st, 2000 6:51:59 AM
No other spider signs are found. No pattern is discernable from the Battlemaze symbol. It appears to be just that: a symbol. As Kibo rounds the edge of the rail to look down the stairs, he sees the far wall across the room from him slide silently up revealing a secret room behind it. An awful smell follows this causing not only Kibo to gag, but the others down the hall to do so as well (all save vs. poison or you will be attacking at -2 to hit due to retching and nausea). Stepping out into the room as if all this was normal is a group of ghoul/ghast types as well as 3 Wight type monsters. They immediately halt barely into the room and begin sniffing. Then they begin growling, seemingly led by 3 darker skinned ghoul/ghasts. #8 points down the hallway with one hand. (Initiative goes to the party 5-4.) {See map sent by email for opening locations.}(Please state the AC you hit. I'll keep their ACs a mystery for now.)[Round 1: Party Initiative begins now]
Kibo d20=10 d100=58 Friday January 21st, 2000 4:02:59 PM
Via the ring, Kibo tells Nonam what he sees, adding, "I'm far enough away if you want to use an area-effect attack on them. I'll duck down the stairs, just in case." Kibo heads downward looking for traps (made his saving throw- base of 8+2=10 needed).
Nonam 2d4(4+2)=6 d4=3 Friday January 21st, 2000 9:53:59 PM
Nonam calmly pulls out the fire wand as he speaks to Kibo through the ring, "Stay up here. You might be running into the Battlemaze by yourself if you go down." Nonam levels the wand at the undead and a wall of fire suddenly appears in diagonally across the hall from floor to ceiling. It is directly in front of #s 2,7,& 8, so only 3 & 4 are not trapped. The heat of a thousand suns radiates on the side with the most undead. The blistering heat burns 1,2,6,7,8,12 for 12 pts dmg (2d4=6). Even 5 and 11 take 6 pts of dmg (1d4=3,dbl dmg to undead, no save). Any of the monstrosities that are foolish enough to touch the searing wall will take (2d6+6)x2 pts dmg. As soon as the spell is cast, Nonam becomes visible, and he addresses the party, "Our side of the wall is cool, but whatever you do, DON'T TOUCH IT." Then Nonam looks in the general direction of Teko and says, "I can't believe you didn't want this wand."
Tericus d20+1=3 Sunday January 23rd, 2000 3:29:59 AM
as the firewall springs to life, Tericus can see that there are still 2 of the living dead in view. brandishing his staff in front of him, he boldly yells out, "In the name of Teresalia, return to the grave!!!!!!!" his staff begins to glow brightly, its light shooting over the undead(turned everything below wights or 5 hd creatures). then he becomes visible, waiting for the corpses to attack.
Saire 2d20(19+7)=26 d8=7 d8=7 d8=7 Sunday January 23rd, 2000 3:36:59 AM
Saire hears Tericus' bold proclamation, and advances behind the now visible Tericus. Saire holds unless the undead approach Tericus, if so Saire fires a volley of arrows at #4 [hitting armor class -4 and 8, arrow 1 for 7, arrow 2 for 7 point of damage.]
Bishop Sunday January 23rd, 2000 7:30:59 AM
Bishop advances to 10 feet in front of the fire wall and waits. (Holding)
Gareth d20=14 d20=20 d20=15 d20=10 d8=5 d8=2 Sunday January 23rd, 2000 6:48:59 PM
The warrior advances and watches the 2 creatures still in view. If they do not die or turn and run into the flames from the Three's assault he attacks the one that looks the most powerful with a decisive blow (33 DMG). The warrior again swings his trusty blade landing another effective attack (12 DMG). Note: If attack #1 kills the first vermin, attack #2 goes to the other one.
Jus Sunday January 23rd, 2000 8:38:59 PM
"Kibo!" Jus exclaimes under his breath, unable to hear the conversation between Nonam and Kibo. Hoping the other's attacks have taken care of the two visible undead, Jus runs around the corner to catch up to Kibo with his bow ready, just in case their are more undead to contend with. Around the corner, Jus continues far enough to give him some space from the undead and the Wall of Fire.
Bishop Monday January 24th, 2000 12:18:59 AM
Still holding.
Teko d20=3 Monday January 24th, 2000 3:36:59 AM
No reponse from Teko is heard about the wand, though the rest of the party does retching sounds, seemingly at gnome-level. For the moment, Teko waits to see the result of the others' attacks. He briefly glances behind the party to see if there might be anyone there.
Onrad Monday January 24th, 2000 3:41:59 AM
Onrad by reflex takes a step forward, but seeing things well in hand he holds to see what develops.
Party Results (DM Jerry) Monday January 24th, 2000 3:45:59 AM
Nonam's Wall of Fire springs up with a loud ::whoosh:: sound followed by the crackling of flames (count 2 charges) as planned isolating 3 and 4. Tericus then turns those two who run back through the flames screaming an unearthly yell due to terror first and pain second. Nothing else is seen. The Wall of Fire remains. Jus then runs to join Kibo now that the way is clear for him to do so. Everyone else holds.
These Are the Flames Of Our Lives (DM Jerry) Monday January 24th, 2000 3:51:59 AM
Nothing emerges from the flames. Nothing is seen beyond the flames. The crackling sound of the flames is testimony to their effectiveness. (Combat is over.)
Kibo d20=9 d20=19 d100=73 Monday January 24th, 2000 6:12:59 AM
Hearing footsteps running his way, Kibo quickly deduces that they are Jus' (the 2nd roll occurred in error). He whispers, "Over here." He continues checking the stairs for traps (were any detected last round?).
Gareth Monday January 24th, 2000 6:21:59 PM
Relieved that he remained invisible and didn't have to reveal himself, the warrior whispers "Perhaps it would be worthwhile to look in the passage the undead came out of. It may lead around the maze instead of through it."
Onrad d20=2 Monday January 24th, 2000 7:37:59 PM
(Voluntary Perception Check made) Onrad rushes forward to the Wall of Fire. "Uh oh. I think we've made a mistake. Nonam, can you release the wall? If these monsters get away, it's possible they can blow the whistle on us.
Jus d20=10 Monday January 24th, 2000 8:43:59 PM
"You ok, Kibo?" Jus asks, scanning the area around the stairs. His eyes tear from the horrid stench of the undead, but Jus is able to keep his nausea in check.
Saire Monday January 24th, 2000 9:02:59 PM
"I think this is an opportunity to quickly pass through this area; let's not lose this chance. No need to wait for trouble. Plus, I don't think those rotting brains will blow a whistle on us. To the best of my senses, I would hide treasure far below the keep." Saire hurries forward to the stairs, as he passes Tericus, "Good job with the turn undead... are you gonna stay visible?" Saire moves to the ledge of the stairs and looks down, then he advances to the dead end wall at the end of the hall. Saire examines the wall for a spider mark.
Tericus Monday January 24th, 2000 11:20:59 PM
pauses a moment to catch his breath. "Yeah, for the moment. I can only go invisible one more time, so ill save it." then he moves up to the intersection, making sure no one comes to investigate the wall of fire
Bishop Tuesday January 25th, 2000 1:30:59 AM
Bishop waits and speaks. "I too think that we should hurry, but worry not Onrad, anyone that could communicate with these creatures would already know we were here."
Teko Tuesday January 25th, 2000 1:40:59 AM
Teko waits to see what happens with the fire wall. He remains quiet, other than any gagging that he cannot help.
Nonam Tuesday January 25th, 2000 2:14:59 AM
Nonam steps up to the L in the hallway so that everyone can see him, "The wall will last about 5 more minutes. I had hoped we could see through it to tell if the fire was killing them or to cast more spells at them, but I guess that's not the case. Now then, we can run off and avoid the fight. I agree with Saire and Bishop that the undead will pose no threat if we continue on, but what if our spider symbol is in the room they came out of? We could be entering the BattleMaze without needing to. I think we should cast a vote. We would ensure that we went the right way if we waited for the flames to die down, but I feel Kibo would have noticed a spider symbol here when he went by. So, I vote that we go on down the stairs and avoid this fight. However, I'm not sure... I don't suppose the stairs have a spider on them?" Nonam leans on his staff and waits for the others to answer.
Gareth Tuesday January 25th, 2000 5:36:59 AM
The warrior looks for footprints going down the stairs like the ones seen earlier - now that there is ample light. "My only concern is that we might avoid the maze completely if we go the way they came from. It may be no better though."
Upstairs Downstairs (DM Jerry) Tuesday January 25th, 2000 8:26:59 AM
The flames continue to crackle and burn revealing nothing on the other side. The undead, if still there, are not seen nor heard. Gareth notices no footprints in this area. There is no dust. The floor and steps are clean. All have to raise their voices above a whisper now to be heard. Nonam and Tericus are now visible. All others are still invisible. Saire is also displaced. The party is still about 50' down the hallway except for Jus and Kibo who are a couple of steps down the stairs. The two of them cannot hear the others at their current location due to the distance and the crackle of the flames. Suddenly, a large spider about 2' in diameter, appears on the top landing of the stairs facing Kibo and Jus. It stands there and quivers, it's eyes whirling. No one notices this except Jus and Kibo.
Kibo d20=2 Tuesday January 25th, 2000 1:54:59 PM
Remaining still and silent, hoping the creature hasn't stopped him, Kibo uses his ring to inform Nonam of the spider's presence, ending with, "Perhaps if you made a distraction, we could hit it from behind?" If the spider does leave the stairs, headed for the rest of the group, Kibo tries to backstab, failing miserably.
Nonam 5d4(1+2+4+3+3)+5=18 d100=60 Tuesday January 25th, 2000 2:19:59 PM
Once Nonam gets Kibo's message, he runs toward the stairs. Once the spider is in view, he stops and waits. Should it move to attack anyone, the mage will cast magic missle (18pts).
Gareth Tuesday January 25th, 2000 5:10:59 PM
Upon noticing that there are no footprints the warrior frowns. "No footprints. That means the undead never travel this direction. That also may mean neither does the Matron. But I think she would travel a direction other than the rancid ranks of the undead. I say we continue down the stairs.". As the warrior hears Nonam move toward the stairs quickly he follows him - but holds his attack pending action from the spider.
Saire d20=7 Tuesday January 25th, 2000 8:25:59 PM
Saire,having reached the stair banister last turn, now sees the spider from behind. Saire grabs his rope of entanglement. Knowing that spiders are obscenely fast Saire decides it must be immobilized. "Entangle" he commands as he lashes out the rope to entwine the 8 legged creature. [7/15] Saire hits better than armor class 10. Saire becomes visible, but that is alright because his invisibility was about to expire. Then Saire will move around the banister to stand at the lip of the stairs.
Onrad Tuesday January 25th, 2000 9:46:59 PM
Onrad whispers to those still in the hallway. "Let's all proceed to the stairs. We should except for scouting, stay together."
Tericus d20+1=3 Wednesday January 26th, 2000 12:07:59 AM
moves on to the stairs after seeing or hearing everyone move in that direction. upon seeing the spider, Tericus takes a step back, hoping the thing wont decide to jump on him. if it does, he'll strike at it, but misses.
Teko d20=18 Wednesday January 26th, 2000 2:50:59 AM
Teko heads for the stairs and upon noticing the spider and the various actions taken against it (makes perception check), he waits to see the consequences for the spider.
Bishop Wednesday January 26th, 2000 3:07:59 AM
Bishop remembering that he is invisable freezes and makes no sounds.
Jus Wednesday January 26th, 2000 6:04:59 AM
Jus attempts to be as still as possible, using his invisibility to hide, and his common sense to be quite.
Upstairs Downstairs (DM Jerry) Wednesday January 26th, 2000 6:38:59 AM
The rope, almost faster than the eye can see, secures itself around the spider. It stands there helpless. Then, it phases out of existence. A few seconds later, either it or another appears directly behind Onrad and those at the back of the party in the hallway.
Kibo d20=17 Wednesday January 26th, 2000 2:19:59 PM
Via the ring, Kibo informs Nonam (who is now coming toward the stairs) of the disappearance of the spider. He's never seen or heard of such a thing before.
Nonam Wednesday January 26th, 2000 3:47:59 PM
Nonam sees the spider disappear and hears Kibo's comment. He speaks to those near the stairs, "It could have been an illusion. It could have blinked to somewhere else. Or it could have been some sort of spy for the house that teleported back to its mistress." Trying to figure out where it went, the wizard turns and looks back down the hall.
Bishop Wednesday January 26th, 2000 11:39:59 PM
Bishop wishing that they had hurried stays still and silent.
Gareth d20=8 Thursday January 27th, 2000 12:03:59 AM
The warrior frowns at the spider's agility. He whispers to Nonam "So what do you think. Do we take it out or move on? It bothers me that it's not attacking. I think it's observing us." (Int by 4).
Saire Thursday January 27th, 2000 2:03:59 AM
Saire, utterly dismayed that he's been taken... dashes forward to retrieve his rope. "Blast, what was that." After picking up the rope he activates his boots to become invisible once more [if time permits]. Thinking the phantasm has vanished, Saire stage whispers, "Advance, what are we waiting for? We are already in the spiders web, hurry before the trap comes to fruition. I feel caution is no longer in order."
Saire Thursday January 27th, 2000 2:09:59 AM
"Well... maybe caution is in order, but maybe caution of a faster nature." Saire smiles sheepishly at his previous foolish statement.
Teko d20=19 Thursday January 27th, 2000 2:36:59 AM
Whether the spider was an illusion or invisible, Teko look around for more of the same (just makes perception roll). If he sees the spider, he watches it for discrepencies to see if it is an illusion.
Tericus d20+1=10 d6+1=2 Thursday January 27th, 2000 4:47:59 AM
seeing the spider disappear, only to reappear again, Tericus walks up to it and tries to swat it with his staff(hits ac 5 for 2 whole pts of dm). "Get out of here!" he says to it
Onrad d20=8 d20=2 d8+6=11 d8+6=12 Thursday January 27th, 2000 6:11:59 AM
Seeing that Tericus has chosen to attack, he joins in--dipping around Tericus to strike at the spider using his dex style hitting AC 0 and 6 for 11 and 12 points of damage respectively. "Uh, Cousin Spider is back here. We're...slicing and dicing."
Spurting Goo! (DM Jerry) Thursday January 27th, 2000 6:29:59 AM
Tericus hits the spider cutting it open. Goo spurts out all over him. Onrad hits the spider twice causing the thing to basically explode spurting goo all over everyone still in the hallway. Ewww....the stink!
Nonam Thursday January 27th, 2000 4:10:59 PM
Nonam yells out to everyone in the party, "The firewall isn't going to last much longer! Do we go down?"
Gareth Thursday January 27th, 2000 6:31:59 PM
"Let's go. I doubt the matron would travel such a path as the undead do. I'm tired of this slow pace anyway. Speed may be our ally at this point as much as stealth.". The warrior moves to the stairs, takes a deep breath, and decends until he finds Kibo and Jus.
Saire Thursday January 27th, 2000 8:51:59 PM
Saire joins with Gareth, Kibo, and Jus at the bottom of the stairs.
Onrad Thursday January 27th, 2000 11:42:59 PM
Onrad, who is now visible, comes around the corner and over to the stairs seeing that everyone else is in front of him. "I'll see that all are ahead of me. Please say something if you for some strange reason you are invisible and fall behind me." Take off Kibo, if you're still willing to scout ahead. Gareth, I'll let you know if we get behind."
Kibo d100=93 d100=17 d100=6 d100=83 d100=45 Friday January 28th, 2000 12:33:59 AM
Kibo checks the rest of the way down the stairs for traps, relying on his boots (failed regular skills roll). Once at the bottom, he searches the hall beyond for traps (very successful roll, allowing for detection of magical traps) as he continues to remain stealthy (and invisible).
Teko Friday January 28th, 2000 2:44:59 AM
Teko immediately follows the others. He watches for more spiders - of whatever kind.
Tericus Friday January 28th, 2000 3:56:59 AM
tries his best to wipe off the spider goo thats all over him while he moves down the stairs to join the others
Jus Saturday January 29th, 2000 10:46:59 PM
Jus grins as everyone joins him. "This isn't so bad...," Jus jokes, knowing the party hasn't even entered the outskirts of the compound.
"This isn't so bad." (DM Jerry) Sunday January 30th, 2000 2:16:59 AM
Kibo leads the party down the stairs with Jus slightly behind him and to one side. Gareth and Saire follow with Teko and Tericus coming after them. Nonam and Bishop are at the top landing followed by Onrad. Kibo goes down to the 30' mark and then suddenly Kibo's boots give him a little shock warning him of a magical trap just ahead. Kibo has 30' to go and 30' behind him. Each row is 5' behind the group in front of them so there is a space between Nonam/Bishop and those in front of them. Tericus and Onrad are truly beginning to smell in these enclosed spaces this smell mixing with that of the charred steps and banister.
Kibo d100=41 Sunday January 30th, 2000 3:06:59 AM
Kibo warns everybody back, saying, "Magical trap dead ahead. I can try to disarm it, but I've only got a 3 or 4 chance in ten of doing so..." Kibo waits, and if no other solution is offered, attempts to disarm the trap after everyone has ascended to the top of the stairs.
Bishop d20=10 Sunday January 30th, 2000 7:02:59 AM
Bishop places his hand to heart, "Keep watch father night as we fool loose the fight in the name of action." He then concentrates trying again to detect undead. (made it by 7)
Nonam Sunday January 30th, 2000 3:19:59 PM
Nonam follows down the stairs, "I can cast 'detect magic' on it if you want, Kibo. It would probably just make the trapped area glow which might make it easier for you to work with, but it might set it off. I don't really know. - Did everyone make it down the stairs?" He sniffs around loudly and says, "Gods, I wish a couple of you hadn't." He screws up his face and waves his hand back and forth in front of his face. "Smells like a farting zombie."
Gareth Sunday January 30th, 2000 6:32:59 PM
The warrior looks for a spider symbol. "Can we circumvent it? There must be a way. I'm sure it doesn't go off when they enter every time. Try and disarm it if we can't find a way around. You're our best shot at it Kibo.".
Jus Sunday January 30th, 2000 7:36:59 PM
Jus glances at Bishop, wondering what he is doing; the ways of clerics has always made Jus curious. "Ever the charmer, Nonam," Jus says as he hears Nonam's proclamations. "We should pool our money and send you to charm school someday." Turning to Gareth, Jus comments, "Unless the spider our smelly friends dispatched was the way around, I think this is it."
Saire d100=74 Sunday January 30th, 2000 8:24:59 PM
"You might try letting me have a hand at disarming the trap. I'm actually not bad at it. Where abouts is it?" After someone directs him to the specific area of the trap, Saire first attempts to find traps. But can not locate the trap. "I can't seem to locate the trap though, I guess Kibo should do it."
Onrad Sunday January 30th, 2000 8:51:59 PM
"Good work Kibo." Onrad's face puzzles as he backs up a few paces allowing all to wish to return to the top of the stairs. "I'm trying to put myself in the mind of the one who designed this place. It seems meant to slow down invading armies, demorolize them while smaller forces snuck around and attacked. That would work against an army... We're not an army. Hmm..." Onrad nods and smiles at Saire's efforts and also in Bishop's general vicinity. "Quickly folks. Disarm or set it off, then let's move on."
Tericus Monday January 31st, 2000 2:05:59 AM
"I smell like Bishob's last date." Tericus mutterst to himself, still trying to get the goo off him. then, hearing that Kibo found a trap, says "If its magical, let me know and ill try to dispel it."
Bishop Monday January 31st, 2000 2:18:59 AM
Bishop continues to test for undead.
Teko Monday January 31st, 2000 2:39:59 AM
"My chance of disarming it is probably about 5 in 10. That and opening locks are my forte'. And I'm probably more resistant to magic than most of you. If you like, I'll take the first try."
Keep Watch Father Night (DM Jerry) 6d8(4+5+3+6+5+5)=28 Monday January 31st, 2000 6:48:59 AM
Bishop detects no undead. Gareth sees no spider symbol. Onrad and Tericus smell horrible. Everyone crowds at the top of the stairs, no one yet tempting fate by passing the halfway point 30' down the stairs where Kibo detected the Magical Trap. Finally deciding he's the one to do this, Kibo attempts to disarm the trap. (I'm assuming that your roll of 41 was this check DAH) Kibo fails and is baptized in flame as fire fills the entire stairway top to bottom from the ceiling to the stairs doing 6d8=28 hpd to Kibo (save for half). Kibo is effectively blinded by the flames unable to see. (Roll for surprise everyone. Kibo will be surprised 3 in 10 not including any adjustments.) Everyone at the top sees Kibo disappear as they are assaulted by a wave of heat singeing the nose hairs and the clothing of those closest to the stairs. The fire continues to rain down billowing and filling the entire staircase with flame and sound!
Gareth Monday January 31st, 2000 5:42:59 PM
"Looks like he found it.". The warrior moves quickly down the stairs as the flames subside grabbing Kibo and carrying him to the bottom. "You OK?".
Nonam d20=13 Monday January 31st, 2000 5:50:59 PM
Nonam quickly tries to determine if the flames will die out or if this is more like his wall of fire (percep or spellcasting prof by 5). Should he think the flames might last a few minutes, he will cast 'flame shield' and rush forward to help Kibo.
Saire Monday January 31st, 2000 8:42:59 PM
Saire throws his arm up around his face to protect from the onrush of heat. "Crap, I thought Teko was gonna disarm the trap!?" Saire can not will himself to charge into the flames to help Kibo, the heat is far too intense. Saire feels helpless. "I wonder if there is another way down," Saire says to himself. Then he reels around and dashes down the hall, If the old fire wall is finished, Saire will advance to the door and look inside; unless he can see or hear undead, in which case he decides that was a stupid idea and returns to the party.
Gareth d20=14 Monday January 31st, 2000 9:21:59 PM
(suprise roll...)
Jus d20=11 d20=11 Monday January 31st, 2000 11:19:59 PM
Hoping the flames are only instantaneous, Jus waits a moment to see if they subside. If the flames continue, Jus casts Dispel Magic centered on the area where the trap was sprung(suprise roll=11, dispel magic roll=11).
Kibo d20=9 d10=5 d100=75 d100=83 Tuesday February 1st, 2000 1:59:59 AM
(Kibo makes his save, and passes the surprise check). Not enjoying the flame bath, and figuring it is easier stepping down than up to get out quickly, Kibo heads down the rest of the stairs to the hall below. Realizing he is still invisible, and his companions may be worried, he uses the ring to tell Nonam where he is. He quickly uses his thieving skills to hide and move quietly, hoping to avoid any critters down below.
Bishop d10=2 Tuesday February 1st, 2000 2:42:59 AM
Bishop is surprised briefly.
Teko d10=7 Tuesday February 1st, 2000 2:54:59 AM
Teko is not suprised. He also watches to see whether or not the fire effect is instantaneous. "Take care," he says, "The trap could reset itself in no time at all."
Tericus d10=9 Tuesday February 1st, 2000 3:11:59 AM
as the flames engulf Kibo, Tericus runs up to the edge of the flames, looking into the inferno. "Kibo, can you hear me? Are you ok." he yells out. if the flames dissapate, he will run throught and see if he can help Kibo, if the flames remain, he will stay where he is, waiting for them to die
Saire d10=6 Tuesday February 1st, 2000 5:37:59 AM
Saire was not surprised
Onrad d10=2 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 9:54:59 AM
Onrad jumps back to the wall from the heat his mouth hanging open as he sees the cruelty of this place. He can't think. He just stares.
Kibo Gets Cooked (DM Jerry 6d8(5+6+2+3+2+7)=25 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 10:29:59 AM
When the flames don't subside, Gareth holds and doesn't descend the stairs. Nonam prepares to cast Flame shield and also move to help Kibo, but gets the message that he's ok just in time to stop him. Nonam pausing causes Jus to pause saving his spell. Tericus yells down at Kibo. Kibo, still in the flames takes 6d8=25 (save for half) additional hpd. He then blindly tries to run down the stairs. (Please make dex check at -2 or you tumble the rest of the way taking 3d4 additional points of damage.) Either on his feet or crumpled at the foot of the stairs, exits the flames and the stairs. Immediately the flames stop. Kibo looks up. Two crossbows are leveled at his person. One at his head. One at his heart. Two dark figures are holding the crossbows--Drow! One draws his second finger to his lips instructing Kibo to be quiet. The drow seem to be masked by some kind of cloak. (Only a 25% chance for anyone looking down the stairs to see them.)
Saire Sees Something Interesting (DM Jerry Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 10:41:59 AM
Saire arrives at the Wall of Flame on the other side of the room about the time it dissipates. On the other side of the flame is not undead, but drow--two rows of them in a scattered formation. Those in back are levitated. All of them have crossbows at the ready. Luckily, they don't seem to have seen you, but they do seem to have spotted Tericus and Onrad who are visible on the other side of the room since you see them nodding slightly in that direction. They seem to be waiting for their eyes to adjust as they blink furiously.
One Last Observation (DM Jerry) Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 10:43:59 AM
(Kibo, perception check to notice that the Drow are not looking directly at you--i.e. can't see you, but heard you fall.)
Kibo d20=13 d20+2=13 d20=6 d100=15 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 2:13:59 PM
Kibo clears the flames, again somehow managing only to suffer half-damage, and gets the bottom without tripping. Looking up and seeing the two drow, he quickly gauges their abilities and determines they are going by sound to locate him...he successfully moves silently to the side while informing Nonam via the ring about these two cloaked individuals, adding, "I'm not sure why they want me to be quiet, when killing me would be just as effective. They are probably not enemies, but I'm moving, just in case."
Nonam d100=88 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 5:18:59 PM
The mage whispers, "Kibo sees two drow with crossbows. He thinks they're friendly. Be careful though... Being stuck right here isn't good."
Gareth Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 5:42:59 PM
the warrior decides to move down the stairs to the place where Kibo was trying to disarm the trap to get a better look at them. Before he decends he whispers "Guys, if you're going to disarm it do it now. I'm going to go down if they do anything."
Gareth, con't. d20=6 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 5:45:59 PM
If the drow attack - or look like they are going to, regardless of the trap the warrior draws his weapon and races down the stairs. (Dex by plenty). He uses his blind fighting skill to attack the drow without penalty.
Saire d10=5 d20=3 d20=7 Wednesday February 2nd, 2000 8:39:59 PM
Saire is startled but not suprised by the appearance of the drow. He looks back and sees Tericus and the others who are visible. The drow can not attack them from behind, because if Tericus is facing down the stairs, he should also easily be able to see the drow when the flames drop. [The drow and the party should be facing each other according to the map]. Saire dashes back to the party. Saire commands his rope to attach to the banister above the stairs as he runs forward (picking up the slack until there's about 15 feet of rope left). Then, holding the rope he leeps over the banister, letting gravity bring him down, and letting his momentum bring his body and the rope back toward the 'under banister'; where he alights on the floor below the stairs. [DEX made 3/17 DEX made again for difficulty 7/17] He commands the rope to release as soon as time permits [next action]
Teko d100=69 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 2:41:59 AM
Teko first attempts to find the workings of the fire trap itself, but keeps clear of the boundry of the flames that appeared. Unfortunately, he cannot seem to find it without tripping the trap again! When he has finally determined this, he moves back towards the party to let them know that he couldn't find the trap.
Bishop Thursday February 3rd, 2000 3:25:59 AM
Bishop snaps out of his stooper and crosses down the stairs to as close to the fire wall as he can get without taking damage. He tries to strain his vision through the wall.
Onrad Thursday February 3rd, 2000 3:52:59 AM
Onrad, still overwhelmed by the heat wave, whispers, "Any way of getting down without setting this thing off? Nonam, ask Kibo if the trigger was stepping on a step, or passing a certain vertical plane?" Onrad continues to stay pressed against the back wall, ready for action.
Lit and Hit (DM Jerry) d20=7 d20=3 d20=14 d3=3 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 4:16:59 AM
Kibo moves "silently to the side" past the drow and then whispers his message. Both drow turn making their perception checks(7 and 3). One instantly casts Fairie Fire. (No Save.) Instantly Kibo is outlined with blue flame and is now +2 to hit. The second one fires his hand crossbow (14) hitting Kibo easily for 3 hpd. (save vs. poison or you fall remembering no more.)...
Saire Through the Air With the Greatest of Ease (DM Jerry) Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:22:59 AM
Saire swings and lands at the foot of the stairs. He now sees two drow in front of him facing a smallish creature beyond them over at the side of the hallway that he can see only by the blue fire outlining his body. Their back is to him at the moment....
Teko and Gareth on the Edge (DM Jerry) d100=76 6d8(5+5+6+4+3+4)=27 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:23:00 AM
As Teko moves to find the magical trap, he unfortunately sets it off again. (76% rolled. I allowed a 75% chance of not setting it off.)The flames surge doing 6d8=27 hpd (save. for half) to all on the stairs which seems to be Gareth and Teko--Saire having already landed.(Anyone moving in the flames needs to make a dex check or they fall taking 1d4 per 10')(Gareth and Teko may make a perception check at -4 just before the flames go off, to see a rope suddenly descend from the bannister, swing back and forth, and then disappear as it is quickly is thrown towards the bottom landing. Those at the top of the stairs may make the same check at -8.)...
(DM Jerry) Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:23:59 AM
...(still not done)[grin]{Scott is waiting on me.[big evil grin]}...
Almost Fried Bishop(DM Jerry) Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:34:59 AM
Bishop moves to go down the stairs, but stops at the lip of the first stair as the Flames engulf the stairway once more. He pulls his foot back smoking, but not damaged....
Faerie Fire Buffet (DM Jerry) d20=3 d20=7 d20=1 d20=9 d20=16 d20=18 d20=13 d20=15 d3=2 d3=2 d3=2 d20=6 d20=17 d3=2 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:58:59 AM
Perception checks of 3, 7, 1, 9, and 16 alert the drow to minor sounds: whispers, creaking bannisters with ropes hung from them, visible party members, etc. Drow #6-10 instantly cast Fairie Fire on the last 30 x 40 feet of the chamber lighting up Jus, Tericus, Bishop, Onrad, and Nonam with Green Flames. Right after this, Drow 1-5 advance 60' and open fire with their hand crossbows. #1-3 fire at Jus at short range (plus two for the Fairie Fire) rolling 18(20), 13(15), and 15(17) hitting Jus all three times for 6 hpd (save 3 times or Jus falls remembering no more.) #4-5 fire at Onrad at Medium Range (-2 for range, +2 for Fairie fire evening out) rolling 6 and 17 hitting Onrad once for 2 hpd. (save once or Onrad falls remembering no more.) Drow #6-9 then lower themselves to the ground and use movement to position themselves at the top end of the bannister giving them 25% cover making them -2 to hit with missles. #10 moves forward out of the secret room and turns to close it by doing something just to the right of the opening.
Round 1 (DM Jerry) Thursday February 3rd, 2000 6:00:59 AM
(We are now in combat--above and below. It is your initiative. Good Luck.)
Nonam d20=13 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 4:54:59 PM
Nonam curses and casts Wall of Stone directly in front of 1,2,3,4. It's twenty feet across (these are 10' squares right?). It's anchored to the passage wall, but is open over the stairs. It's 9' high (or height of passage) and 2.25" thick. Then Nonam moves so that he's behind the new wall. The mage seems remarkably calm for someone fighting drow in a battlemaze in Menzoberrenzan, and he calls out, "That will just slow them down, but it will give us some cover."
Gareth d20=3 d20=9 d20=7 d20=16 d20=15 d8+10=12 d8+10=12 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 5:42:59 PM
Curses under his breath as he sees the 2 drow attack Kibo. He races forward as the flames ignite taking the full brunt of the flames (failed save). He successfully traverses the rest of the stairs (Made Dex -4), closes in on the two drow and attacks somehow avoiding Saire at the bottom (Made Dex check). He swings twice cutting into the one with the cocked crossbow twice (Hit AC -9 and -8 for 24 DMG). The now visible warrior hopes the potion he and the others took to prevent poisoning works as advertised.
Saire d20=8 Thursday February 3rd, 2000 9:00:59 PM
Saire lands on the ground... and seeing that Kibo has been caught [so to speak]Saire acts fast... not fast enough because Gareth dashes by and really lays into the drow with the cocked crossbow... Saire shoulders his rope and approaches the drow that hasn't been attacked. Saire grips his short sword as he steps behind the drow to attack from behind. (not a back attack, but a called shot from behind attempting to knock out the drow. -4 called shot, +2 from behind}. Saire misses his mark, and as he misses his mark he wonders why it's always him that misses the really important shots?
Tericus d4=1 Friday February 4th, 2000 12:42:59 AM
after the wall of stone appears, Tericus turns his attention to the four nealing by the stairs. he casts hold person, but is only able to effect one of them(save at -4). he then moves towards the stone wall, dragging anyone who went down from the hail of bolts.
Jus d100=98 d20+1=8 d20=4 d20=9 d20=18 d20=5 d20=6 Friday February 4th, 2000 12:49:59 AM
Jus grimaces as the Faire Fire's wisps envelope him. He pulls out his Long Sword and Drow Slayer from their sheaths and turns to face the approaching undead. A grin spreads across his face as he sees no undead, but Drow. Jus drops his grin with a "Yikes!", as he sees multiple bolts fly in his direction. Lunging to the side, Jus uses his Tumbling and Parrying skills in an attempt to avoid being hit . Caught offguard, his sword barely catches the first bolt (2-hit = d20+1[magic sword]+2[tumbling] = 10:hits ac1). Throwing himself down in a crouch, he swings at the second bolt, missing badly, then brings his sword back around for one more attempt. Jus watches, the world in slow motion, as the last bolt slips past his sword and into his shoulder. Looking down, he sees all three bolts have hit their target -- his two parries were useless. A coldness seeps into his wounds from the last bolt to strike (saved on other two). Determined to overcome the poison, Jus struggles to his feet (hero point); only to fall, remembering no more.
Teko d20=18 d20=2 8d6(5+6+3+4+4+2+5+4)=33 Friday February 4th, 2000 2:39:59 AM
Teko does save for half damage and steps quickly back out of the flame. He does notice the brief appearance of the rope. Using a Spectral Force, Teko strikes the two Drow attacking Kibo with a lightning bolt for 33 points of damage.
Bishop Sunday February 6th, 2000 4:13:59 AM
Bishop unslings his sythe and begins to pray. "Father Gargul as I live so must I die, as I die so must I live, allow me this day to walk the path and banish our enemys from the Wold." Bishop forgoes the first round of combat to meditate upon the path. He is defending only.
Kibo (revised) d20=20 Sunday February 6th, 2000 4:23:59 AM
Kibo easily shrugs off the effects of the poison on the dart, and quickly backpeddles, hoping to keep the drows' attention focused on him while the others gain the advantage of a back attack. He glances behind as he heads down the hall, hoping not to run into anything else.
Round 1 Player Results(DM Jerry) d20=2 8d6(5+2+5+4+2+3+5+5)=31 d20=6 d100=17 d100=5 d20=10 Sunday February 6th, 2000 5:36:59 AM
(Gareth, failing his save, must now have everything in his possession save on the Item Matrix Saving Throw Chart vs. flame. If you'll either on the Loot 'n Booty board, or at irony, roll a d20 say 30 times, list the rolls for me in an email, and I'll go down your character sheet using the chart and let you know what is destroyed.) Gareth takes no additional damage this turn from the fire since he posted then that he was running forward as an alternate move. Gareth tears into #11 for 24 points. He howls in pain arching his back as the blade penetrates his armor. Tericus perceives (made perception check d20=2) that he can't see those behind the banisters due to the constant flames and doesn't cast his spell. He then moves to pick up Jus and drag him over behind the wall and next to Nonam. Jus is down(will send John an email as to his condition). Teko takes 8d6(5+2+5+4+2+3+5+5)=31 points of damage from the flames, save for half, as he backs 30' back to the top of the stairs. (Note again, that the flames are from the top of the stairs to the bottom, floor of the stairs to the ceiling. They cover the entire stairway and cannot be seen through.) As soon as Teko reaches the top, the flames suddenly die out clearing the way for his Spectral Lightning Bolt spell. Making a perception check (d20=6) to notice that Gareth is just in front of #11 and 12 and Kibo is behind them angles the Spectral Force so that it starts 10' wide right where the two are....., except that all that happens is a fizzle when it touches the two elves and the spell fails. (Intelligence checks by to realize it was magic resistance that fizzled the spell with rolls on the Drow's part of d100=17 d100=5]) Teko becomes visible. Bishop goes into a trance seemingly preparing for something. The vocalizations that come out of his mouth make those nearby shiver as if the temperature just dropped several degrees. Kibo backpeddles down the hallway about 40' until he reaches the wall. // Onrad's turn: (done here since I forgot about it so that the rolls up top will still be there.) Onrad recovering from his surprise, sees Jus down and Tericus tending to him. He goes to join them, even though his heart is saying to tightrope along the bannister and engage the foe. "Can you do something for him Tericus? I have nothing for poison." To Nonam he says, "We need to get down. (Perception check of d20=10.) I think if we can skip touching the stairs past the 30' mark, it won't set off the flames, but even so we should move. I have some levitation potions as well as Gaseous Form, though those would make someone useless in battle for a time, I think. If Tericus can't revive him, I'll carry him while levitating. He looks pretty light. We should like go, though, and now. We need to get together with the others and use this wall to move forward as far as we can before they hit us again."...
Round 2 Opponent's Actions(DM Jerry) d20=8 d20=10 d20=19 d20=20 d20=7 d20=11 d3=1 d3=2 Sunday February 6th, 2000 5:51:59 AM
Drow #1-5 do....something. Drow #6-9, now that the flames are gone, strike at Bishop with their hand crossbows at Medium Range rolling d20=8, d20=10, d20=19, and d20=20 with a second roll of d20=7 hitting him twice for d3=1 and d3=2 totaling 3 hpd. The poison doesn't harm Bishop as he took one of Tericus' Poison Potions. After their shots, drow #6-10 move somewhere out of Bishop's sight, as if he was noticing. Downstairs, Drow #11 and 12 turn toward Gareth and nod in his direction. (Gareth please save vs. spell twice or you find yourself floating on the ceiling and out of control.) It is now party initiative. Good fortune to you all.
Nonam Sunday February 6th, 2000 3:42:59 PM
Nonam pulls out a potion of double casting and mutters something about how he knew he should have drunk it when the flames popped up on the stairs. He drinks it down as he looks up to see how close the wall is to the ceiling and to make sure nothing is coming over it. As he looks around he speaks to Onrad, "We could jump down on this side and maybe miss it all together... It might be too far to fall... I don't know. I hate to waste spells to get down some stairs. First we need to kill these guys, though."
Gareth d20=18 d20=18 d20=13 d20=15 d20=6 d8+10=14 d8+10=18 Sunday February 6th, 2000 6:57:59 PM
Realizing the damage his gear could take and being painfully well acquainted with fire traps, the warrior tries to minimize the damage done by the flames as he races to intecept the drow attacking Kibo (Hero point reroll of failed save - saved for half damage - if you'll allow it). The warrior feels the tingling sensation of magic coursing across his body but somehow avoids it's affects - barely (saved twice vs. spell). Growling and baring his teeth the now fully visible warrior slashes into his opponent once again twice making a pair of deep cuts to match the ones on his back (Hit AC -8 and 1 for 32 DMG). The warrior notes the condition of his foe and directs attack #2 at the other drow should his first attack drop the spawn from hell.
Kibo d100=3 d100=95 Monday February 7th, 2000 12:45:59 AM
Realizing that the party will still need an invisible scout (once the Faerie Fire has disappeared) and that Gareth will likely trounce the two drow before him (too bad, really -- the halfling thinks, still convinced that they were probably from a friendly contingent), Kibo decides to scout further down the hall, to warn the party of any surprises. (OOC: made find traps easily, hit the percentage button twice by accident). He doesn't worry about silence or hiding, since the combat and his lite body more than prevent him from succeeding.
Tericus Monday February 7th, 2000 1:58:59 AM
after he gets Jus behind the stone wall, Tericus unslings his healing pack and begins to pull out salves, herbs, medicines, and bandages. then he turns to Onrad. "I think I can save him, but its going to take some time! I need a few minuets to figure out how to counter the posion, but he cant be moved while I work!" then he turns to Jus and begins examining the wounds.(using healing proficincey, im able to give Jus another saving throw at +2 vs posion if i can work on him uninterupted for 5 rnds.)
Teko d20=1 Monday February 7th, 2000 3:14:59 AM
Teko's astonishing gnomish constitution doesn't help him in the slightest. He screams in agony. And yet the scream, strangely, is a modest one. He attempts to activate his Ring of Invisibility again. After this attempt, if he has time, he casts Alter Self upon himself, turning into a pixie (perhaps a rather large one), and flies quickly down the stairs without touching ANYTHING.
Bishop d20=18 d100+15=75 d4+2=5 Monday February 7th, 2000 5:35:59 AM
Bishop drops the Sythe and untangles his crossbow, it seems as if he is moving in slow motion, ever motion he makes is crisp and delibrate. He sights the crossbow at the nearest drow he can see down the stairs or if none can be seen there he sight on the nearest one upstairs. He breathes in and holds his breath aiming dilibrately at the drows eyes and brain. He fires and hits AC -4 His called shot does major damage. (5pts damage and 75% called shot to the head.) Bishop then continues his trance like state,every movement delibrate, every motion deadly.
Onrad d20=14 d20=11 d6=5 d6=6 Monday February 7th, 2000 7:22:59 AM
With a grim visage, nods to Tericus and lays his hand in thanks upon the Priest's shoulders. Then he turns to Nonam remembering his own recent death. "You and me to the end Nonam. To the bitter end." A tear drops from Onrad's face landing on Jus' still form. Onrad then offers his hand to grasp hands with Nonam. After Nonam makes his response, Onrad spins into action. he goes to the corner of the wall and peers around it looking for drow to shoot at with his short bow. If he finds a shot, he lets loose with two quick arrows rolling 14 and 11 hitting AC0 and -3 for 5 and 6 points of damage respectively.
Party Results for Round 2 (DM Jerry) Monday February 7th, 2000 7:38:59 AM
Nonam drinks his potion. As he finishes drinking the world around him slows down as his thought processes increase to an incredible speed. His eyes dart around taking in everything. Gareth feel his burn racked body cosmically react to the fire damage while burned and broken things in his pack and on his person fix themselves. The Gods of Fate have blessed him once again. He hits with his first attack for 14 points of damage. The drow grins back at him nodding at his prowess. Kibo looks around the corner and his fire covered form flits in that direction. The hallway around the corner continues for 60 or 70' where there is an intersection. A hallway then turns left while the original continues straight. Tericus begins his ministrations upon Jus. Teko flies to safety at the bottom of the stairs. (I need 30 d20's from you rolled either at irony or on the Loot 'n Booty as described in the previous turn with regards to Gareth.) Not having great manuverabiligy, he lands behind and to the right of Gareth, but off of those deadly stairs. Bishop sights the drow that has not yet been attacked and his bolt buries itself into the dark elf's brain, whizzing past Saire's ear. The drow gets a look of surprise in his dark eyes. He falls over to move no more. Onrad looks for Drow behind the bannister and sees no one. He saves his arrows. (Onrad make a perception check to actually see the wall of the secret chamber close.)...
Opponent's Actions for Round 3 (DM Jerry) d20=8 d20=18 d8=8 d8=6 Monday February 7th, 2000 7:43:59 AM
Nothing is heard from the upstairs drow. #11 seeing his comrade die to the deadly bolt from above, turns his own death in his eyes and wails into Gareth rolling an 8 and an 18 hitting him twice for 8(+7) + 6(+7) or 15 and 13= 28 points of damage. He then crouches awaiting the inevitable.
Kibo d100=25 Monday February 7th, 2000 1:58:59 PM
Kibo continues around the corner, carefully checking for traps (successful) and trying to notice any secret openings along the way. He sniffs the air, smelling smoke, and realizes he still has some hair left on his head that is smoldering, so he dutifully reaches up and pats it out.
Nonam d20=12 d20=2 Monday February 7th, 2000 4:17:59 PM
Nonam looks at Onrad in bewilderment, "Nobody's going to die but drow." Then he stands up and casts stoneskin on himself and runs over to the edge of the wall. He quickly informs Kibo of the situation up top and asks what its like downstairs. While communicating with the halfling, he peers around (dex=12) the wall to make sure that there aren't any drow there. If there are any back there, he casts cloudkill on the other side of the wall. If there aren't, he casts fireshield on himself, swings out around the wall to land on the other side (dx=2) and starts hunting. As he does all this, Nonam can't stop thinking about magic. He wants to start casting all the spells he knows. He knows just how all the magic works. He absently thinks that its probably going to hurt him somehow, but he likes it.
Gareth d20=19 d20=17 d20=9 d8+10=16 d8+10=14 Monday February 7th, 2000 6:21:59 PM
Impessed at the skill displayed by his foe, the warrior battles on striking swords, parrying, and maneuvering for an advantage. He once again finds his mark and strikes the dark fighter twice. As he does he looks at any symbols he has on trying to determine from which house he hails from. i.e. making sure they are from house Millithor. (Hit AC -12 and -10 for 30 dmg).
Gareth, con't. Monday February 7th, 2000 11:25:59 PM
(Int check of 9 on the symbols).
Tericus Tuesday February 8th, 2000 12:40:59 AM
continues to apply salves and herbs to Jus's wounds. he looks up for a moment and sees that only Onrad is still upstairs. "Is there any sign of those drow?" he asks Onrad, then goes back to working on Jus
Bishop Tuesday February 8th, 2000 2:17:59 AM
Bishop continues to move with that same purpose as he holsters his crossbow and picks up his sythe in one smooth motion. He waits for the next opertunity to strike.
Saire d20=14 d20=3 d6=2 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 2:38:59 AM
Saire steps off balance after the drow moves aside, causing Saire to miss his back attack. SSZZZZZZZZMMMMMMMMPPPPP... Saire blinks and cringes as a whisp of air dances past his cheek. "What the... ?" A splattering of warmth is spit upon the left side of his face, blood red dripping slowly down his chin; causing Saire to look to his left, where the ghastly image of a dark elf stands quivering with his eyes roled back in the head... just a black shaft petruding from his fore-head, blood bubbling out... the drow's knees give and it falls to the ground. Saire looks to his right, following back to the bolt sender, just stairs... he follows the Stairs up to peer into the simi-darkness beyond, where stands a hulking dark image, fearsome, clad in black and deadly; seeing for the first time the calculated power of the strange fellow named Bishop. Saire does not smile... but squints his eyes as if to see further into the queer fellows piercing gaze. Saire breaks his long trance with a shake of the head [actually all in just a split moment]. The clash of battle rages nearby as Gareth and the drow warrior are caught in a noble battle; a clash of ringing steel that looks to be a blood ballet, the two warriors exchanging terrible blows that break both skin and armor... "is time slowing down or am I just losing my mind!" Saire's tongue feels dry and swollen, his heart pounds like Orcin drums thumping in his ears, the helt of his sword slipping slowly from his grip as sweat poors from his palms in cascades, his nerves breaking down. "This is madness, all hell has broken loose. Where is everyone? Pull it together," he mind screams! Saire rubs the blood from his cheek to his forearm... and looks closely. "Kill or be killed reverberates in his head", breaking the madness and delusion. Saire drops to his knee and swings at the drow dancing with Gareth... at heel with the sharp steely edge of Saire's blade. [from behind, hits AC0 for 3 points of damage]
Teko d20=3 d6+3=6 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 2:56:59 AM
Teko cancels the Alter Self and, if Gareth's blows do not bring down the Drow that Gareth is fighting, attacks that Drow with his Longtooth dagger - with embarassing results. On the off chance that the Drow has an armor class of 11, Teko slashes for 6 points of damage.
Onrad d20=4 d6=3 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 3:48:59 AM
Onrad looks down at his still outstretched hand after Nonam ignores it, shakes it and pulls it in, as his temper begins to boil. He mumbles, "Just like old times. Where's a lake to throw the guys in when you need one." He turns to look around the wall. "Tericus, Nonam went A-WOL on the other side. Good thing, actually." He leans over the bannister and looks down. "I'm following Nonam. No, I don't know why." Onrad makes a dex check of 4 and crosses to the other side. He moves immediately to the secret wall and begins searching for a way to open it. He doesn't find anything with a roll of 3 out of 6.
Party Results for Round 3 (DM Jerry) Tuesday February 8th, 2000 3:58:59 AM
Kibo continues around the corner. Nonam and Onrad find no drow beyond the wall. The secret door is still closed. Gareth strikes at the drow slicing his head and left shoulder from his body. He is dead. Tericus continues to work on Jus' unmoving form. He breathes shallowly. (Combat is over.)
Bishop Tuesday February 8th, 2000 5:35:59 AM
Bishop, calms down focuses his mind back into the real world, everything sppeding back up and coming back together. Finnaly he comes to his senses and moves to help Jus if he can. "I have cure posion if it's needed. I think it's the only one I have though."
Nonam d20=12 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 3:52:59 PM
Blue flames crackle around Nonam as he creeps carefully but very visibly down the hall. He hears Onrad come over to his side, and he pauses a moment to wait for the warrior. Once Onrad gets near, he can feel that the flames radiate cold rather than heat. Nonam grins at his irritated friend, "Now that's the spirit. No dying here." Something about the wizard appears different than normal, not the flames - something else. It's as if he has gone mad, and Onrad can almost feel the magic coursing through Nonam. The wizard blinks his eyes a few times as if he were thinking of something else and asks, "How about you go try to open the door, and I'll stand out here in front and start blasting them when it opens. They can't do too much to me right now, but it won't last long." Nonam moves to take his position and leaves Onrad to ponder the mage's wisdom.
Gareth 3d8(7+6+8)+1=22 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 4:42:59 PM
The warrior continues to check out the symbols on the now dead foes to make sure they are Millithor. He quickly follows Kibo until he finds him. "Tell the others via the ring to get down here fast. They know we're here. The faster we get through this thing the better chance we have of surviving. They'l have less time to prepare.". The warrior pulls out a potion of extra healing from his bag of holding while he waits for the others and downs the whole thing (24 HP - forgot to add 3).
Onrad d20=11 d20=9 d6=2 d20=14 d20=4 d8+7=12 d8+7=11 Tuesday February 8th, 2000 8:01:59 PM
(First 2 rolls inadvertant) Onrad growls to himself. "I already tried to find it." He looks around again looking for the way to open the door (rolled a 2). He opens the wall turning to face whatever is within. If anyone is inside he holds until Nonam is done and then closes to attack rolling a 14 and a 4 hitting AC -5 and 5 which if they hit doing 12 and 11 hpd respectively. If there is no one in the room, he enters immediately into the secret room and begins looking around.
Tericus Wednesday February 9th, 2000 12:42:59 AM
Tericus continues to work on Jus, then he hears Bishob, who somehow climbed back up the trapped staircase without setting it off. "Save it, in case I cant find the cure." he says to Bishob, silently thinking to himself that he doesnt entirely trust someone who worships death to save someone's life
Teko Wednesday February 9th, 2000 1:23:59 AM
Teko follows quickly after Kebo with Gareth. "I'm amazed that I can still walk. I'm wishing I could have faced a couple of hell hounds instead. They don't seem nearly as vicious as they did."
Saire Wednesday February 9th, 2000 2:31:59 AM
After Saire pulls it back together he decides that the party needs a way to get back together. Saire positions himself at an angle to see the banister above the stairs. Next he commands his rope of entanglement to wrap around the banister above in order to provide a way down for the others.
Bishop Wednesday February 9th, 2000 4:45:59 AM
As if readin Tericus's mind he says "I never went down stairs." The he cosses over to the staircase to help with the rope. He wispers down stairs, "Hold there a bit we have a man down and are tring to remedy it quickly."
Kibo d100=60 Thursday February 10th, 2000 7:14:59 AM
Using his telepathic with Nonam (via the ring), Kibo thinks Gareth's message to the crew above, adding, "Gareth killed the two drow that were down here...I'm scouting ahead for traps (rolled successfully).
Midnight and All is Well? (DM Jerry) Friday February 11th, 2000 6:53:59 AM
Gareth notices that the symbols on the dead foes are House Baenre, the enemy occupants of this house, not House Millithor their allies. Onrad views an empty chamber once he gets the wall to rise. (All else is as posted.) The heat from the flames quickly dissapates. A silence descends upon the battlemaze and all is calm--at least for the moment. (It is midnight folks. All your magic items and abilities that renew with the new day are rejuvinated.)
Nonam Friday February 11th, 2000 3:55:59 PM
Nonam looks into the opened secret room for either a door or a spider symbol.
Saire Friday February 11th, 2000 9:38:59 PM
Still holding the rope, Saire bends over the dead drow bodies and checks them for items, treasure and clues. He also looks at their weapons to see if any might be of better make or design than his. He will not attempt to remove Bishop's bolt from the drows forehead... because that would just be grose.
Kibo d100=77 d100=97 d100=70 d100=94 Saturday February 12th, 2000 12:35:59 AM
Holding out his hand to stop Gareth and Teko from coming any further, Kibo creeps down the short hallway to the door opening, checking for traps (failed both rolls) and moving silently in shadows, to peek inside(made both rolls).
Tericus Saturday February 12th, 2000 3:14:59 AM
continues to try to counteract the posion in Jus's system. "Ive almost got it." he says to himself
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