A New Direction - DMJK Monday October 28th, 2002 9:15:31 AM
Marcus lets everyone chat for a moment. Then he nearly shoves everyone out the door claiming that he has urgent business to take care of. Once everyone is out, he locks the door and disappears inside.
After that... nothing happens. For all its hustle and bustle, Plateau City seems to be a relatively peaceful place. There are no assassinations, kidnappings, trade wars, dragon attacks, or mad priests. Heck, there aren't even any robberies, muggings, or murders that the local constabulary can't figure out. It's enough to drive a seasoned adventurer stir crazy.
Then one morning a letter arrives at the residence addressed to "Bill Trublefinder."
Renik Monday October 28th, 2002 6:16:15 PM
The rogue nudges his companion in a good humoured manner. "Well Bill? Aren't you going to open it?" he says through a mouthful of scrambled eggs. He shovels in breakfast, hoping that the letter contains some urgent plea, some desperate cry for help. Anything to help take his mind off that accursed Prelate Marshall.
Draax Tuesday October 29th, 2002 12:49:54 AM
Draax cuts his eyes over at Bill trying to act like he is not really that interested, but he is very curious about what the letter contains.
Hobbes Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:13:55 AM
Outside a loud whinny and neigh is heard with a familiar heavy clip-clopping. The door opens to reveal Hobbes standing there, his helm uncharacteristically absent from his head revealling a course tuft of black hair with sideburns.
"Ahhhh. Nothing like a brisk ride to attune the senses. Quick to business. Is there a need of our assistance yet? I am eager to work this day."
Feng Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:53:06 AM
Feng is glad that things have gotten better. He uses the time to brush his warhorse and give him some exercise. He's been busy as of late and has been neglecting his friend.
the letter (DmJK) Tuesday October 29th, 2002 9:25:10 AM
Mr. Bill, I shure hate to disterb you while you are in the big city, but there has been truble here in Windhorn Hamlet. Theres been all sorts of weird goings on at the semitary by my farm. Mostly odd stuff at night. I even herd something tryin the door last nite, but I keep it lokt. I wasn't too terrible worried until this morning though. I went to see Elmo -he has the farm by mine - but he weren't home. It looked like something busted in his place and tore it all up. I'm terrible worried something bad happened to Elmo. I been to the courthouse and there just doin an investigation into Elmo's disaperance. They ain't worried bout the semitary. Say I'm a supersticious coot. I hate to bother you but I don't know who else I can ask. Don't have no kinfolk around. I hope you can come have a look. If you can come, I'll be stayin at the Hearthfire. I ain't staying out here at nite no more. -Edmond
Bill Trublef ... Troublefinder Tuesday October 29th, 2002 1:35:35 PM
After the interview with Davenport, Bill hurries himself over to the new temple of Gargul to see how their comatose compatriot is doing, and to see whether he might render him some further assistance. If the Gargulian mucky mucks are too busy, he will check in with the church of Alemi, explain the situation (well, not the whole situation - just the poisoning and coma), and see what might be done.
He also touches base with the elf girl, Shianna, who was saved by Domi, and her parents, Frellin and Kianimar. He takes her a silly cartoon he drew.
The busy halfling also checks in on his normal round of bookstores, to see if any interesting new volumes may have come in. His funds, of late, are a bit tight, so he will only pick up a couple or three new books, if he can afford them.
On the morning he receives the letter, Bill first answers Renik, "Yes, right after my toast." He then reads the letter to himself.
"Hey, guys, listen to this. Remember Elmo? Not the poor fellow who passed away whose gambling establishment we recently visited. I mean - well some of you wouldn't remember, 'cause you're not from Windhorn Hamlet - but he has a farm over there, and I mentioned him when we were trying to figure out who Elmo was when we got that token? OK. Well, his neighbor, Edmond, just wrote me this letter. And Draax, I saw you trying to read over my shoulder! OK, here it is." And he reads the letter aloud.
"So hey, what do you all think? Not much is happening around here, except our store is starting to do a little better. Mechina can handle that, and we'll need to find someone to watch after Ferrak's little garden, but how 'bout we take a trip to Windhorn Hamlet, and see if we can't help our hometown friends out? Well, I know it's not everyone's here hometown - but we could show you 'round the place. There're some fun folks out there! And my mom makes great pies." The halfling smacks his lips at the mere thought.
Rond Tuesday October 29th, 2002 3:16:59 PM
Rond cleans up after the latest round of adventuring. Trying to figure out what to do next, Rond listens in while Bill updates the group about his letter.
"We'll have to check out with Marcus to make sure we can get away from the city. But I for one could use some time out in the field." There is a certain gleam to Rond's eyes as he looks forward to the possibility of being out on the road again, away from the city for awhile.
Renik Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:36:35 PM
"A trip into the countryside? Why not? It's been too long since I saw open fields, forests and a clear sky away from city lights. A shame Ferrak can't join us, he's have loved this idea!"
Renik heads off to pack his gear for the trip, whistling to himself. The thought of time away from the city has lightened his mood.
Feng Tuesday October 29th, 2002 10:16:48 PM
"If something is preying on farmers then we must leave at once. It's apparent that they can't deal with this creature. Some choose not to believe it. Even though we don't know what it is, time can only make the situation worse."
Draax Wednesday October 30th, 2002 12:06:15 AM
Draax tries not to show his enthusiasm toward returning to Windorn Hamlet, but a big smile has suddenly appeared on his face. "I have not given my horse his head to run in a very long time, I think a trip back home is just what me and my horse needs."
Hobbes Wednesday October 30th, 2002 4:00:00 AM
The refreshment in Hobbes' face fades as a dull sunset vanishes behind a thick clump of trees until nothing remains but a dark stare filled with grim purpose. He steps across the room and through a door, is gone for but a second, and then emerges his scythe held strong in his hand.
He looks about, "then let us be off to check out this...sem-i-tary."
Preparations (DMJK) Wednesday October 30th, 2002 10:08:36 AM
Apart from taking along weapons, like a good trusty scythe, what preparations need to made? What is the mode of travel? What is the route? What provisions need to be brought along? What time of day will the departure be?
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday October 30th, 2002 2:34:28 PM
Bill takes out a piece of paper, and begins to write a list. As he does so, he remarks on what he writes down.
"All right. Sounds like we may be dealing with undead. We may need to see about some sort of healing potions - or a wand of curing. Maybe an antidote to paralyzation. Hobbes and Feng ought to be good at helping us against the undead, if such we face. It's a cemetary, after all.
"Should someone run on over to the Catacombs to pick up a few supplies?
"Shall we get some horses? Maybe we can ask about those carriages that brought us here - what was that, about a year and a half ago? They were kind of neat!
"And we'll want some snacks for the road. And make sure we have money to pay for the lifts down from the plateaus.
"I used to be able to take people from one place to another pretty quick - did that for Sunblaze a while back. But something happened, and I can't do that anymore. Of course, if there were a teleportal from here to there, then that would be a fast way of going.
"Probably, though, the highway we came over on is the best bet. It magically increased our rate of travel, remember? Hope it still works that way.
"So, what do ya all think? Rond, when you check in with Marcus, why not ask him if he's got a way of getting us there quickly? Teleportation, or carriages, or a swift boot in the rear?" The halfling laughs at his own last silly suggestion.
Renik Wednesday October 30th, 2002 5:56:20 PM
The rogue prepares weapons, armour, clothing and rations, then listens to Bill's suggestions.
"Oh, you think we could get carriages? That would be ideal, I'm not a great fan of horses myself. Yes, travel in luxuary, I like your thinking Mr T. Even a wagon with some cushions would be preferable to plodding about on some great smelly horse..."
He stops, realising with shock what he is saying. If his poor father could hear these words... he sounds like some pampered city type, afraid of a bit of honest country air... how his few short years in the big city have changed him, and quite possibly for the worse.
"...though I suppose it might be fun to get back to basics. Experience nature as it ought to be experienced and all that" he finishes smoothly.
Renik chips in his fair share of whatever travel costs are required, but draws the line at a trip to the Catacombs. "If we need magical supplies I'm a Fargunian" he grins at the halfling. "Can we really be out of everything again so soon? Well, if the team want to get it I'll pay my share, but someone else can go stand in line. My feet still ache from last time!"
Hobbes Thursday October 31st, 2002 3:02:28 AM
Hobbes frowns, "I speak for myself and probably for Feng. All I need is my trusted horse and I'm off. I would rather we all travel on horseback as the ride would be brisker and less troublesome, but if we must, choose the swiftest carriage you can find. As for the luxury, that should come out of your own pocket. We may need the rest for the villagers we find there. In the meantime I shall go to the temple and see what concoctions they have available for the trip. I shall return in the morning and we shall be off then hopefully."
Hobbes gallops over to the Temple of Gargul and stables Bradbury his horse. He strides in and immediately seeks out Father Jonno and tells him of his latest task of heading to protect the village of Windhorn Hammlet and the need for possible potions (healing, etc) and scrolls (especially cure, remove paralysis, and neutralize poison).
After conducting business he spends the night praying in the temple, performing restoring rituals to his spirit and receiving the blessings of Gargul culminating in the acquisition of a new selection of spells.
No Marcus (DMJK) Thursday October 31st, 2002 11:28:10 AM
When Rond goes to check on Marcus, he finds a closed sign hanging on the Motley Lot's front door. The door is locked and no one seems to be around.
After a quick survey you discover that the cost of renting a padded coach and driver for a oneway trip to Windhorn would cost everyone 15 gold each. A round trip would only cost 20, but you'd have to guarantee the driver that he wouldn't have to wait more than 5 days for the return. It seems that rented luxury is cheaper than purchasing a horse for everyone. Of course, a horse you already own is cheaper than a carriage ride.
Draax Thursday October 31st, 2002 10:51:11 PM
"My horse could use the exercise, so I would like to ride him back to the hamlet."
Bill Troublefinder Friday November 1st, 2002 12:29:24 AM
Bill tells Hobbes when the latter mentions leaving in the morning, "Hey, it'll take more than a day to get there, by horse or carriage. Let's leave no later than noon, or maybe just after lunch today. Maybe we can get to the end of this plateau by the end of the day."
Regarding the Catacombs, he says, "Well, I guess we can just take off without shopping."
He kicks in 45 gp for the carriage. As soon as the balance is paid, he says, "Okay, Draax, Hobbes, Feng - you ride your horsies, and we'll rough it in the carriage. Let's go!"
Feng Friday November 1st, 2002 8:48:41 AM
Feng slides and straps the studded leather barding in place. The armor looks odd in comparison to the others. Still it's a ritual that has saved Feng and his horse many times.
Feng smiles as he swings up into the saddle. He runs a hand along the side of Degg's (the horse) neck. Degg stomps his hoof in anticipation. He'd been in the stables for far to long. Longer than he used to. Degg is an impressive white stallion. Standing almost 18 hands, a most impressive sight.
"This is Degg, my fiend. A most impressive war horse, is he not? He showed up shortly after I swore my service to the gods. Degg has saved my life many times. He's great at taking watch and fearless. Sometimes I think that's a bad thing. Nobody to let us know when we are both in over our heads." Feng says with a chuckle.
Renik Friday November 1st, 2002 9:18:28 AM
Renik settles back against the carriage cushions with a sigh. "Ah well, forced to travel in style. Never mind!"
He chips in with his payment, and peers out of the window as they head out of Plateau City. Before long the motion of the carriage lulls him off to sleep.
The Journey (DMJK) Friday November 1st, 2002 9:48:35 AM
Carriages and horses set out on the journey. Before very long, you arrive at the Hoomwix lift down to the second plateau. The line is horribly long. There seems to a great deal of foot traffic, but there are a number of carriages and horses as well.
As you join the line, a lift employee wearing an official looking green lift comes up to your group. "1 carriage and 3 horses? Is that correct, gentlemen? That will be two trips down. The carriage and its horses in one trip will be a full load. The 3 horses will go in the next, and we will load some foot traffic on with you. Is that acceptable? You're looking at a 30 minute wait."
In the meantime, you're all able to catch some of the view from the top of the plateau. It's magnificent. Looking off to the northwest, all you see for miles is the treetops of the Blackheart Woods. The leaves are just beginning to change colors in the early fall weather. It's like a luscious sea of deep gold and red. Right through the middle and nearly straight north two deep lines have been cut. One for the River Brinkwater that sparkles brilliant blue in the morning light, and the other for the Safe Road that will lead you toward your final destination.
Rond Friday November 1st, 2002 12:54:11 PM
After spending so much time within the city, even with its sights, Rond is happy to see the countryside coming back into view.
Bill Troublefinder d20+13=30 d20+18=27 d20+5=11 Saturday November 2nd, 2002 1:40:27 PM
Too excited to remain in the carriage at the phenomenal viewpoint, Bill assures the liftman that the wait will be just fine. He wants to take advantage of the chance to soak it all in. [2nd roll - autohypnosis 27 - to memorize the scene.] He pulls out a piece of parchment and draws a quick sketch of the lay of the land before him.
Once the time comes for the second load to be lowered, Bill leaves his bag and most accoutrements with Renik in the carriage, and the psicrystal William, as well. "I'll see you guys at the bottom!" he says cheerily. He lets them go on ahead, remaining above to watch them descend for a while. He works on making sure that all his clothing and such are well secured, his boot laces double knotted and firm on his feet.
A ways off to one side, he takes a running start, and leaps off the mile-high cliff (taking advantage of his boots of striding and springing to assist him in his leap outwards - DC 30). "Weeeeeee! Yip-yip-yip-yippee!" he hollers as he descends swiftly. When he falls through the air, he tries to see if he can affect his direction of travel a little by the position of his body, arms and legs. He times his leap so as to reach the same altitude as the descending platform when it's about 400 feet above the ground below, and triggers feather fall, his rate of descent slowed to 10' per second until he lands softly on the ground. "Hey! Hi guys!" the hobbit laughs when he is just above them, waving on his way down. He hopes he doesn't get in too much trouble for his shenanigans - but it just looked like too much fun to pass up!
He wipes the moisture from his wind-whipped eyes, and rejoins the carriage as the journey continues northward, then asks Feng if he can ride on the back of his beautiful horse for a little while, just for fun [Ride: 11]. "Degg is so strong and handsome! How did you two get together?"
Renik Sunday November 3rd, 2002 8:14:19 AM
The rogue's gentle snoring accompanies the coach on its downward journey, as the snoozing rogue manages to completely miss the breathtaking panorama and spectacular voyage down.
Draax Sunday November 3rd, 2002 11:36:26 AM
Draax stand in line next to his horse, gently patting it on the head. Being in the city for such a long period of time, he knows how anxious his horse is to stretch its legs. He double checks his saddlebags ensuring he has enough feed for the long journey, removes an apple and feeds it to the horse. He smiles as he thinks of seeing the hamlet again.
Hobbes d20+8=18 Monday November 4th, 2002 12:10:44 AM
Sitting upright on his pale grey horse Bradbury, Hobbes looks out at the impressive view decked in his full black plate mail (helmet included) and his black and silver cloak.
"My word, Draax, I've never seen this site before. And you're from this area? A quite satisfying gaze. I wonder perhaps how this travel fairs against brigands or darker things of the night. Know you of any troubles?"
He peers over at Degg. "Feng your horse is as proud and valiant a beast as I've ever seen. I've not seen its equal."
He continues to peer around, keeping watch at both the magnificent view and the beings which encircle it. [Spot check 18 to see...anything unusual or otherwise]
The Way down {dmjk} Monday November 4th, 2002 12:13:39 PM
When the lift employees see that Bill is about to jump, one of them shouts, "We have another jumper!" There is a mad dash to stop the halfling that the rest of the party would probably find quite comical had they not already descended. Bill has barely enough time to evade capture, and he leaps over the edge. He has just enough time to hear one of the employee's shout, "It's a magic free zone!" as he plunges over the edge. . . . . Down . . . Down he goes . . . Faster . . . Faster and faster . . . He's catching up to the platform . . . trying to cast that spell . . . Fortunately for Bill, the guy manning the lift above was having a bit of fun with the jumper, and the spell works. The daring halfling floats to a gentle rest on the descending platform.
The rest of the ride down is somewhat uneventful. Though, the view is breathtaking. However, once Bill's platform hits the ground, the group discovers 5 armed guards waiting. "That's a 5gp fine, Mr. Daredevil. What if some kid tried to emulate you and plunged to his death? Think that would be funny?"
Bill Troublefinder Monday November 4th, 2002 1:22:24 PM
Bill doesn't feel too panicked by what the man yells. After all, he's not using magic, per se. It's psionics! Nevertheless, he considers his options a bit quickly. Aha -- it worked! Hurray! He really is happy upon landing safely.
"Nope," replies the halfling to the guards. "T'wouldn't be funny." He pays them 10 gold pieces, his ears burning red with embarrassment.
Feng Monday November 4th, 2002 6:40:55 PM
"Sure, climb on up. I doubt Degg will even notice." Feng says and helps Bill up. "He showed up one day. Shortly after the gods put me through a test."
Draax Tuesday November 5th, 2002 4:48:22 AM
Draax watches Bill's leap of faith with a surprised look on his face and smiles at the end results, wondering if that is what the halfling planned to do.
To Hobbes he says, "There are a few brigands along the road, but only the stupid or very organized ones will attack an armored party as big as ours. The Son of Dread followers are still out there, but I have not seen any since the world changed. We have been in the city so long, who knows what changes have occurred, there a probably a few new threats that we are not aware of. I just hope the Sentinel Head is still in its place, the last thing I want to worry about is dragons."
Onward to Brinkwater (DMJK) Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:52:53 AM
After paying Bill's fine, the group is able to continue on its way. The day is nice. The air is crisp and cool, and the safe road that runs through the Blackheart Woods Monster Preserve provides an easy means of travel.
Nothing exceptional happens during the rest of the day's journey. No robbers or monsters cause trouble upon the magical saferoad. You arrive in Brinkwater upon the beautiful banks of Lake Wellogy in midafternoon. Then the road turns north. It follows the border of the lake for several miles, and you are able to see a few fishermen out on boats. It looks like there are a few folks out on the lake for some simple rest and relaxation too.
Pressing on, the road moves back into the Monster Preserve. Heading steadily northwest, the group finally makes it to Tincrow. It's dinner time, and Belle's Inn looks like an inviting place to stop. Of course, trail rations are an option, and you could hit Baenville before dark. Either way, you likely won't be to take the Baenville-Zidiac lift down to the next plateau until morning.
Renik Tuesday November 5th, 2002 11:08:20 AM
Stretching and aching from the rough ride of the carriage, Renik says "Is that an Inn? Oh, I would kill for a roast supper and a good glass of wine. Who wants to stop here?"
After the long journey the rogue is ravenous, and eager to stretch his legs.
Rond Tuesday November 5th, 2002 11:25:37 AM
Coming out of the carriage and joining Renik in the stretching routine, Rond looks wistfully at the inn. "I wouldn't mind to stop, but I'm not sure I really have the funds."
Feng Tuesday November 5th, 2002 6:09:58 PM
"Don't worry about it Rond. I have enough to cover your meal and bed. It would be a good idea to rest while we can. We don't know what lies instore for us back at the Hamlet." Feng says from horseback.
Draax Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:15:19 PM
Draax gets off his horse and joins the others in their stretching routine. His mouth waters at Renik's suggestion of a roast for supper. "The inn has my vote and I definitely vote for that roast."
He begins to walk his horse toward the inn and will see his horse settled in and feed before going into the inn.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday November 6th, 2002 2:42:55 AM
"Belle's Inn!" exults Bill. "Looks like a good place to rest our buns," he says after riding a good part of the day. After he dismounts, he looks up and says, "Thanks, Degg! Thanks, Feng!" Turning to all he says, "Let's find out what all they've got to offer." At some point, he surreptitiously slips Rond 20 gold pieces.
The halfling walks into the inn, looking around, and clapping his hands once in joy.
He orders a big bowl of soup, and a variety of fruits if they have them, today's best bread, and some decent ale to wash it down.
"I realize maybe it wasn't a good example to any kids who might've been watching," Bill, rather contritely, tells his friends as they sit around the table, referring to his leap. "It was kinda fun, though," he allows. "Hope we can help our Windhorn friends. Say, Hobbes, do you have a prayer you can say for them?"
Belle's Inn Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:09:37 AM
Belle's Inn is a typical sort of country inn. A lot of the locals seem to be in to have a bit of dinner and conversation. The common room is quite crowded, but the diners don't appear to be too rowdy. You quickly discover that the inn is apparently named after the proprietress, a beautiful human woman in her early 30s. Flipping her long, dark hair over a shoulder she greets the group, "Welcome, friends. Room and board costs one gold each. After that, the hospitality of the house is yours."
The food is excellent even though the fruit is somewhat poor. Belle does manage to scrape up a fair quantity of grapes and some tart apples, but there seems to be little else in this meat and potatoes environment. Still there is good thick meaty stew, roast pork, corn, and potatoes for everyone. The bread is a dark loaf with a crust coated in marmalade, and Belle serves up a brown ale that would do a dwarf proud.
Renik d20+12=24 Wednesday November 6th, 2002 12:51:34 PM
Renik tucks in heartily, winking at Belle and making flirtatious small talk.
"A fine establishment, dear lady, and fine food, but I fear I can appreciate neither fully; your radiance blinds me!" (Bluff (Flirt) 24). He continues in this vein for some time, his mood content, though he will back off should it turn out that Belle has a partner.
Draax Wednesday November 6th, 2002 5:14:56 PM
Draax rolls his eyes and smiles as Renik flirts with Belle. When he is able to get the innkeeper's attention he will order some roast pork, corn, potatoes and a glass of ale.
Rond Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:02:43 PM
Being able to put aside the worries of the spy game. Rond enjoys the company of his fellow adventurers as they all sit down to meal in the countryside. Rond decides to take a look around to see the health of the area, after the latest round of spy games.
Feng Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:52:43 PM
Feng takes the time to enjoy his evening. He doesn't mine traveling but a warm in, good food, and fine women to watch make an evening. Not normally one to drink ale, Feng finds Belle's suprisingly satisfying.
A Splendid Evening (DMJK) Thursday November 7th, 2002 10:04:05 AM
Belle flirts with Renik a bit too, but she quite obviously receives the attention of most of the men in the place, so nothing happens beyond some harmless flirting.
The evening was entertainment filled. There was a travelling bard in for the evening that played a mean set of pipes and cited a fine rhyme. He wasn't as good as some of the performers that you've seen in the city, but the crowd here loved him. They sang along with all the songs and cheered at all the appropriate parts in the stories. The aura of mirth was contagious, and you all found yourselves having a good time.
The local residents all seemed to genuinely like each other, and there was no fighting and no signs of potential trouble. During the course of the evening Rond had a chance to interview some of the patrons. He found that most everyone is either a local farmer or merchant, but there were a couple of rangers taking a break from patrolling the Blackheart. In each case, he learned that the past year was a hard one for everyone, but since all that "God stuff" is over and done with, things have been steadily improving. The rangers were especially helpful as they pointed out that the monster population in the forest is steadily returning to its normal levels, which is to say that there are more monsters than during the trial of the gods. Apparently many of the forest's monsters had left and joined the forces of evil, but now they are returning. The rangers seem to think that is an improvement.
The entertainment slowed down a bit earlier than you were all accustomed to. It's harvest time though, and while the farmers like to play at night, they still have work to do early in the morning. And at three hours til midnight the inn was nearly empty. Only those staying the night (your own party, the bard, a grain merchant from Plateau City, and a pair of rangers) remained.
Heading in for the night, you found that the rooms were simple and inexpensively furnished, but they were also clean and well maintained. The next morning, you all awoke to the smells of cooking from downstairs. Belle was already up and at work, though you are quite certain that she went to sleep sometime after your group went up. Places are set for everyone. Bacon, eggs, potato hash, and some fresh biscuits are waiting. The rangers are apparently already gone, but the Plateau City merchant is having breakfast with the bard and a few of the merchants from town that you recognize from last night.
All in all, you find that some people are still able to live in peace and harmony without fear of dragons, demons, monsters... or spies. It's almost enough to make you wish for a different sort of life, but you also know that these people have the rangers to help protect them. Without protectors like yourselves and the rangers, people in towns like this, and Windhorn Hamlet, wouldn't be able to know such peace and contentment.
The road awaits.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday November 7th, 2002 4:35:10 PM
Bill enjoys the hearty breakfast, and stuffs a few fresh biscuits with other ingredients, like bits of bacon, hash browns, eggs, for later snacks on the road.
"So, good mornin', all. Say, Hobbes -- have you figured out a good prayer yet for the folks we're goin' ta help? And while we're talking - mind if I try ridin' along with you for a while?"
If Hobbes lets him ride along, he'll do so for a few hours, then switch back to the carriage.
Feng Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:12:24 PM
After breakfast Feng heads out to brush his horse and make sure he was fed. Degg was a massive horse and ate like one. Once that was done he saddled him and packed up his gear. "I'm all set. We should probably head out soon."
Draax Thursday November 7th, 2002 11:04:41 PM
Draax eats a healthy Portion of the breakfast and then follows Feng's example and sees to the feeding of his horse too. He gets himself and his horse ready for the road and does an inventory of his weapons ensuring that his bow is easily accessible while he is on horseback. He nods his head in agreement with Feng's statement. "Yea, an early start would be best."
Renik Friday November 8th, 2002 4:08:28 AM
Renik awakes feeling physically and mentally refreshed. It has been too long since the group have been able to enjoy the simple joys of life. Filled with a lightness of spirit he goes down to breakfast, then dons his armour and travelling gear.
As he waits for the carriage to depart he draws both short swords and begins to shadow-fence, whirling, leaping and dodging invisible foes, his blades flicking killer blows almost too fast to follow. Once he has built up a good sweat he resheathes the blades, spends ten minutes or so unstringing and restringing his bow, then uses a nearby tree for some target practice.
All the while his mood is cheery, and he can't keep the grin from his face. Ah, but it feels good to be back on the road!
Onward (DMJK) Friday November 8th, 2002 10:48:43 AM
The carriage speeds off at just the right hour. Not so early as to rush anyone, but not so late that you feel like you've wasted much travelling time. You arrive at Baenville within an hour, and you manage to beat most of the line at the lift. Soon everyone's aboard and travelling down. The view of the next plateau is just as spectacular as the last. A grassy plain strecthes out to the edges of the large lake that houses the Floating City, and right on the edge of the horizon you can make out the blue water of Dragon Bay. The site fills some of you with glee because, as you know, Windhorn Hamlet sits at the edge of the bay.
The lift arrives at the bottom in Zidiac. The town is like a fortress to protect access to the lift. It's quite a change from the last lift you were on. You all set off on the road right away, and soon you're passing through Jessage.
By lunchtime, you are at the Lake. Beetlebug seems like a much more active town than you remember it. Before it provided little more than access to the Floating City, but it's grown into a fair sized town of its own. Probably because the rumors are true. The Floating City is gone. The lake is clear blue as far as you can see. Only a few fishing boats mar its surface.
You'd heard the rumors, but seeing is believing. Where could a whole city go?
Bill Troublefinder Saturday November 9th, 2002 5:48:48 PM
"Say, if we have time after Windhorn Hamlet, maybe we can look more closely at where Floating City used to be. How can a whole city just up and move like that? Hey - what do you guys think about going underwater where the city used to be? Might be all sorts of interesting things we could find there. What do you all think about that idea?"
Bill asks Rond if he can ride on his horse with him a little. If Rond says okay, he rides along for an hour or two before returning to the carriage.
Renik Sunday November 10th, 2002 10:59:23 AM
"It's bound to have sunk" opines the rogue, peering out of the carriage window at the till lake. "I mean cities don't fly as a rule."
He thinks about this for a moment, then says "Well, apart from Lankhmar. Anyhow, my bet is that the whole thing sank. Can't say I fancy going to check it out myself though Bill. Down into the cold dark depths of the lake to peer at thousands of decomposing corpses? Brrr!"
He thinks instead of their destination, running a whetstone over his sword and dagger blades. If they go to face an undead foe, their upcoming task will be little better.
Arien Sunday November 10th, 2002 2:25:08 PM
"I would think that if it sunk someone at least would have seen it. Besides that type of thing would make a lot of noise and unless it happened extremely quickly there would likely be survivors who could tell what happened. I think that in this case that the most likely explanation isn't the correct one. Considering the types of powers being thrown around towards the end there, you know which end I mean, that something simply shifted it somewhere else. The Floating City is likely still floating, just somewhere else. Of course its entirely possible that the floating city is right were its always been, just not on this plane. That would foil most divination spells I imagine. Of course divination spells are far from my area of expertise so I couldn't tell you for sure.
Oh and if I remember right the bodies wouldn't be that decomposed. The cold would preserve them, just like a side of beef in an ice box. More than likely though, if they did sink the flesh would have been eaten before the bodies had a chance to decompose. But that's a rather morbid line of thought, so I say we concentrate on solving what exactly is going on in the hamlet. I was only there for a brief time but I was fond of the place while I was there."
Draax Sunday November 10th, 2002 7:38:12 PM
Draax takes in the sights and enjoys the view. "If nothing else is going on after our visit to the Hamlet is over I would not mind going underwater to see what we could find as long as we don't running into anymore of those Sea Devils."
Feng Monday November 11th, 2002 2:13:37 AM
"Somehow I don't think we will have the free time to look for the floating city. Things always seem to pop up."
Arrival in Windhorn
Windhorn (DMJK) Monday November 11th, 2002 8:52:30 AM
Someone is bound to have heard that merchants have been trading between Plateau City and Floating City in its new location. Teleportation still seems to work between the two places. Rumors that you've heard say Floating City is still on a lake, a much different lake surrounded by a deadly jungle. Still no one has quite figured out where this jungle is. Clearly it is not anywhere on the Elennian Peninsula.
Considering a possible return to dive for treasure, the group continues the journey to Windhorn. One more lift down, and you arrive on the coast. Pressing on, you reach Windhorn after night has set in. You venture in through Old Wood, cross Dragon Creek, and take the road through New Wood. The campsites at the southern end of down are largely vacant since the festival isn't going on. The farms at the southern end of town are quiet since the harvest is done. And things look fairly normal in the center of town.
It doesn't look like the village is experiencing any sort of deadly catastrophe. Then again, it is dark.
Draax Monday November 11th, 2002 5:37:05 PM
Draax looks at as much as he can see in the light that is available and tries to notice any changes that have taken place since his absence.
If it is not too late in the evening he will suggest that they go to the inn and inquire about renting rooms or if it is too late he will suggest camping in one of the campsites and setting watches in case there is something going on in the area.
Rond Tuesday November 12th, 2002 12:07:03 AM
Assuming it is more with the timing of their arrival, and not anything untowards for the village, Rond points the group to the Inn.
Hobbes Tuesday November 12th, 2002 2:26:34 AM
As the group gets closer to town, Hobbes sits up higher in his saddle, his right hand clutched around the bridle, his other slips quietly and securely about his holy symbol, holding it forth. He becomes ever more vigilant.
"Friends," he utters somberly from the middle of the group, "The silence around us begs investigation. I believe that while these people are in danger there should be no rest for us until we've a good starting point for our exploration. Right now, in fact may your villagers be in need of our aid. And would you sleep?"
He looks around for a reply, then concedes.
"But the inn is a good idea. Where better to begin to find out what's going on..."
Renik Tuesday November 12th, 2002 7:03:34 AM
"Agreed, Hobbes. Let's gather information (and refreshment) at the Inn, and see if we can find out what's been going on."
OOC DMJK Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:37:04 AM
---------------- Kim can't post this week. Would anyone like to play Bill for him? Make a private post to DM if you can do it. ----------------
The Hearthfire (DMJK) Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:52:29 AM
Rond leads the group to the Inn that Edmond mentioned in his letter, the Hearthfire.
Along the way, Draax looks to see the changes that have happened in the town. The biggest change seems to be that the old Chapel of Mittiri is now dedicated to Pantheon. The walled grove of Mittiri is now simply a grove tended by druids. The temple to Warrd still stands of course. Most everything else looks the way he remembers it.
The hour isn't too late, and there are still people walking about in the streets as the group marches into town. A few people point and whisper, but they otherwise leave the group alone.
Rond leads the way by the courthouse into the center of town and up to the Hearthfire. It's a simple wooden building with two stories. Judging from the outside, it probably has 6 to 8 rooms available on the top floor, and bottom floor looks just the right size for a kitchen and tavern. The sounds drifting through the closed double doors in the front sound happy, like diners enjoying a song. The scenes you're able to glimpse through the frosted windows support that conclusion.
Entering the place, you find it much the same as your evaluation. There are still a few of the town's residents enjoying a meal and some entertainment. Oddly enough, the bard is the same one that you saw in Belle's Inn. The denizens of Windhorn Hamlet seem to enjoy his performance but not quite as much as the folks in Tincrow. Most everyone turns to the door as your party walks in.
There is a bar in the back run by a large balding human male that looks like he hasn't been too long out of the military. There are two serving girls, a brunette and a redhead. They are probably in their early twenties. Judging by the way the bartender keeps his eye on the redhead, you would guess she is his daughter. There are a pair of swinging doors in the back that lead to the kitchen. To the left there is a staircase leading to the upstairs rooms. At the base of the stairs there is a desk with a small timid looking man sitting there with a ledger. To the right there is the large roaring fireplace that gives the inn its name. The bard performs on a stage nearby. The center of the room features 6 long tables and 4 smaller round ones. It looks like the townspeople are sitting together at the larger tables. Each has a collection of farmers and merchants around it. Two of the small tables feature travellers in their cloaks. They don't look particularly menacing to your well trained adventurer's eye, but three of the men at one of these tables are armed with swords.
As you take in the scene, a farmer hops off a bar stool and hurries to the front, "I'd been hoping that you'd get here. Please to see you again Rond, Draax, Bill. There's some others here I don't recognize. Pleased to meet you all, I'm Edmund. Thanks for coming so quickly."
Bill (Carl) Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:42:07 AM
"Edmund, marvelous to see you!" enthuses the halfling, running over and pumping the farmer's hand. "How've things been? I see there've been some changes in the old place, you know I don't think I realised until now just how much I missed Windhorn Hamlet. We've been living in Plateau City, as you know, it's very different from the Horn. Now, how about a bite to eat and a drop to drink before you tell us all about it, hmm? Yes, I think I nice pie would do nicely."
Renik d20+12=20 Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:44:28 AM
Reserved, Renik extends his hand and introduces himself to Edmund. "A pleasure to be of help" he murmurs, seating himself against a wall, and keeping a close eye on the goings on in the inn (Spot 20). He tries not to let his eyes linger too long on the redhead...
Feng Tuesday November 12th, 2002 5:23:49 PM
Feng gives a polite smile and brief nod to the two serving girls. He always thought that their job was a thankless and underrated one. The burly yet charismatic half orc, unstraps his double axe and leans it against the bar next to him. The move wasn't to ease his burden as it was to give a silent warning to any would be trouble makers. Feng smiles and shakes Edmunds hand. "Edmend this is a fine establishment you have here. My name is Feng, it's a pleasure to meet you."
OOC: for those that don't associate high charisma with half-orcs, Feng is a rareity. I know I don't think that. When I think of half orcs and charisma the word bad or poor generally fits in.
Arien Tuesday November 12th, 2002 7:11:40 PM
Arien greets the bartender warmly and then turns to regard the inn before him. He had been here briefly before. Just before the trouble with the Sentinel head had started, the trouble that had in the end sent him down the path he now walked. The events following the theft had changed the elf. The voice of the head had called out to him as he lay near death in the temple to Sekola. It had brought him back from the edge and remade him. Though it was but a brief time in the life of an elf he regarded the events as long in the past. With a small chuckle, Arien turned back from his memories and to the events at hand.
"Come friends," Arien says while montioning to a nearby table. "We should all sit while Edmund here tells his tale. Edmund, I insist that you sit with us, I'll buy you a tankard of ale as well. I find that a tale is easier told when one has something to wash it down with."
Draax Tuesday November 12th, 2002 9:20:28 PM
Draax greets Edmund with a big smile as he enthusiastically shakes the man's hand. He did not realize how much he missed the town and the people until that moment. "It is good to see you again and it is good to be home. Sorry about whatever problems you are having with your farm, I hope we can help"
He takes a sit at the table with everyone and looks around the inn, taking notice of travelers in the cloaks and swords some of them carry. If he catches the attention of the bard he will nod his head in greeting. He takes a moment to get his fill of the familiar sights and sounds before catching the attention of one of the waitresses and asking what food is on the menu. He also inquires about available rooms.
Edmund's Tale (DMJK) Wednesday November 13th, 2002 9:55:13 AM
Edmund takes his drink from the bar and takes a seat at the empty table Arien selected. The brunette comes by and takes orders while everyone is getting aquainted with Edmund. The menu consists of a turkey stew, fresh buttered corn, peas, and of course, there is a good selection of pies for Bill. The featured pie is fang berry.
While Edmund explains to Feng that the establishment belongs to Willim the barkeep, Draax is able to check on rooms with the small man sitting by the stairs. There are 2 empty ones left. One has three single beds. The other has two full beds. The little man, Paul, seems apologetic that there are no more rooms available, but the other 6 have all been taken already.
Arien soon has his ale. It's a pale ale made by none other than Willim. Kari, the brunette server, calls it Hearthfire Pale. It isn't quite as good as the Tincrow ale, but it's still a fine brew.
Renik keep an eye on the bar as the food arrives and Edmund begins his tale.
"There's not much else to tell you that I didn't mention in my note. I heard weird noises at my place one night and a scratching at the door. The next day I went to check on Elmo to see if he'd seen anything. Only somebody had busted into his place, and he was missing. I still haven't been back out there, but the town guard went out for a look. They agree that something happened at Elmo's, especially since he ain't come back yet, but they don't think it has anything to do with the cemetery."
A guy from one of the long tables turns around to look at the group and shouts over, "Edmund, what you bothering these folks for? They just got here. He's talking nonsense folks. There's nothing going on at the cemetery or else Nigel would have seen it."
Edmund turns to the group and waves his arms about frantically, "See, nobody believes me. But, something was at my door, something snatched Elmo, and there's weird stuff going on at the cemetery, I tell you!"
Feng Wednesday November 13th, 2002 10:30:56 AM
Feng briefly glances over at the other table. "I believe that the cemetary is a good place to start. There is the possibility that the cemetary is only a haven for the creature. Whatever it is might only pass through the cemetary just after sunset and just before dawn. Eitherway if there is evil there, I will find it. Hopefully the scene at Elmo's hasn't been compromised too much. A clue would really help."
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 13th, 2002 6:07:14 PM
"Mmm! Fang berry pie! That's my second favorite type of pie! Or is it third? Wild backcurrant and apple is awfully good too... maybe it's third. Is a pretty close thing, mind you... Anyhow, we believe you, Edmund. It certainly seems like something's up. I say we pay a little visit to that cemetery tonight, and see what we can see. Then, if we find nothing, in the morning we can scan Elmo's place for any clues the guard might have missed. Don't worry, Edmund, we'll get to the bottom of it!"
The halfling is forced to stop chatting in order to eat the second half of his pie.
Renik Wednesday November 13th, 2002 6:11:19 PM
Renik contents himself with listening, nodding as Feng and Bill speak. He looks over as the villager calls over, then turns back to the others.
"Who's this Nigel?" he asks, then takes a long draught of ale.
Draax Wednesday November 13th, 2002 9:03:40 PM
Draax smiles as he addresses Paul about the rooms, "The two rooms will be fine, with this crowd that you have here we are thankful for them."
Like Feng, Draax also hopes that they will be able to find a few clues when they go to inspect the farm. While listening to the others, Draax quickly speaks to one of the waitresses and slips her two silver pieces to keep a couple of pies in reserve and away from Bill. He begins to eat his stew while he waits for Renik?s question to be answered.
Edmund on Nigel (DMJK) Thursday November 14th, 2002 8:30:56 AM
"Nigel? He's the caretaker at the cemetery. He lives out there, and he claims that he hasn't noticed anything. That's why folks don't believe me. But I've seen odd stuff like graves dug up and people in black robes with red sleeves. I could hear this eerie chanting some nights too. He's got to be lying."
"An' I don't know much 'bout investigatin' crimes or nothin', but you all might want to have a look at my place too. The town guard didn't troop out there, but I know there was somethin' scratching on my door. It might have left tracks, and who knows, they might have busted inside like they did at Elmo's by now."
Feng Thursday November 14th, 2002 5:08:58 PM
Feng believes Edmund and knows that Nigel is involved somehow. Either as part of the cult, magically influence for his silence, or paid off. Feng concentrates trying to feel the particular vibe that evil eminates [detect evil].
Renik Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:13:27 PM
The rogue leans forward. "Mmm. Sounds like we should certainly have a chat with this Nigel. Friends, what do you think? Should we pay him a little visit tonight, then check the farms tomorrow? Or save our visit to Nigel until tomorrow night, once we have had a chance to look for clues?"
Bill (Carl) Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:21:14 PM
"Urhp mhmph mum rvmph mrmble," says the halfling through a final mouthful of pie.
He swallows the last crumbs, a look of extreme gratification on his lips, then says, "Sorry, I say we visit Nigel. I know what these villages are like. That chap over there knows we are here at your request, Edmund, to get to the bottom of this mystery. If we leave it till tomorrow the whole village and most of the surrounding countryside will know a band of adventurers have arrived to look into 'odd goings on.' Nigel is sure to hear of it. If he is involved in any way I'd rather not give him any time to prepare."
He rubs his tummy and says, "My, but they really do serve the nicest pies here."
Draax Thursday November 14th, 2002 11:22:25 PM
Draax listens to Edmund and then to the others, "Feng is probably right, this Nigel fellow is most likely involved somehow. I am not really that keen on going to a graveyard at night when there might be some type of undead involved. We will be meeting them on their home ground at a time when they are at their strongest. If Feng and Hobbes wasn't with us I would be trying to talk everyone into waiting until daylight, but unfortunately like Bill said, if we don't do it tonight we lose the advantage of surprise."
The half-elf looks around the inn and then moves a little closer to Edmunds and whispers in his ear. "I assume that you are staying at the inn. Would you be so kind as to take notice of anyone that leaves the inn after we depart, that information may be useful later."
Rond Friday November 15th, 2002 12:57:43 AM
Following the conversation as best he can, Rond notices Bill's eagerness with pies. "Slow down Bill, you can have more pieces of pie as we stay here. You don't need to finish off the whole pie tonight!" He smiles at Bill as he makes his observation.
"This seems like the doings of our old friends that brought some of us together in the first place?!"
(ooc because I play more than one character I need to double check on this. Wasn't it this group that looked in graves here in the hamlett? Or was the location somewhere else, but with the similar pattern? Or is that something that got wiped from our memories after YOA?)
Edmund's caution (DMJK) Friday November 15th, 2002 10:04:51 AM
"More than half of these folks are going to leave after you if you leave right now. I can tell you right now who they'll be. They're just here for drinks and entertainment. Once that bard stops singing, they'll go then. Of course that's not for another few hours, and you all look pretty road weary already, no 'fense."
"Part o me is all fer you all headin to cemetery right now, but I kin say that your reason about surprise is probably unfo- unfou- er doesn't have a leg to stand on. Nigel's not somebody that many people like, he is a gravedigger you know, and the cemetery's out on the edge of town. These folks will just go home. It's not like there's some sort of spy network or conspiracy going on. Nigel's not smart enough for it. All the weirdness does happen at night though, so if you went now you might get the drop on 'em. If you wait til mornin though, you could probably catch 'em all asleep."
Of note seems to be the fact that Edmund never seems to talk about undead, just weirdness, Nigel, and men in black and red robes. He hasn't mentioned anything that sounds of the supernatural. Of course, he hasn't been out spying on the cemetery either. He's been sipping his ale in the tavern for the better part of a week.
Feng Sunday November 17th, 2002 2:13:20 AM
OOC: Did Feng's detect evil reveal anything?
not inside the inn -jk
Bill (Carl) Sunday November 17th, 2002 4:47:10 PM
"I suppose you may have a point Edmund. Perhaps the village gossip isn't so bad here. I was thinking really of my youth in the village. You could tell your mother you were off over to see a man about a goat, she'd tell Mrs Thwupplebottom next door, she'd tell your uncle Brodshanks as he passed on his way to market, who'd tell three oldtimers sitting on a log smoking pipes, and before you opened your door to leave there'd be a knock on it, and there that man would be, with his goat lunching on the petunias in your front garden. But that's probably just me."
Renik Sunday November 17th, 2002 4:54:10 PM
The rogue stretches. "It's true, it has been a long journey." he says to his companions. "And if Edmund is right and this Nigel is a bit of an outcast, news may well not get back to him. It might not hurt to try to gain some insight into what we face before confronting it directly. And it would not hurt either to be well rested and at our best when that confrontation does occur."
Draax Sunday November 17th, 2002 5:34:16 PM
"I'm just interested in anyone that leave right after we do, they might just be going home or they might have something else in mind. It is not really important."
Draax takes a long look at Edmund and realizes that as a simple farmer his view of the wold is probably pretty narrow. "Don't mind us Edmund, we are just peculating on what it could possibly be. The more possibilities that we guess at, the better chance that we have of not being caught unaware. But until we take a look for ourselves and talk to people that msy know something, all we have are our guesses."
Draax waits on the decision on whether to investigate tonight or wait until the morning.
Hobbes Sunday November 17th, 2002 5:52:41 PM
Hobbes sits back and says nothing, remaining attentive to the company and their guest Edmund.
Placing a coin upon the table he nods his head to the company and makes his way outside. FInding a nice location he watches those that come in and those that come out, and waits for his companions to be finished in the inn.
when to go - DMJK Monday November 18th, 2002 6:28:20 PM
"Speculatin'. Yes siree. I unnerstand that. Well, I don't know nothin 'bout this sort of thing, or I wouldn't have needed to write you fellas a letter. It's all up to you to decide."
Hobbes takes up a spot outside. It's a cool night. Without the light shining out from the inn's windows, the street would be pitch black. The moon is little more than a sliver and provides little light this night. Hobbes doesn't notice anyone arriving, and only one man leaves while the rest of the group is inside. He heads south and doesn't appear to be sneaking about.
[sorry for the late post, things were afoot this am]
Hobbes Tuesday November 19th, 2002 2:15:36 AM
Hobbes steps out onto the path listening to the wind whistle through his helmet as he watches the man heading south.
"Tis rather dangerous to be traveling alone on a night like this, sir. Do you require escort?"
Rond Tuesday November 19th, 2002 2:22:07 AM
"So it sounds like we should get some sleep and see what there is in the morning. We should probably post a guard of some sort. If it is the Sons of Dread stirring again, they maybe expecting us some how."
Feng Tuesday November 19th, 2002 5:07:24 AM
"I don't think we will find anything during the day, but it has been a long journey. The investigation can wait until tomarrow."
Renik Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:10:27 AM
"Agreed. Let's get some sleep, then visit the two farms in the morning, and then pay a visit to the cemetery." The rogue yawns, then heads off to bed.
Bill (Carl) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:40:27 AM
"Well, it looks like that's decided then" smiles the halfling. Off to bed, or as my great uncle Alberthnot used to say "Up the wooden mountain to the Land of Nod". Funny fellow, great uncle Alberthnot. Used to claim that he once lived for twelve months on nothing more than half a sea biscuit and fresh air after being marooned on an island of very tiny, very noisy one-legged mushroom men. My mam said to pay him no mind, that he was crazy as a coot, but Alberthnot once showed me the other half of that biscuit, which he kept in a wooden box at the foot of his bed. "Just in case", he said."
The halfling yawns also, then heads off for bed.
Draax Tuesday November 19th, 2002 8:02:19 AM
Draax nods in agreement with the others as he goes to room and calls it a night.
To sleep and to rise (dmjk) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 11:06:33 AM
Most of the group heads up to sleep. The rooms are clean and comfortable is somewhat small. Sleep isn't long in coming.
Outside, Hobbes offers to escort the stranger, who seems a bit frightened of the hero lurking in the dark. "Um, uh, no thanks. I don't live but a few houses down the street." The man walks off more quickly and takes several nervous glances over his shoulder to make certain that a robber isn't stalking him. About a block away he disappears into a house.
After a short time it becomes apparent to him that his friends aren't coming out and that he's scaring all the villagers. His choices appear to be to go on to the cemetery alone or to go to sleep.
----------------
The rest of the group spends a restful night, and the smell of hot tea, sizzling ham, and fresh biscuits greets you as you head down to breakfast. Thet even made a breakfast pie for Bill. Hobbes seems to be missing. Sleepnig late or something else?
Hobbes Wednesday November 20th, 2002 2:06:50 AM
As the companions gather, a slight snoring noise can be heard outside and there Hobbes sits in the shadow of the roof between the inn and the stable, having maintained his vigil through part of the night is now sitting asleep.
Draax Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:21:45 AM
Draax wakes up at the smell of breakfast and goes down to eat the meal while waiting for the others.
Renik Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:34:46 AM
Renik tucks into breakfast, and when done is eager to get going. "Let's vist the two farms!" he urges.
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:37:01 AM
Bill hears the snoring, and heads out to gently wake his companion. "Come on in Hobbes, breakfast is served, and they even have pies! So what were you doing outside? Wasn't it cold out there?"
breakfast (dmjk) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:05:53 AM
Breakfast is warm and filling. You get an early start heading off to the two farms which lie on the northern edge of town. Edmund's farm lies on the eastern side of the main road. Elmo's farm and the cemetery lie on the western side. The cemetery is north of Elmo's farm.
Which farm should be investigated first?
Renik Wednesday November 20th, 2002 6:34:44 PM
"Well, I say we visit Edmund's farm first, then Elmo's, and finally the cemetery. How does that sound?" He prepares his pack and weapons, then looks to the others for their thoughts.
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 6:37:23 PM
"It's as good a plan as any I suppose" nods the halfling, whistling as he gathers his things in readiness for the journey. "I wonder what's been going on? Beasties, or undead horrors, or kiddies playing pranks? Who knows? Come on, let's go find out!"
Feng Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:33:35 PM
"Well what's closest? It doesn't make much sense to waste time by backtracking across the countryside."
Draax Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:36:26 PM
Draax listens to Renik and Bill, "Sounds good to me."
Draax ensures that his horse is feed before the party leaves the inn.
Edmund's Farm
AADM Carl: Old McEdmund Had a Farm... Thursday November 21st, 2002 5:14:19 PM
The two farms are roughly equidistant, and so the adventurers set off to visit Edmund's first. It is a pleasant day, warm sunshine filling the fields with a boundless abundance of life and vibrancy.
You arrive at Edmund's farmhouse to find a modest building two storey building, with a thatched roof. It seems so picturesque in the morning sunlight that it is hard to imagine anyone (or anything!) attempting to break in.
Hobbes d20+8=13 Friday November 22nd, 2002 1:13:41 AM
Hobbes gazes at the house from atop his horse, still a bit sleepy from his errant night outside, which he insisted to Bill it was merely a mistake. He truly only meant to watch the night and pray for a couple of hours.
"Everything seems in order here," he says looking around, "I shall wait here and observe."
Hobbes watches to see what his companions will do and keeps an eye on everything and everyone about.
[13 Spot check]
Draax d20+1=7 d20+3=9 Friday November 22nd, 2002 8:53:31 AM
Draax circles the outside of the building looking for anything that seems out of place and to see if there is any sign of life. Not seeing anything (search check 7, spot check 9) Draax moves slowing towards the house.
"The place should be empty if Edmund is staying at the inn, but lets be cautious in case someone has moved in during his absence."
Feng Friday November 22nd, 2002 5:41:16 PM
Feng dismounts and leaves Degg free to graze. He walks slowly around the farm trying to detect the lingering presence of evil.
Arien d20+10=22 Friday November 22nd, 2002 11:17:34 PM
While Draax circles the bottom of the building, Arien checks the second floor. Using the power of his cloak he crawls about the wall of the building, checking inside when he gets to windows. If he finds nothing he gives the all clear. Spot check of 22.
Bill (Carl) d20+4=12 d20+3=8 Saturday November 23rd, 2002 4:57:55 AM
"Well now, what a pleasant spot" smiles the halfling, approaching the farmhouse. "Now, didn't Edmund say he though something tried to break down the door?"
The halfling checks the door and surrounding area (Spot 12, Search 8) for any sign of disturbance.
Renik d20+5=20 d20+8=11 Saturday November 23rd, 2002 5:02:01 AM
"Edmund said someone, Bill not something. But he may well have been wrong..."
The rogue waits for Arien to give the all clear, then examines the door for signs of forced entry (Search 20, Spot 11). If everything seems OK, he tries the door.
AADM Carl: Not a creature was stirring Saturday November 23rd, 2002 5:22:51 AM
The party cautiously examine the outside of the building and surrounding area, but see nothing suspicious.
Feng is unable to detect any evil presences in the vicinity, so Arien takes a closer look. Peering through the windows he sees no sign of movement or disturbance. In fact Edmund's farm is relatively pristine. Everything seems to be in order, and nothing seems out of place. Clearly, Edmund packed up and put everything away before he moved into town.
He signals the all clear to his companions, and begins to descend, noticing as he does so what look like footprints in the soft earth beneath the lower storey windows.
As you approach the front door you notice what look like more footprints, and something registers as odd about them... of course! These are the prints of bare feet! But who would be walking around in their bare feet outside a farm? Bill and Renik examine the door, and discover it does indeed show signs of attempted entry. Splintered wood along the edge of the door and doorframe suggest that someone attempted to pry the door open. But it seems to have held firm.
As he is about to push the door open Renik spots something in the top right right hand corner. It looks like some sort of symbol has been etched into the wood. It looks like it might be a vial of some sort.
Leaning forward to examine it more closely he touches the door, which swings open with a sinister "creeeeaak..."
Renik d20+8=15 d20+5=18 Sunday November 24th, 2002 3:40:15 PM
The rogue draws his twin shortswords and steps inside, peering around for any sight of danger (Spot 15). If if he sees nothing he moves into the house, checking for any sign of a break-in (Search 18).
Bill (Carl) d20+3=5 d20+5=18 d20+5=22 d20+18=25 d20+5=24 Sunday November 24th, 2002 3:46:29 PM
The halfling examines the footprints outside the door, and attempts to find a trail (Spot 5), but sees little of use.
"So, who'd be outside a farmhouse in their bare feet in the middle of the night? And what's this vial symbol mean?"
He peers at the symbol, trying to determine its significance (Knowledge (History) 18, Knowledge (Local) 22, Knowledge (Psionics and Arcana) 25, Knowledge (Religion) 24).
Draax Sunday November 24th, 2002 10:55:54 PM
When the footprints are pointed out to him, Draax thinks about how nice it would be if Darkfang was still with them.
As he watches Renik enter the house the half-elf draws his sword and moves up to the door to keep the rogue in his sights. He gives Renik a few seconds head start to notice any traps before he follow him inside.
Rond d20+8=14 Monday November 25th, 2002 12:16:07 AM
Looking at the door where there was forced entry, Rond tries to fathom whether it was any kind of animal that might have tried to get in. (Knowledge nature 14)
Feng Monday November 25th, 2002 2:47:25 PM
Feng walks back up to the others unsure about what took place. "Consider me crazy but now I am more convinced than ever that something happened. Edmund doesn't seem like the type of man that would lie about something like this. Everybody is convinced that nothing is going on and so far this place looks clean. We could be dealing with powerful magic or a town conspiracy."
The vial (DMJK) Monday November 25th, 2002 6:15:25 PM
Looking at the splinters on the door, Rond tends to think crowbar more than wild animal. The splinters are around the cracks in the door frame like someone attempted to pry it open.
Nothing seems to be out of place inside Edmund's farmhouse. A stout bar, which now stands unlatched, on the inside of the door gives ample evidence as to why whoever scratched Edmund's door was unable to get in. The house is easy to get into now, so it seems Edmund was probably the target or one of his possessions that was out in the open. Of course, who's to say if anything is missing.
Bill thinks on the vial and comes up with a few obvious answers. Vials store potions and perfumes. The vial is also the holy symbol of Marteaus.
OOC JK Monday November 25th, 2002 6:20:34 PM
[Carl, thanks for the help with the DM posts.]
Pleasure, JK! Glad to have you back.
Bill Troublefinder (by Kim, again) Tuesday November 26th, 2002 5:07:55 AM
"Hmmm - y'know, one of the symbols of ol' what's-his-name, the Dark Lord, is the vial. Although in his case, it should be spelled v-i-l-e." Bill titters at his own funny.
The halfling enters Edmund's house, and begins exploring the rooms. On second thought, after entering the first room, he activates clairvoyance in order to look to rooms beyond, as well as up the stairs or in the attic, and beneath the floorboards, checking in this manner to see what things are in the various rooms of the farmhouse. His eyes glow silver as he stands still, mentally observing.
Draax Tuesday November 26th, 2002 6:10:53 AM
Draax groans when he hears Bill say something about the Dark One. "I hope that creature is not involved with this." He stands guard while the others search the place.
Hobbes d20+8=13 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 3:03:48 PM
Hobbes remains on his horse surveying the situation, which currently is a bit tense, but seems well in hand. He turns the bridle and kicks.
"Easy boy. Left. Yaaaa." he says as his horse lightly gallops around the perimeter of the farm. He slows it to a trot as he looks about, cautious to whoever or whatever might still be about and looking for tracks or any other clues. If there are other buildings, barns or coops especially he inspects those.
the rest of the farm (dmjk) Tuesday November 26th, 2002 3:29:19 PM
Edmund has a small barn and a small grainary. Hobbes checks them out and discovers nothing unusual.
Nothing else out of the ordinary is found inside the house. It appears that Edmund packed up and nothing has disturbed the house since he's been away. Clearly though, something did pry at the door like the farmer suggested. The bare feet seem a bit odd, as the season is autumn, and it would be rather foolish to be traipsing about in bare feet at night.
Renik Tuesday November 26th, 2002 4:28:34 PM
The rogue sheaths his swords, and looks to his companions.
"Well, we have raised more questions it seems, but found no answers. Edmund said whoever it was failed to get in here (and the evidence seems to bear him out). What say we take a look at the other farm, and see what happened there?"
Draax Tuesday November 26th, 2002 8:43:34 PM
Following Renik's example, Draax also sheaths his sword. "Sounds go to me, unless someone can track the footprints."
Feng Tuesday November 26th, 2002 11:34:55 PM
"The footprints may be the clue. What was the phase of the moon last night? Perhaps we are dealing with a shapechanger. Still perhaps the graveyard will provide some answers."
Rond d20=17 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 12:48:42 AM
"Let me take a closer look at these footprints." Rond tries to peer at the footprints and determine or follow them back to their source. (track 17 w/o any bonuses. I have no books right now, so I'm not sure if there are any bonuses.)
Hobbes Wednesday November 27th, 2002 2:18:08 PM
Hobbes notes all that he sees and trots back to the front gate to wait for his companions. When all business here is finished, he will take point in heading over to the other farm.
Elmo's Farm
following the footprints (dmjk) Wednesday November 27th, 2002 7:08:31 PM
The footprints seem to be all around the house, but there is to much grass and rocky dirt in the outlying areas for you to pick up much. Perhaps a week ago there would have been more to go on, but now, most signs of passage are gone.
Rond does determine that the prints were made by more than one person or thing. They look to have been made by three or four people.
The trip to the other farm is short as it is merely across the road. Elmo's house is in considerably different shape. On approaching, you immediately notice that the door has been smashed in, and there are numerous booted footprints around the outside of the house. Most of them track back and forth across one another. You quickly surmise that they are the tracks of the town guard. Perhaps you could isolate another bare footprint, but it would take some work.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday November 28th, 2002 4:51:44 AM
"Actually, we hobbits generally go barefoot, even in winter." He looks down at his shoe-clad feet, frowning. He wiggles his toes in this boots of frisking and frolicking. No, rather, striding and springing. Bill takes his boots off and places them in his knapsack. He eases on to the grass. "Ahhhh. Much better."
As the party crosses to Elmo's house, he takes some time to examine the bootprints and footprints. "Rond, isn't this your speciality? Looking at footprints? Figure out anything? Find toejam?"
Bill looks through the smashed door into the house. Gingerly, he steps across the threshold, looking upwards just before he transfers his weight to the forward foot. If his entry is otherwise unremarkable, he pulls out a sunrod, strikes it once to allow it to generate light, and takes a look around.
------ [OOC: P.S.: My rambling post of yesterday died aborning, as my internet connection burped.]
Renik d20+12=26 d20+4=5 Thursday November 28th, 2002 7:24:29 AM
Drawing both blades, Renik joins his halfling companion as he enters the building, alert for danger (Spot 26). He signals his companions if all is clear, then moves into the house, giving it a perfunctory once over (Search 5).
Draax Thursday November 28th, 2002 9:43:41 AM
Draax draws his sword, but wait outside the house as the others start their investigation. He scans the surrounding area with his eyes looking for any uninvited guests.
Rond d20=3 Thursday November 28th, 2002 11:34:13 AM
Rond continues to look through all the footprints in order to try to make sense of any information he can get. (track=3 aaahhgg) ;)
"So far all I can gather is that it was more than one being. But I'm a little rusty at this, since we've been in the city for so long." Stopping for a second when Bill comments about toejam Rond mischieviously looks over to Bill and comments, "No, no toejam. Even though it might make for an interesting kind of pie."
Searching (DMJK) Friday November 29th, 2002 9:23:03 AM
Rond finds an indentation that was probably made by some bare toes, lending credence to the idea that whoever or whatever was at Edmund's is also the thing that was at Elmo's. But that's about it. There are simply too many bootprints.
Those investigating the house find that the door is half ripped off the hinges. The furniture in the main room, namely a dining table and chairs as well as some more comfortable chairs neat the fire, is toppled. It looks like Elmo had laid out his dinner on the table, and nobody ever cleaned it up. There are flies buzzing all over the table now. Bill, keenly notices that the dinner did not include pie, rather some simple bread and some moldy stuff in a bowl that was probably a stew. Elmo's dinner cup is on the floor. A wine stain is nearby. Clearly some sort of struggle that interrupted Elmo's dinner took place.
The other rooms of Elmo's farm seem orderly and well kept. Apparently the struggle did not spread past the main room. There is also no sign that Elmo managed to pack any of his belongings before his departure.
As he stands outside, Draax notices Elmo's barn. He hears some sort of noises inside.
Draax Friday November 29th, 2002 10:50:58 AM
Draax steps into the house and silently waves his hands until he gets someone's attention. He points at the barn and indicates that there is someone or something inside. When he is sure that they understand the meaning that he was trying to convey, he will start moving towards the barn. He circles the barn once looking for visible exits before moving to take a look inside.
Renik d20+15=28 d20+8=13 d20+25=29 Friday November 29th, 2002 11:08:37 AM
Moving with incedible stealth (Move Silent 28) the rogue leaves the farmhouse and moves towards the barn, his swords drawn. As he reaches the barn he attempts to peer inside without letting himself be seen (Spot 13, Hide 29).
Hobbes Friday November 29th, 2002 2:33:33 PM
Hobbes guides Bradbury from his post at the front gate and slowly trots in a wide circle around the barn area, going the opposite way of Draax. He especially looks at the back of the barn, checking for other entrances. He will remain there, creeping forward and waiting to see what will happen. Also ready to speed his horse around to the front or into the barn (through any possible openings) or after any fleeing creatures if need be.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=19 d20+5=15 Saturday November 30th, 2002 5:39:36 AM
"He forget to have pie that night," is Bill's only verbal comment inside the house. He mentally maps out the rest of the house as they search the otherwise neat abode.
Eventually he notes Draax's signal (Spot 19) from without, so joins in the inspection of the barn. Near the structure, he pauses to listen (15).
He checks around for various entry points to the edifice. If there is a higher entry point, such as an upper window or other such opening, the diminutive fellow will fly up to it. If he does not, however, discern such, he looks to settle for ground entries.
Rond Saturday November 30th, 2002 9:27:54 AM
Rond feels sad for Elmo in that he was disturbed in the middle of his meal. He determines that once the group is done with their investigation that they should probably clean up the mail at least, so the house isn't that bad off.
Feng Saturday November 30th, 2002 12:10:56 PM
Feng stands in the back, weapon ready. He can do many things, but move like a rogue isn't one of them.
Arien Monday December 2nd, 2002 1:43:17 PM
Arien stands back next to Feng. Arien can move quietly but he works best from the back where he can get a better view of his targets.
The Barn! - DMJK Monday December 2nd, 2002 5:02:03 PM
The culprits making the noise in the barn are quickly discovered. Elmo's horses seem to want out. They have been locked up for a week. Their food is gone.
[jk ooc] Monday December 2nd, 2002 5:06:10 PM
[We'll be in combat soon, I need a char sheet from everyone by week's end or your char dies in the fight.]
Draax Monday December 2nd, 2002 7:21:47 PM
Draax leads the horse from the barn and let them gaze on the land. He takes some of the feed from his horse's saddlebag to share with the animals. If there is a well or stream near by he will see that they get water also. "I wonder why the town guards did not see to the horses when the realized that Elmo was gone. I do not remember the guards being so incompetent that they would leave the animals on their own, I wonder if they even checked the barn."
Draax mumbles to himself as he take some time to brush the horses down. Finding it hard to believe about the insensitivity of the town's guards.
[jk ooc] Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 12:06:11 AM
[renik's char sheet was received first, he gets 200xp. Right now. Who's next?]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 5:12:03 AM
"Nice horseys. Hungry horseys." Bill makes sure he stays away from the hoofs, and is glad that big people like Draax and Feng and Rond and Hobbes know what they're about with horses.
He spends some time examining the barn, just in case there are some useful clues about. What are we overlooking?
Renik d20+5=17 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 8:56:14 AM
The rogue spits into the hay and sheaths his swords, his heart pounding though he does not show it. "Well, false alarm my friends. Let's see these beasts fed and watered, and give the house a proper examination."
The rogue heads back inside and gives the interior of the building a thorough examination (Search 17).
DMJK Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 4:52:10 PM
The horses calm down easily enough and are quite happy to graze on the grass outside the barn. Draax sees no sign to believe anything other thatn that the town guards are incompetent.
Back inside the house, Renik snoops around and notices that the inside of Elmo's spilled dinner cup contains a crusty white substance. Suspecting poison or something dreadful, he investigates and sees that it is dried up milk. This causes some initial confusion about the wine stain on the floor that was near the cup, but it is quickly solved when the thief realizes that it is not a wine stain but rather a small pool of blood. Something bad has indeed happened to Elmo.
Bill tries to think of something that could have been overlooked and comes up with nothing. He deduces that the answers will be found in the cemetery.... or not at all.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 7:12:15 PM
Once Renik discovers the misidentification of the stain on the floor, Bill ponders for a bit.
"Okay, guys, what say we head to the graveyard? It's not too far away. Ronderiadshal, maybe you can stick to the front, before we walk all over any footprints. My cousins and I got in trouble one time for playing games around the tombstones. 'Where's your reverence for the dead?' they asked us. I think it was Salawee, Borbo's father's sister's daughter, who said somethin' about supposin' to be reverent for the gods, but what's this about reverence for dead people, who can't do anything anymore? Boy, did she get in trouble."
If all are willing, Bill heads on over to the cemetery. Almost there, he stops for a moment, and decides to put his boots back on. "Dang feet got too tender tucked in these boots so long. City life makes ya soft."
Draax Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 11:27:20 PM
Seeing that the horses can graze and take care of themselves for awhile, Draax decides that the horses can remain on the farm while the party goes to the cemetery. They can pick the horse up before they return to town. He feels a little more comfortable visiting the graveyard during the day instead of at night.
"Sounds good to me Bill, I guess the cemetry is our only other option."
Draax heads towards the cemetery with the others.
Rond Wednesday December 4th, 2002 4:43:19 AM
"That would indeed be a good thing, to be in the lead checking out footprints." Rond looks the horses over to check their general health and such, along with count how many there are. Rond is considering whether the group might benefit from using the horses until we figure out what happened to the owner. Thinking about the horses, they might be able to find their owner somehow.
The Cemetery
Where the dead sleep? (dmjk) Wednesday December 4th, 2002 9:58:35 AM
Rond is able to find little of use in the way of tracks on the road. It is well traveled since it leads down to the Dragon Bay Coast.
The cemetery borders Elmo's farm, so you all arrive quickly. After wandering about a bit, Bill spies the area where Salawee got in trouble as a child. Thinking of the chance to reminisce he heads over and discovers that someone has disturbed the graves far worse than a gang of halfling children ever could have because 4 graves have been recently dug up. The tombstones of the violated graves have been removed. The coffins are gone, if there ever were any.
Upon first examination, these actually appear to be newly dug graves, but they are in an old section of the graveyard. And Bill remembers playing in this area quite well, and the tombstones nearby have dates over a century old on them.
Renik d20+5=17 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 5:42:07 PM
"This bodes ill." Mutters the rogue, kicking some earth into one of the open graves. "Four ancient bodies removed. But the curious thing is why the tombstones? Perhaps to prevent anyone finding out who the bodies were? That may mean there is some significance in these particular graves..."
He kneels, searching the area around the graves for any clues (Search 17). He also looks in the graves themselves, hoping to unearth some fallen trinket that may shed light on the missing occupant's identity.
Climbing back out he says "I think we need to have a chat with this caretaker, Nigel."
Draax Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:34:38 PM
Seeing the open graves and the noticing the absence of the tombstones, Draax wholeheartedly agrees about talking to the caretaker.
Hobbes Wednesday December 4th, 2002 7:02:20 PM
"You go on ahead. I'll catch up!" Hobbes says to the others as he turns his attention back to the clattering horses. He dismounts and leads Bradbury slowly through the barn door and wraps his strap around one of the stall gates. He then approaches the group of them and looks one of them straight in the eye as he clutches his silvered-eye holy symbol.
"Ahx Winson S'kirek," he entones, floating the symbol back and forth past the equines. He pauses for a moment, then starts to... neigh and whinny, or so it would seem to the outsider. [Speak with Animals has been cast.]
"What happened here? Please, good horses tell me. Who disturbed the farm? Your master is gone. Please tell me what happened. As much as you can, gentle horses."
Feng Thursday December 5th, 2002 7:50:48 AM
Feng crouches near one of the graves. He looks at the dirt and the way it's sitting. There is a difference between somebody else digging up the grave and the undead digging themselves out. "It's possible the tombstones were used as spell components. Something to help summon or control the dead."
Back at the ranch (dmjk) Thursday December 5th, 2002 11:01:50 AM
One of the horses tells Hobbes, "Many thanks for letting us out. I don't think I've ever talked with a person before. Have you?" The other horses indicates that it has not and takes a few steps back. Clearly it thinks the conversation is spooky. The first one is friendly though, "We were in here one night not long ago. We could hear crashes in the house. The farmer was screaming. Whatever came it smelled of death strong enough that we could smell/feel it here."
With the Tombstones (dmjk) Thursday December 5th, 2002 11:05:03 AM
Feng determines that someone on the surface dug these graves. Most likely with a tool. The lines are relatively clean and straight. Renik doesn't find anything else out of the ordinary. Whoever did this was careful to remove any sort of evidence that there were ever any bodies here.
Renik d20+15=32 d20+25=31 Thursday December 5th, 2002 12:16:30 PM
Renik stands brushing dirt from his hands and says "Time to visit Nigel I feel." He searches for a dwelling where the caretaker might live, and approaches cautiously (Move Silent 32, Hide 31).
Feng Friday December 6th, 2002 8:36:51 AM
Feng sighs in frustration. Things weren't working out. "This probably would be a whole lot easier if we were here right after this happened. Somebody dug these bodies up which means they needed a wagon. At this time the tracks are long gone."
Bill Troublefinder Friday December 6th, 2002 11:19:49 PM
"Before we go for Nigel, let's dig here," the hobbit suggests. "Prepare weapons, nets, whatever, in case the digging disturbs more than woldworms. Anybody got a shovel?" he asks. Bill takes out his tarp (15'x20'), and covers most of the recently changed area. He folds it back in one corner, and there drives his shortsword into the ground where one grave once lay. He digs, taking some care not to be too rough on his beloved sword.
Draax Sunday December 8th, 2002 7:31:48 PM
Not having a shovel, Draax gives Bill whatever help he can.
Rond d20=9 Monday December 9th, 2002 8:29:50 AM
Looking around at the gravesites, Rond tries to remember the last time the group was looking around in town. When the last activity led to another meeting with the Sons of Dread.
"I agree with Bill, let's poke around a little bit more." Rond examines the ground for anything else he might pick up. (track of 9 no bonuses add in, not at home)
At the empty tombs (DMJK) Monday December 9th, 2002 5:40:52 PM
The halfling starts poking about in the dirt with whatever help the others are willing to provide, and it seems pretty normal. There are a few rocks and some unearthed grass in the nearby piles of dirt that have been excavated from the empty holes.
Bill's digging causes one of the graves to cave in a bit, and he quickly finds himself sprawled at the bottom with a shower of dirt coming down on him. Before there is time for the almost required jokes, a skinny balding man comes trotting across the cemetery. Once he's in earshot, he starts yelling, "What are you vagabonds doin' out here?"
It seems that you won't have to go looking for Nigel.
Feng Tuesday December 10th, 2002 1:17:00 AM
Feng turns and looks at the old man. "Sir we are investigating the strange events that took place in recent history. Any information you have will be a great help."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:30:42 AM
The diligent hobbit finds himself up to his neck in his work. After puffing a stray clod of dirt out of his mouth, and spitting a few times to clear the remnants, he works at clambering out of this hallowed ground, finding his sword, and using it to help him escape from an early grave. It's lucky most hobbit graves aren't so very deep.
As he emerges, knocking his head to one side to dislodge some earth from an ear, he sees the approaching man. "Oh, Nigel. Oh, Nigel! Come here! See what we've found! Sorry, should've gotten you here, first." He rubs his cheek, smearing a nice line of dirt there. "It's me, Bill. Y'know, Bill Troublefinder? Wow, tell us what's been goin' on here, lately! Didja know that someone robbed these graves of their bodies? Who'da done such a thing, do ya think, eh?"
Draax d20+3=5 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:21:25 AM
Draax watches as Nigel approaches, he scans the area to make sure the caretaker is alone (spot check 5).
Nigel (DMJK) Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:33:29 AM
"What are you on about, you daft hobbit? Them's no stolen graves. They's empty one's I dug last week! Now I'm gonna hafta rework that one you're climmin out of. Less of course, you break your fool neck with your horseplay. Then I could just leave you in it."
Renik d20+2=19 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 12:19:48 PM
"Oh, these are new graves? But this looks like an older area of the graveyard. Are fresh graves normally dug amongst the older ones like this?"
The rogue watches Nigel carefully (sense motive 19) looking for any sign that the fellow is lying or covering anything up.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 10th, 2002 3:39:37 PM
"Nuh-uh, Nigel. If these are new graves, then they're new OLD graves. I 'member there were four headstones here," Bill insists, stabbing his finger four times at the appropriate spots, "and now they're GONE! 'f course, I've been gone for over a year, but they sure were here when I was here before. Why, I 'member 'em bein' here from when I was kneehigh to a tadpole! They were like, of old dead people. Maybe a hunnert, hunnert thirty years lyin' there. Someone been playin' with your memories, Mr. Nigel? An' why'd you dig 'em just last week? Is someone s'pose to go in 'em soon?"
Being back in Windhorn Hamlet, Bill's speech reverts to the country-style of many of the town's inhabitants. It was his uncle and a few other folks, plus his extensive reading in his youth that gave the short fellow the more erudite vocabulary he sometimes uses. But he feels comfortable in the vernacular.
On finishing this first part of his inquiries, he goes ahead and starts folding up his tarp, stepping here and there to get rid of the air bubbles, and taking care that the folding is as neat as possible, and ready for rapid deployment next time around. He nevertheless clearly listens to whatever Nigel may have to say in reply.
Arien d20+10=19 d20+12=29 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 6:58:54 PM
Arien keeps one ear to the conversation with Nigel while seemingly wandering about the area in a loose circle. What he is really doing is searching the area with his eyes for any clues to what happened here. (Spot check of 19, Search check of 29)
Rond Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:05:16 AM
Nodding his head towards Nigel in greeting when he appears. Rond lets Bill handle the situation for now.
Draax Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:11:26 AM
Listening to conversation between Nigel and the group. Draax stays alert and combat ready, finding it hard to believe Nigel's story about the graves mainly because they are located in an old section of the graveyard. He waits to hear what Nigel's response will be when asked about the missing farmer.
Nigel's answer (DMJK) Wednesday December 11th, 2002 4:26:15 PM
"Well, I don't sees why any of you here are in a position to question me about any o' it. But here's the answers. About your memory, my guess is it's just faulty. When I dug these spots there weren't nothin' there. As fer diggin' here by the old graves, it's an old cemetery, and it's taken up space, we're runnin' into sandy soil to the north cause of the Bay up there. Sand taint no good at all for burryin folk. Sure it's easy to dig, but stuff burried in it tends to rise up. Not good for bodies. To the east is the road. Down south is Elmo's farm, and he won't sell. And before you get any fool ideas in your heads... I know he disappeared, but kidnapping him cause he wouldn't sell land to the cemetery is a daft idea. It's not like I own it anyway, the township does, and I just work out here. Now, the land is rocky if you go past the bounds of the cemetery to the west. We are right up by the Red Hills after all. So, where else am I gonna dig? As fer why am I diggin holes now, I just have one question fer ya. Have you ever dug a 6 foot deep hole in the winter when the ground is all frozen? It's fall now, and the ground will be hard afore much longer. People sometimes die in the winter, and I'd just as soon a few holes were already dug."
Nigel's responses seem believable enough, and Arien's search of the area doesn't turn up anything different. They look like freshly dug graves. There's no evidence that they were once filled with people. At least not here. Even so, Renik detects something amiss. Nigel's uncomfortable with you all poking your noses in his business, and he seems to hope you'll leave quickly. Whether it's because he has something to hide or he's just a cranky old gravedigger who'd rather be left alone isn't clear.
And Bill is 100% sure, well maybe just 99%, that he remembers graves in this very spot.
Feng Wednesday December 11th, 2002 6:32:42 PM
"Thank you for your help sir. We don't want to be getting any fool ideas. We are concerned with your safety and everybody elses. Thats the reason we are out here. Still it's good to know that Elmo and the township had a dispute. That could lead us in directions we would have never considered. When we solve this mystery, and we will, I'll make sure that you get credit for helping." Feng speaks politely but secretly hopes that Nigel will get unnerved or act in a way that betrays his statement.
Draax Wednesday December 11th, 2002 7:10:35 PM
After listening to Nigel's speech, Draax becomes very suspicious about what Nigel is saying. Having witnessed how accurate Bill's memory can be he finds it hard to believe that the halfling would be mistaken about the graves. Draax realizes that he might be jumping to conclusions, but Nigel's little speech has lead the warrior to believe that the caretaker is involved with whatever is going on.
Draax thinks of many ways of making Nigel tell them what he knows and every one of them ends with the warrior beating the information out of him. Not coming up with any non-violent solution, He stands guard letting Feng and the others play the diplomatic roles.
Rond Thursday December 12th, 2002 2:49:30 AM
Having spent some time in the 'big' city for awhile Rond pipes, "Maybe the town can pitch in for some kind of magic device that would help you with the digging during the winter time. It seems that you should be able to find some kind of magic that would help you that way, if no one in the local area couldn't do it."
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=28 Thursday December 12th, 2002 5:47:41 AM
"Of course there were graves here. The one right there was ... Maury. Maury Fastfoot. 'Liked his pipe, liked his cakes, fell asleep, burned his place,'" he quotes from memory (autohypnosis 28). "Never quite figured out that epitaph."
"But I gotta say I do admire a man who is skillful at his work, Mr. Nigel. You seem to be just such a man. Knowin' all 'bout them soils and land rights and such, and preparing ahead of time for the winter. Professional. Competent. Smart." Bill nods his head in clear approval of Nigel's virtues as he finishes with his own tarp folding job. "Now, I'd be int'rested in hearin' your insights, uh, your opinions on somethin'. You havin' any, or heard of any, troubles with, or dealin's with, any undead, lately? In these parts?"
Giving Nigel just a beat to digest his question, the psion sends a telepathic missive to Nigel alone. 'Better tell Bill the truth, Nigel. Bound to find out.'
Hobbes (by Kim) Thursday December 12th, 2002 5:50:02 AM
The cleric of Gargul leans over his saddle, and looks directly at Nigel. In a sepulchral voice he tells him, "Gravedigger, I have a special interest in the undead."
Renik d20+25=33 d20+15=23 d20+5=21 d20+7=19 Thursday December 12th, 2002 11:58:22 AM
As the gravedigger engages in conversation the rogue pulls up the hood of his cloak of Elvenkind. Instantly he seems to fade into the background. He attempts to slip out of sight (Hide 33), and without attracting Nigel's attention (Move Silent 23) he searches for Nigel's domicile. Once there he checks the place over quickly (Search 21) for anything unusual or incriminating. He hopes his companions are able to keep the gravedigger talking whilst he goes about his business, but keeps a careful ear out for Nigel's return just in case (Listen 19).
Nigel (DMJK) Thursday December 12th, 2002 8:47:37 PM
"A magic diggin' device? I've heard of that sort of thing, but I imagine I don't earn the price of somat like that in 5 years. I can't imagine the townsfolk would be pitchin in for that. They won't even hire a boy to hep out."
Then to Hobbes, "Undead? I don't bury no undead. Just regular dead. You guys is spooky. I ain't never had no walking dead folks out here. Not in 32 years on the job. And you," he points at Bill, "if you think your memory's so great, you can come back and look at the cemetery map in the shack. It shows where everybody in this cemetery is along with the dates o' departure. You come look, and you'll see these spots is empty. Come on and I'll show you or else bugger off."
Nigel turns and heads toward what is presumably his shack. He doesn't seem much interested in whether anyone follows him or not. Renik manages to stay out of his way, but there's not much chance of him getting there first unless he just up and runs for it out in the open.
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=35 Thursday December 12th, 2002 9:38:44 PM
"Oh, yeah, sure, that'd be great, Mr. Nigel!" Bill agrees. "Say, what are the best kinds of shovels to use? Do ya break many handles on 'em? What's the best kind o' wood ta use for them handles? Probably picks and stuff help, too. I used ta use a pick when I went for a summer ta work in a mine up in the Red Hills with my mama's maid of honor's second cousin once removed's gem mine. It took me weeks of swingin' that thing before ever I even got to a part where some gems were, and then he got mad at me just 'cause my pick knocked in pieces a stone that he said'd be worth a lot more if I hadn't been such a fool pick swinger. So after that I got to roll the wheelbarrow to carry the loose rocks outta the mine, and didn't have ta pound the ground with the pick any more. Mama said my muscles were much stronger when I came back home after all that. I'll never be as strong as Rond, or Feng, though," concludes the 3'6" halfling.
At the shack, Bill will take a few minutes to scan names, 'dates of departure,' and whatever other information he can glean from this marvelous document (autohypnosis 35 to memorize information). And still he wonders about those old graves. He checks for signs of erasure, as well as asking about the age of the document. Is the same parchment in use from ages back, or is it replaced from time to time with fresh parchment? He pulls out a piece of parchment, and quickly sketches a copy of the cemetery map, with names and dates. "Hey - that's my great great grandpapa, and look - great great grandmama, too!" he says, pointing to one section of the map. "I gotta visit 'em. You've been a big help, Mr. Nigel. Look, we gotta take care of some stuff, but I'd be happy ta help ya fix up that grave I messed up. Might have ta wait a couple days, though." He hands Nigel an ancient gold piece. "Hope this helps a bit for the trouble I caused ya."
"Draax, Rond, anybody here you know about?"
Rond Friday December 13th, 2002 2:59:04 AM
Following Nigel back to the shack, Rond looks over Bill's shoulder and looks to see if he knows anyone on the list.
Rond begins to wonder whether Nigel is correct in what he's saying in that he's not the person that dug the new or old graves.
Renik d20+5=17 d20+5=19 Friday December 13th, 2002 9:44:01 AM
Though suspicious, Renik can see nothing obviously false in the old fellow's tale. This is a mystery indeed! He wonders if the gravedigger's memory could have been somehow altered, or if (unlikely as it seems) Bill's memory is at fault. It certainly seems that unless Nigel is a very good actor, he is not hiding anything particularly sinister.
He follows along to Nigel's shack, keeping a keen eye out for anything suspicious along the way (Search 17) or in the shack (search 19).
He smiles to himself as Bill launches into verbal overdrive, and takes advantage of the distraction to move well to the back of the group, ready to hide himself should the need or opportunity arise.
Hobbes (by Kim) Saturday December 14th, 2002 6:00:34 AM
Hobbes follows. But just before Nigel and those who walk next him arrive at the shack, he trots his horse around the shack, glancing at the ground. If there is more than one door to the small building, he wheels around after a full circuit, and returns to the other door, to wait and watch, and listen.
Feng Saturday December 14th, 2002 10:39:08 AM
Feng stands at the edge of the grave and looks down. There is a chance that a small amount of the previous remains are in the hole. To look he would have to get covered in dirt and grime.
"I think that the empty graves may yet yield a clue. A skeletal finger or toe may lie at the bottom of these pits," Feng says but makes no move to jump in.
Draax Saturday December 14th, 2002 4:07:02 PM
Draax follows Nigel to the shack wondering what type of game the caretaker is playing at. He enters the place expecting the caretaker to spring some type of trap. He drops his guard a little when Bill ask him if he recognize any names. Out of curiosity, Draax moves next to Rond and looks over Bill's other shoulder to make a mental note of the location of his uncle's grave. He realizes that in all the time he spent in the hamlet he has not paid the proper respect that he should have.
Draax turns his attention from the map back to Nigel, the story he gave is believable, but he does not believe that Edmund would have mentions the open graves if it wasn't unusual. The people in the black and red robes along with the eerie chanting that Edmund talked about is also something that is on his mind.
Looking at Nigel for a reaction Draax asks the caretaker a question. "Have you heard any chanting in the area?"
At the shack (DMJK) Sunday December 15th, 2002 4:08:20 PM
Nigel leads the way back to the shack, and he leads the way inside. The interior is cramped and there isn't really enough room for Nigel and the party. Nigel appears to spend most of his time in the front room which features a fireplace that heats the place and doubles as an oven. There are some dirty dishes heaped up on the room's only table. A bottle of wine sits out on the table. Nigel walks in, and prior to Bill being able to examine the mentioned chart or have anyone look over his shoulder, the gravedigger says, "I got to find that chart. It's over in with the maps and family contracts." He nods toward a large looking set of shelves stacked with several dozen scrolls arranged in a disorganized fashion.
While he looks, he points to the bottle of wine, "This might take a minutes to find. Help yerself to the wine if you want some. I wouldn't want to be considered inhospitable." He chuckles as if the idea is a bit funny. "There's clean glasses in the cubbard over there." He starts searching through the scrolls looking for the one he wants.
There's a second room in the shack that appears to be his bedroom.
Despite how long he looks, Fend discovers nothing in the grave except dirt and the occasional earthworm.
Checking out the area outside Nigel's hut, Hobbes discovers more of the mysterious bare footprints toward the rear of the structure. Renik doesn't notice any of them at the front door, but then he doesn't notice any other tracks there either.
Hobbes (by Kim) Monday December 16th, 2002 12:20:23 AM
Hobbes sees Feng hanging back by the gravesite. He places his two little fingers in his mouth, and, blowing, makes a piercing whistle. When Feng looks up, he waves the paladin over to the group.
As he awaits the arrival of Feng, he crooks his finger, beckoning Renik over near the back. Without saying a word, he points out to the talented rogue the bare footed imprints in the dirt.
Bill Troublefinder d20+16=17 d20+16=31 d20+16=30 Monday December 16th, 2002 1:47:53 AM
As Nigel (ostensibly) goes to search for the documents, the psion calls on his ability to detect psionics & magic. He observes the shelf area for any signs of such. (This observation can penetrate up to three feet of wood or dirt, a foot of stone, or an inch of metal). "'S very generous of you, Mr. Nigel," the psion answers at the offer of sharing the wine. "Maybe after I've had a chance to take a look at the map." Along with looking for any signs of magic, Bill tries to remain alert to any unusual actions on the part of Nigel. Though keeping a casual demeanor, he's ready to dodge should the need arise.
A low, bass-pitched hum, as of many deep-pitched voices, can be heard in the shack. "Oh, my stomach's acting up again," he remarks. Meanwhile, the pupils of his eyes look like silver points of light. If Nigel looks at him, Bill pretends to rub his eyes, trying to keep him from seeing the glow.
He thinks to himself, 'I've got to do something about the ruckus this raises.'
[If there is anything magical (or psionic), he can detect the specific auras (psionic discipline or school of magic) of 1. up to 2nd level on the first aura, 2. up to 14th on the second power or spell effect, 3. up to 13th...]
Renik d20+4=21 Monday December 16th, 2002 9:29:06 AM
Peering down at the tracks on the ground, Renik nods at Hobbes. Something is amiss, that's for certain. The only thing he is not sure of is how much the caretaker knows.
He kneels down to study the tracks more closely, and attempts to follow them if he can (Track 21).
Rond d20+6=13 d20+7=21 Monday December 16th, 2002 12:30:33 PM
With the offer of the wine Rond decides to go over to the cubboard and check out the glasses. He doesn't want to make it seem that the group is not going to accept his hospitality. His movements aren't exaggerated to be thought of as slow. But Rond does his best to take his time as he prepares at least one glass for himself, and any glasses for the others. All the while he'll be looking around the shack, and watching Nigel for any signs of nervousness. (sense motive 13, spot 21)
Feng Monday December 16th, 2002 4:30:20 PM
Feng heads over to the cabin to join the others. It's clear that Feng is more concerned with getting clean than what's going on inside. The half-orc mumbles curses as he cleans off the dirt and grime.
Inside and outside (dmjk) Monday December 16th, 2002 6:48:31 PM
Bill doesn't detect any magic on Nigel's shelves. He lives a fairly simple life without much any magical possessions, but Bill does feel a slight twinge of something below him. It's too far for him to make much of it, like perhaps there's more than 3 feet of dirt between himself and the source.
Nigel fumbles around with the scrolls, and is becoming increasingly nervous, "Go ahead and try the wine. There's some little spice cakes to go along with it, if you're hungry." He seems increasingly nervous all of a sudden.
Rond finds the glasses, and the cakes are nearby. The glasses are clean, but the cakes don't look very appetizing.
Outside, it's more of the same. A few bare footprints that Hobbes is able to point out. They crisscross here and there with no obvious point of origin. There's too much grass and stone around Nigel's to pick up much. Wait... there's one that looks like it was made by someone walking out of Nigel's shack.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 17th, 2002 1:39:05 AM
"Mr. Nigel," Bill says as the man fumbles with the scrolls. "Look, I think that there're, or might be, wicked creatures not too far below us - I can sense somethin' down there, and you fear 'em, eh? Tell us the truth, and we will try'n protect you. You don't hafta show me the map right now. I know somethin' terrible's goin' on. How can we help, Nigel? You can't keep this terrible secret no longer." The halfling now makes no effort to hide his shining eyes from the nervous man. "There a trap door here somewhere?"
Hobbes (by Kim) Tuesday December 17th, 2002 1:46:51 AM
Hobbes gives a grim smile in Feng's direction. "It is one of life's ongoing struggles to rid ourselves of the uncleanness of the world, Feng." He clicks his tongue to signal his mount to move, and rides around to the front of the shack. "There are footprints outside of someone who wears no shoes," he says clearly so that all may hear.
Feng Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:19:36 PM
Feng brushes off dirt, or tries to anyway. "I don't know what possesed me to jump in. I was going to assume they were clear and not do this to myself. I vow that next time, somebody else will be covered in this stuff. How large are the footprints? Are they larger than Bill's?"
Renik d20+8=9 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 4:14:15 PM
Politely declining the offer of wine, Renik says "Curious, those footprints. Are you in the habit of walking outside your home in your bare feet?"
He tries to compare their host's boot size with the footprints, to see if the prints could have possibly been made by Nigel's feet, but can't get a good view (Spot 9; bleugh).
Draax Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:28:19 PM
Draax does not take anything offered to him by Nigel. He tries to comprehend everything that is happening at the moment. He takes in Bill's comments about the creatures below, Feng's discovery of about the footprint, and Nigel's nervousness. He glances at the floor half expecting creatures to emerge into the cabin. Not being comfortable with the way Nigel is reacting, Draax keep his hand on the hilt of his sword and waits for the next surprise.
Rond Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:08:58 AM
Not knowing the source of Nigel's discomfort Rond continues getting the wine and cake ready. Assuming that Nigel is going to want some cake and wine, Rond prepares a portion for Nigel, and for himself.
Giving Nigel time to respond to Bill's statement, and should Nigel's nervousness not be anything else, then Rond will say, "Will you drink and sup with me, to prove your good intentions!"
What! (dmjk) Wednesday December 18th, 2002 4:48:26 PM
inside...
Nigel refuses to drink any of the wine, and he points out, "The stuff goes straight to my head. I can only drink at night." He does nibble on a cake. He seems to notice that no one else has had any of the food.
outside...
The footprints outside come in a variety of sizes, but they were probably all produced by human males. It's hard to say for sure. It could have been a big elf or even an orc. One thing becomes clear from the prints around the shack, more than one creature made them.
inside...
With Bill's patience, Nigel finally cracks, "All right! All right! He made me do it. I'll tell you al..." At that very instant, a bolt crashes through the window and sticks in Nigel's neck. He falls over dead.
outside...
Those outside hear the crash of the glass and then they have just enough time to see a small crossbowman pop up from some bushes about 300 yards from Nigel's shack. He (or possibly she) runs like the dickens directly away from the shack and into a small grove of trees.
inside...
Any that are inside and take the time to look out the window also see the crossbowman. The position gave a good view of Nigel, but there's no way anyone out there could have heard the conversation inside.
Nigel's blood is pooling up rapidly. I wonder who will dig his grave.
[It goes faster from here out. Also I should be posting more regularly now. The past week or so has been a bit crazy. Sorry for the missed posts and such. -jk]
Renik Wednesday December 18th, 2002 5:49:11 PM
Renik is shocked into immobility for only a moment. He looks out of the window in time to spot the fleeing assassin.
Unslinging his bow he points and calls to his companions "Bowman went into those trees!" as he races out of the shack and off in pursuit. He keeps low and uses the tombstones for cover, wary of ambush.
Feng Thursday December 19th, 2002 2:06:51 AM
The burly half-orc tears off after the assassin.
Draax Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:39:35 AM
Draax follows the others as they chase the assassin.
Rond d20+12=32 Thursday December 19th, 2002 11:29:47 AM
Jumping at the sudden noise of the window breaking, Rond refuses to believe what his eyes tell him and jumps to Nigels aid and tries to catch him as he falls. He performs a quick surgery and then see what he can do to hold Nigel together until someone with better healing can come along. ( heal check, nat 20 for 32 total).
Going... going... gone (DMJK) Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:41:06 PM
Rond catches the hapless Nigel. The caretaker is dead without a doubt. The bolt is sticking all the way through his neck. Further, Rond notes some sort of sickly green substance on the point. There's quite a bit of it for it to show through the blood. Rond's trained eye notices that the bolt is one of quality. Clearly it was crafted by a master fletcher. The shaft is black with black feathers. Whether or not it's magical, he can only guess.
----------------------
Outside, everyone loses track of the crossbowman for an instant as he runs into the small grove. The trees obscure him from view. Still he doesn't have much of a headstart. Renik, Feng, and Draax tear into the grove.
A quick second to catch your breath, and you hear him crashing through the trees up ahead.
The chasers run through after. On the other side of the grove is a small mausoleum and some tombstones. The crossbowman is gone... or more probably he's hiding amongst the stones or in the mausoleum. There's also the remote possibilty that he scampered up a tree and never left the grove. There aren't many other options unless he turned invisibile, teleported, or some such.
[spot and listen checks for the searchers]
Draax d20+3=6 Thursday December 19th, 2002 9:08:51 PM
Not sure if the glimpse he caught of the assassin was his imagination or not, Draax runs along with the others basically just following their lead. When they get to the small mausoleum and tombstones, Draax scans the area with his eyes and is not surprised when he does not see anything (spot check 6).
Feng Friday December 20th, 2002 10:02:48 AM
Not being very adept at spotting little things, Feng tries something else. He walks around the immediate area trying to detect evil. The crossbowman was an assassin. His skill was impressive. More than likely the assassin has been doing this for a while. Performing evil for a while.
Evil (DMJK) Friday December 20th, 2002 5:25:07 PM
Feng feels more than he bargained for... from the mausoleum.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=3 d20+18=21 d20+18=26 d20+18=35 d20+18=35 d20+18=38 d20+18=25 d20+18=25 d20+18=33 d20+18=26 d20+18=29 d20+28=45 Friday December 20th, 2002 7:08:03 PM [OOC: My post from yesterday burped out of existence.]
As the extremely well-aimed - and ill-timed - crossbow bolt transfixes poor Nigel's neck, the image comes to Bill's mind of another poisoned crossbow bolt which took down Tezo not long ago. Bill recalls that the tall bearded man limped up for the midnight rendezvous and, about to deliver a message from Marcus, was struck in the chest. Last Bill heard, Tezo was still in a coma, despite his and Hobbes' best efforts to save him, not to mention those of the clerics of Gargul.
As Rond goes first to help Nigel, the halfling takes off his cloak and places it over the broken window, so that any others who might want to look in will have their vision blocked.
Nigel was hit in such a way - Bill, about to render aid, sees that his windpipe is sliced open, and the last of his blood ebbs out of the jugular vein, and it looks like even the top of his spine was nicked by the broad head of the well-crafted missile.
Despite the apparent futility of the gesture, Bill is touched by the now bloodied Rond, whom he thanks, and he himself takes out a wine skin and a vial of a thick rose-colored liquid. The former he uses to rinse off the poison, taking care to let none touch his own person, or Rond. Next he pours the bulk of the potion down the gravedigger's windpipe, and strategically splashes drops around the path the bolt took through Nigel's neck. The potion of cure light wounds heals up 3 hp of damage - but the halfling sees it is hardly adequate to reverse the work already done.
"Oh, Mr. Nigel, Mr. Nigel. Evil associates can lead to such sorrow."
He thinks with a measure of irony of the grave already prepared by the gravedigger.
"Rond, our friends are pursuing the killer. I think we can be of little help to poor Nigel, here. Can you look to see if there is a trap door? I'm going to glance through the maps and scrolls for a moment."
'William, be my eyes and ears,' he communicates telepathically with his psicrystal. He imbues the gemstone with locomotion, and mostly white ectoplasmic legs protrude from William's underside, giving him the ability to move as a spider might (move 30). 'Keep watch as I look over these things, little friend.'
Bill opens and closes each scroll, taking in the contents and significance with terrific speed. [Autohypnosis to memorize contents of each scroll, for the first ten: 21, 26, 35, 35, 38, 25, 25, 33, 26, 29.] If he finds the map, he takes extra care, spending more time on it [Autohypnosis to memorize, taking 10, for a 45], and looking in particular at the disputed area.
He awaits word from Rond, or from his companions who went in pursuit of the crossbow wielder.
Hobbes (by Kim) Saturday December 21st, 2002 3:20:48 AM
Hobbes, once he saw the man running off, urged his horse forward in a gallop to catch up with him. After losing him in the copse of woods, the cleric gnashes his teeth. He sees that the other members of the party have the woods area covered, so returns to the shack, dismounts and enters the little building.
Seeing Nigel lying there dead, and Bill poking through the scrolls, and Rond looking for who knows what on the floor, he feels a sense of anger rising, and a warmth spreads up his neck. "What, you just leave him lying there, then?" he asks in a growl. He steps forward, and bends down to look more closely at what is obviously now a corpse. He probes carefully. "Ah, I see some efforts were made to help him," he comments, the edge to his voice not now quite so strong. "What were his last words?" he asks.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday December 21st, 2002 3:24:26 AM
The halfling looks up briefly as Hobbes enters, then returns his eyes to the documents. At Hobbes' query, he answers, doing a fair job of imitating Nigel's accent and inflection. "He said, 'All right! All right! He made me do it. I'll tell you al...' And then the bolt got him. Excuse me, Hobbes, I'm trying to find out something here. Rond is looking for a trap door, if there is such a thing in here." Again he reads the scrolls.
Hobbes (by Kim) Saturday December 21st, 2002 3:31:30 AM
Hobbes stares at the halfling, and shakes his head after a moment. He sighs, heavily.
"Very well." The dark cleric incants, and invokes the ability to speak with the dead. "Spirit of Nigel, before you go too far away, tell me. Tell me -- what were you about to say? Who made you do it? And what did he make you do? What are his plans?" Should Nigel answer, then, after seeking what clarification he might, he asks the spirit of the departed man, "And is there anything I can do for you?" He will offer any counsel and comfort he might to help the man on his way into the afterlife.
Renik d20+8=10 d20+7=19 Saturday December 21st, 2002 4:37:11 PM
Renik races through the undergrowth clutching his bow. When he reaches the clearing he comes to a halt, carefully examining the area. Their foe could be anywhere, and he has no desire to end up like poor Nigel. He looks around carefully, but sees nothing (Spot 10). But is that a sound he hears? (listen 19).
Feng Sunday December 22nd, 2002 6:44:35 PM
He turns around and gazes at the mausoleum. Slowly he approaches, weapon in hand. "Forget about the assassin. I'm willing to bet that the source of all the problems is right there."
Rond Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:15:07 AM
"I can look around and see what I can find, though I'm not sure why Nigel might have anything of the sort." When Rond sees Hobbes trying to talk to Nigel he'll stop his current activities in order to not to disturb the proceedings.
William the PsiCrystal Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:06:51 AM "To hear is to obey, Mighty Bill!" pipes the tiny gem, as legs extend from his underside. He races out of the shack as fast as he can go, and pelts up towards the copse of trees where the others headed.
DMJK Tuesday December 24th, 2002 10:13:14 AM
Bill finds quite a few very personal documents about the funeral arrangements of many of the people in Windhorn Hamlet, and he memorizes such trivial details as who paid how much to have their grandfather interred.
Finally he finds the big map. There were indeed four bodies buried in the area that had been excavated. The names were: Hector Visnari, Boogo Visnari, Reckit Yugol, and Mari Freck. They all died about 225 years ago. None of the other records that Bill looks at referred to them. Probably because none of the documents were older than ten years. The names mean nothing to Bill.
Hobbes gets a spirit, "Shut up and leave me be. You already got me once by not leaving me alone. He can do worse than that here. So leave!" Nothing else seems forthcoming.
Renik hears the sound of stone grating on stone.
Feng seems convinced.
Rond finds a lot of solid boards with dirt underneath in the main room. There is another room though. It appears to be the dead man's sleeping chamber.
Arien Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:22:45 AM
Arien goes along with Feng to the mausoleum to provide him some back up should he be right.
Renik d20+25=34 d20+15=35 d20+8=27 d20+7=13 d20+5=20 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:43:30 AM
The sound of stone scaping against stone in a mausoleum... this is not good, the rogue decides. Moving towards the crypt he hooks his bow over his shoulder and draws his twin blades.
He whispers to his companions what he heard, motioning for silence. Then he creeps forward carefuly, senses finely atuned for danger (Hide 34, Move Silent 35, Spot 27, Listen 13, Search 20).
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday December 25th, 2002 4:24:10 PM
"Ah, I see," Bill comments as he looks at the graveyard map. "My memory was off a bit, in one way. Maury Fastfoot is four rows over. But in the empty spots were four folks buried two and a quarter centuries ago. There are the Visnaris - maybe brothers, Hector and Boogo. Also Reckit Yugol and Mari Freck. Don't know much of anything about 'em, though," he tells Hobbes and Rond.
"I thought you would o' checked the bedroom by now, Rond. Let me help you." Bill places the gravesite map in his left pants pocket. "I'll make a copy later, then get this back here," he comments, then goes to work in the bedroom, lifting any carpets or such, and seeing if there might be a trap door.
If not, he suggests to Rond and Hobbes, "Let's go see what the others are up to." Just before he leaves, he speaks to Nigel's corpse. "This is for your own good." Taking a bit of cloth from the bedroom, he uses it to open the gravedigger's mouth, as well as to plug the neck wound, then pours a vial of holy water down his throat. He then closes Nigel's mouth. "If someone tries to give you unlife, I hope this last drink complicates things for 'em."
He grabs his cloak off the window, and heads toward the copse of trees, checking in telepathically with William to see where he might be now. 'See anybody else around there yet, eh, William?'
Draax Wednesday December 25th, 2002 10:05:05 PM
Draax listens to Renik's whispers and then watches as the rogue blends into his surroundings and disappears from sight. Unable to follow Renik's movements, the warrior follows Arien's example and moves to support Feng.
Hobbes (by Kim) Thursday December 26th, 2002 4:41:25 PM
"Perhaps had you reported his attempts to influence you early on, he would by now lack the power you state he has over you even now," Hobbes answers Nigel's ghost. "Whoever 'he' is." He takes the dead man and lays his body upon the bed in the next room.
"Since we know a crossbowman is about, let us first deal with him and his ilk," the cleric says to Rond and Bill. "Then we'll return to bury the dead, as we ought."
Unless Rond should offer some reason to do otherwise, Hobbes exits the shack, mounts his horse, and rides back to join the rest of the group.
Arien d20+10=24 Thursday December 26th, 2002 9:16:44 PM
Arien steps off the side a bit so that he can get a good look into the mausoleum as it is being opened. Should he see anything that looks hostile he'll warn Feng and the others before taking any action. (Spot check of 24)
Feng Friday December 27th, 2002 10:34:33 AM
The burly half-orc takes a few steps toward the mosoleum. It reeked of evil and danger. To Feng it was a blight and a challenge. "I want to go inside. I believe that all our answers lie inside."
DMJK Friday December 27th, 2002 11:03:15 AM
Renik creeps toward the mausoleum and sees that the door is stone. He sees tracks around the front. Booted feet coming out slowly and going back in much more quickly.
Bill doesn't see any information about the ages at death of the four bodies.
Bill labors away in the gravedigger's shack hunting for something that apparently isn't there while his companions confront the mysterious mausoleum. Finally he decides nothing is there and heads out after fixing up Nigel. Hobbes, unable to get the corpse to say anything further, follows Bill out. Rond drifts out just to be a sport.
Checking in with William he finds that the crystal hasn't seen anything that Renik and the others haven't already discovered.
Arien, Feng, and Draax move into place waiting for someone to open it up.
With the caution of the lead group, Bill, Hobbes, and Rond manage to arrive before the door is opened.
Kim to JK Friday December 27th, 2002 12:37:53 PM [OOC: The 'none was older than ten years' line from your Tuesday, 12/24/02 post I thought referred to the four. Based on your most recent comment, however, I gather it refers to the age of the records, not the interred at the time of death. Ambiguity is wonderful. Don't most tombstones, and grave records, give the year of birth and death? No, Bill would not have said they were less than ten at death had I not taken the wrong option of the two possible interpretations. Would you mind if I performed a light edit to remove the ambiguity, and Bill's now unsubstantiated comment? He's not stupid. That was my fault. -Kim]
Do whatever you feel is necessary. Did you add the word "documents" to my 12/24 post? If so, you should change the grammar to "none of the documents were" instead of "none of the documents was." I might be ambiguous, but I probably wouldn't have typed that because I know that "none" is an exception to the general rule that indefinite pronouns always use singular verbs. On the other hand, if I did type it with the word "documents," then the statement was pretty clear, and my grammar is slipping. -jk
I altered it, imperfectly. Was too imbued with Bill's rural-speak :-( Will fix it now :-) BTW, I retained a copy of the relevant block of votes prior to change. In your original text, the ambiguity was, well quite pronounced!
Renik d20+8=15 d20+5=15 Saturday December 28th, 2002 5:54:45 AM
So the assassin has pulled closed the stone door behind him, thinks the rogue as he cautiously approaches the mausoleum. He looks around carefully to make sure he is not observed (Spot 15), then moves towards the stone door and examines it closely. He checks to see if it might easily be opened, or if it is booby trapped in any way (Search 15).
Suddenly he spots movement at his feet, and leaps back in alarm, twin blades at the ready.
It is with a sigh of relief that he discovers the cause of his momentary panic to be none other than William the PsiCrystal, come forward to investigate for his master.
"Hop up onto my shoulder, little one," he says, "and we can investigate more closely." He turns to the others. "But I suggest we wait for our companions before proceeding any further."
William the PsiCrystal Saturday December 28th, 2002 6:07:33 AM
The gem clambers up Renik until he is perched on the rogue's shoulder. From this vantage point he carefully examines everything around him, and relays it back to Bill.
Hobbes (by Kim) d4+1=3 Saturday December 28th, 2002 3:58:31 PM
Reining in Bradbury, Hobbes dismounts a few feet from Feng. Making a quiet inquiry about what is going on, as the others seem tense as they look at the mausoleum, he learns of the scraping stone. "Let's go in," he says. "But first, let me do this." He casts bull's strength on Feng the half-orc paladin, who gains +3 on his strength for the next seven hours.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday December 29th, 2002 7:11:50 PM
"Hey," he says to his friends once he arrives next the mausoleum. "Okay, Rond, what do you want us to do now?"
Draax Sunday December 29th, 2002 10:43:10 PM
Draax stands with the others by the mausoleum, a little away from the door to allow Renik to check it. He turns his attention to Rond as Bill asks his question.
Rond Monday December 30th, 2002 8:44:18 AM
"Seems we have no choice, we have to go into the mausoleum." Not expecting much else that can be learned, Rond shivers as the group starts towards the mausoleaum. If he were a betting man, he'd say the Sons of Dread have somehow resurfaced.
Bill Troublefinder Monday December 30th, 2002 10:20:16 PM
"Okay, you heard 'im." Bill says. "Feng, would you do the honors?" He moves his chin to indicate the stone cover.
Feng (Bull's Strength) d20+6=26 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 1:26:04 AM
Feng approaches the stone door determined to get inside. There was evil inside and it was his duty to destroy that evil. Gripping the sides of the door, Feng plants his feet and lifts. [str check 26 to move the door]
Whoops - DMJK Tuesday December 31st, 2002 2:23:48 AM
Renik checks for traps, but he doesn't find one. That's probably because Feng muscles him out of the way in his haste to open the door. Then the mighty Feng stands and heaves in a mighty attempt to open the stone door. Lifting with all his might, he has little success until Bill points out that pushing might work better than lifting.
Feng tries the new approach and the door slides open. Inside is a stone sarcophagus with what appears to be a heavy stone lid. The assassin is nowhere to be seen.
Hobbes (Matt) d20+8=19 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 3:45:28 AM
As the others work on the door, Hobbes mutters a quick prayer to Gargul and takes hold of his silvered eye. He raises it slightly and continues intoning, "B'en Vi Brarinn". [Detect Undead]
Not a word is said as they peer into the gloom of the masoleum. The drip of the moisture within. Hobbes raises his eyes and looks around the gravestones, at the sky, behind them, and once again back to the masoleum door. [Spot 19 if applicable.]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 31st, 2002 8:49:05 AM
"I'll bet we need to go in there," says Bill, looking at the sarcophagus, checking to see whether the lid lifts or slides. He also activates detect magic/psionics, to check out the area. Then he piles on detect poison. "Renik? Check it out? Or should we just barge ahead?"
Renik d20+5=8 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 10:14:14 AM
The rogue, smiling, kneels at the sarcophagus, examining it carefully. "It never hurts to be careful, Bill," he says looking over at the halfling as he does so. But he pays perhaps less due care and attention than he should in his exploration (Search 8).
The sarcophagus (dmjk) Wednesday January 1st, 2003 4:20:24 AM
Hobbes detects an undead within the sarcophagus.
The only magic items that Bill detects are his companion's items. He does however detect poison in the sarcophagus, and he sees that the lid is simply a decorated block of stone. It could be lifted straight off, or one could simply slide it off provided there is no sort of interior lip that he is unable to see.
Renik doesn't see anything else interesting about the sarcophagus.
Renik d20+7=22 d20+4=13 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 9:12:15 AM
"Friends, there's something nasty in there and no mistake. How about this for a plan? Two of us lift the lid, and then me, Bill and whoever else toss in a cocktail of tanglefoot bags, Holy water and Alchemist's fire. A nice clerical assault wouldn't hurt either. Anything that can help to stop it moving. I have a battle net that may slow this thing down too. Then we all withdraw to a safe distance once the creature is immobilised, and hit it with spells and ranged weapons from a position of relative safety. What do you folks think?"
In anticipation Renik pulls out a battle net from his pack and readies it for action, standing 10 feet from the side of the sarcophagus (readied attack vs AC 22, when someone pulls back the sarcophagus lid. If struck victim is -2 att, -4 Dex, ½ move if success vs opposed Str check of 13, no movement if check fails). As he does so he murmurs to himself "But what happened to the crossbowman? Could it be that he was this undead thing?"
Hobbes d20+8=18 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 11:54:20 AM
Hobbes lays a firm hand on Renik's shoulder, "Wait, friend," he warns, "There is something indeed foul within that sarcophagus. Something so foul as to come from the depths of hell itself. Pause a moment while I prepare."
The black cleric folds his palms and kneels intoning some strange divine phrases... "Nog fiiiwoe sid.... Bon'gin sol nee." [Negative Plane Protection and True Strike]
He starts slowly into the tomb, trying to restrain Renik from entering first. "Forgive me, Renik, but this is my calling. If someone wouldst remove the lid... I am ready."
Hobbes prepares himself and places himself dead center in front of where the sarcophagus would open. He grasps his trusty scythe firmly and prepares for a harsh downswing. Readying his action to swing precisely when the demonic lid reveals the hell within, he prepares.
"Now, friends, put it back..."
[18 on a readied attack roll whenever the lid is pulled back.]
Hobbes (True Strike, Negative Plane Protection) d20+28=37 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 11:56:38 AM
(whoops forgot to add in the True Strike) [Actual roll 37]
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 1st, 2003 11:29:46 PM
Little Bill points out the areas that are poisoned on the lid of the sarcophagus, warning away any who would touch it. Depending on the nature of the poison (dust, goo, liquid, what have you), he will either take the time to wash it off, say, with wine or water, or scrape it off with the blade of a dagger, or whatever remedy seems most logical and effective. That is, if the poison he detects is on some reachable surface. If it is on the surface somewhere, in a part that would have to be touched in order to remove the lid, but is not easily, and safely, removable, he will offer a blanket with which to protect the remover's (or removers') hands.
If it is inside the sarcophagus, then he will warn his friends of this prior to the opening, and suggest, somewhat in line with Renik's notion, the placing of a blanket over the lid of the sarcophagus, so that should poison come spewing forth, said blanket would halt, or at least, perhaps, hinder, the diffusion of said poison.
[JK - May I humbly request additional helpful detail in your descriptions?] ;-)
A little more detail (DMJK) Thursday January 2nd, 2003 12:49:21 AM
Bill detects poison in the sarcophagus. In other words, he detects poison inside of it. The poison is not on it. Rather it is enclosed within. The poison presumably rests at the bottom of the sarcophagus. The poison is in the north to south center of the sarcophagus. However, it is up against the edge on the western side. It is just about 6 inches above the floor of the mausoleum.
The sarcophagus itself is made of white limestone. The mausoleum is made of a similar stone. The sarcophagus is sized to fit an adult human. It is decorated with some typical funerary motifs. There are flowers around the outside border and a large eye of Gargul is carved into the center. There are little statuettes of winged celestials at each of the four corners of the sarcophagus. The sarcophagus rests upon a set of raised bricks that are approximately 4 inches high. These bricks extend approximately 6 inches past the edge of the sarcophagus on the east and west sides. This provides a step of sorts up to the sarcophagus itself.
The mausoleum chamber is rectangular in shape. You estimate that it is 14 feet by 8 feet. The long dimension runs north to south. The are no entrances or exits save for the door that the party entered. That door lies on the southern wall. There are no windows. The vaulted ceiling is approximately 12 feet high. The walls are unadorned with designs. There are no torches or anything so the light in the little building is very dim. The chamber is very clean. There is no dust or grime inside the vault, and there are no spider webs or other bugs visible.
Renik and Hobbes are ready.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday January 2nd, 2003 6:55:46 AM
So, Bill clearly lays out for his friends what he has discerned about the poison. "When it is opened, perhaps the poison will drain onto the floor, or spray out - I don't know for sure. So, watch your faces, watch your feet." He takes out his canvas tarp, and wraps it around the base of the sarcophagus. This blanket he lays over the top.
"Okay," and he nods towards Feng, "maybe you can carefully slide the lid off, while you," and this time he looks at Hobbes, "Do what you must. Everybody ready? If so, let's go."
Bill begins to fly. He then holds one side of the blanket, looking at his friends to see if one of them will take the other side as Feng slides the lid.
Draax Thursday January 2nd, 2003 9:44:16 AM
Draax takes the other end of Bill's blanket and takes a deep breath that he holds as the lid is sliding.
Feng (Bull's Strength) Thursday January 2nd, 2003 1:41:32 PM
"If I may make a humble suggestion. Poison can be cured, but disease is much harder. I would like everybody can step back to a safe distance and let me see what's inside. A mummy could be inside and that would be bad. By the gods graces, disease does not bother me. I think it would be safer this way."
Feng gives everybody a moment to step back if they choose. He leans his axe against the wall and pushes the lid off the sarcophagus. Then he grabs his axe and waits for the dust to clear (if any).
Arien Thursday January 2nd, 2003 3:44:51 PM
Arien enters the mausoleum and moves off to one side of the doorway. As the others deal with the lid of the sacrophagus Arien reviews the spells he has memorized before deciding on one. He quickly determines that the dimensions of the room will not effect the spell, then he begins casting. As the spell finishes Feng begins to grow, he simply becomes more massive, half again as large as he was before the spell. (Enlarge spell, 50% larger, with a +2 size bonus to strength.)
Bill interjects again d20+10=19 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 4:56:31 PM
"Oh - oh - oh! I've got these antitoxin thingees. Drink a vial of it, and it helps protect you a fair amount from poison! I think they last about an hour or so. Only have six of 'em. Anybody want one?" Bill pulls them out of his backpack, distributing to those who want one. He downs one himself, taken from a dark blue bag. The other five come from two potion bags. (+5 alchemical bonus to saves vs. poison for one hour.)
After they are distributed, he takes a a bag out, and tucks it into his belt. He also takes a tanglefoot bag out, and a flask of holy water, per Renik's earlier suggestion. He hands the flask to Draax, and keeps the tanglefoot bag for himself.
He sends Draax a telepathic missive. 'Toss under when it opens.'
"'S Okay," he tells Feng. "He 'n I'll stay here," nodding his head toward Draax, but the rest can give some space, sure." He waits a beat for whoever wants to move back to do so. "Ready? One, two, THREE!" He then holds his breath, per Draax's example. He hovers a few feet off the ground.
The tanglefoot bag he tosses into the sarcophagus once the lid is removed, on the side away from the poison. Ranged touch attack 19. He then lets the blanket settle down on the contents of the sarcophagus, part of it hanging over the edge.
Rond Friday January 3rd, 2003 1:48:22 AM
Taking the proferred potion from Bill, Rond quickly downs it and proceeds to help Feng with the lifting the lid. As soon as the lid clears Rond will ready his weapon, if he is able.
Renik Friday January 3rd, 2003 8:26:19 AM
The rogue continues to wait for his chance to strike (see readied action last post), ensuring that he remains out of striking range of anything that might burst forth from tomb (10ft).
If he is able to attack he follows up by drawing his twin blades.
DMJK Friday January 3rd, 2003 10:01:58 AM
Feng and Rond discover that removing the lid is no simple task. The wing must weigh over 600 pounds, and there aren't any handles. But they give it a mighty effort. Grunting and straining, they get the lid off. As they stagger a bit to set the lid out of the way, a mummified corpse rises up.
True to Feng's prediction there is some dust. Then Hobbes strikes a mighty blow. He sends dust everywhere like when your mother used to beat a rug. Everyone in the mausoleum needs to make a fortification save except for Draax and Bill who held their breath.
Feng's blow knocks the mummy back into the sarcophagus which contributes a bit to the dust cloud. Then Bill tosses in a tanglefoot bag with one hand while the other clutches the edge of his blanket, and Renik launches his net. Then Draax and Bill lay a blanket on top of the thrashing mummy.
The mummy struggles to rise up out of the sarcophagus but seems to be having a bit of trouble. The group gets another round.
There doesn't seem to be any sign of the poison.
Renik d20+7=17 d20+14=23 d20+13=20 d6+5=9 d20+14=31 Friday January 3rd, 2003 10:26:13 AM
Gritting his teeth against the swirling dust (Fort 17), Renik dives forwards, twin shortswords extended. He comes in low, under the flailing limbs of the creature, ensuring that he adopts a position directly opposite one of his companions (Tumble 23 to Flank), then stabs sharply at the creature (AC 20 for 9HP).
Then, in an astonishing manoevre, the rogue does a rapid backflip that lands him on his hands. He uses the momentum to launch into a second flip, landing lightly on his feet some 15 feet from the creature (Spring Attack Feat, Tumble 31).
Hobbes 2d4(1+1)+4=6 d20+9=28 d20+4=6 2d6(3+3)+13=19 2d6(5+2)+11=18 Friday January 3rd, 2003 11:14:08 AM
Hobbes' eyes light like fire as he sees the mummified thing rising. "Down!" he shouts at it, "Gargul commands it."
His blow is a bit ill-weighted due to the confined space and does a mere 6 points of damage.
The dust shoots up in a mushroom cloud, but he manages to cover his mouth quickly with his cloak. [Fort save 28]
Behind the cape a glint of silver is seen as Hobbes' eye-shaped holy symbol appears, catching the glimmer from the light outside, and he presents it mightily over the stirring corpse.
"And all must follow Gargul's bidding!" The aura of pale blue light emits from the eye in his hand and spreads itself outward in an instant, catching the creature and all around.
[Turn Check 6: max HD of Undead = 5. 18 Hit dice worth of undead creatures affected. (ignore the first 2d6 result...was a mistake)]
Feng (Bull's Strength, Enlarge) d20+11=19 d20+16=33 d20+11=31 d8+8=11 d6=2 d8+8=12 d6=5 Friday January 3rd, 2003 3:17:44 PM
Feng tries to hold his breath when the massive cloud rises but doesn't worry too much. What's done is done. He'll worry about it later. The now massive half orc utters a word and his double axe bursts into flames. He goes with a simple thrust because his now increased size and long weapon make it difficult for anything else. [Hit ac 33 for 13 and ac 31 for 17]
[OOC: Fort Save 19, immune to disease]
Bill Troublefinder d20+10=30 d6=5 d6=6 Saturday January 4th, 2003 1:09:06 AM
Bill takes from his pocket a flask, and casts it down upon the struggling form, striking squarely in the chest area (nat 20, hit AC 30, ranged touch attack). Alchemical fire bursts forth, doing 5 hp fire damage this round, and an additional 6 hp fire damage in the next round. Bill rises in the air to a point next the wall and near the top of the vaulted ceiling. He opens his waistcoat, and breathes through the inner material for a moment, taking a couple of good filtered breaths. He checks his pants for more ammo. Lungs full, he says, "Hope this is a genuine bad guy we're workin' on. Hate to make a mistake about that sort o' thing." He then breathes again through the cloth of his waistcoat, preparing to hold his breath, if necessary, during his next action.
Arien d20+2=21 Sunday January 5th, 2003 3:28:46 AM
Gritting his teeth, Arien tries not to inhale any more of the dust than he already has. Fumbling through his pockets Arien pulls out a kerchief and quickly covers his mouth before breathing again. Since the others seem to have the matter under control for the moment, Arien waits to see what develops and how to best act.
Draax Sunday January 5th, 2003 3:15:28 PM
Seeing that the creature is being taken care of, Draax moves a little away from the creature and takes in some fresher air, but stands ready with his sword drawn in case the creature survives the group's initial attacks.
Rond d20+9=11 d20+11=23 d20+6=10 2d6(4+3)+3=10 2d6(4+4)+3=11 Sunday January 5th, 2003 10:10:56 PM
Having put down the lid Rond flinches a little bit as all the action takes place around him even knowing that they expected this. Seeing the dust rise up as everyone acts Rond quickly tries to hold his breath. Even knowing something was coming Rond seems to have been caught off guard (Fort save 11). Choking on the rising dust Rond manages to still get his thrusts off on the mummy. (AC 23, 10) (dam 10, 11 perspective). (OOC you didn't mention what failing the save would do assuming DC 15. adjust actions accordingly)
Dead mummy? (DMJK) Monday January 6th, 2003 10:59:56 AM
After the savage onslaught, the creature in the tomb stops struggling to rise. After waiting a bit, someone checks under the blanket to find a battered, bloodied, and rather dead farmer Elmo wrapped up in bandages.
No. No. Just kidding. It really was a mummy. It really is dead though. Bill's burning alchemical goo is burning the corpse rather quickly too, and the stench is wretched.
There is no sign of a way out through the sarcophagus, but the assassin clearly went somewhere. There is also no sign of the poison that Bill detected.
Once the stench, which seems worse near the ceiling where the smoke is collecting, chases Bill down from the ceiling. He's able to determine that the poison that he detected is underneath the bottom of the sarcophagus. It was hard to tell that until the box was opened and you could see the floor. Given the way the sarcophagus looks like it should go all the way down to the base, the party is able to surmise that there must be a hiding place or a passage underneath the sarcophagus.
DMJK Monday January 6th, 2003 1:55:54 PM
Additionally, everyone seems to have escaped the combat with the mummy without any harm.
this should really be an email, but... -DMJK Monday January 6th, 2003 2:04:59 PM
[And, I see that Carl is the only one who has submitted his Adventurer's Repose write-up. Since a game 2 player is in charge of getting the Repose up and running (ie. Carl), why don't you all help him out and get yours done? If that's not enough motivation, Jerry's deadline for all games is January 17. If we aren't done by then, we'll have to halt the game til everyone does it. I'll be deleting this post after a couple of days.]
Bill Troublefinder d20+4=20 d20+23=26 d20+5=25 d20+5=7 d20+5=24 d20+5=15 d20+18=22 Monday January 6th, 2003 8:34:18 PM
Bill steps out of the mausoleum for a moment to get a breath of fresh air away from the doorway. He looks about to see if there is anyone else outside. If so, he notes that and has William the psicrystal telepathically communicate it to the rest of the party. If not, through William he suggests his friends step outside for a minute or so to give the air inside a chance to settle. 'That dust can't be any good, coming off a mummy,' he has the psicrystal tell the others. 'Did anybody breathe much of it in?' he asks 'If so, Hobbes, isn't there something you're supposed to do to help someone who's done that? You probably know more about mummies than most of us.'
Once the smoke and dust have settled down, he looks again, trying to locate the poison [detect poison], and examining the box for how it is stored, or whether it still is there [Search 20]. 'Renik, do you want to want to check under the sarcophagus? And watch for that poison inside the box.'
The halfling places over his face a whitish crystal mask [Crystal Mask of Knowledge: Arcana & Psionics]. He examines the artistry on the sarcophagus to see what he might learn. [Knowledge: Arcana & Psionics, DC 26; Knowledge: Local, 25 (nat 20); Knowledge: History, 7; Knowledge: Religion, 24; Knowledge: Architecture & Engineering, 15.] He makes a quick sketch of the sarcophagus, and commits his visual observations to memory, as well [Autohypnosis, 22.] He relates to his friends whatever it is he is able to discern.
"Well, let's see what's underneath," he suggests. "Maybe just slide the whole sarcophagus off the top of this thing, or slide the stone underneath. Anybody else have any ideas? I'll bet if we don't take precautions, the poison in the sarcophagus is set to fall down on our heads if we enter the wrong way. Or something... Maybe the poison's in a secret compartment, that has some good stuff hidden away, besides the nasty stuff."
He just chatters away, as his usual busy self. Then, remembering the tarp he had wrapped about the base, he carefully gathers this up, warning people to hold their breath, and he drags it outside, to shake the dust off of it, with care and vigor, though staying upwind of the tarp and guarding his lungs. After it appears pretty dust free, he refolds the canvas tarp. He beats his clothes as free of dust as he can, as well. He has William keep him informed of the goings-on inside the mausoleum, from the comfortable perspective of Renik's shoulder, and comes back inside once his self-imposed tarp- and clothes-dusting duties are concluded.
Draax Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:37:42 AM
Draxx steps outside the mausoleum and waits for an way to found to go under the sarcophagus. He scans the outside area with his eyes just to be on the safe side.
Feng (Enlarge, Bull's Strength) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:33:08 AM
"I think the question is why the poison is there. Was it a natural side effect of the mummy or was it left as a trap for any unsuspecting tomb robbers? I could push the sarcophogus off the base but that might not be the best course of action."
Renik d20+5=17 d20+4=18 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:38:33 AM
The rogue hawks out the layer of dust coating his tongue and washes his mouth out with a swift slurp of water. He spits manfuly onto the ground, scratches his crotch, then approaches the dead thing in the tomb once more with a look of icy loathing.
"Another one bites the dust." he growls with a sneer.
He puts on his Shades of Bluffing to cover his eyes, giving him an air of extreme cool. He tugs his black leather Gloves of Dexterity on snugly, ensuring no flesh is exposed. Then, after much hunting through his pack, and not a little cursing, he ties a lacy pink hankerchief over his mouth. It has frilly edges and a little pink love hearts embroidered in one corner.
Crouching down and trying not to blush too furiously the suave rogue examines the interior of the sarcophagus for a secret panel. He takes great care to avoid setting off any traps (Search 17), and calls on Bill's help to pinpoint the location of the poison (+2 Bonus to Search/ disable checks?). If he does find a false base to the sarcophagus he works to open it without getting caught in any booby trap effect (Disable Device 18).
If anyone is qualified to conduct the search or disable any booby traps with him he calls upon their aid as a spotter (Aid Another, +2 to above rolls).
The Catacomb
DMJK Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:40:38 AM
Bill and Renik find that there is indeed a trapped secret door in the base of the sarcophagus. There is a small hinged section that connects with the floor and lifts up like a trap door. It looks like it could have been opened without ever having disturbed the mummy. No doubt that's what the assassin did.
With no aid forthcoming, Renik attempts to disable the trap after he finds it, but the mechanism is extraordinarily complex. He manages to disable it, but only barely. First he finds the switch used to open the door without harm and does so. Behind is a clever contraption where a flask of alchemist's fire is attached to a small bit of paper wrapped othur. Opening the door would have set it alight and filled the chamber rapidly with noxious burnt othur fumes.
A wooden ladder leads down into darkness. The opening is narrow, and there is no way that the enlarged Feng will fit.
Renik Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:58:25 AM
Hastily removing his frilly pink hanky ("It was a gift from a lady friend" he mumbles by way of explanation) Renik wipes his brow and turns to his companions.
"Well? Who wants to go down there first?"
He considers telling the one about the hobbit tied to the end of a six foot pole, but refrains. Mr Troublefinder might take it amiss.
"Bill? Would you be able to fly down to scout the area? If you can be made invisible too that might help. Can you see in the dark?"
"And I guess we'll need to shrink Feng again! Shame, it suits you, big fella!"
Hobbes Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:19:44 PM
Hobbes starts entoning silent prayers to Gargul once the creature is thwarted and everyone starts hunting for doors and such.
He then takes his scythe and squeezes past the rest to join Draax outside, breathing in deep the cool air.
"Fine fine," he mutters as he pats his horse under its chin. "You scout out the area below and if you need be I'll be right here looking after the horses. I can look after yours as well, Sir Feng."
Rond (Todd is a bad boy) d20=20 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:21:38 PM
Rond coughs as he tries his best to rid his mouth of the foul dust. Glancing at Hobbes after Bill's comment Rond looks to see if there is anything to worry about from the mummy.
Rond does his best to help Bill and Renik where he can as they work on the way to follow the assassin. Looking around the area Rond does his best to see if there are any indication of tracks (crit).
Bill Troublefinder (flying, blinking, invisible, elfsight, detect magic, antitoxin) d10=10 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 6:27:25 PM
Bill immediately holds his finger to his lips, indicating that people should be quiet now that a passage is opened below. "Yes," Bill whispers in answer to Renik's question as to whether he can fly down. "Yes," he tells him regarding invisibility. "Yes," he affirms regarding his ability to see in the dark.
Bill activates his ring of blinking. He activates elfsight. He goes invisible. He activates again his detection of magic & psionics. The hobbit flies down the hole, looking ahead (can see up to 20' ahead), and telepathically describes everything he sees and hears and perceives to William, who can relay that to his friends above. If he comes to a doorway which would block his passage, after detecting for magic, he will blink through the door. (d10, number represents thickness in feet he can pass through without being 'spanked' by the material for 1d6, and must be rolled for each five feet of thickness he passes. So 6-10 is safe. 10! But he just goes far enough to pass through the door, not going a full ten feet.) He then continues, if appropriate, his exploring and reporting.
While he's down there, he also passes on the suggestion to Draax via William that he let Renik drink the potion of holy water he handled him earlier. 'That might help counter whatever nasty thing that dust might do. Yuck!'
Feng (Bull's Strength, Enlarge) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 7:43:27 PM
"We will have to remember this in the future. We seem to get ambushed alot and this form may help in those situations." Feng looks at the trap door. "I am afraid that my normal form will not fit but I have to try. I can see in total darkness. It makes sense for me to walk in front."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 8th, 2003 5:12:01 AM
As William (should be) passing on to him the goings-on up top, Bill passes back via the psicrystal this message to Arien. 'What, so Arien, can't you make Feng small again? Well, not small, but his regular size? Arien, you there? Hey, William, what does Arien say? I tell ya, Feng tries to come down here the way he is now, and nobody's gonna get past him!'
Then he adds, 'Oh yeah, hey, somebody wrap up that poison othur block and separate it from the alchemist's fire, before somebody gets hurt. You got that done already, Renik?'
Draax Wednesday January 8th, 2003 6:56:15 AM
While waiting for his turn to descend down the ladder, Draax hands Renik the potion of holy water silently relaying to him the message Draax received from Bill.
William Wednesday January 8th, 2003 7:34:17 AM
The crystal happily relays all of Bill's missives, embellishing somewhat as he does so. He hops onto Arien's shoulder and bounces up and down, attempting to ellicit a response.
Head first down the snake hole - DMJK Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:05:04 PM
As Bill flies down the hole to check it out, Feng shrinks back down to his regular size as the spell fades on its own.
Everyone up above gets some clean air to breathe, and you all feel just fine.
Down below, Bill doesn't have much of a chance to scout out anything. He has time to make out a cavernous sort of hallway. There are numerous alcoves along the walls, and Bill suddenly realizes that he's in a catacomb. Preserved corpses line the walls. The hall branches out to the north and south, but he sees torchlight to the south. The northern hall is completely dark.
Then the spectres are upon him. Apparently they can see invisible halflings just fine. There are 3 of them. They close and attack. Bill feels their deathly chill all around him.
[I don't have the stats with me, so I'll roll the attack rolls a little later.] [Kim, please only make 1 post per round. That way Bill won't be gabbing while spectres are eating his brains.]
Hobbes Wednesday January 8th, 2003 5:41:30 PM
Hobbes grabs a few carrots from his sidepack.
"There you go Bradbury. Your sustenance." he says patting the beasts head lightly. Looking over to Feng's horse, he sighs and moves over to it and holds the last carrot out to it. "There you are. Now eat."
All the while he keeps a sharp eye on the area of the graveyard around him and an ear open for alerts from his companions inside.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:18:22 PM 'Three spectres down here!' Bill squeaks telepathically.
As soon as he spots the spectres, he shoots back up the entrance. "Aaaaah!" A flask of holy water he dashes against the wall on the way up, to splash any spooks which attempt to follow him out.
Spectre attack Attacks on Bill: d20+9=19 (miss) d20+9=17 (miss) d20+9=29 (hit) d8=1 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 9:02:52 PM
Two of the spectres miss Bill as his magical armor protects him from the incorporeal attacks, but the third lays an icy hand on the halfling's face. He feels it leeching something from him.
[1 pt dmg, & 2 negative levels (-2 to checks, attacks, and saves; loss of top 2 psionic abilities)]
For those up above, climbing down the ladder will be 1 action. Attacking will be an action for the next round.
Draax Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:03:45 AM
Hearing Bill's call and if Bill does not make it back through the entrance, Draax will begin to go down the ladder.
If Bill does make it through the entrance, Draax will stand by the entrance and prepare to attack the spectres if they try to follow Bill.
Rond Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:20:27 AM
Hearing Bill's call and knowing that he moves pretty fast when he wants to. Rond waits for Bill to bring the spectres topside. (assuming Bill's call is transferred to the audible range by WIlliam). Just in case Rond says 'Hobbes you should get ready for this.'
Renik d20+11=28 d6+5=10 d6+14=17 Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:47:27 AM
Renik gulps down the Holy Water, then tosses the empty container back. "My thanks, friend. I'd have preferred a drop of Aisildurian red, but beggars can't be choosers!"
Then he hears Bill's cry. Spectres! His twin shortswords are drawn in a flash, and he moves to the opened tomb. "Move it Bill!" he calls, "Get out of there!"
He looks up at Hobbes. "Well, it looks like you'll be earning your keep today, cleric! Any advice you can offer on facing these things? I'm guessing tanglefoot bags and blankets aren't going to help us this time!"
If one of the creatures does follow Bill out of the hole, Renik will launch a single attack, then back off instantly out of reach (Readied Attack AC 28 for 10HP, Tumble 17, 20ft back and towards the crypt entrance)
DMJK (Bill's % roll for blinking last round) d100=35 (doesn't miss) (AAO on Bill) d20+9=15 (miss) d20+9=13 (miss) d20+9=22 (hit) d100=47 (% hits) d8=7 (dmg) Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:33:56 PM
Bill retreats, but breaking the holy water slows him down just enough for the spectres to have another go at him. Only one of them, the same one as before, manages to breach the hobbit's defenses. Bill feels the icy chill weaken him again (dmg 7, 2 neg levels).
Bill breaks the holy water on the wall and shoots up the stairs. Bill's companions wait to wade into the spectres, but they do not come topside. They're waiting somewhere down there in the dark.
-------------- Outside: Bradbury likes his carrot and nuzzles up to Hobbes just a bit. It's late afternoon by this point, and it's starting to get dark out.
Feng d20+3=22 Thursday January 9th, 2003 6:34:57 PM
Feng crouches near the opening and utilizes his darkvision to peer into the depths. "Perhaps I can make things a little easier." Feng mutters a prayer to the gods and attempts to turn the undead. [turn check 22]
Draax Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:08:39 PM
Draax stands near the entrance with his sword ready, waiting to see the results of Feng's action.
Renik Friday January 10th, 2003 8:26:46 AM
"Hobbes, man!" yells Renik. "Get in here! We've got hardcore undead here sucking Bill drier than a sawdust martini and you're outside feeding carrots to the horses! Are you a priest of Gargul or a stableboy?"
He keeps well back from the entrance to the catacombs, and looks nervously out at the darkening sky. Pretty soon things are likely to get mighty uncomfortable around here.
"Bill, are you OK? You look terrible! Friends, I think Bill's in a pretty bad way here! He's all pale and shaky! Do we have any way of defending ourselves against these things? Or healing the damage they cause? Bill was invisible and blinking, and they still got him!"
Moving the Story Along - DMJK Friday January 10th, 2003 11:28:49 AM
Feng feels a rush of divine power, and he knows in his heart that his god has banished the unnatural horrors.
Bill relays his description of the area below to his companions, and the group reaches the rather obvious conclusion that the mystery of Elmo's disappearance will only be solved down below.
The group descends, and it's clear that Feng's god cleansed the chamber. There's something indescribable about the air that's pleasant, despite the dead bodies sewn in canvas bags that line the walls.
Heading south, with Bill as an invisible, blinking scout, the group soon comes upon an unexpected scene. 3 ragged corpses lie on the ground. An experienced eye reveals them as slain zombies.
A human gripping a staff lies unconcious on the ground nearby while a fourth zombie crouches over him. It seems to be examining the man in an intelligent way.
[forgive me for moving you along, but the allotted time for the module is almost over, and there's a lot to do.]
Hobbes d20+4=15 2d6(4+3)+11=18 Friday January 10th, 2003 7:42:04 PM
Hobbes presents his eye forward.
"Halt!" he shouts, "You do desecrate the soul of the living. Stand and be consumed by a power more true than you!" [Turn Check 15, 18 HD total]
He examines the situation of those on the ground carefully and also looks at the fallen "wizard".
Renik d20+12=32 d8+4=12 d20+5=8 d20+8=26 d20+7=16 Saturday January 11th, 2003 11:56:54 AM
The rogue grins over at Feng as his turning does the trick. "Exceptional, paladin! Those things had me seriously worried, but you aced them with one wave of your Holy Symbol! You're even tougher than I realised!"
As the party come face to face with the crouching zombie the rogue rapidly unslings his bow and sends an arrow hissing towards the loathsome creature, striking it hard (AC 32, sadly no crit vs undead, 12HP).
If the creature falls Renik quickly scouts the area, checking for clues as to what happened (Search 8) and keeps his senses alert to possible further signs of danger (Spot 26, Listen 16).
"Feng, can you heal this fellow here?" he says of the fallen combatant. "He seems to have come through a pretty epic battle."
Arien Saturday January 11th, 2003 5:28:07 PM
Arien slowly approaches the fallen man, keeping an eye on the fourth zombie and his dagger in hand. As he approaches he warns the undead being, "This dagger I hold is capable of discharging a bolt of electricity, attack me and you will surely feel its bite. Should you survive, my holy friends here will surely see you blasted to dust. Do we understand each other?"
That said Arien slowly bends down, keeping his eyes on the zombie still, grabs the nearest convienent body part of the fallen man and slowly drags him back to the group; still facing the zombie.
Bill Saturday January 11th, 2003 10:14:50 PM Then... When he comes up and out of the ladderway, and near half drained of life and energy by the sprectres, Bill moans, "Ohhhh - my socks have fallen down."
Now... It takes a minute or two for Bill to regain his composure as he debates internally with himself whether he can dare brave a return to the haunted catacombs below. But William encourages him, and he cannot let his friends down. Besides, he promised he would help unravel the mystery of Elmo's disappearance...
"Stop!" Bill shouts aloud as he sees his friends start to take offensive action without taking the time to see what is really going on. "That is no ordinary zombie! Don't hurt him unless we have to!"
Draax Sunday January 12th, 2003 1:19:38 PM
Draax observes the actions of the others and slowly moves towards the zombie and the unconscious man. Not sure what is going on, the half-elf will take Bill's advice and takes no hostile action against the zombie for the time being.
Rond Monday January 13th, 2003 1:27:17 AM
Seeing his little friend a little unnerved with getting hit by a spectre again, Rond lays his hand on Bill's shoulder for a brief second in sympathy.
As the group approaches the new scene, Rond approaches with caution in the wind. Seeing as how others have taken action in one form or another Rond will hold his actions in order to defend anyone in the group. Hearing what Bill has to say, Rond silently nods his head in the affirmative.
DMJK Monday January 13th, 2003 10:19:09 AM
The zombie jerks away from Hobbes and staggers backward down the hall to get away from his holy might. Then Renik shoots it in the chest with an arrow, and it falls over.
The man in the hallway is alive and half conscious. His wounds are not life threatening yet, but they clearly need attention quickly. He tries to speak...
[note: This is the introduction of Jared our new pc. Chad, you may post when ready.]
barefeet (DMJK) Monday January 13th, 2003 12:24:04 PM
Bill, thinking of Elmo, notices that the zombies have barefeet, just about the right size to have made the footprints scattered around the farms and graveyard.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=3 d8+1=9 Monday January 13th, 2003 1:11:48 PM
Since Hobbes and Feng have healing powers, Bill trusts one of them to care for the fallen man. He wants answers from another source, though.
The invisible hobbit lays a battlenet next to the fallen zombie, and asks for help. "Hey, I'm gonna wake up this zombie - it's one of the zombies that was wandering around Elmo's place - y'can tell by his feet. Could someone come make sure he doesn't hurt himself or us if I can wake him up? Like, lay this battlenet on him, and sit on him gently?" He then uses his wand of cause light wounds (in the case of the undead, not an attack, but an aid). If one charge is needed to heal the zombie (3 hp), then that is all he will use. If the one charge seems to help, but the zombie is not yet fully conscious, he will use a second charge (9 hp). If the one charge has no apparent effect whatsoever, he will not waste the second charge. He realizes that the wand may be wholly ineffective against the zombie, if Renik's outstanding shot was adequate to negate its unlife.
If the zombie does awaken, Bill asks him, "Okay, are you Hector Visnari, Boogo Visnari, Reckit Yugol, or Mari Freck? And what did you do with Elmo?"
If the zombie is dead dead, then Bill will tie a hankerchief over his face. The battlenet he folds and places into an empty bag. He then searches the body for clues. Afterwards, he washes his hands off with a little wine, then water.
[OOC: Since Bill is trying to assist the zombie, I trust his attempt to heal would not be adjudged an 'attack,' thereby negating his invisibility. -Kim]
DMJK Monday January 13th, 2003 5:44:45 PM
Bill finds that the zombie is dead, not only due to Renik, but also the beating administered to it by the human's quarterstaff.
Draax Monday January 13th, 2003 6:37:39 PM
While the others attend to unconscious man, Draax scans their surroundings. Without touching the zombies, he takes a closer look at the condition of the zombies' clothing, trying to see if their garments are rotting, old, or in good condition.
Feng Monday January 13th, 2003 6:46:52 PM
Feng walks over to the injured man and sets his double axe against the wall. He summons the power of the gods and places his hands on the man. [lay on hands heals 24hp]
Hobbes Monday January 13th, 2003 7:07:34 PM
Hobbes starts towards the fallen man and is stopped cold by Bill's words.
"Wake UP the zombie?!?" he shouts. "Bill I cannot allow you to do such a terrible thing as to perpetuate the stolen life of this monstrosity."
He moves over to stand in front of Bill and any who may try to fiddle with the corpse (although they can certainly see it enough to tell that it is dead).
"I would ask that you not suggest doing such a thing again, if you please."
Bill Monday January 13th, 2003 9:08:19 PM
The halfling looks up at Hobbes, who, were Bill not talking, would have a tough time seeing where the invisible flying halfling is in order to block him. "Aw, he's too dead to do anything with, anyhow. Besides, if he were alive, I was gonna talk with him, if we was talkable, and try to find out what happened to Elmo.
"Yeah, I don't generally care to help keep undead, uh, still alive? No, that's not the word. What's the right word?" he asks Hobbes. "Also - didja get a look at his eyes, just before you scared him off and my friend fletched him? There was somethin' brighter about him than the average stupid zombie. Look, it may not generally be known, but I know lots of people who were undead, for a little while, at least. You can't go lumpin' 'em all into the same ball o' dough. But, yeah, generally, you're right. It's only 'cause there was something different about this one. By the way, did you notice how I hardly ever use any of your guys' names when we're in a dangerous zone? Think about it. Hey, look, our big friend looks to be helping the fella."
He goes over to check on the progress of Feng's patient. "Hello? You okay mister?"
Renik Tuesday January 14th, 2003 3:31:45 AM
As Feng's healing magic flows into the fallen man, Renik leans down and offers him a hand up.
"Welcome back!" he smiles. "Quite a job you did on those zombies sir! Saved us a fair amount of trouble! You have my thanks. Though I would say this is not a place to be wandering alone; if you would care to join us I think you'll find greater safety in numbers. Our names, as my diminutive companion so rightly points out, can wait until we are no longer in a hostile area."
He leans in close and whispers "Sensitive jobs we do, you see. Very hush-hush. Don't want the wrong people getting wind of who we are and what we do."
He stands back and speaks up once more. "But for now please call me "R". The halfling you can call "B", the big lad with the double axe is "F", and that dour fellow over there is "H" (priest of Gargul, you know; mighty handy in a place like this, but awfully serious!)."
"The half elf is "D" (he's good in a scrap), That fellow there is "The Boss", there's none better for tracking and knowledge of the wilderness, and the Elf is "A", a shadowstepper like myself, but well schooled in the mystic arts."
"Apologies for all the secrecy, but in our line of work it tends to help you live longer." He winks; "which can only be a good thing!"
Renik looks to his companions. "Well, are these dead old boys telling us anything of interest, or should we press on?"
Jared Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:09:17 AM
The crumpled figure shudders for a moment as the healing washes through it, wiping away from the wounds of the zombies.
With a groan and a dry cough, the figure takes in a deep breath, the raises his hands in fear.
"No! Stop! Uncle Elmo!"
As his vision clears and he hears the voices of the group, he realizes that neither Elmo, nor the zombies, are nearby.
"Thank... thank you... I thought I was a goner. I managed to take down 3 of those... things... but the fourth must have gotten in a lucky blow."
At all of the initials, Jared chuckles. "Well, I can't promise to remember all that, unless you promise to line up all the time in alphabetical order." He manages a smile.
"My name's Jared, but if it would make you more comfortable, you can call me J."
(Assuming the group will ask for exposition)
"I came down here looking for my Uncle Elmo. I looked around the shack, but couldn't find anything except a trapdoor that led down here. That's when I ran into -those-"
Rond Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:29:08 AM
Not wanting to waste the time that the group has Rond tries to rush things along. "Is there anything else to be explored down here? Were you able to find out anything about your Uncle?"
Exposition and protest - dmjk Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:41:17 AM
Despite the fact that half of Windhorn Hamlet knows the names of our intrepid adventurers, they keep the newcomer, Jared, in the dark about their real names. For his part, Jared relates a tale of his experiences that led him down into the catacombs. Hearing a tale of his uncle's disappearance, he journeyed to Windhorn Hamlet to see if he could be of any help. He found Elmo's house in about the same condition as the rest of the party. His own tactic was to interview the captain of the town guard next. The captain was of little help, but he did mention that there had been some reports of odd goings on in the cemetery. So Jared came up to have a look. He found a trapdoor behind Nigel's shack that the party missed, and he opened it and descended into the catacombs. He hadn't been down there too long when the zombies attacked him. It seems amazing that the group hadn't bumped into him already. Your paths must have nearly crossed several times already today.
During the tale, Draax examines the zombies. He sees that they are wearing black robes with a red trim. They look relatively new. They have no weapons or other adornments. Jared is able to add that he never heard any of them speak, at least not words. A couple of them groaned a bit.
Feng's healing spell seems to have done the trick. Jared appears to be in perfect health now.
The faintly lit hallway beckons you to continue.
Hobbes Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:21:34 PM
Hobbes in his anger seems to have keened his hearing to know precisely where Bill was to look straight at him for that's what he did. He continues glaring at the spot where Bill last spoke, unchanging his expression.
Then as the stranger begins to speak, he softens ever so slightly as he listens to the tale.
"Uncle, eh?" he thinks.
He sidles up to Feng looking interested in the story and taps him on the back hoping to get his attention and pull him back a little. Then in a whispers very quietly, "Feng. We've been tricked before like this. Check out his aura."
He keeps his eyes and ears open for more ambushes as he makes his way to the front of the pack. Checking with Feng again for "you-know-what" he then peers down the dark corridor and says, "We'd better get moving. They are correct in that it isn't safe down here. I'd better go first for now in case we meet more of those kind."
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=5 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 7:14:41 PM
"Nice to meet you, J," says the disembodied voice. "Have you been down that hallway there with the faint light? Since we used separate entrances, maybe you can indicate which ways you've been, then we'll be sure not to cover the same ground again."
Bill floats along, smack dab in the center of the hallway, and pretty close to the rest of the party members, so that if any more spectres come out of the walls or anything, in his pretty weakened state, he'll have some protection. He is willing to help as much as he can, but is not interested in becoming undead again. As they mosey along, he downs a potion of cure light wounds, restoring 5 of the 9 hp he lost to the spectre. At least some of the physical damage, if not the psychic.
Draax Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:50:18 PM
Draax takes note of the color and design of the robes worn by the zombie. He stands on guard while scanning the area as the members make their introductions. He smiles when Renik refers to him as D and nods his head towards Jared in greeting. "Well met."
Draax takes a quick look at the newcomer, examining his attire and then takes a guess at his profession. He believes that Jared is telling the truth, but decides to keep an eye on him until he proves himself as an ally or a foe.
Rond Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:24:26 AM
Listening to the tale that is told Rond ask, "Did you know about these catacombs down here?"
Feng Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:08:56 AM
Feng glances at his companions and then introduces himself. "My name is Feng. Next time you discover a trap door in a crypt you might want to get some help. I'm glad that we came along in time. The gods know that we have seen enough corpses already."
As they travel Feng will sense the evil and relay Jared's arua to Hobbes.
Renik d20+15=18 d20+5=12 d20+8=28 d20+25=32 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:05:25 AM
The rogue grins at Jared. "Well "J", let's see if we can help with your search. And while we're at it let's see if we can wipe out this little nest of evil. It's a pleasure to have you aboard. Onwards!"
And he heads down the hallway behind Bill, bow at the ready, as quietly and carefully as possible, alert to danger and keeping to the shadows (Move Silent 18, Search 12, Spot 28, Hide 32).
Onward - dmjk Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:47:28 AM
The group moves onward down the hallway. Not visiting areas that Jared has already been leads the group to a room that has been converted into some sort of laboratory. There are vials, beakers, books, and candles all over. Who knows what any of it does? It looks extraordinarily complicated. More interesting, there is a table in the middle and a man is strapped to it. He's blindfolded and bound, and given his lack of movement, he's either asleep or unconcious. His garments are plain, dirty, and torn. There's more than a little blood on him.
There is a closed door in the middle of the wall opposite from you. A rather crude statue of a priest wearing the evil vial of Marteaus stands next to this door.
Hobbes d20+5=20 2d8(1+7)+7=15 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:00:13 PM
Hobbes crosses the room without batting an eye, drops his scythe against the wall and immediately begins caring for the man, trying to stabilize him and determine if he is dead. [Successful Heal check of 20 to do both]
If the man is still alive, Hobbes places his hands over the man's chest an moves them back and forth, entoning, "Trick'se wond ff'st'f"
[Cure Moderate Wounds curing 15 hp]
JK Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:01:00 PM
[You guys have a whole two days to get your Adventurer's Repose legends done before the game gets shut down. We'll cut Arien some slack since he's gone right now, but everybody else needs to do it. Do them and send them to Carl. Do them and send them to Carl. Do them and send them to Carl.]
Carl Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:13:58 PM
What JK said.
==== Sent mine (Bill T, Game 2, & Akerin, Game 5) -Kim
Draax Wednesday January 15th, 2003 5:47:59 PM
Draax scans the room and bring his eyes to focus on the area with the door and the statue. In a whispered voice he says, "I guess we will never be rid of that foul creature who I would rather not mention by name. I cannot say that I am surprised to see that his followers might be involved."
While still watching the statue and door, Draax says, "Does anyone who is capable of detecting traps want to check this room?"
Bill Troublefinder Thursday January 16th, 2003 4:59:33 AM
After Hobbes works on healing the man, Bill asks, "Hey, mister, are you okay? What in the Wold have they been doing to you? Would you like someone to take your blindfold off? Is that you, Elmo?"
Arien (by Kim) Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:01:20 AM
If the door next the statue opens inwards to the room the party is now in, Arien goes over, and shoves the statue so as to block the doorway. He then steps back, to see if anyone tries to come through that way.
Renik d20+5=20 Thursday January 16th, 2003 8:48:25 AM
The Rogue gives the room close examination (Search 20) before letting the others step inside.
Elmo Thursday January 16th, 2003 11:08:45 AM
Hobbes fears the worst when he approaches for there is quite a bit of blood on the table. Some of the nearby vials seem to be filled with the stuff too. The priest also sees that there is some sort of ceremonial dagger on the table with the man. As Hobbes tends to him, the farmer screams, "No! No! No more! Leave me alone!" He's quite incoherent, but he appears healthy.
After Bill speaks, he seems to gain a bit more control, "Bill? Bill Troublefinder. What's going on? Where's the dead wizard? Better get out of here fast!"
Draax keeps a wary eye on the room.
When he gets close to the door, Arien sees that it opens into the other room. He also discovers rather quickly when he approaches that the statue is alive. It holds out its staff across the doorway to block anyone from entering, but it makes no move to attack anyone. Arien isn't really sure about what the statue is made of. It's certainly not stone. It looks like it's possibly ceramic and made of fired clay. If so, the joint work is spectacular and belies the crude lack of detail in the face and garments.
Renik doesn't find any traps, besides the living statue that is.
Rond Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:24:22 PM
"The dead wizard wouldn't look something like this..." as Rond describes the zombie that had hte intelligent look to it.
Hobbes Thursday January 16th, 2003 2:39:50 PM
Hobbes immediately starts cutting the farmer free and getting him off of the tableafter healing him.
"Fear not, farmer," he says as he removes the blindfold from Elmo, "You're safe. Quickly. What is that statue? Did your assailant go that way? and do you require more healing? "
Jared Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:41:10 PM
OOC: Apologies for my absence. Won't happen again.
Jared seems surprised as anyone about the tunnels beneath the shack. "I was just expecting to find a still..or maybe a shrine to one of the less reputable gods. Nothing like this. I wish I could tell you more, but..it seems like my uncle is caught up in more than I thought."
After the healing, he offers his sincere thanks. "I'd like to accompany you, to see if we can find out what happened. I am a wizard by trade, and hopefully my skills will be able to assist what is already a quite competent adventuring group."
He follows near the back, watching everything very closely.
At the altar and the figure, he rushes forward to help.
"What happened? Are you alright?"
OOC: So, is this my uncle? Just unclear if it's actually Elmo.
Draax Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:50:01 PM
Draax looks over at Elmo as he is being released by Hobbes and smiles as he sees that the man is still alive. The warrior quickly draws his sword when the statue moves, but relaxes when it makes not hostile move towards Arien.
Draax waits until Elmo is finished answering everyone's questions before talking to the group. "So do we take Elmo to safety and return to destroy this den of evil or do we take care of it while we are here?"
Feng Friday January 17th, 2003 12:15:49 AM
Feng watches the statue to make sure it isn't going to attack. He's never seen such a creature and wonders if a statue can actually be cut. Hopefully they won't have to find out.
Renik d20+2=10 d20+2=9 Friday January 17th, 2003 8:21:39 AM
Renik winks over at Draax. "No time like the present, Draax! I say we stay and get the job done here and now. Elmo, much as we'd like to get out of here, we have the small matter of destroying this unholy evil to contend with before we leave. Care to shed some light on just what you were doing with a trapdoor leading down to all this? I have a feeling you know rather more than you're letting on." (Sense Motive 10). He steps in close to the farmer, staring him straight in the eye (Intimidate 9).
The chamber (DMJK) Friday January 17th, 2003 11:44:18 AM
Elmo shakes his head at Rond, "No, he controls those kind. Digs them out of the ground, and they do what he says. He's not dead. He controls the dead. That's what I meant. Whaddya call it, a necarmancer? We've got to get out of here."
He looks at Hobbes, "Thank you. I'm fine now. I don't know much about the statue, he always talks to it when he goes in and out of the room. He says, 'Marteaus' blessing upon us.' It gives me the willies the way he says it. He's probably in there now. The door's only closed when he's in there. Please, let's go."
Jared sees that it is indeed his uncle. "Jared? Is that you? I'm fine. You shouldn't have come after me. Are these your friends?" The man breaks down crying. He is apparently overjoyed at being rescued, but he's still afraid.
Renik realizes as the thinks about it that Jared eventually explained that the trapdoor was behind Nigel's shack not in Elmo's house. It just didn't come out right the first time. The man who was strapped to the table moments ago is clearly covered in his own blood, which is probably the red substance filling several vials on the table. The stench coming from the man and the stains on his clothing give evidence that he's soiled himself several times while strapped to the table. If he was a party to his abduction, he clearly got the short end of the deal. Just seeing a glimmer of mistrust in Renik's eye, he starts weeping, "Please get me out of here." He shoots a wild look at the guarded door. He is clearly full of fear.
Hobbes Friday January 17th, 2003 3:25:00 PM
"It's all right, friend. Please pull yourself together. Nothing will harm you as long as we are here."
He pats the man gently on the shoulder until he quiets down. "It is evidently not your time for Gargul to escort you into the afterlife. And thus we will do everything we can to protect you, or if the worst should happen, to revive you. Now--"
He stands and begins placing the vials of blood in a pouch of his own. He then takes a black velvet cloth from his pack and picks up the dagger with it and also places it in his pack.
"These tools and substance of ill repute will not be desecrating the land any further. And I will not have your own blood further used in dark purposes. We shall get it purified and hopefully returned to you back at the Cathedral. Now, Renik, it seems to me that if we wanted to get past that statue we would simply say the words our friend just spoke and walk on by. I will stay in the back with our friend here as we enter and anyone that needs healing I will provide that sort of support."
He looks around at Renik and then others, ready to finish this thing here and now.
Bill Troublefinder d8=1 d8=1 d8=5 Friday January 17th, 2003 4:43:02 PM
"Yes, Elmo, yes, it's me, Bill," he answers, knowing that the notion of maintaining a modicum of the security of anonymity is futile. "Oh, we're so happy to find you. Yep, we'll getcha outta here," Bill tells the farmer as he smears a rather odd-smelling green concoction (healing salve) over his face and neck where the spectre touched him, helping to heal him back up to as good as he's going to get until the negative levels are restored. Of course, he remains invisible, so no one can really tell the color.
"Might sound good to some to use such a password. Not gonna cross my lips, though," says the halfling. "Hey, you stayed back last time. If this fella makes undead, what say you be more toward the front, this time, good cleric. I'm kinda feeling less than prime at the moment. Y'know I don't ever shirk my duty, or try to hold back. This time, though, I think I'm gonna play more the support role. That okay with you all? The way I'm feeling, I could be toast in a jiffy."
"Say, Elmo, could you give me an idea of the dimensions of the next room? Have you seen much of it?" Bill takes a look along the walls of this room, and makes some estimates as to figuring points through which he might be able to blink -- despite his stated intentions to serve in a 'support' role.
Feng Friday January 17th, 2003 6:25:51 PM
"I feel that there is more to this place. At some point we need to get past that statue but first we need to get Elmo out of here. I will take the lead and face the undead if they dare attack."
Renik d20+6=18 d6+5=6 Friday January 17th, 2003 6:55:48 PM
Renik looks incredulous as Feng suggests they should back down, and return later. "Big fella, I admire your desire to protect Elmo there, but we have a more pressing duty. Time spent getting him to safety might mean our quarry discovering those dead zombies back there and either readying for our attack, or escaping to spread further evil. We must hit them now. And I suspect we need to get past this creature to do it."
He grins over at Hobbes. "Priest, I thank you for so gallantly volunteering me!" he jibes with an elaborate bow. "It would be my pleasure to test your theory!"
He steps forward and in a sinister voice growls at the statue-thing "Marteaus' blessing upon us." Unlike Bill the rogue's principles tend to be rather mutable, and needs must where the devil drives. His swords are raised and ready, and he is prepared for any assault (Expertise (+5), Dodge, AC 28, readied attack if golem attacks hits AC 18, 6HP).
Jared d20+15=25 Saturday January 18th, 2003 7:19:20 AM
The young wizard moves quickly to Elmo, trying his best to console him in these troubling times. "I'm so sorry for what happened, uncle. But these people seem to be quite capable of handling what's going on. I need to go with them, to deal with this necromancer before he creates more of those foul undead."
Jared looks back down the corridor. "Do you think you can make it back to your house? You can rest there. Once we get done here, we'll come back."
Jared also glances over to the statue, trying to possibly identify what sort of creature it is, and what possible offensive and defensive capabilities it might have (Arcana check). He relays the information, if any, to the group.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday January 19th, 2003 1:07:55 AM
"No, Jared. Elmo, you should not walk these halls alone," Bill interjects at the suggestion Elmo head out. "Spectres out there, maybe." Then he continues his wall inspection.
Arien Monday January 20th, 2003 4:41:37 AM
"Honestly Bill if you are that bad off I think the best thing that you could do is take Elmo here back to town. I doubt Elmo is in much of a condition to go himself and it sounds if you aren't much better than him. However if you want to stay, stick by me. I'll do what I can to make sure nothing comes after you."
(OOC: As you can see I'm back from the funeral trip now. I'll get on that history post-haste. Thanks for posting for me Kim.)
Draax Monday January 20th, 2003 7:18:58 AM
Draax feels a little uncomfortable with Elmo remaining with them, but he know it cannot be helped if they are going to fight this evil and try to keep the man safe. "I think we should all stay together for the time being. I know its dangerous; we might even find another way out, but first we need to find out what is on the other side of this door."
Draax readies his sword and shield, moves closer to the statue and stands ready as Renik says the words that might get them in.
Jared Monday January 20th, 2003 7:57:57 AM
"Yes..of course..you are right."
He looks to the statue with a bit of concern. "Would you mind if I took a few moments to prepare? I have some spells that may be useful in this situation..."
(OOC: If the group agrees, casting Mage Armor and Shield)
Then he pushes up the sleeves of his clothing a bit and glances back to Elmo. "You may want to stand back a bit, uncle. This will probably be pretty messy."
Rond Monday January 20th, 2003 10:20:02 AM
Placing a calming hand on Elmo's shoulders Rond says, "Fear not. Some of my friends," eyeing Renik, "tend to be too suspicious of things." Rond smiles at Elmo. "I've been a little caught up in things in order to let you and your nephew know that we've had dealings with Marteaus before. We cleared out of the Sons of Dread from this are oh so long ago." Pausing to let the information sink in for a second. Rond continues talking to the group, "I would like to go back with Elmo but I agree that things wouldn't be very prudent that way. Let's have Renik and I lead on with Hobbes & Bill, Elmo & Jared, Arien & Draax, then Feng. I want Elmo here protected and I don't want evil to catch us from behind. I am not sure what happened to the spectres, so Feng keep your eye out."
OOC: If I forgot anyone I'm sorry.
The blessing - dmjk Monday January 20th, 2003 12:29:07 PM
The group ponders what to do about Elmo, who does not have any interest in walking the halls of the crypt by himself, while Renik invokes the name of the Dark God and asks for his blessing.
The statue, which Jared recognizes as a golem with rather potent offensive and defensive capabilities, lowers its staff and steps to the side. The group also feels a chill of sorts enter the room. It's probably just the willies from hearing Renik invoke a blessing from Marteaus. Renik feels it more than most though. It's as if he's garnered some extra attention from the heavens. The chill does help some with the stink of this place. Now, you hardly notice it.
Elmo is no help with the dimensions of the room beyond. His vantage point from being strapped to the table didn't offer him much of a view. It's amazing that he remembered the password for the golem.
Preparations are made...
There are no obvious traps on the door. At least not on this side of it. It doesn't detect for magic. However there is magic on the other side, quite a bit of it. The door isn't evil or poisonous. Though there is a lingering feeling of evil in this place.
Renik Tuesday January 21st, 2003 2:43:00 AM
Shuddering at the sudden chill, Renik steps back from the door. "Well, I got us past the statue" he says, wondering at what cost, "now someone else can try the door."
He looks furtive and out of sorts, as if his invocation of the Dark Lord is proving troubling to him.
Draax Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:21:36 AM
Draax gets into the position of the formation that was stated by Rond. His eyes scans the room as he feels the chill enter the room. Shaking off the feeling, he mentally prepares himself for what awaits on the other side of the door.
Jared Tuesday January 21st, 2003 7:23:12 AM
Jared looks concerned as he moves into position. "Whatever is behind that door, certainly has powerful magic at his disposal. That golem could make paste of all of us, if we didn't have the command word."
He glances over to his uncle with a nod of thanks.
"I wish I could help with the door, but I don't have a spell like that in my books. If we have any idea of what to expect, though, I do have a number of defensive and offensive spells I could cast on a few of the warriors. They won't last long, but they should last long enough for us to get in the room and deal with whoever, or whatever is inside."
Jared briefly lists the spells he's thinking of: Protection from Evil, Greater Magic Weapon, Protection from Elements
"They might not be of great benefit against undead, though. Unless they were summoned."
"Let me know if I should cast them, and on whom."
He looks genuinely interested in making himself a valuable member of the group, perhaps hoping that after this situation has been resolved, they might offer to allow him to stick around...
Rond Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:22:07 AM
Whispering, "Renik see if you can hear anything on the other side of the door. If not I don't see any reason to wait any longer unless someone has an objection?!"
DMJK Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:27:00 AM
Renik can not hear anything on the other side of the door.
Hobbes d4+1=5 Tuesday January 21st, 2003 3:03:59 PM
Hobbes takes his place in line and prepares his scythe. He pauses for a second.
"Hold a moment," he says and takes a brooding step forward, placing a hand on Renik's shoulder and moves his hand over Renik's head. "Here friend, you'll need this. 'Po Elv'dn Mort J'nix.'" He then moves forward and places both hands on Renik's main weapon, one on either side and shutting his eyes speaks, "Shorpix 'Po Riz't." Finally he turns to Rond and touches his shoulder, muttering, "Komul Rizz't Ferz," then removes a small bit of smelly substance from his pouch and places it on Rond. It sticks for a second, then dissolves, but boy does it smell.
He then pats both on the shoulder and says, "Go get them now."
While waiting for any more business to go on he removes a bit of talc from a pouch and sprinkles it upon himself entoning, "I' blis zite Nok," and rubs his temples.
He then returns to his place in line and prepares to enter. [On Renik: Negative Plane Protection and Magic Weapon (+1 Attack and Damage from the weapon). On Rond: Bull's Strength (5 strength points for Rond.) Then on me (affecting me): See Invisible]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 21st, 2003 5:03:32 PM
"Just open the door, Rond!" Bill whispers. He keeps his eye on, and some distance from, the guardian statue. 'Alemi and Domi and Gargul, be with us, and please forgive Renik for invoking that revolting name,' he prays inwardly. He flies over near the wall adjoining the next room, well on the other side of the door from where the statue stands, again, gauging a good access point to blink through.
Feng Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 2:00:10 AM
Feng walks over to the door and attempts to open it. If there is evil behind the door he wants to be first in line. "I do not think we will have this opportunity again. We must make the most of it. Already we have seen a mummy and now a golem. These are rare and powerful monsters. Powerful magics must be behind everything."
Draax Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:13:49 AM
Draax waits anxiously as Feng attempts to open the door, he scans the room and takes a look behind the party just to be on the safe side.
Renik (Negative Plane Protection, Magic Weapon +1) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 8:28:39 AM
The rogue shakes off the feeling of dread that has settled upon him in this dark foreboding place. What's done is done, and there is fighting to be done.
"Hobbes, my thanks. I think we will need all the help we can get!"
To Jared he says, "And yours is the sort of help we can use, my friend. My apologies for being suspicious of your uncle Elmo; it's just that in our line of work it pays to be cautious."
He winks at Elmo.
"Protection from Evil is always handy. Cast it on whoever you wish, we will all see combat today, I'll wager! It's good to have a dedicated mage with us, though I warn you we tend to attract trouble like a zombie attracts flies!"
DMJK Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 11:08:13 AM
Hobbes casts his spells...
Bill asks forgiveness and looks for a nice section of the wall to blink through. Given that he really has no idea what lies on the other side of the wall, one place is as good as another. Everyone else gets ready and Feng tries the door...
It swings inward on silent hinges. What happens next is almost too much to take in, but it will live in your memories forever. Well, maybe not in Bill's because he was busy checking out the wall and not the door.
Beyond the door lies an ornate room, apparently the necromancer's private study. The doorway you are entering is not in the center of the next room, instead it is slightly off center on the left side. A man who is dressed in black robes stands off to the right atop a fancy woven rug. He is reading from a large book perched atop a gilded stand. Behind him against the wall is a large ornate desk covered in books and papers. Attached to the back wall are two fancy tapestries. The one on the left features a demon with a fiery sword, and the one on the right depicts a dragon in flight clutching a unicorn in its claws. The wizard intones, "Barbazou," just as Feng is opening the door.
A green, venomous looking smoke begins to coalesce on the left side of the room. The smoke is contained by a circle of black sand.
The wizard cackles, "You're too late! I've already summoned him! The barbazu is here! The last step for me to obtain lichdom is at hand and you are powerless to stop us! Barbazu, I command you to destroy them!"
The smoke begins to take shape and you see before you, the most fearsome and evil thing that you've ever seen in your life. It is a gigantic demon, a pit fiend from the depths of hell. It stands 8 feet tall, and you can feel the heat radiating from its rich red skin. Black batlike wings spread out behind him, and he grips a gigantic, fiery greatsword. Flames lick his feet, and venom drips from his fangs.
The demon raises its blade, preparing to slice Feng in two, but then it pauses and looks down. Following its gaze, the party members standing in the door see what caught its attention. The open door swung through the sand and broke the wizard's circle. The vicious denizen of hell winks at Feng, and grins the most god awful evil smile any of you have ever seen. Then it turns to face the wizard, and it speaks in a gravelly voice that chills your soul, "You've made two mistakes Elzan. First, I am not a barbazu. I AM BARBAZOU! Second, you drew your stupid circle too close to the door!"
The wizard barely has time to scream as the demon leaps at him, bites off his head, and throws the burning headless corpse across the room. It strikes the wall with so great an impact that you hear the bones crunch.
The demon spits out the bloody head and slowly turns toward the doorway. It speaks again, and the sound of the voice sends chills down your spine, "You freed me from my imprisonment. For this I owe you a favor, so I will not kill you today. But when next we meet, you will meet that fool's fate." The demon points toward the headless corpse. Then he stares at the paladin in the doorway, "Unless of course you want to fight today..."
The demon hefts its sword and stares murder at the door.
Renik d20+12=28 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 12:06:20 PM
Fighting the desperate urge to turn and run, Renik looks up at the huge, smoking Demon and feels his innards turn to ice.
However he does a remarkable job of keeping his terror hidden (Bluff 28).
"Us? Fight you? Oh no, you're obviously mistaken Mr Barbazou. We're just here collecting for the Orphans of Windhorn Hamlet Appeal. Would you care to make a donation?"
He nudges the half-orc paladin. "Feng!" he hisses, "We really don't want to fight this guy! Right?"
Despite his unwillingness to have his head torn off and his burning body flung with bone shattering force into a wall, Renik keeps his bow at the ready, in case one of his companions is feeling reckless.
Feng d20+15=28 d20+7=20 d20+7=15 d8+14=18 d8+6=8 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 1:56:44 PM
There was no way Feng could let this creature escape. Not when he has a chance to finish it. The other will do what they must, just as he will. "Stand back." Is all that Feng says to his companions as he steps forward. He looks at the demon, "You very well know that I cannot let you leave." Feng grips his double axe in both hands and circles the demon so he attacks from the side and gives the others a clear shot. Feng's double axe glows with divine light for a moment as he attacks the demon. [1st attack (smite evil) hit ac 28 for 18] [2nd attack hit ac 20 for 8] [3rd attack misses]
OOC: Feng is in no way obligating anybody from joining in the fight. If anybody wants to help, great. If not Feng will do what he can.
Jared (Mage Armor, Shield, Haste, Protection from Elements - Fire) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 5:44:41 PM
Jared lets out a sigh of strange relief as Feng rushes forward to attack. He had certainly hoped the group would stand up against the fiend, but knew he couldn't take it on alone. With the paladin leading the way, he leapt into the fray, his voice rising above the din as he intones his spells.
Casting Haste, Protection from Elements (Fire)
Draax d20+13=17 d20+8=28 d20+8=12 d8+7=15 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 5:52:07 PM
Looking at the demon, Draax suddenly does not feel as great of a need to destroy evil as he did just a few seconds ago. He feels some satisfaction at seeing the headless body of the priest of Marteaus, but fighting a demon was not in the job description. Draax debates with himself about whether he could leave here with the demon on the loose and still live with himself. He is somewhat relieved when Feng takes the decision out of his hands.
Draax smiles. "This is not the way I wanted to die, but then again I never wanted to die so I guess it does not make a difference. Make some room paladin, you cannot have him all to yourself." If given enough room Draax will move along side of Feng and attack the demon. (AC 17 and AC 28 natural 20 no Crit for 15dmg)
Rond (bull's strength +5) d20+11=26 d20+6=18 2d6(6+3)+5=14 2d6(2+5)+5=12 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:13:43 AM
Rond mumbles to himself about what good does it do to be leader if no one will listen.
Rond is always glad to see an evil wizard taken care of, and decides that he likes having a clear and present evil. It's so much better than most of the things the group has dealt with lately.
If Rond can he will shoulder his way in with the other fighters and attempt to strike the demon. (AC 26, 18 for 14 and 12 if attacks are available and if hit) (+1 weapon)
Hobbes Thursday January 23rd, 2003 3:00:52 AM
Hobbes steps into the room and uses his gloves to fish out a putrid smelling bone from a sack. It reeks of death, that unnatural smell that comes from undead. He holds it and his holy symbol in one hand, waving in turn with the other, his feet hitting the ground in a rough rhythm.
"Arg...arg...." he begins stamping faster, weaving the bone back and forth in front of him, staring intensely, "Argwa O'Wold Og Da!"
A force shoots outworld from the bone and surrounds hits the demon with a wall of purplish light. Hobbes himself is blown back a little from the blast and knocked into the wall behind him. He then lifts his head slowly to see whether his attempt has succeeded and if the demon... is still there.
[Cast Dismissal. Will Save DC 24. He gets his hit dice as a bonus to his roll. Cross your fingers everyone!]
Bill Troublefinder d10=3 d6=3 d10=3 d10=6 d6=1 d10=1 d2=1 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:44:18 AM
Bill blinks through the wall a moment or so after the door opens. If it is more than two foot thick, he takes 3 hp damage as he pops through the other side. If the wall is more than four feet thick, he doesn't even pop through, but requires two more attempts to penetrate five feet. If more than 5 feet thick, forget it, he flies to the door and thence immediately stays as far to the right as the shape of the room allows.
Assuming wall is no thicker than 3 feet: With all his wall evaluation, he arrived just at the end of the cackling wizard's triumphant command. He glances around the whole room to see what all, besides wizard and demon, lies within (furniture, other doors, alcoves, books, lab equipment, whatever), as he listens to Elzan and Barbazou calmly discuss matters. Ouch! he winces as the body splatters. Hmmm - a demon. Must have all kinds of interesting stories to tell. Wait a sec', there, halfling, we don't want this fella comin' back to bother us.
In his scanning of the area, Bill looks to see if anything in the room might be helpful in fighting a demon -- besides what his friends already are doing.
Battle (DMJK) (devil's save against dismissal, w/out HD added in) d20+17=29 10d6(3+3+2+2+3+5+6+5+6+4)=39 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:13:11 AM
Feng charges the towering devil and launches into a furious assault. His blade never even chips one of the pit fiend's deep red scales. (AC30)
Jared casts haste, and the speed boost allows him to follow with protection from fire.
Draax knows that he took his best shot, but the blow seems rather ineffective. (dmg reduction 25/+2)
Rond similiarly has no luck.
Hobbes casts his spell with no effect.
Bill sees nothing other than two tapestries on the back wall, a desk covered in books and scrolls to the right, an ornate rug, a book on a scroll stand, a circle drawn on the floor in black sand, a headless wizard, and great big pit fiend that is laughing at the pitiful attempts to cause him injury.
"Baagh! Mortals, you are not ready for Barbazou! For some reason, Marteaus protects you today, so I will still let you live. But you need a lesson." The devil throws a fireball at his feet. The radius of the blast is sufficient to burn everyone. (dmg 39, reflex DC16 for half)
The devil disappears in the blast. Hobbes' see invisible spell lets him know that the thing is truly gone. The sense of fear is gone too. The fireball caught one of the tapestries, the rug, and the desk on fire. The explosion toppled the scroll stand, and the book is burning on the rug. All the items looked pretty valuable. You'd better put them out.
Renik d20+9=23 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:31:47 AM
Renik sees his companions launch into a blistering assault on the demonic creature, with a singular lack of effect. He raises his bow, ready to bounce his own attack off the creature's seemingly inpenetrable hide. Ah well, life was fun while it lasted...
Then the creature speaks, and Renik cannot suppress a shuddering sigh of relief. Spared! Then Barbazou's words sink in. Marteaus protects them? Oh dear, thinks the rogue to himself. That can't be good...
He doesn't have much time to ponder the implication of these words, however, as the room suddenly explodes into flames. Renik hurls himself backwards, ducking around the doorframe instants before a roaring belch of flame erupts through it, inches from his face (Reflex 23, Evasion for no damage).
When he peers back through into the smoking ruins of the room Barbazou is gone.
"Is everyone OK?" he calls into the smoke, rushing to put out the flames left by the demon's departure.
Bill Troublefinder d20+4=24 d100=14 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:27:11 PM
Bill is apparently in a spot that shelters him somewhat from the full effects of the fireball - but the flames are enough to cause him a fair amount of harm (Reflex save 24, nat 20, damage 20 hp, 8 hp remaining. Rolled d100 to see if on material plane at time of fireball - yep).
He moves quickly to extract his canvas tarp and lays it over the desk and scrolls, and whatever else it might cover, to smother the flames. Last he will pull out some skins of water to douse what remaining flames he can.
"Quick, somebody tell me what Elzan said when you entered the room. I only heard him say, 'and you are powerless to stop us! Barbazu, I command you to destroy them!'
"So, what did he say first? I'm sure it's important. Ay, that hurts! Boy, it sure can be important to say people's names right!" After dousing the flames, he looks to see which of his companions might need immediate assistance.
Hobbes (39 down) d20+3=5 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 4:34:50 PM
Hobbes' head falls back down in exhaustion as he sees the illuminated purple wall completely dissipate when it hits Barbazou. The evil of his words echo in his head.
"Errrg..." he groans, "Have never cast a spell that powerful before."
He summons a little more strength to lift his head again, still feeling a bit of the power from Gargul in his hands from the divine magic, and is powerless to avoid the radiating blast of fire that rips through him like the sharpest blade. His hair and face are badly burned and his pack twitters with little flames.
He lies there groaning.
Draax d20+9=20 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:53:07 PM
Knowing that his sword delivered a clear hit and seeing no damage on the creature, the only thing that popped into Draax's mind was 'Uh oh!' Clearly outmatched, Draax hopes that he could find a way to cause the creature some type of pain before the thing kills him. The last thing the half-elven warrior expected was the speech that Barbazou gave before departing. As the demon throws the fireball Draax quickly wraps himself with his blast cloak and lets it absorb the fire. (save 20, no damage due to Blast Cloak)
Draax feels a little ashamed to be relieved that the demon is gone. One thing the demon was correct about was the party is not ready for it yet. Inwardly he fights with mixed feelings, happy to be alive, but dreads thinking about what damage the creature could do while it is loose.
As he ponders about something he can do nothing about at the moment, Draax helps Bill put out the fire using his cloak to smother the flames when needed. As he fights the fire he answers Bill's question about what Elzan said when they first opened the door. "He said something like, 'You are too late, I've summoned him already. Barbazu is here, the last step for me to reach lickdom' - or maybe it was lichdom - 'is at hand and you can't stop me' - or was it stop us? Anyway, then he said 'Barbazu, I command you to kill them,' - no not, 'kill them,' he said 'destroy them.' I think that was he said, but I was a little excited at the time."
Arien d20+10=18 d20+10=22 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:02:45 PM
Arien manages to leap backwards through the door, tumbling backwards a good twenty feet before coming to a stop. Jumping back to his feet, Arien rushes back into the room to aid his friends. Should they all be all right, he'll turn to putting out the fires, starting with the book.
(Evasion Roll: 18 so no damage, voluntary tumble roll: 22)
Rond -19 hp d20+6=25 Friday January 24th, 2003 1:18:32 AM
Realizing that his clothes are on fire before he can feel the effects of what the pit fiend has done (reflex =25), Rond quickly avoids some of the more serious damage by putting out the little fires as best he can. From there he starts trying to battle the blaze that has started up in the surrounding area.
Bill Troublefinder Friday January 24th, 2003 2:48:29 AM
"Thanks, Draax," Bill says as he continues working. "That should be close enough. A near lich, eh? Close call. Hey - somebody - Jared, maybe? Feng - you okay? - see if Hobbes there needs a potion or something." He hands a potion of cure light wounds (1d8+3) to whoever can spare a moment for the cleric of Gargul.
Aftermath (DMJK) Friday January 24th, 2003 10:58:25 AM
With a concerted effort, the party gets the fires out. A quick search of the place reveals the following valuable items:
Scrolls: (which fortunately have labels)Control Undead, Contagion, Fear, Vampiric Touch, Detect Undead A wand and bracers on the wizard's corpse Potions in the room that Elmo was in (also labeled): Ghoul Touch, Cure Serious Wounds, Neutralize Poison, Remove Disease, Intelligence) mundane items: 3 flasks of acid, the 2 tapestries, gold ring with a blue diamond (nonmagical), bags of money (683 gp, 41sp, 832cp), masterwork dagger, pair of gold candlesticks fashioned like skeletons, black star sapphire on a find gold chain, fine woven rug featuring an exotic pattern, bag of 5 black pearls, and the ceremonial dagger made of electrum with a star ruby in the pommel
In the bag of black pearls there is a note: Veiran, my friend, here is the payment for the death of the gravedigger.
The note reminds you that the assassin is still missing. He must be down in the catacombs somewhere.
Arien sees that the book from the pedestal was the necromancer's spellbook. Unfortunately, it is burned too badly to be of any use.
Amongst the books on the desk, you discover the dead wizard's journal. It details his desire to become a lich. He discovered these catacombs two years ago, and he began raising the dead for servants and for study. The book details the powers of the undead, and it expostulates theories about the negative plane. The necromancer wanted to study the fresher bodies in the graves on the surface and Nigel's aid was needed for the project. The gravedigger was kept in the dark as much as possible about goings on in the crypt, and he kept his silence for a paltry 2 gold per month. The journal also explains that Elmo was abducted so that his lifeblood could be used to power the transformation to lichdom. Apparently Nigel drank too much for his blood to be valuable to the necromancer, but the journal doesn't really explain why alcohol would pose a problem. The final step involved controlling a devil that would complete the transformation. Exactly how that would work remains a little unclear. Apparently that part is in the ruined spellbook.
Jared Friday January 24th, 2003 11:08:33 AM
Jared flinches involuntarily from the fireball, but his protection spell completely absorbs the damage. He takes a moment to recover, and in his hesitation, the rest of the group rushes forward to take care of the room.
He assists where he can in gathering the items, then shakes his head at the information gathered.
"Such a waste. It is thankful we arrived when we did. If it is true he was about to attain Lichdom, then he may have been too powerful for us to even hope to overcome."
He looks back to Elmo, then to the group. "Thank you so much for saving my uncle. I wish I would have been more helpful in the conflict, but I would be quite happy to offer my services in the future."
DMJ Friday January 24th, 2003 3:17:55 PM {There are no sheets in the Adventurer's Repose for Rond, Hobbes, and Arien. Get those things in gang.}
Draax Friday January 24th, 2003 4:52:55 PM
Draax examines the loot that they found and berates himself for forgetting about the assassin. He glances at the journal before talking to Jared. "Jared, hopefully I speak for everyone when I say you are welcome to join us. We do have other duties in Plateau City and you will have to pass the scrutiny of our main employer before you can join that part of our lives, if you choose to. Everyone is the group gives their our own opinions on how we think we should act in certain situations, but Rond is the official leader of the group." Draax smiles, "And although the last battle, if you want to call it a battle, did not show it, we do listen to him most of the time. Hey, don't apologize about your usefulness during the conflict, you were as effective as I was, probably more. Oh! And if we did not mention it before, we were chasing an assassin just before we found our way down here."
Addressing everyone Draax says, "I guess this Veiran guy is the assassin that we were after and if the note in that bag is correct, we have his payment. I guess we have come full circle again, and the question that we face is, do we look for this killer or get Elmo to safety? With us holding his payment he may come after us, even if we do decide to leave."
Draax waits for the decision to be made on what the party's next move will be.
Arien Friday January 24th, 2003 6:11:08 PM
Arien tosses the spellbook away in disgust, necromancy repelled him and even had the book been burnt so badly he's have likely burned it himself. "Well let us take what we can from this place. We should not leave it here even if we don't want it. After all this man may have a follower or an associate whom may come calling and take these items and use for his own evil purposes. We should take it and deal with it once we are out of these tunnels and from the watching eyes of a god I will not name."
Renik Saturday January 25th, 2003 11:45:41 AM
The rogue's eyes light up at the sight of all the loot. "Finally!" He crows, "Payday!" Let's get this little lot back to the Catacombs!"
He starts to pack away as much of the treasure as he can, into both his own pack and those of his companions.
As he works he says "You certainly speak for me, Draax. Jared, if you want to join up with us after seeing that horned horror we just went up against then you're madder than a box full of snakes. You should fit right in! I know we have to get you sworn in officialy by M, but after seeing how you handled youself in front of that thing, I can't see him raising any objections. Welcome aboard, my friend!"
He offers his hand and a rakish grin to the wizard, for once removing his dark circular sunglasses as he shakes the man's hand.
"Hmm, Veiran... I have to say I'm happier hunting an assassin with aim like his than having him hunt me, but we have pretty much done what we set out to do here. We probably should get Elmo to safety first, then try to track down this Veiran fellow. But it's your call Rond!"
Bill Troublefinder d8+3=5 d8+3=9 d20+19=30 d20+19=25 d20+19=38 d20+19=23 d20+19=26 d20+19=36 d20+19=34 d20+19=23 d8+5=11 Sunday January 26th, 2003 1:00:50 AM
Since no one took the potion from Bill, the hobbit himself administers it to the groaning cleric, Hobbes (curing up 7 hp of damage - should be 1d8+5 rather than +3). "Hey there, Hobbes. You okay?" If for some reason the one potion is inadequate to the task of rousing him, he administers a second potion of cure light wounds to the cleric (healing an additional 11 (rather than 9) hp). "Speak to me, man. Are you home?"
Once he's sure that Hobbes will make it, he busily assists with the inventory and gathering of things. He pulls several bags out of his backpack to store things in, as well as some scroll organizers.
"Look, I got these at the Catacombs. Hey, we're in the catacombs, aren't we?" he titters. He pulls forth a sealed leather tube, pulls from it a rolled-up piece of leather, unfastens a clip, and shakes the roll. It unfurls into a long strip of leather that has an overlapping series of fifteen pockets sewn along one side, each large enough to hold a scroll of a single spell. When slipped into a pocket, only the top of a scroll shows, allowing one to scan all the titles. The outside is fitted with a clip and a sewn-in pouch so that the organizer can be rolled up into a cylinder, slipped in its own pouch, and sealed against the elements. "Only cost five gold pieces! Let's organize the scrolls in them. I've got eight scroll organizers, but it looks like we only need one, or a couple if we need to divvy them up. Should we keep some, and sell or trade the rest?"
Unless any should object, Bill places the scrolls of Control Undead, Contagion, Fear, Vampiric Touch, and Detect Undead in a scroll organizer. Anyone who wants to may carry it.
He activates detect psionics & magic, to find out what is magical, and what is not, as well as to discern whether anything else in the area radiates magic.
Bill places over his face a translucent crystal mask, and starts examining the rest of the items.
[Using Knowledge: Psionics & Arcana, he makes what determinations he can, as follows (adjusted for his reduced abilities due to negative levels):
Wand - Knowledge arcana DC 30 Bracers - 25 Five black pearls - 23 (just in case they are magical) Potions (checking to see whether some of the items may be mislabeled): Ghoul Touch - 38 Cure Serious Wounds - 23 Neutralize Poison - 26 Remove Disease - 36 Intelligence - 34]
Bill is particularly interested in the wicked wizard's journal, and will tuck it in his pants pocket for later reading. "I'm not claiming this as mine, mind you - just want first quick crack at reading it through," he tells his friends. When later opportunity presents itself, he plans to read through it quickly, then go back to memorize particular passages which he thinks may prove beneficial to know. He will jot from time to time in his own encoded journal salient points, or to voice his disapproval, and agreement or disagreement with what the wizard has to say.
"Our pleasure, Jared, Elmo," Bill answers him. He nods his head in agreement with Draax regarding his words of welcome, and chuckles with Renik's response.
"Yeah, we should probably track down poor Nigel's killer," he answers Draax and agrees with Renik.
"Say, guys, let's stay in town for at least a few days, and you can meet my family. Let's have a nice dinner for Mr. Elmo, here. Sir, you really need to be cleaned up after all this mess."
"Say," he adds, apparently liking that introductory word, "we've taken a quick look around. I'm wanting to see if there may be something we might have missed. Hobbes, would you feel up to healing some of us, here? I've got four cure light scrolls you can use, if you want to. I know you took the brunt of the blast, so tend to your own crispiness, first.
"Renik, Arien, anybody else want to help me poke around a little bit? Maybe there's a secret door, or room, or trap door, or the like. Boy, I'm going to have to get rid of this tarp. I've got a spare one back in the city. This one's all smokey and scorched."
He drinks a potion of cure light wounds (11 hp), and feels somewhat better (19 hp current). "Hey, what about the door's guardian?" he asks, remembering to keep his distance from the movable statue.
Busy, busy Bill.
The treasure - DMJK Monday January 27th, 2003 12:22:01 AM
While everyone discusses the next step...
Bill determines that all of the scrolls and wands have been properly identified. The wand is a Wand of Dispel Magic. The bracers are Bracers of Armor +2. Nothing else is magical. Bill does not find anything else of interest in the room.
Renik's greedy eye appraises the value of the black pearls at 500 gold each, the gold ring with the diamond at 4000 gold, the candlesticks at 100 gold each, the black star saphhire necklace at 1400 gold, the rug at 500 gold (maybe more like 450 since it got singed a bit), the tapestries at 500 gold each, and the ceremonial dagger at 1050 gold.
DMJK Monday January 27th, 2003 12:27:24 AM Windhorn game is now on hold until Carl tells me that Hobbes and Rond have their Adventurer's Repose Legends turned in. Hopefully, that won't take more than a day. In the meantime, feel free to make plans or whatever.
Kim Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:49:17 AM
Which means, I trust, we can post discussions here in the wizard's lab, but have to wait before we can actually get out of the Windhorn Hamlet graveyard catacombs.
BTW, did you guys know that the very first Windhorn Hamlet adventure took place in the graveyard?
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 28th, 2003 3:04:28 AM
"We also should maybe burn the zombies, and bury their ashes where the four graves were, in honor of the people they once were. Wonder if their grave stones are around somewhere?" Bill ponders. "Let's burn the wanna-be lich's remains. Should we show his body to the authorities, first? And we need to hold a funeral for poor Nigel. And find his killer. We should keep the crossbow bolt he shot. Maybe someone'll recognize it. Boy, I think I need to go rest somewhere. Just don't feel so wonderful.
"Hey, anybody breathe a lot of that mummy dust? Maybe you should drink this potion of remove disease. Cause from when we were lookin' to become uh..." and here the halfling checks what he was about to say. "'F course there's only one potion. Hobbes, can you cast remove disease on people? Maybe we can get some scrolls of that spell for you in the Catacombs. Cheaper than potions, and just as good, if someone knows how to use 'em." He looks around the lab to see if there might be some useful lab items - vials, jars, burners, tubes, scales, chemicals, and the like. Even cleaning supplies.
Bill then attempts to communicate telepathically with the party through psicrystal William, but William informs the nomad that he can't seem to get into their minds to say anything now.
Renik Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:06:41 AM
"I'll take a drop of that potion if no-one else wants it. Despite that Holy Water I can still taste that accursed mummy dust."
If no-one else objects he gulps it down.
"So, we keep the scrolls (should prove handy for you, Jandar), and the wand (Any takers? Who can use it?). Does anyone want these bracers, or should I sell them?"
Bill responds to Renik's queries Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:36:18 AM
"Probably Arien, Jared, Hobbes or I could use the wand. Renik - you might even be able to use it, if you've spent any time trying to figure out how to use arcane items, yes? Let's keep it in the party. Arien, Jared, Hobbes? Which one of you? Did I leave out anyone who would be able to use it?"
"As for the bracers - a useful pair, though not of the most potent protection. Who cannot wear armor, but might benefit from these bracers? Or, if we trade up for a more powerful set of bracers, I believe such a trade is even more favorable than the average trade-in, at least at the Catacombs."
Feng d20+8=26 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 6:06:36 AM
Feng snaps out of his trance. The battle with the pit fiend was an enlightening one. He considers himself lucky that the demon had other things to do. Otherwise nobody might be alive to tell others what happened.
Feng concentrates on what's going on and tries to bring himself up to speed. "Oh I can remove disease, but it's very draining. I can only manage a couple a week."
[reflex save 26]
Hobbes (Down 21) 2d8(3+2)+7=12 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 3:54:05 PM
Hobbes lifts his head again and swallows the healing tonic. "Oi!" he mutters, "That was unpleasant. This armor isn't very conducive to movement." He cricks his neck and looks around.
Staring down at his hands, "I must practice this. Gargul is giving me power which I haven't prepared for. I definitely need to meditate on this to prepare for next time."
He then rights himself and, grunting, stands. "Thank you Bill. Thank you very much. Now who is in need of my assistance? Is Elmo all right?"
Seeing a blackened Rond he says, "Of course" and wanders over to the leader. "Trick'se tot ni Sem!" and places his hands on Rond's burns.
[Cure Moderate Wounds, heals 12 hp for Rond]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 28th, 2003 11:59:05 PM
"No prob! And here are the four cure light wounds scrolls I mentioned, Hobbes," Bill offers chirpily. "Y'know, if your armor isn't conducive to movement, maybe you should try some bracers. They're more comfortable to sleep with, I'll tell you. Though you have to take them off every once in a while, and wash your forearms, since dust and such can get in there. If you wear 'em outside in the sun, and don't have long sleeves, then you end up with funny tan lines, too. Speaking of tan lines, do you suppose you can bless this place, Hobbes? Like, it's got to've gained plenty of curses from what Mr. Wizard was doin' here, lately. I figure most people would want to be buried in a blessed place, not somewhere where you have spectres and zombies and almost-liches and demons and assassins runnin' around."
After that disquisition, he turns toward the paladin. "Well, Mr. Very Brave Friend and willing to face a fiercesome demon thing that bites off the heads of almost-liches, maybe now would be one of the good times to use one of those spells, or powers, or gifts then. I think I'm okay - well, at least as far as the dusty mummy is concerned. You kinda breathed in a thick cloud of that, didn'tcha? No, wait, I remember it was Rond who really seemed to be choking on it. Could you do that thing to him, Feng? It'd sure make me feel better. 'F course, I hope it will keep Rond from feeling worse. Hey, and speaking of somethin' being very draining - well, just tell me about it. I can empathize right about now, I can."
"So, Rond, you feelin' better, yet? Let's see what our stalwart holy fighter can do for ya!"
Jared Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:54:30 AM
"The wand will be quite useful, in particular should we encounter more spellcasters. I have no problem keeping it, since I will probably be the one with the greatest chance of using it during combat, when the rest of you will be otherwise occupied."
"I will also take the time to copy as many of these scrolls as possible into my spellbook. While necromancy can be a bit... messy... at times it can be quite a useful tool."
"So, just to make sure, all of you are fine with me animating you, should you suffer an unfortunate fate in battle? At the very least, perhaps your animated corpse could help us cart back all the treasure we find."
He smirks, trying to levitate the mood a bit.
Renik Wednesday January 29th, 2003 8:52:32 AM
The rogue grins at Jared's words, just imagining how Hobbes will take them...
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