Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 11:13:55 PM
As you set foot on the path, the mists swirl and then part.
You find yourselves in a Garden of Eden. The path, of white gravel, winds through an orchard of widely spaced fruit trees, with wide swatches of perfectly manicured lawn separating them. The sun is high. You hear the lazy buzz of honey bees. A sliver of a cool breeze blows. Among the trees, and out beyond them flower beds and fields and meadows, you see people dressed all in white, carefully and slowly tending the garden. They all seem intent on their work, and do not even look up at you.
Please remind your rusty DM about your currently active effects. Also, a marching order please, or whatever notes you wish me to use as you advance. For example, do you stay on the path or walk among the trees on the grass?
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Thursday February 4th, 2021 6:25:06 AM
(ooc: we havent thrown any of the sneak in prep spells yet, so just the usual active stuff on a daily basis. I think the usual order is Barratore, Edson, Emrys, Velarin, Tishe, Lanliss. I could be slightly off on that, subject to other players thoughts.)
"I think we might as well stay on the path unless you guys think otherwise."
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE d20+26=39 ; d20+39=47 ; Thursday February 4th, 2021 7:31:46 AM
Edson goes invisible, walking through and staying on the path.
Perception 39 Trap Finding 47
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+26=46 ; Thursday February 4th, 2021 10:51:52 AM
Tishe' falls into her usual place, after Velarin and before Lanliss. Her only active spells her extended Endure Elements and Extended Detect Scrying.
The idyllic setting makes her stumble for a moment, and then recover. "Master of tests in the cruellest form possible", she reminds herself aloud. With a thought, her Stylish Pants of Plenty turn white, and she turns her cloak inside out to the reflective white side. "The Sargrass was so hot, we often wore white to reflect the sun. Not sure what they are doing, but I'm sure it can't hurt to blend in." She looks carefully around while keeping up with the Keepers.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Thursday February 4th, 2021 11:06:43 AM
Barratore will take the lead for now, "Lanliss and Edson should take point once we arrive. I'll drop to the back as rear guard."
Barratore glances about at first, and then ignores the others and simply walks down the path as if he belongs and knows where he is going. If only I had a clipboard and some papers in hand he muses to himself
He chuckles at Tishe's comment about blending in, but does alter the glammer on his animated shield to be just a plain white banner. "There we go, I'm totally blended now." he says in a jovial tone to bring some possibly last bit of levity. Another last chuckle and the minotaur falls silent
Effects: DR 5/-
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday February 4th, 2021 9:30:44 PM
Lanliss agrees with Barratore but doesn't do anything else in particular....he doesn't turn invisible nor check his surroundings. He tries to think about the next steps they might need to take....and the implications of Edson heist.
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Friday February 5th, 2021 9:29:20 AM
Velarin suggests staying on the path.
Edson, wisely treating the dangers of this place seriously, keeps invisible and alert, more so than his friends.
Tishe’ cleverly adopts the white garb of those tending this Garden. Like Edson, she too keeps her eyes open.
Barratore takes lead and attempts to brazen his way forward, with a chuckle.
Lanliss keeps his own counsel, dwelling more on his own thoughts than on the dangers of this beautiful place.
Emrys is quiet.
The group continues to walk down the path, moving a few hundred feet through the orchard. Soon the party will be walking through fields and flower beds.
Edson and Tishe' only, please Highlight to display spoiler: {With your keen attention, you gain a growing realization that in this place, despite its beauties, all is not ... well. Specifically, if you look close, everything is diseased or scarred. Apples are speckled with brown spots. Pears are mottled with purple veins. Many leaves on the trees are curled or misshapen. You detect a faint scent of rot in the breeze. The trees themselves vary -- some are clearly hollow or rotten; others seem strong but twisted. In the distance, you see that some of the gardeners walk with a limp or are missing a limb.}
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Friday February 5th, 2021 9:54:12 AM
Tishe’ recoils at the signs of decay, and passes what she has seen to the others via their linked telepathy. (Repeat what DM put in spoiler). She also adds, “ It is what I would expect for the master of this place, calling them tests and celebrating deformities, diseased, and scarred as the true nature of life.”
She walks a little longer and says in a gigantic understatement, “I wouldn’t eat or drink anything here.”
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing d20+24=26 ; Friday February 5th, 2021 10:13:19 AM
(ooc: Sorry I missed my post last night. I fell asleep as soon as I got home from work. I also missed dinner and my favorite tv shows. This is what I would have posted: )
Looking over at Tishe, he says, "Excellent idea ... hiding in plain sight. I think I will join you." Emrys activates his circlet and his entire outfit morphs into the white robes of the gardeners. "I don't particular care to wear all white, but I will endure."
Emrys also casts True Seeing and gives the area a good look.
(Perception: 26)
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Friday February 5th, 2021 10:18:23 PM
"I hope we won't get problems with the gardeners", Lanliss says. Lanliss decides to be visible for the time being.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+19=20 ; Saturday February 6th, 2021 9:47:34 AM
Barratore mentally acknowledges Tishe's warning. He had never had the intention to eat or drink anything of course, but information shared was the best kind.
Barratore keeps walking and starts scanning ahead to teh end of the path and a direction to possibly take from there
perception 20
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 6th, 2021 1:02:16 PM
Tishe’ communicates the diseased nature of the Garden to her friends.
Emrys also dresses in white, hoping to blend in. His True Seeing reveals no blur or displacement, no invisible creatures or objects, no illusions, and nothing transmuted. HOWEVER, although throughout the rest of Koshe Marr the Realm of Shadows has been co-terminus with the Lands of Dread, on the other hand, HERE Emrys cannot see into the Realm of Shadows!
What does this mean? For one thing, Emrys does not think that he could recover spells here in Marteus's Garden. And any potent spells that bring a spray or fall of Woldsblood will likely not function here. And any transit spells that rely on the Realm of Shadows -- such as Blink or Shadow Walk -- also will not function. Perhaps there are other consequences?
Lanliss remains visible and thinks ahead, anticipating possible issues with the gardeners.
Barratore keeps alert.
The taur sees that as the party exits the orchard, the fields and gardens spread out over rolling hills. The path continues up to a ridge and then descends out of sight.
The gardeners seem very diligent. A couple may glance your way, but they remain intent on their work.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Sunday February 7th, 2021 8:31:06 PM
"so we keep moving forward?", Lanliss asks/says. "For now I think its safe...to be seen...at least for some of us". "Assuming that they know someone might come we still have time until its time to go totally out of eyes sight.". he adds.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Monday February 8th, 2021 12:31:30 AM
Tishe’ can only agree with Lanliss, that is until Emrys imparts his news. “You can’t see... this may mean no teleportations or dim doors or... my portable hole and pass walls may not work either. We need to get to somewhere I observed and test that out before we are in the bowels of the palace.”
“And if that is true, I think it is important to be able to see the object but not steal it right away. Just look at it and plan our approach and escape by... she struggles with the words as she turns to Lanliss and Edson for help.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Monday February 8th, 2021 7:54:50 AM
"Its spoiled. The whole place. The apples, the trees... sadly the people even. " Edson says, incase the others don't see.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday February 8th, 2021 11:33:31 AM
V continues along with the others.
"Agreed Emrys'. We need to know what will and what will not work. Unfortunately, testing it out uses up spells. My summon monster worked, but that does not mean that teleport of even my mansion will work."
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Monday February 8th, 2021 11:33:50 AM
Not seeing a reason not to, Barratore continues his straightforward course. Nothing in here is a threat, no jailers required for those souls without hope. Like an elephant held in place by rope. Barratore reaches into his quiver and summons bow for a quick weapons test
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing Monday February 8th, 2021 12:39:15 PM
Emrys becomes quite disturbed upon realizing he can no longer see into the Shadow Realm.
"Friends ... I can no longer see into the Realm of Shadow. I'm cut off from my source of power. Once I use my spells, I will have no way to replenish them. Several of my spells I no longer have access to. We need to get in and out ... and be careful not to become wounded or poisoned if you can help it."
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing Monday February 8th, 2021 12:43:47 PM
Reacting to Tishe's choice of words ... "Bowels, huh! Well, you've certainly Conjured many troublesome thoughts."
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Monday February 8th, 2021 9:43:53 PM
Lanliss bites his lips. 'Much more harder than excepted ', he thinks..
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Monday February 8th, 2021 11:10:07 PM
"Dont get wounded. Good call Emrys. Consider that boxed checked"
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 9th, 2021 8:07:42 AM Lanliss suggests moving forward.
Emrys is concerned that his connection to the Realm of Shadows is broken, and lets his friends know about it. Especially that he cannot recover spells here, at least not arcane witchy ones.
Tishe’ pauses and suggests some experimenting is needed. At least one test is super easy to check -- a hand into a bag or haversack shows that extradimensional storage works fine. Other testing?
Edson remains disturbed by the diseased state of this garden, as he looks around.
Velarin also wants to perform tests. And concludes that summons work normally.
Barratore steps to the front with Lanliss. His weapons perform per usual. He agrees with the need to conserve Emrys's spells.
At this point, the orchard is visible behind you, and the path rises ahead over a hill. Gardeners, dressed in white, continue to toil diligently. One is about 100 ft away, and you can see that he (she? it?) is limping while working.
[OOC: If you wish to test out spells, let me know what you want to test, and mark off spells and charged used in the testing. But do let's not get too bogged down, please.]
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Tuesday February 9th, 2021 8:19:25 AM
Edson waits while the others test their spells. He moves up the road a bit, just to scout ahead. He keeps an eye on the closest gardener, making sure hes not ready to spring some trap on them.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday February 9th, 2021 10:23:31 AM
V chooses not to test any spells. He is unwilling at the current time to use them.
"The end game is upon us. We will have to roll with what we have and hope for the best. Emrys' loss of some of his power even further stresses the quiet and sneaky nature of this foray. When we get to the castle, I will send a group of prying eyes to recon things for us."
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Tuesday February 9th, 2021 3:58:47 PM
Tishe’ is satisfied that since her Pants o Plenty work, then other dimensional travel will too, just not to the Shadowrealm. “Maybe it is an effect of Koshe Marr, since anyone who dies here doesn’t go into the Woldsblood and the Lands of Rest or Unrest. As it is, we should get to the palace, unless Sieur Lanliss or Sieur Edson thinks they can get some information that could help us from these locals.”
..... Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday February 9th, 2021 4:34:43 PM
Barratore nods his agreement with Tishe and V, and keeps going, heading up the hill to see what lies beyond. He chuckles again to himself as V mentions sneaky for maybe the 1,000th time
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=43 ; Tuesday February 9th, 2021 9:25:21 PM
Lanliss tries to see if the gardeners seems to sense Edson in any way. He looks at their eyes and takes an interest in them.
"Should we speak with them?", he asks. Perception 43
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 8:23:51 AM
V follows along, with no definitive opinion either way on whether or not Edson and Lanliss should speak with the gardeners.
"Up to you guys. If you do, don't tell them anything that they could use to warn others about us."
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 10th, 2021 9:21:09 AM
Edson waits and keeps watch, eying the nearest gardener, well over 100 ft away. He gets a glimpse of her face, and sees that she is heavily scarred. She works and ignores Edson.
Velarin chooses to conserve magic rather than to use it in tests. He plans to use his prying eyes spell later.
Tishe’ recalls that the souls of the dead do not move on from this place. Indeed, that seems intuitive now that you are here. The lack of connection to the Realm of Shadows makes sense.
Barratore agrees and urges the party to move on up the hill.
As the party moves forward, Lanliss takes a closer look at the gardeners that the party passes. They are of a range of noble races, mostly humans. They are all scarred or pocked in different ways. They toil diligently, showing little interest in you all.
Lanliss only please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that their chests do not rise or fall.}
Lanliss asks, "Should we speak with them?"
Velarin considers talking ... but warns against giving anything away.
[OOC: Feel free to interact with the gardeners, if you are so inclined.]
Walking to the top of the hill, you see into a valley, maybe a mile across. At the center you see a small lake. In the lake you see a huge round ... thing? structure? lump? It is like a ... misshapen orb? Maybe it is a thousand feet in diameter, and rises maybe 500 feet above the surface of the lake. You are too far away to make out more details. Could this be it? The Palace of Marteus?
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday February 10th, 2021 1:36:48 PM
Tishe’ keeps quiet. She’s said her piece and will follow Velarin’s lead. Her job is to support the team to steal and escape. ..... Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 2:54:06 PM
"I think they are dead", Lanliss comments. "They don't breath....as if they are dolls or just bodies....with no soul", Lanliss adds.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+30=34 ; Wednesday February 10th, 2021 10:49:08 PM
"I see what you mean Lanliss ... they don't appear to be breathing. They are very likely dead, but their souls are unable to leave this place. This state they are in is most unusual." Emrys scrutinizes several gardeners from their distance to determine what they are. (Knowledge [Religion]: 34)
"It is obvious this place is quite diseased and possibly poisonous. I'm not certain if this will help, but this is a very unusual plane with very different rules. Prepare to receive my boon, it might prove beneficial or do nothing at all. But it's worth a try."
Emrys begins to cast a ward against the harmful environmental effects of this plane of Marteus.
(Emrys casts Mass Planar Adaption on the entire party. Duration: 20 hours. Effects: Grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane.)
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Thursday February 11th, 2021 7:39:54 AM
Edson agrees with Lanliss's perception of the gardners. He looks to the distance, at the misshapen orb. "Is that it? Imagine being the all mighty and thats your prize."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Thursday February 11th, 2021 8:26:10 AM
V looks ahead to the misshapen orb of a structure. Not sure if that's it. We still haven't come across the castle we all saw in our vision. One would think the master of this place would have something of a grand and foreboding place."
"Perhaps Lanliss, you would ask the gardeners who's place that is. They might actually tell us. Either way, I think once we get closer to it, we should get out of sight of the gardeners and then perform our disappearing act. If we can see it, it won't be long until someone can see us. Once we've gone invisible, I can hopefully teleport us closer."
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Thursday February 11th, 2021 12:59:44 PM
Barratore keeps walking down the other side of the hill, "I think we should leave the souless dead alone. I don't know V, a single structure floating 500' in the air over a lake that is larger than the entire walled city of Effacia? That's pretty damned impressive to me"
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 11th, 2021 1:55:21 PM Tishe’ chooses not to weigh in.
Lanliss worries that the gardeners are dead, or something.
Knowledgeable Emrys reaches an interesting conclusion: these are not undead. These are souls who have passed on after death, existing in an afterlife, but not undead. The witch casts a spell in the hope that it will help his friends survive here.
Edson wonders what the round structure rising from the lake is, up ahead. He is not much impressed. Maybe if he gets a closer view?
Velarin wonders if your prior understanding of the Palace was perhaps a metaphor for this reality? He suggests that Lanliss should speak with a gardener. After that, soonish, invisibility and teleportation ...
Barratore suggests leaving the dead soul gardeners alone. He suggests that the structure is still pretty impressive.
[OOC: In case I did a bad job explaining. Imagine a sphere 1000 ft in diameter. Imagine that it is resting on the bottom of the lake, which is likely 100-200 ft deep. And imagine that is not a perfect sphere, because it has flattened, squashed down by gravity.]
The party walks down the hill, getting closer. There are gardeners here too, tending to the grounds.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday February 11th, 2021 3:44:08 PM
Tishe’ walks on.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday February 11th, 2021 9:44:07 PM
"Velarin",Lanliss says and laughs nervously , "I am afraid to speak with them, Barratore might be right about moving towards the structure and leaving. Them Alone", Lanliss says and points to the gardeners.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Friday February 12th, 2021 7:52:46 AM
"its huge" Edson exclaims as he walks down with the others.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+36=53 ; Friday February 12th, 2021 8:44:13 AM
"Fair enough. Let's leave the dead be. Looks like we have our destination. We will need to find an out of sight spot that is closer to the the castle, to hide from sight and recon our target. We will need to know before we move on it if there is even an obvious way in. And it being in the middle of a lake will possibly cause some issues that hopefully fly spells can remedy."
"Ever one keep an eye out for a closer spot to stay out of sight and scout. If we can spot one from here, it would even be best to teleport there now." (perception check of 53 to try and spot a suitable location.)
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+30=38 ; Friday February 12th, 2021 11:16:35 AM
"The other Powers described this palace as not a pleasant place ... even for them! I do hope this is not some mountainous, plague-filled boil that needs lancing."
Emrys keeps his eyes and ears open for other clues and hidden dangers.
(Perception: 38)
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Friday February 12th, 2021 4:57:43 PM
Lanliss exercises caution and prefers not to speak to the gardeners.
Tishe’ walks on down the hill toward the Palace, followed by the rest of the party.
Edson marvels at the size of the Palace.
Velarin looks for an out-of-sight spot that is closer to the the castle, but there really is none. After topping the hill, you are on a ridge of a circular valley, almost like a crater or the top of a volcano. It all slopes down to the lake and the Palace in the lake. There are no trees, lesser buildings, or geography to hide behind.
Note that at the top of the ridgeline, you are about half a mile from the Palace. Call it 5280/2 - 500 = about 2100 ft. The standard perception penalty is -1 per 10 ft of distance. So for you to see a medium size thing at the Palace -- or for anything there to see you -- the perception check is at -210. That's what gives you some security at the moment. As you move closer, you will become easier to see.
Emrys fears, or suspects, that the Palace is some "mountainous, plague-filled boil that needs lancing." Indeed, it does seem more biological than architectural.
Say you move 100 ft closer. Perception checks are now at -200. Even Emrys's roll of 38 really fails to give any more info.
Please do say how far you are from the Palace with your posting!
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Friday February 12th, 2021 8:31:03 PM
Lanliss sticks close to Barratore for the time being. "Barratore, I am going to stay near for a while......I am still afraid somewhat...but when time comes I will rush to help when needed", Lanliss explains to Barratore
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Friday February 12th, 2021 9:58:07 PM
Edson keeps moving with the others, periodically he will call out or let the others know where he is since he is still invisible.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Saturday February 13th, 2021 3:22:52 AM
Tishe’ takes in the view at the top of the valley wall. Something gnaws at her, something Gilman the druid said long ago when she adventures with the BloodPack in the Sargrass Plains... “it’s a dead volcano, but since nothing can die here without being under the evil one’s sway, maybe it is still alive too. “
She shakes herself out of morbid thoughts. “Time for disguise number one”, she announces. Calling a Veil scroll from her Pants of Plenty, she casts it, instantly turning the outward appearance of all seven Keepers into a party of white clad limping gardeners. “It’s a glamer, not a mind-effect, so even mindless creatures will see us as a party of laborers walking towards the castle”, she ecxplains. “And I have 5 more scrolls for disguise changes.”
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Enter the Garden (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 13th, 2021 2:40:55 PM
Lanliss sticks close to Barratore.
Edson takes shelter in his invisibility, letting his friends know where he is.
Tishe’ wonders if the round valley is in fact a live volcano, rather than just resembling one.
She magically disguises the entire party as gardeners. (Edson is still invisible, but if he drops the invisibility, then he too will appear as a gardener.)
As you get closer, maybe you see some larger features of the Palace ...
Perception DC50 please Highlight to display spoiler: {There are round excrescences on the Palace. Doors? Windows? Embattlements?}
[OOC: PLEASE do say how far you are from the Palace.]
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Sunday February 14th, 2021 6:51:11 AM
Tishe’ figures they will continue to walk until challenged, or until Velarin says it’s time to go sneaky. She stays with the group.
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=28 ; Sunday February 14th, 2021 9:38:42 PM
Lanliss fails to notice anything..... 'Stay Calm', he tries to think and believe in. Repeating over and over. 'Stay Calm' Perception 28 (1 epic fail)
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday February 15th, 2021 7:08:37 AM
V nods as Tishe' changes their appearance.
After the group moves to about 1500 feet from the castle, V stops and suggests that it's time to go invisible before moving closer for a good look.
"If we move too much closer, we will be likely to be spotted. I think we should go invisible now. My invisibility spells will cover us for about 20 minutes. Emrys. would you be able to do your invisibility to undead spell again?"
"Once invisible, I suggest we move closer, and then I will send the prying eyes to circle the structure and the lake, and perhaps even take a quick peek inside if the opportunity presents itself, and then they can show me everything that they have seen."
If no body has other ideas or objections, V will start casting invisibility spells.
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Monday February 15th, 2021 10:20:19 AM
Barratore pulls up with the group at 1,500. V's plan sounds as good as anything else. No need to over complicate things. 20 minutes of invisibility was plenty and the had the Veil and would have Emrys' Hide spell.
With V's spell in place Barratore moves up to within 100' of the lake shore
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person: Tishe Invisibility - V Hide From Undead: Emrys
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+24=39 ; Monday February 15th, 2021 2:51:21 PM
(OOC: Sorry for lack of posting. Ive been preoccupied with a winter storm and experiencing the coldest temperatures of my life. Not to mention all the havoc subzero temperatures are doing to my house. I completely forgot.)
Emrys replies to Velarin, "Certainly I can do that." He begins to cast.
(Emrys casts Hide From Undead on Everyone, heightened to 8th Level with Heighten Spell Metamagic. Duration: 200 minutes (3.33 hours). Spell Resist Check: 39. Targets: Everyone. Effect: Undead cannot see, hear, or smell creatures warded by this spell. Even extraordinary or supernatural sensory capabilities, such as blindsense, blindsight, scent, and tremorsense, cannot detect or locate warded creatures. )
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+24=31 ; Monday February 15th, 2021 2:52:43 PM
(Perception: 31)
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday February 15th, 2021 4:24:36 PM
(ooc: I forgot to mention the spell Hide from Undead has a Will Save DC 30 vs. intelligent undead.)
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Monday February 15th, 2021 5:01:53 PM
Tishe’ suggests walking forward until Velerin says it is time to get sneaky.
Lanliss continues to struggle with a very reasonable sense of existential horror.
Velarin stops the group about 1,500 feet from the Palace. He casts invisibility on everybody.
Barratore agrees with Velarin, and then leads the group closer. The party ends move 500 ft from the Palace, at the very edge of the lake from which it rises.
Emrys casts his powerful Hide from Undead spell.
Now that you are close, you can see the Palace very clearly. It rests on the bottom of the lake. The lake is not water, but some kind of rancid foul liquid.
More strikingly, now that you are here, you see that the Palace is not a castle or a building or even something manufactured. It is ... organic? grown? The Palace is roundish, 1,000 ft in diameter, and you guesstimate that the lower 250 ft of it is under the surface of the lake, and the upper 500 ft rises from the surface. The (organism?) is covered in throbbing veins and swelling pustules (these are what you saw from far off). There are no doors, windows, or construction of any kind.
The pustules, or boils, start small and then swell over time. Every so often a pustule bursts open, spraying out all around. This happens frequently, feeding and acting as the source for the lake.
If you make a DC15 Healing or DC25 Know Nature check, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {the liquid in the lake, you deduce, is pus.}
If you make a DC25 Healing or DC35 Know Nature check, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {the Palace itself resembles not so much an organ but a cancerous mass, that is, a tumor.}
Does Velarin wish to cast the Prying Eyes?
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE d20+5=13 ; Monday February 15th, 2021 7:43:05 PM
Edson stares at the cancerous mass, but has no clue what hes staring at.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Monday February 15th, 2021 8:03:47 PM
"20 Minutes would be a good to start", Lanliss says regarding the spells casted. "Hopefully we won't need more than that to commence the heist and finish it", Lanliss says rather positively.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d4=3 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:28:58 AM
"I must say. That is rather disgusting. I think it's a good time to cast the prying eyes. There has to be a way into this place somewhere. Give them a short bit to search and report."
V casts greater prying eyes, creating 23 of the fine constructs with true sight to 120' and a +45 perception. V sends three of them in the directions that the group had not come from, directing them to go 1000' up and 1000' in each of the three directions, and report back any structures or movement that they see and return. He informs the remainder to circle the lake and the puss filled tumor sitting at it's center to find an opening or an unusual feature that might allow entry, and return within 3 minutes. When they return, he will receive their reports as quickly as possible.
Hide from undead: 200 minutes Invisibility: 20 minutes
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
"Are we sure that's the palace, because from what I see, it's a massive cancerous tumor sitting in a pool of its own, umm, unpleasantness! Let's make sure this is merely a lawn ornament before we go ..errr, poking around."
Emrys employs his own massive pool of knowledge in search for a treatment and cure of such a medical malady. (Heal Check: 48)
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday February 16th, 2021 6:06:28 PM
Barratore snorts, "When I throw up Lanliss, I'll try to miss you."
I agree with Emrys. Tishe, I think maybe a straight look for something. We did see an actual castle like structure in our vision. Certainly not this
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:37:53 PM
Lanliss keeps quiet...not sure what to think of... about the thing in front of them. He feels disgusted but also Curious.
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 16th, 2021 10:28:51 PM
The party looks over the Palace. Edson is disgusted; Lanliss, disgusted and ... intrigued?
Velarin casts the prying eyes and gives them a few minutes to look around and report back.
Emrys wonders if this is, in fact, the Palace, and not just an ... ornament!
Barratore has his own doubts too.
The eyes report back. Within this valley, there is no other possibility. Beyond the valley, it is only orchards and then mist, all around. As for the Palace itself, as this does seem to be, well, the prying eyes do detect massive thick veins, in some cases, ten, twenty feet in diameter, that lie just under the surface. The largest pustules are about ten feet in diameter when they burst. Perhaps these options offer the possibility of ingress.
Note that you have not yet approached the Palace or even the lake of pus, although the eyes have floated over it. The eyes themselves do not seem able to come within 50 ft of the Palace. Some ... field? aura? blocks them.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 8:23:17 AM
V shares the info with the rest of the group.
"The eyes have seen no other possibility besides this place within the mists. Even more disgusting, is that the only way in may be through one of the large pustules after it bursts. To add to the complicated matters, if the eyes can't approach closer than 50 ft, there is like an anti-magic field surrounding the tumor. I personally do not wish to go swimming in that puss."
"The creator has definitely created a strong deterrent to attempted entry that most intelligent beings would refuse. Thoughts, plans, ideas, besides going for a swim? Only thought that strikes me off hand is to build a boat, but that would take way too much time."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 8:23:59 AM
"Perhaps moving to the edge of the lake may provide more insight, or reveal more to us."
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 11:13:42 AM
Tishe’ frowns, not that anyone other than Emrys and Velarin, who have True Sight, can see. “We swim through pus, jump through a popped boil, or drop down on top and cut out way into it from above. Any way we go, we are going to be assaulted by disease.”
She considers then continues. “If there is a anti-magic field, wouldn’t your Eyes have popped out? But assuming there is, we will be more vulnerable ‘underwater’. Making our own entrance isn’t sneaky. I think we should try a boil or make our own entrance.”
Tishe’ will go with Velarin’s decision.
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Wednesday February 17th, 2021 1:23:22 PM
Barratore does not know how the Prying Eyes of V would respond to anti magic, but Tishe's hypothesis made good sense. More than likely, some spell similar to Tishe's Private Sanctum, which she has used to assist the Keepers privacy.
"An exploding boil gives us the best chance to remain less noticed. The 'eyes' could not see in and likely we are going to fair no better, until we are inside. Our immediate landing zone could be contested and we should be prepared to silence it and make sure nothing in visual range gets an opportunity to do anything otherwise."
"No line of sight to the interior removes magical transport and to be honest would expect protections to stop that anyway. M is many things, but stupid is not one of them. My plan is fly to closing distance of a boil about to burst and once it does, make entrance with all haste possible. Hopefully we can stay out of explosive range and still make the distance within a few seconds"
"Fly spells all around at least"
Barratore hopes the group can get within 40' to be his ideal distance and hover for the boil. If the bursting is larger, he is willing to back up to 80' but no further as that creates longer than 1 round/6 seconds of travel
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person: Tishe Invisibility - V Hide From Undead: Emrys
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Wednesday February 17th, 2021 8:00:35 PM
"If its Puss and tumors... can you heal it? Edson asks, half expecting a slap in the back of the head.
" It sounds weird.. "
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 9:14:37 PM
Lanliss agrees with Velarin.... But doesn't say or do anything else.
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 18th, 2021 12:26:08 AM
Velarin reports what he has learned and adds that he does not want to enter the lake. Will the party have to enter through a popping boil? He suggests moving to the shore.
Tishe' also suggests dropping onto the top and cutting a way in. There is discussion of the field surrounding the Palace. It seems more like an anti-life field than an anti-magic field. Note that the eyes could bump into it, but not enter.
Barratore suggests flying to a boil in the moment after it pops and then entering that way. "Fly spells all around at least," he suggests.
Edson wonders if the Palace can be healed.
Lanliss agrees with Velarin.
You all move down to the shore. The smell of rot is overwhelming. You can now hear the sound when a pustule bursts. You can also see the thick veins that lie just under the surface of the Palace.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Thursday February 18th, 2021 8:11:29 AM
V shares his revelation that it is probably an anti life shield vs anti magic shield.
"Barratore is right. Going through a burst pustule would attract the least notice. We aren't even getting close until we can shut down the anti life effect. I could try and dispel it, but i'm thinking that's not too likely based on who created this place. the guardians in the mist weren't kidding when they said that it's defenses were formidable and needed testing."
"Any brilliant ideas? I suppose I could try and teleport us inside the pustule as it pops, or even inside the large vein that we can see. It's likely that the anti life shell doesn't work inside."
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday February 18th, 2021 1:36:47 PM
Tishe’ considers fo a bit on the anti-life spell. “What we need is a way to pass through the anti-life shell without breaking the magic and announcing we are here. What we need”, and she pauses while looking at Emrys, “is a Miracle.”
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Thursday February 18th, 2021 3:48:58 PM
Emrys, at the moment, is at a loss of ideas and answers Tishe, "Miracles I do have ... ordinary miracles and truly magnificent ones, but the latter requires an equally magnificent material cost (25,000gp worth in powdered diamond). I could get us safely inside, sans being soaked in unpleasantness if the price is met. Maybe my source would be willing to accept a different sacrifice.
(ooc: Here is an example of one such Magnificent Miracle: Moving you and your allies, with all your and their gear, from one plane to a specific locale through planar barriers with no chance of error.)
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Thursday February 18th, 2021 5:47:53 PM
Edson squinches his nose at the smell of rot. This was grosser than anything he could understand. Climbing in a blown postule seemed like something that would never be thought of in his life.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday February 18th, 2021 9:58:36 PM
"Edson! The first thing to do when you become the lords of this place is make the place smell better !"m Lanliss says to Edson. The smell was really bad.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Friday February 19th, 2021 8:28:33 AM
"A miracle is a big order. We are only going to have the option of using that and a wish once or twice, and we could run into something more problematic than this. If it's the only way, so be it. Do you not think the teleport would work? I'm not well versed on anti life shells to be honest, so i'm unsure if the teleport would be prevented."
"Either way, before we make our move, we need to use the distraction gem that we were given for this moment unless we are unsure that this is his place. There are no other castles here though, and the guardians of the mist sure acted like this was it."
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Friday February 19th, 2021 10:51:46 AM
Velarin shares his revelation that it is probably MORE LIKE an anti-life shield COMPARED WITH an anti-magic shield. [OOC: my clarification ... don't want you to think it is like the existing spell. You truly have not yet discerned what the field actually hedges against.]
The mage also thinks that Barratore's idea about going through a burst pustule is a viable one.
Tishe’ suggests a Miracle.
Emrys considers his most powerful magic ...
Edson internally rebels at the idea of climbing in a blown pustule. Will the party really have to do that?
Lanliss jokes with Edson about making improvements after he becomes a Lord of Koshe Marr.
Velarin worries that a miracle might not work, and that it uses a major resource early on. And reminds the party of the magical snake-taur's pearl. The creature had said, "When you are ready to enter the Palace, crush it, and wait an hour. We’ll know when you crush it, and that’s when we’ll put the distraction plan into effect. You’ll have maybe six, maybe nine, maybe twelve hours guaranteed to get into the Palace, get the Keystone, and get out with the Lord and Master not in residence."
Velarin, please accept a hero point for remembering to use the pearl! Your quest would surely have failed if you had forgotten to use this!
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Saturday February 20th, 2021 10:00:12 AM
Tishe’ wishes she had a spiced tomato juice drink for breakfast. “The Pearl! Of course! Yes, crush it now, and then we proabably need to back up until the distraction is underway. I don’t fancy weaving invisibility spells until it starts!”
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 20th, 2021 8:12:44 PM
Tishe' is glad that Velarin remembered the pearl. She suggests crushing it now and backing off.
The party sees the wisdom in this (the DM rules, to expedite matters), and backs off to the top of the ridge that encircles the valley. Any objections to crushing that pearl?
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Saturday February 20th, 2021 8:21:58 PM
"We won't have much time to escape from whatever distraction is going to happen so be ready !", Lanliss warns.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Sunday February 21st, 2021 5:27:46 PM
Barratore wants a plan to get through the anti-life shell before the pearl is used. "Crushing the pearl gives us our distraction, but that is unlikely to cause the barrier to fail. We still need to get through the anit life shell
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Monday February 22nd, 2021 12:29:50 AM
Tishe’ nods but cocks her head. “Sieur Barratorre, I thought we had the plan to go through a *makes a slight gag at the very thought* a pustule?”
..... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborersp Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday February 22nd, 2021 8:56:48 AM
"Barratore, I think we have the only plan we can come up with at the moment, that offers the least chance for a gooey ending. Unless opposed, after our one hour distraction wait time, I'll try and greater teleport us into a large bursting pustule. If for some reason, that fails, then we will have to go with Emrys' miracle."
if none are opposed, and more discussion is not needed, V is for breaking the pearl.
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
The Palace of Marteus (DM John) 5d6=11 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 10:39:13 AM
Lanliss reminds the others of their limited time once the pearl is crushed. Barratore advises dealing with the magical barrier before activating the pearl. Tishe’ reminds Barratore of the suggestion to go through a pustule. Velarin reminds Barratore of the plan and crushes the pearl.
Summary. The Keepers are at the shore of the lake. Approximately 200 feet from the edge of the palace. There is an invisible barrier of some sort that blocked the prying eyes getting any closer than 50 feet from the palace’s surface.
Velarin crushes the pearl. If the Keepers were expecting anything immediate, they are disappointed. The waiting begins.
Every few minutes, another pustule swells and bursts with a sickly squelch. The viscous fluid, streaked yellowish green and white, spews from the newly created opening, oozing thickly into the lake below. Rather than forming ripples, the flow merely causes a brief swell that quickly subsides. The occasional drip as puss falls off the various protuberances is the only sound to be heard.
Some time later, perhaps twenty minutes after the breaking of the pearl, a vast cry of dismay and irritation resonates from the pulsing palace, sending actual waves through the pus of the lake and physically shaking the Keepers by its shore. Fortitude Save DC 20 or be shaken for 11 rounds. Note that this is a mind affecting fear effect.
There is little doubt that whatever diversion the pearl signaled, it has garnered the full attention of the Lord of the palace.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+23=28 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 12:05:13 PM
(Fortitude Save: 28)
"That was frightful! Before we start teleporting into open, pus-filled sores, maybe we should fly around the place and see if their is a formal entrance. What if there is a grand facade and doorway on the other side?"
[DM Cayzle OOC Comments: The Prying Eyes have flown all around the Palace and reported nothing like that.]
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE d20+10=14 ; d20+10=11 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:37:16 PM
Edson was scared to begin with, but now he was shaken to the core. (Failed 1st, used hero power and failed reroll).
"Maybe this isn't the best idea. Like maybe we can come back at another time." Edson starts nervously chattering. " We can come back when this sick tumor is healed, and theres not so much puss everywhere...:
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+18=38 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 7:27:09 PM
Lanliss feels anxiety building up....but he manages to resist. "I have to see Manolo again", he says to himself. He slaps Edson, "Get out of it. NOW !". he says.
OOC: Fort is actually 13 but still natural 20 roll so still ok.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+28=45 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 8:14:17 PM
Barratore holds up a hand, his understanding of what the spellcasters hoped would happen was complete. If they were certain enough that teleport would penetrate the anti-life shell, he was good with that
He grips Edsons shoulder, “I’ve got you friend, we’ve never followed the best idea. Why start now?”
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+18=28 ; Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 6:55:15 AM
Tishe’ waits and then quails in dread at the sound from the Lord of that awful palace. Still, she straightens up and begins casting Extended Fly spells on herself and those that don’t have their own flying magic. She then casts Extended Invisibility on herself and the others too!
“No running away and no looking about. We have 6 hours, at least, to find the object, disable or slay the defenses, and get back to the Wold before *he* returns. I only want to know if we need to wait until he is gone or if we go now, now that we know he is distracted.
.... Cast Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe’ and who else needs one? Cast Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe and who else needs one? .... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
DM John comment: A sudden change occurred after the scream. Like something that one did not know was there is suddenly inexplicably absent. The Keepers are fairly confident that he is now gone.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+16=36 ; Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 8:51:31 AM
V shakes off the effect of the scream(fort 36, nat 20), focused on the task at hand.
"I will take a fly spell Tishe'. Mine are not extended, and I only have a few memorized, which I can save until later."
"Emrys' my eyes went all the way around the tumor, and there is no apparent doorway. Tishe', I think we wait the hour, as per the instructions. I am curious now, however, if whatever shield prevented my eyes will still be in effect if the lord of the cyst is no longer present. It may be an effect that requires his presence, or his attention. Neither of which will be here shortly."
"I think that after the hour, we all invisibly fly toward a large pustule. If the barrier stops us, we try the teleport, and then the miracle if the teleport fails If we are not stopped by a barrier, we fly to the pustule and wait for it to burst."
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 8:54:53 AM
"I had already cast 6 regular invisibility on the whole group Tishe', but by the time the hour passes, we will all need your extended ones, So I will take one of those as well please."
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
The Palace of Marteus (DM John) Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 10:52:20 AM
Emrys advises further reconnaissance before realizing there is nothing more to discover. Edson is shaken to his very core by the divine scream of outrage and seriously questions their mission. Lanliss slaps poor Edson attempting to snap his friend out of it. Barratore provides a reassuring hand to Edson. Tishe’ steels herself against the shout and starts casting spells for them to proceed. Velarin focuses on the task at hand as well and works with Tishe’ on preparations.
Deciding to wait the full hour as advised, the Keepers wait and watch, making preparations both mental and magical for their breaching of the tumor. Several pustules have ruptured while they wait, but nothing else appears to have occurred.
Spells having been cast, the heroes fly toward the surface of the tumor to discover that the barrier is still present and effective at keeping them at bay. As they discover this, a pustule begins to burst almost directly in front of them. Note that this is still 50’ away, so there is not chance of being sprayed by pus at this distance.
Anyone with the ability to see magical auras and who succeeds at a Knowledge Arcana Check DC30 Highlight to display spoiler: {This barrier is designed to prohibit any healthy creature from entering. Options for getting through include getting infected, possibly through contact with the ubiquitous pus, or bypassing through use of teleportation magic.}
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+35=45 ; Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 3:40:19 PM
Upon reaching the invisible barrier, Emrys casts Detect Magic and takes a few short moments to analyze the auras that soon appear before him. (Knowledge [Arcana]: 45)
"I getting a sickening feeling that this barrier prevents healthy creatures from passing ... insinuating we mustn't be healthy if we wish to proceed. The remedy would be to partake of the fruits of the grove!"
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 8:58:29 PM
"Any other alternatives to eating the fruits ?", Lanliss asks. "Just to make sure it is the optimal way", Lanliss explains. "If eating the fruits is the only option we will be at a disadvantage here ",Lanliss says.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 10:22:39 PM
Barratore will need an invisibility spell, as V's will where off as the group hangs out over the next hour. "I have no intention pf purposely exposing and succumbing to any disease here. Original plan, teleport or miracle. We fly to line up if need be and teleport in"
Thanking Tishe for the magic, Barratore flies up to wait for the opening and then to teleport in with V and the others
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Invisibility - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Hide From Undead - Emrys
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 12:34:13 AM
Tishe’ reaches up and puts a hand on Barratorre’s forearm. “It is an insidious gateway, is t it? We can try with my Veil intact making us look diseased, but I believe it will not work. We must be diseased. Yet instead of being random by eating the fruit, we can magically deliberately infect ourselves with a Contagion, and thus choose which disease we each have. Leprosy, for example, affects the charisma of a person, while the shakes affect dexterity. “
“The downside, of course, is further depleting our spell capability.” She looks worried and indecisive, instinctually looking to Velarin for a decision.
..... Cast Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe’ Velarin Barratorre and who else needs one? Cast Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe Velarin Barratorre and who else needs one? .... Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 7:04:28 AM
"We aren't going to infect ourselves. we have no idea what may actually accompany that in this realm. We try the teleport, and if that fails, go with the miracle."
Once the group all hits the barrier together, V sees the pustule begin to burst. "Let's do it. teleport it is." As soon as everyone is in position, V uses greater teleport to relocate the group to inside the just burst and opened pustule.
"We need to move towards the veins we saw running through this monstrosity before another accumulation of pus occurs and ejects us with it."
Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2-cx1, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Wednesday February 24th, 2021 8:52:46 AM
It takes Lanliss 'slap, and Barratores assurance but eventually he comes down.
Listening to everyone's discussion of being sick to get access, makes Edson queezy.
Into the Palace (DM John) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 11:23:15 AM
Emrys discovers the nature of the barrier and informs the others that only diseased creatures may pass through it. Lanliss does not like the idea of getting infected. Barratore outright rejects the idea of getting infected and reminds others of the original plan. Tishe’ wrestles with the pros and cons of gaining a disease or consuming magical resources. Velarin makes the call and teleports the party into the opened pustule. Edson recovers, thanks to Lanliss’ “encouragement”, but does not delight in the ongoing discussion.
Velarin teleports the Keepers into the open pustule. They find themselves in a roughly round shaped tunnel about ten feet in diameter within the living substance of the tumor. The walls glisten with thick clear slime, streaked with yellow and white, residue of the recently expelled pus. It continues onward and slightly downward, winding immediately, effectively eliminating sight beyond more than fifteen feet ahead. Pus lines the floor to a maximum depth of about a foot in the center. The tissue emits a sickly green light providing dim illumination beyond that provided by the open pustule. Small, four to six inch diameter, veins within the fleshy walls, stretch toward the outer surface of the tumor. The walls slowly pulse rhythmically, implying peristalsis is responsible for the expelling of the pus from the tumor’s core. The stench within the pustule is overwhelming, a combination of rot and sickness, assaulting the intruders’ noses with an intensity that is almost overwhelming. Fortitude Save DC 20 or be sickened.
A sound of the tread of heavy feet, squelching as it treads through the pus, appears to be coming from the tunnel ahead.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+23=32 ; Wednesday February 24th, 2021 4:16:28 PM
"Oh V, what a tremendous smell you've discovered. I suggest breathing through your eyes friends."
Hearing something coming, Barratore elevates his position moving forward and upward at the maximum angle, 45 degrees. He tries to flatten as best as he can as he runs out of room
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Invisibility - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Hide From Undead - Emrys
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+13=22 ; Wednesday February 24th, 2021 4:45:55 PM
"The smell is more bad in the inside", Lanliss comments as he feels nausea starting to hit. 'How long will be I able to take this',Lanliss wonders about this foulness they have to endure and perhaps overcome.
As he hears the sound , Lanliss quickly follows Barratore.
Fortitude save 22
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+12=32 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 12:19:30 AM
Tishe’ gags and wraps a layer or two of her Sargrass sun-scarf around her mouth and nose while trying to breathe shallowly, but at least it doesn’t slow her down. Taking her usual place behind Velarin and in front of Lanliss, she thinks at the others. “Remember, we are INVISIBLE and still LOOK like the gardeners from outside. That may make most guards blind for a second on who we really are.”
“Sieur Emrys, we estimated the sphere is 1000’ across. Are we within range of your Locate Object spell?”
.....
Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss, and Edson Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, and Lanliss Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE d20+10=12 ; d20+10=23 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 8:13:26 AM
Edson gags for a second and thinks his breakfast is about to come surging up. he covers his mouth with his hand in anticipation, but breathes in through his nose until the nauseous feeling passes.
" This smells worse than the sewers I slept in. This smells worse than Barry after an all night bender."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+16=18 ; d20+16=27 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 8:50:41 AM
(ooc: unless stated otherwise, All group conversations should be telepathically to avoid making any unnecessary noise)
V shakes off the sickening effects of the stench after initially becoming close to losing his stomach.(fort 18, hero point reroll 27)
"I definitely wouldn't want to build a summer home here. With this being the only way in, I'm guessing he never has visitors."
Hearing the footsteps coming down the hall, V follows Barratore's lead and tries to move as far out of the center of the tube as possible.
"Alright Keepers. Remember. No alarms or yelling. We either need to avoid it, or kill it so quick it doesn't get a chance to scream for help."
Into the Palace (DM John) Thursday February 25th, 2021 11:33:20 AM
Barratore comments on the smell and prepares for whatever is coming, attempting to flatten against the wall of the duct they are in. No chamber. This is a 10’ diameter duct open (for now) to the outside and winding into the palace. Total length from opening to where the duct curves out of sight is about 30’. This puts Barratore at about 15’ from where something would appear. Lanliss reacts to the smell, resisting the physical effects and moves in position behind Barratore. The DM is assuming that you are doing this by touch and sound, since you are both invisible. Tishe’ also resists succumbing to the smell and reminds everyone about being invisible and looking like gardeners. Edson almost loses it when he smells the inside of the pus duct, but heroically manages to get his stomach under control. The DM assumes a hero point was used for the save. Velarin also almost loses it when he smells the inside of the pus duct, but heroically manages to get his stomach under control. He moves to prepare for whatever is coming. Emrys stays close. Remember to have Emrys make a DC 20 Fortitude save of be sickened.
The Keepers gather in the 10’ diameter duct that they entered into after the pus inside it ruptured the tumorous surface of the palace. Hearing something approaching from inside the tumor, but not being able to see more than 15 feet beyond Barratore, who is furthest in, because it curves out of sight, they can do nothing but wait for it to appear.
What does appear is a large bipedal blob of pus, shambling toward the opening, the Keepers inadvertently in its way. Not having a neck, what appears to be its head is nothing more than a slight protuberance on top featuring two sickly green eyes, but with no discernable nose or mouth. It is about six feet wide and two thick pseudopods on its torso extend on either side to scrape both edges of the duct. Two pseudopods also extend beneath it, giving the creature the shape of a morbidly obese starfish comprised of unhealthy purulence. These lower appendages take lumbering steps, creating small viscous swells of pus before it as it shambles forward. Its path is taking it into a collision course with Barratore, although it appears to be unaware of it.
Knowledge Arcana DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {You have never seen or heard of anything quite like this, but it appears to be an animated construction of pus. You expect that it will have minimal intelligence and likely immunity to most magic as well resistance to most weapons. } If that arcana check exceeds DC 35 Highlight to display spoiler: { Its DR probably overcome by magical bludgeoning weapons. Also, you detect it probably contains digestive fluids; contact with it is likely harmful to flesh.}
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+23=40 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 12:50:26 PM
(From last round: Fortitude Save: 40)
Upon landing within the pustule, Emrys is surprised they were able to penetrate such barrier, set in place by a god, with a simple teleport. His congratulations is halted by the sudden assault from the stench. For that he refuses to open his mouth.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+35=51 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 2:36:37 PM
(Knowledge [Arcana]: 51)
Emrys recognizes what the creature is immediately. He relays this information through their mental communication (I remember someone saying that we had that ability again.).
"This creature is a construct of pus, much like a golem. Luckily it is probably somewhat dim witted, but formidable nonetheless. I suspect it is highly resistant or immune to most magics and weapons. I imagine it may be vulnerable to magical bludgeoning weapons. It's body looks to secrete acidic, digestive fluids that would be harmful if to come into contact with flesh."
Emrys hopes his Planar Adaptation spell helps protect the party from such an energy type (such as acid).
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Thursday February 25th, 2021 3:52:19 PM
Emrys mentally answers Tishe's question, "I don't believe Locate Object would work in this case. The uniqueness of the item, and being unable to mentally visualize the Keystone, would prevent the spell from functioning. I will need to employ a more powerful divination."
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday February 25th, 2021 9:59:57 PM
'Yikes', Lanliss thinks as the the blob of starfish shape pus is heading their way. "any Ideas ?" He asks telepathically.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+28=45 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=24 ; 2d8+28=37 ; 2d8+28=33 ; 2d8+28=35 ; 2d8+28=37 ; 2d8+24=29 ; 2d8+24=34 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 11:12:48 PM
Barratore looks about and mostly up, if he had room to squeeze against the ceiling to avoid the oncoming construct, he does so. Otherwise he acknowledges Emrys' warning mentally and prepares himself for the sear of pain and combat
If he cannot get out of the way: Drawing his weapons, Barratore takes out the construct Hit AC 45/35/21/24 and 27/31 (forgot the off hand weapon is not +4 and adjusted AC) Dmg 37/33/35/37 and 29/34
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Invisibility - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Hide From Undead - Emrys
Barratore possesses a Scarab of Golemsbane allowing his attacks to bypass DR of any Golem
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Friday February 26th, 2021 2:33:26 AM
Tishe’ shakes her head and responds to Emrys. She thinks, “We all had a vision so we know what it looks like, and I thought that finding a particular object was the point of the spell. Try it or a Find the Path. We can’t afford to wander around this ‘palace’ until the Owner returns.”
Tishe’ squeezes by Velarin, Emrys, and Edson, and touches Barratorre while casting a Resist Energy(acid) spell. She thinks to the group; “sometimes we bend like the grass, sometimes we stand like a mountain.”
And. “Anyone have a Silence spell ready? I can Limited Wish one if needed.” ..... Squeeze at half move for 15’ to Barratorre Cast Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit.
Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss, and Edson Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, and Lanliss Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Friday February 26th, 2021 8:05:05 AM
Edson just shrugs to himself. This nightmare world kept throwing the craziest things at them. A pustulant, shambling starfish. What else is coming.
The skinny elf is ready, but figures it would be impossible to get past Barratore.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+34=46 ; Friday February 26th, 2021 8:17:08 AM
"I have no silence spell Tishe'. I think we just need to count on Barratore to kill it quick like. Fortunately his sword will not make a lot of clanging noise in the puss golem, and as a construct, i don't feel it's likely to yell for help."
V waits for Barratore to dissect the disgusting tumor.
Hide from undead: 200 minutes(from Emrys) Extended Invisibility: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Extended fly: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Planar adaptation: (from Emrys) Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2-cx1, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Splish Splash (DM John) Friday February 26th, 2021 12:01:42 PM
Emrys recognizes what the pus golem is and tells the others. He also describes the limitations of the Locate Object spell. Lanliss asks for suggestions. Barratore looks for away to avoid contact, but realizes quickly there is no room to spare. He lays into the golem, wielding deadly weapons in both hands, landing all but one attack. Tishe’ responds to Emrys. When the pus monster appears, she casts resist acid on the fighter. Edson is ready, but correctly expects the creature won’t get past Barratore. Velarin hopes for a quick kill.
Before the pus creature realizes it is in danger, Barratore dispatches it with haste. Its remains ooze to the floor adding to the layer of pus already present in the tubule.
The sound of battle was little different than the gurgling and squishing that the Keepers have noticed is a common sound within the Palace. A few moments of silent and expectant waiting reveals no signs of alarm or other reaction to the brief, but messy, combat. The other Keepers now see the gardener-disguised Barratore standing visible before them.
DM comment on Locate Object: Description states, “You cannot specify a unique item unless you have observed that particular item firsthand (not through divination).” It also states a bit contradictorily, “Attempting to find a certain item requires a specific and accurate mental image; if the image is not close enough to the actual object, the spell fails.” You are aware that images in visions are often symbolic and not necessarily an accurate depiction. The spell is very likely to fail.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Friday February 26th, 2021 10:47:35 PM
" Thanks Barratore" , Lanliss says as he half splashes half handing to Barratore some water and vinegar from his food ration. "Better this then.....", Lanlliss says but stops and continues to speak after a moment. "In a different time and place I would find it funny". He splashes more water on Barratore and takes a sniff from the vinegar..."Vinegar sure smells better than this place".
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Sunday February 28th, 2021 11:07:57 AM
Tishe’ gets back to her usual place, behind Velarin and in front of Lanliss. The woman nods, learning more about the Locate Object spell. She still thinks that a Silence will prove useful sometime in this ‘palace’ and prepares her mind to take care of that herself when it happens.
She is surprised Barratorre kills the pus golem so quickly: she was expecting milder difficult guards. But then, maybe that’s not a guard, just a custodian. “Time to change disguises”, she announces through the spikes, and sticks her hand in her Pants O Plenty, and ... nothing happens.
Tishe’ looks very embarrassed. “Um, I didn’t read my inventory accurately.. I only had the one Veil spell.”
.....
Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss, and Edson Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, and Lanliss Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Monday March 1st, 2021 8:00:10 AM
"You put that thing out of its misery, but it appears its misery is its existence. " Edson says as she tries to sneak a peak around Barratore. .
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday March 1st, 2021 8:34:19 AM
"Well done Barratore. Quick and relatively quiet. Lead on big fella."
"My main concern with a silence spell Tishe', is that it more or less removes Myself and Emrys from the fight. Should it be necessary, don't hesitate to use it, but theoretically, we have some time before the master of this place returns. We need to keep moving."
Hide from undead: 200 minutes(from Emrys) Extended Invisibility: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Extended fly: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Planar adaptation: (from Emrys) Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2-cx1, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Monday March 1st, 2021 9:54:19 AM
Barratore spits a bit of the splashed creature from his mouth and looks back at the group, though he cannot see any of them
"Going to need another invisibility spell before going anywhere, Else Edson or Lanliss should lead and I'll fall back to our rear."
If Tishe can make him invisible, he'll lead on, otherwise he falls to about 10' the last in line
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability: Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Hide From Undead - Emrys
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday March 1st, 2021 10:21:33 AM
Emrys says mentally, "Agreed, Velarin. I would be powerless without the sound of my wonderful voice."
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Monday March 1st, 2021 10:22:44 AM
The sorceress frowns unseen. “In a big room, A silence spell could also be put into a point of air so it affects the melee fight but not the spellcasters. “
Tishe’ makes Barratorre invisible again.
Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss, and Edson Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, and Lanliss Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
Onward and Inward (DM John) Monday March 1st, 2021 1:22:31 PM
Lanliss helps Barratore with cleanup. Tishe’ gets in marching order and considers spells to use, realizing she had only one veil ready. She then makes Barratore invisible once again. Velarin congratulates the fighter on his successful destruction of the pus golem and discusses the finer points of combat magic with Tishe’. Barratore, once invisible again, leads the way. Emrys also comments on tactical use of the silence spell. Edson moves along with the group.
Barratore in the lead, the Keepers follow the duct further into the palace. After about fifty feet of travel, the winding tunnel opens into a chamber roughly spherical in shape about thirty feet in diameter. The faint, sickly green light emanating from the walls continues here, but seems slightly brighter. The thin layer of pus on the bottom of the duct they are in drains into this chamber forming a shallow pool. Three other ducts of similar size also open and drain pus into this chamber. One is almost directly across from the one the Keepers. Another leads to the right, and a third duct leads to the left. All four ducts, including the one the Keepers are in, slope upward from the chamber. The accumulating pus is gradually filling it, but at such a rate that the Keepers will be well above its level for quite some time. Each duct curves not too far from the chamber such that the travelers can see no more than thirty feet into any of them.
While the Keepers watch, the bottom of the chamber suddenly convulses and the pus drops out of the bottom, revealing an open sphincter. Several seconds later, the muscle contracts close and the slow fill of pus resumes.
Somewhere in the distance a rhythmic, pulsing squelching sound can be heard, but the acoustics here are such that it is impossible to discern the distance or even direction of its source.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=47 ; Monday March 1st, 2021 8:16:07 PM
Lanliss closes his eyes....and proceeds to try and smell or hear something that might give him more insight. The place was was filled with horrible smell, was the smell getting worse from a specific direction? Perception.
Natural 20 47 (20+27)
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 7:58:32 AM
Mentally, Edson adds "This is truly a nightmare realm, We are in the grossest, most disgusting realm. Do you think we go down, through that puss chute? The other vents are probably the same as the one we came in."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 8:58:39 AM
V was about to turn Barratore invisible when Tishe' beat him to it.
Upon arriving in the chamber, V looks around, and checks out the ceiling as well, for another route.
"You might be right Edson. The other three tunnels are likely the same as the one we came in. I may have used my prying eyes a bit prematurely in this little endeavor. I do have a limited wish on scroll, so when needed, I could summon a regular set of prying eyes, but we may need that scroll more later."
V tries to remember how many different puss ejection sites he saw with the eyes and his own to determine if it's likely that these tunnels are all puss tubes except the floor drain. If the number of tubes corresponds with the number of ejections spots that he observed, he will share the info, and suggest that they fly down the sphincter the next time it opens.
"I definitely gotta retire. Flying the down the sphincter of a giant tumor in the middle of Koshe' Marr is not something that is gonna be easy to forget. Or wash off."
Hide from undead: 200 minutes(from Emrys) Extended Invisibility: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Extended fly: 40 minutes(from Tishe') Planar adaptation: (from Emrys) Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells Bless(permanent) SR 18, total to overcome SR is 1d20+26, rolling 2X for best roll.
Spell DC 21+ 1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6, 2nd: Invisibility X8-cx6 3rd: Haste X2, fly X3, Displacement, Fireball, Lightning bolt 4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin, Black tentacles 5th: Teleport X2, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2, Passwall X2 6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate X2, wall force, True seeing 7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X2-cx1, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Summon 7, mass Invis. 8th: empower chain lightningX3, greater Prying eyes-cx1, Maze, Summon 8 9th: Meteor Swarm, Wish X2, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
Onward and Inward (DM John) Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 11:58:18 AM
Lanliss attempts to listen and smell more intently. The smell is totally pervasive. There is no evident source or concentration. It merely is. Everywhere. Lanliss continues to hear the pulsing squelch, but as he focuses he also hears additionally pulsing sounds. He quickly realizes that these pulses are probably the result of valves opening and closing similar to what is happening in the chamber he is currently in. In other words, it sounds like there are multiple chambers like this one. In addition to that he gets vague impressions of other sounds: at one point a burst of shouts that almost sound like cheers that quickly fade away; a long mournful moan that soon recedes into silence; and he can occasionally detect, albeit faintly, what sounds like a heart steadily beating. Edson suggests descending through the lower chute. Velarin looks for other openings. He finds none. He then agrees with Edson’s suggestion. [i]There were many more pustules than would correspond to this chamber, but it could be that this chamber is but one of several like it. Barratore, Emrys, and Tishe’ look along in disgust.
As the Keeper’s wait, the chamber fills about one third full, before being emptied yet again. And yet a little while later, the walls and floors shift slightly before settling down again.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 1:17:51 PM
Tishe’ is completely grossed out, and holds back adding to the flotsam and smell: not that anyone would notice.
“Maybe we went the wrong way. There were two directions after all. Let’s try up.”
Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss, and Edson Extended Invisibility (40 minutes) on Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, and Lanliss Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers Planar Adaption (from Emrys) Extended Endure Elements Extended Detect Scrying
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 7:52:53 PM
Barratore agrees with Tishe, "Let's look the other direction first and if that does not pan out, we come back to this. That seems to be the way 'out'." Barratore leads back to the other more upward direction
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Hide From Undead - Emrys
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 9:56:51 PM
Lanliss feels a quick faint feeling of fear.... "I could swear I hear someone or things laughing and....moaning as if...." Lanliss shakes his head, "I might be going crazy ", Lanlisd clasps his head "but I can hear some sort of a faint elusive heartbeat...but it's heard to know where it comes from. ", Lanliss says.
''Anyone is keeping track where we are and where are going to", Lanliss asks as he falls for a moment and then stand again. 'This place this smell this abomination might take a toll on me soon and I am not prepared to this chambers...of filth", Lanliss says.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 7:05:51 AM
V follows along after Barratore's lead
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 11:01:35 AM
"Going up seems better than going down that monstrosity. " Edson telepathically says as he follows Tishe and Barratore's lead.
Onward and upward (DM John) Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 1:43:24 PM Tishe’ recommends going up. Barratore agrees, taking the lead. Lanliss reacts to and shares what he heard and asks about keeping track of their progress. Velarin follows upward. Edson prefers the upward route, too. Emrys flies along.
The passage opposite of the one the Keeper’s entered goes further into the palace, making it the obvious choice. The chute remains about ten foot diameter, winding its way around various types of tissue. At one point it borders a mass of quivering deep red flesh over 50’ in diameter and with fibrous strands connecting it to the walls of the tube the Keepers are in. Further along, a cluster of rat sized, oblong shaped creatures scurry along the floors and walls propelled by the cilia covering their bodies, oblivious to the invisible and flying intruders.
Knowledge nature 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { These appear to be monstrously sized paramecia. In the Wold these would be invisible due to their being microscopic in size. They are likely harmless and probably edible. }
After about a total of 200 feet, something can be heard ahead, hidden by view due to the curving nature of the tubule they are in.
Hearing based perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear what sounds like, perhaps, a dinner party: mixed conversation, clinking of drinkware, creatures playing a game that sounds like...charades, and so on. } If the above perception check exceeds 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {Almost masked by the other sounds, you barely make out the gasps and moans of creatures, um, intimately engaged.}
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+27=39 ; d20+24=41 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 3:13:51 PM
(Sorry for missing post. Usual reasons.)
(Knowledge [nature]: 39. Perception: 41)
Emrys listens and his eyes go wide. He recoils in disgust as he tells the group mentally, "Ummm, that's disgusting on a whole other level. How can any creatures be, umm, pitching woo in such a place ... in the middle of a dinner party no less!?"
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=37 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 9:19:36 PM
"Yes", Lanliss replies plainly Emrys. "They have needs as well", Lanliss adds. "We have company head....company of foul things.", Lanliss warns. "They eat and have....a rather interesting time." he describes to the ones that didn't notice the sounds.
Perception 37
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=30 ; d20+2=15 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 10:41:50 PM
"The master and therefore dwellers of this place are the worse afronts imaginable, and even more so. Focus on our task. We move past unseen and be on our way."
Barratore flies forward and slips into the room to spy the way out and simply move on as quietly and unobtrusively as possible
Perception 30 Stealth 15
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Hide From Undead - Emrys
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