Neverending Night..? (DM Donna) Monday October 29th, 2001 6:46:02 AM
The Golden Arena is all but empty now...the formerly-mesmerized audience has fled. The newly-reappeared Cult Gods are nowhere in sight. When the Hamleteers have gathered their senses back together again, they see that there is no body for them to bury--no physical evidence of Domi's passing remains in the Wold.
Except for the two blood-red moons in the preternaturally-black sky. Looking up at the moons, suddenly everyone is struck by the fact that not only are both moons red, but there are NO stars to be seen in the rest of the heavens! It is as though even the celestial sphere itself mourns the death of Domi.
Marcus is finally raised over the Coin of Communication. He directs the party to go to the cave that Ferrak was installed at--his people have secured that area and confirm that the Sons of Dread--those few who may still be alive, that is--don't know about it. A Team is to rest there until contacted.
(OOC: This is an in-game rest period--nothing happens to the party on the way to and during their stay at Ferrak's hideout. All wounds are healed up via Cure spells and all spells and abilities are recovered.
Experience points will be awarded; please nominate PCs for Hero Points and/or RP Bonuses via email.)
The Hamleteers, after barely getting enough sleep to recharge themselves, are awakened by Marcus' croaking voice over that magic Coin of Communication: he's reporting that a group of paladins--once respected Chapel of Domi guards--are rampaging near the site of the crater that once was their headquarters. Reports say the insane holy warriors are now slaying citizens while ranting that the people are actually demons in disguise. The Hamleteers are holed up closest to where the paladins are, and are urged to stop the madmen as soon as possible. Marcus gives the directions to the reported site and signs off.
Bill Troublefinder Monday October 29th, 2001 1:10:04 PM
Before going to sleep, Bill takes a little time with Ferrak and Renik, and whoever else wants to listen, to fill them in on some of the background of the Windhorn Hamleteers. He invites some of the group's old timers to add their recollections. He especially details their earlier encounter with Marteaus, as well as their dealings with the Sons of Dread. While he is talking, the little multitasker jots down some notes in a little journal about the evening's events. He promises to give them more of the group's history later, when "things are not so crazy, and if we all live through this," then, about to nod off to sleep, asks Sunblaze if she would be willing to read him a few lines from the Alemic book of wisdom. He falls asleep as she gets a few paragraphs into it. The halfling does not snore.
------ Morning comes...
Upon learning of the rampaging paladins, Bill thinks of the noble Bolderhusk, and hopes he is not among those who have gone bonkers. But no, he was not a guard for the Chapel of Domi. "Anybody got nets?" he asks. He organizes some of the items in his knapsack for easy access. "Maybe we can take some of these blankets." He takes two blankets, ties short sections of rope to each corner, then asks, "Rond, should we get going now? Should we take a mattress, too?"
Bill goes along with the group, thinking about the nature of godhood as the team approaches the area where the paladins wreak havoc.
Ferrak Monday October 29th, 2001 6:15:11 PM
Listening intently to what Bill has to say about the Hamleteers, Ferrak marvels at all of their various adventures.
When the halfling is finished Ferrak takes the time to more formally introduce himself. Also telling any that are interested, tales of his and Darkfang's various adventures in the forest near where his gnomish village was destroyed.
When he talks of Koror Shwanger, his Druid mentor, he is extremely reverent almost to the point of prayer. Mostly though he tells of him fighting goblinoid brigands with his brother Darkfang. Ah the good old days.
Waking up early in the morning the next day, to spend some time outside of the cave under the open sky, Ferrak & Darkfang are back and ready to go when the rest of the pack are.
Sontra(Sunblaze)[Steven] d20+10=26 Monday October 29th, 2001 9:25:23 PM
Sontra, finally getting a chance to rest his tired feet, takes the time to sit. Then he changes back into Sunblaze. When Bill asks she gladly reads parts of the book to him.
"The innocent may be in need of help, but make sure it's really help you give them."
"Remember the tale of the Cleric who, having little training, was throw into combat. Foolishly she tried to call an evil being to smite her foes. Yet when she brought it to the Prime plane, it turned on her... All around were slaughtered, including the Cleric."
As Bill begins to sleep, she continues reading. When she goes to her bag for parchment and a pen she realizes she needs to buy some. Perhaps tomorrow.
-~-~- Early morning -~-~-
Sunblaze, waking only two hours after she passed out (Ring of Sustenance). As she wakes she goes to her spellbook, memorizing her spells. As Bill cracks up, she wonders if he's troubled at something or another. Hoping to help him, she grins and attempts to sing a song to raise his spirits (Performance Check: 1d20+10: 26).
"Windhorn bravely fought the bird god's might, Trying to win, and impossible fight, Striving to do they saw right, Sending every thing they had, to win.
The battle was hard and trying, Yet still their disguises the god was buying, When Bill attacked while flying, The beast ended up dead on the ground."
--- Towards another quest ---
On the way to the Paladins, Sontra looks for shops, which either have been broken into or are open and goes into them. Stealing or buying nets and ropes (3 nets, 2 100 feet long silk (preferred) ropes: If I have to buy, let me know... I'll check the costs).
Rond Monday October 29th, 2001 10:02:51 PM
As Bill tells the tale of the Hamleteers to Ferrak, Rond interjects his point of view occasionally. He adds his own comments, "It seems to me that the only good Son of Dread, is a Dead Son of Dread." He also occasionally asks Draax to comment, knowing that Draax will stay tight lipped, given a chance.
In the morning, after hearing the summons. Rond listens to what Bill suggests. "I like the net and ropes idea. Renik, see what you can acquire as we work our way there. We may send someone to look for blankets after we see what's going on with the Paladins."
Renik d20+2=12 d20+8=24 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 4:07:32 AM
"Nets and ropes? Well, I'll do what I can, but I can't see too many shops being open for business just now... anyone got any problems with a spot of looting?"
Renik checks out local shops (using any prior knowledge of the area that might help him (Int 12) to see if he find the requisite equipment, breaking in if neccessary (Open lock 24).
The Horror..! (DM Donna) Tuesday October 30th, 2001 7:55:57 AM
Actually--although the shop is not initially open when the party comes upon it--there is a shop called "ArenaWares" that has all types of gladiatorial equipment within it for sale to the public. The Hamleteers' pounding on the door of the shop persuades the owner to open up and offer them (after a suitable explanation by the group) a total of 10 battle nets for 25gp each. Please list who is buying the nets and--more importantly--who is CARRYING how many nets per person.
The party arrives at the site Marcus has ordered them to--and it's a terrible scene to behold: it is pitifully obvious that all of the dead bodies are those of average city dwellers...most of them unarmed. The sounds of hammering/battering come from around a corner. The party looks to see a squadron of seven or eight blood-and-gore-bespattered paladins of Domi using their maces, morning-stars and great axes in an effort to break through a door that has stuff piled up on it. The screams of people from within the baker's shop the mad paladins are trying to gain access to make it clear that there are NO demons within--only people trying to survive this horrible swirl of chaos consuming just about everyone connected to Domi.
No matter how the Hamleteers maneuver, there is no one spell that will effect all eight of the mad paladins at once--the most any one "area of effect" spell will effect is the three paladins chopping at the door. Another pair of paladins is pounding at a shuttered window on one side of the door, while yet another pair is mindlessly tearing at the coverings on another window on the other side of the door. One other paladin stands a bit away from his fellows, ranting about not resting until "evil blights the Wold no more! On--onward for DOMI!!!!"
Renik d20+12=17 d20+22=31 d20+3=14 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 10:10:24 AM
(OOC: 2 nets, 50GP)
Renik sneaks up on the two paladins pounding at the window, (Move silent 17, hide 31 (Cloak of Elvenkind) and attempts to ensnare them both (or only one if both is impossible) (Hit AC 14, BAB of +7, -4 for untrained weapon? Not sure about that...I don't have details with me of how nets work...)
Sontra(Sunblaze)[Steven] Tuesday October 30th, 2001 10:47:22 AM
Sontra, when seeing the shop open, enters and buys the group the nets. (8 nets: 200 gp) Then he hands one to each group member, if they don't take she puts them in her havernsack. Just as Renik leaves and idea springs into his head, yet it is too late. They will know the group is here now.
Running forward, hoping the group will protect him, he tries to get to the raving paladin (The lone one). Behind him (Presuming he's facing towards the shop), he begins her spell (Charm Person: DC: 14[That's the spell level and my intell bonus. I think i'm missing something from that...But I don't know what.])
"I command you, in the name of Domi to go forth and protect the innocent! To save those who cannot save themselves!" His voice wavers slightly, yet it holds hope.
Draax Tuesday October 30th, 2001 11:03:55 AM
Draax comments about Rond's statement 'only good SoD is a Dead SoD'. "Yeah, I agree with Rond about killing Dread members. The only problem is that our side has so many spies working within the Dread organization that the 'kill first and ask questions later' approach is hard to do." He looks over at Bill, "Our first meeting with Bill was while he was working as a double agent. It was a good thing that one of our members knew Bill and that made it easier to believe that he was a friend."
At the shop, Draax accepts the net from Sunblaze. "Thanks."
Upon seeing the crazed paladins, Draax is shocked. Even with the warning from Marcus he had no idea that the loss of Domi would cause his followers to act this way. He has always looked at paladins as bothersome, self-righteous, opinionated, and self-appointed savior of souls. He has also known them to be honorary and protectors of the innocent. To see this unnecessary destruction of life just does not fit into the image, no matter what the reason.
Realizing that to stop the paladin may mean actually hurting or killing some or all of them, Draax looks to his comrades for a more non-fatal solution. "I would rather take them alive and see if Marcus can help them." Draax looks around at the dead bodies, "But, if we have to kill them to stop them, so be it."
Draax gives Renik a head start and moves in for support just as Renik starts his attack. Draax will use his sword and shield to keep the other paladins away from Renik or help subdue the two if none of the others threatens him.
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=26 d20+3=16 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 3:13:52 PM
At Sunblaze's song, Bill is pensive. "I thought we were dead last night. Just wanted us to do what we could before we died. Thank - whoever - we made it."
Since Sunblaze paid for eight of the nets, Bill buys the other two (50 gp). "Thank you for opening the door, sir." One net he folds neatly, and tucks in into his knapsack. He tucks another in his belt. The one that the mage/bard gave him he carries in hand. He casts levitate upon himself with his wand just before leaving the shop.
At the scene before them, Bill suggests to Ferrak, "Cover the guys to the right after I stomp."
He then stomps, knocking down the three paladins who batter at the door (and perhaps catching a few of the citizens who stand behind the assaulted doors). [Save vs DC 26! or fall down.] He leaps into the air above their heads, covering one or two of them with his net (AC 16), aiming to catch the noble fighter on the left and, possibly, the one in the center (dependent on size of net, proximity of paladins -- am assuming they are close together, seeing they work together to bash in the door).
(DM's OOC: Bill doesn't buy any other nets--there are only ten in the shop; Renik purchased the first two, and then Sunblaze paid for the rest. However, only Renik, Draax and Sunblaze posted about keeping any of the nets, so Bill can take 3 nets--leaving a total of 6 in Sunblaze's possession. Oh, and a battle net is listed as an Exotic Ranged Weapon, so unless your PC has the Battle Net chosen as an Exotic Weapon Feat, everyone attempting to throw the net suffers that -4 penalty Renik's post mentioned.)
[Kim's OOC response: Thanks, Donna. I overlooked that snippet at the start of Renik's post. I think that Sunblaze would be left with five nets, not six.]
Ferrak d20+7=11 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 6:30:57 PM
Taking the net that is given to him, Ferrak seems nervous and out of sorts on this day.
The balance of nature is too far gone for it not to bother him on some primal level. The way the sky is, the way these paladins are acting, all of the madness from before is finally catching up to the feral gnome.
When Bill stomps the paladins to the ground, Ferrak sends his net over them, (11) but it isn't enough for the wild gnome somehow. Throwing his spear aside, Ferrak clenches his fists snarling, ready to pound some sense into any paladins not covered by the poor throw.
"This wrong, oh so wrong, Darkfang." He calls to his brother. "Fight to trip them, they know not what they do."
Arien Wednesday October 31st, 2001 1:32:41 AM
Arien, trying to disable the paladins that weren't knocked over by Bill, activates the power in his cloak and casts a web at the standing paladins, trying to pin them against the building.
Net Worth (DM Donna) d20+1=17 d20-1=13 d20+2=20 d20=8 d20+2=18 d20+2=20 d20+4=6 d20+3=21 d20+1=12 d6+1=3 d20+5=11 Wednesday October 31st, 2001 6:58:45 AM (OOC: you should refer to the entry about Nets in your 3e PHB--it's in Chapter 7: Equipment, listed first under the "Exotic Weapons--Ranged" section and then alphabetically in the list of Weapons descriptions {pages 99 and 102 respectively in my edition of the book.} As I see it, a battle net is meant to entangle one medium-sized target.)
Renik's inexperience at tossing the battle net is compensated by the single-mindedness of his target's attempts to bash the rightside window's shutters open--the net settles over one of the paladins! The mad warrior attempts to Escape the net, but its barbs hold him fast!
His buddy turns to face the warrior-rogue--just in time to have Draax's own net settle squarely over the crazed woman! She attempts to strike through her net at Draax, but the exotic weapon entangles her too much, and her mace falls quite short of its target.
The ranting paladin that Sunblaze is trying to charm turns and stares with wide eyes at the singing elf. (OOC: his 20 save beats the Charm DC.)
"Foul creature from the depths..!" he denounces, lifting high his longsword. "It will be my honor and pleasure to dispatch ye back to the Pit..!!!" His swing of the sword, however, seems to be...less than steady--as though perhaps the paladin--though in the grip of madness--is, even now, attempting to battle his way out from its deceptive clutches.
Bill's Stomping tactic once more proves true, as all three paladins trying to bust down the door tumble to the ground--the rightmost paladin screeching as she realizes she's also entangled in the halfling's hastily-thrown battle-net!
Ferrak's throw, however, falls to the left of the leftmost paladin. Darkfang, however, growls his agreement with his big brother's assessment of the Wold today, and leaps at one of the paladins to the left of the door--one of the two paladins trying to tear open the left window. That paladin is tripped and falls down on his little dwarven keister, suffering 3hp of subdual damage because of it.
Unfortunately, both of the left-window paladins AND Darkfang become caught in Arien's Web spell.
Sontra(Sunblaze)[Steven] d20+3=20 Wednesday October 31st, 2001 10:39:29 AM
Sontra, seeing the paladin is fighting itself he leaves him, charging towards Darkfang. He jumps(Jump Skill: Untrained: +3 to Dex: 20) over the bits and pieces of web, right beside Darkfang. Then he attempts to pull the wolf free(I believe he's a wolf).
His voice cries out in elven, as to keep the paladins unknowing of their plans. "Try and get those people out of the building. Darkfang and I are fine here! Get Greener to Levitate me AND Darkfang when I say!" If he still can move, he tries to get Darkfang out of the Web, pulling him out.
"NOW!"
Ferrak d20+8=10 Wednesday October 31st, 2001 5:10:38 PM
Seeing that Darkfang is in trouble drives the wild gnome into a rage. He notices that Sontra/Sunblaze has gone to help his brother but his anger is not so easily stopped.
Charging the nearest paladin that is not yet pinned, Ferrak flings himself bodily at the mad knight. (Trying to initiate a grapple. Touch attack. I rolled a two, dag blast it.)
"GRRRRRRRRRR!"
Bill Troublefinder d20+7=18 d20+5=23 Thursday November 1st, 2001 2:30:41 AM
Bill takes the net he had tucked in to his belt, and drapes it over the next grounded paladin [AC 18: to hit +9 for thrown weapon, -4 for untrained weapon, +2 for opponent prone]. As he does so, Bill calls out, "Good lords and ladies. You are deluded. Neither we nor those whom you persecute are demons. We are people. Domi died in an act of valor and sacrifice. He saved the lives of many. Do not pile guilt upon yourselves. Have courage. But forsake this foolishness. Fight against the Cult Gods and their followers, if you must, but, in Domi's name, leave these poor people alone." [Diplomacy check DC 23] Bill hovers about twenty feet in the air. He pulls something else out of his bag.
Rond d20+4=8 d20+2=22 d20+2=20 Thursday November 1st, 2001 5:19:18 AM
Rond looks about and decides to toss his net on one of the clerics (if he can, if not, he holds action). Tossing the net, it arcs slowly, and unerringly for the underside of the bridge. Rond sighs. Filling his lungs with air Rond barks, "HAVE COURAGE. These were the last things that Domi said to the crowd in the arena. He did not say kill any who do not follow Domi. He did not say seek revenge for me. Even his last act was to save a little girls life, not to worry about what Marteaus was about to do to him. These acts are UNBECOMING of followers of DOMI. CEASE AND DESIST, STAND DOWN and LOWER YOUR WEAPONS, NOW! (Intimidate =22) (ooc thinking of others, but they may not be needed. ie diplomacy 20, was thinking of leadership, but I gotta have that. :) Also, I'm not at home, character sheet not available. Tried to do this from memory. Apologize if anything wrong.)
Combat Round 2 d20+3=8 d20+3=17 d20+3=8 d8+3=6 d20+3=11 d20=10 d20=13 d20+1=14 d20+1=6 d20+2=19 d20+2=15 d20+3=6 d20+3=11 d20=6 d20=12 d20+1=19 d20+1=13 d20+2=16 d20+2=10 d20+3=5 d20+3=16 d20-1=10 d20-1=16 d20+5=11 d20-2=10 d20-2=10 Thursday November 1st, 2001 7:15:29 AM
Sontra foolishly attempts to jump to Darkfang's side to help the wolf rather than making sure that the mad paladin--still VERY much in the grip of the mass insanity that plagues him and the rest of the guards attacking innocents--cannot attack anybody... thus does Sontra become the target of the ranting paladin's three attacks of opportunity. One of the three crazed attacks hits Sontra for 6hp of damage.
However, Sontra does manage to wrench Darkfang free of the Web. Ferrak's attack on the ranting paladin misses, but the paladin turns and aims his regular attack at the fiesty warrior druid. (OOC: it misses at 11.)
Both Bill's and Rond's words are good enough to give all the paladins pause--there is a moment or two when the Hamleteers think that the paladins might just come to their senses... but the mad glint returns to their eyes and they attempt to strike at the people they perceive as evil enemies trying to save demons from the righteous wrath of Domi..!
The entangled paladin closest to Renik misses (got a 10); the one closest to Draax also misses.
None of the paladins by the door (two of whom are now in nets, too) can act as Bill's Stomp has them momentarily Dazed (but that won't last long!)
The ranting paladin is facing Ferrak, so the newly-freed Darkfang snaps at that one's leg, but misses.
The two paladins that are in the Web are entangled, but close enough to Sontra to try to strike at the disguised Hamleteer... both blows miss, however.
Draax d20+7=27 d20+7=26 d8+7=15 d8+7=9 Thursday November 1st, 2001 10:20:34 AM
Draax strikes at the paladin with magical longsword using the flat side of his blade to try to cause nonlethal damage (-4). He hits his target firmly on the side of the pally's head (natural 20 and 26 on crit roll) (subdual dmg 24).
Draax takes a step back to see if the pally is able to continue and hoping that the damage was enough to subdue the paladin without hurting him too bad.
Sontra (Sunblaze) [Steven] d20+4=11 d8+2=8 Thursday November 1st, 2001 10:44:19 AM
Sontra, lets out a cry of triumph that he freed Darkfang, knowing the paladin's attack on him was well worth the wolf's attack as opposed to his own.
As he now attempts to attack the Paladin closest him. He wants to let him live, yet the paladins will take much convincing. Perhaps the sharp blade of his sword will be good enough. If not, he can always attempt to knock him out. (Attack Roll 11: 8 damage if that baaaaaaaaaad roll hits)
Bill Troublefinder d20+9=27 d20+5=18 Thursday November 1st, 2001 11:11:42 AM
The halfling throws a tanglefoot bag down at the unnetted paladin. (AC 27) "Your madness shames the memory of Domi. Take self-control, good paladins, or rue the day." (Yet another diplomacy attempt, DC 18.)
Bill pulls something else from his bag.
Ferrak d20+8=26 d20+3=19 d2+3=4 Thursday November 1st, 2001 6:33:52 PM
"We arggr not demons!" yells Ferrak as he attempts to tackle the ranting paladin once again.
"We killed a cult ggod as proof..." as he plows into the midsection of the mad paladin. "Show them, Sontra!"
Grapple-Base attack+4 Str+3 Size-4= a net of +3 4 dmg if success.
(Maybe not a good idea as my size is not helping, but all he can do to me now is subdual damage.)
Arien Thursday November 1st, 2001 9:35:36 PM
Arien holds back from leaping into the general fray or from doing much else for the moment, since he could do little to the paladins that did not involve doing something permanant to them.
Combat Round 3 d20-2=0 d20-2=9 d20+2=19 d20+5=6 d20+1=19 d20=13 d20+1=16 Friday November 2nd, 2001 6:59:29 AM
Ka-THWAK! Where Bill's urgent words and Rond's insistent intimidation fail to snap this group of holy warriors out of their delusion, the flat of Draax's sword makes for a convincing argument as it smacks solidly up against the side of her head--knocking her out cold!
Too bad Sontra's attack misses by a mile--but the Web entangling the pair of paladins once more fouls their respective aims at him, saving the bard/wizard from some nasty wounds.
Bill's well-aimed tanglefoot bag entangles the third paladin that had been chopping at the barricaded door, but the half-elf manages to roll with the bag so that that he isn't glued in place. (OOC: made a Reflex save.) This time, the halfling's words seem to fall on deaf ears as the paladin lurches forward, apparently intent upon engaging either Arien or Rond. (Being entangled, however, this ax-wielder won't reach either one until the next post.)
The other two paladins by the door attempt to struggle out of their nets, but neither manage to escape.
Ferrak literally throws himself at his opponent, providing some comic relief as the incongruous image of the wild little gnome grappling with the big, tall, strapping human man unfolds before the eyes of whatever witnesses are in the area. Unfortunately, however, as the paladins viewing it are insane, the innocents completely terrorized, and the Hamleteers fighting for the lives of both the paladins AND the innocents...nobody laughs.
However paradoxic the scene, however--Ferrak's aggression DOES manage to put the paladin on the defensive, and the ranting warrior's blade goes flying. Darkfang backs up his brother by once more nipping at the armored guard's heels. However, with an attack roll of 6 (ouch!) the wolf's jaws snap at air.
The paladin closest to Renik tries to stab at the rogue, but Renik is simply too nimble to be struck.
Rond d20+2=8 d20+2=7 Friday November 2nd, 2001 10:01:43 AM
Continuing with his Rant, "CHOSEN OF DOMI. STOP THIS DISGRACEFUL ACT. WHAT YOU DO HARMS THE POPULATION THAT WE ARE CHARGED WITH PROTECTING. DO NOT PLACE YOURSELVES UNDER THIS MANTEL OF AGGRESSION THAT YOU DISPLAY. THROW OFF THE YOKE THAT IS BURDENING YOUR SHOULDERS. DO LOSE YOURSELVES TO DESPAIR. CHOOSE THE PATH OF LIFE, THAT YOUR LORD MAY RETURN." If Rond can do it, he'll maneuver around the tanglefooted paladin, and try protect the door that the others were beating on. (Intimidate=8 Diplomacy=7 (sigh) ;) )
Sontra (Sunblaze) [Steven] d20+4=18 d8+2=10 Friday November 2nd, 2001 10:43:02 AM
Since staying here will be certain death, Sontra lets his sword 'Dance' and attack without him (18, 10 damage if hit). While the sword moves around, Sontra backs off. He knows he should be safe, the sword will hopefully cover his exit.
Quickly he opens his Haversack and right there on the top is his potion. He downs it, and in doing so, begins to levitate (Potion of Levitation) out of the weapons range of the Paladins.
Bill Troublefinder d20+7=25 d20=3 d20=7 Friday November 2nd, 2001 11:36:42 AM
Bill lifts over his head a sack. Inside said sack is a gallon jar of water. He hurls it down on the head of the first paladin he netted. It hits squarely [AC 25], with the sound of breaking glass [item save of 3 for glass] and of water whooshing out of the no longer waterproof bag [item save 7], pierced by shards of the glass jar. He hopes that this knockout strike will not prove fatal. "Rest easy," he counsels.
Arien Friday November 2nd, 2001 2:27:37 PM
Looking at the mad half-elf with some pity and instead of attacking him Arien drops a grease spell directly on the paladin's weapon.
Ferrak (The bigger they are?) d20+3=17 Friday November 2nd, 2001 7:56:28 PM
A flurry of elbows and knees, the feral gnome continues his assault on the rampaging paladin.
Ferrak tries to stay entangled in the knight's legs, as he uses every trick he's ever learned wrestling his four legged brother, attempting to bring the knight down in a pin. (Grapple+3=17)
"Grr."
Draax d20+7=15 d8+7=10 Sunday November 4th, 2001 11:21:48 AM
Seeing that the paladin he was facing is no longer a threat, Draax moves over to the pally facing Renik and attempts to hit him with the flat side of his long sword (hit AC 15 for 10 subdual dmg if hit).
Combat Round 4 (DM Donna) d20-1=9 d20-1=10 d20-1=19 d8=1 d20+2=13 d20=8 d20+2=14 d20+5=18 d20=15 d20+3=10 d6+1=4 d20-1=7 d20-4=8 Monday November 5th, 2001 7:23:53 AM
Rond's solilioquy, though true, still falls upon deaf ears.
Sontra's sword covers the disguised elf's retreat from the pair of Webbed paladins--but only partially. One of the paladins gets struck by the weapon, but the other one is relatively free to attempt an attack of opportunity on Sontra.
While the extra attack misses, the paladin's regular attack does not, striking the retreating Hamleteer. Though only a mere scratch, the sudden pain is enough to cause Sunblaze to have to make a Fortitude save against instinctively dropping her potion bottle...which, fortunately, she manages to hang onto.
Bill's missile lands squarely on the head of the paladin he had just recently netted just as the warrior was trying to escape the net. The paladin fails his Fortitude save and slumps to the ground, out cold.
The half-elf that Arien cast the Grease spell upon (or, rather, his axe) raises his weapon violently, madness gleaming in his eyes as he seeks to slay the "demon" in front of him--but the Greased haft of the axe slips out of his grip, and the weapon goes clattering to the ground! (OOC: definitely rolled too low on the Reflex save.)
Ferrak's bravura seems ill-advised as the much-larger human raises a mailed fist to bring it down on the head of the imp he perceives is latched onto his leg--but before the fist can descend, Darkfang sinks his teeth into the paladin's calf and yanks the misguided crusader off-balance enough to have the paladin flub the blow. The human paladin suffers 4hp from the wolf's bite.
Draax's attempt to "sedate" the paladin striking out at Renik just barely misses, but the warrior--in flinching away from the incoming blow--misses the nimble Renik once more.
"Rally, Chosen of Domi!" yells the paladin Ferrak is wrestling. "Let not these hellspawn sway us from our righteous course!!!" It's a very inspirational speech, for all that he's foaming at the mouth now. The remaining paladin by the door--who is no longer dazed by Bill's stomping--works furiously to free herself from the net, but remains trapped within it.
Bill Troublefinder d20+7=8 Monday November 5th, 2001 7:50:43 AM
Bill plans to drop a pound sack of flour on the struggling paladin's head, but as he raises it over his own head, the bottom tears open, and the levitating halfling is quickly coated with a layer of white flour. Fine white dust drifts down upon the paladin below, while Bill starts sneezing and coughing. A little mound of flour rests on his head, and his shoulders are particularly white.
Sontra (Sunblaze) [Steven] Monday November 5th, 2001 11:00:46 AM
(OOC: This is all assuming that I'm at my level 5/1 now. If not, just delete this post)
Sontra, quickly forming a plan within his mind, he moves himself towards the way them came, as fast as possible (20 feet). He attempts to pull himself along -- anything to speed up the process.
Once there, and hidden, he casts a spell, which forms in his mind instantly. A horse appears, for him to ride upon. Once it is fully summoned, he uses his ring's ability (Change self, twice per day) to look like Domi, who had fallen just days ago.
Draax d20+7=22 d8+7=15 Monday November 5th, 2001 6:52:37 PM
Draax smiles as he gets the paladin's attention enough to make him miss Renik. He feels awkward fighting with the intent of not seriously hurting his opponents. Using the flat side of the blade goes against everything that he was taught during his training sessions with the sword. With each swing he has to fight against the natural instinct of using the sharp side of the blade.
He swings again at the paladin that was attacking Renik using the flat side of his blade (hit AC22, 15 subdual dmg), reminding himself of the success he had with putting down the other paladin and the fact that they know not what they do. Looking around at the innocent bodies lying around he wonders if it is actually worth saving them.
Renik d20=7 Monday November 5th, 2001 7:55:43 PM
Glad for Draax's help while the heat is on, Renik relies on some fancy foot work to narrowly avoid being gutted by a mad paladin.
When the flat of Draax's blade connects with the Paladin that is most recently attacking him, Renik cocks his sword arm back.
Hopefully once again distracted by Draax's attack, Renik steps towards the Paladin and tries to punch him with the pommel of his rapier. (7+9-4=12)
Ferrak d20+3=16 d2+3=5 Monday November 5th, 2001 7:59:49 PM
Thankful for his brother's help against this big bad bi-ped, Ferrak goes for a few shots below the belt. (Att+3=16 Dmg=5)
Combat Round 5 (DM Donna) d20+9=19 d20=9 d20=1 d20=20 d20+2=9 d20+2=15 d20+5=14 d20+4=5 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 7:41:02 AM
Bill's effort to blind his opponent results in the poor halfling wearing the flour that had been meant for one of the rampaging paladins. Other than looking extremely...strange, however, Bill doesn't suffer any blinding effects (OOC: made a Fort save roll for ya, Bill!)
Gone is the levitating Sontra/Sunblaze--instead is the human figure of Domi...with a horse..? The two paladins who'd been attacking the disguised bard/wizard blink in awe, completely convinced that they are beholding their patron deity in the flesh. They cry out for joy and prostrate themselves--or try to. They STILL remain Webbed, however, so they can't quite do that.
Draax and Renik work on the remaining paladin on their side of the building, and--though the rogue misses, Draax's blow is true. Unfortunately, the paladin shakes off the effects of the strike and counterattacks and attempts to hit back, but fails miserably.
Ferrak continues to hold onto his opponent, and even manages to land an additional blow...below the man's waist. The paladin's eyes bulge and his voice becomes a croak, but he doesn't keel over from the pain. (OOC: made his Fort save, Ferrak--sorry! ;D) Darkfang's jaws snap again, but miss the paladin's leg, and so the paladin remains standing.
The dancing sword also misses the awestruck paladin gaping up at "Domi".
'Domi': Sunblaze: Steven Tuesday November 6th, 2001 10:45:22 AM
'Domi' walks forth on his horse. Towards the Paladins. His hands outstretched, as if to accept them. He watches them only, not the battle.
"Cease this!" He tries to sound as brave as possible. He grabs the sword from the air, dropping it to the ground.
"You have believed I am dead, yet as most things are...this was a test. Not to see your faith in me, to see it within yourself."
(OOC: Donna, i've already noticed a few things wrong with my character sheet. I'll fix it up and send again.)
Renik d20+2=9 d20=4 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 6:25:50 PM
Pointing with one hand at Sontra/Domi, Renik cocks back his sword arm again. "Look, it's Domi!" he exclaims innocently. (Bluff-9)
If the knight falls for it, then Renik is gonna let him have it. If the paladin doesn't fall for it he is still gonna let him have it. (Except I rolled a four.)
Ferrak d20+3=7 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 6:37:04 PM
Clambering up onto the mad paladins armor while they wrestle around the church grounds, Ferrak tries his best to obscure the knights face plate as he batters him about the head. (Att+3=7)
"Trip him now Brrother, NOW!" he growls, hanging on tightly as the big bi-ped totters back and forth.
Draax d20+7=26 d8+7=8 d20+7=14 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 9:42:32 PM
Draax swings again with the flat side of his blade toward the paladin (roll natural 19, no crit, 8 subdual dmg). He knows that with him and Renik alternating attacks they should be able to take this one down too.
After he connects, he follows Renik's eyes to the disguised Sunblaze and his eyes almost fall out of his head. He takes a breath as he remembers about his party's ability to alter their appearances and sighs in relief or disappointment, he is not sure which.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=21 d20+7=21 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 12:42:53 AM
Bill pulls a two pound block of cheese, wrapped, out of his bag. He opens a corner of the wrapping, and takes a bite. Ah, aged cheese! Then he notices the Domi figure. [Sense motive 21] He senses it's not really Domi. Who is it? He decides to figure this out, just as soon as he launches his next missile downward. The block of cheese heads toward the paladin who looks just about to escape from the net. Plaf! [What kind of damage does a block of cheese do, DM Donna? Aiming for the head. AC 21]
Some white powdery dust drifts down off the hobbit following the hurling of the cheese block.
Arien d6=5 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 12:50:53 AM
Arien glances about the area for a big stick or something along those lines that he could use to club the mad paladins without hurting them too badly.
(OOC:Roll was HP for new level)
Who IS This??? (DM Donna) d20=6 d20=18 d20=6 d20=2 d20=17 d20+2=7 d20+1=10 d20+2=4 d20+3=22 d20+5=8 d20+1=2 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 6:25:25 AM
"Domi" gets the attention of every conscious paladin--except for the one that Ferrak is wrestling with, since the feral gnome is blocking that guy's view. One of the paladins still entangled by the Web spell scowls.
"That's NOT Domi!!!" he scoffs, then strains mightily against the strands that hold him (to no avail, however.)
The paladin facing Renik and Draax--while momentarily distracted by the sight of the "god of courage"--nonetheless also disbelieves Sontra's bluff, and tries to strike at Renik once more. He misses, and Draax's smack upside his head knocks him out! (OOC: he failed a Fort save, you lucky dawgs!)
"Rrrrwwweeee, brrrrrrvrrrrrsssss, RRRRWEEEEEE!" The muffled voice of the face-hugged paladin is nowhere near as effective as the unobstructed urging he'd been doing earlier. Exasperated, the holy warrior manages to grab hold of Ferrak and tosses the feral gnome towards the Web holding his fellow paladins to the left of the door! (Ferrak needs to make a Reflex save versus DC15 or land squarely in the middle of the Web, becoming as entangled as the two paladins within it.
Darkfang snarls, because the paladin's sudden heaving of Ferrak causes the wolf to miss the tall man's leg yet again!
"Ah-HA!!!" cries the paladin next to Arien, who is looking for a weapon that won't hurt the mad guards too badly. Arien blinks as he registers a naked sword in this warrior's hand--he managed to free himself from one of the nets finally and has caught the spellcaster/rogue flatfooted..!
Or so it seems--because, suddenly, a missile smacks the paladin on the very top of his head. Arien sees the man's eyes roll up and the paladin keels over. The high elf's eyes drop to the timely weapon that saved his bacon--it's a brick...with a bite taken out of one corner..?
Ferrak d20+3=17 d20+10=15 d2+3=5 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 8:36:32 AM
Twisting in the air, Ferrak manages to control his flight enough to end up safely out of the webbing. Landing, for the most part on all four appendages, the feral gnome growls deep within his throat.
"GGGGGGGRRRRRRRR!"
Then quickly springing from his semi-prone position, Ferrak charges the knight in leaps and bounds. Like a wolf going in for the kill, he pounces at the knight that threw him, trying to hit him so that he falls over Darkfang. (Att+10 w/charge=15 Dmg=5)
If looks were weopons, this knight would have fallen over just from the sheer determination set in the wild gnome's diminutive glare.
"Flugdhfgkifajfn fall down!" curses Ferrak in Druidic.
Renik Wednesday November 7th, 2001 9:25:02 AM
Moving over to help cover the knight that Ferrak is battling. Renik watches as the feral gnome flies past his face in slow motion...
Hearing strange words coming from the gnome's lips as he flies past the savvy spy, Renik pauses and thinks to himself.
'Now there's something you don't see everyday.'
Witnessing the chaos of greasy, flour soaked, webbing, as Domi rides again, and a brick with a bite in it hits a mad paladin of Domi in the head. Renik shrugs his shoulders, crouches, and readies himself for whatever comes next.
'Domi': Sunblaze: Steven Wednesday November 7th, 2001 10:20:19 AM
'Domi' starts to float (Potion of levi still working) towards the Webbed Paladin, hands outstretched. Yet he never goes into the web area.
"You try to, to be brave, to fight the evil. Yet do you know what you've become? Yes, that is what you are. The evil you so dearly fought. My child...Have courage. If you wish to turn your back on me that is fine. I know you will be...safe." He sighs, going towards his steed (Phantom Steed).
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=18 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 1:13:12 PM
Bill clears his throat of glutenous flour and cheese, then sings a song to the paladins in his fine tenor voice. [Perform 18]
"You have gone -- crazy We are not -- demons I'm just a -- hobbit Who could ask for anything more?
"Please quit your -- madness Leave off your -- ravings Come to your -- right minds Who could ask for anything more? Who could ask for anything more?"
He reaches again into his bag.
Draax Wednesday November 7th, 2001 1:59:24 PM
Draax lays the two unconscious paladins side by side. He takes a rope out of his backpack and ties them both together without removing their nets. After he is satisfied that the two are secured he will look around to see if any of the other paladins still need to be restrained.
Arien Wednesday November 7th, 2001 4:53:52 PM
Arien picks up both the brick and the sword the now unconcious paladin had wielded. He tosses the weapon away from where any of the paladins could retrieve it with any ease. Arien then looks in the direction that the brick had come from in an attempt to discover who his unknown benefactor was.
Rond d20+9=18 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 10:47:52 PM
Wishing no ill will, Rond engages one of the closest Pallys to the door. Swinging his sword, he grunts as he swings the flat of his blade around, and tries to halt its arc, after he misses.
STOP the INSANITY!!! (DM Donna) d20=16 d20+5=22 d20=3 d6=6 d20+5=25 d20+2=3 2d6(3+1)+3=7 d20=1 Thursday November 8th, 2001 7:54:27 AM
Ferrak charges the leader paladin, slamming into the man with enough force to make the human grunt and teeter precariously, but the determined yet misguided paladin remains on his feet.
Darkfang's teeth once more sink into the struggling warrior's leg and the wolf gives a mighty YANK on the appendage--NOW the man loses his balance, toppling over onto the ground! (Ferrak, make a Reflex save versus DC10 to jump clear or suffer 3hp of falling damage.)
Renik and Arien look around, and the high elf sees Bill floating up in the air. Arien's eyes return to the "brick"--and he sees it's a brick of cheese. (Roll an Intelligence check versus DC10 to make the leap of logic that it's Bill's cheese.)
Draax ties up the unconscious paladins as "Domi" continues to try to convince the remaining conscious ones to cease hostilities. (OOC: I rolled a Bluff check for ya, Sunblaze--the result, unfortunately, is a natural 1.)
"False demon--preying upon the innocent!" yells the one paladin left standing. "Taste steel yo--OOOOOF!"
The "oof" is a result of Rond's blow from the flat of his sword (OOC: the 18 result did NOT miss!) on the back of the distracted chevalier's head. The ranger's strike results in the paladin falling to the ground, unconscious.
Quick battle tally: all but two of the paladins are out cold--one of them is hopelessly stuck in the Web to the left of the door, and the other is flat on his back thanks to Ferrak and Darkfang.
'Domi': Sunblaze: Steven d20+2=4 d20+2=7 Thursday November 8th, 2001 10:42:38 AM
(Bluff Check, +2 is charisma. I don't know if anything else should be added other then that)
'Domi' grabs the sword again, getting ready to slice the paladin. Then he gets off the horse, telling it to charge at the Paladin who's stuck in the web.
'Domi' then walks over to Ferrak's paladin, trying to get near him enough to have the paladin look at him. (Rolled another bluff check, because I don't think he was part of the other, if so then...pah!)
Bill Troublefinder Thursday November 8th, 2001 5:43:33 PM
Bill sinks down a little ways.
"I know Domi. You are NOT Domi. GO AWAY, FALSE ONE! Do NOT seek to beguile further these noble knights who are beguiled ENOUGH! You would wield the edge of the sword against those who served the true Domi? I stand against thee!"
And Bill interposes himself between the paladin in the web and the Domi-impersonator, holding darts in each hand to threaten the poser.
He hopes the hint is taken.
Ferrak d20+3=21 d20+12=30 d2+3=5 d20+8=12 Thursday November 8th, 2001 6:31:08 PM
Wild and agile, the little gnome avoids the falling paladin, scrambling off to the right.
"Yes Darkfang, you're the best!" he barks in wolven as he bares his teeth in a grin.
Rolling up and moving quickly, Ferrak clambers up onto Darfangs shoulders for extra elevation. Then momentarily holding both arms up for balance, the feral gnome jumps down on the prone paladin in what I believe is called a flying suflex.
"Grr!"
(Att+8+4 for prone=30! Dmg=5 any bonuses for a classic wrestling move? The last role is a ride check in case I needed it.)
Renik Thursday November 8th, 2001 6:43:16 PM
Not quite sure if the wild gnome needs his help or not, and fairly amused by what he is now witnessing, Renik steps closer to see if this paladin is finally 'down for the count'.
Kneeling next to the two combatants, the canny thief slaps the ground near the paladin's head to see if he is still kicking.
Once...
Twice.....
?
Draax Thursday November 8th, 2001 11:39:14 PM
Draax takes one last look at the secured paladins just to ensure himself that they are not going anyway. He turns to looks at the play that is unfolding before him. He has identified all the actors, but has no idea of the name of the play. He holds back and waits to see what happens.
Rond Friday November 9th, 2001 12:58:28 AM
After delivering his blow, Rond hears Bill seemingly take charge of ths situation. While there is a quick lull in things, Rond checks the area out. He does his best to stay quiet, and not to distract things.
Arien d20+4=21 Friday November 9th, 2001 1:50:24 AM
Arien looks at the cheese, then at Bill and then back at the cheese again. Then, shrugging he tosses the cheese over his shoulder and begins collecting the weapons from the unconcious or incapacitated paladins.
All Over But the Shoutin' (DM Donna) d20+5=22 Friday November 9th, 2001 7:12:42 AM
The paladin upon whom Ferrak & Darkfang have repeatedly executed several WWF-style maneuvers is FINALLY down for Renik's count!
As the rest of the party begins to realize that the only paladin left conscious is one of the two in the Web, that warrior begins to weep...for joy.
"I knew you couldn't have forsaken us, my lord," he sobs, "I knew it! See how many of the vile natives of the lower planes we have slain in your name? See their cursed remains...never will they threaten the Wold again! Great is Domi! Great is Domi..!"
And all around the Wind Hamleteers, the dead and dying citizens of Plateau City lay as the poor, mad paladin blubbers on with the utmost sincerity and pride about the scores of devils and demons dispatched back to the realms of evil.
'Domi': Sunblaze: Steven d20+6=23 Friday November 9th, 2001 10:39:57 AM
'Domi' sheathes the sword and walks towards the last Paladin. His hands outstretched (Reflex save, to avoid the webs). He smiles, continuing onward.
"Come with me..." He looks into the paladins eyes for a minute, before ripping away the shreds of web holding him there.
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=19 d4+2=6 Friday November 9th, 2001 6:02:54 PM
'Domi' will first have to get through Bill, who already had positioned himself in front of the webbed paladin. Seeing that the imposter is not heeding his words, but instead is coming toward him and the paladin, Bill launches his first dart, aiming for the false Domi's sword shoulder. [+9 ranged weapons, -4 for called shot, hits AC 19, 6 hp damage.] [He does not know this is Sunblaze - just that it is not Domi.]
"I said Go Away!" He draws his sword with his left hand, dart in the right hand, cocked to throw. His stance is sideways, most attention on 'Domi', but with the webbed paladin in his peripheral vision.
Renik Friday November 9th, 2001 7:15:29 PM
Three.
Sighing with relief, Renik stays slumped near to the ground, resting his eyes from the horrors around him.
Feeling a bit hysterical, the thief takes a few deep breaths, fearing that he too will soon go mad.
And in this corner... Ferrak! d20+7=8 d20+7=23 d20+9=10 d20+9=27 d20+9=25 Friday November 9th, 2001 7:30:09 PM
"Yeah! We did it, Darkfang." Yells Ferrak elated with his unarmed victory.
"I couldn't have done it without you." says the feral gnome proudly, as he scruffles the big black wolf roughly around the neck.
His celebration is short lived however, as the cries of the not yet dead reach his sharp ears.
Reaching into his backpack for his healing mud and herbs, Ferrak rushes over to try and help any of those who might yet be saved.
For those beyond help he does his best to ease their pain. (Two rolls without healer's kit two rolls with, for the more serious cases. One roll for luck. I rolled two natural ones after all, OUCH.)
Arien Friday November 9th, 2001 10:22:35 PM
"Hurry up with that one will you." Arien says impatiently. "We need to get these guys off the street and some place where they, and everyone else, are safe from thier madness." Then Arien does his best to secure the weapons, covering the bladed parts to prevent any accidents.
Draax Saturday November 10th, 2001 12:40:22 AM
Watching the action of Bill and the false god Sunblaze, Draax relaxes against a wall. "Oh, now this is good." A smile comes to his face as he tries to figure out what game the two are playing. Draax is amazed at how good an actor Bill is, if he wasn't so sure that Sunblaze and Bill were acting on some private plan of theirs, he would think that Bill would actually attack the bard. He figured that all the undercover work that the halfling has been doing must have been perfecting his acting abilities.
Draax counts the members of the group again and thinks in his mind, 'Yup, the only one that is missing is Sunblaze, so he must be disguised as Domi'.
He is also amazed at the fake dart that Bill throws at the image of the god. "These guys are amazing, it looks so real."
Draax knows that Arien is right and that the two actors are wasting precious time, but their performances is so good, he cannot wait to see how it ends.
Taking another look around to make sure that all the down pallys are secure, Draax turns his attention back to the play.
Epilogue to Scene 2 (DM Donna) Saturday November 10th, 2001 8:27:54 AM
Bill intercedes between "Domi" and the Webbed paladin, but the holy warrior is beyond noticing--he's salivating heavily and lost in what could be classed as religious ecstasy...or madness. Take your pick.
Sunblaze reveals herself to Bill, negating the need for the dart. The Hamleteers help where they can--securing the delusional paladins, bandaging the wounded, calming the trapped survivors after assuring them they've been rescued...relocating the bodies of the slain.
It's long, hard, dirty work...and it's close to midnight before the party returns to the safe house to drop into an exhausted sleep.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday November 11th, 2001 1:35:49 AM
"Whoa, that was a close call," Bill says as he halts the launch of his dart at the last second. Then he whispers to her, "Sorry 'bout that, Sunblaze. Didn't know it was you. Where'd you get the horse?"
Bill works hard to help the wounded, reassure the frightened, and enlist the help of some of the townsfolk in caring for the injured. He works at learning the names of as many as he can, and seeks to find out if any know any of the names of the woeful paladins. He asks if any of them were at the Golden Arena the night before. If any indicate they were, Bill engages them in conversation as they work together, and, if he finds one who he senses has a measure of discretion, will ask if they recognize the girl whom Domi held, and if they have any idea where she might live. If worthwhile information is forthcoming, he (discretely) offers a potion of healing (1-8) and a dozen gold pieces.
He recovers the battle nets, cleaning them off and folding them neatly. "Hey, I was thinkin'. You guys who use arrows - maybe you can fix up a few so that instead of sharp tips, you give 'em blunt ends. That way, when you hit someone, instead of pokin' 'em and slicin' 'em up, you'll just bruise 'em, maybe knock 'em out. Whaddaya say when we get back 'home' we fix up some like that? Cause, like today - or is this still tonight? - sometimes ya wanna disable someone without killin' 'em."
"Ferrak, remind me never to wrestle with you. You are one tough gnome!" He tells DarkFang that he, too, is ferocious and valiant. He asks Ferrak how to say that in the wolf's language. "I'd like to learn what you two are saying. I can talk with moles and badgers, but have never learned a canine tongue." Asking permission first, if Ferrak and DarkFang don't object, Bill begins to try to imitate the growls and whimpers and barks he hears exchanged between the wolf and gnome. He observes them for clues about body language, too.
As they walk home, Bill asks his friends what they thought of the tactics everyone used, and, if they were to come across a similar situation, if there are any things they might do differently next time. He apologizes for singing that silly song. "I just was trying to figure out *some* way of getting through to their scrambled brains. I think Sunblaze made that guy in the webs happy, at least."
Back at the safe house, Bill washes up as best he can, grabs a bedtime snack, then spends several minutes logging highlights of the dark day's events in his journal. Yet, overcome with exhaustion, he falls asleep in the middle of a paragra....
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