Clean Getaway! (DM Donna) Wednesday September 19th, 2001 7:37:40 AM
Opening the door and peering carefully around reveals that the passage outside the room is empty--nobody is in sight.
Renik notes that nobody is in the corridor he is carefully creeping down, also. So far, so good.
Everyone must make a Wisdom check versus DC15. Those who make the roll will get an unshakeable feeling that this particular part of the mission is going well--TOO well.
Renik (Invisible) d20=20 Wednesday September 19th, 2001 10:14:53 AM
Continuing his stealthy pursuit in the direction the voices went, Renik is suddenly seized with the certainty that something is desperately wrong (WIS: Nat 20!). This has been too easy; to break into the enemy stronghold so easily, to encounter such minimal defenses, to find an ally that leads them straight to their goal, only to find it totally unguarded; and above all those voices that just went past, only to conveniently vanish; something doesn't sit right... every sense he has screams at him that something is seriously amiss...
Draax d20=6 Wednesday September 19th, 2001 4:27:36 PM
Draax looks down at the chain mail he is wearing, looks over at Rond and then smiles. "Oh yeah, with all the excitement of finding this thing, I almost forgotten my disguise." In his dread guard disguise Draax follows after Bill. He feels relieved that everything has gone as easy as it has.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=19 d20+8=16 Thursday September 20th, 2001 12:04:35 AM
Bill already knows that things have been going remarkably smoothly (Wisdom check 19). He is nervous about those two copper coins that Bolgus gave Greener - which is why he ditched them earlier.
And, with the noise that Sunblaze heard, surely someone is laying an ambush, or at least a check point, or has a patrol on ahead. But he doesn't remark on this, because he knows his companions, and figures that they are not the type to be caught flat-footed. Well, at least not very often. Hey, maybe they shoulda looked in the room beyond the two doors. What's over there, anyhow? A bunch more scrolls, ready for passing out and causing trouble? Treasure?
Bill shakes his head, and whispers, "Focus, hobbit, focus." Just a little confused at Rond's direction, he thinks to himself, 'Me behind Renik? Or behind everyone? Probably behind Renik.' He tests his theory by being the next after their invisible companion out the demon-decorated door. He walks the hall ahead of all but Renik, senses alert, looking to see if anything has changed since his last pass through the area they now travel. (Autohypnosis, remember, 16.)
Arien d20-1=18 d20+7=12 d20=19 Thursday September 20th, 2001 4:41:45 AM
As the party leaves the room Arien reviews the past events in his head, wondering just how this could be going so easy. Grimacing with the realization there was probably an ambush waiting for them on the upper level he decides to make things a little harder to handle for the Dread. Arien motions to the party that he is going to follow on the ceiling and then quickly scales the wall and does so.
Keeping even with about the middle of the party Arien stays extra alert, hoping to catch warning of any ambush before it was sprung. (Rolls are Wisdom, Spot, and Listen checks respectively.)
Rond d20+2=5 Thursday September 20th, 2001 6:39:19 AM
"Oh okay," he responds to Bill's comment. Rond begins pushing the contraption out the door. He watches as the groups proceeds out the door, noting the order that everyone is lining up in. As the group begins to pass out the door, Rond whispers, "It will be nice to get out of here."
A Clean Getaway..? (DM Donna) Thursday September 20th, 2001 8:30:24 AM
More people in the party get the feeling that something is about to hit the fan...it's just been a little TOO easy.
Especially Arien, as he hears distant voices speaking urgently and the sounds of hurried footsteps coming towards the party--from BOTH directions..!
(OOC: you are all currently in the middle of a hallway that is about 10 feet wide, 15 feet tall, stretches in an east-west direction; the way back towards the machine room is east, and Bill was leading you westward. From your current position within the hallway, the hall stretches 60 feet eastward to the bend that turns south, and then goes 50 feet westward before a T-intersection. I'll be sending you a diagram of this via email.)
Assuming that Arien immediately tells everyone that he hears people hurrying towards the party, everyone can make an Intelligence check to estimate how far away the voices sound, and (thus) how long it will likely take them to get to where the party is.
Bill Troublefinder d20+4=19 d20+5=15 Thursday September 20th, 2001 5:12:04 PM
Bill pauses for a moment to listen (19), then whispers, "Follow me closely - and get on the other side of them if the opportunity arises." He steps quickly but quietly (Move silently, 15) to the intersection, glances quickly to the left and the right, then (unless their foes are at hand) moves briskly to the right (hustle) (wearing boots of striding and springing).
Arien d20+4=23 Thursday September 20th, 2001 9:15:21 PM
After quickly alerting those below to the pursuit from both sides Arien listens a moment longer, trying to determine exactly how far away the voices are. Then as he keeps up with the group he relays the information as they hurry along.
Draax d20+1=6 Thursday September 20th, 2001 10:26:45 PM
Draax listens to Arien's warning. He is happy to have the others with him because he would not know if someone was around until he walked right into them.
Still in the disguise of a dread guard, Draax take a pebble and places in his mouth. He figures if he has to talk, pretending like he has a swollen jaw will explain how his voice sounds to anyone that may recognize the dead dread guard who face he is wearing.
Unless someone says something different, Draax will follow Bill's instructions.
Rond d20+12=13 d20+12=20 Friday September 21st, 2001 2:24:00 AM
Rond listens in as Bill gives the group instructions. Before Bill goes, and hoping Renik is around Rond whispers, "Draax, you take over on the dragging the contraption. We need stealth, and you don't have none." Rond smiles as he says this. "Renik fall back with me. We'll become rear guard. Now go." Once the party starts to move out, Rond climbs up on the wall, and follows the party as best he can, trying to keep somewhere on the wall or ceiling that allows him to Hide in Shadows if possible (13)(not!) (grumble ;) ), and Move Silently (20).
Renik (invisible, spider climb) d20+12=26 Friday September 21st, 2001 5:58:05 AM
Curses, it seems they have been rumbled! Were they too loud in the printing press room, or did they trip some sort of magical alarm? Well, no time to ponder that now; they must attempt to escape unnoticed.
"You got it. If we get spotted and have to fight I'll try to sow discord; if anyone can throw their voice have them create a cry of "Halt, in the name of the Watch!" from behind our foes" replies Renik softly at Rond's words, moving up onto the ceiling, and following him as he makes after the rest of the party. He keeps back 15 feet or so from Rond, and makes sure a Dust of Illusion vial is within easy reach at his belt, in case things go wrong.
He makes after the party, moving as quietly as he is able (Move Silent 26).
Some "Clean Getaway"..! (DM Donna) Friday September 21st, 2001 3:56:06 PM
Arien immediately gauges that the pursuit coming from the direction of the machine room is farther away; those people will reach the party's current location in about five rounds.
The people closing in on the party from the other side of their current position are coming from the northern part of the intersection, and will be coming up on that intersection in two rounds, thus will Bill & Renik become aware that this group of people are between you guys and the exit out of this place.
I'll start counting down the rounds with the very next DM post.
Bill Troublefinder Friday September 21st, 2001 4:04:08 PM
Bill continues to hustle forward. He has a plan. But he makes sure that he does not get too far ahead of his companions, as they need to be near him for his plan to work. "Keep up with me," he says over his shoulder. He keeps his voice low. "Go past them when they fall."
DM Addendum Sunday September 23rd, 2001 7:30:18 AM
I forgot to mention that anyone getting an 18 or higher on that last Listen roll can estimate that there six to eight people rushing towards the party's location from the west, while there are at least a dozen (or more!) on their way from the direction of the machine room.
Bill--since he went up to that intersection--can definitely tell that there is nobody coming from the southern passage, only from the north...the people coming from the north are definitely between the party and the exit out of the pyramid.
Draax Sunday September 23rd, 2001 7:55:34 PM
Draax stays with the group and goes in whatever direction the group agrees to.
Renik (Invisible, Spider Climbing) d20+4=16 Monday September 24th, 2001 7:53:15 AM
Maintaining his rearguard position, Renik continues to follow Bill's lead, though the sounds of pursuit are starting to worry him (Listen 16). He's not sure how many are after them, but it sounds like a lot! He hopes whatever Bill is planning pays off, or they are going to end up pinned between two enemy forces...
They're Coming..! (DM Donna) Monday September 24th, 2001 7:59:04 AM
The corridor that Bill is leading the party down stretches about fifty feet both north and south, and the northern corridor bends westward again. The party, in following Bill, is going west and then north, and can hear the approach of the six-to-eight individuals running towards the Hamleteers' location.
(I'll be sending the players an updated map to show the positions of where they are in the corridors; this ends round one--there is one round to go before the group runs [literally?] into the Sons of Dread that are between the party and the exit out of the pyramid.)
Arien Monday September 24th, 2001 7:25:21 PM
Arien turns back and extends a hand pointing back the way party had come from. Then uttering the command he activates the power within his cloak and drops a web spell in between the party and the group coming from the machine room area.
Rond Monday September 24th, 2001 11:19:39 PM
Pulling out a scroll, Rond motions frantically for someone's attention, pantomiming reading the scroll and putting a zipper over his mouth. Then uses three fingers and tries to show the intersection of the three groups. Showing the effect being where they all meet.
Sunblaze-Plans or Battle? Tuesday September 25th, 2001 12:34:41 AM
(OOC: How tall is the room?!?!?! Also, this could work :):):))
Sunblaze sizing up the situation changes herself with the ring. She grabs her Ioun Stones and throws them into her bag, and leaves on her back. She throws open her belt pouch and grabs a piece of meat, shoving it into her mouth, and keeping it there. She then uses her ring's abilities and she changes herself to look like Spike.
Then she motions for Bill to become the Gnome. She shows as if she was punching Rond, then looks back at the way they came and standing at attention. Then she grabs Rond and attempts to 'hurt' him. Or at least so that's what it looked like to an outsider.
Sunblaze hopes the group gets what she's trying to do.
Bill Troublefinder d20+15=19 d4+1=4 d20+4=22 d4=3 d20+8=9 Tuesday September 25th, 2001 4:31:55 AM
As he has been scooting forward, urging his companions on, Bill also has plopped his hat of disguise back upon his head, but this time simply disguises himself to look like the first hobbit of recent acquaintance to pop into his mind, that Milo fellow he met at the Red Wyrm Inn. Not a sterling disguise (Disguise 19 (only +15 because disguise kit not also employed)), but under the circumstances it will have to do. "See me three" he says as his left hand grasps the hilt of his sword. In an instant, there are (d4+1=4) four Bills. No, rather, four halflings who resemble Milo Thistledown. In a corner of his active mind reserved for such things, Bill realizes he is going to have to repent of having chosen that good hobbit's image.
Bill reaches into a pouch filled with salt, grabbing a handful.
As he reaches the corner, his four images take a small leap forward, and twist in the air ninety degrees to the left, landing strongly on four pairs of feet near the center of the ten-foot-wide oncoming corridor. A wave of low frequency sound booms as the feet touch down, and an instantaneous rainbow-flash of light sweeps away from Bill's four images towards the onrushing foes. [Or maybe, if Rond's silence spell goes off, the landing is soundless.]
[Psionic stomp. Bill's foot stomp precipitates a psychokinetic shock wave that travels along the ground, toppling creatures and loose objects. The area is conelike, extending to twenty feet (and five feet wide from a point immediately in front of the halfling). All creatures with one or both feet on the floor in front of him who fail their Reflex saves (DC 22) are thrown to the ground and take (1d4=3) [or DM can roll for each one] subdual damage in the process. Rising from a prone position is a move-equivalent action.]
Circumstances allowing, Bill launches himself into the air down the hallway at a forty-five degree angle on the rebound, taking advantage of his special boots. When he attains an altitude just below the 15' ceiling, he uses his still-active levitation to level off. All four of him. The images twist and turn as necessary in order to elude the grasp of any still standing. If anybody sticks his face too close to the hobbit, he attempts to liberally apply the salt in his hand to his foe's face (but apparently the wrong member of the set of four actually has the salt - as it will have missed the face entirely - natural 1 on ranged attack. Or should that be ranged assault?).
He hopes his friends recall his message to "Go past them when they fall."
Renik (Impressed) Tuesday September 25th, 2001 5:47:58 AM
Smiling as Arien provides a barrier to their pursuers, Renik then watches with astonishment as Bill pulls off his amazing transformation and attack. Invisible and keeping to the ceiling he moves past the stumbling or fallen enemy at speed, and as he does so he sprinkles one of their number (a guard for preference, or anyone left standing) with the Dust of Illusion, transforming him into the burly, mustachioed Sergeant of the City Watch that chased the party a night or two ago. He hopes someone heard his earlier request to use ventriloquism on the transformed Son of Dread to sow further confusion.
They're Heeeeeeeerrrrrrre..! (DM Donna) d20=14 d20=14 d20=18 d20=10 d20+2=12 d20+2=5 Tuesday September 25th, 2001 7:53:48 AM
Another round goes by and Bill lands solidly on the ground--the party can hear what happens since they are in the space between the intersection and the bend in the northern hallway. (It's my understanding that the Silence spell was cast to effect the area of the T-intersection itself.)
Barrelling down the hall at practically full speed come two sword-wielding mercenaries followed by four robed Sons of Dread.
"Hurry! Hurry, my brothers--it's screaming for help even--yeeeeeeeowWWWWW!!!" one of the mages yelps in surprise as Bill's amazing psionic ability manages to knock him--and all five of his comrades--off his feet and onto his skinny human butt. One of the other spellcasters not only falls flat, too, but also loses his grip on a wand that clatters to the ground (and, itself, is buried under the less-than-graceful bulk of one of the mercenaries.)
Bill isn't quite close enough, however, to use his salt this round. The party can run through and past the fallen enemies in the hallway. Bill and Renik know that the Hamleteers need only follow the hall to a seeming dead-end to reach the secret door that is the exit from the pyramid.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 25th, 2001 7:15:34 PM
[Kinda waitin' for the rest of the characters to post somethin' afore I has Bill's next installment...]
Draax Tuesday September 25th, 2001 10:26:09 PM
As soon as the dread members lose their footing, Draax carries/pushes the device as he runs pass those on the ground. Running out of the area of silence he feels some tension leave his body, not realizing how nervous being in total silence he was until he was out of it.
While running Draax will try to keep at least one of his comrades in front of him and the device.
Renik (Still impressed!) Wednesday September 26th, 2001 5:25:27 AM
Invisible and keeping to the ceiling Renik moves past the fallen enemy at speed, and as he does so he sprinkles one of their number (a mercenary for preference, out of line of sight of the others) with the Dust of Illusion, transforming him into the burly, mustachioed Sergeant of the City Watch that chased the party a night or two ago. He hopes someone heard his earlier request to use ventriloquism on the transformed Son of Dread to sow further confusion.
Way Out! (DM Donna) Wednesday September 26th, 2001 8:10:21 AM
Bill leads the way past the would-be rescuers of the Infernal Copy Machine as they attempt to recover from the halfling's well-executed tactics.
"This way..!" Bill urges the rest of the Hamleteers, and everyone follows the reversed-S configuration of the corridor. It leads to a dead end.
Renik becomes visible suddenly. Either he bought flat potions, or something in the vicinity may be screwing with the potion potency.
Bill and Renik know that the secret door is right in front of them--all they have to do is push on a certain area of the wall to open it.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=6 Wednesday September 26th, 2001 2:32:36 PM
"Okay, stand back a sec," suggests the puffing hobbit. Once his companions are back a ways, he finds the spot two bricks to the right of the ever-so-slightly discolored brick, and presses firmly. As the secret door opens, Bill looks about to see if anything has changed since the last time he checked out the door (Spot 6). Not noticing any change (unless it hits him between the eyes), the four images of Milo quickly lead the way out.
Sunblaze d6=3 d6=2 d6=5 d6=2 d6=1 d6=5 Wednesday September 26th, 2001 9:02:22 PM
[Or don't bother with the Elves plan.]
Sunblaze runs down the hall, trying to be the rear. Once the party reaches the secret door she snatches her magic scroll (Flaming Sphere) and starts to recite the words upon it, casting it in the direction they came from. Her eyes glaze as the magic runs through her, giving a sort of 'high' and then it appears where they were standing seconds ago and it runs down the hall, once it hit something, Sunblaze has it come back towards the group, stopping it before it reaches them. She continues with the group, but going backwards, keeping her finger pointing the way she wants the flame to go.
[Rolls are damage if it hits anything. I rolled three once for each group coming after them. It's 2d6 damage per person it hits, so I'm thinking just multiple anyway the damages are 1: 5, 2: 6, 3: 6]
Draax Wednesday September 26th, 2001 10:19:51 PM
When/If the secret door is opened, Draax will lets at least one member go through before following with the device.
Arien 5d6(6+5+2+6+2)=21 Thursday September 27th, 2001 1:54:52 AM
Arien draws his dagger and going into a slight crouch, waits for any of the Sons to follow after the party. If any of them do Arien waits until several are within range before unleashing the power contained inside the dagger (75ft). Once everyone else is through the door he will follow and attempt to disable or block the door from the other side. (10ft wide version, 75 feet long. Reflex save vs DC 17 or suffer 21 pts of damage.)
Rond Thursday September 27th, 2001 3:02:25 AM
When the party moves on and the two people that should have understood the message, don't get it, Rond gets a little frustrated (Rond was not reading the scroll, he doesn't have it. He was trying to pantomine that someone should cast it (didn't want to give away plans by talking)). Not wanting to break the flow of events, Rond continues bringing up the rear of the party. As Rond hears the comments from SoD, he begins to understand how their current plans have gone awry.
While he continues to follow the party Rond contemplates as to whether there is a way to stop the machine from contacting its maker(s).
(DM: sorry! I, too, thought Rond read off the spell! Oh, well, since it's my own mistake and I went ahead and swept the group along to the exit, the scroll won't be used up this time around.)
Renik d20+2=22 Thursday September 27th, 2001 6:21:57 AM
Renik heads through the secret door alert to danger (Spot 22), unslinging his bow and glancing back to see if they are pursued.
Surprise! (DM Donna) d20=4 d20=6 Thursday September 27th, 2001 6:38:31 AM
Sunblaze's first instincts to fake a scuffle having been nixed by Bill's effective tactics, the equally inventive bard/wizard then produces a Flaming Sphere from a scroll and proceeds to sic it on the Sons of Dread left behind in the hallway--and everyone in the party can hear the screams and bellows as the Sphere obviously finds various hapless targets.
(Boy, you guys are mean! Heh heh)
The Bills lead the way through the secret door, followed by Draxx (towing the still-levitating, if bulky, Machine) and Damocles.
Bill (not any of the illusionary doubles, but the halfling himself) is suddenly knocked flat on his back by a big, hairy, slobbery...thing, that...is trying to EAT him..?
No--not eat...it's very large canine, quite enthusiastically licking Bill's face--as though he's very glad to see the psionic hero. Behind the animal is another short humanoid...a gnome dressed in leather armor, who is making growling and barking sounds that appear to be directed at the big dog.
Everyone roll a Sense Motive check and a Spot check...both at DC8. Making the Sense Motive check means your character realizes that these two newcomers aren't attacking (Bill will be able to conclude that they are not likely SoD, either.) Making the Spot check will let your character recognize that the "dog" is NOT a dog, but a wolf.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=16 d20+3=15 Thursday September 27th, 2001 1:20:19 PM
[Sense motive 16; Spot 15]
"Whoa! Whoa! Down wolfie, down boy!" Bill splutters. "Is the - down, good wolfie - is the door shut? Ble-ekh."
Rond d20=12 d20=16 Thursday September 27th, 2001 4:18:09 PM
As Rond follows the group out the door, he has an initial second of panic hearing the attack on Bill. As soon as his eyes swing towards Bill, he realizes two things. That these newcomers are not attacking, and that the being at the end of the tongue is actually a wolf.
Keeping his initial thoughts and comments to himself, Rond silently chuckles as he waits for the rest of the group to keep moving away.
Renik d20+2=20 d20+2=8 d20=14 Thursday September 27th, 2001 5:31:01 PM
Renik can see at once that these are not new foes; if anything the newcomers are allies (Sense motive 20). He grins as the Mighty Mr T goes down under the furry attentions of the big dog (Spot 8), and makes sure everyone is through safely. Once the last of the party is through he will pull the door shut once more, attempt (if possible and quick) to somehow fasten or jam it closed (Not sure which skill might apply, rolled a 14), and set off after the others at speed. The sooner they get out of this stinking den of evil the better.
Draax d20=7 d20+1=15 Thursday September 27th, 2001 7:31:40 PM
Draax follows the disguised Bill and his copies, just as he begins to think that they will make, Bill and all his copies goes down with something big and furry on top of one of them. As the mouth of the creature moves to the face of Bill, Draax realizes that it is a wolf. With his hands full with the device, Draax knows that there is nothing that he can do to save his friend, but he vows to make the creature pay for taking the halfling's life. "A wolf and it's killing him!"
Just as Draax begins to put down the device to enable himself to pull a weapon, he hears Bill's voice has a playful tone. Looking closer Draax thinks that he saw it lick Bills. "No, that can't be, I think it's licking him."
Ferrak 'the feral gnome' Thursday September 27th, 2001 9:45:08 PM
The path is clearggr, friends of Marggrrcus!" exclaims Ferrak in his growlingly broken common.
"Let us be away from this place. Its smell is wrongggrr." He growls out while bending down to all fours.
The feral gnome begins pacing back and forth, waiting at his side of the tunnel with what little patience he can muster under the circumstances.
Deep within his throat, he snarls and barks for Darkfang to watch for any pursuers.
Sunblaze-How Much Is That Puppy Dog In The Window? d20+2=21 d20+2=12 Thursday September 27th, 2001 10:08:50 PM
[Mean? Sure...But hey, they were going to follow us and possibly try and hit on the amazingly beautiful(?) elf :)]
Sunblaze follows the group, although somewhat preoccupied. Her mind reels in and out, ignoring what's around her. Suddenly she snaps up, and makes a tiny yelp.
"Trent! Don't bite me!" His voice appeared in her mind, calming.
'It's happening again, isn't it?' She shut him out and then looked at the group. Looking at her, something was different. Her care free emotions dropped for a moment, then she looks away. She notices the wolf and that it's not attacking and just sits down.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday September 27th, 2001 10:56:27 PM
As the wolf unpins him, Bill gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder. He looks up at the night sky, takes a deep breath, then gags on the slobber that got into his mouth. He rolls over on to all fours, and rubs his side where the scroll case was poking the ribs as he lay arched on top of his backpack. Then he slowly rises, and wipes the friendly slobber off his face.
"Evening," he greets the gnome with the odd accent. "You must be a friend of Marcus, too. Yep, let's get goin'. We can handle introductions later." Bill, having once before opened and closed the door, glances over to make sure his friends didn't run into any trouble with that little task, then says, "Sunblaze, you all right?" He holds out his hand to help her up. "Let's go, kiddo."
Arien d20+7=24 d20=11 Friday September 28th, 2001 3:09:36 AM
Arien watches with some amusment as the wolf greets Bill but keeps an eye back the way they came, in case the Dread knew of the secret door or others were out and about. "Yes we should be away from here, quickly as I doubt the night is over for us. It seems this machine can call out for aid and well I'd rather be far away from the Dread's base when they catch up to us, as I do not doubt that they will."
All Together Now (DM Donna) Friday September 28th, 2001 6:58:54 AM
Renik sees that the door--once it's shut--can't be opened from this side. One could possibly spike it shut, but one needs a piton, a stake or a handy-dandy adventurers' spike for that (at the very least); the checks would either be made using an Architecture, Engineering or a Disable Device skill bonus--or simply an Intelligence check...but, again, only if there is something TO jam the door shut with.
The party & the newcomer are cheek-to-jowl in the first fifteen feet of a tunnel that Bill knows eventually leads out to an alley in the middle of the city. (Sorry, Bill--you're not quite outside yet! ;D)
The wolf--in response to the gnome's command, shakes himself and noses his way past the rest of the party and stands closest to the now-shut door, barking back a bit at his partner.
~Darkfang will protect this pack's rear, big brother! Will we be seeking the protection of our new den..?~ the wolf asks Ferrak.
Ferrak d20=11 d20+4=23 Friday September 28th, 2001 8:00:38 AM
Barking back, Ferrek replies. "Yes, brother. As soon as these cumbersome bi-peds (loosely translated) exit this strange tunnel."
Turning to the others, the gnarly little gnome stands to take a coin from his pocket. "Here, this has the smell of Marggus if any doubts my scent." Tossing the coin into the air, Ferrak runs off down the alley to check for any one encroaching upon their escape.
(He assumes that the others only need smell it, not actually examine it, and so is unconcerned as to whether or not anyone is able to catch it.)
Assuming nobody is coming from any direction. Ferrak runs back and forth from the entrance, through the alleyways checking the group's progress, and listening for any trouble. (I rolled twice, sorry I'm not used to the dice thingy yet. I can't read the results either. How do you make the postet Box Bigger?)
Ferrak whines and sniffles quietly to himself as he waits for the group.
When it looks like they will exit the tunnel safely, Ferrak exclaims. "Quickly now, Marrgus has made a den for ouggr safety! It is not far from here, but I feel we must be runninggg now."
Bill Troublefinder Friday September 28th, 2001 5:42:04 PM [Okay, so Bill looked up at the tunnel ceiling, and only thought about how he will soon enjoy seeing the night sky.]
"Rond - how does doubletime sound?" Putting feet to his words, Bill begins scooting along toward the mid-city exit. "Just in case any SoD's know about this too - we might want to be ready for additional action."
Renik d20+4=9 Friday September 28th, 2001 5:56:30 PM
Failing to locate anything immediately to hand to secure the door, Renik concentrates on running, as fast as he is able, after this curious fellow who has seemingly been sent by Marcus to guide them to safety. He is running too hard to grab at the spinning coin with any accuracy as he passes (Dex check 9). He hopes, as the party sprint towards sanctuary, that the big dog (or was it?) is going to be OK.
Rond d20+4=17 Friday September 28th, 2001 6:17:52 PM
Rond will bring up the rear of the group, always willing to stop and help any that are struggling. Since he's one of the tallest of the group, it's relatively easy for him to keep up with his stride. Expecting to be the last one in the group, Rond will pick up the coin from the ground (or try to snatch from the air if necessary (dex check=17)).
As the party moves down the tunnel Rond comments (after trying to make sure that everyone is near enough to hear his comments, including the newcomer), 'We could be in trouble with any safe house our employer has. I thought I heard someone talking as if this contraption might be talking with them. Depending upon what it can do, it might continue to relay our where about to it. I don't know if we can blindfold it or what. Or whether we have to be a careful about what we say around it.'
Bill Troublefinder Saturday September 29th, 2001 1:18:29 AM
"Maybe Damocles can douse it in holy water," the little psychic warrior suggests.
Arien Saturday September 29th, 2001 2:23:56 AM
Running along with the rest of the group Arien responds to Rond and Bill with his own thoughts, "That might do the trick, I'd suggest an attempt to dispel the magic temporarily but we have no way of knowing if that would remove the magic permanently or not. Other than that since we don't know how this thing communicates I'd suggest throwing a blanket over it in case it can 'see'. If we can get to a safe place I can take some time to study it and see what I can do about it then."
Ferrak d20+4=7 Saturday September 29th, 2001 7:47:10 AM
"There is a cave, this way!" says Ferrak, obviously uncomfortable moving around in the city streets.
Ferrak suddenly stops to listen, & wait for a sign from his four-legged foster sibling. "Darkfang. Is it safe, are you safe brother!?" He growls out nervously.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday September 29th, 2001 3:37:43 PM
Bill asks Damocles, "Do you have holy water? Or can you get some quickly?"
Responding to Arien's suggestion, he says, "Well, it's covered completely in canvas. Think we need a blanket, too?"
"Oh, the cave."
Sunblaze-Walking Along, Skiping the Song Saturday September 29th, 2001 7:57:45 PM
Sunblaze pulls herself up and she walks along following the group taking the flank, although not watching. She trudges, dragging her legs but keeping up with the group amazingly.
Trent slides out, and up Bill's leg until he reaches the hobbit's shoulder where he moves back and forth on. He tries to get his attention, then realizes he's busy and just lies there (Think giant cobra for a halfling :P).
Draax Sunday September 30th, 2001 11:49:50 AM
Draax continues to push/carry the device, listening to the others as they begin to run. He almost snatches his hands away from the machine when he hears Rond say something about the machine communication with someone. He never imagined that the machine might be sentient. He hopes that if the machine was communication with someone it was just some type of magical alarm placed on the thing that can be dispelled. Anyone looking at Draax closely can see that he is now running with the thing farther away from his body than he was a few moments ago.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday September 30th, 2001 4:26:33 PM
"Ay-ay-ay! - oh," Bill says as he stops shaking his leg. "It's Trent. Hi, little fella," Bill addresses the viper. "Um, he won't nibble, will he?" he asks Sunblaze. Albeit with a measure of initial discomfort, he lets him crawl up on his shoulders, momentarily distracted from remaining alert to threats from other points.
Sunblaze Sunday September 30th, 2001 4:41:57 PM
Sunblaze shakes her head at Bill, then she turns around. Her energy seems to be returning. As this happens she looks around.
"We must hurry. If the machine is sentient then we have already given ourselves away. Our disguises will mean nothing..."
On the Lam (DM Donna) d20+6=22 Monday October 1st, 2001 6:35:27 AM
Rond catches the coin easily--and can see that it does, indeed, bear the symbol of your mutual employer, Marcus; this gnome must be telling the truth.
Everyone exits the tunnel quickly. Darkfang, loping along behind the retreating party, assures his big brother that there appears to be no pursuit...yet. His hearing picked up much angry yipping and snapping on the other side of the secret door.
~It sounds as though the evilrobes haven't the wit to know about the door, big brother,~ Darkfang tells Ferrak, ~I'm not surprised--they have SUCH dim noses for tracking..!~ The large canine snorts in amusement.
The party emerges through a trapdoor into an alleyway that is between a tavern and a baudyhouse. There are several metallic trash receptacles--most of them quite full--lined up by each building. It's still very late at night (or very, VERY early in the morning, depending on your perspective), so there aren't any other people hanging around in the alley.
Bill Troublefinder Monday October 1st, 2001 2:51:55 PM
Bill quietly addresses their gnome guide. "Just show us where - we're followin'." ---- [OOC: Did Damocles catch Bill's question?]
Ferrak 'the feral gnome' Monday October 1st, 2001 7:41:16 PM
"Yes, let us be gggone from this place," growls the wild gnome as he sniffs around the metal containers of rubbish. "Wait! I have found something important," he exclaims.
(Pause for dramatic effect...)
Then pulling out a large fly infested bone with his teeth, Ferrak begins to start pushing the metal containers in front of the secret door.
"Nowf, mayth they fnot followf us," he says in all seriousness with a bone in his mouth.
'This one's mine brother, find your own,' Ferrak growls out as he leads the way on down the street.
"Thif fway!"
Draax Monday October 1st, 2001 11:25:38 PM
Draax continues to push/carry the device, keeping it at arm's length. Although he finds the gnome’s behavior very strange, he tries not to show it. Again, he is glad that the others are along because he can only figure out half the words that are coming out the gnome's mouth.
Renik d20+20=22 d20+4=18 Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 5:04:45 AM
Bow drawn, Renik watches their back as the party enter the secret entrance (Hide 24 (12 +10 for cloak of elvenkind). Then, happy they have remained unobserved (Spot 18) he too follows the wild gnome into his lair.
We Meet Again! (DM Donna) Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 8:38:07 AM
"Let's push these trash cans over the secret door--they'll slow any possible followers right down!" Damocles suggests. As the party helps the cleric, he replies to Bill's question:
"Ummm...no...no holy water. I've been meaning to get some, but, well...stuff at the inn...you know how it is..." The man blushes a bit.
Ferrak leads the party to a nearby park, and then right into the middle of a thick copse of trees and bushes--where there's a hidden cave!
And inside that cave...is Marcus!
"Well, well, well--" the mayor's aide says with a pleasantly surprised look on his face, "--you've all found each other! Why am I not surprised..?" The man looks around at all of you, then sees the bundled-up machine in Draax's grip.
"You have it?" Marcus asks, incredulous.
Renik Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 10:11:20 AM
Renik is not best pleased that Marcus has his hands on the printing engine. Though the man is his boss, he is clearly a political animal, and subject to temptation... he prays they do not prove to be midwives at the birth of a new evil.
"Aye, we have it," he answers, his face neutral. "The task is done, and the hiding place of our foe uncovered. Many are the evil servants of Marteaus that reside within. I would recommend an attack of great force, bring to bear whatever powers are at the city's disposal to eradicate this menace. From what I heard it sounded as if those black mages intended to raise their Dark Lord."
Rond Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 10:56:53 AM
"Before any real talking can be done, we have to make sure, or pass this thing on. We're not sure if it's sentient or not, and how far it needs to talk to its master(s). One of the people that was chasing us out of the temple had said something about how it was talking to him. We also made time for sketches, which can be passed on to whoever else. The thing is eeevvvilllll."
Bill Troublefinder d20+8=19 Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 11:16:58 AM
"Sure, I definitely understand how it is. Don't sweat it - we'll find some," he answers Damocles.
Bill nods in affirmation of Renik's words. Then, supporting what Rond reported, Bill adds, "It was the skinny mage Jazbaro who said," and the halfling does a fair job of imitating the wizard's voice, "'Hurry! Hurry, my brothers--it's screaming for help even--yeeeeeeeowWWWWW!!!'" He pauses, then says, "We believe he was talking about the scroll maker. Good to see you, sir. Will you help us neutralize the evil which adheres to this device?"
He adjusts Trent's position on his neck. "That tickles," he whispers to Sunblaze's viper.
Draax Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 5:06:41 PM
Draax is very relieved to see Marcus, now he can get this evil and possibly living device out of his hands. He smiles as he gets ready to hand the device to Marcus. He quickly loses the smiles as everyone talks about expelling the evil from the device. Still holding the thing at arms length he lets none of the irritation that he feels shows on his face. In all the excitement he almost forgot that he and his comrades are in the habit of saving the world. The smiles returns to his face as he mentally recounts the last two times they saved the world. Still holding the device, in a neutral voice he says. “Oh yes, we need to purge this thing of it’s evil.”
Marcus (DM Donna) Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 5:32:48 PM
The mayor's man reaches out a hand to the covered device, then looks sharply at Renik when the rogue mentions "sentient"--a gaze that is directed at Bill when the halfling says...
"Jazbaro?" Marcus echoes. "Hmmm--this doesn't bode well... Jazbaro's record indicates he's a lower-level wizard... but a psychic of some repute..." The aide removes a palm-sized token from one pocket and speaks urgently into it:
"Qancis? Report to me on the double!"
~POOF!~ There suddenly appears an elf maiden in the middle of the cave.
"This thing here--" Marcus says, pulling the cover from the machine, "--scan it. Is it sentient? Is it telepathic..?" Now the machine is uncovered, you can all see that its dull red glow appears to pulse now--a visual clue to the unheard SOS that the party suspected back at the pyramid.
Qancis stares intently at the machine--then her leaf-green eyes widen in utter horror.
"By the gods--it IS psychic...AND sentient!" she gasps. "It's trying to direct the SoD here--"
"We MUST get rid of it!" Damocles insists.
"Take hold of the machine, then, cleric," Qancis says grimly, "Only the proximity of your goodness will keep the machine from functioning strongly enough to give away our position." Damocles does so, grimacing in distaste upon touching the inherent evil in the device.
"Qancis... what--?" Marcus asks.
"Marcus, there is only one way of truly destroying this machine," the lovely elf says firmly, "And that is to return it to the hell that spawned it--and it will be a one-way trip. Are you ready, cleric of Alemi?"
"Wait, Qancis--you can't..!" Marcus steps forward, obviously alarmed.
"Yes--do it NOW!" Damocles replies, the look of the fiercest determination on his face. It is the look of someone who is resigned to his final fate.
"Then we're off--to Ravenloft!" Qancis announces, then scrunches her beautiful face up in concentration, a tear trickling down one cheek.
"NOOOOO!" Marcus leaps forward, but there is another ~POOF!~
Qancis and Damocles are gone.
Sunblaze Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 6:31:25 PM
Sunblaze merely looks at Marcus, not much caring about him or the machine, only wanting to rest she wasn't... something was wrong. Her eyes watched Damocles. He was leaving.
"No!" She lept forward, but her hands grasped nothing. Her emotions flooded into her like a broken dam.
"No! He shouldn't have done that! He had our stuff, and he was a part of the Windhorn Hamleteers. How will we get our money back." She looked at the group and then sighed. "Suppose nobody cares much. Fine then, but I'm moving out before the Sons of Dread get here." She motions for Trent to come, and he does, sliding off Bill and up her leg again.
"Any last words Marcus? Can we go and not find you items that you can use as weapons of mass destruction against those who oppose you?" Her voice is like fire, and her eyes cold as ice. "We're not here to do what the King can't are we? We are here to find you goodies that may help you." She glares. "We lost an ally and a friend because of you!"
Ferrak d20+4=5 Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 7:28:21 PM
Ears twitching, Ferrak listens to all that is said straining to glean as much information as he can from all of these strange new faces.
It is difficult for him, as the situation is so alien to him to begin with. So not being a fool, Ferrak decides to exit the cave and keep a look out for any trouble from those men in the black robes.
He also takes this time to munch away at the bone he found in the trash can. Feeling guilty he offers some of it to Darkfang. (Must've been distracted by the bone Listen +4 = 5)
Arien Tuesday October 2nd, 2001 10:15:19 PM
It takes Arien a moment to recover from the sudden departure of Damocles and the strange Elf. But when he does he steps between Sunblaze and Marcus. "Sunblaze, it does no good to blame Marcus. You heard him yourself, he tried to stop her and Damocles but they acted before he could intervene. Yes Damocles is gone from this plane, gone to one of unrivaled evil where doubtless he will be hunted by the evil within it; but, remember this, it was his choice, and I for one will not sully my memories of his last moments here by directing my anger at someone who does not deserve it." As Arien turns to Marcus he crushes his anger under the cold weight of logic, his words were meant to calm himself as much as his companion. Yet as he speaks his voice conveys none of his inner battle, "Well then Marcus might I suggest we leave here and meet somewhere less exposed. We are after all still near the base of the Sons of Dread and the machine might have gotten through a transmission before Damocles and your friend left."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 1:57:01 AM
"Damo ... Damocles?" He senses the void left by their friend. Bill recalls the time he himself tried to teleport with the Water Ring of Ascension to get it away from an evil power - Marteaus. This time, though, the lady elf - Qansis? - perhaps succeeded, with Damocles' help, to get it away from the Sons of Dread. Ravenloft? Where is that? What is it? He wonders how Arien learned of it. But he thinks this moment not the best to spend time on that question.
His mind fills with a mixture of concern, compassion, and outrage at Sunblaze. There is just something so mixed up in her soul. His face flushes. About to speak himself, he is grateful to Arien for stepping in. "Sunblaze, you've got Marcus all wrong. I'm just plum worried about you."
He turns to Marcus. "Is there some way of getting them back? Damocles and Qansis? Or will there be?"
Renik Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 5:56:50 AM
Renik watches the machine depart with Damocles and the elf with a mixture of relief and regret. A brave sacrifice, and one that they cannot squander. He nods at the wisdom of Arien's words, then turns to Marcus for guidance.
Please Shift Brain OUT of Neutral Before Putting Mouth in Gear (DM Donna) Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 7:35:52 AM
When Sunblaze lashes out, the look on Marcus' face tells the entire party that the man would dearly love nothing more than to punch the living daylights out of the bard/wizard. Then an expression to rival ironstone settles over the mayoral aide's face.
"We must get to another safe house, quickly," he says, then points to a backpack that is on the ground. "Apparently your friend used his head before acting... he seems to have left his pack behind for you. Pick it up and follow me." So saying, Marcus wheels about and hurries from the cave.
Silently but rapidly the man leads the Hamleteers through the streets, winding his way here and there, stopping occasionally to ask of Ferrak whether Darkfang detects pursuit. Darkfang always confirms that nobody is following. Finally Marcus pulls the party into a little one-family structure that has a knick-knack shop on the first floor. The Hamleteers are led up to the second floor.
"The sign in the door says that the owner is on vacation," Marcus tells you, "So you will not be bothered. There are three bedrooms and a privy. There's food in the pantry." For someone who's acted the way he has in the past, Marcus looks curiously... older. He moves to the door.
"Don't go back to your other identities today," the man says, "My people will cover for you. I'll have Qancis--" He closes his eyes, obviously reminding himself that Qancis is no longer in this world. Then he opens them again, this time looking straight at Sunblaze.
"That machine you took from the Sons of Dread came from Ravenloft, young lady--from Ravenloft!" Marcus almost spits the word. "A plane of such mindwarping evil that even the mere mention of its name causes a shudder in the souls of the Gold Dragons, because they've the sense to recognize what evil truly is! I didn't seek that device on a whim, dammit! I sought to safeguard my city from those evil SoB's...SoD's...and I will NEVER apologize for sending willing agents to stop these twisted maniacs in their secret agenda--regardless of the fact that it has cost you your friend...or me my own wife!" Marcus moves to the door.
"Do NOT leave the premises--we can't afford to lose any more of you!" he says by way of farewell and then is gone.
(OOC Notes: Kim--I'm still considering your question; assume the answer is no until I say otherwise.
Use this opportunity to have your characters rest and recover spells and such. I will be posting later today to advance the adventure.)
Renik Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 9:35:47 AM
His wife ?! Renik turns away. It seems he was overly harsh in his judgement of the man. Though his methods may be darker than some, this is a man dedicated to the good fight. He feels a certain amount of shame for doubting Marcus' motives.
Renik, after the high adrenaline of the raid, is exhausted. After a quick wash and meal he settles himself down to rest. This has been a strenuous day. He can only hope the morrow brings calmer tidings.
Draax Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 2:18:29 PM
Feeling ashamed of himself for wanting so bad to get the device out of his hand and never considering about what consequences or sacrifices would be required. Draax listens to the emotion of loss that is so apparent in Marcus' voice, wishing there was something that he could do.
Draax has heard about adventurers traveling to other planes and returning, although he has never met any of them, he still believes the stories to be true. He also does not believe in the no win situation, as long as they are alive there is a chance.
He looks deeply into himself to see if he would have made the same sacrifice. When the answer comes up yes, he gets a little angry for not having the opportunity to make the choice. Then he gets angry with himself for being angry in the first place.
After Marcus has left he turns to the others. "Who know anything about this Ravenloft place and why is it that Damocles and Marcus' wife cannot return? If they are still alive someone should be able to retrieve them. With all of Marcus' power, I would think that he has connections to have it done. Does the device needs Damocles and Qancis to remain on the plane and guard it. I hate being in the dark, I can accept the situation better after I know the facts."
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=9 Wednesday October 3rd, 2001 3:10:15 PM
"He shoulda taken his stuff." Bill stares blankly for a moment at Damocles' backpack before someone picks it up. [If no one else does, Bill will try to bring along.]
Bill is aghast to learn that it was his wife that Marcus just saw go to this apparently dreadful place. He has no words for several minutes after the man leaves.
[Rolled vs. Knowledge, Planes, for info about Ravenloft. Bill doesn't know much at all about it, other than what he has just heard.] After a while he says, vaguely answering Draax, with a wan hope, "Well, the Gold Dragons are afraid of it - but they got back, right? I mean, they were just leaving Plateau City when we first got here from our town."
Soon his extra images disappear, and he returns to his own appearance, discarding the Milo image. He looks around the place, and checks out the pantry. He lays out food for his friends. Belatedly, he approaches the gnome. "My name is Bill. Bill Troublefinder, of Windhorn Hamlet. Some good god or other - I'll hafta thank 'im when I found out who - gave me some abilities with, I dunno, mind tricks you might call 'em. And I can fight some, too. Throw darts and stuff. These are my friends - I'll let them introduce themselves. Thanks for helpin' us out there, you and your wolf friend. Sorry, I didn't find any bones in the pantry. What's your name?"
----
Later, Bill says, "Inside, I learned that - like someone here said, they're tryin' to call the Dark Lord? Well, they're whisperin' about power. Noddin' and winkin' at each other, makin' secret hand signs. And they want LOTS of people to come to the stadium. That's no secret." Bill eats one of the canned peaches in syrup.
"So, here's what I'm thinkin'. Let's get rid of the stadium." He eats another peach.
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