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).
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