AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+25=31 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 1:45:06 AM
Tishe’ doesn’t catch Emrys’ meaning at first. “In Rattledam they had a pitching game called Crikkitt. The piggies would capture a Sargrass Crikkitt which would curl into an armored ball. One team would throw it at a stake in the ground and ...”. And then she realizes. “Ewwww...”
The woman tries to keep her attention on the task at hand.
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+26=44 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 6:44:25 AM
(perception 44)
"Agreed on all Counts."
V follows after Barratore. "I hope we can find this damn thing before the jig is up. I wonder if it's worth using a wish to give Emrys enough knowledge about it to be able to find it with his spell?"
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
If the house is a rockin'... (DM John) Thursday March 4th, 2021 1:30:51 PM
Emrys hears it all. And reacts. Lanliss also describes what he heard. Barratore focuses the group and leads them forward. Tishe’ eventually catches on. Velarin is also focused on the objective and proposes using a wish to find their way. Edson follows along.
The Keepers, invisible and flying, enter into a vast chamber. Its ceiling is a mere 20’ feet tall, but it extends in width and length as far as lighting will allow them to see. The dim greenish glow of the walls is augmented in areas around the room by more brightly glowing tumorous nodules extending from the floor in some places and the ceiling in others. The light from these sources is slightly brighter and tinged red, garishly clashing with the veridian luminescence coming from the walls, ceiling, and floor.
This chamber is populated with a menagerie of extraplanar creatures: devils, demons from imps to succubi, barghests, bebeliths, hell hounds, night hags, vargoille, and the list goes on. They all appear to be engaged in some form of leisurely or recreational activities: dining, drinking, playing games, or merely lounging. Each one clearly displays the High Woldian glyph for disease used by Marteaus as his symbol.
Among the diverse activities occurring throughout the chamber, a few being closer, are noticed by the Keepers. The game of charades previously overheard is acted out by a mixed group of demons and devils teamed up against each other. It appears the devils are winning...
A group of black creatures, each one appearing to be a fiendish head with bat wings are playing a game where they toss an object to each other using the tentacles sprouting from their chins. When one misses a catch, each cries out in a collective shriek of defeat before one swoops down to grab the object again so that they can resume their game. Knowledge planes DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: { These are vargoilles, a lesser fiend} Sight based perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { The object they are playing with appears to be a humanoid’s heart.}
The source of the more...intimate sounds appears to be an alluring woman possessessing an overwhelming sexuality engaged with an equally attractive man lounging on a divan in one of the more shadowed regions of the chamber. Their fiendish features--she with tiny horns, bat-like wings, and sinuous tail; he with bestial wings, curving horn, and wings as well--reveal their true nature. The woman suddenly starts and turns to the man to speak.
The Keepers overhear the following exchange between the two.
“Sorry, Dis, duty calls.”
“Who is it this time?”
“Guess,” she says with a pout.
“Oh... Residius. Again?”
“Yes, I wonder who he is going to extort this time. Maybe he will be handsome for a change.” She then steps away and steps through a green lined portal that suddenly appears before her. Once she is through, it vanishes as quickly and silently as it appeared. Knowledge Arcana DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {She appears to be responding to a planar ally spell} Knowledge Local DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize Residius as the name of a rising merchant in Plateau City that recently has gained a reputation for landing several lucrative and favorable business contracts.}
Near to where the Keepers entered, a pack of snarling canine beasts with slender forelimbs ending in hand rather than wolf paws sprawl about each other apparently asleep. One suddenly raises its head, tilting it and sniffing the air. Knowledge Planes DC 19 Highlight to display spoiler: { These are barghests, lesser LE extraplanar creatures. Most relevant is that they have the scent ability.}
To the Keepers’ right, about 100 feet from the entrance they are standing in, is a tube that appears to rise upwards in a tight spiral. Given the lighting and distance, the far side is not visible. To the left, there appears to be other tubes leading away from this chamber. The ceiling here is 20’ high. Although highly populated, it is possible to avoid contact with most of this chamber's inhabitants, though it would be impossible to not approach within 20’ of at least some of them.
Knowledge Planes DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Several of these creatures, night hags, for example, have detect good as a constant ability.}.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=36 ; d20+42=62 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 5:27:19 PM
Lanliss sees the objects they are playing with but decides not to say anything...the others didn't need to know this gruesome detail. Lanliss tries not to make strange noises, he keeps watches where he places his feet hoping not to make any slight mistake. After all, they were surrounded by far too many evil things.
Perception 36 Stealth 62
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=37 ; d20+2=9 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 9:18:58 PM
Barratore does not concern himself with any of the details of the room or the inhabitants, but instead heads to the ceiling and then towards the opening to the right about 100' away. Through the mental link he shares with the others, Barratore reminds them of the larger goal. 'Keep to the task all, this is not our concern, we have to get to the gem and then get out'
Perception 37 Stealth 9
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
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Friday March 5th, 2021 2:38:49 AM
Tishe’ keeps quiet and follows Barratorre’ mental directions as to where the group, invisibly is going. She veers away from the snarling hounds, they can probably smell the team even through the pus and other smells!
Pandemonium breaking out would NOT be in their best interest! She gets a Dim Door spell Ready to grab the team and DD to the tunnel if they are revealed. (She thinks her plan to the team)
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 March 5th, 2021 9:38:38 AM
Edson holds his breath for a second, thinking they are about to brawl with a room full of devils and demons. A sigh of relief almost escapes his mouth when Barratore's suggestion comes over. The skinny elf follows the others up along the Ceiling.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+34=42 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=38 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 10:02:34 AM
V follows Barratore's lead, and advises the group of all the details that his knowledges learned, and V will try and remind himself later that perhaps the group should check in on Residius if they managed to survive this.
V warns his companions to stay as high as possible, and advises everyone that the creatures with detect good have it always on, and they need to stay as far as possible from them. V will try and advise Barratore which monstrosities are the ones with detect good.
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
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Friday March 5th, 2021 11:19:16 AM
Emrys agrees with everyone mentally. "Yes, stealth is key here. We're all burglars in this mission. Let's keep our distance." Though he's prepared to kill them all if things go sideways.
Upwards (DM John) Friday March 5th, 2021 12:48:21 PM
Lanliss keeps his observations to himself, attempting to preserve the sanity of his fellows. Barratore single-mindedly leads the Keepers to the upward leading spiral tunnel to their right. Tishe’ quietly follows Barratore’s lead and prepares an emergency exit plan. Edson holds his breath, then follows the others to the nearby exit. Velarin informs the others of his observations. Emrys, plans on stealth, but is ready for action. Emrys only Highlight to display spoiler: {Emrys actually did not consider killing them until after he left the room. It strikes him as odd that the thought didn’t occur to him when within it.}
Driven onward by Barratore, the Keeper’s head toward the tunnel on their right that leads upwards. About halfway there, a tiny winged devil with a scorpion tale (It’s an imp) looks up from the dice game it was engaged in with others of its kind. It calls out in a high pitched, grating voice, “Hey! Who let good in here!” It looks around attempting to find the source of what he senses.
“Stop trying to cheat!” screeches one of his impish companions, accompanying his words with an open-palmed blow to the original speaker’s head. The imps return to their game and the Keepers make it to the tunnel entrance otherwise unnoticed.
This tunnel dimly glows a sickly green light typical of the surfaces within the palace. It steeply ascends, spiraling tightly, reminding one of stairs within a tower, but without any steps. After ascending about 100 feet, it opens into another vast chamber. This chamber is unique in that it is brightly lit without any of the greenish tint seen elsewhere within the palace. Instead of fleshy tissue, the walls and floors are of cream colored marble laced with light gray veins. Arrayed within the chamber are numerous gleaming white pedestals widely spaced from each other and each topped with a glass case enclosing a single object. All types of items are visible from where the Keeper’s entered, including garments, jewelry, weapons, and at least one musical instrument. This chamber appears to be about 250’ in diameter with 30’ foot ceilings. The warm white light has no visible source; it merely is. No other exits are visible, but lines of site are obstructed by the numerous displays within this hall. Sight based Perception check DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: { The gray veins within the marble pulse slightly, somehow giving the impression of disease.} Different sight based perception check DC 25. Highlight to display spoiler: {Each display appears to have a placard.}
As a reference point, assume the Keeper’s entered from the south. NOTE WELL: Nothing in this hall looks like the object of the Keeper’s quest.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=38 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 1:39:17 PM
Lanliss comments on the floored marble, "It seems even the floor look like its diseased in some way. The veins are definitely pulsing, aren't they ?"
Perception 38
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=28 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 5:20:32 PM
Barratore glances about and floats forward, instead of trying to hover. He moves mostly towards the center of chamber to get sight lines that were deprived earlier upon first entering the chamber. 'Looks to be a trophy room to me. prizes of bargains struck or perhaps the temptations from which the bargains spring.'
'Edson!, don't touch anything'
Perception 28
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
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Sunday March 7th, 2021 1:38:41 PM
Tishe’ tries to keep her eyes unfocused and ears not really hearing, only concentrating on sights and sounds that may tell her the water’s on the ground for sure. She keeps up with thebothers through mental directions and keeps her DDoor spell ready. .....
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+36=46 ; d20+36=40 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 8:34:10 AM
(perception 46 and 40)
"Agreed. A trophy room it likely is, and all the pieces have placards, likely identifying what they are. I don't see what we are looking for, so let's keep moving. This is just a distraction at the moment. Lead us around the room Barratore, and let's see if there is another path. One would think the keystone that we are looking for may be his biggest trophy, so it may very well be close by. I would strongly advise against making physical contact with the floor."
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
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday March 8th, 2021 9:40:38 AM
Emrys mentally adds, "That was very odd ... I didn't feel any aggressive tendencies, like melting the flesh from the bones of those monstrosities in the dining hall ... not until we left the room, that is. The room probably has some kind of sanctuary spell in effect."
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Monday March 8th, 2021 11:34:06 AM
Edson feigns shock at Barratore's joke. He does listen though and follows the others. He doesn't touch anything, and follows along looking around.
Exit the Hall (DM John) Monday March 8th, 2021 1:35:15 PM
Lanliss points out the diseased appearance of the marble. Barratore correctly identifies this as a trophy room and advises Edson not to touch. Tishe’ attempts to avoid being distracted and continues to be ready to quickly depart. Velarin agrees with Barratore’s assessment and advises avoiding contact with the floor and moving along. Emrys commented on the feeling of pacifism while they were in the recreation room. Edson plays along with Barratore, but does not touch anything.
As the Keepers cautiously proceed through the Trophy Hall, they note the identification of many magical items, all with names tying them to disease of some nature. Some example items include Periapt of Foul Rotting, Pipes of the Sewers, Robe of Vermin, Scarab of Death, a greatsword of infection. Two particularly unique items are set apart with even brighter lighting. One is a composite bow made of some type of bone, labelled as Bow of the True Dragon Bane; another appears to be a cluster of mushroom, identified as Revenge of Fae King.
As the Keepers progress through the hall they discover another area showing displays of disease related scenes. Emrys (and anyone else with true sight) quickly notes that these are permanent illusions. The first display they encounter shows a vivid enactment of bloodgrass mutated creatures battling within a sea of bloodgrass. Next to it a group of mummies rampages through an otherwise peaceful village, infecting all with mummy rot. Numerous other scenes unfold as the adventures look for an exit.
They soon find one on the far side of the hall. This one is wide, about 20 feet in diameter and descends. Rather than spiraling, it switches back about every 100 feet, continuing wteeply downward. Once inside, the dim greenish glow reappears, replacing the bright white illumination of the trophy hall.
After descending about 200 feet, a smaller tunnel intersects the one the Keepers are in. This one appears to ascend. Ahead, and down, through the main tunnel, a booming sound can be heard coming from ahead (and below). This sound repeats about every 10 seconds and is immediately followed by what sounds like a rush of liquid. Somewhat fainter, likely farther away, a similar sound occurs with the same frequency but offset by 5 seconds and has a slightly different characteristic than the nearer sound. Nothing can be heard coming from the smaller, ascending tunnel.
Up or down?
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=26 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 1:55:58 PM I feel like we are in some type of great diseased torso. My anatomy is not up to snuff. Anyone happened to have studied such things so we can do better than SWAGing this? If not I say up, towards my guess of the 'heart'. Trophy might have been liver, its job is to remove toxins and such.
Barratore pauses for a response follows it or heads up, barring no better input
Perception 26
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
Clarifying (hopefully) Post (DM John) Monday March 8th, 2021 2:15:26 PM
The total height of the tumor above ground is 500'.
It is obvious that a significant portion is below ground. Based on the general shape and curvature, this distance could be about 250'.
It was never stated in a post, but the pustule the Keepers entered through is about 250' above the ground surface.
The Rec Room was about 300' above the surface.
The Trophy Room was about 120' above that, so within 80' of the top of the tumor.
The junction where the Keepers currently find themselves is about the same elevation as the Rec Room; that is, about 300' above ground level.
Also note that the level of the pus lake is about the same as that of the ground, less a few feet.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Monday March 8th, 2021 7:17:30 PM
"Well I wouldn't know", Lanliss comments. "I don't like the idea of splitting up"
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 12:19:22 AM
Tishe’ isn’t good at trying to think like Marteus would think on where his throne room would be. “Let’s go up,” she thinks, “the sound in the broad passage reminds me of the pus room.”
As they continue on, the Spellweaver brings up another thought. “We may have to ask for directions or interrogate something. The Distraction won’t last forever.”
....... 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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:14:49 AM
"If the majority of the tumor is below ground, and we are well above ground, I would guess to go down. Something that is as prized as what we seek, would likely be at the center of this diseased place. We are likely getting near the top of this thing again. Either way, I'll follow whichever way Barratore leads us."
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
Decision Time (DM John) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:52:53 AM
Barratore proposes going up. No biological model fits this bizarre and unique living construction. Lanliss opposes splitting up. Tishe’ supports choosing the upward path. She proposes, however, that they may need to ask directions somehow. The DM sees what you did there. Nicely done. Velarin counters with going down, reasoning that the prize would be near the center of the tumor. Edson and Emrys await a decision.
Up or down?
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 9:22:39 PM
"I would guess we need to go up for now, better than idling here deciding where to go"
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday March 9th, 2021 10:11:28 PM
Barratore acknowledges Tishe and V, You may be right, I will lead up and we shall see, if things look no better we descend. Tishe. if we do stop and ask directions, does anyone have any persuasive means?"
Barratore leads up
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
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Wednesday March 10th, 2021 1:21:11 AM
"The puss goes down, so its better we go up. Makes ut a more pleasant trip. "
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:23:23 AM
"Up it is. Lead the way big guy."
"I have no means of persuasion on hand. That's more Emrys or Tishe's department."
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 11:31:41 AM
Tishe’ nods and thinks to the group. ‘I have a Mass Suggestion spell to get someone to tell or lead us to the Throne room. I should be able to do it as long as the creature can be enchanted. If we really need to talk to someone, I can try to Dominate them with a Limited Wish and have them walk us to the throne room. You know, as a last resort.’
... 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
Going Up (DM John) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 12:54:18 PM
Lanliss recommends going up. Barratore leads up after inquiring about asking for directions. Edson prefers to travel in a direction opposite to the puss. Velarin follows up and suggests that either Tishe’ or Emrys are better suited to seek assistance. Tishe’ proposes spell options available for use in obtaining a guide. Emrys follows.
As the Keepers travel up, the pulsing sound coming from below and ahead of them fades in the distance. After about 100’ feet the tunnel levels off then it 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 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, each slowly draining pus into this 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.
Yes, this is exactly like the chamber the Keeper’s saw when they were on the other side of the palace. A quick inspection of the other three tunnels reveals that one goes upward and outward to a burst pustule, while the other two are slowly collapsing from the far end, likely having once led to open, but now closing pustules.
Known travel choices appear to be down through a “drain”, down through the switchback tunnel, or attempt to find another way out of the trophy room or the recreation room.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Wednesday March 10th, 2021 5:08:57 PM
(OOC: sorry, dead tired lately.)
Emrys agrees mentally with going up. "It's anyone's guess, but if this 'keystone' is anything like a true architectural keystone, then it would reside at the top, like at the central summit of an arch. Of course, I can be entirely wrong."
He adds, "If I had touched the Keystone, first hand, I could have used Discern Location to find it. Otherwise I would take a Major Miracle to have any chance of knowing its exact location sight unseen... or untouched in this case."
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:09:52 PM
"So what now?", Lanliss asks. "It looks exactly like before", Lanliss says referring the previous location they were.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 7:44:10 PM
“This could take us forever. This place is a maze, and likely designed that way. I have a wish, and emery’s, you have a miracle. Now may be the time to pull out the big guns to know the exact fastest way to the keystone. We can us one now, and save the other for an emergency. If we take to long it’s game over. Do you think it would be possible to use a wish to greater teleport right to the keystone? That may be a little too risky. I think I’m up for option number one unless someone can think of a way to get us there fast. I’m not sure a wish would do it, but a miracle might. Thoughts?”
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Thursday March 11th, 2021 8:41:42 AM
"We're gonna end up having to go down that gross tube of puss. I hope your magic can find a different way, but that seems the way its going. "
Edson keeps peering around, nervous their time is slowly running out.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Thursday March 11th, 2021 10:23:28 AM
Barratore looks about, V was right, the place was enormous and they could blindly wander about for days perhaps. Very typical.
'My understanding is that unique items, such as an artifact crafted by a god, cannot be located in such fashion and on the larger scope of true wishing or miracles, the nearest being capable of granting the power is the one doing so. It would be exciting to see who shows up.'
'I say burn the spell now, we immediately know where we stand and if the universe shows up, i'll kill everything I can while the rest of you split up and run around this place at haste to see if you can find this damnable thing and then get out.'
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 11th, 2021 2:05:45 PM
Emrys votes to go up.
Edson worries that the way to go is down.
Lanliss ponders the fact that it is extremely difficult to navigate other than in the most general terms. Who knows when one valve will close and another duct open? It all looks similar.
Velarin suggests using a wish or miracle for inspiration and direction.
Barratore fears the artifact is immune to their magic, and that a wish or miracle may draw unwanted attention. Even so ... go for it!
Tishe’ is quiet.
Emrys, standing near the way going up, thinks he hears a far-off voice. Emrys only, Perception DC25, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear isolated words, and some that are not understandable. “Yes ... no ... no ... something garbled ... weal.”}
[OOC: Happy to let you guys decide what to do, but I’d like at least three PCs to agree, please, LOL!]
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday March 11th, 2021 4:11:14 PM
Tishe’ is getting nervous about how much time they are taking. She nods, now is the time for a Wish or Miracle”, she agrees.
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
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday March 11th, 2021 9:10:08 PM
"Whatever needed.", Lanliss says. "I am assuming the wish might not be helpful but I am out of wits about any other option"
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:40:56 PM
Barratore looks at Lanliss and a bit longer at Edson, "Look, Tishe and V are our best hope. They have transporation magic. If things go horribly south, Lanliss, you're with Tishe and Edson, you're with V. You get them to the keystone so they can get away with it. Emrys and I will buy you time." reading his friends, Barratore holds up a hand
"Not my favorite plan, but situation as it is, this is what we do. IF things go horribly south, we buy time, you split up and get back to tell the bards of Emrys and myself."
"OK V, Time to Star Light Star Bright it up" the last part is aloud as Barratore draws both blades
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Friday March 12th, 2021 2:04:44 AM
Tishe’ cringes, but only on the inside. Barratorre’s plan makes sense in that getting the ... object... is more important for the Wold than anything else... even if that means being minions to Edson the Lord of Koshe Marr! She nods, and adds, “and whichever team gets the Key, then the other team also becomes a distraction. “
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Friday March 12th, 2021 6:56:04 AM
“You got it. Never cast this spell before. Let’s see what we can do. I’m going to wish to know the exact location and fastest route to get to the keystone created by marteus. Does anyone have better thoughts on the wording before I cast this?”
If nobody has a better idea, V will pull a very expensive diamond from his haversack and cast the wish as stated above
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Friday March 12th, 2021 7:29:45 AM
Edson silently nods to Barratore. It was a grim endgame plan, but if was needed. He looks over to V, snd shakes his head no at the magic users question
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Friday March 12th, 2021 6:19:58 PM Tishe’ .agrees; now is the time for a Wish or Miracle.
Lanliss has no better idea.
Barratore agrees with the wish plan, even if it means a potential disaster. He makes contingensy plans for the group.
Tishe’ does not like it but is on board even with Barratore's disaster planning.
Velarinasks for help with the wording of the Wish.
Edson agrees and is okay with the plan.
[OOC: Emrys .may want to weigh in. Can I please get the wish exactly as worded?]
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Friday March 12th, 2021 9:11:40 PM
Lanliss awaits for the miracle/wish to happen.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Saturday March 13th, 2021 2:42:33 AM
Tishe’ waits for Velarin’s Wish. She is expecting something along the lines of: ‘I wish for 6 hours to know the most direct physical path to the artifact known as The Keystone.’
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Saturday March 13th, 2021 9:52:13 AM
"Good suggestion Tishe'. I think that's better than mine. Emrys? Barratore? suggestions? we gotta do this right the first time."
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 Sunday March 14th, 2021 10:29:56 AM
Barratore nods at Tishe’s wording. “I think Tishe has the right of it and the complex we make it, the better. I cannot think of anything to add or change”
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday March 15th, 2021 9:16:34 AM
"Emrys? any suggestion before we do this?"
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Monday March 15th, 2021 9:28:20 AM
Edson nods at Tishes' suggested wish. She had it worded right.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday March 15th, 2021 2:46:29 PM
(ooc: sorry for being out of commission recently ... Im catching up with the conversation)
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+24=36 ; Monday March 15th, 2021 2:52:51 PM
(Perception: 36)
Emrys hears the voices in his head when he stands near the way going up.
Emrys says to everyone mentally, "I am getting positive affirmations about this being the way ... this way up!"
(continuing to read and catch up)
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday March 15th, 2021 2:58:48 PM
Emrys continues, "As I stated before, I could cast Discern Location, BUT that would require having touched the object once before. If I had, I would know exactly where the Keystone would be and I could take you there. However since I have not had any contact with the Keystone, it would most likely require Major Miracle, a miracle that requires an extra cost of diamond dust worth at least 25,000gp. Do we have any diamonds on hand ... or maybe another sacrifice would be accepted by the powers that be."
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Monday March 15th, 2021 3:29:19 PM
Tishe’ offers a solid idea for the Wish: ‘I wish for 6 hours to know the most direct physical path to the artifact known as The Keystone.’
Barratore nods at that wording.
Edson likes it too.
Lanliss waits for the Velarin to cast it.
Emrys reports indications of something ... interesting? positive? that goes up.
Velarin waits for other feedback, but seeing as there is none, casts the Wish.
Valarin casts the spell, and the mighty magic takes effect.
Valarin, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense the path ahead leading to the artifact. It leads directly down through the drain. Yes, the drain right there, the one with the gloopy sounds of thick liquid bubbling deep inside.}
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:32:11 AM
"It seems to have worked guys. I can sense the path to the keystone. Unfortunately, it's down the drain. Looks like we have little choice but to get disgusting. After you Barratore."
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-cx1, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:45:30 AM
Barratore provides V his best 'you suck' look, knowing the wizard is perfectly capable of seeing him, even though he cannot see the wizard. 'Of course it is.'
responding to Emrys, 'Not sure what you are feeling, perhaps the distraction, being a power of good, but the Keystone is the priority here.'
Barratore moves to time his drop and clenches his eyes shut and takes a deep breath before dropping through
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 11:57:36 AM
"Down the hatch", Lanliss says disgusted. "There is definitely no logic in this", Lanliss complains. Lanliss will go after Barratore.
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 16th, 2021 3:22:09 PM
Velarin reports that the wish was a success, and that the way to go is down the drain.
Barratore bravely takes point and jumps down.
Lanliss, and then, by DM fiat, the rest of the party, follows.
The sphincter opens, the Keepers descend into it, joining the stream of draining pus.
Everyone make a Fortitude Save DC 15 or become diseased.
The chute continues approximately fifty feet before opening into a large chamber. This, too, is dimly lit with the ubiquitous sickly green glow. The flying Keepers can separate from the pus flow, finding themselves easily fifty feet above the surface of a massive organic cavern. Ovoid in shape with the longer dimension being about 150’ and the narrower dimension 75’, the ceiling is, at its peak about 60’ above the floor. The pus from this and other chutes coalesces into a gangrenous lake that extends to the edge of the chamber lengthwise, but ends about 10’ feet from either wall on the short dimension. In other words, the pool is about 150’ long by 55’ wide. At either end is a massive pulsing organ that takes pus from the lake and slowly pumps it slowly through semitranparent ten foot diameter vessel along the wall upwards until is disappears into the fleshly ceiling above. Adjacent to each pump is a ten foot diameter circular tunnel leading away from the lake chamber. For reference call one tunnel the “east” tunnel and the other tunnel the “west” tunnel.
Scrambling along the shores of the pond of pus are small creatures scurrying about, wiggling things no bigger than a small dog. Some go to the edge of the pus, apparently to take a drink. Some wander about seeming to pick and scrape along the floor, and some looking like cat size amoeba slither along the walls, occasionally pausing at one spot for awhile before process in their seemingly aimless journey along the fleshy surface of this cavern.
Sound based perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear occasional laughter, punctuated with bouts of cheers and jeers.}
Separate sound based perception DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear a deep resonant voice that briefly speaks something every few seconds. At this distance, you cannot make out actual words.}
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+12=16 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 1:28:51 AM
Ewwww...
Tishe’ doesn’t have much to say or do other than follow Velarin’s directions and try not to get overpowered by the horror that is the castle. She feels unwell, but gamely keeps on. ..... Save vs Disease. 16. Fail
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+16=24 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=24 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 8:54:13 AM
V shakes off the effects of the diseased filth as he follows Barratore down the sphincter. Upon the group catching themselves and maintaining their airborne status, he survey's the room.
"I hear laughter, cheers, and jeers somewhere guys."
V focuses to try and continue following the path to the artifact.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE d20+10=28 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+26=44 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 9:35:46 AM
Edson surprising isn't effected by the disease as he moves in.
Telepathically he adds " After the laughing and cheers.. i hear a voice talking. I cannot make out the words, but i hear a voice. "
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=36 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+23=42 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 3:44:15 PM
Once through the chute, Barratore opens his eyes and exhales through his nose to clear anything that might have gotten in. Barratore asks if Edson can tell from where, as all he hears is the cheering. 'Like some type of sport or game is going on nearby.' Unless V directs him in the direction of the sounds, Barratore takes point and follows the wizards input
If they do need to heads towards the commotion, he proposes Edson or Lanliss move out to stealthily see what they can and report back through the telepathic connection
perception 36 and 28 Fort 42
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+13=30 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=44 ; d20+42=56 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 9:47:24 PM
Lanilss hears everything. 'truly truly I am not returning here.....Edson really needs to change this place', Lanliss thinks. Lanliss treads carefully in the pus ridden place. His steps become more elegant and nimble, trying not to make any sound that's seems out of place...heard.
"I am going forwards to scout", he relies telepathically and moves towards whatever is waiting or not waiting for him.
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 17th, 2021 10:59:52 PM Tishe’ walks through reluctantly and avoids succumbing to the disease containing pus. Save DC is a 15. Tishe’s save of 16 succeeded.
Velarin is unaffected and continues to focus on the path.
Edson tells the others that he hears cheers and a separate unintelligible voice.
Barratore informs the others that he hears cheering. He suggests Edson or Lanliss take point.
Keen-ear Lanliss also hears everything. he tries to be quiet as the party advances, probing ahead.
Emrys is quiet. [NEEDS DISEASE SAVE]
Fortunately, everyone is unaffected by the disease -- except maybe Emrys.
Velarin senses that the path to their objective will lead to the single voice and not toward the cheering. The path to this voice is twisty and turney, both ascending and descending.
At length, the ductwork opens out into a chamber. Lanliss sneaks ahead, observes, and reports back to the party.
The room has glass walls that hold back the pulsations of the living Palace. There is a bone throne on which sits a humanoid of stone wearing rusted mithril armor. Fungal growths peek out through the gaps in his armor on the left side. His helm (covering his entire face aside from his mouth) is vibrant with energy. Lanliss reports that while he was in line of sight to this being, he felt shaken by proximity to divine power.
Lanlis says that the being was speaking in short phrases:
Yes ... No ... Perhaps ... Weal ... In Your Pocket ... No ... South ... Woe ... Maybe ... Sharles Grithlough ... Yes ... Because He Hates Them ... Unknown ... Yes ...
Sometimes it offers a short verse or motto.
If you make a Know Religion DC20 check, then it occurs to you that Highlight to display spoiler: {These are very much like the results of Augury, Divination, and Commune spells.}
If you make a Know Religion DC35 check, then it occurs to you that Highlight to display spoiler: {This may very well be Marteus’s Seer, channeling the god's omniscience to answer divination spells!.}
The path forward, says Velarin, if directly in front of the throne to an exit on the other side.
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday March 18th, 2021 2:24:02 AM
Tishe’ frowns. “Weal? Woe? Divine power? That sounds like an oracle, but who is it talking to? I’m nervous, and I think we should give it some space.”
Thankful she was strong enough to avoid the taint of the pus, Tishe’ is ready to follow Velarin’s mental directions.
....
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+32=36 ; Thursday March 18th, 2021 8:28:46 AM
V directs the group to the figure sitting on the throne. He mentally communicates with the others. "That is likely Marteus' seer, channeling his divine power to respond to requests from worshippers. We need to get to the exit on the other side of the seer. I'm guessing if he's channeling divine power, he would be able to see us, but I'm not quite sure. Now that I've seen the location we need to go, We could back off a little and teleport to the other side of him by the exit. I'm not sure if he'd hear us. I'm sure if he became aware of our presence, there is a good chance we shortly have an unpleasant arrival showing up."
"Any better ideas or thoughts?"
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-cx1, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday March 18th, 2021 1:41:57 PM
Tishe’ responds. ‘That’s a waxed pick! I can silently cast DimDoor to have us at the other corridor without moving in front of the Seer.’
If hearing no objections from any of the others, Tishe’ gathers the group and casts Silent Dimension Door to blip all the Keepers from where they are to the doorway behind the throne.
...... Silent Dim Door. 4th level spell slot, 20th CL covers all Keepers
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
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+23=25 ; Thursday March 18th, 2021 4:04:39 PM
(Fort Save: 25 vs. Disease)
"Gods' Hooks! That's disgusting!"
(ooc: more to come.)
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+30=46 ; Thursday March 18th, 2021 4:13:39 PM
(Knowledge [Religion]: 46)
Before he could mentally communicate an explanation of what they are seeing ... Velarin beat him to it. Oh well, he thinks, 'I'll let him have it... he got most of it correct.' :)
He quietly hopes that his Planar Adaptation spell, that he had cast on everyone, is giving adequate immunities to this plane of existence.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Thursday March 18th, 2021 8:15:21 PM
Edson stares in wonderment at the seer. Hes brokem from his stupor by Tishe casting the dimension door. Once everyone is ready Edson heads through.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Thursday March 18th, 2021 10:03:39 PM
Lanliss agrees to the plan "We need to be quick...if he is truly a seer...there is some chance that he will get a vision of us in some way ", Lanliss relies mentally. "I can't think about any other idea apart from killing him....but we wouldn't want any attention now, Would we?"
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Thursday March 18th, 2021 10:21:05 PM
Barratore nods, 'That's bloody brilliant V and Tishe'
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 18th, 2021 11:46:06 PM
Tishe’ is nervous about crossing the path of the Seer.
Velarin confirms that this divine oracle may be channeling Marteus’s divine power. Perhaps better to blip across to the other side of the chamber?
Tishe’ cleverly and silently dimension doors across the room past the Seer, bringing the party with her. The spell transports the caster and one more medium size person per three levels. If Tishe’ has caster level 20, then that’s herself plus 6 others. But a large size taur counts as two people. She has just enough capability to bring everyone over to the other side!
Emrys, unaffected by the disease, wonders if his planar adaptation will save him and his friends from the dangers in this part of Koshe Marr. Hmmm ... can’t hurt, anyway
Edson is momentarily rapt with the Seer, but joins in the dimensional travel.
Lanliss agrees, blips with the party, and hopes that the seer will not detect the group. He considers killing the Seer, but doesn’t want the attention that would bring.
Barratore compliments the casters on this solution.
On the other side, the ductwork that you need to follow is headed slightly downwards.
Please do make perception checks for encounter distance.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) d20+26=28 Friday March 19th, 2021 2:01:02 AM
Tishe’ wistfully considers eliminating the Seer, imagining how much damage that could cause the Diseased One’s operations, but puts it aside. Velarin has the right of it. Their mission will do that already and they can’t afford to blow it by doing some on-the-side hero work. In a better corridor, she keeps her senses peeled through the twists and turns.
..... Perception 28
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
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 d20+36=52 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 8:10:32 AM
(perception 52)
V directs the group of the path to follow, and waits for Barratore to lead them on.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt d20+24=41 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 2:02:46 PM
(Perception: 41)
Emrys follows along with the group ... keeping his eyes and pointed ears open to their surroundings. Although his mouth is kept tightly shut. He hopes his Ring of Cleanliness is up to the task in this place.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=33 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 3:12:06 PM
With the gap accomplished, Barratore starts to blink again and forces himself to calm down. Things were still north of south. V provides direction and Barratore takes the point and floats off
Perception 33
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Friday March 19th, 2021 6:26:29 PM
Tishe’ wants to eliminate the Seer, they can’t afford to lose the war in order to enjoy winning a non-crucial battle. Passing on.
Velarin directs the group along the path, but lets Barratore lead.
Emrys follows behind, hoping he can stay clean and pure in this pit of disease.
Barratore takes point.
Edson and Lanliss come along too.
Several in the party, especially Velarin, are keen to the signs that there is something approaching. 200+ feet away, you guess around a couple curves, you sense a huge thing (or things!) approaching. A wind is pushing towards you, and you deduce that creatures so big that they completely fill the duct is pushing towards you. The gloppy sounds, the rotting swtench, the heat coming off it, even from this far away ... soon something will come around a bend and encounter you. What will you do if there is no way to edge around the sides? If it is like, say, a gelatinous cube, then invisible or no, it will consume you by nature of you standing in the way, were you to stand in the way.
What to do?
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+27=33 ; d20+27=32 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 9:41:12 PM
If Lanliss notices "Something big is approaching !", Lanliss warns the others.
If Lanliss doesn't notice
....Lanliss looks at the others to figure out what is going on. Perception 33
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Saturday March 20th, 2021 5:13:27 AM
Tishe’ calls out an idea. “Rope Trick, Magnificent Mansion, or get ready to fight?”
She readies a Slow spell to attack if that’s the plan.
...... Readied Slow on opponents. Will DC 22 or be staggered
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 22nd, 2021 8:03:57 AM
" I like Tishes idea. Hiding, is better than fighting right now. A fight might alert the whole palace to us, and prevent us finishing our mission."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Monday March 22nd, 2021 8:44:36 AM
"The mansion is the only thing I got that will work. If Emrys doesn't have anything better, I'm saying we go with it."
If no objections or alternate ideas are presented, V will cast the mansion against the wall to keep it out of the way of the approaching creatures, and usher everyone inside.
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-cx1, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Monday March 22nd, 2021 9:43:44 AM
Barratore draws his blades and waits for Tishe, Emrys and V to create option A, otherwise he is option B
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Monday March 22nd, 2021 7:58:58 PM
"Okay Here we go", Lanliss says as they are hopefully about to avoid a possible encounter....a very foul one.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp170/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing, Planar Adapt Monday March 22nd, 2021 10:28:05 PM
"Tishe does have a good idea. Other than that, I may be able to transmute the creature into something else that's smaller, less pus-filled and ideally harmless. However not knowing what the creature is, Tishe's would allow us to avoid a situation that may set off alarms."
The Palace of Marteus (DM Cayzle) Monday March 22nd, 2021 11:25:13 PM
Lanliss is slower to notice than some, but makes sure everyone knows something is coming. And at this point, it is clear that BIG THINGS are coming toward you!
Tishe’ calls out an idea. “Rope Trick, Magnificent Mansion, or get ready to fight?” For this clever approach, please accept a hero point! Sometimes being a hero means avoiding a fight!
Edson seconds Tishe’’s ideas for hiding.
Velarin prepares to cast Mage’s Mansion if Emrys doesn’t have anything better to use. . Barratore.prepares to fight, in case hiding does not work.
Emrys agrees that Tishe’s idea is good, although he may be able to transmute whatever the creature is.
Velarin summons a doorway against the sloping wall of the thirty-ish foot, fleshy tunnel they are in, and the party retreat inside. Able to monitor what happens outside while they wait in safety (and with servants offering refreshments), the group watches a dark red ooze, the width of the tunnel and swollen to most of its height, rolling out blobs of its fleshy material in haphazard directions, and pulling its bulk along the ground where they were moments before. It slows, as if searching for something, but after a few minutes oozes on. Only to be followed by another, and another, and. . .
As this scabrous parade squelches by the front door, a familiar voice is heard from the inner recesses of the Mansion! “Well, my dears, I’m so glad you chose to make a pocket dimension. I found a way to sneak into one, kind of a back door.”
It is, in fact, the elven snake-taur, with wings, beautiful colorful wings, who set you on this quest in the first place. What miracle has allowed her access to a Mage’s Mansion?! And she is not alone.
Qaphsiel puts a finger to her lips. “I have to go, right now. No time for chit-chat. But I have an old friend to help you here at the end of all things.” She motions, and you see that with her is your old friend Brom! You stare at him, amazed. And when your eyes flick back to the divine messenger, she is gone.
But Brom remains!
[OOC: My friends, I’m happy to welcome back Rich P, who is returning to us to play Brom for the last part of the campaign. Rich, post at will, although you really have to have your PC sheet ready before the next combat, please.]
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:32:31 AM
Barratore steps into the mansion and immediately calls for a drink, he needed to put a taste in his mouth that was not filth. tankard in hand, he stands relatively vigilant at the door. "Definitely a good idea Tishe"
At the sound of any other voice inside the mansion, the tankard falls from his hand and he whirls in a one fluid motion, swords nearly appearing in his hands as he moves on the intruder. A flood of thought pour through his mind as he identifies the intruder as Qaphsiel. Joy, betrayal, anger. Nearly as quick, his eyes find Brom and everything seems to fall away and is replaced with shock which transcends to joy. There was nothing that would stop them now.
Qaphsiel's quick exit, even what she said does not particularly register, his brother was back. Arms out wide, Barratore strides in and envelopes the large man in a great hug. "Brom! Barratore pivots as he steps back and turns towards the others, a sparkle in his eye and a dangerous grin on his face.
"Let's get going"
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Invisibility - Tishe Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly - Tishe Spd 40 Fly Check +5 Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:36:52 AM
V stares amazed at the appearance of Qaphsiel, and is about to have several dozen questions for her, as well as a mental reminder to himself that he needs a better security system on his pocket dimensions.
And then he sees Brom standing there. He just stares in amazement. Not really knowing what to say, or how this happened, the wizard will simply stand there looking confused while waiting for Brom to explain how he managed to land himself with the Keepers in the middle of a giant cyst that is the castle of Marteus.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:12:00 AM
Edson stares in amazement at their friend coming back. Without a word he burries the big man in a hug.
"Man, Barry is gonna get mad that he doesnt get a chance to smash every baddie now that Brom is back to help. It's really good to see you... and trust me, we need you."
Brom the Barbarian Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 1:22:24 PM
Brom’s in a tavern, as usual when not traveling, enjoying food and drink. The tavern is not lively so Brom is in slow drinking mode. He lifts his tankard to his mouth and brings it down the tavern blurs and a ghostly for of a taur floats before him. “Are you bored, Barbarian?” It says rhetorically. “Do you still wish to test your steel?” It waits for the question to register with the sometimes dim-witted Brom.
“Silly question, of course.” Brom says.
“The Keepers are on an extremely dangerous mission and could use your sword”, it says but is interrupted by Brom raising his hand.
“Okay.” He says. “Give me a sec.” Brom stands, raises his hand to the waitress and signals “6” with his fingers. Once she returns, he tosses down some coins, picks up the six extra large tankards and says, “Let’s go.”
*********************************************
Brom stands before his friends. He stands there with six large tankards in his hands. “I brought ale.” He says and hands out a tankard to everyone. Before all the questions start, Brom raises his tankard “Drink first, questions next.”
Brom downs his tankard and wipes the suds on his arm. “Ok,” he says “Here’s the deal. The elf said you’re doing something very dangerous, I was bored, and hopefully this is the fight I’ve always wanted. So,I’m here.”
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 2:20:51 PM
Tishe’ smiles. “Many Shadows, Brom, it is good to see you. If the snaketaur didn’t fill you in, we have travelled to Marteus’ realm of Koshe Marr, snuck into his castle, and are looking to steal an artifact called The Keystone to stop a great evil.”
“And the palace seems to be a giant, living diseased body. Shady!”
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
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:27:19 PM Barratore’s emotions cycle from joy to anger to shock to joy again! He embraces his long-lost brother, who nimbly manages not to spill the ale he brought with him.
Velarin is equally surprised, and speechless! But the arcanist quickly realizes that the divine creature was not able to just pop into the Palace -- it WAS somehow able to enter a non-dimensional space that mere mortals would treat as having only one way in or out. Evidently not, in special cases!
Edson is amazed and also hugs his long-lost friend. And again the full mugs are saved from disaster!
In typical style, Brom offers drinks all around and declares, “Drink first, questions next.” After a swallow, he explains the circumstances by which a divine elf-snake-taur invited him to come to the assistance of his old friends.
Tishe’ explains things from the other side. The party is in the plane of nightmares, in the god of disease's palace, to steal an artifact. “And the palace seems to be a giant, living diseased body. Shady!”
Lanliss and Emrys are quiet.
As the party revels in camaraderie and catches up on their news, the last in the train of gigantic squishy scabules squinches past outside the Mansion. There must have been ... Twelve? Thirteen? Fourteen? Each bigger than Barratore. But they pass by, and then the coast is clear for the party to continue through the ductlike tubules that offer a way deeper into the Palace of Disease.
The group had been exploring swiftly but cautiously before waiting out the slow parade outside. By the time it seems safe to leave the mansion, it has been about forty minutes since they entered the castle. And anyway, Brom is very visible.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:59:04 PM
Lanliss gladly accepts the offer. "Three Horrays for Brom", Lanliss happily shouts. "For brom ! For The Keepers!", He continues. He then and hugs Brom....or at least tries to ,"Been long time, nice to see you. Alive and stronger than ever before", he says to Brom"
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 8:46:52 AM
V quickly downs his ale. "Thanks big fella, and welcome back. We are probably all gonna die, but the odds are a little more in our favor now that you are here. Since it appears that the giant ooze things have passed, we should get a move on ASAP. so as usual, after you two."
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:49:18 PM
Forty minutes have passed? Tishe’s flying and invisibility spells expire, and those who depended upon them are visible and ground-bound. “Looks like we are wading through pus”, she says sourly. “But Velarin is right, it’s time to go. We can’t stay here.”
Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Extended Fly (ENDED) Tishe, Barratorre, Velarin, Emrys, Lanliss and Edson Extended Invisibility (ENDED) 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 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 3:35:54 PM
Edson cheers for each Hooray as he downs the ale. This was a much needed boost for them, and kept his mind off being a ruler.
When the coast is clear, and given the word, he heads out with the others.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 10:07:53 PM
Lanliss will head with the others.... Visible and grounded.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 10:34:31 PM
(Will post in morning, but I believe V can give everyone fly again)
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 10:54:41 PM Lanliss welcomes and toasts his newly rejoined comrade.
Velarin adds to the welcome and returns the focus back to their mission.
Tishe’ notes the expiration of her spells and laments the implication.
Edson’s morale gets a boost and he heads out.
Barratore.and Emrys are quiet.
The invisibility may be gone, but the party still appear to be white clad, diseased laborers. Velarin is sure of the shortest route to take. Left upon entering the corridor, and through a series of variously sized tunnels, always headed down, until they come upon an opening into a large chamber. (Based on his last post, V may have the party flying for this.)
The party has not yet gone all the way to the mouth of the tunnel when they see that a huge accretion of crystals lies within the chamber, perhaps a hundred feet from their tunnel opening. The formation looks nothing like anything else they have seen in this palace. There also seems to be a vague pulsing within the chamber. Whatever it is, is subtle.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:17:16 PM
Barratore points for Edson and Lanliss to take point, "It's up to you two now. Brom and I will be close by, but we need you pair to lead. We need to be quiet."
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Brom the Barbarian Thursday March 25th, 2021 12:54:17 AM
Brom not knowing the specifics of where or what they are doing follows the others lead. Standing in the muck, Brom is glad to hear V's flying comment. On Barratore's command, Brom says "Right, I gotcha. I'm gonna follow yur lead on this."
ooc: sorry for the late post. I was celebrating my birthday.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Thursday March 25th, 2021 1:06:24 AM
Tishe’ mentions to Brom the white-clad and diseased appearance of everyone is one of her spells, “we’re really not diseased, sweetie.”
At the mention of crystals in this place, the sorceress wonders aloud if they are Blood Crystals from the Sarr that the Cruel Tester has used for ... well whatever.
Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. 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+36=55 ; d20+39=57 ; Thursday March 25th, 2021 8:15:05 AM
"aye, Aye Captain" Edson says to Barratore. He goes to head off, before mock punching Brom in the thigh.... "Its good to have you back my friend."
Edson waits for Lanliss, and takes point.
Stealth 55 Trap Finding 57
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Thursday March 25th, 2021 8:55:23 AM
Before leaving the safety of the mansion, V calls forth from his haversack 7 potions of flying and hands them out. "All right everyone, bottoms up. let's at least have the ability to stay airborne for a bit longer."
V follows the rest of the group and nods in silent agreement when Barratore advises that Edson and Lanliss take the lead. "Let's find this thing and get the heck out of here."
Hide from undead: 200 minutes(from Emrys) fly: from potion 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-cx1, 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 Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:48:00 PM
Emrys mouth is agape from viewing the image of Brom. He is quiet for a short while, then suddenly bursts out with the words, "You're alive!"
He looks around at the bar setting and shrugs, "Well ... if anyone can find a bar, in an alternate reality, inside a cancerous, gargantuan tumor, it would be you!"
(More to come later)
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 d20+42=46 ; Thursday March 25th, 2021 10:37:26 PM
Lanliss keeps some of the puss on his body and clothes....hoping to get some resemblance to the environment they were in, the shadow armor did help.
Lanliss sighs and and a gulp sound heard afterwards as he drinks some water from his ration before going for the most dangerous heist he ever tried, Stealth 46
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) Thursday March 25th, 2021 11:22:53 PM Emrys is still astounded by Brom’s reappearance. Velarin gives everyone a potion of flying before they leave the mansion. When they reach the chamber, he agrees with Edson and Lanliss taking point. Brom follows the others lead, as he is not fully up to speed on what they’re doing. Tishe’ explains their disguise to Brom. She wonders if the crystals in the chamber are Blood Crystals from the Sarr. Barratore points for Edson and Lanliss to take point once they reach the open chamber. Edson Edson waits for Lanliss, and takes point. He moves quietly, checking for traps. Lanliss takes steps to blend in, also moving quietly.
Edson and Lanliss move up to the mouth of the tunnel, and get a better view of the chamber. It is a huge chamber, dominated by the monolithic mass of crystals. For some idea of the size, the face of the stone that the party can see is about a hundred feet away and a hundred feet wide. The scouts see the back of something small and demonic unhurriedly disappear into one of the other tunnels that enter the chamber. There are several tunnels entering the chamber, and one twenty-foot diameter one carved into the crystal mass a little to the side of where the party’s tunnel enters the chamber.
At the moment, the chamber appears otherwise empty. The notion that the chamber is slowly pulsing remains, although it does not seem to be moving.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Friday March 26th, 2021 1:26:07 AM
Tishe’ holds onto her flying potion until they encounter an obstacle.
After hearing the initial report from Edson and Lanliss, Tishe’ thinks to the team, via the telepathy they share. “Sieur Brom, can you hear? Sieur Velarin, with many ways out do you know if the Keystone is in this chamber or just passing through? The flying potions will only last a couple minutes, so if we all have to get around the Crystal, I would want to do it fast.”
Fly (potion). 5 minutes Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. 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 Friday March 26th, 2021 8:11:47 AM
V tries to hone in on the exact location of the keystone, and will relay that information to the group.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Friday March 26th, 2021 1:04:24 PM
Edson moves back to the others and relays the info. "We doing the tunnel carved into the crystal?" Edson asks, while glancing back to the room nervously.
Brom the Barbarian Friday March 26th, 2021 1:27:30 PM
Downing the potion, Brom rises out of the pus covered floor.
Brom responds to Emrys in a low voice "Course I'm alive. Just did a bit a traveling. A little a'this and a little o'that."
"Yeah I can hear." He thinks back to Tishe.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Friday March 26th, 2021 6:04:01 PM
Barratore stows the potion of Fly into his Haversack, he to is thinking better to save to the point of needing it than using it now. It simply does not last long enough. V cast a Wish to point him the correct way for the next 5 hours Barratore sends to Brom to catch him up on how they are doing things currently
We are at the very center of Koshe Marr in the Palace of Marteus himself to steal one of his prize toys. The forces of good are creating a distraction so we don't get blinked out of existence by a god, but even still we are tryin gto be in and out and gone with as few things knowing as possible. If things go south, I and now you are going to stop or stall whatever it is while the other split up and try to make it to the crystal and get out. That should catch you up
Barratore waits for Direction from V and then urges the rogues to take up stealth point and mentally lead the way
Lanliss curious about the surroundings trying to stealthy and take a few risky looks towards the tunnels. Perhaps he was trying to do too many things at once.
Stealth 43 but rolled 1 so epic fail ? Perception 28..... another 1, epic fail
OOC: lucky today....
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) d100=46 ; Saturday March 27th, 2021 12:41:17 PM Tishe’ talks with her friends about the use of the fly potion.
Velarin concentrates on the way to get to the artifact.
Edson returns, reports, and ruminates on what lies ahead.
Brom drinks a fly potion and communicates what he senses to the others.
Barratore.chooses not to drink just yet, and as he waits for Velarin, he mentally briefs Brom on the situation and mission.
Lanliss risks sticking he head out to look at the other tunnels into the chamber.
Emrys is quiet.
Velarin confirms that the tunnel in the huge rock is where the party want to go. Lanliss hears a sporadic, muffled crying. It is impossible to tell direction or distance.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Saturday March 27th, 2021 2:40:27 PM
Tishe’ waits, nervously considering possibilities.
.... Fly (potion).pending 5 minutes Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Veil - white clad diseased and limping laborers 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 Saturday March 27th, 2021 10:25:49 PM
Lanliss continues to move.
The faster the better, they had to keep moving.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 167/167 Sunday March 28th, 2021 9:54:44 AM
V continues to direct the party, and moves along behind Barratore and Brom when they move.
Hide from undead: 200 minutes(from Emrys) fly: from potion 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-cx1, Quickened empowered fireball, Time Stop, Crushing hand
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind d20+17=25 ; Sunday March 28th, 2021 5:13:43 PM
With V providing direction, Barratore gives Edson and Lanliss a 20' lead, He then suggests Brom go next to give just a bit more space to his tremendously non stealth self. Actually, Barratore puts himself at the back to be rear guard once more.
'We know things are moving about and no reason to think nothing can up behind us.'
Perception 25
Affects DR 5/- Fighter ability Veil - White clad gardener person - Tishe Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. Planar Adaption - Emrys Hide From Undead - Emrys
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp166/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand, True Seeing, Planar Ada d4=4 ; d20+24=27 ; Sunday March 28th, 2021 10:27:08 PM
Emrys takes the potion from Velarin but puts it in his belt pouch; choosing to save it until the moment they need it, like the others. As he follows along with the others, he casts Spectral Hand to prepare for might come next. He also tries to determine what that sound was. (Perception: 27)
(Emrys casts Spectral Hand. Duration: 20 minutes. Deals 4 hitpoints of damage to Emrys.)
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Monday March 29th, 2021 11:53:29 AM
Edson listens to the plan, nodding when he follows along. When ready, he takes the point with Lanliss and heads out.
Brom the Barbarian d20+31=44 ; Monday March 29th, 2021 2:20:25 PM
Continuing to follow the leads of the others Brom falls into position in the order. He keeps a close eye, and more importantly and ear, focused on the areas ahead.
Perception: DC 44
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) Monday March 29th, 2021 10:21:41 PM Emrys saves his potion of flying, casts spectral hand, and tries to figure out the source of the crying sound.
Lanliss takes the lead, pressing on.
Velarin makes sure they keep on the right track. He tries to position himself behind the others.
Edson takes point with Lanliss, a bit ahead of the others.
Barratore tries to position himself as rear guard.
Tishe’ waits for the others to act.
Brom falls in a bit behind Lanliss and Edson, focused on what’s ahead of them..
The group crosses the chamber and enters the crystalline rock. Behind them, Emrys and Barratore notice another tunnel near the one they came out of. It seems to be the source of the crying sound. The group is across the chamber and into the tunnel in a couple of rounds, without seeing anything alarming.
The tunnel is crudely hewn into the crystalline formation and continues for fifty or sixty feet before it splits into two passages. Heal DC: 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {Upon a closer look, the rock bears a remarkable resemblance to a kidney stone.}
In the tunnel to the left, the distant sound of tapping or hammering can be heard. In the tunnel to the right, an echo of those same sounds can be heard. Velarin says that both paths will take the group where they want to go, equally directly.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Tuesday March 30th, 2021 12:25:38 AM
Tishe’ pads along, wondering at the crying, but forces down her instinct to help: they are helping by getting the Keystone away from Marteus!
At the two tunnels and Velarin’s information, the sorceress is confident their leader will choose the right, and keeps pace with the Keepers.
Fly (potion).pending 5 minutes Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. 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 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 5:37:48 AM
V shares that the both tunnels lead where they wish to go, and follows along behind Brom down whichever path Edson and lanliss lead us.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp166/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand, True Seeing, Planar Ada d20+30=34 ; Tuesday March 30th, 2021 12:09:10 PM
(Heal: 34)
After observing the large stone, Emrys asks mentally, "How accurate was your pronunciation when you cast your Wish spell, Velarin? That's not a Keystone ... it's a Kidney Stone! And a big one, gracious!"
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Tuesday March 30th, 2021 5:51:24 PM
Barratore moves and thinks light hoofed thoughts, Left is right and right wrong Brom Barratore adds his suggestion
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Tuesday March 30th, 2021 6:08:19 PM
Edson has no understanding of health and the body, so its just a rock to him.
He countinues on at point, giving a mental report to what he sees.
Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 8:28:10 PM
"We are here anyway", Lanliss points out. "Shouldn't we confirm whatever Emrys thinks?", He asks.
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:04:28 PM Lanliss says they should confirm Emrys' observation.
Velarin leaves the decision of which way to go to their scouts.
Edson continues on, letting the others know what he sees.
Barratore thinks they should go left.
Tishe’ wonders about the crying and trusts V to choose the right path.
Emrys makes a joke about the stone.
Brom is quiet.
The stone that the tunnel is carved into, in which the party is now, looks like a giant kidney stone -- at least according to Emrys’es substantial training. Obviously it is not what Velarin is leading them to, because he says there's further to go.
As the group proceeds to the left at Barratore’s suggestion, towards the tapping sounds, other noises become distinguishable. So does the smell of smoke, which seems unexpectedly wholesome after the rest of this palace. Meanwhile, the crying, which had all but disappeared, becomes louder behind them. This sound increases and decreases with the pulsing of the area.
Edson and Lanliss reach a point where they can see that the tunnel ends in another chamber -- this one not showing the sickly green glow that the tunnels have had, but well lit. Ahead, not only is there the sound of hammers working, but deep voices talking. Every once in a while a louder voice cuts through the others, but the party can not yet make out what it is saying.
Brom the Barbarian d20+31=37 ; Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:17:03 PM
Brom isn't sure what Barratore means but he trusts his friend. As they approach, the barbarian prepares for combat.
The sounds from behind are curious and Brom wonders what is making the sound.
Perception DC37 to make out specific conversation.
AC 27/ T27/ F23 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) Wednesday March 31st, 2021 12:15:32 AM
Tishe’ tries to become quieter as they get to a ... she doesn’t know the word... healthier? Part of the palace.
The voices put her senses on alert, and she is ready for combat. Many voices and soft voice? “There are workers and a harsh voice commanding down here”, she thinks to the team, “and if we have to go this way, we may have to deal with some slavers.”
Tishe’ hates slavers.
Fly (potion).pending 5 minutes Resist Energy (Acid) on Barratorre. 40/ 200 minutes. Ignore first 30 acid damage per hit. 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 March 31st, 2021 8:45:31 AM
V moves along behind the others. As he sees those in front of him tense up, he gets the feeling that battle will shortly ensue.
“If we have a fight, we need to take care of it as quickly as possible, get the keystone, and get out. We don’t want to leave any time for more problems to get here.”
Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp166/170. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand, True Seeing, Planar Ada Wednesday March 31st, 2021 2:21:16 PM
Emrys mentally asks, "Tishe, didn't you once mention that one of your friends from the Sargrass had an ingenious method at deciding which direction to go ... I recall his name being Grymash Mountainback? The method being, 'Lefty Looty, Righty Bitey!'"
Brom the Barbarian Wednesday March 31st, 2021 5:53:57 PM
Brom hears the word "slavers" and his anger level rises. He would love nothing more that sending some of those evil bastards to the afterlife.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE Wednesday March 31st, 2021 8:52:48 PM
Slavers... that wasn't going to end well, fod the slavers. Edson was smart enough to know this group could sneak past a room full of demons playing, but there was no way to not deal with slavers.
(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:44; HP: 260/260 Barratore Steelwind Wednesday March 31st, 2021 11:17:56 PM
Barratore nods mentally to Emrys, Exactly, right wrong, left right The mention of slavers puts the minotaur's hackles on the rise as well.
We can afford the time and noise to deal with them if they're slavers and by that I mean, I'm taking the time to do so. You're all welcome to join
Edson and Lanliss needed to get better info and for that reason, Barratore forces himself to relax. Might be something else, some weird miners or some such craziness. Here, the fighter figures, nothing is really out of bounds
The Palace of Marteus (DM Steve) d3=1 ; d10=3 ; Thursday April 1st, 2021 12:05:43 AM Velarin cautions that any combat must be fast and not delay them.
Edson thinks that this group will not ignore slavers, even here.
Barratore also bristles at the thought of slavers. He’s counting on Edon and Lanliss to scout out the situation.
Tishe’ thinks they must be approaching workers with an overseer, and readies for combat.
Brom tries to make out the conversation and gets angry simply thinking that slavers might be involved.
Emrys encourages Tische’ to reminisce.
Lanliss is quiet.
As the group pauses to consider how to deal with whatever is up ahead, or whether they should go back and try the other way, Valerian notes that continuing how they are going is currently the shortest path to the keystone. The tunnel they are in is large enough for two of the group to travel abreast, except of course that Barratore pretty well fills it.
Lanliss thinks the voices sound dwarvish. He and Edson approach the lit chamber and find stairs going down to a large open area. In the middle of the area is a forge with a roaring fire. However, the whole is brightly lit by magical sources. A dozen or more dwarves are scattered through the area, most at tables working alone or in pairs. A couple are eating, and one appears to be sleeping. Another is walking around, demanding something of the others.
Through an entry at the far end of the chamber with the dwarves is another chamber with a platform. A dwarf and a couple of gnomes are visible on the platform, along with something that is mostly hidden
Behind Barratore, the crying ends in a bit of snuffling and a barely heard pep-talk. “Pull yourself together. Testing is always worse if you don’t.”
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