The Horror Rot (DMJK) Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:36:47 AM
Bill only finds 3 empty small vials. The rest are filled with potions or Elmo's blood (there are 27 of these). Items are packed up, put away, cleaned off, or destroyed as you see fit. Renik feels the potion surge through his body like it did some good. Folks are healed, and the group moves on.
Jared leads the way out to the entrance where he came in because it's closer. On the way out, the party passes an open doorway. The room beyond is pitch black and has a different feeling than the rest of the catacombs. It's almost as if the necromancer's taint didn't sully that room.
Elmo sees the group pause, "Oh no. Don't go in there. That was the one room in this place that necromancer was afraid of going into. I heard him talken to that other fella about it when they dragged me down here. Said a Horror Rot lived in there. I don't know what a horror rot is, but it can't be good."
Renik d20+7=14 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 1:46:04 PM
"A Horror Rot? Intriguing..." The rogue's natural sense of self preservation does battle with his curiosity, and loses hands down.
"If it's something even a lich-wannabe necromancer is scared of, then it stands to reason we should go and investigate it" opines the rogue, bypassing the torturing of logic and opting instead for simply clubbing it over the head until it lies down and stops interfering. "I mean, it would never do to let something that dangerous alone. Sooner or later someone would be bound to come along and let their curiosity get the better of them, and then where would you be?"
He peers into the darkness, then turns to his companions. "Can anyone make anything out in there?" (listen 14)
Feng (19 down) Wednesday January 29th, 2003 4:17:44 PM
Feng summons up his divine strength and performs remove disease on Rond. "If anybody else has been affected by the mummy please let me know. Be sure because I can only cure disease once more for another seven days."
Feng turns and looks into the darkness, switching his eyes over to darkvision. There might be something back there, but Feng can only see so far.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 29th, 2003 5:48:33 PM
"Thank you, Feng," Bill says.
"Look, if we're going to do something like that," he says as the group considers looking at the 'horror rot,' "let's make sure we are all healed up first, don't you think? Hobbes, I offered you these four scrolls of cure light wounds. Use them - and one of them on me, if that'd be okay. I'm right here. Just follow the sound of my voice."
[Since we are not in combat, for purposes of healing, you should be able to use all four scrolls in one post, but take care of other healing, as appropriate. In one minute, ten healings could be accomplished, and we've had far more time than that.]
He pulls out from his bag several foot-long, gold-tipped iron rods. He strikes one on the ground. It provides clear light in a 30-foot radius (and should glow 6 hours).
"Here's one for each of you," the halfling announces. He lays seven sunrods on the ground, and steps away so that people can see them. "Maybe toss a couple inside - hit the tips first, so the light comes on - if you want to see better. Watch the ceiling. I'm waiting until I feel better, first. And maybe we should just leave now, and come back later to deal with this. If it's been here since before Elmo arrived, I'd be surprised if it leaves before tomorrow."
Jared d20+15=16 d20+9=25 d20+7=19 d20+9=29 d20+9=28 d20+9=17 d20+9=19 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:13:00 PM
"A horror rot?"
Jared considers if he has heard of such a creature, or if such a name rings a bell.
Draax Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:43:16 PM
Draax take a peek toward the room that Elmo said held the Horror Rot. Having no idea what a Horror Rot is he would rather avoid it, but he smiles when Renik says that words that he knew someone in the group would say. He knows that if they walk pass this thing and then something started happening to the town's people, he would carry that guilt with him for long time. He still feels the guilt from giving Marteaus the ring and remembers the destruction that happened after taking the easy way out of that situation.
Draax picks up one of the gold-tipped iron rods that Bill placed on the floor and then imitates the halflings actions to make it glow.
"If we have the means to heal everyone now and unless someone has an idea of what this thing is. I say we confront it now. Although the word rot makes me think of disease and decay, I still would not like to leave something with a name like that and not at least see if it is a threat. My suggestion would be for Bill to wait here with Elmo, the rest of you guys ready your missile weapons and magic, I throw the light stick into the room, and if the thing is hostile you guys kill it before it kills me. Hopefully the darkness is not magical. And if we learned anything from the last battle, it is to not be so close to each other that the thing can get everyone with one blast. Just my suggestion, what do you guys say?"
Draax hold the glowing rod in one hand and his shield in the other, he is ready to throw the rod into the room, pull his sword and confront whatever it is. He waits for the groups decision.
Rond -7 Thursday January 30th, 2003 1:27:30 AM
Having been helped out by Feng and Hobbes Rond thanks both of them.
When the group hears about the Rot Rond gnaws on his lip for a second before he falls in line with Renik. "I think we're basically healthy. I don't see why we shouldn't investigate and clear it out if we can. Either by letting it free or taking care of it. I'm unsure as to whether the enemy of my enemy is a friend, or what."
Hobbes Thursday January 30th, 2003 5:21:12 AM
Hobbes completes his healing tasks, then turns toward the direction of the door.
"We do indeed need to vanquish this foe, once Elmo is safe...but ONLY after Elmo is safe."
[Awaiting a response before I waste time with lots of spellcasting]
DMJK Thursday January 30th, 2003 9:43:55 AM
Renik doesn't see anything as he peers inside, and Bill lays out his sunrods while cautioning the group to not be too hasty.
Jared has never heard of a horror rot, but he has heard of a hook horror, a gigantic fierce buglike beast that lives in dark caverns. Perhaps a horror rot is related to that creature. Or perhaps it is an undead hook horror.
Bill lights up a sunrod and Draax follows suit.
Rond feels better though he didn't really know that he was starting to feel bad.
Hobbes argues for taking Elmo home before checking on the Horror Rot, and Elmo seems happy to comply.
[I assume that everyone that needed healing had time for it back in the wizard's lair. Everyone's healed to max as far as I'm concerned, and we can start the new module with a clean slate.]
Jared Thursday January 30th, 2003 11:57:07 AM
Does that include spell selections? I may make a few changes to my standard list.
Renik Thursday January 30th, 2003 12:04:46 PM
Reluctantly Renik agrees with Hobbes. "Aye, you're right, priest. Come, let's get Elmo home safe, then return to investigate this... whatever it is."
Draax Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:30:30 PM
Draax gets ready to toss the glowing rod into the room, but pauses as he listens to Hobbes and Renik. He shakes his head and lets out a long sigh. After hearing Hobbes' declaration it would be very insensitive to not take Elmo to safety. He spins the glowing rod in his hand for a few seconds before handing the stick back to Bill. "Sorry about wasting one of your sticks, but I guess we better see Elmo home."
Draax figures he can bear with putting his curiosity to the side or at least letting it wait for a few days. Besides they have done what they came here to do, but he hopes leaving now will not come back to haunt them.
Rond Friday January 31st, 2003 1:32:52 AM
"Do we want to post a guard on this door, so we can make sure that this 'thing' won't wander away while we take care of escorting Elmo back to safety? Or do the Seven adventurers try to protect Elmo and take care of this thing now?"
Bill Troublefinder Friday January 31st, 2003 2:20:48 AM
Bill tells Draax he can just keep the sunrod. After hearing some of the discussion, he just says, "Oh, shoot." He strikes another sunrod. Floating in the air his friends see two bright points. He positions himself at the edge of the opening, floating horizontally, as though lying on his side in bed. He sticks a rod inside the room, to look around. If he cannot see the light of the rod, he figures there is a darkness spell and reports that. If he can make out anything, he'll toss the rod sidearm on into the room, so as to extend the range of the lit up area. If he sees something by the light before he tosses, he won't aim at it - he's just trying to toss the light to the floor.
Clang! - perhaps the iron rod sounds, should it hit hard stone. Or does it make another sound?
The rod - dmjk Friday January 31st, 2003 12:19:46 PM
Just when it seems that everyone will take Elmo back, Bill sticks his sunrod into the room. The light helps a bit, and he can make out a room carved in stone. It appears older than the rest of the catacomb, or if not older, it at least displays more craftsmanship.
He tosses the rod inside, and it clangs as it hits the ground. It helps to light up the room better. Bill can make out another sarcophagus in the center of the room. The lid has been lifted off and lies cracked on the ground. Judging by the rubble, it happened a very long time ago.
Almost immediately after the clang, a voice booms out from the center of the room, "I THOUGHT THAT I HAD MADE IT CLEAR TO YOU THAT YOU WERE NOT TO ENTER THIS ROOM, NECROMANCER! BEGONE! I WANT NONE OF YOUR TRICKS TODAY!"
Whoever is shouting isn't visible.
Renik d20+2=12 Friday January 31st, 2003 6:04:20 PM
"Naughty, Bill, naughty!" winks the rogue to his diminutive companion.
"No tricks, good sir, and no Necromancer either!" calls out Renik to the voice. "I'm afraid the Necromancer got himself into more trouble than he knew how to deal with, and rather lost his head."
He pauses, and decides to take a chance.
"We are a band of adventurers, come to rid these Catacombs of the undead abominations that infested them. To the best of our knowledge we have completed our goal. Might I ask who you are sir, that you might cow one such as that blackhearted mage? My name is Renik Dacour; might I ask yours?"
(Diplomacy 12)
Bill Troublefinder Friday January 31st, 2003 6:07:07 PM
"Um, sorry there, sir. But I'm not the necromancer. He is somewhat indisposed since the big firey demon bit his head off, and we were just going to go burn his body, so that he does not trouble anyone anymore, or at least that's what we hope." Bill clears his throat a bit and says, "My name is Bill. Do you want me and my friends to just go away? It sounds like you may be terribly busy."
Hobbes Friday January 31st, 2003 8:12:39 PM
Hobbes is ready to go when he hears the clang of the firestick behind him. He rears around and his eyes go wide.
"Bill, don't--" he starts, but much too late. Then as Bill continues to talk to the booming voice, Hobbes' face turns from fear to anger.
"Ignorant Fool of a halfling!" he shouts and grabs hold of Elmo.
"Elmo, this way! Fast!" he shouts at the farmer and takes off down the hallway back toward the exit. He keeps alert for anything else that might be in front of him as he runs doubletime back to the shack with Elmo in tow.
If things seem fine up to the exit he takes Elmo back to town to the inn where there are lots of people about and will insist upon this and not Elmo's lonely farmhouse.
Feng Friday January 31st, 2003 9:45:58 PM
"Just because this presence doesn't like the necromancer doesn't mean it is alive. Most likely it is undead and may be more than agitated by our mission to rid these catacombs of undead."
Feng speaks the command word and his double axe bursts into flames providing another source of illumination. Feng walks forward willing to brave the unknown for answers. His axe is in his hands but not in any attack position.
Jarek Sunday February 2nd, 2003 8:06:56 AM
The young mage looks quite confused, as the group seems to agree on one course of action, only to find themselves suddenly taking another. When Hobbes suddenly runs off with his uncle, he sees little choice but to follow.
"Let's get out of here! Whatever is in there, it can wait!"
That being said, he runs off after Hobbes and Elmo.
Arien Sunday February 2nd, 2003 6:19:23 PM
"Ugh, this reminds of me of some situations we got in when that bard lady was hanging around..." Arien mutters to himself. Arien braces himself before following Feng, ready to unleash hot fury the moment something attacks.
Draax Sunday February 2nd, 2003 11:19:35 PM
Draax keeps the sunrod and turns to leave, then quickly spins back around when he hears the clanging sound. He stares with his mouth open for the next couple of seconds as the group reacts to the situation. He is dumbfounded as he watches Hobbes and Jared hurry Elmo towards the exit. He realizes that he is more concerned with facing what might be undead without the priest than being concerned about anything thing else.
Remembering that there is still an assassin unaccounted for and undead still running around the place. Draax is torn between seeing Elmo to safety and staying to support the others. Deciding to stay, he secures the sunrod in his belt before readying his sword. A not too happy Draax stands ready while he waits to see what happens.
Rond Monday February 3rd, 2003 3:40:41 AM
Rond is not sure to who to roll his eyes more. So he stops trying to think and readies his weapon as he follows Feng into the chamber.
Hororot - DMJK Monday February 3rd, 2003 11:35:21 AM
Hobbes and Jared take flight down the hall with Elmo. How far will they make it without running into the assassin on their own? Who knows? At any rate they ran away at a time when the group might be in need of a priest and a wizard's help.
As the footsteps of the brave heroes echo down the hall, the voice answers Renik and Bill, "The necromancer is gone you say. I thought the place felt... different. If you did indeed rid the place of the necromancer, then you may enter. It's been a long time since I had any pleasant conversation. I am Hororot, and this is my tomb." A ghost of a kindly looking old man coalesces in the center of the room.
The ghost fixes Feng with a look and smiles.
"Your axe wielding friend is right, of course. I am no longer amongst the living. He's right too that the undead are an abomination. You have my permission and encouragement to clean them and their stink out of my resting place!"
"I'd appreciate the peaceful rest of the dead myself, but that axe won't prove enough for me. You're welcome to try if you like, but my spirit is attached to this place. You could destroy this form, but my spirit would return here by the next day. If you destroyed the necromancer, you might be able to put me to rest, but it would be a difficult task." There is a hint of a question in the ghost's voice, like he wants to ask for help but is too proud or perhaps is too afraid of rejection to ask.
He pauses a moment and continues, "Anyway, come in and talk with me for a moment. Tell me what is going on in the world these days. It's dreadfully unpleasant down here."
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 3rd, 2003 2:17:27 PM
"Come back!" Bill hollers to the fleeing trio. "It's okay!"
Then he turns his attention to the room's host. "Oh, hi Mr. Hororot. Like I said, I'm Bill, Bill Troublefinder, and these are my friends." As he floats into the room at the friendly spirit's invitation, he takes a little bit better look around, paying particular attention to the two sarcophagi, and any writing which may be upon them, looking to get names, dates, or what information he might. He also tries to gauge the period in which Hororot might have lived, if his attire might give any clues.
"Well, it's a relief you feel that way, sir. You must have been a great man in life to have affrighted so that nasty Elzan even as a spirit.
"As far as news goes, well, lots of things have been happening lately. There was a whole big shake up among the gods lately, with the so-called Dark Lord, Marteaus," and Bill spits twice over his shoulder after mentioning that name, "having become a wicked godling. I don't care much for him, nor respect the following of his kind. But now that the gods wars have settled down for the time being - and I thank the good gods, and the God who is over all, whatever his name might be - well, we've found that cities and, as far as we know, islands and continents - if you'll allow a bit of speculation - have been moved around and smooshed about. Kind of like a re-creation, if you would, or at least a rearrangement. Nobody can figure out where Floating City has moved to, besides being on a huge lake in the middle of a jungle, somewhere. And some cities just vanished entirely! Or, in one case, at least the top layer or two went away, or so the rumor goes.
"But it seems like wars have died down lately. And crops have been fine. Me 'n my friends have been away from Windhorn Hamlet for a time, so I'm gonna go visit my family here, soon as we take care of the wizard's body, and assumin' no big interruptions get in the way.
"Oh! Have you ever traveled between here 'n Plateau City? It's a marvelous journey. My favorite part are the mile-high cliffs, with the elevators, y'know? It is so much fun to just leap off the edge, and feel the wind whippin' your clothes, and squinching up your eyes, then, at the last moment, slowin' down like a feather. But you have to pay a fine if you do that." For some reason, Bill feels his cheeks getting warm as he recalls that last detail.
"Anyway, it's almost my thirtieth birthday, so I'm plannin' a party for my friends, and old neighbors, and family.
"But, Mr. Hororot, you said you might be put to rest, if Elzan is destroyed. Oh, there are three nasty spectres around here somewhere, and I haven't felt very well at all since they touched me with their cold fingers." Bill shivers a bit. "We should probably see if we can get rid of them.
"If you don't mind my askin', 'cause it sounds like you'd like to just rest easy, without necromancers and such botherin' you, well, just what do you suppose it would take to, like you say, enjoy the peaceful rest of the dead? How did you end up here, anyways? There's a cleric of Gargul with us." Bill turns around to look for Hobbes. "Well, just a moment ago he was with us. Maybe he could help."
Then, having hogged so much talking time, he asks his friends, "Say, why don't you all let him know what else is going on in the Wold? I missed lots."
Renik Monday February 3rd, 2003 3:33:00 PM
"An honour sir," bows the rogue, "and indeed a pleasure to find one so fine in a place so foul. I'm sorry for your resting place. There's a ghost I know whose final resting place was the Inn where she died. Luck of the draw, I suppose. Beautiful thing she is, eyes you could drown in and a figure that goes in and out in all the right places..." Renik's eyes begin to glaze over, and he has to shake himself back into the here and now.
"Sorry, yes, a pleasure. Hardly seems fair, being stuck in a place like... I'm sorry, would you excuse me just one moment?"
And he pops back to the entrance of the chamber, where he yells (in wildly melodramatic style) after the fast vanishing footsteps of his fleeing companions;
"OH NO! It ate the hobbit! Well, at least half of him... no, wait, that's all of him gone. Eeew! It spat out his bones! Look out for those tentacles Feng! Ouch! Too late! Guys! Duck quick before... ooh, that's got to smart! Can you sew heads back on? Ah! No, it's coming for me! Back, foul fiend! Spare me from your gibbering maw! Hobbes! Hobbes! Save me, Hobbes! Aaaaggghhh!!!"
He wanders back into the chamber, chuckling to himself. "Please accept my apologies, Hororot, I'm afraid that was too good an opportunity to pass up. There's something about that priest that brings out the devil in me."
He winks, then continues; "But you sound as if you are in need. And any foe of that dark mage is a friend of mine. In truth it was the mage's own foolishness that caused his death, not us, but still... you say giving you rest would be a difficult task, but I for one would be willing to do what I could to help. Surely it can't be that hard to give a ghost peace?"
He tries hard to think of anything Bill missed, but as usual he fails.
Draax Monday February 3rd, 2003 8:02:54 PM
Draax relaxes a little as he listens to the ghost's words and its interaction with Bill. He take a look into the room and gives Hororot tentative wave.
Watching Renik's antics Draax tries not to laugh. To the rogue he says, "Now that was cruel, think of what something like that could do to poor Elmo."
His curiosity getting the better of him, Draax turns back to the ghost. "I would love to hear how you came to be in this place, if it is not too personal."
Rond Tuesday February 4th, 2003 2:15:06 AM
Not wanting to ruin the moment Rond has to stifle the beginnings of chuckle. When Renik steps into the hallway Rond cannot help himself and he bellows uproariously. After a few moments he settles down and doesn't interrupt anyone. The stress of the situation and then the decisions of the two, Rond found himself temporarily overwhelmed with the spectacle he has just witnessed.
Feng Tuesday February 4th, 2003 3:09:55 AM
Hearing of Hororot's plight, Feng tries to think of something to help the ghost. He could not imagine being trapped as a ghost. Day after day of torment. Seeing the world but unable to interact with it. It must be a hard existence.
"Hororot, if I may ask, how did you become trapped here? Perhaps there is something we could do?"
The Crown and Blade - DMJK Tuesday February 4th, 2003 9:32:37 AM
Bill sees that there is one sarcophagus in the room, which makes it the second sarcophagus he's seen today. This one is much older than the one the mummy was in. Its construction is simpler, but it is heavier and carries an aura of majesty about it that was lacking in the other. It appears that the lid was removed decades ago, and it still lies broken on the floor. Something about the way the pieces are arranged makes Bill think someone opened it from the outside.
The ghost listens to Bill's tale with interest, "Floating Cities? Elevators? You live in a grand time indeed, young hobbit. You also have my best birthday wishes.
As for me, I think that I was a great man. Frankly, I'm surprised that your histories do not remember me, but records and legends are lost after cataclysms like this god war. Once I was Hororot King. This town above us, this Windhorn Hamlet was my land. My clan controlled the coast, and we kept the marauding dragons from moving down onto the peninsula. I've heard from the last set of visitors that there is now something called the Sentinel that keeps the dragons away. That would have been a fine thing to have had in my day."
If this ghost lived before the Dragon Sentinel was built, then he lived a long, long time ago.
"Well met to the rest of you."
"It pleases me that you have an interest in my plight. This was my tomb, and I was laid to rest here peacefully what must now be centuries ago. Decades after my death, my tomb was robbed. My crown and my blade were stolen from my dead body's hands. The mummified corpse is still in the box if you want to see it. Personally, I can't stand looking at it, but anyway... I have no idea why, but the theft of the symbols of my rule brought my spirit back to this place. And here I am condemned to sit until my treasure is returned to my tomb. It has taken me a great many years, but I have discovered exactly where the items are. I am powerless to retrieve them myself though, and I don't have anything to offer for their return. But it would mean the world to me, if you could retrieve them."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 4th, 2003 12:21:58 PM
Bill laughs at Renik's worrisome little play, but hopes that, if they choose not to return to where the rest of the party is, the three get to the safety they so desperately seek.
He is pleased that King Hororot, er, Hororot King, was interested in what they told him. And awestruck that he was an ancient king of this land. He is personally anxious to see if the party can help the noble king. He takes out his journal, and writes down what Hororot has to say as they talk.
"Yeah, oh yeah, and did you know that some sea devils - sahuagin - stole the Sentinel? They were in cahoots with the dragons, who invaded and attacked the land, and some of us went and got it back, then time went backwards, and ... did you know any of the Teucri? I like that word, 'cahoots.' They, the Teucri I mean, made all kinds of powerful magic, including the Sentinel. I sure would have liked to have met some of them, I'll tell you. What did they look like? Oh, I mean, if you ever saw any of 'em."
Then, figuring it would be good, if they were to help him, to know more details, Bill asks, "Hororot King, your majesty, could you tell us what the sword and crown looked like? And you say you know where they are? Who's got 'em?" The halfling draws a sketch or two based on what the spirit tells them, should he give such details, then will show him his sketch to see if it appears accurate.
Renik d20+8=25 Tuesday February 4th, 2003 12:43:52 PM
The rogue peers into the tomb of the long dead king (Spot 25), looking for anything of interest.
He listens carefuly to the King's tale, and nods as he draws to a conclusion. "It would be a great honour to retrieve your lost artefacts." he pronounces solemnly. "It is incumbent upon us to end a suffering which has already gone on far, far too long. And of course" here the rogue cannot keep a sly grin from tugging at his lips, "If you happened to have any ancient treasures you no longer needed, long hidden and doing no-one else any good, well it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to recover them. Historical interest and all that, you know..."
He wrestles manfully with his greed, and against all the odds, overcomes it. "But seriously, your crown and sword are the important issues here. Where are they located that we may return them to you?"
Whilst awaiting a response he peers down the corridor, hoping he has not inadvertently scared Hobbes and Jandar off.
Draax Tuesday February 4th, 2003 6:43:28 PM
Draax sits on the floor and begins polishing his sword with a rag while he listens to the ghost. Since the offer has already been made to help, Draax does not repeat it. Still suffering a little from the hit to his ego that he took because of his ineffectiveness while battling the demon, Draax waits to hear what they will have to do before making any commitment.
Location Revealed (DMJK) Wednesday February 5th, 2003 10:30:04 AM
Hororot patiently nods to Bill as the halfling prattles on. Clearly he's now more interested in his artifacts.
He's points to one of the broken pieces of the lid, "Lift that stone there. Beneath, you will find a map. Also if you examine the the pieces of the lid of the sarcophagus, you will find my burial engraving. It shows me wearing the crown on my head while holding the sword over me chest. That should give you an idea of the form. As for substance, the crown was a simple circlet of gold and platinum braided together. The sword was not magical, but it was a fine piece of craftsmanship. It is more simple than the blades you all carry, little more than a long mithral blade attached to directly to an ivory handle. There is no crossguard for we didn't use them in my day. You can't see it in the engraving on the lid, but there is a griffon carved into the ivory. I imagine the items will be quite unique due to their age."
Now for the location, "If you have the map now, you see that it shows a route across Dragon Bay into the Scab. One peak is marked with an X. Since losing the items have disappeared, I have been able to send two groups to look for it. The first group never returned, but the second returned with news that they had located the items. And they brought this map to me, and the tale of what they believed had happened. The thief crossed north across Dragon Bay into the Scab. There he was mauled by a young white dragon that added the items to its treasure horde. They found the remains of the first group that went looking, and then they discovered the dragon's lair. They were afraid to face the dragon, but they returned with the information. I had them scribe the map and place it under the stone for safekeeping. If the task doesn't sound too dangerous yet, then you should sail north across Dragon Bay and when you hit the coast of the Scab, head east. Then look for three tall snowy peaks. They will be easy to recognize because the peak on the right is smoking. At least it was when the other group went there. The dragon lives in the middle peak. The entrance is 3/4 of the way up the mountain."
Anyone looking finds the map under the lid exactly as he said. The lid carving gives an excellent idea of what the crown looked like. The sword is a bit harder to make out because those pieces are broken, but it gives a general idea of what you are looking for.
Renik Wednesday February 5th, 2003 11:18:00 AM
"Um, excuse me? Did you say white dragon? As in vast winged terror, raining icy death from the skies?"
The rogue ponders this for a short while, briefly wondering if he should take off after Hobbes and Jandar. But slowly he warms to the idea. Certainly the risks will be great, but if what he has heard about dragons is true, so too could be the rewards...
"Never let it be said that the Windhorn Hamleteers shirk danger! If a dragon has your sword and crown, then I say we seek him out. But this is an enterprise that will require some preparation I suspect."
He turns to his companions. "Have any of you faced such a beast before? Any thoughts on how we should go about overcoming such a foe?"
To Bill he says, "Bill, is William capable of contacting our missing companions and calling them back?"
Rond Wednesday February 5th, 2003 11:42:20 AM
Listening to the tale Rond ponders as to what the Hamleteers will be doing next. Rond chuckles a little bit when he realizes that there's something out there that makes Renik nervous.
Knowing Bill can talk for the two of them, and that Bill likes to do the writing, Rond just waits to see how all the conversation will go.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday February 5th, 2003 11:44:06 AM
"No, Renik," Bill answers, "he's with you - and, since the spectres touched me, I sense he is more limited in what he can do."
Bill carefully copies the information on the lid, as well as the map and directions, also writing down what Hororot has to say. He takes out a few pieces of paper, and performs a rubbing of the crown and what pieces of the sword he can, along with the image of Hororot.
William Wednesday February 5th, 2003 11:51:37 AM
The tiny crystal kicks Renik in the ear to remind him he is still perched on his shoulder, but says nothing to the rogue.
To Bill he says, "Somewhat-less-mighty-than-usual Bill, surely our first priority is to restore you to your former glory! For how are we to best such a beast when diminished in this manner?! Can none of your companions perform such a deed?"
Feng Wednesday February 5th, 2003 1:25:02 PM
Feng thing about what the old king has said. He knows he will go and try to recover the items, but it is still a lot to think about.
"King Hororot I don't know if we will be able to stop a dragon but we can investigate. I have never seen such a creature but the stories I have heard do not make them sound like creatures I wish to meet."
Feng starts moving the stones. First to get the map and then to see the picture of the crown and sword. Fighting a dragon does have him worried, but Feng can't back down. There is no gauruntee that the dragon is still alive.
Draax Wednesday February 5th, 2003 5:11:02 PM
When Hororot says the word 'dragon' Draax sighs, but is not even a little surprised. It seems like helping someone is Windom Hamlet always has something to do with a dragon. He has no delusions about the group's ability to defeat a white dragon, but he also realizes that the group has risked their lives for far less than helping an ancient king return to his rest.
From his sitting place on the floor he looks up at the ghost, "Your majesty, or Hororot King, excuse me, but I do not know what is the proper way to address you. Anyway, it is obvious by the looks on the faces of my comrades that we are going to try to help you. My question to you is, after we take on the dangerous task and if we are successful -- what is to prevent some other grave robber from coming here and doing the same thing to you again?"
Draax absently wipes his sword as he waits for the king's answer.
Bill answers William Thursday February 6th, 2003 2:47:57 AM 'Well, my crystal friend, you are right, in that I think my, as you put it, "former glory" is in need of restoration. Patience,' Bill counsels his psicrystal. 'The King has been waiting for some time, and I don't doubt but that he would not mind if it takes us a little time to prepare for such an exploit. Just imagine, William - a hunt for a dragon! How exciting that may be! I wonder if Hobbes and Elmo's nephew will want to come, too? When I heard someone mention the idea of some of us staying behind here to guard the entrance to the fearsome "horror rot," I thought it would be well to get some sort of look at the creature. And, what sounded so fearsome, turns out to be the very nice old spirit of an ancient king! Glad we found out, before everyone had to walk with trembling knees before returning to this place.'
The halfling hums quietly to himself as he mentally chats with William, and works his sketches. And he adds, 'You know, William, that Feng is a very brave friend. Is it not good to have such courageous friends?'
Jared Thursday February 6th, 2003 6:59:38 AM
OOC: At a bit of a loss, waiting for Hobbes to post and see what he's doing.
Jared hears the sounds behind him as he catches up with Elmo, and quickens his pace until they are safely out of the catacombs. He looks back down into the darkness, then to his uncle.
"Can you make your way back from here, uncle? I don't...I want you to be safe, but I feel terrible leaving them back there like that. I feel..obligated to go back, even if it's already too late."
He waits for his uncle's response, but it's clear he has already made up his mind to go back.
The runners (DMJK) Thursday February 6th, 2003 10:09:05 AM
Hobbes and Jared get Elmo to the exit safely. There is no sign of assassin or anymore undead. You emerge in the cemetery. It's pitch black, and it must be near midnight. Time for a decision. Head back to check on your friends and leave Elmo in the safey of the open air, take Elmo back to his farm, or take the poor man into town.
Tales of the Dragon (dmjk) Thursday February 6th, 2003 10:54:14 AM
Hororot sees the group's concern. "Make no mistake, dragons are dangerous. Most of the nasty things you've heard are probably true. In fact it was a dragon that killed me. Not a white though, a great big blue. Spat lightning and left me smoking in my boots. Ha. I deserved it though. I killed 87 dragons while I was alive. Maybe it's not anymore, but that was a pretty big number back then. I can give you some tips. First and foremost, you have the advantage of surprise. It has no idea you even exist. This gives you the opportunity to prepare against its icy breath and the chance to prepare an offense. Whites are especially vulnerable to fire. Still I understand if the task is too great."
Renik Thursday February 6th, 2003 11:10:06 AM
"No, no, you're right. Protection from Cold potions, a wand of fireballs or similar, plus potions and spells to increase our speed, defensive and attacking capabilities; with the correct planning we should be able to do this... Did the previous team you sent give any further details of the beast's lair? Invisibility might come in handy in order to approach the creature; then we can maximise our advantage of surprise. Hororot, do you have any treasures we could sell to finance such a venture? Or was it all looted?"
"Oh, one other thing; you say this is a young dragon the earlier adventurers faced. But how long ago did they face it?"
He scratches his chin, then says "Wait a moment, I'm going to see if I can find the others."
And quick as a flash he's off after Hobbes, Jared and Elmo. If he finds them at the entrance to the tombs he quickly informs them of Hororot and his proposal, then suggests they all head back to the (safe) chamber to finalise their plans with the ghost. Once that's done they can escort Elmo home, and retire for the night.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday February 6th, 2003 1:57:25 PM
Bill (who is now visible, if it is as late as midnight) looks up when Hororot mentions the dragons he killed in his life. "Eighty seven!? Hoo! I think only A'tath, and maybe Valdor, would have come close to that in our age. A'tath is part dragon, himself, and quite the fanatic about killing anybody else who is a dragon. He came through Plateau City last year, claiming everybody and his sister was a dragon in disguise. He beheaded two of 'em right before our eyes! Valdor is a much more reasonable man. Well, half-elf. He's even made friends with a bunch of the better dragons."
He listens as the king and Renik discuss strategies, giving some thought to that himself. He finishes up the sketches, and puts the drawings away, though keeping out his journal to jot additional notes as they talk.
Rond Thursday February 6th, 2003 11:30:02 PM
"There's nothing saying that we necessarily have to kill the white," Rond says, "since we're just trying to recover the king's stuff here."
Bill Troublefinder Friday February 7th, 2003 12:17:33 AM
Bill looks up at Rond. "Well, maybe so, Rond. But imagine this conversation. 'Excuse us, Mr. Dragon, sir. We were just wondering if we could go ahead and take this crown and sword? I mean, you'll hardly miss them, I'm sure! We just want to return them to their rightful owner. Oh, you're not Mr. Dragon, but Miss Dragon? Yes, I can see that by your beautiful eyes. Here, have a bread surprise!'" He gives Rond a wink. "But, with stealth, one or a few of us might get in and out before the white comes looking for the missing inventory."
Then, having thought a bit about Renik's suggestions, he says, "Those are some good ideas. I was just going to suggest a few more things. But, Hororot King, sir, you've defeated more than seven dozen of the creatures. Do you have any more suggestions on how to survive such an encounter, and to prevail over such a beast? Do whites ever associate with other colors of dragons? Might there be more than one? How can we help ensure the white does not learn of our plans?"
Hobbes d20+8=23 Friday February 7th, 2003 4:29:11 AM
Hobbes leads Elmo out into the night air and takes a big fresh breath of it, then turns to Elmo.
"I'm sorry I had to rush you out so harshly, Elmo. It is our duty to see you are safe. I have full confidence in the rest of my companions in handling that situation. Now, how are you with horses?" he says as he scoops up Elmo and places him on top of Bradbury, his horse.
He pauses as Jared looks back down the hole.
"It should be a clear path back to town. I want you to ride my horse back to the inn and tell the innkeeper to stable my horse until I return. You'll be safe there with others. I don't want you going back to your house tonight, do you understand?" he says strongly to Elmo, staring him down a little.
[Intimidate Roll 23]
He makes sure Elmo has hold of the reins correctly, has his feet strapped in securely and provides him with an extra cloak from his saddle bags, then goes to the front of the horse.
"Keep him safe, old boy. Straight to the inn in town," he says rubbing the side of the horse's face.
"Steer straight toward town. He's a good horse and very easy to ride. Are you ready, Elmo?"
Awaiting a positive answer he prepares to get the horse going.
Feng Friday February 7th, 2003 9:50:54 AM
"Hororot I will try to retrieve your stolen sword and crown. Slaying Dragons is not easy. I haven't even seen one. Any information on tactics, weaknesses, or of items that may help us would be greatly appreciated."
Elmo's departure (dmjk) Friday February 7th, 2003 10:41:48 AM
Elmo's a pro at riding a horse. Someone might recall that he had his own in his barn. He thanks Hobbes and Jared and rides into town.
Renik finds Hobbes and Jared about the time Elmo is on the trail.
Hororot continues (DMJK) Friday February 7th, 2003 10:52:22 AM
Hororot looks down at Bill, "You certainly do talk a lot don't you? I'm surprised so many words can fit in such a small package. I can't offer much more advice. I rarely encountered whites. They always stay where it is cold, and it isn't that cold around here. I would caution you against trying to sneak in and steal some dragon treasure though. Once it found the missing items, it would be after you in a heartbeat. I imagine it would chase you down and bring the fight on its own terms. Instead, sneak as close to it as you dare and hit it as hard and as fast as you can. Do as much damage to it as you can before it's ready. That's the only way to kill a dragon. They may look like stupid lizards, but they're smarter than they are tough. You give them a chance, and they'll make short work of you."
"As for the possibility of more than one, you'd better pray that there isn't more than one. Dragons are relatively solitary, so you should be ok. If there is more than one, it would be a male and a female or perhaps a female with hatchlings. The last group mentioned only one dragon, but it was 50 years ago. If you encounter anything with the dragon it would probably be giants. I used to hear that frost giants keep whites as pets. Can't imagine how you'd keep a dragon as a pet, but those giants are tough brutes themselves."
"I'd load you up with all sorts of goodies, but I don't think you'll find anything in here. I can't really offer aid or assistance other than encouragement. One last thing that comes to mind, you have to show teamwork to fight a dragon. If you can't work together, you shouldn't try."
Renik Friday February 7th, 2003 11:29:02 AM
Renik brings Hobbes and Jared up to speed as he leads them back towards Hororot. Once there he listens to the tail end of the ghostly king's speech.
"Aye, teamwork. This will require careful planning, expenditure and coordination. You're right, we need to hit it hard and fast, not give it time to recover.
"But it grows late. I would suggest we head back to the Inn and rest, then get Bill seen to in the morning. Perhaps a visit to a Temple, if our own priest cannot restore him to his former vitality?
"Then, we can discuss what items we are going to need for this quest, and go over possible tactics."
The rogue bows to Hororot, and awaits his companions.
Bill Troublefinder d20+14=27 Friday February 7th, 2003 2:29:20 PM
Bill happily nods his head in affirmation of the King's comment.
He looks up at Hobbes and Jared when Renik escorts them in, and waves his hand.
When Hororot concludes, the hobbit says, "Excellent advice."
And, to Renik's suggestion, he nods his head in agreement. He takes a last look around the chamber, and cements in his mind the details of the burial chamber and its contents (autohypnosis 27).
"Thank you, Hororot King. We will see what we can do." Following Renik's lead, he bows politely to the ancient spirit, and heads on out the tomb, thence back to town.
Arien Friday February 7th, 2003 2:45:24 PM
Arien follows Bill's and Renik's lead and heads back to town with them. "You know," he says after a moment of thought, "I'm not a dragon expert or anything but I have read a bit about them during my readings involving magecraft. As I recall the Whites are considered the smallest and least intelligent of the dragon races. Of course it's still a dragon though, and tougher than anything we've fought yet, aside from a certain happening of course. Since they live in the cold so much it stands to reason that they'd be a bit weak to fire, in which case I'll be particularly effective. That is of course provided that the beast isn't too resistant to magic. I'll make sure and memorize all the fire spells I can. Hopefully Jared will have some in his spellbook as well. In fact, when we get back to town I think he and I should sit down and talk shop."
Rond Friday February 7th, 2003 7:26:33 PM
Responding to Bill's comments with a mischievious look to him, "I think you could probably do a good job of just talking to the dragon and keeping it busy. If you don't manage to put it to sleep, then we'd have Renik sneak in and grab the stuff. If he could keep from laughing. And if the Dragon were female, I'm sure Renik could woo her!"
Rond chuckles as he listens to the rest of what the king has to say.
As the group walks away and head to town Rond comments, " We might want to talk to couple of people about the times before the sentinal. There might be some records about some of the things they use to do or somesuch."
"This teamwork thing would be a key. I would hate to see everything fail because someone decided that they wanted to go off on their own."
Hobbes Saturday February 8th, 2003 3:43:43 AM
Hobbes listens to the Hororot story with interest, an almost morbid interest and thanks Gargul that no harm befell his comrades.
Walking along, his ears pluck up at Rond's last comments. "If you are referring to me, Rond, I was only seeing to the protection of an innocent who was in potentially grave danger. If that Hororot thing would have been this vile beast that charged out of the room and killed Elmo, it would have been... OUR fault." This last he says looking at Bill.
"As no one else was looking after him and myself being out of spells, I felt it my duty to protect him with my very life and get him to the safety of my horse. I had every confidence that the rest of you could take down any foe that might have appeared there."
He pauses. "...unless you don't think you could?"
Bill Troublefinder Saturday February 8th, 2003 7:45:37 AM
Bill smiles at the grim cleric. "Our leader, Rond, asked if we should place a guard. If we were going to do so, I thought it would be wise to get an idea of what we were guarding. So I shed some light on the subject. And now we don't have to wait for a week to find out what fearsome thing lay in wait for us in the chamber. You did fine to take Elmo to safety, Hobbes and Jared. No complaints from me on that matter. And we had Feng to protect us."
"Hey, friends, are we going to burn the wizard's body now, or wait until tomorrow?" he asks. [OOC: And who is lugging the carcase? The halfling would insist it not be left behind. If need be, he will expend a charge from his wand of levitation in order to make it easier to bring along, affixed by ropes.]
On the way back, he chats with Arien and the others about some spell-casting strategies.
Once back at the inn, Bill, who normally might stay up and snack and chat, goes to bed, and, after jotting only a couple more sentences into his journal, falls fast asleep, exhausted and drained.
Draax Sunday February 9th, 2003 5:04:19 PM
Draax smiles at the return of Hobbes and Jared, glad that Elmo got out safely. He stands and departs with the others, contemplating their upcoming battle with a dragon.
Jared Sunday February 9th, 2003 5:26:59 PM
Jared looks quite relieved as his uncle is taken care of by Hobbes. He turns to Hobbes and smiles warmly.
"Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate that you went so far to help a total stranger. It means a great deal to me."
As the others arrive, he is quiet, listening intently to the tale. Ghosts, thieves..and dragons! Quite an adventure! His face breaks into a grin, and a sense of giddy anticipation washes over him.
"A white dragon? We shall have to take time to prepare. I wouldn't want to impose on the group, but I think I may have a great deal of advice and help to offer on such an expedition!"
He looks downright gleeful.
Hobbes Monday February 10th, 2003 3:32:43 AM
Hobbes looks down at the ground as Jared speaks, then continues walking forward.
"It is not I whom you should thank, Jared, but Gargul the Eye. He brought us to this location and he kept your uncle alive. It was not Elmo's time and thus Gargul led us to rescue him. Pay your thanks to Gargul."
He then stops again and peers back at the cemetery as it barely remains in view and wrinkles an eyebrow, "And he has also kept THAT one alive."
A short time passes (DMJK) Monday February 10th, 2003 11:55:33 AM
The group disposes of the necromancer's corpse and its bloody head in whatever way that Bill sees fit, and they return to town.
Elmo has already arrived at the inn and has told everyone of your exploits. He's embellished the tale a little bit and even included a final battle with the dreaded Horror Rot. The inn cheers your welcome when you enter. A priest of Wardd who happened to have been in for a pint restores Bill. Food and drink are on the house, and the bard there for the evening's performance sings of your exploits.
The Heroes of Windhorn Came from Plateau To rescue a farmer Named Elmo.
They followed his trail To the place of the dead And they listened To what poor Nigel said.
Then the assassin's bolt Ended the life of the dolt
They chased after The unknown foe And they followed him As he went down below.
Exploring the catacombs That they found They discovered poor Elmo Tied and bound.
They set him free But they did not yet flee
Instead they prepared to face The wizard of the dead That villain of evil They wanted his head.
They opened the door With the evil password And crossed over the circle And the wizard cried, "Merde!"
The demon bit off the wizard's head. And poor Elmo had no more to dread.
The bard apologizes after singing, "It still needs a bit of work. I only just now made it up you know."
The crowd seems to like it though. They especially seem to enjoy chanting the end, "The demon bit off the wizard's head. And poor Elmo had no more to dread."
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 10th, 2003 4:44:59 PM
Thankful for the priest's kind help, Bill gives him a few gifts, including a potion of spider climb; a scroll organizer; a blue enameled gold ring, engraved with 'Storm Dragons' on the inside. "I got this from a really hard contest that the Storm Dragons put on," he tells him. "It was one of the prizes." He tells the cleric about the time a rainbow trout twice helped save his life, as well as the lives of his friends. "I know that Wardd did that for us! Say, he was in Plateau City a few days ago. I like him. Thank you, so much."
Through William, Bill suggests to his friends that they not gainsay Elmo's recounting of the battle of the horror rot. 'We want to make sure that the king rests undisturbed, so don't need to tell others his story.'
Bill applauds the bard enthusiastically, and buys him a piece of pie. Shoot, he liked the performance so much, he gives the bard a ring similar to that which he gave the cleric, but this one is in black enamel. "Won it from the Storm Dragons," he explains. "It's gold inside. Thanks, mister, for your good song. What's your name? I'm Bill."
Rond Monday February 10th, 2003 5:01:43 PM
Responding to Hobbes, Rond says, "I'm sure that it would have been our fault had Elmo actually been killed. But could you count on the spectres leaving you alone as you exited? What if the Horrorrot had set up some kind of ambush or trap that you would have sprung while escorting Elmo out? Where would that have left the group then since WE are still responsible for YOUR actions? I think we had things probably well in hand for most situations... that is assuming that the healer hasn't left the party behind without direction. Do you think you would have felt any better if any of our group had died and all we need was one healing spell to keep him alive? Oh yea speaking of spells. I know you said you were out of spells, but when did you ever inform anyone that you had none left to give? If you were out of spells what made you think that you, one man, could safely get Elmo out especially if you somehow got injured after you were away from us? Then on top of everything else you call my halfling friend here a fool. He may not take much offense but I am of an idea that I might. Keep in mind too that you also said that there were a lot of I's in your statement about what was good for Elmo. I've run through some scenarios similar to this where people have decided on their own to do things without thinking about the others. In most cases they ended up going terribly wrong in one form or another. I'll admit that I tend to run things a little loose. In most cases people can make decisions on their own. But excuse me if I decide to get on your case about doing something by yourself."
As the other think about their plans for the future adventure and before the party goes topside to the celebrations Rond comments to Jared, "If you do not mind the life of an adventurer we have never refused anyone the right to help us out. Just be warned that it is not a life of ease and that there may be decisions that will be hard to make when the time comes. It will be nothing like what you might have imagined."
[OOC: These things would have been addressed if there was a lifting of the one post per DM post rule. Last time I checked that hadn't been lifted.]
Renik Monday February 10th, 2003 5:40:04 PM
The rogue, mind filled with plans and schemes for the battle ahead, cannot fully appreciate the adulation generated by the bard's amusing song. Indeed, he even fails to notice a couple of local lasses looking over at him and giggling! Truly he is deep in thought as he sits in the bar, nursing a glass of warmed red wine.
Rond's comments to Hobbes snap him out of his reverie. He tries to smooth things over.
"Ah well now friends, it's easy to make snap decisions in the heat of the moment that don't turn out for the best. On the whole I think we've all worked well as a team. Let's not let stern words spoil what was a very successful little foray. We'll need to be operating as a single unit if we are to meet our next challenge, so let's learn from our mistakes and move on."
Soon after he heads for bed, intending to get up early the following morning, to do as much reseach on the topics of White Dragons and their habitat as the village of Windhorn Hamlet will allow.
Arien Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:24:33 AM
"Renik I'm sure that you remember a certain Bard who caused us much trouble when she tried to do her own thing, such as attacking another group without cause. While I'm not judging what Hobbes did, we can't afford anything like this to happen when we go after this dragon, indeed it could be disaster." Pausing for a moment Arien stands up and addresses the group, "Now then friends, if you will excuse me I think I shall bathe and retire for the rest of the night."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:43:55 AM
"Friends, Hobbes thought my actions impetuous," Bill speaks with his friends. "Now, I had a reason to do as I did, but understand his reaction, and appreciate his desire to protect the one for whom we came. I'm glad that Elmo - and all of us - made it out alive and well. Thank you, friends, for sticking up for me - but I'm more to blame for this misunderstanding than anyone. Now, none of us here is the agent of chaos that Sunblaze was among us." He looks around a little uncertainly, hoping no one thinks of him that way. "Hobbes - you are gifted of Gargul, and I trust that nothing need stand between us. I count you a friend, and I can take a rebuke from a friend. So, have a last piece of pie on me, then let's get some sleep. It's been a lo-o-o-ong day. And yes, Arien, you could use a bath," he concludes with a smile, ducking quickly under the table lest Arien retaliate.
Draax Tuesday February 11th, 2003 7:30:22 AM
Draax observes the comments made by everyone about the misunderstanding that happened right before meeting the ancient king. He keeps his opinions to himself and lets it play out.
At the inn, he smiles as he listens to the bard's song and takes the pats on the back warmly before calling it an evening and going to bed.
Feng Tuesday February 11th, 2003 8:26:27 AM
Feng relaxes and enjoys the celebration. Some facts might be wrong but that was all right. The wold was a harsh place and people need things to celebrate. Before Feng drinks too much he wishes everyone a good night and turns in.
Party (DMJK) Tuesday February 11th, 2003 12:10:41 PM
The party has words, but in the joyous atmosphere of the inn, it's hard to stay disgruntled for long. The ale flows. The beer flows. The wine flows. The bard sings. The ladies dance, and the band plays on. The party rages until the late hours.
Everyone drifts off to bed at their own pace. The next morning comes, and things are back to normal. Elmo has gone back home to tidy up and to check on his horses. Breakfast awaits. That saga is over. Now a new one awaits.
Renik brings a book about dragons with him to breakfast. It's full of pictures, and there is a chapter on whites. It points out that as far as dragons go, whites are the smallest and the weakest. They are not as intelligent as the others, sometimes almost ferral. They aren't particularly skilled with magic, at least by dragon standards. They are perfectly suited to a cold climate however, and most humans, elves, dwarves, and halflings are not. The book suggests that the climactic advantage gives them an edge over some other dragons. A green dragon is more powerful, certainly, but adventurers typically don't have to worry about freezing to death on their way to a green dragon's lair. Whites never slip on ice, and they are never bothered by cold. They can produce ice and freezing fog at will. Fortunately only the oldest are able to cast powerful spells. They also possess the typical qualities of all dragons: resistant to magic, nearly impenetrable scales, flight, claws that can rake stone, and jaws filled with rows of sharp teeth suitable for crushing blocks of ice.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:27:30 PM
Bill enjoys a light breakfast of eggs, sausage, rolls, toast, fruit, milk, tea, and perhaps a little bit of fish.
At Renik's find, Bill rejoices. He takes his turn looking at the book, commenting on the artwork. Not wanting to hog it, he waits until others have a chance to look at it too, but asks for time a little later to thoroughly study the whole tome.
"Y'know, if it was a young dragon when it robbed the rogue, it's probably an adult by now. That was, what, fifty years ago? If the reports are accurate, Renki," making a friendly diminuitive of Renik's name, "then I doubt he's old yet, for a dragon."
After a few more bites of food, he adds, "We're gonna need some warm clothes, for sure. Hey, a boat to get across the Bay would be good. Quaal's swan feather token could do it, maybe. Though if we have a bunch to haul back, I dunno. And how about..." Bill's words trail off as he looks to be thinking about things.
After a bit, he asks, "I wonder how a ghost tells time?"
Hobbes Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:51:22 PM
Hobbes cuts the party short and goes to bed early to get new spells. Then he goes to sleep. In the morning, he comes down for breakfast and wanders over to Renik and his book.
"Very good, Sir Renik. Very good information. "
He watches as Renik turns the page from one White Dragon picture to the next. "Is that....a children's book?"
Renki Tuesday February 11th, 2003 5:22:46 PM
The rogue comes down to breakfast all cool smiles and flirtatious winks to the barmaids. He pores over the book with Bill and the others, discussing its findings.
"Yes, it probably is a fair bit older now, maybe even... hang on! Renki? RENKI!?! You make me sound like a poodle! Some rich woman's pampered little lapdog! Renki, by the Gods!" bridles the rogue at Bill's pet name.
He regathers his cool, barely, and then Hobbes makes his wry comment.
"No Hobbes, it is NOT a children's book." flounces Renik, thoroughly put out at being the recipient of teasing for a change. But he can't resist a quick glance at the cover, just to make sure.
He huffs, and spends some time brushing his long flowing locks using a handmirror, filing his nails and carefully plucking his eyebrows. He studiously ignores the conversation, or at least pretends to, as he dreams of finding some nice wealthy widow to take him away from all this.
Draax Tuesday February 11th, 2003 6:10:02 PM
Draax grabs a couple of biscuits and looks over Renik's shoulder at book while he eats one of the biscuits. "Wats wa wice wook, wek wuse wee." He finish chewing his biscuit and swallows before trying again, "excuse me, what I was trying to say is, that's a nice book you got there Renik. It reminds me of right after the renewal ceremony for the sentinel head and the painful roaring scream that came from the dragons just before they departed. I recognize some of types of dragons that were there from the pictures in this book. I do not remember seeing any white dragons in that bunch, but I will never forget that big black one. Even though he was miles away, I could have sworn I could feel its fear aura radiating off of it." Draax does an involuntary shake of his body as he dismisses the thoughts of the black dragon from his mind.
"Anyway, I wonder if they have any books on what other types of creatures we might come in contact within the region of the white wyrm."
Rond Wednesday February 12th, 2003 1:51:59 AM
Listening to the conversation of others at the table Rond smiles as the little teasing goes on. After Renik comments about Bill 'pet' name for him Rond comments,
"Hmmm. And who was it that came riding in a carriage in Plateau city that was looking for you?"
"I've not had much experience going up against any dragons. I'm wondering whether something that's near feral would just outright attack or whether it would still have some cunning to it"
Feng Wednesday February 12th, 2003 3:48:52 AM
Feng listens to the brief summary of a dragon's strength. Very formidable creatures without the strength of their environment. Feng remains quiet, spending his time deep in thought.
XP for last module (DMJK) Wednesday February 12th, 2003 10:07:14 AM
Everyone that played the whole module gets a base of 3500xp. Remember to share if someone else played your character for a while.
300xp for Jared for coming in with about 1 week left of a 12 week module. ------------ Roleplay bonus:
350 to Bill for jumping off the plateau, roleplaying every little thing, and getting beat on by spectres.
250 to Renik for being so sneaky
250 to Rond for providing tracking services
150 to Hobbes for feeding his horse outside the mausoleum
150 to Draax for worrying about Elmo's horses -------------- Hero points (remember these also have an xp value of 50 x char. level):
1 hero point for everyone.
1 extra for Feng for standing up to the Pit Fiend ----------- and 1 bit of encouragement for Arien to post more often because we like his posts
travel - DMJK Wednesday February 12th, 2003 10:12:51 AM
The swan boat seems like a bad idea. Crossing Dragon Bay would just about be the same as heading out into the open sea. It's well over 50 miles across and prone to storms.
Perhaps you could hire a ship down at the docks. Even a big fishing boat would be better suited for traversing the bay.
Kim Thursday February 13th, 2003 5:41:07 AM
Thanks for the experience & hero & bonus points and such, JK. Way to go, guys!
Travel - Kim Thursday February 13th, 2003 5:44:28 AM
Hmmm - A swan boat can carry 32 normal-sized folk, and moves at 60' per six seconds. That means in 24 hours, it can travel just over 163.6 miles. Why wouldn't it work? Is there something in the item description that would limit it to calm waters? At well over 50 miles, let's say it's 60 miles wide, that would take 8.8 hours. Just because it's a swan boat does not mean it's too delicate for the sea, does it? Well, at the end of 24 hours, it disappears, of course...
I'm not averse to hiring a boat. Just wondering about why the Quaal's Feather Token swan boat would not be deemed sea worthy.
-I hadn't read the description. The distance across is about 75 miles. So you'd have to have 2 to get there and back. Is it worth 900 gold? -jk
Renik Thursday February 13th, 2003 6:25:08 AM
The rogue lets others worry about shipping, concerning himself with supplies for the group.
"OK, for a journey like this I recommend we get cold weather gear, warm blankets, 4 tents, 4 sledges, and lots of tindersticks and provisions. And of course all the magic we need. If no-one objects I'll go and buy all the standard items, and my own magical preparations for the battle."
DMJK Thursday February 13th, 2003 9:55:27 AM
Despite that ill feeling in the pit of his stomach, Bill remains convinced that the swanboat will work.
Draax Thursday February 13th, 2003 11:11:58 AM
Draax does not know much about boats, but he likes the idea of the swan boat. He decides to go down to the docks to see what boats are available for hire and the cost.
"I want to see what boats are available at the docks. The swan boat will probably be needed for the return trip since we have not idea if we can hire a boat in Scab, but hiring a boat to take us there might be cheaper. Either way, I would like to see what our options are. Anyone here has any sailor experience or would just like to come along?"
Draax heads to the docks checking out what boats are for hire and the prices that they might charge.
Preparations
The Docks (DMJK) Thursday February 13th, 2003 2:31:17 PM
At the docks, Draax finds one small sailing ship in port that's willing to take passengers. The other 4 ships in dock already have cargoes. The ship is named the Kraken. Maurice, the Captain, is a bit uncivilized, but he's an experienced merchant.
He doesn't have any cargo to carry yet. He offers to run the group across Dragon Bay for 8 gold per person. He doubts that he'd be able to pick up any cargo in the Scab to make the trip worthwile, so that's the price for a round trip or for a one way. He can give you 15 days total from this very instant to cross, do your business and get back. He estimates about 2 days there and 2 days back depending on weather, so if you used him, you'd have a total of 11 days to make preparations at this end and to find the dragon at the other. He can't offer more time than that because he's expected to pickup a shipment in South Harbor in 3 weeks.
Despite complaining about the lack of trading opportunities in the Scab, he seems pretty willing to go. While talking to Draax, he mentioned something about good sport fishing up there.
Draax Thursday February 13th, 2003 5:28:01 PM
Draax finds himself liking the Kraken's Captain, "Great Captain, let me go talk to my partners and find out what they want to do. I will have an answer for you by tonight. Here is 10gp down payment to ensure that no else gives you a contract before me or one of my partners return to seal the deal."
Draax hands over the 10 gold down payment to the captain. Before heading back to the others and telling them what he found, Draax strikes up a conversation with the captain.
"Good sport fishing you say, what else can you tell me about the Scab? I do not know how long my business partners will keep me out there and I would like to get an idea of what to expect from the locals and the area."
Arien Friday February 14th, 2003 1:25:05 AM
While the others are about their own tasks Arien pays another visit to Hororot. He pauses respectfully outside the chamber and lets his presence be known. Should Hororot respond Arien asks the ancient king, "I was wondering if the second adventuring group, the ones who brought back the map. Had told you of any particular obstacles that they had to overcome or any particular beasts, other than the dragon of course, that we should be aware of. This will be my first time venturing to such an area and so I am unfamiliar with what to expect, I'm just trying to be fully prepared."
Hororot and Arien (DMJK) Friday February 14th, 2003 12:04:56 PM
The ghost king welcomes Arien back. "Well, first it was some time ago when they were here. Most of their difficulties were in locating the thief that had taken the crown in the first place. They had to track him to the west, into the Red Hills, and through the Scab on foot. Their most fearsome fight was with a band of dark dwarves that they met in a mountain passage in the western portion of the Scab. You shouldn't have any such trouble since you are planning to make the water crossing. They said that the main range of the Scab is largely uninhabited. I would expect that you could find a typical assortment of wild animals suited to a cold, mountainous terrain, but I don't really know."
Maurice and Draax Friday February 14th, 2003 2:27:41 PM
"Aye, sport fishing. They have these big sailfish up there. Magnificent fish. As for the locals, there aren't any. Some stray trapper or something, maybe. That's why I never get a chance to get there for fishing. There's nobody to trade with. Those're harsh, unforgiving mountains. Tales say all sorts of monsters live there, but I think it's nonsense. There's not enough vegetation to feed the types of animals that your typical slobbering monster likes to eat. Heh. This time of year it'll be wicked cold up there. I can tell you that for sure. Snow never melts at the top of some peaks, and it's full on winter now. I really can't imagine what you'd want to go there for, but I know better than to ask questions."
Draax Friday February 14th, 2003 5:16:39 PM
Draax thanks the captain for his words and then heads back to the others. He lets the group know about the boat, the 15 day timeframe, and the captain's description of the Scab.
"So, what do you guys think?"
Renik Sunday February 16th, 2003 6:29:38 PM
"Well, it sounds like a plan to me," says the rogue, scribbling furiously on bits of parchment as he works out exactly what he needs, and how much money he has left.
"I say we leave as soon as we can, give ourselves as much time as possible to get in and back out. I'll be ready just as soon as I've bought supplies for the trip."
Bill Troublefinder Sunday February 16th, 2003 10:27:11 PM
"Yes, Draax - good work. First thing in the morning sound reasonable?" asks Bill. "Yep, there are a few things I'd like to pick up, too." He makes sure he says the following out of earshot of any except the party members. "And I wanna swing by my family's place to say hi to them before we leave, or they'll kill me for not doing so, never mind the dragon." So he goes shopping, then stops by to see his parents and siblings, and to ask his mother to make some goodies for him to take on a trip.
Rond Sunday February 16th, 2003 11:58:17 PM
Rond decides he need to do some shopping, then he'll join the others for the trip.
Arien Monday February 17th, 2003 3:46:10 PM
Arien also goes shopping after thanking Hororot for the information.
Bill / Kim OOC Tuesday February 18th, 2003 3:24:59 AM [Amigos - I'm swamped this week. Would someone like to post for Bill through Thursday? -Kim]
Hobbes Tuesday February 18th, 2003 4:59:01 AM
Hobbes tries to find the closest thing to a shrine he can find in town and performs his own prayers for guidance and protection for he and his fellows. He also tithes 100 GP to his god in thanks for being lead to this quest to help these people. He informs the town priest of the desecration of the farmer's blood and hands over the vials rescued to him to get them purified and possibly returned to the farmer. He also gives him the black bag with the sacrificial dagger to be destroyed. "Evil deeds linger in items such as this." he warns.
After this he reunites with Farmer Elmo. "You look fit and capable. I trust you are feeling better to reuinte with the fine beasts under your care. I have a charge for you. I wish you to care for my horse, Bradbury which you rode back until I return. He is not to be sold or traded or taken by anyone save me. He likes to be ridden several times a week, if you would. I will pay you for his boarding and care." He presents a small sack of 50 gp to the farmer. "Ring the bell in his saddle pack to make him come and put him at ease. If we don't return...see that he is taken to the Black Cathedral. In his pack are my vestments and clerical items they will want."
Bill (Carl) Tuesday February 18th, 2003 8:17:05 AM
The halfling returns from his familial visits, laden down with pasties, pies, sweetmeats, dips, jellied fruit, sauces, pickles, jams, biscuits and preserved pears. "Anyone feeling peckish?" asks the halfling through a mouthfull of white chocolate cookies, as he samples some of the goods to ensure they are suitable for an ocean voyage.
Renik Tuesday February 18th, 2003 8:20:29 AM
"OK, how's everyone getting on with their shopping? Has everyone made a visit to the Catacombs?" asks Renik, ensuring that they are as well prepared as possible for the ordeal that faces them.
(OOC: JK, can we start off in the boat whilst still engaged in our shopping at the Catacombs board? If so I'd vote for immediate departure, just to get things moving again.)
Final Preparations (DMJK) Tuesday February 18th, 2003 8:50:04 AM
Bill returns with more goodies than he should really be trying to carry. His mother made a mincemeat pie especially for the captain of the ship you will be taking. She hopes he likes mincemeat. She does of course, but it's not the sort of thing that everyone likes. Still, she does make a fine mincemeat.
Hobbes stops by the church and makes his donation. He receives a blessing and a vial of holy water from the head priest in return. Elmo promises to take care of Hobbes' horse. He tries to refuse the money though.
Everyone else has ample time to get their shopping done.
Night falls. Everyone manages to get a good night's sleep and a big breakfast the next day. You get the bill at the inn for three days and two rooms, and everyone manages to make it to the Kraken in the halflight of dawn. Maurice and his crew have the ship ready to go. They look wide awake and ready to go.
[Carl, you read my mind. Any catacombs purchases made in the next few days will be considered to have been made right now. Any last bits of business that you want to take care of, do it now.]
Renik Tuesday February 18th, 2003 9:32:22 AM
The rogue eyes the boat with trepidation. "I thought you said this was a boat!" he whispers, "I've seen bigger bathtubs!" All the while he smiles and waves at the captain and crew, trying to look suave and confident. But in truth he is close to panic; he has never set foot on a boat in his life, and doesn't find the prospect an edifying one.
Draax Tuesday February 18th, 2003 12:35:01 PM
Draax sees to the caring of his horse before departing the town. He give Renik a half of a smirk as he catches the rogue's comments. As he greets the captains, Draax mentally counts the number of crew members that are visible.
"Morning captain, these are my uh, business partners." Draax gestures to the others as he speaks letting them make their own introductions if they choose to.
"So, how soon can we be off?"
Bill (Carl) Tuesday February 18th, 2003 4:57:49 PM
"Hello there!" beams the halfling at the captain and his crew. "Pleasure to meet you all. I'm Bill, Bill Troublefinder, from around these parts. So is this your boat? Isn't it big? 'The Kraken' -- an impressive name. My grandfather used to tell a tale of how a group of halfling adventurers, in search of fame and fortune, got swallowed by a Kraken and taken off to slave in its gold mines far beneath the waves, so that in a way they found their fortune, and their fame too in the telling of the tale. But to be honest I think that maybe grandfather told me that tale to try and dissuade me from taking up the life of an adventurer."
Arien Tuesday February 18th, 2003 5:26:35 PM
"It's okay Renik," Arien says cheerfully while giving the rogue a slap on the back, "It's only dangerous if you fall overboard, or if there's a storm, or if pirates attack, heck we might even get a visit from our old friends the Sea Devils. Oh wait, that's right, you never got a chance to meet them, I'd be honored to introduce them to you if the chance arises." Shifting his pack to the other shoulder Arien hides a smile as he boards the boat.
change in plans (DMJK) Wednesday February 19th, 2003 4:08:54 AM
Maurice looks down at the group from the railing and starts laughing, "Oh, I can't go through with it anymore. Don't you all know that you can't cross Dragon Bay because it is a nation filled with dragons and half-dragons. That's why the Sentinel is here, to keep them out. If we tried to cross, we'd get eaten before we were a mile away from the shore. In fact, my boat just wound up here after those god wars. No sailor in his right mind would try to sail here. We woke up one morning and we were tied up here. Once we found out where we were, we've been afraid to leave. We head out and do a little fishing, but we never go very far. There's no way you can cross the Bay by water or in the air. If your gang has to get to the Scab, you'd better teleport or start walking through the Red Hills."
[just found out that Dragon Bay is forbidden territory, so it's a forced change in plans handed down from above]
Bill Troublefinder (Kim) Wednesday February 19th, 2003 4:32:52 AM
"Oh. Okay, Captain Maurice, sir," Bill says, looking disappointed. "Well, we're sorry to hear that. I was wondering how you would deal with the Dragons of the bay, but thought that perhaps your boat had some sort of artifact that kept them at bay, as it were. Well, no hard feelings, I suppose. Sir, my mother baked this mincemeat pie for me to give to you." He looks at the pie, and without meaning to, smacks his lips. "So, even though you dare not brave the dragons, perhaps you'll enjoy this pie." He extends his hands to offer it. "Good wishes to you and your crew, sir."
Draax d20-1=3 d20-1=13 d20-1=9 d20-1=11 d20-1=16 d20-1=7 d20-1=3 d20-1=19 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 8:23:51 AM
Draax takes back his bag of gold, letting the captain keep the 10 gold down payment. "That is very disappointing captain, but at least you came to your senses before you got us out into the bay. Well captain, do you know of a teleporting device or someone that might be willing to teleport us there and possibly back or at least someone to ask that might have that information? I would rather not travel through the Red Hills if I could avoid it."
When they leave the docking area Draax says to his friends, "Sorry for the misunderstanding guys, but the captains seemed so confident when I spoke to him yesterday. I guess being stuck here for such a long time made him think about the unthinkable. I should have asked the question about how he would deal with the dragons before making the deal."
If the captain cannot provide any leads, Draax will spend the day inquiring for information about teleporting the group to the Scab. Before leaving, Draax looks at Rond, but ask his question to the entire group. "How long are we going to search for a way to teleport to the Scab before giving up and going through the Red Hills?"
Draax will check the following places for information on being teleported to the Scab: (rolled Gathering information check if needed, 3, 13, 9, 11, 16, 7, 3, 19)
Bearclaw Keep (Sidon and family- head of the Windguard) The Blue Dog Inn Belt and Belch Tavern Grog's Happy Half-Ogre Inn and Tavern Hearthfire Inn Ruthat's Bowyer and Adventuring Supply Store The Green Grape Wine and Spirits Shop "The Hag" Fortune Teller "House of the Crystal Sphere"
Renik Wednesday February 19th, 2003 12:19:44 PM
Renik cannot disguise his refief at being granted an eleventh hour reprieve from the horrors of the high seas. "Ah, what a pity Captain, oh well, never mind, eh?" he calls as he hurries away, clearly trying to get out of earshot before the captain changes his mind.
Once back in the village he goes to find maps of the route, in order to determine if an overland crossing is feasible (OOC: sorry, no time to check Duncan's Travel Agency right now, I'll look later!)
Arien Wednesday February 19th, 2003 12:42:38 PM
"Well we did go under Dragon Bay once, and as I recall we weren't troubled by any dragons. In fact as far as I know very few of them swim at all. So if we can't get teleported thats always an option to explore. Because I for one, don't relish the thought of having to cross the Red Hills, and then the mountains."
Another route Wednesday February 19th, 2003 3:11:56 PM
In the Blue Dog Inn, Draax finds a wizard that offers to teleport the party to Floating City. Once in Floating City he feels confident that the group could find a wizard that would port the group to the Scab.
He explains that Floating City is full of wizards offering teleporting services right now because the city is lost. They need to keep up trade and communication, and teleportation seems to be the only way. That's why he's in Windhorn himself. He's teleporting a load of cargo to the Big Float in about one hour.
He mentions that his base teleportation rate is 225 gold, but since he's already moving the cargo, he can do it for 1/3 of the usual price (75 gold) for the whole party.
[excuse the extra post today, I'm just trying to move things along]
Draax Wednesday February 19th, 2003 3:50:18 PM
Draax tell the group about the wizard that is willing to teleport the group to the Floating City for 75 gold. "Hey guys since we are already packed, I say lets go for it, but we need to go now."
Feng Wednesday February 19th, 2003 6:11:12 PM
"Teleportation sounds good. It's fast and safer than the road. As long as we don't wind up in a wall or something. 75 gold for all of us isn't that bad. Hopefully getting from the floating city will be cheap as well."
Bill Troublefinder (Kim) Thursday February 20th, 2003 4:34:13 AM
"Sounds great. Let's do it," Bill says. "I've always wanted to see more of Floating City."
He approaches Rond just before they leave. "Rond - I forgot to give this to you." He hands him a pouch filled with 30 gold pieces. "Won it in a contest, throwing daggers! I want you to have it."
Renik Thursday February 20th, 2003 4:52:42 AM
"Let's do it," nods the rogue, "Give me teleportation over dragon filled seas anytime!"
Hobbes Thursday February 20th, 2003 5:32:10 AM
Hobbes had been grimacing at the thought of days and days at sea. He sighs when it looks like there aren't many other options. He scowls and pouts when they have to make another trip back. But the thought of teleportation leaves his face in a light smile and a twinkle in his eye.
"Give me a good horse any day," he says nudging Feng.
Rond Thursday February 20th, 2003 9:27:17 AM
"I sorta figured we'd have to do this so it's no surprise. Though it's sort of unnerving being teleported to a city that no one can find for some reason?!"
Floating City
Zap! - dmjk Thursday February 20th, 2003 9:48:47 AM
The wizard (you've discovered that his name is Cornelius by this point) assures everyone that teleportation to the Big Float works just fine even though they can't find it.
He gets everything and everyone together and casts his spell.
Everyone fades out and reappears inside a large warehouse. There is are large spaces marked off on the floor in white paint. You are all standing inside one of them. A sign above it reads, "Windhorn Trade - Agent Cornelius." The wizard points out that everyone in his trading firm has their assigned area for teleportation. "Nobody or nothing goes inside someone else's area, so watch your step on the way out." He bids everyone good day.
You're all in a warehouse on Wall Street on the Merchant level of floating city."
A quick check with the managers of the warehouse tell you that no one with their firm goes to the Scab. "No reason to. Nobody there selling anything." They suggest checking with Gordo's Transport on the Gold Level. They've been acting as travel agents since the "move."
Draax Thursday February 20th, 2003 10:04:33 PM
Draax thanks Cornelius for delivering the group to the Floating City and the managers for their suggestion about Gordo's. Having never been to the Floating City before, Draax is anxious to get a good look at the city. He tries to keep his excitement in check; knowing that they have a mission to accomplish.
"So I guess we head to the Gold Level and checkout this Gordo's Transport place. And maybe we can do a little sight seeing on the way."
Bill Troublefinder (Kim) Friday February 21st, 2003 1:37:29 AM [OOC: Okay, I'm back. Thanks, Carl. -Kim]
The halfling contributes some words of thanks to Cornelius, as well. Then, as his friend's hazel eyes shine bright with excitement, Bill tells the half-elf, "I'm with you, Draax. Maybe we can get maps of the city. And," he adds quietly, "maybe some maps of the Scab, or a chance to talk to someone who's been there before." In his normal alto voice, he continues. "And I'd like to see the Giggling Ghost Inn from the outside. But if we first check with the folks at Gordo's, then we should have a better idea about our chances to get where we're going quickly. Boy, it sure is humid here, and kind of warm, like in the kitchen when the big pot of potatoes is boiling."
He looks around at his immediately surroundings. "Maybe we can hire a guide to get us to where we need to go, until we get our bearings."
Renik Friday February 21st, 2003 4:51:20 AM
"Gordo's, eh? Well then, let's be off. Agreed, Bill, some better idea of what awaits us in the scab, and exactly which part of it we need to get to, would be a sound idea. This Gordo's is bound to stock maps.
Just one other thought; if we plan to teleport into the Scab, how do we plan to get back out?"
Hobbes Friday February 21st, 2003 5:10:46 AM
"Well, Renik," says Hobbes peering around at the different architecture of this new city, "Being a place of transport I would assume they have some fixture for such a request...for the right price."
He peers closer at the carvings on a house, "Now that's interesting. I wonder if these are secular."
He peers back at Renik again, "Or if not, my good man, we shall have to ride that dragon out of there...once you've tamed it of course."
Big Float - DMJK Friday February 21st, 2003 9:24:26 AM
Floating City is quite unlike any other place that you've seen. It's a city built up in layers. The outside edges are walls and you can't look up to the sky. The ceiling is magicked to provide light, and it's up high enough that you don't really notice that you aren't outside unless you actually look straight up.
From the merchant level you make it to the huge ramp at the center of the city and head up to the Gold level.
Gordo's is easy to find. The proprietor provides you all with maps of the city but has none of the Scab. Nothing more than what appears on general maps of the peninsula anyway. "It's not really a place suitable for exploring. It's dangerous and impassable. There isn't a reason many people would go there. It might take me a little while to find someone that can get your there too. Perhaps some more specific detail about where you want to go would help. It's a huge mountain range, and it's too dangerous too walk all the way through. So tell me where you want to go, and then go do some sight seeing for a couple of hours while I find someone that can get you there."
Renik Friday February 21st, 2003 4:18:32 PM
"Bill, you copied the directions down didn't you?" To the owner he says, "My halfling friend here has a map marking the exact peak we wish to reach. But getting there is only half the story. If what you say about the Scab is true (and all the tales I've heard would tend to confirm it) we should be more concerned about getting back out again. How can that be arranged?"
Draax Saturday February 22nd, 2003 1:50:36 PM
Draax waits until Renik's question is answered before heading out of Gordo's. "A couple of hours is not a lot of time. Hmm, what should we see first?"
Arien Saturday February 22nd, 2003 2:55:15 PM
"Well even if he neglected to write them down, I'm sure he could just recite them by memory, after all he seems to memorize about everything we come across."
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=31 Saturday February 22nd, 2003 10:37:49 PM
Bill smiles at Arien as he pulls out a piece of parchment, an inkwell and a pen.
Just before he lays pen to parchment, he communicates telepathically with his friends via William. 'Let us show the configuration of the area, but I do not wish to replicate the "X" marking the specific mountain we aim for. If we do so, perhaps others may attempt to go there before we do - or come later, with nefarious plans. Let us be discreet as we might, without compromising our plans.'
He draws a map which shows the layout of the targeted terrain [Autohypnosis for recall, DC 31]. He leaves off information which would specify precisely which mountain they aim for, such as, 'Here is the dragon,' or other similar information.
Bill points to another of the nearby mountains on the map, placing an 'X' near the base of it, saying, "We'd like to get close to this one." Which is true, as if they are close to a nearby mountain, they will be close to the one they aim for.
Then, out of the blue, he ponders telepathically to Rond. 'I wonder if you are related to Hororot?'
Feng Sunday February 23rd, 2003 7:50:11 AM
Feng is in awe of the floating city. He has never seen, let alone thought that something like this could exist. This would have to be the pinnacle of urban life.
Still, the threat of the dragon hangs overhead, and the battle that will be fought. There is a good chance that some will die.
OOC: Were the horses brought along as well?
Rond Sunday February 23rd, 2003 3:57:51 PM
Feeling a little out of place in another of the big cities, Rond lets the others do the talking and conspiring as he tries to keep his nerves under control.
When Bill comments to Rond about his supposition, Rond begins to chortle quietly in the background.
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 24th, 2003 2:38:54 AM
The halfling winks at Rond.
After Gordo (if Gordo is the proprietor) looks over the map, unless he should detain them further after considering it, Bill says, "Okay, guys, let's do some of that sightseeing he suggested!" The psion's idea of sightseeing, after he takes a few minutes to memorize the city maps, is to scoot as quickly as possible along every street on each level, starting on the current, and working his way down. If anyone questions his methodology, he tells him, "I wanna see as much as I can, then come back for a second look at whatever is most interesting. Maybe there'll be some bookstores. C'mon, keep up!"
Hobbes Monday February 24th, 2003 5:44:21 AM
Hobbes let's the others enter the shop while he waits outside in front. No sense in crowding the store with another fully armored large man with a scythe. He looks back and forth down the street looking for signs of intelligent life...REALLY intelligent life, that is.
He wonders if Gordo can't help them, if someone else (or another obvious shop perhaps) could point them in the right direction.
DMJK Monday February 24th, 2003 9:42:10 AM
Gordo seems most interested in the position along the coastline and not the mountain range itself, "That's your best indicator. I'm sure that you remember the map you saw 100%, but sometimes those maps aren't exactly right in the first place, especially in mountain ranges." Gordo displays 2 maps of the Scab that look different just to prove his point. "They all have the same coastline though. See."
"Alright, I'll get to work finding someone. Come back in an hour. Better make it two. There won't be many wizards in town that can send you to the center of the Scab. There wouldn't even be many that could send you to the western edge."
Looking at Renik, "As for getting back, you can either contract with the wizard to have him wait or come back at a specified time, or with a little planning, you could teleport yourselves back to some familiar place."
As Hobbes surveys the street, he sees a dog looking at a pie in an open window. The dog pushes a nearby crate up to the window, hops up on it, and starts eating the pie. When the woman inside sees the dog, it knocks the pie to the ground outside and finishes up while she's yelling at it from the window. That dog is the most intelligent thing Hobbes sees on the street.
The group makes its way through the Floating City while they wait. The Open Air Level looks like a place to spend some vacation time. There are parks and greenery, and you can see a magnificent view of a tremendous lake. The Diamond Midway looks like a fun time that's just waiting for you, and the Overlord's Palace is as impressive as anything you've seen in Plateau City. The Gold Level is plush and elegant, and the ceiling is magicked to look like the outside. Silverwing's Palace of Lavation just beckons for you to return. A nice warm bath might be just the thing after a long day of adventuring. You pass the Storm Dragon mansion on your way. They aren't at home. The place is nice, but it is unassuming compared to Gold Dragon Castle. The levels get more cramped, crowded, and dingy as you descend. On the Trash Level, the lack of access to fresh air is really apparent. The air is stale and humid, and it has a fishy smell to it. You leave it quickly and work back up. The Giggling Ghost is on the Fence Level. It looks like... well it looks like a normal tavern.
A note - dmjk Monday February 24th, 2003 3:38:02 PM
A man dressed as a messenger happens upon the party standing in front of the Giggling Ghost and asks, "Are you the gentlemen that sought passage to the Scab from Gordo's Transport?" On learning the answer, the man passes a message to Rond.
It reads, "I've found a wizard for you. His name is Nyrashal Woodcock. He's an odd duck, but good at his trade. He can put you on the southern coast of the Scab within 13 miles of where you want to go. That's probably about as good as I can arrange. He said he would meet you at the Message in a Bottle. It's a tavern on the Merchant Level in the Hole in the Bottom of the Sea. He said that he would meet you at a quarter after 3. -Gordo
ps. Don't worry about my fee. I get a commission from Woodcock. He shouldn't charge more than 300 gp for a one way. Let me know if he wants more. -G"
It's 3 o'clock now, and the Merchant Level is two levels up.
Hobbes Monday February 24th, 2003 4:50:48 PM
Hobbes rolls his eyes and sneers.
"Good dog," he says patting the dog on the head as he passes.
He takes in the sites with slight interest more to pass the time.
Upon receiving the note, he sighs, "Back we go again. Time to run it out."
He jogs along with his companions, clanking as he goes, beating feet up to the Merchant level again.
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 24th, 2003 5:02:10 PM
Bill hovers near Rond's elbow as their leader looks at the note, bouncing up and down a bit so as to be able to see what's on the piece of paper. "Ooh!" he exclaims. "That doesn't give us much time. Guys, guys, Mr. Woodcock might be able to help us. We've gotta go up in the next few minutes to the Message in a Bottle. Just a sec!"
Bill opens the door to the Giggling Ghost, takes a real quick look around, and says, "Hi, everyone! Boy, we're really here in the Floating City now. Sorry, no time to talk. See y'all later!"
Then he steps back outside, and says, "Okay, let's go. Unless someone else wants to say hello to our friends inside." As they head up the next two levels, he travels the most direct path upwards, but his eyes, hungry, take in more details of the city during the ascent.
Draax Monday February 24th, 2003 7:37:59 PM
Draax takes in the sights and tries not to look like a typical tourist, so he frequently has to remind himself to close his mouth. He marvels at the mansion, palace and castle and vows to himself to spend more time getting a closer look when they return.
After receiving the message, Draax jogs back to the Merchant level with the others.
Rond Monday February 24th, 2003 10:23:52 PM
Quickly scanning the note Rond takes a breath to explain to the group what has happened. When Bill steals his information ( ;) ) Rond lets his breath out again. After Bill has his say Rond comments, " I do not have anyone in there that I'm aware of that would know me."
Looking around to see if any others want a quick word inside. Rond waits until it's clear that the party is ready to move onto the tavern.
Arien Monday February 24th, 2003 11:15:19 PM
Arien takes in the sights as well but they aren't the center of his attention. When the note arrives and the party heads off to meet the wizard Arien does as well but still deep in thought.
Renik Tuesday February 25th, 2003 4:00:31 AM
As the group approach the Giggling Ghost and Bill pops his head through the door, Renik gets the strangest feeling. It's almost as if he's already inside the tavern, though he quite plainly stands in the street outside. He gets a fleeting mental image of a chess game, and turns away, not looking through the door Bill has opened.
He is troubled by this experience, and follows his companions in silence as they head up to meet with the wizard.
Feng Tuesday February 25th, 2003 9:59:58 AM
Feng enjoys the city, taking the time to relax before their quest begins. Sometimes he forgets that the little things make life worth living. Every now and then one has to stop and smell the roses.
huff huff wheez (dmjk) Tuesday February 25th, 2003 11:11:52 AM
The group hoofs it to the center ramp and runs up two levels. A quick stop for directions to the Hole in the Sea and you learn that it is on the opposite side of the merchant level from the warehouse where you initially arrived.
As you make it to the appropriate section of town, you see the sign of what must be the Message in a Bottle. There are no words on the sign, but there is a painting of a glass bottle with a roll of paper stuck in the neck floating at sea.
The tavern doesn't appear to be anything special. The doors are the type of half doors that swing back and forth. You note there is a heavy metal door that can be lowered down in front of these in case the bar needs to close. There are two rather large windows on the front that allow you to see inside. It appears that the place is a working class bar. The patrons look like an assortment of laborers, cart drivers, and clerks. Most of them appear to drinking with a friend or two. The tavern is suprisingly full considering its the middle of the work day and well past lunch. A rough estimate places the number of patrons around 40. You don't see anyone that looks like a wizard from looking through the window, but there are plenty of places inside that you can't see.
A sign hanging up by the door reads, "No weapons. Check them at the door." For the less educated patrons, there is a little picture of a sword in a red circle with a line through it.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 25th, 2003 3:28:48 PM
Bill enters the tavern, and undoes the clasp on his bandolier of darts. He takes inventory of the darts, then hands the bandolier over to the checker. "Here you go."
He glances around at the patrons, seeking, if such might be found, an available table or spot in the populated tavern for himself and his friends.
Renik d20+10=19 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 6:20:01 PM
Renik is uneasy about being parted from his weapons for any length of time, but complies nonetheless. Where would they be if everyone just wandered around in bars heavily armed?
He scans the bar, seeking out anyone who might match the description of their contact (Spot 19).
Feng Wednesday February 26th, 2003 12:32:10 AM
Feng surrenders his double axe, trusting that he will get it back. Feng walked slowly through the bar, scanning the room. He was burly, even for a half-orc. There was no way that they could know he was a paladin. Hopefully the bar patrons were intimidated enough to leave him alone.
Hobbes Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:53:20 AM
Hobbes resolves himself to deal with the local clientele but secret wishes that the dog he met earlier was in charge. Nonetheless he pushes the swinging doors open with the tall end of his scythe and steps through, letting the doors creak back and forth. He stops at the weapon check area and, without saying a word, holds out his scythe to be taken.
His eyes gaze left to survey the patrons' reactions as he glares at the putrid smell of old booze and smoke in his nostils. His feet move forward slowly, clanking his heavy metal leggings with each step toward the bar. He leans over slowly and utters to the bartender, "We're here to see Woodcock."
Draax Wednesday February 26th, 2003 7:29:40 AM
Draax reluctantly hands over his weapons and steps into the tavern. He waits as he sees Hobbes talk to the bartender.
Rond Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:21:59 AM
Not hesitating too much even though it would be the first time to lose his weapon. Rond relatively quickly removes the great sword and gives it to the establishment. After giving up the sword Rond follows the others as they enter the tavern. Rond frowns for a brief second as he considers the surrounding area. Then he decides to wait while Hobbes asks his question.
trouble - dmjk Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:36:59 AM
The group enters the bar and trouble just seeks them out. A local tough who has seen better days bumps into Feng and spills his ale. Feng is the one with ale all over himself, but the cretin is the one that takes offense.
He spews at the paladin, "What'd ya do that for? Probably cause your mother was a pig! Where you get a nose like that anyway, Piggy?"
The man's sour breath reeks of ale, and he's clearly no beauty queen himself. He's overweight, bald, and his teeth would make a beaver proud. He's tall though, over 6 ft, and he looks strong.
His hands come up, and he pushes Feng backwards while he makes a noise like a grunting pig.
Renik notices a nearby table getting to their feet.
The bartender tells Hobbes and Draax, "You'd better keep an eye on your friend. Groyle's started more than one fight in here. I'd throw him out, but he's the owner's nephew."
Bill finds a table in the corner and turns around to tell everyone about it just in time to see the push.
jk Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:38:09 AM
a map will follow soon
Hobbes d20+8=25 Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:33:14 PM
Hobbes sighs as he turns around. "Must this always occur?"
He pulls out a small piece of iron from a pouch and waves a hand over it uttering "I'man 'gog nixt" and point it at the big fat bully.
[Fail a Will save DC 15 please vs Hold Person and be held for 7 rounds]
He then turns around to the bartender again, "Now, Woodcock! Nyrashal Woodcock, We need to see him or her NOW!" [Intimidate 25]
Draax Wednesday February 26th, 2003 7:30:42 PM
Draax watches the bully try to initiate a fight with Feng. The half-elf shakes his head thinking how there is always one in every tavern. He nods his head in thanks to the bartender for the advice then turns in time to watch the end of Hobbes' casting.
Leaning on the bar in a relaxed manner, Draax keeps his eyes on the bully feeling far more irritated than his outward appearance. In a small whispered voice barely loud enough to carry a foot away from him the warrior says, "We do not have time for this."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday February 26th, 2003 9:06:21 PM
Noting trouble brewing, the psion-nomad decides to head for the balcony. He empowers himself to fly, then seemingly skips up the stairs to the balcony in a remarkably short amount of time. Once in the balcony, he takes a quick look around - wondering if anyone there might be this Nyrashal Woodcock. He notes the three patrons up there, then looks over the edge of the balcony, paying particular attention to the group of apparent ruffians over by the rectangular tables.
The Message in a Bottle Bar Fight
Here it comes (DMJK) d20+3=18 d20+10=13 Thursday February 27th, 2003 9:42:02 AM
Hobbes spell fails, and he shouts at the bartender. The bartender is not amused, "Who you think you are coming into my place and talking to me like that? I think I'll just let Groyle and his cronies throw you out."
Groyle throws his first punch. Lucky for Feng, the tubby guy has had a bit much to drink and lardo's fist swings through empty air.
Groyle's cronies spread out toward the rest of the group. One of them noting Bill's flight takes a magnificent leap straight up, catches the balcony railing, and vaults himself onto the balcony. He grins wickedly at the halfling and beckons him with a curving finger. Bill notes that this one looks tough, clearly tougher and smarter than Groyle. He's lean and muscular, and his clothes are loose fitting, just the thing for an unarmed fight. With the shaved head and earring Bill can't help think of Mr. Clean, whoever that is.
The other toughs move toward the rest of the group.
There's no sign of anyone looking like a wizard, so unless Woodcock is dressed like a merchant, then he's not here.
[We're in combat now. Post accordingly.]
Rond d20+9=27 d20+4=9 d3+2=4 Thursday February 27th, 2003 10:02:56 AM
Seeing the events unfold him like a bad b movie, Rond grumbles to himself about the futility of talking about Sontra.
Talking to the bartender, "I apologize for my companion's treatment. He doesn't seem to get about that much."
Talking to Groyle, "Obviously you have not been to a farm anytime recently. Seems you might want to go back to school and learn what a pig looks like. Plus you would know that it is not possible to do anything with a pig. Though if you were interested in one I would pity the pig."
If Rond can get to Groyle he will do his best to do two quick jabs. (AC 27, 9) for 4 points.
Renik (AC 25 (Expertise +2), 26 (Dodge) vs T8) d20+12=23 d20+16=32 d20+9=24 d6+4=9 d20+16=29 Thursday February 27th, 2003 11:35:11 AM
(OOC: Sorry folks, missed last post, Grrr)
Renik shakes his head as things turn nasty, and pulls a concealed sap from beneath his belt (see character sheet).
"So you ladies want to dance do you?" he smiles at the advancing thugs. "Well it would be my pleasure. You there sweetheart, yes you with the simian jaw and floorboard splinters in your knuckles, how about we have the first dance? You look like the sort of girl who knows how to show a man a good time!" (Bluff 23 to enrage his opponent, T8).
He stands his ground, then when his opponent gets within 10 feet of him he explodes into action (Readied Action).
With a diving roll he hurdles the table in front of him (Tumble 32), lashes out at the approaching thug (hits AC 24 for 9HP), then darts away, rolling back and away from the thug a full 20 feet (Tumble 29).
"Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful when you're angry?" he asks, beckoning his foe forward. "No, I didn't think so!"
Arien d20+10=26 Thursday February 27th, 2003 12:02:25 PM
Arien throws himself into a roll, tumbling right past the fat drunken brawler Groyle and next to Feng whom he casts Enlarge on. He smiles briefly as the paladin grows again to a towering nine and a half feet tall.
Feng (Enlarge) d20+14=27 d20+9=23 d3+6=9 d3+6=8 Thursday February 27th, 2003 12:13:11 PM
Feng looks down on the much smaller man. "You brought this upon yourself." Feng says right before he pounds Groyle with his now massive fists.
[hit ac 27 for 9 dmg and ac 23 for 8]
Bill Troublefinder (Flying, Blinking) d10=5 d6=5 Thursday February 27th, 2003 3:57:52 PM
Bill activates his ring of blinking as he glances in the direction of the balcony's latest arrival, "Hi! You sure can jump, mister!" He then sinks beneath the floorboards (taking a 5 hp nip if the thickness of the balcony floor is greater than 4'), and flies diagonally over to the rectangular table next the wall that the party's new opponents just vacated - the one closer to the door. He stands atop the table, straddling a half-empty mug of beer, and looks back up toward the balcony, to see how Mr. Clean is doing. He is ready to fly up and back should muscular-man-wearing-an-earring leap his way.
Hobbes Friday February 28th, 2003 5:08:13 AM
Hobbes sighs, "Sir, I didn't mean to direct anger at you. Time is of utmost importance to us that we find this Woodcock person. Not because we wish him harm but we wish to hire him."
Upon saying this, Hobbes sets a sack of coins on the bar under his hand.
"Now if you were to remember where we can find him before these ruffians get us thrown out for a barfight... and this money would be yours for your identification services."
Draax d20+12=30 d20+7=18 d3+4=6 d3+4=5 Friday February 28th, 2003 6:23:09 AM
Draax leans casually on the bar until one of the thugs comes within punching range and then lashes out with two quick jabs. (hit AC 30 for 6 dmg, AC 18 for 5 dmg)
JK Friday February 28th, 2003 10:12:35 AM
[ooc: I'll be posting a little late today. It's hard for me to run a combat from work. I'll delete this message when I make the post and send the map.]
Will it be bar map 2 or bar map 3 when you send it? I have bar map 1 and 2 after one round of combat?! Todd
Somebody call the cops (DMJK) [groyle's attacks] d20+12=31 d20+7=21 d3+5=6 d3+5=7 [thug 1] d20+9=27 d3+2=4 [thug 5] d20+8=13 [thug 2] d20+8=13 [thug 4] d20+13=19 d3+6=9 [thug 6] d20+16=34 d3+6=9 [thug 7] d20+4=12 Friday February 28th, 2003 3:56:13 PM
Groyle may have started it, but the party is going to finish it...
Rond comes to Feng's aid and punches Groyle right in the nose. As the big bully's hand comes up to his face for protection, Arien enlarges Feng, and the extra large paladin retaliates with a couple of pounding blows.
Groyle's fat jiggles from the impact, but he's not finished. He gets his dukes up and punches giganto-Feng twice, once in the face, and once where he really shouldn't have. [AC31,21: dmg6,7]
Meanwhile Renik spews a stream of insults at thuggie 8, and the man rushes the nimble rogue. He's ready to crush Renik, but he gets a lump on his head for his trouble as Renik performs a smash and dash.
Renik should have watched his flank a bit better though. Thuggie 1 comes at him from the side, and his large hairy knuckles unhinge the handsome thief's jaw [AC27:dmg4].
Thuggie 3 and Jared get into it near the doorway as Bill flies down from the balcony to taunt the high-jumping Mr. Clean. Mr. Clean clearly isn't amused and he dashes over to the table of patrons nearby, grabs one of their ale mugs and hurls it at Bill. Clearly the mug isn't his weapon of choice, and it crashes to the wall behind Bill. Bill stays unharmed but gets splashed with a healthy amount of ale. Mr. Clean definitely has some rage issues, and he spews of string of curses down from the balcony. The insult about Bill and his mother was particularly foul.
Thuggie 2 charges Draax and gets a black eye for his trouble. He's caught off guard and fails to connect with his own swing.
Thug 4 makes it to Arien and manhandles the poor mage with his neanderthal fists (AC19:dmg9).
Thug 6 flanks giganto-Feng, and he hits the paladin with a balled up fist that feels like a hammer. (AC34,dmg9)
Finally, thuggie 7 makes it around to Rond and tries to punch him, but his shot slices thin air. Rond notices that thuggie 7 is pretty scrawny compared to everyone else.
Meanwhile, Hobbes tries to have a conversation with the bartender who is shouting at the guy on the balcony about not throwing his good mugs around. Between insults he finally looks at the priest and delivers a frank answer, "Look buddy, I have no idea who this Woodcork fellow is."
Renik (AC 25 (Expertise +2), 26 (Dodge) vs T8) d20+16=29 d20+11=30 4d6(5+3+5+3)+4=20 Friday February 28th, 2003 5:53:19 PM
Renik grits his teeth as the Thug's fist slams into his jaw. "Getting jealous pumpkin? Don't worry, there's plenty to go around" he grins, as he backflips away from the two approaching louts (T1 & T8) (Tumble 29).
His gymnastic retreat leaves him directly behind the meathead pounding on Feng (T6), and in a position to launch a sucker punch (Flank, Sneak Attack +3d6). His blow is aimed right at the thug's unprotected neck, and has immense force behind it (Hits AC 30 (-2 on attack for Expertise, +2 for flank), 20 HP).
Arien d20+10=29 Saturday March 1st, 2003 4:03:29 AM
Arien launches himself into another roll, this time coming up behind Rond. Arien turns about and enlarges Rond as well.
Bill Troublefinder (Flying, Blinking) d20+8=26 Sunday March 2nd, 2003 1:03:33 AM
"What great dignity you reveal," Bill tells the raging man on the balcony, his tenor voice ringing clear. As he speaks he flies slowly upward toward the rafters of the tavern until he is above the table near the center of the room [the one behind T1 & T8], and in line with the door. "Folks," he says, addressing the patrons at the tables below. "Please move to a safe corner. Or perhaps beneath the balcony would be prudent." He readdresses himself to Mr. Clean. "Would you like to settle down? And explain why you attack me?" As he says this, he uses telempathic projection on Mr. Clean, so as to encourage him to let go his rage. [Will save vs. DC 26, or calm down somewhat]
OOC from Bill (Kim) to everyone else in the party (when you have a minute) - check out Bill's list in the Catacombs Sunday March 2nd, 2003 4:55:02 AM [OOC: Please take a look at what Bill is planning to buy in the Catacombs. He intends to share quite a bit with the rest of the party, as well as to use some for himself. -Kim]
Wow! I pity the poor Catacombs staffer! Way to go Kim! - Carl
I'm the poor catacombs staffer. Incidentally, I'm planning to go through the list tonight. -jk
Hobbes Sunday March 2nd, 2003 7:09:16 AM
Hobbes looks towards the heavens for strength in toleration.
"Very well," he says as he counts out 5 go and places it before the bartender. "This should cover any damage caused because of my friends. Get the rest from the ones who started it."
We turns and meanders out of the bar through the clearest route, not stopping or looking at any of the fighters. He stops at the weapons check rack to retrieve his scythe.
"Yes, that one, the big black one. I'm not fighting, don't worry. I'm leaving."
He nods his head to the man and exits the bar.
Feng (enlarge) d20+6=19 Sunday March 2nd, 2003 10:50:25 AM
Irritated at the unprovoked assault Feng smashes a nearby table taking the leg as a club. This fat human and his friends seemed to enjoy starting fights when no weapons were allowed. Feng grew up around orcs. He will educate the portly man in how to win a bar fight.
Draax d20+12=17 d20+7=18 d3+4=5 d3+4=6 Sunday March 2nd, 2003 1:10:53 PM
Draax keeps hands high and balances on the tips of his toes as he tries to deliver a couple of more jabs to T2's face. (hits AC 17 for 5 dmg, AC 18 for 6 dmg)
Rond d20+9=23 d20+4=23 d3+2=4 d3+2=5 Monday March 3rd, 2003 2:02:54 AM
Turning towards the T7 Rond begins the punching match with him, knowing that Feng should have things relatively well in hand. He keeps to himself that the enlarge might be an unfair advantage if this tactic of the bully is somehow meant to judge the group.
Moving quickly in he jabs twice at T7. (AC 23 for 9 points of dam.)
Boys, you're getting out of control. (DMJK) [thug 8 attk] d20+13=33 [T8 crit roll] d20+13=32 [t8 dmg] d3+6=9 d3+6=7 [Groyle aao] d20+12=16 [t6aao] d20+16=20 d3+6=9 [T2]d20+8=14 d20+3=5 [T4] d20+13=17 d20+8=16 d3+6=7 d3+6=7 [T6] d20+16=30 d20+11=16 d20+6=12 d3+6=7 [groyle] d20+12=29 d20+7=19 d3+5=7 d3+5=7 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 10:54:24 AM
Renik springs into action and pops thug #6 in the back of the head.
Arien rolls and enlarges Rond.
Bill flies about the room and encourages the patrons to move out of the center of the room. They needed little encouragment after the breaking mug and all are out of the way. Bill tries to calm Mr Clean (T5) down. The trick works. The tough thug calms down and calls out to Bill, "I don't have a problem. It's just a bit of sport." He's not venting, but he's not ready to back down from the fight. He runs down the stairs and toward the main fight. He's headed for Feng.
Hobbes heads over to get his scimitar, but before he can get it back, thug 8 moves away from Renik, comes over, and punches Hobbes in the middle of the back. He hits hard too (16dmg).
Feng moves to fetch a table leg and provokes attacks of opportunity from Groyle and thug 6. Groyle misses, but thug 6 gets a blow in (9 dmg). The now gigantic half-orc has little trouble smashing up the table and getting himself a club.
The bartender is clearly not happy about the damaged table and starts looking under the bar for something.
Draax lands two jabs on thug 2 and bloodies the man's nose. The man tries to retaliate but can't see through the pain well enough to land a blow.
Enlarged Rond jabs at Thug 7. He hits the little man hard enough to knock him down, and the guy lies on the floor whimpering.
Thug 1 turns and calls up at Bill, "Come on down and fight unless you're chicken!"
Thug 3 and Jared continue to duke it out near the entrance.
Thug 4 catches Arien rolling around on the floor and kicks the caster twice [14 dmg].
Thug 6 starts to ignore Renik and go after Feng, but Mr Clean (T5) coming down the stairs shouts out, "That big one is mine!" And Thug 6 rounds on Renik in a full attack. He only lands one glancing blow on the wiry thief, but it's a powerful enough shot that Renik can well imagine the puffy bruise that will follow (7dmg).
Groyle listen to Thug 5 too and rounds on Rond with a full attack. He lands two solid blows on his extra big target, and Rond feels a stab of pain in his kidney (14dmg).
It's the party's turn.
[sorry about missing yesterday -jk]
JK Tuesday March 4th, 2003 11:03:04 AM
I put the map on the web: bar fight map #4
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(2+1+1+1+4)=9 d20+7=14 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 1:17:40 PM
"Ah, sport. Okay! You do it your way, and I mine." And as the thug beneath him questions his courage, Bill responds by dropping down to a level just a little above his head, but between the two tables (i.e., back a bit toward the door). "Hear me cluck!" he answers T1. And he lets forth a sonic blast - catching T1, T5, T2, and there's a chance that Draax will be caught in the blast, as well, for 9 hp sonic damage - Reflex save for half vs. DC 14. He then rises five feet higher in the air.
Renik: HP 46, AC 28 d20+12=25 d20+8=18 4d6(2+6+2+1)+4=15 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 6:11:48 PM
"What was that for?!" cries the rogue, staggering back and clutching his cheek, staring at T6 in amazement. "I'm on your side you idiot!"
(Bluff 25 (feint), to deny opponent Dex bonus to AC)
He waits for that fractional second of hesitation in his opponent before whipping the sap he has palmed into his grip and up towards the thug's exposed chin.
(AC 18 for 15 HP)
"Oops! Sorry partner!"
Throughout this charade he carefully maintains just the correct distance from those hairy knuckled fists (Expertise +5 to AC).
Draax d20+5=20 d20+12=16 d20+7=11 d3+4=6 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 6:58:44 PM
Draax smiles at his opponent and dances around him. He throws little feints and is delighted as he sees the thug jerk his head away at from each one. Draax starts to throw a couple of real jabs into the man's face, when out of corner of his eye he spots Bill opening his month. Not sure exactly what happening, but he know well enough to get out of the way when Bill has that look in his eye. He moves with the jab and gets just far enough out of the way to catch the tail end of the blast (saved for half).
He raises one of his eye brows and gives Bill a hard look before turning his attention back to his opponent, not even sure if he hit the guy. (Hits AC 16 for 6 dmg)
Feng (enlarge) d20+13=32 d20+8=15 d6+6=9 d6+6=10 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 10:11:06 PM
Feng takes his club and smashes Groyle on the head. His companions may display fancy moves, but that wasn't Feng's style. He's more of the smash you in the head kind of guy.
[hit ac 32 for 9 and ac 15 for 10]
Rond (enlarge) AC 16 HP 65 d20+9=13 d20+4=7 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 2:49:58 AM
Hoping that this doesn't take too much longer and that there isn't that much damage to the bar. Rond resigns himself to the fact that nothing in life is ever easy. He then does his best to take his frustration out on Groyle. His frustration builds when the ugly pain in the butt won't stay still to receive his blessing.
(ooc how much enlargement so I can figure out strength enhancement, if there is any?!)
Hobbes Wednesday March 5th, 2003 6:23:04 AM
Hobbes clenches his teeth as he is pounded from behind. He growls and steps to the Bartender with the weapons.
"I would like my scythe please. I wish to leave."
[Hobbes enters total defense = +4 to AC]
Upon receiving the scythe he backs out the door with it saying to the thug. "If you wish to complicate matters, sir, I will be out here. You hit an unarmed man without provocation. Remember your soul is judged for acts such as these. Right now Gargul has decided where to place you."
DMJK [T1save] d20+2=15 [T2save]d20+2=16 [t6save]d20+10=19 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 9:48:54 AM
The party dishes out their damage and then...
Groyle drops flat to the ground when the giant Feng clubs him. Blood pours out his mouth and eyes.
Thug 7 bends down and checks his buddy and cries out, "He's dead!"
The rest of the opponents scatter and there is a cacophony of people for the town guard. Mr. Clean is the last to make it out the door and offers one parting quip, "We'll meet you all again later."
The bartender comes up from behind the counter with a club in his hand. He motions it at Feng, "You my friend are going to wait for the police. I can overlook a bit of vandalism but not murder."
The other bar patrons are quick to extract themselves and cries of murder echo out in the streets.
Hobbes manages to get his scimitar back about the time a wizard walks into the bar and looks around with a sour frown on his face.
Bill Troublefinder d8+5=7 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 2:17:18 PM
Bill flies to the fallen bully when his friend proclaims him dead. From his pocket he pulls a potion of cure light wounds [note: listed on CS as 'potion of healing 1d8+5'], and pours it down the man's throat, healing 7 hp of damage, and stabilizing him, if there is any chance of saving him. He calls out, "Hobbes! Somebody! Can he be revived?"
Renik d20+12=18 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 5:56:01 PM
Renik, so gleeful in the throes of lighthearted battle one minute, is seized by icy fear the next. Should they run? But he looks at the paladin and thinks it unlikely that the half orc will leave. Whichever way you look at it, things have taken a serious turn for the worse.
He moves to the barkeep, hiding his sap as he does so, and says, "Now then sir, let's not be too hasty. We don't know the man is dead yet, and even if he is, it was plainly self defense. You saw how they attacked us without provocation, we acted to defend ourselves and this was the tragic outcome. A regretable accident, certainly, but hardly murder. By all means call on the guard, but at least tell them the facts as they occurred."
Renik does his best to put a positive spin on events, hoping to influence the barkeep's account to the authorities (Bluff 18).
Feng (enlarge) Wednesday March 5th, 2003 7:35:17 PM
Feng drops the bloodied table leg to the ground. "You can put away your club. If I wanted to leave you could not stop me. I shall wait for the authorities." Feng feels some guilt over Groyle's death, but not much. Groyle showed himself to be a vile person who would prey on those weaker and different than he was. Feng feels terrible about his own failure -- his lack of self control and the ease he gave in to his orc herritage. The circumstances were not exactly clear. Groyle and his men picked a fight and knew very well what could happen. To Feng that is all irrelevant. That had nothing to do with his own failure.
Draax Wednesday March 5th, 2003 8:04:28 PM
Hearing the cry, Draax quickly turns around and is somewhat relieved that it is not one of his companions on the floor. Then he realizes the situation they are in. He berates himself for his initial desire to leave the scene and hopes that they will not regret staying to face the music. Listening to the bartender's comments does not make him feel any better.
Draax heads toward the weapon rack to retrieve his weapons when he spots the wizard by the door. Going over to the man, Draax says, "Are you Nyrashal Woodcock?" If the man identifies himself as the wizard the group is looking for Draax will say the following, "A messenger from Gordo's Transport say to meet you here. There has been a little trouble, but I still would like to negotiate a lift to-and-from the Scab for me and my friend." He waits for the wizard's comments and hopes the wizard is not scared off by the situation.
Rond d20=4 Thursday March 6th, 2003 12:07:16 AM
Coming down from a battle high, Rond dives down to use his healing skills to assist. Though he seems to be at a loss as to what afflicts the man.
Hobbes d20+5=21 Thursday March 6th, 2003 4:00:23 AM
Hobbes backs to the door and backs into a person instead. He turns around quickly.
"Oh....OH! Hello, you must be---" Then he is interrupted by Bill and sighs. "Coming!"
He turns quickly to the wizard at the door, "Wait right there, please good sir. We are in need of your services."
He hastens over to find Rond fumbling with that body. He pauses for a second then bends over and tries to stop the bleeding from the man, "Rond, erm... his problem is that he's losing large amounts of blood from this hole in his head."
[Heal Check 21 to stabilize]
Deader than a doornail (DMJK) Thursday March 6th, 2003 8:56:06 AM
Despite the best efforts of Bill, Rond, and Hobbes, the man is dead. It's quite clear what happened. Feng hit him in the back of the head after he had turned his back on the paladin to engage Rond, and the blow crushed his skull.
Feng drops the bloodied club to the floor and advises the bartender to do the same. The bartender nearly laughs outloud when Feng says the man wouldn't be able to stop him. "That's a bold statement."
Renik tries to fast talk the bartender, and Draax meets with the man who does in fact identify himself as Nyrashal Woodcock.
Woodcock replies, "I've encountered Groyle and his cronies before, and his death doesn't particularly bother me. However, I will not do business with criminals. I will sit over here and wait for the town guard. If they clear you, we may do business." He goes and takes a seat on the other side of the room.
After a minute or two, two members of the town guard walk in. One walks over to the body and one heads to the bartender. "Let's hear what happened."
The Bartender's Account (DMJK) Thursday March 6th, 2003 9:33:44 AM
"Well Groyle here," he points at the body, "picked a fight with that giant half orc there. Then Drummond got his whole crew entangled with that bloke's friends." He points out the entire party.
"They were fighting, fists only save for 1 mug that Drummond threw at the halfling. Then the half orc upturned one of my tables and ripped the leg off. While he was ripping the leg off, I ducked down behind the bar to get my own club. When I came back up, Groyle had turned and started fighting that other tall fellow there. Then the half-orc clubbed Groyle in the back of the head when he wasn't looking. Groyle fell over and that little runt that follows Drummond around... Parcheck, I think, called out that Groyle'd been killed, and Drummond's gang and most of the other patrons scattered." The guard nods a few times as he listens, and the other one waits to hear the party's account.
Renik Thursday March 6th, 2003 5:18:20 PM
Seeing the law enter, the rogue quietens down. He walks to Feng's side, and claps him on the shoulder (or as near to the shoulder as he can reach). "Don't blame yourself, big guy. Those creeps were looking for trouble, and couldn't handle it when they found it. It was just a tragic accident, and I'm sure it will be cleared up soon. Why don't you take a seat?"
He looks to his companions to explain matters to the law.
Draax Thursday March 6th, 2003 6:31:03 PM
Draax frowns at Woodcock's comments, but after thinking about it for a second he nods his head in understanding. "That seems reasonable, hopefully this unfortunate incident will be resolved soon."
Draax goes over to hear what is being said to the town guard. He stands off to the side not offering any comments, but will answer questions if he is asked.
Bill offers his testimony (Fly; stopped Blinking) d20+18=22 Thursday March 6th, 2003 7:44:08 PM
Bill gets up from where he was kneeling, holding the now-empty vial of the healing potion. His countenance shows sorrow.
"Sirs, we entered this establishment. I went looking for a table - it was pretty full in here up until a minute or so ago. Found one over there," he says, indicating the corner table. "I heard a fellow back by the bar who raised his voice say," and, changing his voice so as to roughly approximate that of Groyle in intonation, he quotes, "'What'd ya do that for? Probably cause your mother was a pig! Where you get a nose like that anyway, Piggy?'" [Autohypnosis 22 to recall what he heard.]
Bill pulls out a piece of paper and a pen and starts sketching as he talks. "So, I turn around and this fellow who now lies on the ground gave my friend here, Feng, a big shove in the chest. Well, Feng doesn't do anything back to him. So then, this man - you say his name is Groyle?" he asks the barkeep. "OK, Groyle - we've never seen him before in our lives, by the way, takes some swings at Feng. Meanwhile, I notice a bunch of men get up from the table over there," and he points to the middle two rectangular tables next the wall, "and start heading this way, fists clenched. Mind you, we hadn't done a thing to any of these people. Well, I decide to head up to the balcony, to get a better picture on things.
"I get there, and another fellow, shaved head and an earring," and here he shows the town guard his quick sketch of Drummond, showing his fists clenched, a mean smile on his face, and a little sparkle coming off his earring, "he just launches himself into the air, grabs the railing, and lands on the balcony over yonder. He wants to fight me. He waves his finger at me. Well, sirs, I don't want to hurt him, and certainly don't want the patrons up there to get hurt, so I fly over to the table those guys left, and look back up to see what Mr. Earring was going to do. He cusses up a storm, throws a mug of beer he steals from a couple of people sitting up there, and says things about my mother that let me know that he really has never met her before, because she just would never even think of doing the bad things he said. It makes me feel sorry for him, because maybe he had a bad time growing up.
"I fly up to there next - while all of these guys are attacking my friends, and I suggest to the patrons who are not joining in the fracas that they might want to move to a safer corner or something. I was worried some of them might get hurt. Anyway, I ask the earring man if he won't just settle down, and why is he attacking me?"
Bill scratches his head, showing his bewilderment at such comportment. "Well, my father used to tell me that soft words can turn away wrath. This guy, who seems to have a lot of wrath, did seem to calm down a teensy bit, and he said, 'I don't have a problem. It's just a bit of sport.' But then he ran down the stairs to try to gang up on Feng. What kind of sport is that, I wonder.
"Meanwhile, Groyle and another man are ganging up on Feng, who I see is leaning over a table. One of the guys punches him in the kidney while his back is turned, but Groyle misses him that time. And another goon calls up to me, asking if I'm chicken. I think that is funny, so I come down a bit, and make a real big sound, like I was a monster rooster. You should've seen the guy's hair fly back a bit at that. I mean, who are these guys?
"My friend Arien is knocked to the ground, and they start kicking him. I'm about ready to suggest we all just stop this. My friends are getting beat up, and are just trying to protect themselves. Groyle hits my friend Rond from behind right in the kidneys while another one gangs up on him. Then Feng has enough of Groyle and his gang, and decides to knock him out before he causes more damage. But I guess the fellow's skull wasn't as thick as it seemed. We tried to heal him up after he fell down, but he was too far gone."
Just as it looks like he is done with his testimony, the halfling holds up his finger and says, "Oh, and Mr. Earring says on his way out - they all decided to clear out before you gentlemen arrived, rather than to remain here as we have chosen to do - huh, talk about who's chicken - and he says, 'We'll meet you all again later.' What? For more so-called 'sport'? How do we file charges against these men? We did not come here looking for trouble."
Feng (Enlarge) Thursday March 6th, 2003 9:33:31 PM
Feng stands still and stays quiet as Bill recounts the events. He would accept whatever decision was made, regardless of the consequences. He did not know the laws here or how severe such a crime could be. Even if he was sentenced to death, he would accept it. He serves the gods and all that is good in the wold. He cannot hold himself above what he preaches.
Hobbes Friday March 7th, 2003 6:42:01 AM
Hobbes places the head of the hulking man gently back on the ground and closes his eyes.
"Oh great Gargul, take this thy spirit, a man whose time has come to greet you into thy wisdom and caring and transport him to his final home."
He raises his holy symbol aloft and sprinkles a few drops of the holy water on the brute, then rises.
"I do not envy him the place Gargul is taking him, but then he chose both the time and the place of his departure."
He begins quietly walking over to the the bar.
"Sir?" he inquires of the barman, "Might you have a sink with which I could rinse off my hands?"
Rond Friday March 7th, 2003 7:40:07 AM
Rond lets Bill fill the area with his words. Rond fills in where he can but he doesn't worry about Bill mising much. Bill has a knack for that. Rond will keep an eye on the bar keep and the surrounding area just to watch things as Bill recites his story.
The guards (DMJK) Friday March 7th, 2003 11:33:43 AM
The guard talking to Bill nods along at first, but he ends up staring at the little halfling who doesn't seem to ever stop talking.
Finally, he stops and the guards compare notes and the one talking to the bartender turns to the group and specifically to Feng. "I take it that none of you is disputing the fact that this man here," he points to Feng, "killed that man there." He points at the body.
"I just have a few more questions. First, did any of you, especially Feng here, ever feel that your life or the life of your companions was in danger from this bar fight? Second, did any of these ruffians use weapons? And the last question is for Feng alone, why exactly did you decide to club Groyle here?"
Bill Troublefinder (Flying - but standing on the ground) Friday March 7th, 2003 12:28:09 PM
"Yes, I thought that the lives of my friends were definitely at risk," answers Bill succinctly.
Draax Friday March 7th, 2003 8:18:21 PM
Draax gives the question some thought and then answers, "Yes, I thought our lives were in danger, only because we had no idea who these men were and because of how quickly they came at us. We are new to the city and do not know its customs, but in most places I have been, it is very unusual for a group of men to attack you as soon as you enter a place if they do not wish to do you harm. At first I thought the unfortunate man was a big mouth who was trying to impress his friends, but when his friends came at each of us, the next thing that entered my mind was that this is an ambush. There was no way to know what their intentions were. Were they trying to kill us or just beat us to a pulp? So to answer your question again, yes I thought our lives were in danger."
Renik Sunday March 9th, 2003 5:45:21 AM
The rogue nods vigorously. "I'll say! A six foot bruiser comes at you without provocation, and is followed up by a gang of his friends, I'd say it's time to defend yourself. We had no idea who they were or why they were attacking. We all sought to defend ourselves, and in the process one of the attackers died. It's unfortunate, but the responsibility lies ultimately with the instigators of the attack.
"Now I myself didn't see any weapons, though that doesn't mean there were none. Things happened pretty fast."
Bill Troublefinder Sunday March 9th, 2003 5:33:36 PM
"Oh, yeah - the earring guy tried to mug me. I mean, threw the mug at me," Bill adds, helpfully. "One of those tavern-type weapons, y'know."
Arien Sunday March 9th, 2003 9:36:25 PM
Rubbing a quickly forming bruise Arien grimaces and sits down nearby, taking a moment to catch his breath. When asked the questions Arien responds, "You don't need weapons to be lethal, I could've easily ended the fight myself. However, I decided to enlarge my friends here to intimidate the thugs and maybe scare them off. I believe that Feng did not intend to kill the man but merely knock him unconcious as to end the fight then and there. As for feeling if any of our lives were in danger, you can die from tripping on a stone, you can die from the shallowest of cuts, you can die from a single well aimed punch. So do I feel our lives were in danger? Yes."
Hobbes d20+4=16 Monday March 10th, 2003 3:03:41 AM
Hobbes tidies his hands, then walks slowly toward the guard, "My statement, sir, if I may."
He turns to his companions, "Could I have some assistance taking off the upper part of this armor?"
Hobbes shudders as the breastplate and backplate come off, revealing quite a wound there on his backside.
"Sir guard, this wound I did not give to myself. I was attempting to walk from the bar to the weaponcheck bar to retrieve my weapon and leave. As I crossed the room I was hit with full force from behind causing the quite large wound you see on my back."
Hobbes turns slowly with his back to the guard, still wincing from the pain, then reveals the large dent in his armor as well.
"A wound of that size can only be caused by quite a force, either from weapon or by enormous amounts of strength, probably magically enhanced. And it was caused by one of the deceased's friends in much the same manner that the deceased walked up to Feng and began assaulting him. We were fighting for our life, sir. Barfight or not, this damage was real. And all because we came here seeking THAT gentleman's aid (he points to Woodcock) to help us achieve a goal for the good of the whole nation."
[Diplo Check 16]
Rond Monday March 10th, 2003 6:22:10 AM
When asked by the Guard Rond comments, "Me personally? I don't think we'd had enough time to assess that. But like has been pointed out we're new in town. We don't normally get attacked the first thing when we get in town. Bad for our health." Rond smiles with that comment, "It doesn't help that we were made to believe like we'd get no help from anyone, since it's his word," and he indicates the bartender, "that Groyle's related to the owner, and evidently he's done this to anyone he chooses to."
Bill Troublefinder Monday March 10th, 2003 1:17:15 PM
At Hobbes' decision to make the man who appears to be Woodcock a topic of the conversation, then to claim that what they are aiming to do is for the benefit of the whole nation, Bill inwardly winces. Telepathically, and via William the psicrystal, he tells his friends, 'No, don't tell them about the dragon. It will not be to our benefit if you start talking about the dragon, or Hororot. And what if they ask which nation - this city moved, remember? Let's not make this a political hoo-ha.'
Then telepathically, to Feng alone, he suggests, 'Tell them you weren't used to the added strength the extra size gave you, big guy.'
Waiting (DMJK) Monday March 10th, 2003 3:10:51 PM
The guards note everyone's responses with what appears to be approval, but they're still waiting for Feng to speak. After all, he played the big part here this afternoon.
Feng (Enlarge) Monday March 10th, 2003 7:57:51 PM
Feng glances at Bill and shakes his head negatively.
"Sir I did nothing to provoke such an attack. During the fight, I did not fear for my life. My soul is pure and I am ready for death whenever it shall take me. However the threat was genuine, hence the magical enhancement. I might not have feared for my own life, but I feared for the lives of my companions. The punches I took were extremely hard, even through my armor. I didn't want to give them an opportunity to hit Bill or anybody else not prepared for such a blow."
All right, move along (DMJK) Tuesday March 11th, 2003 10:17:51 AM
The guard nods and writes it all down while his buddy speaks up, "All right, the thing you adventurer types got to figure out is that you can't go around killing people even if they might deserve it. Getting punched in the eye three or even five or six times doesn't rate getting your skull fractured with a table leg. I doubt Groyle or his buddies thought anyone would end up dead even though they probably expected a missing tooth or two, a few black eyes, and maybe even a broken arm or leg. And if you guys go around dressed up like you're looking for a fight, what do you really expect? What kind of normal person walks around wearing armor and flaunting so much wealth? You're a target for any down and out local that wants to make a name for himself. Knocking out this tough guy here would have made Groyle a local hero for at least a year. Well, he's not much of a hero now is he?"
The guard's starting to get red in the face, and he pauses for breath for a second before he starts up again, "I have some work to do. I get to go convince Groyle's wife that she and little Evan are better off without him. He drank most of his earnings away anyway and didn't do much to support them. He was a real jerk, but he deserved better than having his brains beat out in a bar. So while I personally hope that you all rot in hell, the law of this magnificent city is pretty clear about it. They started the fight, and it was self defense.... You're all such heroes. I bet your mothers are proud." The guard turns and storms out.
His friend smiles sheepishly and says, "Have a nice day." Then he follows his buddy.
The bartender stares at the dead body on his floor wondering when someone will come take care of it. He mutters something about this all being really bad for business and heads into the backroom to look for something to clean up with.
Woodcock is still sitting in the corner with a rather bemused look on his face.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday March 11th, 2003 2:37:16 PM
Just before the second guard leaves with his anemic farewell, Bill says, "Wait just a second." He takes off and reaches into his backpack. In a moment he withdraws a pouch, filled with 25 gold pieces.
"Sir, you can let on that you and the other guards took a collection, or somethin'. But this is for Groyle's wife and son, Evan. It's not much at all, I know, but it's a start. And, just for clarity's sake, I have ways of seeing whether you give them the money or not. I'm not worried, though - you seem the honest sort. Give it to them quietly. The whole neighborhood doesn't have to know. I will see what I can do to help them out more in the near future, but don't tell them that. I might die before I can do anything." He hands him an additional six gold pieces. "This is for the trouble you and your partner had to take. I hope the balance of your day is better, sir."
He turns to his friends, and looks sadly around the area of the fight. "We'll want to see to healing up a bit, I think."
Since the barkeep is out back, Bill pulls out of his pocket a wand and invokes prestidigitation to quickly clean up the blood-soaked area around Groyle's head. Then he approaches the barkeep, once he returns, and asks, "Sir, what do we owe you for the table, and anything else?"
Rond Tuesday March 11th, 2003 2:58:06 PM
Rond listens to the guard as he makes his judgement call to the group. Hearing the guard's pronouncement about how wealthy they look Rond's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Rond begins to wonder whether is life as a uncover agent might come back and haunt him as he might have to learn to hide that he doesn't belong to the town. Just so that he can enter town without anyone making snap judgments about him.
Rond then begins to wonder about the quality of city life if Groyle could ever be considered a hero. With some of the company that Rond has met and been with he wonders what the guard considers a hero.
What little bit of happiness Rond can muster comes when Bill offers some loose change to the family of Groyle's.
Not feeling very heroic when all is said and done, Rond looks to Woodcock to see if he'll talk with the group now.
Renik Wednesday March 12th, 2003 2:11:59 AM
Mentally sticking his tongue out at the retreating backs of the law, Renik backflips out of the chair he had sat in, and heads to the bar. "Sir, a bottle of Aisildurian red if you please," he smiles smoothly, and then sidles over to Woodcock.
"Well, apologies for all the excitement, friend. Seems some of the local goons were just a little too confident in their abilities.
"So, how about we get down to business. I take it Gordo has indicated where we need to go? If not we have a map. What we need to know is how much it will take to get us there and then back, and a risk assessment for the journey. And of course any additional advice you have would be welcome. Now then, let me offer you a drink."
Arien Wednesday March 12th, 2003 3:42:21 AM
Arien ignores the first guard's tirade and waits until he leaves before saying. "He was a drunken bully whose attitude couldn't match his abilities. Sooner or later he would've picked a fight with the wrong group and a lot more people would've been hurt, probably killed. While I don't consider his death to be good thing I doubt many people will miss him."
Hobbes Wednesday March 12th, 2003 5:21:26 AM
Hobbes shakes his head as the guards leave through the door.
"They do not understand. A pity. When it is their time they will still blame others, when everyone answers Gargul's call when they wish. It is up to him whether he will take them." He turns and slowly makes his way over to Woodcock and gently sits in a chair opposite him.
"Now, as I was saying, good sir," he says politely, "We wish to hire you."
Woodcock (DMJK) Wednesday March 12th, 2003 9:53:09 AM
Woodcock dismisses the incident with Groyle with a wave of his hand, but he graciously accepts a glass of wine from Renik - incidentally, the bottle cost Renik 3 gold.
He says, "Gordo showed me your map. I'll be able to put you down within a few miles of where you want to go. It's better than you're likely to find someone else willing to do. People do not routinely go to the Scab because it's freaking dangerous. There are giants, winter wolves, griffons, wyverns, rock tigers, and worse all over the place. I've seen two different dragons flying near the southern coast too. I think it should cost you at least 1,000 gold, but Gordo's limit is 300. I value his brokerage service, so that's all I will charge.
"As for the return trip, if I pick you up in the same location at a specified time, the return trip will cost the same. But if I have to wait around in the Scab, then the price could escalate pretty quickly. If there's a pack of giants on your tail, or if I have to transport something extra back, then your price will increase.
"I also have one other condition on taking you besides the price. The thing that concerns me most is that I have business in the area, and I'm afraid that whatever your gang is there to do might louse up my affairs. So, I'd like to hear why you want to go to this particular area in the Scab."
Bill Troublefinder (Flying, feet on the ground) Wednesday March 12th, 2003 1:34:24 PM
Bill joins Rond, Renik, Hobbes & Woodcock as plans are discussed. He catches up on what's been said. "Well, sir, from what you've said, it does not sound as though what we intend to do should impinge on your business activities. We need to help an old man by picking up something taken from him a while back. We don't have any plans to deal with giants or the like. We'll be doing a bit of mountain climbing.
"If you could tell us the types of business deals you're involved with, or let us know anything in particular you'd like for us to watch out for or avoid, I'm sure we can come to some agreement.
"You don't suppose there's a more secure place to discuss matters, do you?"
Woodcock (DMJK) Wednesday March 12th, 2003 3:35:29 PM
Woodcock starts to laugh at Bill, "I'm not suggesting that you want to meet giants. I'm saying that if you go to the part of the Scab, you WILL fight giants or you'll at least hide from them."
The mage looks a bit testy as Bill tries to find out about his business, and he looks like he's about to tell the halfling that he can find another mage then Bill bursts in about finding a more secure location.
"More secure? What for? What kind of trouble are you mixed up in? I'm just teleporting you. I expect to find nasty things in the Scab, but not here at home. If somebody's going to shoot arrows at me for this from a rooftop, then you can find someone else!"
He starts to get up.
Hobbes d20+4=16 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 4:41:26 PM
Hobbes sighs and covers his eyes and immediately stands as the wizard prepares to leave.
"Good sir, we beg you. I am sorry for the forked tongue of my diminuative companion. Why he insists on LYING to everyone we meet," he glares at Bill for the second time in as many days, "is beyond me. I think he is trying to protect our ... erm... client as it were. But I totally feel that in a mission of this gravity, you as potential aid must know the truth of our quest."
Hobbes tries to non-threateningly stand in front of Woodcock so he doesn't leave as he also tries not to raise his voice too much to let it drift to other tables, "We discovered the tomb of a very ancient and great king, a king whose soul is trapped within due to a theft of his property, a crown and a sword. Somehow... his soul is connected to their loss and only upon their return can he be freed and allow Gargul to guide him into his proper resting place. The items in question, he has determined, are at the scabbed and, as far as he knows, are in possession of a young white dragon's horde. That is our quest. To retrieve these items one way or the other. We do not ask that you put yourself in danger, in fact we were wondering of the possibility of an item or command which might trigger our return without you having to go with us. That is the truth, sir, but we humbly accept your decision to leave if you wish."
[Diplomacy Check 16 again]
Renik Wednesday March 12th, 2003 5:11:36 PM
Renik drains his wine and watches with amusement as his companions try out their differing approaches with the wizard.
Saying nothing he tops up his own glass and that of Woodcock (with a wink), and waits for the next person to speak.
Rond Wednesday March 12th, 2003 6:10:55 PM
Rond quietly begins to run his hands through his hair as he begins to wonder what Sontra is upto these days. He briefly wonders whether Sontra might be in disguise in this bar.
Draax Wednesday March 12th, 2003 6:14:53 PM
Draax's eyes opens so wide that they nearly shoot out of his head when Hobbes begins to tell this total stranger about their mission and the dragon horde. In his mind he thinks that now the man is surely going to charge them more than the 300 gp. He prays to whatever god that is listening that Woodcock is an honest man or the group will have a hard time returning with any treasure. At first he only had to worry about a dragon, some giants and maybe a few other nasty creatures, now he has to add Woodcock to the list. He quickly goes over to the bar. "Give me a cup of the strongest drink you got."
Feng Wednesday March 12th, 2003 8:51:59 PM
OOC: Sorry about my absence yesterday. None of my browsers would load any woldian web pages.
Feng digs into his pouch and hands the guards an additional 100 gold pieces. If they were honest, Groyle's wife and child should be able to live off of it for a while. Long enough to figure out what to do. At some point in the future he will have to come back and check on them.
Feng tosses the barkeep two gold pieces for the table. Considering how easily it broke, the wood couldn't have been that good. The half-orc chooses to stand off to the side and let the other negotiate with the mage.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday March 12th, 2003 9:36:44 PM
"'Forked tongue'? 'Lying'?" Bill looks at Hobbes, incredulous.
Then he turns his attention to the mage. "You asked us our business, and how it might affect your own, then grow offended when I ask you your business, and how we might avoid impinging on it. Security? We were attacked, unprovoked, in here."
He turns to the holy man. "Hobbes, if you think of me as a snake and a liar, there is little hope for us to work together. I am neither. Goodbye."
The normally unbristly Bill stands up, and walks briskly for the door, his ears burning red.
Renik Thursday March 13th, 2003 2:30:05 AM
Swiftly the rogue hops to his feet and intercepts the furious halfling.
"Come now, Bill, don't take it so seriously. Hobbes is not one of nature's diplomats, to be sure, but forgive him his rather blunt attitude and religious zealotry and you'll find a stalwart team-mate lurking down there somewhere. Here, take a drop of wine with me and we'll talk it over."
As he tries to steer the halfling back to a table he shoots a dark glance at Hobbes. "And you, you swore loyalty to this group. That in part means doing what is best for the group, and that is not shooting your mouth off every time someone does something you disagree with. We all have our own ways of working, and being a team means understanding that and working to accommodate it, even if you don't agree. It does not mean insulting and offending your team-mates, the folks who will be looking out for your back when the blades and arrows and claws start flying, to the point where they no longer want to work with you. I know I may be asking the impossible, but try to reign in the self-righteousness, Hobbes."
Bill Thursday March 13th, 2003 3:47:46 AM
"Thank, you Renik. But I've got to walk this one off. Bluntness I can forgive. Baseless slander is another matter. A liar. Pfft. Hold that drink." He looks up at his friend, and gives him a nod of gratitude, but is resolute. He pushes open the swinging doors, and Bill's little legs churn up the walkway.
Woodcock (DMJK) Thursday March 13th, 2003 8:55:04 AM
Woodcock seems happy that Bill is gone, and he nods at Hobbes, "There, that's something good to know. That a dragon's involved. I can't imagine that anyone would even consider involving someone else in a situation with a dragon without providing them with some foreknowledge. Your little quest certainly shouldn't interfere with my experiments either."
Woodcock thinks about it all for a second and smiles at Hobbes, "300 gold each way then, and I'll be certain that I'm prepared for a white dragon to be chasing you to the rendezvous point. Had I not known about the chance for it, I would have left you there when I saw it."
"So what about details? When do you want to go? How long til we meet back up? If it's ok with you, I'd like to get the money for the transport to the Scab before we leave. Usually, the end of the journey would be fine, but I make it a point not to extend credit to people who are about to fight a dragon."
Draax Thursday March 13th, 2003 5:36:36 PM
Draax watches the confrontation between Hobbes and Bill. He could see why Bill got upset and was happy to see Renik step in to play the part of peacemaker. He nods his head as the halfling leaves realizing that the walk will do the halfling some good.
The fact that Woodcock knows about the treasure horde puts an uneasy feeling in the pit of Draax's stomach. Although he does not trust the stranger, the wizard's words puts him a little at ease. He gives a smirk at Woodcock's last statement and thinks to himself that if the dragon is chasing them then they are already dead.
DMJK Thursday March 13th, 2003 9:30:12 PM
[I'm going to be out of pocket Monday through Wednesday next week. Anybody want to have a 3 day stint as DM? I imagine that it won't entail much but roleplaying Woodcock and getting the group to the Scab. Technically, Todd is the Assistant DM, but I know he's been busy lately. -jk] ======= [I think I could pull that off, JK, if you'd like. If possible, just email me a quick sketch of the details. -Kim]
Arien Friday March 14th, 2003 1:16:26 AM
Arien snorts in disgust at Hobbes' words and swallows a few choice words that leap to mind. Arien turns his chair about so that he is facing away from Hobbes and ignores the rest of the conversation, instead thinking about how he'd like to take that dragon down.
Bill Troublefinder Friday March 14th, 2003 4:38:15 AM
The halfling moves with tremendous energy back up to the level on which the party first entered the Floating City, letting the pumping of his blood serve to cool him down emotionally a bit as his body warms up.
Nevertheless, about sixty seconds after leaving the tavern, Bill empowers clairaudience in order to listen in to the conversation with his friends, and Woodcock and Hobbes, in the bar.
Hobbes Friday March 14th, 2003 7:34:52 AM
"But of course, sir," he says to the old man and reverts to his backpack to get out a larger portion of gold than he had in his coinpouch. After a short time he places the correct amount in a separate pouch and gives it to the gentleman, "300 gold pieces it shall be...and I do like your policy about the upfront payment from dragonseekers. Terribly amusing." He says this without breaking even a hint of a smile.
"Yes, Renik, I agree. Lying was indeed an incorrect term to use. But as I am not fortunate enough to be blessed with the ability to edit words as they come out of my mouth, I cannot take it back. Although, I don't believe a word exists for withholding important information which could put someone's life in danger whom you are trying to hire."
To the old man, he replies again, "We would like to leave as soon as possible I believe," he waits and looks at the others, "unless anyone has anything else they'd like to say or do first."
Woodcock (DMJK) Friday March 14th, 2003 9:15:20 AM
Noting the tension in the group, Woodcock says, "Perhaps you all need a little time to talk without me around. I'll wait up at the bar."
Renik Friday March 14th, 2003 5:50:26 PM
The rogue scowls at Hobbes' riposte, but he holds his tongue. He pours the last of the bottle into his glass, drains it, then takes both the bottle and glass back to the bar, where he hands them to the barkeep.
To Woodcock he says "Sir, your tact is noted and appreciated. I see no reason to delay unduly, this mission has already dragged on long enough. I need battle, preferably with a foe and not with one of my own team-mates. So as soon as our companion returns (which I am sure he will shortly) I believe we can depart. That is, if you yourself are ready."
Bill Troublefinder Friday March 14th, 2003 6:21:11 PM
It takes about fifteen or twenty minutes for Bill to return to the tavern. When he returns, he has a smile on his face. "Hey, I picked up some things I ordered," Bill announces to his friends, as he pats himself on his ribs. "The Catacombs has an outlet here in the Float."
He walks up to the mage. "Mister Woodcock, sir, will you forgive me? My intention was not to be offensive, nor to pry unnecessarily into your affairs. We had just met, and I had hoped to get a feeling for who you are, as you were about us. It just seems wise to know who you are dealing with, before opening the showroom. He," and he moves his head to the side to indicate the table at which Hobbes sits, "told you plainly and clearly our purpose and goal. If I appeared overcautious - well, maybe I am. But, sir, it's clear I overstepped your bounds in returning to you a similar question you asked of us. Will you forgive me my lack of tact and discernment? I meant no ill will, Mister Woodcock." The halfling awaits Nyrashal Woodcock's response with an air of humility.
Woodcock (DM Kim) d20=9 Saturday March 15th, 2003 10:40:39 PM
Woodcock answers Renik, "I can leave within half an hour, or later. Wait more than two and a half hours, though, and it will be getting dark in the Scab."
The mage regards Bill with diffidence. "Fine," he curtly replies to the apologizing halfling.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday March 15th, 2003 10:52:47 PM
Bill's apologetic but hopeful face changes to downcast after Mister Woodcock responds with apparent distrust.
He looks up at Renik sadly, then walks over to the table at which the others sit. Rebuked and rebuffed so much in such a short amount of time. He looks up after a moment. He turns toward Hobbes. "Do you really think I'm a liar? I'm trying to figure out when I've ever lied, at least in the last few years. My folks taught me it's not right to lie, but also that there are times you've gotta be discrete. I said we need to help an old man by picking up something taken from him a while back. That was no lie." He just looks away for a moment, then adds in a low voice, "Hobbes, you hurt my feelings. And I don't understand you."
Draax Sunday March 16th, 2003 7:11:12 PM
Draax half listens to what everyone has to say, but sits with his back to the wall and continually cuts his eyes toward the door. When Woodcock tells them how soon he can leave Draax voices his opinion. "I vote to leave as soon as possible. I do not want to wait for the dead man's friends to start looking for revenge."
Feng Sunday March 16th, 2003 10:36:25 PM
Feng stands off to the side contemplating his recent actions and how to repent for them. He will be happy with whatever decision his friends make.
Rond Monday March 17th, 2003 12:54:57 AM
Watching and waiting until given a time to respond. Rond comments once Woodcock steps aside, "... and how did you happen to determine that this Woodcock character was completely trustworthy in knowing the full intent of what we are doing?"
Bill Troublefinder Monday March 17th, 2003 1:15:23 AM
Remembering something from his youth, Bill adds, "My uncle told me you can call a spade a spade, or you can call it a shovel, or an excavating tool, or a scooper. But if you call a spade a fork, you're lying if it has no tines. Well, Hobbes, when have I called a spade a fork?"
Renik Monday March 17th, 2003 4:28:49 AM
Renik is starting to lose patience with the group's infighting. Swallowing his anger he says;
"Come my friends, enough of this dispute. We are shortly to face the most deadly foe we have ever encountered. We go into unknown territory to fight a dragon to the death, and if we do not fight and think as one, we will die as one. Come, Hobbes, admit your words were harsh, and apologize to Bill. Bill, let the matter drop, accept that Hobbes' words were spoken in anger and not truly meant, and move on. Let us agree to disagree over how much information we should have offered our wayfarer, and prepare ourselves for the real fight ahead. With the stakes as high as they are we simply cannot afford this sort of petty distraction. This is a matter of life and death; ours!"
Hobbes Monday March 17th, 2003 6:41:07 AM
"Indeed," says Hobbes through clenched teeth, "I would very much LOVE to get on with this mission, but since I'm being badgered on all sides for it... Bill, as I had just told Renik, my 'lying' word was mischosen out of frustration, impatience, and the dull ache in my back and now HEAD at both the fight and the guards business. I didn't create the situation, I'm dealing with it. If that man would have left, then our mission would have been over as far as we knew as he was our only link to getting there. I said what I thought would work to get him to stay and what he deserved to hear."
He wheels around to Rond, "And as for that comment, Sir, I took as much time to decide about Woodcock as you all took to believe Hororot to begin with. It's very simple. Either Hororot was telling the truth, or he's lying. If he was telling the truth, then he's so old no one will have heard of him or they will think us daft. If they HAVE heard of him, then their reactions and information could only help us, especially if Hororot was lying. If you DON'T trust Mr. Woodcock at all, then what in the Wold are we doing here? If you aren't going to trust anybody you're told to meet, then you may as well attack everybody. All we can do is trust that most people are good, trustable folk like we hope ourselves to be treated. If they prove themselves as foes, then it gets sorted out there and we know where our enemies are. Thinking otherwise means your enemies are everywhere, which I refuse to believe."
He stops and heads to the bar where the mage is, "Now, let's act like professionals and see this job through."
Bill Troublefinder Monday March 17th, 2003 5:31:14 PM
"Oh, okay, I understand, Hobbes. So, you lied about my honesty, because it seemed expedient to you, so that we did not miss our transport. Kind of a spur-of-the-moment, 'Oh, no! What am I going to do!' type of thing. Okay, I forgive you for that, Hobbes. I was just worried that you really thought I was some sort of habitual liar. I understand you've got a bad ache there, too. We need to get you and everyone healed up, I'd say. Then let's go."
Bill joins those who head over to talk with Woodcock, and says, "Looks like we're ready, sir."
Woodcock (DM Kim) Monday March 17th, 2003 7:38:25 PM
"Well, I've heard enough of you say that you are ready to go. Fine. You know the way to the teleport platforms. I need to pick up a few of my own things, and will meet you there in half an hour. It takes about seven to ten minutes to get to the platforms from here." He looks at Hobbes and Renik. "A pleasure doing business with you gentlemen. Dress warmly." Woodcock turns and leaves.
Bill T d8=7 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=5 d8+1=6 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=7 d8+1=9 d8+1=9 Tuesday March 18th, 2003 12:37:24 AM
Bill psionically heals himself of the light damage he took when dropping through the balcony floor earlier.
"I've got a wand of cure light wounds. Shall we use up some charges on it here, to bring us all back up to snuff, or is there enough other type of healing to take care of us before we go?"
Bill will expend up to ten charges to help heal people up. First come, first served, in order: 6 hp, 4, 6, 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 9, 9 of cure light wounds. Take 'em apply 'em, and feel better fast. If any are left unused, then Bill did not discharge whatever remains unused. Bill telepathically communicates with his friends what the command word is for the wand of cure light wounds.
Once that is done, unless anybody has another thing they want to do, the halfling suggests they ascend to the next level, and enter the platform area. He retrieves his bandolier and darts as he leaves the tavern, checking to ensure that each dart is there. He checks for magic on the one dart that is magical.
He pulls out a list of things he purchased at the Catacombs, and lets anyone see it who so desires.
Telepathically, via William, he communicates to his comrades, 'I've got some ideas for tactics, using oil-soaked canvas tarps, and alchemist's fire, and tanglefoot bags, plus flying with another person holding on to one end, and giving the dragon a nice, warm blanket to cuddle up in.' After a pause, he adds, 'Most of the stuff I bought I put into a portable hole. It's a magic handkerchief that, when you place it on a flat surface, it opens into a six foot diameter by ten foot deep space inside. Anybody want to see if the breathing tubes I have inside will work? Gotta have one end poking out of the top of the handkerchief when it opens, I think, but I haven't tried it yet. Hey, and if you have any magical storage devices, like, what are they called? Gloves of storage? Not sure on that one. Or Heward's Handy Haversack, or a bag of holding, or, like, my special pants, then you don't want to put it into the portable hole, or you and everything in it, and maybe just near it, gets sucked into some place like the astral plane, wherever that is. Hard to get back from. Maybe lost forever.'
Once up in the platform area, Bill puts on his nice, warm clothing. After a few minutes, he announces, "It sure is hot here."
Bill's Catacombs purchase list for party to look at, if they want to Tuesday March 18th, 2003 12:40:28 AM Magical: 1 Amulet of Natural Armor +2 8000 = 8000 gp 1 Portable Hole 14000 = 14000 1 Gloves of Dexterity +2 4000 = 4000 1 Wand of Cure Light Wounds, 50 charges 750 = 750 1 Wand of Prestidigitation (for light cleaning, sorting and organizing) 375 = 375 4 Quaal's Feather Token (Tree) 100 = 400 1 Quaal's Feather Token (Fan) 200 = 200 1 Quaal's Feather Token (Swan Boat) 450 = 450
Potions: 1 Haste 750 = 750 1 Protection from Elements (Cold) 750 = 750 1 Cat's Grace 300 = 300
Other: 2 sets: Halfling-sized cold weather clothing 6 = 12 2 Frigid weather sleeping bags, halfling size 1 = 2 4 Frigid weather sleeping bags, for someone about 6' tall 2 = 8 2 Frigid weather sleeping bags, for someone about 8' tall 4 = 8 8 Large sized down pillows (The size humans like to use) 5 = 40 2 Halfling sized down pillows 2 = 4 50 sets: Kindling for starting fires (or whatever you have that's good for getting a fire going, especially in the cold and wind - I already have tindertwigs - but want something good for lighting the core of the fire) 0.02 = 1 50 bundles: Wood for fires 0.01 = 1 48 Flasks of lamp oil (in boxes of 12) 0.1 = 5 1 3' tall steel tripod for use over fire (for hanging pots and the like) 5 = 5 1 5' tall steel tripod for use over fire (as above) 8 = 8 8 5' long metal tubes (for breathing through) (a metal safe for the mouth, and smoothly rounded at the ends) 1 = 8 1 300' silk rope (a continuous length of rope), on a rewindable spool 70 = 70 2 Canvas tarps, 15' x 20', with metal eyelets in each corner and every two feet along the edge, and 12.5' of silk rope tied to each of the four corners, and 12.5' of silk rope tied to each of the two midpoint eyelets on the long side 50 = 100 2 Canvas tarps, as above, but without ropes 40 = 80 10 1-ounce lead weights with small hole for fishing line to pass through 0.1 = 1 10 1-pound lead weights with hole for rope to pass through 0.2 = 2 10 2-pound lead weights with hole for rope to pass through 0.5 = 5 10 5-pound lead weights with hole for rope to pass through 1.2 = 12 8 Large towels 2 = 16 8 Small towels 1 = 8 2 Large trunks with handles 15 = 30 2 Medium trunks with handles 5 = 10 4 Small trunks with handles 2 = 8 5 Spools of fishing line (100' each) 0.5 = 3 20 Fishing hooks 0.1 = 2 5 Sewing needles 0.5 = 3 20 Spools of thread 0.1 = 2 20 Small bags 0.05 = 1 20 Medium bags 0.1 = 2 20 Large bags 0.2 = 4 6 Buckets 0.5 = 3 2 Shovels 2 = 4 2 Snow Shovels 4 = 8 2 Spades 2 = 4 2 Trowels 0.5 = 1 1 Hourglass 25 = 25 1 Blank book 15 = 15 1 Set of Thieves' Tools, Masterwork 100 = 100 1 Healer's Kit 50 = 50 5 Vials of Ink 8 = 40
Food & Related: 40 days trail food 0.5 = 20 2 Cinnamon, pounds 1 = 2 2 Ginger, pounds 2 = 4 1 Hot pepper, pound 1 = 1 2 Pepper, pounds 1 = 2 6 Salt, pounds 5 = 30 10 Assorted cheese, pounds (in 1 or 2-pound blocks) 0.2 = 2 10 Beef jerky, pounds 1 = 10 16 Waterskins, full 1 = 16 16 Wineskins, full 4 = 64 8 Sets: Durable plates, bowls, and eating utensils for use on the trail 2 = 16
Renik Tuesday March 18th, 2003 6:40:06 AM
Changing into his cold weather gear, Renik reads the halfling's list with incredulity. "Gods' blood, Bill, did you leave anything in the shop? I'd say we're well stocked!"
He takes the first three charges of the Cure Light Wounds wand, feeling his bruises heal up nicely.
"As for tactics; that canvas tarp sounds like a good idea. But we need to be sure that we are able to approach the beast undetected. Has everyone got everything they need to achieve that?"
Feng Tuesday March 18th, 2003 7:27:26 PM
Feng politely declines the healing. The pain will only last a short time and he should bear that and more. Feng walks out of the tavern, retrieving his weapons, and over to his horse where he dons his cloak.
OOC: Holy Crap
DM Kim - quick note Tuesday March 18th, 2003 8:13:11 PM
[OOC: Walter - I thought that Feng did not bring his horse when we teleported. Am I mistaken?]
Bill T - while he is apologizing to everybody Tuesday March 18th, 2003 8:18:49 PM
"Draax - sorry about catching you in the sound cone, there. But it was either that, or getting one of the non-combatant patrons," Bill explains. "But, I'm sorry. Here, let me help heal you up a bit with the wand. Will you forgive me?"
Woodcock at a platform of Gordo's Transport (DM Kim) Tuesday March 18th, 2003 11:17:56 PM
Nyrashal Woodcock shows up at Gordo's Transport on the Gold level. He wears a fine fur collar and a warm hat, with fur flaps - one covers an ear, and the other is buttoned up on the side of the hat. He wears layers of warm clothing. A bead of sweat forms on his forehead.
"Very well. All who wish to come, gather up on this circle." On one side of the circle is a strong wooden box tied firmly on to a small sled.
If anyone does show up with a horse, Woodcock says, "I cannot do horses on this trip. Besides, the terrain is not too friendly for them. Especially if you mean to climb mountains. One of Gordo's people can stable your horse. Last I heard, they charge 5 silver a day. Not too many horses here on the Float."
He looks impatiently at any stragglers. "Let's go, let's go. Think I have all day?"
Draax Tuesday March 18th, 2003 11:42:25 PM
Glad that the bickering has been put aside, Draax takes a look at Bill's list and lets his lower lip fall to the floor. "Wow, I agree with Renik, but well stocked is an understatement." He take a hit from the wand bringing him back to full health.
Draax laughs as Bill apologizes, "Bill, you honestly sound like this is the first time I was caught in one of your area damaging attacks, I am starting to get used to it. Don't let it worry you, no harm done, but I would have had no objections to you getting the non-combatants instead of me. Just kidding."
Draax follows Woodcock's directions and stands on the circle.
Rond 65 hp Wednesday March 19th, 2003 12:02:30 AM
Waving away Bill's helpful healing Rond quietly joins the rest of the group and moves towards the teleport area. Once there Rond will grab some of the heavy winter gear that Bill has brought along. Anything that is not used he'll help Bill with to pack.
Renik Wednesday March 19th, 2003 7:20:59 AM
Fastening his hood tightly and pulling on fur-lined gloves the rogue steps up to the platform. He checks he can still draw both swords, swings his pack onto his back and nods at the wizard. "Ready when you are sir," he says.
Arien Wednesday March 19th, 2003 4:32:05 PM
After getting healed by Bill, accepting three touches of the wand, Arien quickly changes to his cold weather gear and goes to the circle and stands ready.
Feng Wednesday March 19th, 2003 10:44:55 PM
Feng heads off to stable his horse. He would have like to take him along. There will probably be times when a brave steed would be of considerable use.
After saying goodbye to his horse, Degg, feng heads back to the platform.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday March 20th, 2003 2:57:45 AM
When Feng returns, Bill says, "Here, take at least one of these little healing nips, Feng. What if a big bear attacks us when we first get there?" Unless Feng stenuously objects, he gives him one cure light wounds from his wand (7 hp back, Feng - see previous post). [Note 50-8=42 charges left in wand.]
"Okay, all ready!" the halfling happily announces.
The Scab
From the Floating City to the Scab (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:28:59 AM
Woodcock, occasionally letting his impatience show through, actually looks pleased once everyone has gathered close together on the teleportation platform. He moves his arms, utters a phrase, and - blackness, and a feeling of being absolutely alone - then whiteness, broken up by four standing stones, from eight to twelve feet tall, surrounding an area with drifts of snow.
In the time it takes to get some sense of orientation, the hairs of the nose freeze.
The sky is a field of blue, with white, wispy fingers of clouds forming a scattered veil. Off in the distance, thick clouds are stacked. With the sun getting low in the West - those clouds must be to the south.
The party stands on a low plateau in the middle of a mountain range.
Those who had earlier taken a good look at the map from Hororot's tomb are shortly able to identify the mountain peak that they were told the dragon inhabits. It looks to be - well, hard to tell, exactly - maybe 12 or 15 miles away, as the crow flies. Perhaps a tad more.
As he notices some of the party staring toward the mountain, Woodcock comments, "If you head that direction, you have a hike down about a mile - with a loss of maybe eight hundred feet altitude. There's the valley to cross. But, you see that, there?" he asks, pointing toward five good-sized fuzzy-looking soft structures, maybe four or five miles away. "Frost Giant tents. Likely a hunting party. They see something moving - they hunt it. Now, the valley is the straightest path to yonder mountain. But, if you want to avoid the giants," he shrugs his shoulders, and waves to the right, indicating a string of mountains in that direction, "I'm sure you'd find something interesting tromping along the foot of those mountains. Or, something interesting would find you."
Woodcock asks an important question (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:15:04 AM
"Now, when shall I return for you? And, so you know, it's three days at the earliest. Anytime after then should be convenient. What day, what time?"
He points up to a little hill off to the left, where some rocks look jumbled about. "I have a little cave over there I can wait at and watch, around the time you return. If you get back before I do, well, if you use two knock spells, that should get you in just fine," he says with a smile. Frost is beginning to form on his eyebrows. "Don't touch anything in there that is red, is all I ask. And don't be sloppy, if you need to stay there. If you don't return at the agreed-upon time, I'll leave a message as to when I can return again. And it will cost another 600 gold pieces, above the 300 each way already, if I have to take the extra trip."
It's cold (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:44:31 AM
It is fairly cold out. Right now, about 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius).
If you did not state that your character was getting dressed for the cold - you definitely feel the cold.
In Bill's list of equipment were two halfling-sized sets of clothing, one of which he is wearing. He has sleeping bags, firewood, and such. But he does not have a set of cold-weather clothing for anyone of a larger size than himself. Would you want to cut some arm and leg holes in a sleeping bag, to help keep yourself warm?
The sun will set in about an hour and a half.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:54:20 AM
"Thank you, Mr. Woodcock. Maybe three days would be just right," Bill says. "What do you think, guys? How about you, Rond? Let me tell you why I'm thinking that. See, we could fly quite a ways. Hobbes, you can help some of us fly, can't you? So can I. I could help all of us fly. Some of us can get in the sleeping bags, to help keep warm, and we can make a big loop of rope, to keep us together, and fly. We can cover 15-1/3 miles in an hour and a half. Maybe we can fly over to the mountain, and find a place to sleep for the night and keep warm. Then in the morning, climb up, do some scouting around, and figure out what to do from there."
JK Thursday March 20th, 2003 2:32:24 PM
[I'm back. It's going to take me a little while to catch up with the reading, but I'll do the DM post shortly. Thanks for standing in, Kim. -jk]
JK Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:28:57 PM
[Looks like I don't need to post right now. I'll pick up in the morning.
It also looks like our posting discipline is starting to slip in different directions. 1 post per day. Not more. Not less.]
Rond Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:38:11 PM
"I agree about the three days."
Responding to Bill's comments, "I'm not sure if we want to move out right away or not. We don't know whether he's out flying now and might spot us. Or whether we want to sit and watch for him, or move in right away. What do you others say?"
Renik Thursday March 20th, 2003 6:54:03 PM
Stamping his feet against the cold, in spite of his thick winter clothing, Renik says "I vote we move. It's too blessed cold to stand around here for too long. And we need to find this thing and catch it in its lair. If it gets us out here on open ground we're history. Now I'd say we're going to be pretty visible no matter what we do, but flying is going to attract us attention from miles around. I say we follow the path to the right. It's not the easiest route, but it will keep us away from those giants."
He rubs his gloved hands together and hugs himself, as he starts to lose feeling in his nose.
Draax Thursday March 20th, 2003 8:38:16 PM
Draax scans the group's surroundings and then looks toward their destination as if he expected to see the dragon from their current location. Turning his attention back to the group he adds his comments to the conversation. "Flying does seem like less of a hassle, but Rond's and Renik's comments do make sense. Unless we could conceal ourselves while flying we would be sitting ducks. And if we are going to walk we might want to extend our estimated return time. It will probably take us a day to walk there even if we didn't have to try and avoid any creatures. And we have no idea what we will find when we get there."
He waits to hear what is decided as he continues to scan the area, not affected at all from the cold weather.
Feng Thursday March 20th, 2003 9:59:16 PM
Feng draws his double axe and utters the command word causing fire to erupt. It was risky lighting the flame with Giants close, but it was just too cold. The fire may be magical but it provides warmth.
"I don't like this but I believe the Giants may be worth investigating. It is more than likely that we will have to deal with at some point in the near future."
Hobbes Friday March 21st, 2003 4:51:46 AM
Hobbes dons his large woolen robes overtop his armor. "There, that's better."
Reacting to the flying question, "I don't think expending some of my most powerful spells on flying is a wise idea seeing as how we might be able to get there without it. I'd rather only do that in an emergency. Ermmm...." He looks around the group, "What of the possibility of retrieving the items without battling the dragon? Is that a notion? or are we playing it by ear?" He pauses, "Renik, you're the stealthiest among us, do you think that is even possible?"
Brrrr (DMJK) Friday March 21st, 2003 9:07:27 AM
Woodcock looks a bit annoyed that the return isn't the subject of a larger discussion, but he doesn't quibble about it. He nods his head and says "I'll be back just before nightfall in 3 days then. If you aren't here, I'll spend the night in my cave and wait until the morning. If you aren't here in the morning, I'll try back just before nightfall on the 5th day. I'll wait the night again, and if you aren't back that time, I'll say a prayer for you."
Then he casts a spell and is gone.
The group stands around debating the best course to take.
Flying seems to be out of the question, and the group starts moving because both paths start out the same way.
The path on the right seems to be the most favored, but the terrain there will be the most difficult. With all the ice and freezing temperatures, it might be as dangerous as sneaking by the giants.
Attempting to sneak past the giants doesn't seem to be out of the question. The path is easier, and the giants might not be down there right now anyway. Of course, they could be, and five giant tents means at least five giants. It could mean ten or fifteen though.
Bill, Renik, and Hobbes feel the chill through their winter clothing, but it's still an unpleasant environment. Feng lights up his axe, and it provides a little warmth provided that he holds the blade relatively close to himself. He can tell right away that it isn't going to be enough to allow him to walk all the way. He needs some heavy clothes or at least a blanket to stop some of that vicious wind. Draax's ring of warmth keeps the chill away completely. He can tell that it is cold, but it's a mental reaction and not a physical one. Too bad that ring won't make the ice less slippery. Arien drags behind in his cold weather gear.
It will be nightfall in about two hours. The group will need to also be thinking about what to do then. The path to the right might provide some shelter. The open path where the giants are camped looks like a good place to pitch a tent, but there aren't any caves or anything.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday March 22nd, 2003 12:39:10 PM Some quick orientation Bill uses his powers to know direction ('You know which way is north') and know location ('You generally know where you are'), to psionically gain a more solid fix on his physical bearings.
On the mode of transportation "Flying is not out of the question," Bill says. "We just fly low to the ground. If we fly a couple feet off the ground, how is that going to make us a greater target? We don't have to fly hundreds of feet up, where we can be seen for miles around. Also, we could walk until it gets dark, then fly. And, if we want to take on the frost giants, can you imagine many better advantages than us being able to fly? Hobbes, don't waste your spells, then. I can do it for all of us.
"I have already used up a fair amount of the level of power I can use each day. No way do I want to face the dragon before I can regain some power. But, rather than us walking for hours, and getting cold and wet, why not fly for an hour and a half, and cover more ground than we could in a whole day of walking on these slippery paths? Besides, the snow is up to my chin in places.
"Also, if we plan to skirt the valley, avoiding the somewhat known factor of the giants, what unknown things might we face along the foot of the mountains, walking? Flying along that path could work, too, and give us an advantage should we be attacked. We can flee what cannot fly, or use our flight to our advantage in besting our foe.
"The less time it takes us to get to the dragon, the less opportunity the dragon will have to learn of our presence, and prepare. I wonder if the frost giants and the white have any sort of alliance?
"I suggest - let's walk until darkness. Then fly, and draw close to the lair. Camp out, and, in the early morning, take what steps we next need take."
A portable hole respiration experiment "Guys, there's something else. I've got this portable hole I told you about. Well, I wanted to check and see whether someone could be inside it, and have it mostly closed, but with a breathing pipe just poking out of it. Could someone try it? Or, I could try it. I'd have to take my outer pants off, but that's okay, I've got the warm ones underneath. Did you know that these pants can fit different size people, or not squish your legs if you're wearing puffy pants under them? It's neat."
After moving from the portable hole experiment to the discussion of his pants, he reminds any volunteer that, if they have any extra-dimensional items (special gloves, pouches, bags, etc.), they'll need to take them off, and leave them outside the portable hole. If no one else volunteers to try the breathing-through-a-5'-long-pipe while-inside-a-portable-hole, he'll try it himself (after first divesting himself of his knapsack, that has a bag of holding inside, and tying his his stylish pants of plenty on to the outside of the knapsack, leaving them outside for someone else to hold - 'and don't put the pants in my knapsack, either!' he warns). He asks if Renik or Rond or Arien or Draax, or someone, will pick up the portable hole, and see whether he can breathe through the tubular pipe while he rides within among the luggage for about two minutes. If it works, Bill is happy. If it does not work, he is at least satisfied in being aware of that.
Another reason for trying out flying now "Oh, oh! Also, if we're going to try the 'tarp-on-the-dragon' trick, we should probably practice. It'll take at least two of us, and maybe three or four would be better. I could try it myself, but, well, maybe we should try that experiment, too, before we get closer to the lair, if you know what I mean.
But, if we walk... Bill realizes his friends still may decide not to fly. So he adds at the end, if it is decided to walk. "Say, Feng. Would you mind carrying me? I can keep your shoulders warm. As long as you don't burn my boots with your wonderful blazing axe." If Feng will not, he requests the same of Rond. Both are big fellows. And, at Bill's slow walking pace compared to everyone else, he does not want to slow the party down.
Renik Saturday March 22nd, 2003 6:51:19 PM
Renik claps Feng on the back. "You want to tangle with a giant hunting party? Be my guest." He winks at the paladin. "I'll be behind the nearest snowdrift, awarding marks out of 10! Seriously though Feng, you may be right. We may be forced to mix it with those giants. But I'd rather avoid it if I can."
At Hobbes' question Renik looks thoughtful. "Hmm, it's possible I suppose... if I went in invisible and flying... but there are too many things that could go wrong. The dragon might see the items vanish when I touched them. Or smell me. Or the items might be secured in some way. And we need to take into account the X factor, the unpredictable. And if something did go wrong I wouldn't like to be in a cave with a dragon without backup. No, I'd say it's too risky. Besides" he nudges his dour companion cheekily "think of all the rest of that dragon loot we'd be passing up!"
The rogue grins at Bill. "You're right of course, there is no need than to fly a foot or so above the ground! Flying makes sense. But can you fly all of us Bill?"
If the halfling can Renik agrees with his idea of walking towards the foot of the mountains, then flying low to reach the lair. "In fact there's no reason why we can't fly straight away."
In response to the portable hole question Renik is less certain. "Bill, if you think it is safe I will happily try it out. But unless it impacts directly upon our attack of the creature, I would much rather leave that particular experiment until we are in more hospitable surroundings. Somewhere where they serve a decent bottle of Fargunian red!"
Regarding the tarp plan, Renik says "Bill, if the tarp takes up any more than two of us we should abandon the plan. We're going to need to hit that thing with everything we have, as fast as we can. If three or four of us are tied up with a single attack we lose a lot of flexibility. How about, if we agree to fly towards the lair, that when we start flying we see if you and one other can launch a succesful trial attack (unlit of course!). Get in a few minutes practice, then press on. I'd volunteer myself, but I'm at my best moving in quickly and staying mobile."
Renik pulls out a stick of dried beef from his trail rations, and begins to chew on it. "Well Rond" he says to the group's leader, "I guess it's your call. Which way do we go, and how? Only decide quick! My feet are starting to go numb, and the day isn't getting any longer."
Arien Sunday March 23rd, 2003 3:05:52 AM
"Well if someone manages to toss the thing over the dragon I can set it on fire, quite easily. As for which way to go, I don't fancy the idea of fighting those giants, but if they are camped there, there is a possibility that they are out and about. So as I see it, either way there is a chance to run into them. If its a hunting party, chances are most if not all will be away from the camp during the day and not likely to return until evening."
Draax Sunday March 23rd, 2003 2:12:47 PM
"I would prefer to avoid the giants if we can, but whatever is decided fly or walk is ok with me. There is nothing that I can add that has not already been said and since we are heading into the unknown, one way might be just as dangerous as the other. I do agree with Renik, lets get going while we still have daylight." He keeps his eyes scanning the area as if he expected monsters to burst in on the party at any moment.
Feng Sunday March 23rd, 2003 11:06:23 PM
To Bill he says, "I will carry you. Some of the snow drifts may be taller than you. I hope the portable hole experiment works. If it does it could be a way to sneak past patrols and keep warm at the same time."
Feng turns and scans his surroundings. He racks his brain trying to think of what creatures work with Giants, but he can't think of anything. He doubts that a Giant will care about an orc or any goblinoid.
"It may be a little more dangerous but there might be a cave system we could travel through. It would still be cold but it would be warmer than this."
Rond d20+14=27 d20+14=15 Monday March 24th, 2003 12:51:22 AM
Taking the time to quickly put on his winter gear. Rond feels slightly better once he starts to warm up.
"I'd say lets see how things go at first and see how our time goes. We may need the flying ability once we done, to reach our way back here in time. If we're not in place by the 2nd day to try this the we'll move along at the faster pace, unless we prove it's hopeless to move this way.
Because of the snow here, Bill I'm thinking that maybe it might just be easier for us to lower you in. How would we bring the person back out? Do we just dump the hole over?
Can we put some kind of levitation spell on the tarp for any length of time?
I can scout ahead in this stuff when we're ready to go"
Not wanting to take too long Rond helps out with the little hole experiment.
(If the group can move then Hide=27 move silently seems to fail miserabley. :( Otherwise will wait till next post and try again! ;) )
Bill answers Rond's questions Monday March 24th, 2003 2:21:31 AM
"I have a wand of levitation with six charges left, Rond. I suppose I could use it on one of the tarps. Each charge lasts half an hour. What were you thinking we could do?" he asks concerning levitating the tarp.
As regards the question of the best time to use the flying, he provides the group's leader with this information. "Well, IF we defeat the dragon, I probably won't have enough oomph left to let us all fly back here. But, I have enough now to get us closer NOW. That increases our odds of getting back within three days. Can't we just fly now? Can't we? Please? It'd be such fun." Then he pauses realizing that 'fun' may not be a convincing reason to his friends. So, in as serious a sounding tone of voice as he can muster, he adds, "I still suggest we wait until it gets dark, though, first, before we start flying. That'll give us more range. With Feng carrying me, and all of you long-legs walking, we could maybe cover three to five miles by dark along the hills, before we make the fly-or-walk decision."
Bill is excited about the little portable hole experiment. He explains to Rond that he thinks that down is always at the bottom of the portable hole, "Like, even if you hold it up to a wall as you open it - I think down would be sideways to the room the wall was in. So I don't think turning it upside down would cause anything to fall out. Oh, and I can just climb out of the hole. It's pretty well stacked with chests and stuff, and poles." He sits on the edge of the hole (after pack and pants are off), and drops down on to one of the chests stacked within. He unwraps a breathing tube. He sees how the breathing through the tube works, and whether Rond can gather up the corners of the portable hole, and close it all up except for the pipe sticking up, and then carry the hole along, or not.
"Feng, thank you," Bill says with gratitude to the huge holy warrior for his agreeing to carry him. "Caves? Maybe a good idea, as long as we take precautions, and avoid too many inhabitants. Out of the wind and all."
The X Factor (DMJK) [attack on Feng] d20+10=19 2d6(2+5)+9=16 [next attack roll] d20+5=18 [target selection 1=Arien, 2=Renik, 3=Rond] d3=1 2d6(2+1)+9=12 Monday March 24th, 2003 11:35:25 AM
The party debates the mode of transportation. As the talk goes on, Bill drops into the hole where he can't see what's going on outside, and Rond stands by watching with his attention focused on the halfling. Feng tries to stay close to his axe to keep warm. Arien offers up a little debate while watching Renik chew on his beef stick. In the midst of it all, Draax gets an uneasy feeling. Did that snow drift just move?
GODS! It did!
Before he has time to warn anyone, a hefty icy boulder comes streaking into the party's ranks. Everyone but Draax is caught flat footed. It heads right for Feng who is holding that deadly looking flaming axe.
BAM!
The small boulder smashes into Feng and bowls him over. He's on the ground and there's a sharp ache where it hit him in the chest. Probably broke a rib, but he's good for the fight. [AC19,dmg16]
The giant throws another head sized rock before anyone has time to do much else. This one hits Arien, and he feels his shoulder go numb as he's knocked to the ground. [AC18,dmg12]
The giant laughs and hefts another stone. Then he shouts out, "ARTAROK!" The party hears a wicked howl, and 3 large white wolves converge on the party from the rear. They'll be on the party in seconds.
There does not appear to be another giant.
Down in his hole, Bill doesn't really have any idea what's going on. The breathing tube works though. The experiment is quite a success. It's superdark in here though, and you can't hear anything. Funny since the hole is open. Probably something like the bottom always being down no matter where the hole is. It's really neat. It will be a move equivalent action for Bill to get out. The rest of the party can act normally. Knocking down Arien and Feng was for effect. They can get up. Remember no one is closed or within 5', so no full attacks unless it's with a missile weapon.
Renik (AC 32 (Expertise 5, Fight Defensive +3(Tumble bonus)Dodge +1) d20+4=7 d20+12=22 Monday March 24th, 2003 5:24:15 PM
"Oh great..." mutters the rogue to himself as he whips out his bow. "Guys," he calls out "concentrate on damaging those wolves before they get into range. It looks like the giant is going to stand over there raining rocks down on us. I'll try to draw his fire. Hopefully he'll find me pretty hard to hit!"
"HEY! YOU! Yeah you, stupid!" he yells at the giant, racing a few feet forward, then loosing an arrow in the vague direction of the giant (-9 penalty from Expertise and Fight Defensive hits AC 7).
"You throw rocks like a girl! No, wait... are you a girl? It's so hard to tell with you giants, you're all so darned ugly! I'd heard giants were real rock throwers, but you couldn't hit a barn door at 10 paces! You're useless! I bet all the other giants gather round on cold winter evenings and laugh themselves sick at your paltry rock throwing prowess! You couldn't hit me with one of your silly little pebbles if you threw them 'till this time next year! Just my luck to come up against the Wold's worst rock thrower. How is this going to look in my memoirs?"
Renik attempts to goad the giant into selecting him as a target for his rock throwing (Bluff 22), hoping his quick reactions will save him from getting crushed, and that the giant is bright enough to understand a single word he's saying.
Rond Monday March 24th, 2003 5:40:39 PM
Hoping that no one else might get hurt Rond pipes up, "Hobbes take this and help Bill to get out and suited up." Rond quickly hands the portable hole to Hobbes.
"Arien, Renik, I want you in the center here with Hobbes and I want you to pepper that Giant out there with arrows. Everyone else I want you to surround Bill, Hobbes, Renik, and Arien and keep them protect from the wolves. Hobbes if you think you can consider whether you might try to use the portable hole to catch the boulders. Once Bill is out of the hole. I'll hope that Wardd helps us and that the boulder won't destroy the objects in the hole.
Give me a quick second to see if I can convince these wolves to stop."
With that Rond quickly casts Speak with Animals.
"We are not here to go after your pack mate over there " indicating the Giant, " we just wish to move through your region here without causing any problems."
As he's talking he's moving outside the perimeter of the group so that the wolves know who it is that is talking to them.
Draax Monday March 24th, 2003 5:57:56 PM
Draax is not 100 percent sure that he saw something until he sees the boulder come flying towards the party. He berates himself for not trusting his instinct and warning the party as soon as he got an uneasy feeling.
Draax follows Rond's command and stands guard over the others.
[blended the two together. hope that's ok. -jk]
Feng Monday March 24th, 2003 9:53:55 PM
Feng takes a few steps forward, gripping his axe tightly. With no ranged weapons on him, save for his warhammer, Feng must wait for the wolves to close. Feeling the mounting pain from his wounds, Feng summons the healing energy bestowed upon him by the gods. His free hand takes on a yellow glow and presses against his chest.
ooc: lay on hands, healed 24hp leaving him with 16 subdual dmg
Hobbes Tuesday March 25th, 2003 12:15:24 AM
Hobbes is taken aback by the sudden slams of boulders into the party and fumbles a little as he's handed the portable hole. He nods quickly however when Rond updates him about what to do. He reaches into the hole quickly and...his hand doesn't penetrate the surface.
"Argh! What the---!", he curses.
He tries again and it again feels like a big piece of cloth. "How's this blasted thing work? I wasn't watching." He shakes it trying to possibly shake Bill out of it, then tries putting it on the ground, spreading it flat and reaches in again. His arm goes in up to his shoulder.
"Aha!" he says finally, "Now where is he?" He wriggles around trying to grasp hold of the halfling inside. Once he feels halfling he yanks it out and places it on the ground beside the hole.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday March 25th, 2003 3:51:46 AM
Bill is so pleased to learn that the breathing tube works. As light comes in from above again, he sets the foot of the tube on top of the canvas bag, and uses the pole to vault just a bit as an arm descends, grasping. He takes hold of it, and finds himself lifted up quickly.
"Ooh! That was fun, Hobbes! Hey, it works! You can just ..."
Bill's patter fades away as he notes the tension in the air, and the sound of howling. "Oh-oh." He grabs up the corners of the hole, and tucks it, folded, into an inner pocket of his waistcoat. Next he takes up his pants, slipping them on in a hurry, then slings on his knapsack. As soon as he can, he begins to fly (probably not until next round, at least), straight up at first.
A piece of cake compared to a dragon... [dmjk] [atk on Renik] d20+10=30 [nat20] d20+10=29 [missed crit] [dmg on Renik] 2d6(5+4)+9=18 [atk on Rond] d20+9=23 d8+6=10 [cone of cold dmg] 4d6(3+1+5+4)=13 [bite atk on Feng] d20+9=23 [dmg on Feng] d8+6=12 [trip atk on Feng] d20+9=25 [wolf str check] d20+4=9 [bite atk on Arien] d20+9=28 [dmg on Arien] d8+6=9 [trip atk on Arien] d20+9=19 [wolf str check] d20+4=18 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 11:07:41 AM
Party results: Renik fires his arrow, and it somehow manages to sail right past that huge giant. Renik hears thoughts echoing in his head about the broad side of a barn.
Whether or not the giant understands him, the bold theif does seem to draw the giant's attention with his antics.
Rond gives the party some directions and tries talking to the rapidly advancing wolves. The one in the center snarls back in common so that everyone understands, "Stupid manling. Your warm heart is going to taste good." So much for negotitations.
Feng heals himself up as he and Draax wait for the clash. [if the subdual damage is from the barfight, you've healed up 5 points by now]
Hobbes fumbles with the hole and pulls Bill out, who tries to wriggle into his pants in the middle of all the chaos.
Monster actions: Renik's taunts do indeed draw the giant's ire, but the intended outcome isn't quite what he expected. The giant's rock is spot on, and it hits the playful rogue squarely in the middle of the chest. The rock forces the air from his lungs and stops the taunts short. [nat20,missed crit, 18dmg]
The giant laughs at his handiwork.
The wolves hit from the other side. The lead wolf hits Rond who sees that they clearly aren't normal wolves. They're huge, probably about the size of a pony. The other two go after the targets hit by the giant's rocks: Feng and Arien.
The wolf on Rond bites right through his leather armor. [AC23,dmg10] Even as it's biting, it breathes a cone of cold. Rond's right at the epicenter, but Hobbes and Bill are in the cone too. [13dmg, save DC16 for 1/2]
The second wolf viciously bites Feng's leg. [AC23,dmg12] It tugs on the leg and tries to pull Feng to the ground (trip). [str or dex check DC9 to stay on your feet]
The third wolf leaps at Arien biting his arm and trying to drag him to the ground. [AC28,dmg9, trip str or dex DC18 to stay on your feet]
The giant sees that his winterwolves have closed and starts moving quickly toward the party. He manages to close 20 feet after throwing his rock, and he's building speed.
AC [dmjk] Tuesday March 25th, 2003 11:11:36 AM
Winter wolf AC=15 Frost giant AC=21
Renik HP 39 AC 28 (Dodge, Fighting Defensively) d20+12=24 d20+9=24 d8+4=8 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 4:29:25 PM
"Oooofff!!" grunts the rogue as he is forced backwards by the force of the rock, cursing himself for getting caught.
"OK!" he yells, fighting to keep the pain from his face. "I let you have that first one for free! Now let's do it properly! See if you can hit me once I start moving! And make it a decent sized rock next time, that first one barely tickled!" (Bluff 24)
And he sends an arrow hissing back towards the giant. The flight is accurate, and it is fired with some force (AC 24 for 8 HP).
Seeing that the giant is racing towards them, Renik does some quick calculating. If they get caught in melee between the giant and the wolves they are finished. The giant needs to be kept away from the battle, delayed. If it attacks them with their forces split they are in desperate trouble. He has to buy the others time to take down the wolves so they can tackle the giant together. Maybe if he can just move fast enough, keep from getting hit... ("Yeah, right", a scornful inner voice pipes up. "Like you did the last time?" He forces the thought away.)
"I'm going to try and hold up the big guy" he calls to his companions. Try to get him to waste time chasing me so that we don't have a battle on two fronts. Just hurry up on those wolves!"
And he begins to run towards the giant, shouting "Come on! Take your best shot! I'll come a bit closer to make it easier for you!"
Despite his bravado there is an icy chill in his bones that has nothing to do with the weather. He prays he is not going to his death.
Feng clenches his teeth as the wolf bites on his leg. He feels the winterwolf tug but plants his feet. He is mildly suprised that the wolf isn't stronger.
"I though wolves were supposed to be strong?"
Feng grips his axe tightly in both hands and spins it dramaticly over his head. He brings the flaming axe heads down on the wolf in three powerfull swipes.
[OOC: Isn't the strength bonus for two handed weapons 1.5x normal? If not then the damage rolled needs to be slightly adjusted.]
[hit ac 18 for 16 normal and 5 fire] [hit ac 25 for 14 normal and 3 fire] [hit ac 21 for 11 normal and 4 fire]
[I think that since it's a double weapon it counts as fighting with 2 single handed weapons and not one two handed weapon. Thus the bonus is the extra attack and not extra damage. I'll have to check on it though. -jk]
Draax d20+13=21 d20+8=16 d6+3=5 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 9:24:29 PM
With his bow ready, Draax tries to assess the biggest threat. Taking aim at the giant he lets a couple of arrows fly. (hitting AC21 for 5dmg)
Arien d20+4=24 d20+8=26 d20+8=19 d6+1=7 d6=5 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 1:19:20 AM
Arien uses some quick legwork and manages not only to stay a foot but to use the beasts power against it. Whipping his rapier out he quickly skewers the wolf in the shoulder.
(24 against trip, Made the crit, 7+5 = 12 damage.)
Bill Troublefinder (AC 23, Flying 90, 45' altitude) d20+9=16 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 4:38:59 AM
The extra brisk cold from the dire winter wolf's breath passes over him (Reflex save DC 16, on the nose, takes 7 hp cold damage). It gives added impetus to finish pulling the magical pants over his cold weather gear, as Bill touches the area of his mind that allows him to fly. He grabs the knapsack, and slips it over his shoulder as he shoots into the air. As he ascends, the psion nomad puts his other arm through the other shoulder strap of the knapsack, as he tries to take in a 360 degree view of what in the Wold is going on here.
Rond d20=16 d20=7 d20=4 2d6(4+1)=5 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 7:59:57 AM
(ooc if available Rond activates the firesword)
Feeling sad about his talking with the wolves not helping, Rond defends himself against the current wolf.
(saves for 1/2 dam) (ooc I think Rond hits once for 5 points of dam plus strength bonus, and fire if allowed)
Another round (DMJK) [w sv for fire] d20+6=26 d20+6=19 d6=6 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:52:17 AM
Party results:
Renik pops the giant with an arrow and taunts him a bit. The tactic works, but as the giant charges down on him and quick draws that gigantic, nasty looking axe, the rogue wonders if he might have made a mistake.
Feng keeps from getting dragged down by the winterwolf and dishes out some hefty damage. The wolf doesn't take extra damage from the fire, but it can't stand up to a second round like that one.
Much to Renik's relief, Draax calmly pops the giant with another arrow.
Arien dances the blade with his wolf and draws blood, but he's pretty certain that he's hurt worse than the wolf is.
Bill gets his pants on and gets up in the air. It's freaking cold and windy up there! He also doesn't see much else of use. There's 3 winter wolves attacking the party and a frost giant charging Renik. He doesn't see any sign of other giants lurking just behind the next ridge or anything. Wherever the others are, they aren't here.
Rond puts up a feeble defense against his wolf with his flaming greatsword. It takes a total of 17 dmg as the flames really seem to hurt it.
[gotta run, I'll do the monster round in a bit -jk]
The charging giant... (DMJK) [atk Renik] d20+20=23 [atk rond] d20+9=12 [atk Arien] d20+9=15 d8+6=13 [CoC] 4d6(6+2+5+1)=14 [atk Feng] d20+9=15 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:53:47 AM
The giant doubles its speed and charges down on Renik. It pulls out the biggest axe the rogue has ever seen, and pulls the blade back for a strike as it runs. The attack opens the giant up a bit (-2AC), but his momentum makes that already deadly weapon a fell instrument. Renik's life flashes before his eyes...
WHOOSH!
The blade sails over Renik's head and doesn't even scratch him. Wardd be praised!
The winter wolves keep their current targets. The first one bites at Rond, but it's jaws snap clean air.
The next one bites Arien's arm [AC15,dmg13], and it breathes a cone of cold as it does so. The icy chill fills the air. Hobbes and Draax are in the path of the blast too. [dmg 14, Ref DC16 for 1/2]
The last winterwolf bites at Feng, but misses. Demoralized, it turns to flee. It's fast and makes it 25 feet, but Feng gets an attack of opportunity as a parting shot.
The party seems to be gaining the upper hand.
Arien d20+10=24 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:29:31 PM
Twisting his body out of the way Arien manages to only be caught by part of the blast. Pulling his arm away from the beast Arien tumbles backwards twenty feet, coming back upright he retreats as far as he can from the wolf.
(Double Move, as far back as I can get.)
Rond AC 16 HP 53 d20+11=12 d20+6=19 3d6(2+1+2)+4=9 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:47:03 PM
Rond gets distracted when the first wolf turns to flee. Surprised to see a wolf leaving so quickly Rond misses the wolf he's swinging at. Realizing he needs to pay attention Rond growls at himself and delivers better to the wolf in front of him. (AC 19 for 9 points of damage)
"Hobbes are you alright man? You're awfully quiet back there)
(ooc thanks Feng. I hadn't known about the 2-hand rule and hadn't been adding that in on my strikes! :) )
Renik (AC 32) HP 39 d20+12=20 d20+6=11 d20+16=30 d20+16=20 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 3:26:11 PM
Offering fervent thanks to Wardd, the rogue does his best to keep the giant furious and occupied.
"Oh no! I don't believe it! You swing an axe even worse than you throw rocks! My old granny swings an axe better than that! And she's 98! And arthritic! And she's got no arms! At least try to put a bit of oomph into it!" (Bluff 20 to keep the giant's attention focused on him).
Realising that if the axe connects he is going to end up very dead very quickly, Renik concentrates on moving as fast as he possibly can, tumbling, leaping, ducking and swerving in a desperate attempt to keep the giant wrong footed (AC 32).
Rolling up close to the giant (Tumble 20 avoids AoO from reach weapon) he suddenly flips to his feet and jabs swiftly with his right hand blade (AC 11). However he is moving too quickly to get any proper accuracy behind the blow. "See? That's how you fight! "Oops, I missed again!" Pathetic!" he quips, as he rolls away, circling back out of range (Tumble 30 to prevent AoO, moves 20 feet at a right angle to the rest of the party, trying to get the giant to follow him, forcing it to move far enough to sacrifice its full attack).
"Now try again, and do it properly this time or I may well lose patience with you and have to gut you like a trout" the rogue advises, waggling his lefthand shortsword in a show of patronising chastisement, and trying not to wince at the pain that still lances through his chest where the giant's rock hit him.
Inside he prays that his companions take those wolves down quickly. This is a very dangerous game he is playing. The longer it goes on the greater the chance that that immense axe is going to catch up with him... and it would be a tragic waste to lose one of New Elenna's most eligible batchelors at so early an age.
Draax AC21, 2 dmg d20+5=18 d20+13=32 d20+8=17 d6+3=9 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 6:21:01 PM
Draax catches a glance of the cone coming his way while keeping his bow aimed at the giants. He takes a side step to get out of the center of the cone trusting his ring to negate the rest(DC 25 saved for half, ring negates 5 points of cold for a total of 2 dmg). In the back of his mind he absently thinks about how this is the first time he felt the slightest bit of cold since purchasing his ring so long ago.
Going into warrior mode Draax blocks out his surroundings, centers his focus on the giant movements, and waits for a good opening. The half-elven warrior draws back the bowstring and takes a deep breath that he holds for half of a second as he releases the arrow. He smiles as he is rewarded with a direct hit (AC 32, 9dmg). Keeping his focus his draws his second arrow and lets it fly. Then watches the arrow sail off into oblivion. He tells himself that it will take too many arrows and too much time to really do any damage at the rate he is going.
Draax half heartedly drops his bow and readies his sword and shield, then takes a big swallow as he prepares himself.
Feng d20+14=21 d8+8=13 d6=5 d20+12=18 d20+7=8 d20+7=16 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:23:48 PM
Feng can't keep up with the wolf, even without the snow, but takes one last parting swipe. [hit ac 21 for 18]
Seeing the large giant nearly cut Renik in half, Feng moves over to assault the giant. He spins his flaming double axe but misses badly. [hit ac 18, 8, 16]
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(4+3+1+4+3)=15 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:23:07 AM
If Feng's last blow does not take out the winter wolf, then Bill wants to ensure it does not flee to warn others. He flies to a point above it, and emits the barest whisper from his mouth - which whisper instantaneously (well, at least ~330 meters per second) gains force, and transforms into a cone of sound that shakes flesh and rattles bone. He concentrates so as to amplify the power of the sound (Fortify Power feat, applied twice for 3+2+2 power points, causing 23 hp sonic damage to wolf, Reflex save for 12 hp damage).
If Bill is able with the same 60' cone of sound to catch any other winter wolf within, while not endangering his friends, he does so. If Feng's wolf is finished off by him, and Bill can focus his cone of sound on a different wolf, or pair of wolves, without harm to the party, then he does that.
Hobbes [16 damage] d20+3=15 d4+1=3 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:37:34 AM
One minute Rond was barking strangely at the wolves, the next Hobbes gets a facefull of frost. The chill seems to have frozen his plate mail a bit. After remobilizing, he steps forward to Rond and tags him in the back shouting, "Broo'at Mond Iris!"
[Bull's Strength, Rond adds 3 to his strength]
"Your turn to...erm...beat up things." he says.
Chop much wood with that axe? [dmjk] [AAO on Feng] d20+18=24 2d8(4+3)+13=20 [W3 save] d20+6=17 [atk on feng] d20+13=19 2d6(2+3)+14=19 d20+8=14 [bite on Rond] d20+9=27 d8+6=12 [trip on Rond] d20+9=19 [wolf str check] d20+4=21 [dmcheck for something] d4=4 d4=1 [bite on Draax] d20+9=18 4d6(3+1+5+6)=15 Thursday March 27th, 2003 10:51:42 AM
party results: Renik dances around the giant. While trying to stay alive, the thief notes that the giant doesn't react to specific things that he says but rather just his taunting demeanor.
Rond dishes out a little more damage to his wolf.
Feng drops his wolf with has parting shot and moves on to the giant. The giant takes his attack of opportunity on Feng when he approaches. [AC24, dmg 20] Blood bursts in a shower all over Renik as the axe bites through Feng's armor. The rogue has a second to realize that could have been him as the wounded paladin struggles to return the favor to the giant. Feng strikes some solid blows but none have enough force to penetrate the giant's thick chain armor.
Draax lays down some cover fire and peppers the giant with arrows while Arien backpedals away from his wolf.
Bill doesn't see much opportunity for his cone because everyone is in tight melee. Bit when Arien moves out of the way, Bill takes the opportunity to blast the wolf with a cone of sound. As the sound blasts the wolf and sends up snow in a shower, Bill thinks about avalanches. Fortunately, this area is rocky, but later on... The wolf flattens its ears down on its head and snarls up at Bill as it hops out of the cone [saved, dc17] [please give the DC next time, so I don't have to figure it out. I think it was 15]
Hobbes gives Rond a strength boost, and he notes that Arien is in dire need of healing.
baddies' actions: The giant shifts its attention to Feng, the more dangerous foe, and goes after him with gusto in a full power attack. It howls in range and whips that axe down on the halforc with all its might. The first blow strikes true, and Feng wonders if it severed his arm. Lucky for him, the second attack misses. [pwr atk=5 from atk to dmg;AC19,dmg19;AC14,miss]
The wolf on Rond bites him again. It clamps on tight and tries to pull Renik to the ground. [AC27,dmg12;trip AC19, Str or Dex DC 25 to keep from getting dragged to the ground]
The wolf that had been on Arien gets blasted by Bill. The blast is enough to keep it from pursuing Arien, and it shifts to the uninjured enemies. It leaps at Draax and tries to rip out his throat. Fortunately for the warrior, his chain mail stops the attack. Still the wolf manages to breathe its cone of cold, and Draax and Hobbes are in the blast. Rond is close to the blast, but has the chance of being just outside the area of effect. [dmg15,refDC16 for 1/2] [Rond roll d2, 1=out, 2=in]
It's the party's turn.
[I forgot to add in the size category bonus on previous wolf trip attacks. There should have been an extra +4 on all of them. That's why the DC for Rond is higher this round.]
Damage update (DMJK) Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:15:20 AM
These are the totals that I show:
Arien passes out in the snow, or maybe he's dead. His blood is melting the snow. (-7hp)
Feng is battered but on his feet. He can't take another hit from that giant though. (23hp,-11 subdual, total= 12hp)
Rond hurts, but is pretty healthy. (48hp, + possible cone of cold damage)
Renik thinks he has a broken rib from that rock. (39hp)
Hobbes is in pretty good shape, but the cones of cold have left a chill in his bones. (35 or 28hp depending on Cone of cold save this round)
Bill is feeling fine, safe and sound up in the air. (48 hp)
Draax's injuries are minimal. (61 hp, maybe 59 depending on save)
Damage update (DMJK) Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:17:30 AM
The wolf on Rond (W2) is badly hurt.
The wolf on Draax (W3) has moderate wounds.
The giant has a couple of arrows in him, but they don't seem to bother him much.
Bill Troublefinder (Flying) d20+1=14 d8+1=7 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:51:59 PM
Bill sees Arien downed and bleeding. He swoops down to him, and, taking the wand of cure light wounds from his pocket (free action), touches his friend, healing 7 hp damage. (Ignore 1st roll - forgot to change die to d8.) The halfling prepares to continue the healing process again.
Renik (AC 24 (Dodge), HP ??) d20+16=27 d20+15=31 4d6(5+5+2+3)+5=20 d6=6 Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:19:32 PM
Seeing that the fight is on a knife's edge, Renik does the only thing he can do, and tries to inflict as much damage on the giant as he can. Realising that his taunts are useless now he figures the best way to get the giant's attention back is to hurt him, badly.
He weaves in close (Tumble 27), ensuring that he has a flanking position opposite Feng (+2 to attack, enables Sneak Attack) and stabs hard at the flesh at the rear of the giant's knee (Hit AC 31, Hero point to reroll 2 gives 24 points damage).
He is about to cartwheel away once again when he realises two things. If he stays in close like this it might just give Feng the opening he needs to strike home (+2 flanking bonus to Feng's next attacks). And most importantly, the big half orc is bleeding heavily. Unless Renik can get the giant focused back on him, his companion is going to die if hit again.
Knowing that the giant cannot understand him, but continuing his verbal diatribe regardless, Renik yells "Hah! See, stupid? That's how to hit someone! Yeah, you want some more? I've got plenty more where that came from, you overgrown ape! Come on! Take a swing at me, you halfwit!"
As his deperation grows his wit begins to evaporate. If only the others can take down those wolves...
(OOC: JK, are you sure about that 33HP for Renik? Renik was healed back up to his full HP of 57 before this battle, and as far as I can tell he's only suffered 18 points, leaving him on 39.)
I was using the wrong sheet. 39 is right. -jk
Draax (AC 21, 12 dmg) d20+5=15 d20+14=34 d20+14=16 d20+9=17 d8+7=8 d8+7=14 d8+7=12 Thursday March 27th, 2003 7:10:20 PM
With his attention on the giant, Draax is almost caught off guard when the wolf attacks. As he counterattacks he remembers too late about the creature's cold breath and is unable to get out of the way (failed save, ring of warmth negates 5 dmg, takes 10 dmg from cone of cold). Taking the blast right in the face, Draax continues with his swing and hits the monster hard and then catches it again with his return swing (AC 34 crit and AC 17 for a total of 34 dmg).
Feng d20+17=29 d20+9=22 d20+9=29 d20+9=25 d8+16=21 d6=6 d8+8=11 d6=2 3d8(7+6+1)+24=38 3d6(5+4+2)=11 Thursday March 27th, 2003 9:23:26 PM
Racked by tremendous pain, Feng grits his teeth and holds his ground. He cannot run nor would he if the opportunity presented itself. This was his pennance. This is his duty.
Feng spins his axe and focuses on the giants exposed leg. If this was his time, then he must do all he could to aid his friends. With what could be his last act, Feng summoned the divine power within him to smite the evil giant.
[hit ac 29 for 27, there was a +3/+8 modifier for smite evil] [hit ac 22 for 13] [critical hit for 49- 3d8+24+3d6]
OOC: I do have hero points saved. Is there a way that they may be able to save my life? I forsee a big thumping in the near future by at least one angry giant if not two.
If damage drops to -10, hero points can be used be used to prolong your life 1 per point per round or something like that. I'd have to look the specifics back up. You can also use them to reroll your to hit rolls. -jk
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) d20+4=22 d2=1 d20+11=13 d20+11=16 d20+6=20 3d6(4+2+3)+7=16 3d6(4+1+5)+7=17 Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:04:07 PM
(ooc I'm assuming the wolf pulls Rond to the ground, not Renik. My hp's differ from yours. Shall we go with yours? (I was still down some even with 5 points returned from bar battle) :) )
Rond struggles with the wolf to try to maintain his balance. (rolled 22. Can I get a skill bonus stack of either balance, or escape artist plus hero point 10% to get to 25?)
As Rond struggles with wolf he's fighting with, it pulls him out of range of the breath of the other.
--- If Rond can get free he quickly turns and tries to deliver two more blows on the wolf he was struggling with. Worried about his friends Rond muscles his way into hitting the wolf twice (used hero point). (AC 16 for 16, and AC 20 for 17 points)
Arien Friday March 28th, 2003 1:11:06 AM
Groaning quietly, Arien shifts a bit before collapsing back into unconciousness.
Hobbes (16 damage) d20+3=20 3d8(7+6+8)+7=28 Friday March 28th, 2003 4:13:21 AM
Hobbes is ready for the wolf this time and ducks forward just enough that all the colddamage goes to his backside instead of directly into his face. (8 Damage taken)
[JK, you are correct about the previous save using a hero point. I took half damage instead of none. Total now is 16.)
He turns around and sees Arien crumple into helpless unconsciousness and charges over to him.
"Oh, no you don't. We need your help!"
He waves his hands and intones.
[Cure Serious Wounds on Arien for 28 hp.]
When he finishes he lifts Arien upright on his feet. "Up you go!"
Hobbes tries to stand between the enemies and Arien.
Another go (DMJK) [atk on Draax] d20+9=18 [atk on Feng] d20+18=20 2d8(7+7)+13=27 [cleave on Renik] d20+18=37 2d8(4+6)+13=23 d20+13=26 2d8(8+4)+13=25 Friday March 28th, 2003 3:25:06 PM
Party results: Bill and Hobbes get Arien back up on his feet and feeling nearly as good as new. Arien's fine, but he also knows just how close to death he came.
Renik stabs the giant in the leg and gives the brute his first significant dose of pain.
Feng rallies what just might be the last of his strength and rains Domi's wrath down on the cursed foe. (I don't think the flame does critical damage. You'd have to add flaming burst for that. Still, good show.)
Using his balance skill and some hidden store of energe (hero point), Rond manages to stay on his feet despite the winter wolf's attempts. As the wolf tugs, Rond rains blows down on the monster's head. It falls. Dead. But it's jaws are still clamped tight on Rond's leg. He'll have to pry the dead beast loose.
Draax gives his wolf a savage blow, but the thing still has some fight left in it.
Monster round: The wolf snarls at Draax, "I'm taking you with me." It's more than a little creepy hearing the things speak. Their voices have an odd barking quality that sets Draax's teeth on edge. It bites at the well protected warrior again, but it can't seem to penetrate his armor.
The giant howls in pain, and he tries to crush the bugs that bit him. He eases off on the force of his blow and just tries to make certain that he hits the manthing with the fire. The giant hits and the massive blade bites slashes the heroic paladin. (AC20,dmg27) The blow knocks Feng back several feet, and he lands in a heap near Draax. He doesn't stand back up.
The giant revels in his victory and cleaves to the other gnat, Renik. The blow hits solidly, and it's a wonder that the giant didn't split the nimble thief in half. (AC37,dmg23) It follows with its second attack, which also connects with the brave rogue. (AC26,dmg25)
Renik collapses in a heap at the giant's feet, and it gives a victorious howl daring anyone to come to their companion's aid.
Hobbes' trained eye sees that Renik is in worse shape than Feng. His life is hanging by a mere thread.
Draax (AC 21, 12 dmg) d20+14=25 d20+9=20 d8+7=10 d8+7=12 Friday March 28th, 2003 5:15:16 PM
Listening to the creature speak gives Draax the creeps, he vows to himself to make the creature into a liar. He notices when Feng falls near him, but he forces himself to concentrate on the enemy that is in front of him. Draax tries to think of something witty to say to the creature, but nothing comes to mind. Instead he just gives a comment to the creature's statement. "You will have to make that journey along."
Swinging his sword again at the creature, Draax is rewarded with a good cut and hits it again on his back swing. (Hit AC 25 and 20 for a total of 22 dmg)
Renik (-9 HP) d100=1 Friday March 28th, 2003 5:37:48 PM
Lying broken and bleeding in the snow, Renik's near lifeless body is little more than a mass of broken bone, torn flesh and pumping blood. A fluttering heartbeat falters...
...then recovers, however faintly.
(OOC: JK, I'm not sure if it's the player or DM who rolls for HP stabilizing, but I'm really fond of my roll! If Renik gets out of this alive, Wardd has got a new convert!)
Feng (-15hp) Friday March 28th, 2003 6:45:02 PM
OOC: Well at least Feng went down with an impressive display. JK could you e-mail me? I can't seem to locate your address.
Arien 5d6(6+6+6+4+6)=28 5d6(3+3+4+6+6)=22 Friday March 28th, 2003 7:51:31 PM
Snapping back to his feet Arien growls while glaring at the giant and activates the magic of his boots. Aiming his spells carefully to miss Renik yet hit the giant Arien casts 2 Fireball spells in succesion.
(Spell DC is 21, reflex save of course. 28 damage for the first and 22 for the second.)
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) d20+4=5 d20+4=18 Friday March 28th, 2003 9:15:53 PM
Seeing his friends in great need, Rond does his best to pry open the jaw that is clamped to his thigh. Choosing the best of the two, Rond tries both his hands and his sword in order to unclamp the teeth. Using all his focused being he does his best to make the teeth open up. (used hero point to get 18 dex or str roll) (bonus is the same)
Hobbes 3d8(5+2+7)+7=21 Friday March 28th, 2003 11:15:50 PM
Hobbes leaves Arien's side and runs streaming toward Renik, panic on his face.
He reaches his side and shouts his words of divine magic, almost screaming up to his deity and touches Renik's forehead. A yellow light bursts forth out of his hand and into Renik. [Cure Serious Wounds for 21 hp.]
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(2+4+4+4+3)=17 d20+5=18 Saturday March 29th, 2003 3:54:30 AM
Hearing the challenging bellow of the giant, the hobbit sees two of his friends crumpled near the monstrosity's feet. Bill flies forward to a point low to the ground, and about fifteen feet behind the back of the giant. He aims the energetic sound in a fashion similar to the way he hurt the attacking winter wolf a few moments ago. However, he aims the focus of the cone upwards, so as to catch the giant, but not his friends, in the area of effect. He notes the explosive fireballs just barely above his own head, and is glad he chose to go in low. Taking the training Professor Abulek gave him, the whispered word, 'muffin', expands in volume to shake the bleeding giant, this affront to smallness before him. [Fortify power, sonic damage 21 hp, Reflex save vs DC 18 for half damage.] After the cone of cold is unleashed, he flies back about five feet, watching the actions of the frost giant, ready to move to one side or another should frosty attack, or even just fall in his direction.
DMJK Saturday March 29th, 2003 5:03:52 AM
[Hey, Feng isn't dead. The subdual damage on his total is nonlethal damage. He's effectively at -4.]
VICTORY! (dmjk) d20+3=19 d20+3=11 Monday March 31st, 2003 2:35:40 PM
Draax swings his sword and ends the life of the last winterwolf.
Then Arien activates his boots of speed and throws two fireballs up in the air so that they strike the top half of the giant but don't harm Renik near the ground. The frost giant can't handle the heat and drops its axe to throw it's hands up by its head. It dances around in agony. The smell of burning frost giant flesh fills the cold air, and after a few brief seconds it topples over backwards with a loud thud.
Bill sees that his attack isn't neccessary and saves himself the energy of an attack. Bill is also pretty sure that those two airborne fireball explosions must have been visible to anyone in the valley below. That could very well mean the other frost giants are already headed this way, and no one is in any position for another fight right now.
As Rond pries the other dead wolf from his leg, he notices that the dropped axe stuck in the ground scant inches from Renik still form. And fortunately the giant fell over backwards and not toward Feng.
Hobbes gets to Renik and sees that he's only just in time. His casts his spell and Renik's breathing becomes stronger, steadier, smoother. His wounds still look unpleasant, but he'll live. He might not feel like it when he wakes up though.
Feng's breathing is coming in ragged gasps that are rapidly becoming less forceful. He needs attention soon now that Renik is stable.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 Monday March 31st, 2003 3:39:18 PM
"Save your spells, Hobbes, if you'll be able to cast some fly spells, instead," Bill counsels the cleric of Gargul. He approaches Feng, and casts cure light wounds six times with the wand on the brave paladin, healing 6+8+4+6+8+8=40 hp. "Good work, everyone. Someone search toasted frosty here, and the wolves for good measure. Then, what say we fly outta here, before reinforcements show up?" The halfling also offers to place in the portable hole the mighty axe of the giant, and anything else that can fit which seems worthwhile to bring along. Bill detects magic on the axe and any items recovered from their downed adversaries, then is willing to empower his friends to fly as soon as possible. "I can levitate a few of us, and the bigger guys who can fly can pull them along on ropes. We've gotta book, fast, friends!" The hobbit pulls out a looped rope, and suggests his friends hang on, so as to keep together.
[OOC: Just trying to pack a minute or two of activity into one post, now that combat is over.]
Feng Monday March 31st, 2003 6:57:12 PM
Feng's eyes flutter open. He remembered hearing a divine voice telling him that it wasn't time. Then he felt a great pull and a rush of energy. Considering that he thought he was dead, Feng feels pretty good.
"Thanks for the save. I thought my time among the living was over. Is everything alright?"
After getting the rundown Feng glances over at the fallen wolves.
"I know that time is of the essence but I think we should take the wolves and find a place to rest. Their fur will make good protection against the cold."
OOC: what is my current hp at?
25 hp. And since subdual damage heals first, the rest of the damage is all normal. -jk
Arien Monday March 31st, 2003 7:58:50 PM
As the giant falls Arien deactivates his boots, grins and says, "Oh yeah chalk one up to the mage." Arien then hustles back over the combat area and helps to gather up anything and get the party ready to move.
Draax Monday March 31st, 2003 10:02:20 PM
Draax hears the explosive sounds of the fireballs, but is still surprised when he turns and watches the giant fall. He is glad to see that the wounded are being taking care of and that no one was lost. After doing a quick search of the dead animals, he is ready to leave.
"I agree with Bill about flying, the last thing we want to leave behind is tracks for the giant and their wolves to follow."
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) Monday March 31st, 2003 10:31:21 PM
"I'm not sure we have the time to worry about getting the pelts. If we have the spell power to bring them along than we can. But with everything that has gone on I think we'll need to stay light and swift."
As Rond is speaking he's doing a search of the wolves, the giant, and then taking a final look at the axe the giant was carrying.
"For those that can we probably want to get rid of our tracks from where we came onto the mountain. We don't want anyone to be waiting for us when we come back."
Using whoever can help, Rond directs those that are healthy on how to hide their tracks.
Renik (from 12 up to 41HP) 4d8(4+8+5+5)+7=29 d20+10=30 d20+10=22 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:13:09 AM
The rogue's eyes flutter open. "I-I'm alive? Wardd be praised!"
He focuses on Hobbes' severe face staring down at him, and adds "Oh, and Gargul too! No offense, Hobbes!"
The struggles up into a sitting position, then falls back to the blood stained snow with a grimace. "Did anyone get the number of that horsecart?" he groans, as pain from his numerous wounds lances through him. "Remind me never to try dancing with a frost giant again."
He pulls a potion from his pack, and gulps it eagerly down (CCW, 29 HP healed, back up to 41), and sighs with relief as broken bones and flesh reknit and heal before his eyes.
Still aching he stands and examines the scene of the battle. "Wow! Arien, you toasted shorty but good! I agree, Bill, Rond, we need to get out of here fast, and we all need to fly or those hunters will be on our tracks at once. Let's gather any loot tall dark and ugly has on him, and get moving. Tangling with one of those things was more than enough for one day, thank you!"
He scans the surrounding snowscape for any signs of movement from their would-be pursuers (Spot 30), and listens for any wolf howls in the distance (Listen 22).
As they travel Renik asks Bill "Hey Bill, how's your wand doing? I could use some more healing if there are sufficient charges remaining. But if it's running low don't worry, I'll either get Hobbes to heal me when we make camp, or use a potion. We're going to need plenty of healing when we face the big white, of that I'm certain." (Renik is currently 16 HP down from his max).
Hobbes Tuesday April 1st, 2003 6:11:27 AM
All the air from Hobbes' held breath comes rushing out when Renik's eyes flitter and open. Hobbes looks down at him and smiles. "Thank you." he whispers inaudibly.
He too, then plops down in the snow next to Renik, very winded from the run.
"It can't get much harder. Erm....I think it was FG-1, Renik," he says with an absolutely straight face.
Rushing off (dmjk) 3d4(4+4+2)=10 d100=69 d100=100 d100=41 d100=40 d100=26 d100=65 d100=44 d100=15 d100=51 d100=58 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:19:27 AM
The wolves weren't carrying anything, and Bill suggests cramming them into his protable hole until there's time to skin them, after wrapping them in the tarp of course. It's done quickly. Only two of them fit though.
The giant's axe is not magical. It was just big and sharp and swung by a 15 foot tall giant. Someone could drag it along, but it would be a little large for anyone to use, even Feng when he's enlarged.
The giant was carrying a large patchwork bag. It holds: boots, a whetstone, seven hairpins, a fur cloak, 200 feet of rope, a knife (the blade is about right for a shortsword, but the handle is too wide for any of you to effectively use it that way), 3 sticks of charcoal, bone dice, some sort of dried animal dung. Everything in it is giant sized, of course. One of the sticks of charcoal is ground down a bit, like it's been used to write on rocks.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=5 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 d8=2 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:01:46 PM
"Well, Renik - boy, you did a GREAT job keeping that giant occupied. I've got to remember to write down what you all did this afternoon. Anyway, I've used 15 charges from the wand. Used eight in the bar, one on Feng just before we left Floating City, and six more here on Feng."
Bill insists on offering Feng one more CLW (for 5 hp more). [OOC: Feng, Bill's wand restored 7 hp after the bar fight, 40 hp as of the last post, and 5 more just now. He was down -4 real hp at the time Bill did the 40, so should be at 41 real hp, less 11 subdual, for a net of 30 - if this sounds right to JK.]
He expends two more charges, restoring 16 hp to Renik. [If anyone else would like some healing from the wand, go ahead and post such, roll 1d8+1 the number of times you want to be healed, and Bill will do that for you. Reroll if the result is d8+1=2. Or ask Hobbes for help.] Bill uses lesser body adjustment to heal himself of 2 hp damage.
"So, we're flying, right?" Bill confirms. "Hobbes, unless you tell me you can't do it yourself, I'll leave it up to you to get yourself to fly. If you can get yourself and one other to fly, all the better. Our best defense right now is not to conserve our spells, but to get away, and find somewhere safe to spend the night. Agreed?"
Bill enables Rond, Arien, Draax, Feng and Renik to fly. Or, if Hobbes can help one other besides himself in this regard, he is happy to have him do so for one whom he chooses.
Bill observes Rond's work to obscure the steps they have taken. "Let's walk that way," he says, pointing northwest, "So our last footprints show us going that way. Then turn left, and head along the feet of the mountains to the right of the valley, and look for a place to hole up in about three hours, or a little less. Just so you know - when the flying ends, for a short period of time - maybe ten seconds, or half a minute - you'll find yourself falling slowly, like a feather. So, after we've been out more than two and a half hours - fly low - no more than sixty feet up. Although, three to ten feet altitude is probably best. Wish we could go invisibly. But let's just go."
He passes out a 50' long loop of rope, with several smaller loops, sized so one might put one's hand within, and grab hold. Via William the psicrystal, the little nomad telepathically communicates, 'When it gets dark in an hour and a half or two, those of us who can see well in the dark will lead the rest of us. If someone sees that giants have spotted us, we could fly up a side canyon, maybe, to throw them off, then work our way over back the way we want to go. Play it by ear, watch for trees or rock formations that can visibly block us from view of the valley, maybe. And pray, friends, pray - but with eyes wide open.'
Renik d20+10=18 d20+10=24 d20+10=17 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:21:26 PM
"Yeah, my delaying tactic of allowing that giant to knock seven shades of stuffing out of me worked out really well" the newly invigorated rogue answers Bill with a rueful grin as he works to hide is tracks as directed by Rond. "I'm just glad we all got out of that alive. Just goes to show what the advantage of surprise can do for you, eh?"
As they get ready to depart he slaps Feng on the back. "Thanks for coming to bail me out back there my friend. Things got pretty scarey there for a while."
He loops his hand into the rope and feels a thrill of pure joy flood through him as his feet leave the ground. This is the only way to travel!
As the party move out (having first laid their false trail), Renik scans the surrounding countryside with care, and continues to keep careful watch for signs of pursuit or movement up ahead as they speed along.(Spot rolls of 18, 24, 17)
He tries to keep as low as is safely possible, and pulls his cloak tightly around him, trying to stay as warm as possible.
Feng Tuesday April 1st, 2003 7:42:20 PM
If nobody objects Feng will trim down the giants fur cloak into at least one, but hopefully two man sized versions. Being wounded, Feng will need to stay warm to heal faster and keep his strength up.
"As soon as possible I would like to treat everybodies wounds. I have a healer's box with me and there are some herbs that will help prevent infection and fight off effects of the chill."
Draax Tuesday April 1st, 2003 9:09:53 PM
Draax keeps himself from laughing out loud at Renik's remarks about his strategy to keep the giant's attention. He has never been a big fan of flying, but Draax loops the rope around his hand and gets ready to soar with the others.
Rond AC 16 HP 73 (bull strength +3) d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=2 d8+1=6 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 12:58:28 AM
"I could definitely use some healing." Rond then walks over and has Bill heal him up. (41 to 73)
Rond considers whether he should use his endure cold spells. (if needed Rond will use his scrolls, and if anyone else looks like they might need it he'll offer a scroll to them)
Knowing that he uses a two-handed weapon Rond decides that he should probably be last or next last on the rope. So that if anything does come up he can be down and fighting fast.
Responding to Renik, "I might have to volunteer you for toy making duty. Since you seem to have a lot of stuffing to offer."
Smiling, Rond hopes that the party can keep it's humor up when they hopefully return from this adventure.
refuge (DMJK) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:10:54 AM
Battered and bruised, the group flies at low altitude looking for a place to hole up.
After about 3 hours, Renik spots a small cave. It's deep enough to afford some protection from the elements, has no animals or other creatures living in it, and it has an opening too small for giants to fit through.
As night starts to fall it gets wretchedly cold. A fire or magical heating will be neccessary for anyone to be able to get adequate rest and sleep. Their is nothing for ventilation of smoke except the mouth of the cave, but the ceilings are high. Also the cave is deep enough that you can light a fire without fear of it being seen.
After the combat with the giant, it is clear to everyone that the group will have to go against the dragon while at full strength, or as close to it full strength as possible, in both health and magic.
Method of heating?
More healing?
Watch schedule?
New spells memorized in the morning?
Bill Troublefinder d8=7 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 4:09:24 PM
Along the way, Bill takes the time to thank Hobbes for helping to keep everyone alive, and Arien for the magnificent fireworks finish to their chief ambusher.
He also notes the approximate location of the dragon's cave, marking how far they will have to travel to reach it, and calculating by what means.
Once they move into the cave Renik spotted, inside Bill activates a few sunrods, giving light to those inside - after he verifies that the light won't be visible from outside the cave.
"Say, Hobbes, if you have any more healing available, I see Feng can use more. Rond? Arien? Anyone else? You can take care of 'em, can't you? Let me know if you run out, then I'll use the wand." Bill, in the apparent safety of the cave, heals himself up fully (lesser body adjustment, 7 hp - should take care of any cold damage, too). If those party members with healing ability can't get everyone back up, before he resorts to the wand, he offers Hobbes three scrolls of cure light wounds.
He goes through his removal of his outer pants, and setting aside of his knapsack. About to dive for the sleeping bags and such, the canvas wrapping the wolves presents itself to his attention. He closes up the portable hole, then opens it along the wall of the cave in whatever spot appears convenient, and says, "Hey, Feng, Rond - someone want to take these winter wolves out and skin them, or whatever you were going to do?" He waits until the wolf obstacles are removed, then gets into the portable hole, retrieving the sleeping bags for himself and his friends. He even has down-filled pillows for all. The halfling also gets out his cooking pots, a couple of tripods, and the plates, cups, etc.
"We can build a small fire or two near the entrance - but not where it can be seen from outside. I've got some good food, and tea. Warm us up." He produces several piles of dry, stacked wood - as much as he figures they might need through the night, plus a little extra, as well as kindling, and tindertwigs. "This is good wood - shouldn't produce too much bad smoke at all. And it'll warm us up." He lays a few towels near the fires. He uses a towel as a fan for the smoke, to direct it out of the cave.
He lays a canvas on the stone floor, and puts one of his winter blankets on top of the canvas and under his sleeping bag. "Lots of heat can get sucked out of us from this cold stone, unless we have a bit of insulation," he explains.
Bill looks outside for some clean snow, and fills his pots, melting the snow for water for cooking and beverages. He finds a separate place to make yellow snow, and tells his friends - "Go over on this side if you wanna pee. The other side is for drinking water."
As he busies himself with making the place comfortable for himself and his friends, he lets the others see to security matters, and the setting of watches. "Just tell me which watch you want me to take, and that's fine with me."
The journalist takes a half hour to write down some highlights of the day. "It'd be nice to have a good bard with us someday, who can write good poetry, and sing good songs," he says as he enjoys his third cup of hot tea.
Renik (Fully Healed) d20+25=32 d20+10=14 d20+10=17 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 5:21:28 PM
Rubbing his gloved hands together the rogue gets to work using his tinderbox to get the wood Bill supplied alight, then sets out his bedding far enough away from the fire to avoid breathing in too much smoke.
As he does so he says "You know, losing Jared is going to have a major impact on our strategy when we come up against that Dragon. Arien, the onus will be on you to cast everyone's scrolls for them I'm afraid. Is that OK with you?"
"I suggest we each take a hour's watch at the cave entrance, with a second person minding the fire. Preventing the smoke from blowing into the cave too much, or the fire going out. That way the watcher won't get too cold or drowsy."
"I think I saw an outcropping that might provide some cover from the sharper eyes out there. If no-one objects I'll take first watch, then mind the fire, then wake the next pair."
If the others agree Renik takes up watch, hiding himself as well as he is able, and keeping his senses alert to evidence of movement (Hide 32, Listen 14, Spot 17). Once his turn is done he swaps with whoever is on fire minding duty, and after another hour wakes the next pair.
Draax (12 dmg) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 8:14:00 PM
Draax surveys the cave and congratulates Renik on his selection. He find a nice spot to put his things and take a moment to relax. He pulls out some trail rations and offers some to anyone to wants one. "I could use a little healing if there is some available, but it not a big deal if you don't. I just need a good night of sleep to get most of my health back."
Draax says to Renik, "I will join you on first watch so the spell casters can get the uninterrupted rest they need."
He takes a sit next to the fire and place his sword on his lap and feeds the fire as needed.
Feng Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:41:18 PM
Feng lays down the remainder of the giants fur cloak for protection against the cold ground. Feng hopes that the cloak's thickness will enable at least a few hours of good sleep. At this time, Feng pulls a wooden box out of his pack. Inside is a collection of clean bandages and various herbs. The half-orc only removes what he needs for his most greivous wounds before returning the box to his pack.
Bill T, addendum Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 11:06:09 PM
If the stars are out - Bill takes a look at them.
"Hey, anybody going to skin these wolves? Or we just going to let them rot? You know how, Rond?"
Rond AC 16 HP 73 (bull strength +3) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 11:43:29 PM
(ooc I'm not at home and cannot confirm skills list)
"Do they actually rot while they are in the portable hole? Worst case scenario is that we can just try to clean the skin off of the bones and then clean the meat off of skin"
Looking around and knowing the environment Rond takes a moment to judge whether building a snow wall (ooc like an igloo) would help cut down on the wind in the cave, or help to make things warmer.
Seeing Feng thinking about keeping warm along Rond asks, "What do you have to help combat the cold? I've got a couple of extra endure cold scrolls that I could help you with if you think it would help"
Thinking about the watch Rond says, " Agreed Draax. Let's post our watches like this.
Draax and Renik Rond and Bill Feng and Arien
Hobbes since you will be doing a lot of healing these next couple of days, I'm thinking we can keep you in reserve and let you have full time for recovering your spells.
If anyone prefers something else then let me know"
Arien Thursday April 3rd, 2003 1:23:30 AM
"Well being an elf I don't actually sleep so that schedule sounds fine to me. I plan to put this dragon through the same kind of treatment as that giant if I get the opportunity. I have no problem casting scrolls on people for them but lets make sure we do this before the combat ok?"
The night passes... (DMJK) Thursday April 3rd, 2003 10:46:56 AM
Rond decides against building the snow wall as it would 1) be way too much work out in the cold and would ultimately defeat the purpose of trying to stay warm and 2) be obvious a sign of the group's presence in the cave.
Watches are taken and a long night is spent in the cave. Everyone gets their rest and Hobbes has the opportunity to heal everyone before he sleeps... does he take it?
Regardless, any remaining subdual damage from the bar fight is gone by the time everyone wakes up.
On sticking his head out in the morning, Feng notes that it got colder during the night. It is also snowing.
Bill sees that flying and avoiding the giants has taken the group into the mountains toward the right of their original location. The terrain is rocky with large snow drifts in places. The snow coming down will help hide any tracks, but it could also make footing treacherous.
Bill guesses between 3 and 5 miles to the dragon's cave, and unless the group flies again, it's going to be a hard hike.
Then there are those wolf carcasses...
(I'll assume that everyone is healed to full, but we need to figure out how many scrolls or wand charges were used to do it)
Draax Thursday April 3rd, 2003 11:17:28 AM
Draax gets his gear ready and waits until everyone is ready to leave the cave before he puts out the fire and buries the ashes in under snow.
Arien Thursday April 3rd, 2003 3:24:41 PM
During his watch Arien rememorizes the spells he cast. Afterwards he makes some small talk with Feng and waits for the rest of the party to awaken.
After the rest wake up Arien walks over to the wolf carcasses and considers them a moment. "You know," he says while turning around. "It is snowing out there and its not much warmer here. I say we leave these here. Its cold enough that they wouldn't rot for a long time. Besides that I suspect that the dragon's loot will take up all the spare space we have and if we feel like bringing them along after the fight, well we can simply carry them."
(Arien is at full HP thanks to Hobbes so he doesn't need to take any hits off the wand.)
Rond Friday April 4th, 2003 12:29:42 AM
Rond spends some time in muted conversation with is friend Bill during their watch. Mostly he just reminices with his friend about where they've come.
In the morning Rond comments to the others,"Do we want to try something on the slightly drastic side? I'm assuming we'll stand out here compared to any of the animals in this area. So we're going to be spotted easily by any other giants that are out here. Bill. Do you have enough breathing tubes that we might get everyone in the hole? I'm wondering whether we should conserve spells and have just you fly, with everyone in the portable hole. It's a little risky since if you (pointing at Bill) get taken out by anything, the rest of us will be inside. But by Bill traveling alone, I would think he would be real hard to spot out here. Plus inside the hole might keep others of us a little warmer for the time being."
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 4th, 2003 4:45:44 AM
"Anything happen?" Bill asks Draax and Renik as they awaken him and Rond for the next watch.
On guard duty "Well, I've got a lot of stuff in the hole," Bill answers Rond. Then he switches to telepathic conversation - at least for his side of it, thanks to William. 'Maybe I can take some of it out, and what we need to keep for sure ... hmmm.' Bill ponders for a moment. 'Oh, yeah, I think I've got enough breathing tubes. Eight. Now, if you were to hold out your arms, and turn around in a circle - then add about three, almost four feet above your head, that's how much an empty hole holds. Can six fit in there? Well, it'd be pretty cozy. Also, we've tried carrying the portable hole with one pipe just sticking out, and that worked. But we haven't tried it with six poking out. We should see whether that works, or is just too much. We can try that first thing in the morning, if you'd like to help get the other stuff out. Rond - you're a ranger, right? Why can't you just skin a wolf?' he asks, changing the subject mid-stream. 'Like, you talk about skinning one - don't you take the skin off first, then worry about bones and meat?" Bill shivers, feeling squeamish talking about it. Those things were almost big enough to swallow half of the halfling at once. And they talked. Creepy. He looks around and listens a bit, as he should when on guard duty.
'Anyway, sorry. Couldn't Andraaxius skin 'em? Shoot. Or Feng? Shoot. It'll be a while until I let someone talk me into carrying a dead carcass again. Renik might know how.' He shivers again as he obsesses about this undone task, an extra blanket over his head and shoulders.
"Snow sure is pretty," he whispers aloud. 'We only got snow once in a while there in Windhorn Hamlet. Farmers said the water of Dragon Bay helped keep it "temperate" - kind of good for growing stuff, they'd say.' He tosses a little snowball to hit Rond in the shoulder. It just falls apart as it glances off (AC 15) - Rond may not even have felt it.
'Your idea is a good one, though, Rond. How about if I take two or three of us in one trip, along with leaving some of the stuff here, and take some along and leave it there, then come back for the rest? If the multiple breathing pipes thing works. Let's test it in the morning, all right? Maybe I can wrap myself in white - in one of the canvas sheets - so I blend in to the background a little. If it keeps snowing, that should shorten the distance we can be seen. Also, I maybe could pick a route that would keep mainly out of sight of the valley.'
After a period of silence, Bill asks his tall friend, 'Do you suppose the white will be fearsome, Rond? Remember when the head was stolen, all of them flying overhead, and the black fighting all the militia? It was terrible. But then, there are the good ones, too... Wonder what'll happen to this area if it dies. Will anyone miss it?'
Changing of the Guard "Rise and watch, big guy," he shakes Feng's shoulder gently, ready to jump back if the righteous warrior should think him an assailant. "Arien's waiting for you. Quiet night, so far. Snowing. Keep the fire going."
Breakfast and organization and experimentation Bill fixes some hot cereal for everyone, glopping it into bowls, and offering spices for those who want them. He also passes out chunks of cheese. "This'll help keep your energy up in the cold," he says. "Keep it in a pocket or something, and bite off a chunk or two from time to time."
"Say, Rond made a real interesting suggestion last night. How about if a couple or three of you get in the portable hole, and use the breathing tubes? We'll keep it closed, with just, say, three tubes poking out at once, and see if we can't carry it along, and you can still get the air you need. Then, if that works, he was thinking I could sort of ferry you to pretty close to where the map says the white's lair is. I was thinking three at a time." He reminds them also about the equipment he carries, and asks whether they should leave anything behind for the time being, or not, lest it draw attention to the cave.
He works with some of them to see whether more than one pipe can be used at a time. "Oh, and it's real dark in there. I have some more sunrods. We'll just have one lit in there when we really get going." He works through several tests, each of longer duration, if the early tests seem to indicate the basic plan is sound. If no more than one pipe can work at a time, he says, "Well, can you take turns breathing?" He is not too optimistic about more than two or three sharing one pipe.
He also asks Arien and Hobbes whether either one has memorized a dispel magic or something like it. "Could be useful against the white," he offers.
The practical hobbit also asks, now that they're closer to their objective, what ideas people have for surreptitiously locating the dragon.
Hobbes Friday April 4th, 2003 5:21:18 AM
After burning off his last spell to make sure everyone is healed up, Hobbes plods to a high point in the back of the cave and curls up under his cloak. He watches the clouds float by in the distance through the cave entrance. He himself flew from the power of Gargul for the first time as a pure cleric. He keeps his eyes on the clouds, wondering when it will be his turn to meet his maker. As his eyes get heavy, he observes the silhouttes of two figures gesturing and talking to each other at the entrance. Finally he nods off to sleep awaiting a new day of newly memorized spells. (which includes several cold protection spells and a token Dispel Magic).
Renik Friday April 4th, 2003 7:17:04 AM
The rogue blinks awake as dawn breaks. "Cold." he mumbles, gathering up his things bleary eyed. He kicks a stone petulantly. "Too cold." He scowls as he pulls out a mirror and examines himself. "Why are there no baths out here? Just look at my hair."
Renik is clearly not a morning person.
He agrees that the portable hole idea might be the quickest and safest route, though he does suggest that Bill is made invisible for the duration of the trip. "If you get caught alone Bill, we would all be in serious trouble. How about you keep one hand on the breathing tubes, and yank if you encounter trouble?"
Plans (DMJK) Friday April 4th, 2003 9:32:57 AM
Breakfast, plans, and a discussion of breathing tubes...
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 4th, 2003 6:05:03 PM
Bill opens the portable hole, and asks, "Okay, I need three volunteers." As soon as he has people's attention, he says, "First - make sure you don't have on you any extra dimensional items. Like those gloves that store an item, or a bag of holding, of Heward's haversack. That type of thing." He points to the canvas which holds the breathing pipes within. "Each grab one, and, as soon as we have three people, cross the tops of them near the top. I'll close up the hole, and keep it shut about two minutes. Plug your nose, so you only use the tube for breathing. Let's see if it works." He awaits the first three to get in.
"Okay, while these three are trying this out, someone else start skinning this wolf here." He points to the smaller of the two.
Renik Saturday April 5th, 2003 3:39:05 PM
Renik raises his hand. "I volunteer. Only let's get a move on. The longer we hang around, the more chance we have of something finding us."
He takes the breathing tube and climbs into the hole.
Arien Saturday April 5th, 2003 7:26:53 PM
"While I don't have dispel magic memorized I do have a scroll of it, scribed by a fairly powerful mage as well. I'd volunteer Bill but I have that haversack that does the same thing as the hole which could result in something bad should one enter the other. Oh and before I forget, Feng take this," Arien hands the paladin a potion of heroism. "I also have a potion of Fire Breath if anyone would like to use that. I for one don't plan on getting that close to the dragon. If anyone doesn't have a means to protect themselves from fire I also have an extra potion of protection from fire. Anyway I second Renik's thought, lets get this show on the road."
Bill addresses Arien's concern, lest others have similar misapprehensions Saturday April 5th, 2003 9:37:56 PM
"You don't understand, Arien. I'm not asking you to leave behind your haversack. Y'see, I can carry it on my back, or on my chest," Bill explains to his friend, the mage. "Might even help me stay warmer, that way. You give it to me, I carry it, you ride inside. It only weighs about five pounds or so, empty or full, right?"
Arien admires Arien's foresight on some of the potions he brought. When he mentions the fire breath potion, Bill says that he'll take it, unless someone else wants to use it. "I understand it can cause indigestion. Although, wouldn't that dragon be amazed if, as Feng or Rond stood toe to claw against it, he suddenly breathed forth flames?" He giggles at the thought.
And addressing another expressed concern, he adds, "Renik, I don't have any problem with your idea of invisibility - except that I have one potion, and it only lasts a short time - not long enough for two round trips on my part. Probably just long enough for one way, one time. Let's say it takes me 20 to 30 minutes for each leg of the trip. Anybody have invisibility that'll last two hours or so? Let me know if you do, and I'll be happy to use it. If all of us traipse there as a group, I'll bet we're a whole lot more visible than the littlest one flying. I can cover myself in white canvas."
Meanwhile, from wood and canvas, fishing wire and rope, Bill works to fashion an air scoop, to help ram air down two of the three breathing tubes. "Two for intake, one for exhaust," he explains.
Once there are three in the hole, and it be shown that all can breathe, Bill is ready to take them near the lair. He points out on the mountain to his friends where he figures, according to the map, they should go, if, with the present snowfall, they can see that far. "I'll leave William behind with one of you, so we can communicate until I'm more 'n a mile away," he offers.
Draax Sunday April 6th, 2003 11:27:20 PM
Draax takes a look inside the portable hole and it is obvious by the look on his face that he does not like the idea of traveling inside. After about a minute of taking a hard look at the hole he removes his Quiver of Ehlonna and grabs a breathing pipe. After plugging his nose he puts the pipe in his mouth and climbs in.
Rond d20=7 Monday April 7th, 2003 8:04:43 AM
(ooc I'm not sure what skill it would be for skinning an animal. I'm short on time otherwise I'd make sure myself. Rond doesn't have it as a trained skill that I'm aware of).
"I can work on the skinning if no one else can." (generic skill check of 7)
"I have scrolls, potions, and my sword as my magical items. I don't think I should have any problems with the hole.
Now that those three have volunteered the rest of us will wait for Bill's return"
breathing (DMJK) Monday April 7th, 2003 3:52:14 PM
Breathing doesn't seem to be a problem with the tubes and several party members can fit down inside the hole.
Communication is a problem though. The tubes can be pulled in or out very easily, and they can transmit a minimal amount of sound. That's about it though. William seems to be the best solution, but the lack of air in the hole prevents anyone in it from being able to speak to each other.
Meanwhile, Rond tries skinning the winterwolf. He botches up the first one and tears the skin in several places, so much so that it's probably not usable for anything but rags or patchwork.
Renik Monday April 7th, 2003 5:33:10 PM
Breathing through a tube in the airless interior of the bag, Renik waits impatiently for the signal that they have reached their destination.
Hobbes Monday April 7th, 2003 9:05:28 PM
Hobbes scowls down at the bag, uneasy.
"And how are they to get out? Doesn't that require someone to pull them out from outside? Have you the strength, Bill? That makes me uneasy thinking that one slip could trap everyone inside."
He goes over to the wolf and pick up the front end and spreads it out a bit more in an attempt to help Rond.
Hobbes' wolf help d20+1=13 Monday April 7th, 2003 9:07:52 PM
[Generic Dex check to Help Rond's next roll by 2.]
Feng Monday April 7th, 2003 11:24:23 PM
Feng agrees to climb in the hole. It's protected from the cold and will speed up travel. He has faith that eerything will work out. Bill might be able to sneak into the dragon's lair undetected. There is a small chance that he can set some type of ambush.
Draax Monday April 7th, 2003 11:47:47 PM
Draax waits inside the hole, trying to think about anything except being in the hole. He does a mental check of his inventory just to keep his mind on something else.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday April 8th, 2003 1:38:48 AM
He pulls out a scroll of endure elements, cold, and asks Arien if he would do the honors of reading it, to fortify Bill from the cold. "That wind'll help cool me off, for sure, so this should help."
"Ah, three brave souls - Renik, Draax and Feng." While the bag is open (allowing air freely to circulate), and just before departure, Bill says, "Catch, Renik," and drops his psicrystal, William, into Renik's hand in the portable hole. He strikes a sunrod, and drops it down for his friends to have light. He closes up the handkerchief-like cloth, verifies that he can communicate bidirectionally with William, and through him, with his friends inside. 'Can you hear me, William? Testing, testing. Tell our frieds with you, "Don't get gas,"' he suggests to William. Then he opens the hole, asking them what William just told them. If something resembling his message is what they answer, then he, satisfied, recloses the hole, save the three tubes, and says, "Say your prayers, all. We're off."
With a portion of one of the white canvas tarps he brought wrapped around him (he cut off enough amply to cover him, but not leave flapping pieces), Bill empowers himself to fly. "Alemi, Domi, and Gargul be with us all, and Wardd to boot!" he says to Rond, Hobbes and Arien as he takes off. "I should be back in forty minutes to an hour, and all go well," he says. He sets down an hourglass, sand in the top. "Once half the sand is run out, make yourselves ready to leave," he suggests. And, to no one but himself, he invokes the good will of the One, the Perfect, the Initiator, to watch over him and his friends.
Since William himself can 'see' telepathically, he requests an occasional report on how the other three with him seem to be faring. If William reports a definite problem, Bill will seek a place to land and open the bag to remedy the situation - unless it's just gas.
Along the way, Bill picks a low flight path designed to afford as little line-of-sight exposure as possible to the valley below. If the visibility is low, he also works to keep his eyes and ears alert, looking often left, right, above, behind him in the various directions. He communicates telepathically via William with Draax, Feng and Renik, telling them what he sees, noting salient points of the local geography, spotting good hiding places, etc. He also looks as they draw near the place where the map indicates the dragon's lair to be, and checks to see if there might be a good place to slide down the face of the mountain with some measure of safety, should the need arise. Is there a smooth slope, or is it rough and rugged? Also along the way, he occasionally uses autohypnosis to memorize whatever might appear useful.
He visually scouts about, looking for as safe a place as he might find to set down, which would afford his friends a measure of cover, yet not require inordinate distance or challenges to allow them to move to their goal.
The halfling telepaths them when he is about to open the portable hole. He describes the area, and suggests they keep themselves quiet once he lays open the bag. He leaves them a 15'x15' square of canvas. 'Sit upon it, wrap yourselves in it - three are better than one - you can help keep each other warm,' they hear in their minds. Bill gives them a hand sign of success, followed by the closed right fist across the chest that some followers of Domi use to signify courage. Somewhat divided as to whether to bring William back with him, or to leave the crystal with the three here, he opts for the latter. 'Until I am greater than a mile from here, William can speak to me,' he tells them. "I'll be back."
He is similarly attentive on the return trip, taking in all that he might. Once back, he retrieves Arien, Hobbes, and Rond, and the hourglass. He assures them of the safety of the first trip. He leaves whatever cavekeeping need be done to the second three. "I'll not be able to communicate with you as I did the first three, as William is with them. But if aught goes wrong, then thrust a pipe out. I should notice that, and set down, and we'll see what needs be done."
Unless his first trip taught him that a different flight path would be better, he follows the same way, watching before and behind, above and to the sides, alternating his pattern in a somewhat random fashion.
Should all arrive safely, Bill asks, 'All right. Now what?'
Arien Tuesday April 8th, 2003 2:24:57 AM
Nodding his assent Arien takes the scroll from Bill and uses it on Bill. After Bill leaves Arien makes sure to keep an eye out for any more possible ambushes until Bill gets back. When Bill returns Arien makes sure to hand Bill his haversack before entering the portable hole.
planning (DMJK) Tuesday April 8th, 2003 10:45:38 AM
As Bill tries to communicate with William while the bag is closed he finds that it feels like William is miles away. The communication takes effort and concentration, and Bill gets the feeling that if the tubes weren't sticking out, it would be impossible to reach the psicrystal. As it is, the others in the group hear him. He flies out and about and enjoys the weather a bit.
Inside the sack really blows. It's hot. You have to keep sucking on a tube that's filled with ice cold air. And, it's really cramped. Bill's short trip seems like it takes hours and hours. You're all hungry by the time you get back.
Hobbes and Rond work on skinning the second wolf and do a slightly better job, but they don't have any equipment to tan the hide. Even if they did, would they know how?
Draax Tuesday April 8th, 2003 12:19:59 PM
Draax is very happy to finally get out of the hole, he takes a couple a deep breath while scanning their new surroundings. He readies his bow and reaches to take an arrow from his quiver. He looks around quickly for his quiver and then sent a mentally message to Bill via William. "Remember to bring my quiver on the return trip and do not put it in the hole. I am not sure if it is on the same line as other dimensional carriers, but it does have a extra dimensional space inside it."
Renik d20+10=18 d20+10=22 d20+25=28 d20+15=18 d20+10=27 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 4:01:04 PM
Arriving at their new location closer to the Dragon's lair, Renik quickly checks all his gear is secure, then scouts the surrounding area, keeping low and to cover, with his bow at the ready (Spot 18, Listen 22, Hide 28, Move Silent 18).
As he waits for the others to arrive he tries to locate the entrance to the dragon's lair (Spot 27).
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday April 8th, 2003 8:30:07 PM
[OOC: When writing so much - sometimes I forget to write down a detail or two - even though I had thought to include it! In my mind, Bill had brought along the quiver of Ehlonna for Draax - but I didn't write that he had done so. Sigh. OK, I'm going to pretend like he did.]
Bill reaches under the canvas, and hands Draax the quiver of Ehlonna before returning to the cave.
"Maybe we should bury the bodies under the snow somewhere, and the fur in another spot - or bring it along, if you don't mind having it wrapped in the bloody canvas," he suggests to the three back in the cave. "Up to you, though." If they decide to get the carcasses out of the cave and cover them with snow, then Bill helps them. If they bury the skins (preferably separate from the bodies), canvas-wrapped, he also assists. Otherwise, he brings the wrapped skins in the canvas along. [Your call, Rond, Hobbes & Arien.]
"By the way, Hobbes - you'll see that inside the portable hole are chests and such that you can sit on, or stand upon. It's not too much trouble for tall people like you to get out, and, with all the gear I have in there, I can stack things, and climb up and out. Oh, guys, by the way - the first three said it seemed to take hours, and it was hot and stuffy inside, except for the really cold air they got to breathe. So, I don't promise you comfort." He repeats the instructions about pushing a pipe out a bit should there be problems within.
Bill makes sure the three bring no extradimensional items into the portable hole (he detects magic on them - paying particular attention to gloves, backpacks, pouches and pants pockets - making careful inquiries about their nature before letting them inside) - mounts Arien's haversack on his chest - all the way from his shoulders to the ground - re-covers himself with the white canvas, and returns to the dragon's mountain, as previously described.
Rond Tuesday April 8th, 2003 11:08:52 PM
"I'm of a mixed mind at this point. We don't want to take too much time right now, in case our other friends get into any kind of trouble."
Rond will then climb into the hole after the discussion has ended.
Closer - DMJK Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:32:05 AM
Bill gets the group to the mountain where he thinks the dragon's lair is supposed to be. While he feels he followed the instructions correctly and knows that he memorized the map properly, whoever drew the map in the first place didn't draw one that looks like this place. It was a map in the broadscale, pointing out the coast and general landmarks. Now that they're in the environment, it's different.
The initial description of the location of the dragon's lair was better than the map. Bill finds the 3 peaks Hororot discussed. Essentially, the map is worthless now. Bill's trying to use a map on a national level drawn from the memory of someone else 50 years ago to find a shop in a town today.
He finds the mountain, but the side of it has several opening that could possibly lead to a dragon's lair. It's going to take some searching probably by someone going inside them.
The mountain is huge and imposing. The peak is snow covered and rocky. There is no vegetation on it. At times the slope is relatively gentle, but there are areas where it suddenly drops off in a sheer drop. The snow is deep, and while no one really has a knowledge of such things, it looks like an area prone to avalanches.
Bill decides to put everyone in a protected area perhaps 200 feat down from the peak.It will be easier to descend than to climb, and there isn't as likely a possibility of running into a giant patrol. He chooses the leeward side and sets folks down.
As the first group waits for the second to arrive, they have a chance to look around a bit. They quickly discover that the air is thin, and they have to breathe a little harder to do anything (-1 to everyone's CON unless you have something to counteract).
There are no paths or trails. No animal tracks. No dragon signs. The climb to the peak looks very steep, but there don't appear to be any caves or openings up there. There's a good path for climbing down, but maybe everyone could just sit back and send Bill flying around to all the caves on the mountain.
And since I didn't hear any complaining, the second group arrives and everyone is there.
Draax Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:04:53 PM
Draax is out of his element being in the mountains and the snow. He has no idea how to find the dragon besides checking in each cave. His only suggestion to the others is to look for openings that are large enough for a dragon to pass through,
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=22 d20+18=28 d20+18=30 d20+18=27 d20+18=25 d20+18=22 d20+18=28 d20+18=34 d20+18=22 d20+18=29 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:08:26 PM
"Boy, a lungful of air doesn't go as far as usual, does it?" Bill observes, finding himself breathing a bit more vigorously than usual.
"How about I help one other person to fly, and the two of us act like forward scouts?" he asks. "Then some others of us can maybe do some exploring by walking around."
Bill mentally maps the area, and areas he explores (10 autohypnosis rolls above for gathering and retaining his mental images). He also empowers himself to know location, getting a solid psychic fix* on where they are.
Whichever person the others agree to have him help on the flight exploration team, he empowers to fly (it lasts 3 hours, 90' movement). He has about an hour of flying time left, himself.
He suggests to his partner - and, if acceptable, carries out with him the following: Flying first to the peak of the mountain, checking that out, they then descend in a spiral about the mountain, noting any areas of interest, in particular whatever may look like points of ingress. Before entering any such area, he detects magic, lest a magical ward or trap get him, and briefly activates his ring of blinking as he takes a preliminary probe into a promising opening.
William he leaves with Rond & company (or Renik & company, if Rond is the one who accompanies him), so as to be able to stay in touch with the main group. He also leaves with them some rope, asking whether they want 150 feet or 300 feet. "Might be an idea to each make a loop in your belt, and run this length of rope through it. If one person falls, the rest can brace, and maybe keep him from sliding down too far." He leaves it to the group to figure out any details of such an endeavor.
After about 50 to 55 minutes of exploring (or sooner than that, should he discover something of great interest in less time), the psion-nomad returns to the group, so that they might decide together the next steps to take.
[* OOC: Is anything psychic really solid???]
Rond d20+8=12 d20+7=21 Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:06:00 AM
trying to keep his voice down Rond searches his memories for any clues about the locale. (knowledge (nature) = 12. Quickly telling the members about what he knows, he gazes around the countryside to make sure that there's nothing obvious going on (spot 21).
"Since we do not know much about the area or the creature, I would think that you (Bill) should check out the nearest cave and see if there's a place where all of us can hole up as we look around and decide what we want to do. I'm not enthused about us being exposed on the mountainside without knowing more of what's going on."
Arien Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:42:11 AM
"Too bad we don't have any dwarves with us, they could lick a rock and tell you the size, shape and direction of any cave within a league."
As he speaks Arien retrieves his haversack and pulls a length of cloth out which ties about his head, covering his nose and mouth from the cold as much as he can. Making sure the knot is secure Arien pulls the his hood back up and slings his pack over a shoulder.
"Well lets get a move on shall we? Only thing we can catch here is a cold."
Renik d20+10=17 d20+10=18 d20+4=21 d20+4=11 d20+25=27 d20+15=18 Thursday April 10th, 2003 2:39:33 AM
"Bill, I'll tag along with you. Let's go."
The rogue keeps low to the ground, uses the cover well, and searches for any sign of a suitable cave to explore. Should he find one he examines the ground for tracks, bones or droppings, all the while keeping as quiet as possible and out of sight. All the while he keeps his thoughts to himself, his face grim. Could it be he is pondering just how close he came to death?
Post exploring (DMJK) d6=2 Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:08:34 AM
The group left behind moves forward and occupies the first easily accessible cave while they wait for Bill and Renik to get back. This keeps them out of the brunt of the elements.
Bill stops after his hour which managed to get him about a third of the way down the mountain. He identified 3 possible caves.
Renik feels like coming back after an hour, but he has more flight time left. It's really freaking cold flying around the mountain. The chill is getting into his bones. After an hour, Renik must make a cold check (fort DC 15 or 2 points subdual damage).
Following that first check, he has to make a check every 10 minutes with the DC increasing by 1 each time(unless he has some sort of magical protection). Roll for however long you want to stay out searching.
Checking a different area of the mountain than Bill, Renik spots 2 likely caves in his first hour. Perhaps there are more farther down the mountain.
Bill Troublefinder (Endure elements, cold) Thursday April 10th, 2003 4:23:31 PM
Bill reports in to the group, telling them what he discerned of the openings he found. The idea was that he would have probed each one a little bit, to see if it was just a shallow opening, or if it appeared to penetrate deeper into the mountain.
"Maybe we can have Renik fly us to some of the places," he suggests. "I wonder if it is still here," he also wonders aloud.
When Renik returns, Bill notes the chattering of his teeth. Chagrined, he says sheepishly, "Oh, sorry, Renik. I thought you would have had some sort of protection against the cold before flying off with me. Moving so fast against the cold air, it can really get into your bones." He takes out a scroll of endure elements, cold, for Arien to read and apply to Renik.
"B-b-better late than n-never!" shivers the rogue to Bill with a chattering grin, having returned after an hour. "I spotted 2 caves, so sure, we could go back and check them out, along with the ones you saw. If none of those pan out we can go on hunting for more caves."
"Ooh! That's better!" he adds as the scroll kicks in and he feels warmth flood back into his chilled extremeties.
During any exploration of the caves that takes place, Renik will take point, searching carefully for evidence of a suitable lair entrance, drawing upon all his father taught him of reading the land. As he moves he seems to become almost invisible, flitting from rock to rock in almost total silence.
Arien Thursday April 10th, 2003 5:42:41 PM
Arien uses the scroll on Renik and turns to the others. "This spell lasts about a day, so unless you think we won't be fighting the dragon today I say that everyone who has one should give me their scrolls and I'll use them for them. I also have a pair of endure elements: fire for whoever is going to go toe to toe with the dragon to help protect them from any accidental fire balling."
(OOC: Did anyone take the potion of fire breathing? I need to know so I can modify my character sheet accordingly.)
Bill (answer for Arien & all) Thursday April 10th, 2003 6:53:48 PM
[Bill earlier said he would take the potion of fire breathing from Arien, unless someone else requested it. So, unless someone else requests it by JK's next post, Bill has it in his pants pocket. I'd be happy were someone else to take it and plan to use it, though.]
Feng Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:01:56 PM
Not being a very stealthy person, Feng hangs in the back and waits for the reconnisance to get finished. He glances at his ring of jumping knowing that he would risk a jump or two if trouble occurred.
Rond Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:20:48 PM
Waiting for the others to report, Rond gives his scroll of endure cold over to Arien to read, along with the scroll for cats grace. "Bill I can take that potion of fire breathing. I've also got a scroll of haste that i'll use when we're ready."
Draax Friday April 11th, 2003 8:30:16 AM
Draax wipes his blade with an oiled rag as he waits to see how they will proceed. He also runs the rag over he bow string and pulls the string to keep it flexible.
DMJK Friday April 11th, 2003 10:16:42 AM
The three large openings that Bill found all extend into the mountain a bit. So do Renik's.
It is quite possible that they are all part of the same tunnel network, but who knows without investigating?
Renik, Rond, and presumably Arien get their endure element spells in place, and Rond takes the breathe fire potion.
Anything else before setting off?
Hobbes d4+1=4 Saturday April 12th, 2003 5:47:07 AM
Hobbes' entire body has been hidden within his garments for this half of the trip and mostly silent.
Then, slowly he walks forward toward Feng, his hands outstetched and mumbles several things deep within his robes. Placing a hand on either side, several small pools of light blue light coarse out of his hands and into Feng.
[Hobbes cast Endrance on Feng - +4 to his CON, then Hobbes cast Endure Elements - Cold on Feng]
He unsnaps the front of his veil and says, "There, hopefully we won't have to worry so much about you, old man." Turning to the others he asks, "Who does NOT have an Endure or Resist Elements - Cold on them? I will target whoever of you needs it once we start."
"Now, Bill, please do me the honor of drwaing precisely what the crown and sword look like for me using that mind of yours. I can locate the object magically. Once I do I can then summon a divine ally to retrive it if it is unattainable by us." He pauses, "albeit wei'll have to bargain for such a deal...and finally I have additional magic which can divine the answer to a question, which might be handy right now for which tunnel to use."
Renik Sunday April 13th, 2003 9:19:25 AM
Raising an eyebrow the rogue smiles. "Nice trick, Hobbes, very handy. Once we know where the items are and which route to take I'll have some scrolls for you to cast on me, Arien. Just one thing, Hobbes; I'd rather take down this dragon if we can, rather than using your divine servant to steal it. Perhaps if we set up an ambush, then send in the divine servant to steal the sword and crown, and in the process lure the dragon to us? If we were all magically prepared, invisible and flying we could really give big white a nasty shock."
Draax Sunday April 13th, 2003 12:16:15 PM
Draax listens to the conversations and although he would love to get in and out without fighting the dragon, he finds himself nodding in agreement with Renik's suggestion. He smiles when he realizes why he would prefer killing the dragon. The thought of treasure can really play havoc with a warrior's common sense. He adds his opinion to the conversation. "I do not know much about dragons, but if they are as intelligence as everyone says they are, there is probably more than one entrance/exit to its lair. It would be nice if we could find more than one. And since no battle goes exactly the way it is planned. Should we have a place to meet if we are separated or should we try to get back to the wizard's safe-cave?"
Arien Sunday April 13th, 2003 12:23:33 PM
"Not a problem Renik, after all I am the wizard of the group after all. If anyone else wants to have scrolls used for them just let me know."
Rond Sunday April 13th, 2003 10:07:57 PM
"Depending upon how many questions you can have, do you think we could find out the most useful items to help us against the dragon?"
When Arien asks about the scrolls for anyone to read, Rond continues holding out the scrolls that he's been waiting for Arien to take.
Feng Sunday April 13th, 2003 11:11:32 PM
"Thank you Hobbes. The Giant's cloak has helped but it is still rather cold."
Feng listens to the proposed plans and adds his own perspective, "I don't think we should worry about killing or not killing the dragon. Our objective is the crown and sword. Whatever happens to the dragon, even if there is one, should depend on what happens."
Bill Troublefinder Monday April 14th, 2003 10:21:50 AM
"Sure, Hobbes," Bill answers. "Just a sec'." From his bag of holding he withdraws a smaller bag, and from within that he extracts his current journal. He carefully opens it to the page where he had sketched the sword and crown, and shows it to the cleric.
He nods his head at Feng's observation. "If the white is here, my hope is that we'll have a clue before we awaken it, or alert it, so we can really make the preparations, and take the precautions, that will help keep us alive should we have to go against it. We might find it in the next half hour, or it might take all day, or longer. Quiet scouting will be in our best interest."
Bill waits for whatever it is that Hobbes is able to find out before making the next move. Meanwhile, he jots a few notes in his journal.
Hobbes' Plan (DMJK) Monday April 14th, 2003 10:47:02 AM
Hobbes warms up Feng and outlines his idea of a plan for dealing with the dragon and finding its lair and treasure.
With the endure elements spells in place, everyone feels much more comfortable.
Bill gets the image of the sword and crown placed in Hobbes' mind. Both of them realize that they only have a relief carving in a centuries old stone sarcophagus to judge by. Details like what sorts of gems are placed in the crown or what the reverse side of the sword might look like are left to the imagination. It gives enough of an idea that you could select the proper sword out of a group, but whether or not it will be enough for Hobbes' spell to find it remains to be seen.
As Hobbes outlines his plan, it seems that the group has dealt with two of its problems: the cold and how to find the dragon's lair. Of course getting to the dragon's lair and retreiving the items will still be the most difficult part.
Renik Monday April 14th, 2003 6:38:54 PM
"So Hobbes, cast your spells and let us see if you can determine the location of our foe, and the most efficacious route to it."
The rogue digs into his pack and readies the scrolls he wishes to pass to Arien.
Arien Monday April 14th, 2003 7:04:35 PM
Double checking that the scrolls handed to him were meant to be cast now and not later Arien then casts the scrolls as Hobbes' tries to locate the items they were searching for.
Bill Troublefinder Monday April 14th, 2003 11:45:49 PM
Bill does some more writing.
Hobbes Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:07:43 AM
Hobbes looks a bit surprised, "Oh, you mean you want me to do this now? Very well. I was merely telling you all what I have in the way of resources. Well, if you want me to cast it, I surely will, but let us discuss precisely what we're asking."
[The Spells in question are Divination, Locate Object, and Lesser Planar Ally. Feel free to give suggestions as to what to ask and whether you'd rather wait about casting such things. Perhaps this would be a good email conversation.]
He turns to Feng, "To you and I, Feng, our objective is the crown and sword, but I think we're outvoted. I think the others wish to kill the dragon to achieve the sword and crown goal. At least that's what I'm hearing. They wish its horde."
Rond Tuesday April 15th, 2003 7:15:56 AM
"I suspect that we're going to have no choice about the matter. If there was a way to find out if the Dragon would miss the crown and sword then I'd contemplate sending in the Ally. But I fully expect that we'd be better off trying to catch the Dragon by suprise and just defeating it. Because if the Dragon will miss the what we're searching for, then it just means that he comes looking for the stuff whenever it gets taken. Worst case scenario, he comes after the people in the Windorn Hamlett. Or do you want to ask whether the Dragon is somehow beneficial to the Wold? If it's beneficial to the Wold then again we could leave it be?!"
Plans - DMJK Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:30:38 AM
Hobbes explains his spells and waits for a little input from the group.
Arien Tuesday April 15th, 2003 3:24:07 PM
"I suspect that Feng would like to battle the beast as well. After all isn't it all paladin's dreams to vanquish evil whenever they might? Anyway, maybe your spell can get us a general idea to search in, you know narrow it down. That would save us some time and energy, so if you could just cast that divination spell we could be on our way." Arien waits a bit impatiently for Hobbes to cast the spell.
Renik Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:29:07 PM
"Hey, he's your God, Hobbes." smiles the rogue. "You ask him whatever you think he'll answer."
Draax Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:31:39 PM
Draax is happy to go along with anything that could help the group locate the dragon sooner. He wishes that he could give Hobbes a suggestion on what to ask, but he is unfamiliar with what Hobbes will be doing and have nothing to offer.
Feng Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:59:52 PM
"Wishing to slay the beast may be a little premature. We know nothing about this dragon, let alone if it even excists. I doubt anybody would like to battle a dragon that is hundreds of years old. I would like the beast slain, but at what cost? It would be ignorant to believe that everybody would make it out alive. Let's say for one moment that we manage to kill the beast with no casualties. After such a battle how easy would it be to sneak past the now angry giants?"
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 16th, 2003 4:14:59 AM
Bill ponders Hobbes' description of the spells he considers casting. "Well, with the ally fellow, maybe you can get a fire elemental to warm up the white's spine, for instance, or some sort of good fellow to help keep us healed up in the midst of battle, or an air critter to keep the air fog free, or to blow the white's breath back in its face, that type of thing. Or grab the two items while we've got the beast occupied, so that what we're doing doesn't turn 'em into slag. What good would that do to the old king?
"For the divination ... hmmm..." He places his forefinger on his chin and twists it around a few times. "I dunno. 'What would be the best approach within our means to overcome the guardian of Hororot's sword and crown?' for instance." When he said 'Hororot's' - he dropped his voice considerably, so that the king's name was whispered.
"And for the location of the two things you saw my sketch of - Oh, I almost forgot!" The halfling pulls out some parchments from his bag of holding, and shows Hobbes the rubbings he made of the items. "This is more life-sized. That is, at least, if the artistic representation on the sarcophagus accurately matched the real things. So, I guess you kind of think about them, and then figure out where they are? I'll leave that to you. How about you decide which one to cast first, and see what you get back, before you go usin' up all three at once? Maybe like either the divination - that'd be my first one - or the locate object... not a bad choice, either."
Bill looks up to Hobbes, to see what he decides to do next.
Rond Wednesday April 16th, 2003 8:07:13 AM
Not being a spellcaster, Rond is unsure what he can add to the conversation. He'll let the others talk about solutions, hoping that things will resolve themselves shortly.
DMJK Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:45:18 AM
The group walks is it talks over plans and as Hobbes thinks about his spells.
One thing quickly becomes crystal clear. No matter which cave the dragon's lair is in, the group is going to have to climb down to it or have Bill fly everyone again.
The first cave is nearby, but there is a small dropoff of about 20 feet that you'll all have to climb down in order to get there. It's rocky and covered in ice in places.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 16th, 2003 2:10:11 PM
Bill puts away his journal, in which he drew a few maps, and says, "Renik, while Hobbes is thinking things over, let's take a look in the cave down here. Could you ferry us down?" He makes the portable hole available, removes his outer pants, ties them to the outside of his backpack, hands the small backpack to Renik, and says to everyone else, "Climb in, and let's go." He climbs in to the opening of the portable hole.
Once down at the entrace to the first cave, Bill begins, with Renik and whoever else deems himself stealthy enough to perform reconnaissance, cautiously to explore.
Renik (Still flying) d20+15=34 d20+25=34 d20+4=14 d20+10=11 d20+5=24 d20+10=27 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 6:09:33 PM
"No problem Bill" nods the rogue, and floats the party down carrying the portable hole. Once down he helps everyone out of the hole, motions for a degree of silence, and moves off down into the cave carefully, hunting for evidence that it may serve as an entrance for a dragon. He scouts ahead for several minutes, taking care to draw no attention to himself, and keep every sense alert for evidence of danger. He then heads back and reports any findings to the others, keeping his voice low.
Rond d20+14=27 d20+14=22 d20+7=12 d20+2=18 d20+1=20 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:59:04 PM
"I can probably help out with the scouting when we get there"
With that Rond climbs into the portable hole. When he gets pulled out on the other side, Rond moves into place and looks around as best he can.
To the cave (DMJK) Thursday April 17th, 2003 10:52:27 AM
As Hobbes drifts in his thoughts, the group makes it down to the first cave.
The mouth is probably 80 feet across and 45 feet tall. Just big enough for a dragon to squeeze through, you imagine. Of course, Bill and Renik saw a few others that were comparable as they searched the mountain.
The cave maintains the same dimensions as it opens up into the mountain. It heads straight back some 200 feet before it bends to the right and starts to slope down.
If you follow it around, you will definitely need some sort of light. It's already a little dim after the 200 feet.
No one detects or spots anything out of the ordinary. It's a cave. It's cold. There are lots of icy patches, so footing could be treacherous if you weren't careful.
Draax Thursday April 17th, 2003 4:53:48 PM
Draax exits the hole and stands guard waiting for the scouts to return with news of what they find.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday April 17th, 2003 8:12:48 PM
Bill uses a sun rod to light the way ahead. He sends a mental missive to Renik. Of course, carrying a light source might make it harder to hide. 'Can I sit on your shoulders while you fly?' Psicrystal William he left behind with Feng, so that he can pass on telepathic reports via the little feller to the four friends who wait behind.
Rond Friday April 18th, 2003 6:44:04 AM
Looking around Rond decides it might be a little icy for him to move about. He decides to let Renik do whatever scouting and waits to see what the party can do next.
Hobbes d100=52 Friday April 18th, 2003 7:40:31 AM
Hobbes has been reflective for quite awhile as if he were remembering, and occasionally reciting, something.
The rest of the party smells a sweet fragrant smell coming from a strange-looking candleholder in his left hand. In great circles he wields it while sprinling the ground with coins from his other hand uttering a chant in a deep tone.
[Divination. Roll is a success. Speaking Celestial to my god, translated into "Oh Gargul, Which is the way that will lead us quickest to finding the Crown and Sword of which the Hororot spoke when he gave us this quest?"]
Renik d20+25=27 d20+15=16 d20+10=29 d20+5=9 d20+2=17 Friday April 18th, 2003 8:23:06 AM
The rogue whispers back to Bill "OK, hop on up and light my way, but keep the light mostly covered. If I tug on your trouser leg cover it completely."
He awaits the results of Hobbes' divination to be relayed bt Bill and William, and assuming this cave is the best path he continues. If not he flies himself and Bill to the best cave, and heads into that one.
He flies down into the cave, descending further into the icy darkness. He keeps to the shadows and all senses are on full alert, wary for the slightest hint of danger.
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 18th, 2003 5:47:40 PM 'So, William, how are things back there with you?' Bill checks in with the psicrystal. 'This tunnel keeps going on, with some turns once in a while. Any word from Hobbes? Guess what? Renik is letting me ride on his shoulders! His shoulders are more bony than Feng's.' He continues to relay any visual, auditory and olifactory images he may perceive as he and Renik explore this pathway.
Arien Sunday April 20th, 2003 4:13:33 AM
To keep himself occupied while Bill and Renik are off and while Hobbes is casting his spell, Arien concentrates on what he's going to do to that dragon if he gets the chance.
Feng Sunday April 20th, 2003 10:46:19 PM
Feng continues to wait patiently.
Hobbes Monday April 21st, 2003 4:00:50 AM
[I hope it's clear that Hobbes is not going to IN the portable hole when he casts the Divination. Wasn't sure if it was. However that has to happen to assure he isn't in it. ]
Scouting and Divination (DMJK) Monday April 21st, 2003 12:04:09 PM
Bill and Renik steadily descend deeper and deeper into the cave. After going in about 700 or 800 yards, Bill and Renik find a small side passage off to the left. The main passage contines to go on. It seems to stay about the same size and continually bends around to the left while descending slightly. The footing continues to remain treacherous. Renik and Bill realize that they are getting farther and farther from the party and that they could bump into just about anything. This is clearly a long cave, and it probably isn't natural.
Meanwhile, Hobbes gets the answer to his divination, "You are on the path."
Hobbes Monday April 21st, 2003 3:06:40 PM
Hobbes suddenly looks very surprised. He looks back to the heavens, then bows his head. "Thank you, Great Gargul for your Divine Knowledge." He looks around at his companions and says, "It seems we are indeed on the right path. I guess they're good guessers up there." (Indicating Renik and Bill's path)
Bill Troublefinder (Endure elements, cold) d20+3=11 d20+3=16 Monday April 21st, 2003 4:31:42 PM
"Hobbes says we're on the right path, Renik. Check that out for a moment?" he whispers, indicating the little side passage. "If we find the need to flee, it might be good to know of a pathway too little for a big thing to follow - as long as the little pathway doesn't lead to an unwanted surprise. Hmmm - I wonder if the guardian can shapechange?"
If Renik is willing, then they check out the side passage - perhaps up to 100-150 feet into it, if it goes that far. Then, unless word suggesting otherwise comes from someone else above, they continue to delve deeper into the large tunnel.
Bill continues to relay via William what they see. He wonders if there will be some forking in the large corridor ahead, perhaps leading into one of the other passageways they saw evidence of in their earlier descending circumnavigation of the mountain. Any changes in the air? Any breezes? Smells? Evidence of scapings along the walls of the tunnel from dragonscales? [Spot 11, Search 17]
William the PsiCrystal Monday April 21st, 2003 4:32:50 PM "Great Bill! The Heavens themselves proclaim the righteousnous of your path! It seems that you are indeed upon the correct route to our deadly foe! Onwards! Onwards, mighty Bill!"
Renik (Cat's Grace, Endurance, Bull's Strength, Fly, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire), and hopefully Invisible) d4+1=3 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d20+17=31 d20+27=30 d20+10=20 d20+4=12 Monday April 21st, 2003 5:01:11 PM
Seeing that their route is taking them ever further from the rest of the party, and also that the tunnel is beginning to look like a very likely candidate, Renik quietly signals to Bill that he is about to turn back. Assuming no objection he heads swiftly back to the surface.
Once topside, and informed of the corectness of the path he readies himself for battle.
"Right, let's get our battle spells in place, and head out!" he grins, feeling a warm rush of fear and anticipation course through him.
Once they are ready to begin the descent he has Arien cast the following scrolls:
In addition he readies the following potions, which he takes when he reaches the farthest point himself and Bill reached the last time they descended:
Protection From Elements (Cold) (duration 50 minutes) Protection from Elements (Fire) (duration 50 minutes)
Finally he searches through his pockets and realises with a stifled curse that somehow he has managed to forget perhaps the most important spell of all!
"Blood and damnation!" he hisses. How could that have happened? I've forgotten an invisibility potion! Can anyone cast Invisibility upon me?"
Hoping that his foolish error will not prove costly he heads up the group, flying back down into the darkness as before, senses alert.
Move Silent 31 Hide 30 Spot 20 Wilderness Lore 12
Draax Monday April 21st, 2003 10:46:45 PM
Happy to know that they are on the right track and have a direction to follow, Draax grabs his gear and mentally prepares himself for battle that he believes will be in the near future.
Arien Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 2:34:12 AM
Adjusting his haversack, Arien waits for the rest of the group to get going.
Bill's Excursion (DMJK) Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 10:57:11 AM
Bill takes the side passage while Renik heads back to the surface.
Inside the side passage, Bill sees that something has carved out the smaller passage. The walls are at right angles and have clearly been shaped by something. He follows it in a ways and finds steps leading down. Then he comes to a fork path. He could continue forward with a set of steps leading down. He could also turn to either the right or the left. Both of those passages seem to shortly fork into more paths.
As for sights or smells, it is much too cold for Bill to smell anything on the air, and he doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary about the rocks. There is no wind at all in the side passage, and it's probably a little warmer here than elsewhere. As an afterthought, Bill realizes that the passageway is a little small for his human companions. It's wide enough, but it's a little short. He also notices that there is no ice on the ground in the side passage.
He doesn't notice anything strange about the main passage either. The chief difference between it and the smaller passage is that it is bigger, appears to be natural, and has patches of ice everywhere.
Renik gets back to the rest of the group and everyone starts putting their gear on.
Bill's down in the mountain by himself, separated from the group, and fending off the pressing darkness with his sunrod. Hoping that he doesn't bump into the dragon as he rounds the next corner, he presses on. Foolish or fearless, who can say?
Carl Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 11:33:42 AM
(OOC: Apologies, I must have been posting while Kim posted, and didn't see his post. Renik wouldn't have left Bill alone down there, JK. Sorry!)
Rond (protection from cold) Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 2:12:47 PM
Not wanting to use up his spells just yet Rond comments, "We probably still want to hold off on spells just yet, unless Hobbes you can give us any kind of indication as to how long we'll travel to find the treasure?"
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 5:30:47 PM 'Yes, William, onwards! We'll come for you all shortly, that we all may share in this awesome task!'
Bill agrees with Renik to return, "As soon as we've taken at least a peek down this side passage."
[JK- I'm going to assume that Renik came with Bill as far in as he went, but that we decided to return to the group before exploring further - as both of our posts implied our sticking together ... if that's OK. -Kim]
Peek taken up to the point of the forked path of the diminutive corridor, he mentally relays the information via William to his friends. Mindful of his earlier solo encounter with spectres, he motions to Renik that they should go back to the group.
Once back with the rest, he says, "Should we hold on those scrolls and such for Renik, Arien?" Bill asks after the versatile scout already has received Cat's Grace. "Renik, you've got maybe a hundred minutes left on the flying I gave you. Also - though this be the right path - it may take hours, not minutes, to find the guardian as is. Should we not wait until we know we are closer before we use all the spells and such? What if it takes four hours before we meet it? Or even an hour? Let us think before we hyperventilate. The right path, the quickest path, yes. I thank Gargul for the message he gave through Hobbes."
Even as he warns against too much haste in application of certain spells, Bill pulls out a tarp, and, with fishing wire, sewing needles and knife, he begins to affix various items on to the 15'x20' tarp - flasks of alchemical fire tied upon it; lamp oil he allows to soak into the canvas; some tanglefoot bags strategically spread; some dagger slits to allow for air to pass through, that the tarp might settle quickly when he needs it to do so. He also ties some pieces of wood, and lead weights along the edges. Along the leading and trailing edges he has lengths of rope, as well as rope along the sides. He carefully, oh so carefully, folds it and rolls up the works, and places it within his bag of holding, stored in a way that he can later pull it out safely without breaking the contents.
"Of course, though we penetrated less than a thousand feet already - our return flight to that point should take only a minute or so - come to think of it - if most of us can travel in the hole..." Bill removes outer pants and backpack, opens the portable hole, and begins emptying most of what he carries in it. He requests help to set it aside. He finds a point in the passageway near the exit, but in some sort of alcove or indentation, and stacks upon a canvas those things he believes he and the party won't need against the dragon (such as most of the stacks of firewood, etc.). He covers those things with the canvas, then carries snow from just outside the cave to cover the canvas. He does what he can to obscure the lot, looking to Rond or to anyone else who may have some ideas on the best way to do this.
He also fills two buckets with flasks of alchemical fire, and one tanglefoot bag in the middle of each bucket to boot. He covers each bucket with canvas, and ties the canvas down, using a slip knot so that he need simply pull on one strand of the cord to free the canvas from the top of the bucket. He tests this a few times (bucket top upwards, so nothing spills out) in order to ensure it will work when needed.
The halfling puts his outer pants back on, and runs his hand through his wavy hair.
"Here's what I'm thinking. Renik - you and I scout on - with our friends in the hole, with me carrying it. Maybe one more of us can be flying, besides Renki and me. I can let them know what we see. If there is evidence that we draw near the lair - then I let them know - or, that is, William does so - thank you William - and Arien and Hobbes & all inside the hole, effect what spells they can and must. When all is ready, out they come, and on we go." He rubs his nose and looks to his companions. "Or, we can all go down now to that little passageway we found - but hold off on the prep spells until we're sure we're getting closer to our goal.
"Come, friends, what counsel have you? To walk is treacherous on this pathway. Tell me where I am wrong, or where your insight is sharper, for we all must share our wisdom, that it be the greater, and prepare for such an awe-filled task." ======= Bill makes available the following for others to use:
Scrolls 5: Endure Elements, Cold 1: Cat's Grace 1: Protection from Elements, Cold 1: Protection from Elements, Fire 1: Fire Shield (cause fire damage to those who strike the person protected, as well as protection from cold - probably best used by one who will attempt direct melee combat with the dragon) 1: Invisibility (for Renik, unless someone else offers him a means to gain invisibility) - he suggests holding off on using it until they sense they are closer.
Potions 1: Neutralize Poison
Renik d20+25=29 d20+15=17 d20+10=28 d20+10=16 d20+4=18 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 2:58:45 AM
Conceding Bill's point, Renik holds off on his spells until they are all nearer their target. He thanks Bill for the Invisbility potion, and flies back down with him on his shoulders to the point they had last reached, carrying the others in the hole if desired.
"OK, I suggest we continue to explore these passages. Bill, I'll keep an eye on things, you give directions and remember our way back" whispers the rogue, having let everyone out of the hole at a suitable juncture.
DMJK Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 2:42:18 PM
Bill readies his tarp, which seems like a great idea as long as the dragon gives you all the chance to unfold it and get it ready.
Bill also makes some suggestions regarding the portable hole which sound reasonable provided the dragon doesn't catch Bill with his pants down.
Well, it's probably sleeping in its lair anyway. That's what dragons do, right? It had better not be flying into the cave on silent wings right behind you.
Phew. It's not.
Bill Troublefinder d20+7=19 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 7:57:12 PM Regarding the Tarp: [OOC: So, you want me to write more detail???] :-p
Bill, using his intellect (+4), rope use (+7), and taking 10 (note above, "He carefully, oh so carefully, folds it and rolls up the works, and places it within his bag of holding, stored in a way that he can later pull it out safely without breaking the contents"), that'd give a DC 33.
For the folds - a fanfold would likely open the easiest, which is what I had envisioned him using, and the ropes positioned just so, with the final bit rolled over the fanfolded bulk, theoretically to unfurl with a proper pull on the ropes at the time of use. He has been working with tarps for five levels now, so is acquainted with their characteristics. As for how things go when he opens, or attempts to open it as a dragon blanket - well, we'll see how his attack roll comes out then, I guess.
At the small passageway:
'So, shall we explore this little diversion now as a group? Or do you want Renik and me to fly further down the big shaft?' Bill asks his friends via William. 'One finger for this little corridor with the stairs, or two fingers for the big shaftway,' he suggests. 'Unless there is another idea out there, guys.'
Rond Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 11:40:31 PM
Rond wonders about the corridor vs the shaft and which one came first. Not wanting to worry about things too much, Rond sticks out a single finger to indicate his preference.
Rond will also indicate that he'll take the fire shield spell if no one else is interested.
Feng Thursday April 24th, 2003 6:18:36 AM
"If we climb into the portable hole, what happens in a worse case situation? Bill what what do the people inside the hole do if something happens out here?"
Draax Thursday April 24th, 2003 6:41:59 AM
Feng's question has been a thought in the back of Draax's mind for awhile and he looks up as he listens to the answer.
Renik d20+25=27 d20+15=34 d20+10=19 d20+4=17 Thursday April 24th, 2003 8:12:10 AM
Renik fires a quick thumbs up to Rond, and floats silently down the smaller tunnel with stairs, taking care to touch nothing.
For now, with all the group out and at the intersection, they need not worry overmuch about the hole.
Hide 27 Move Silent 34 Spot 19 Wilderness Lore 17
DMJK Thursday April 24th, 2003 8:45:54 AM
Rond, the leader, suggests the main passage while Renik drifts off to explore the side passage.
Renik finds that he's just a bit tall for the small passage. He follows the path while hunched over and eventually comes to the forked path. Choosing straight instead of the passages to the right or the left, he follows the stairs down. They go down about 40 feet or so.
After a few more minutes of hunched over walking he comes to a stone door. At least he assumes, it's a door. It's rectangular and features a large caraving of the sun. However there is no obvious hinge or handle.
Up above, Bill monkeys with his tarp a little more. He gets it folded up just perfectly but just the same he recognizes that a 3 ft 5 in halfling is a little small to quickly maneuver a 10 ft x 15 ft tarp that's laden down with wood weights, flasks of alchemical fire and all the rest. Sure he can get it unfolded fast, but he can't whip it out of his bag, unfurl it, and sling it on a charging dragon in a single round. It's a device that requires some amount of time to use.
While Bill thinks about his tarp, Arien and Draax are a bit more concerned about the portable hole. Just how safe is that thing anyway?
Renik d20+15=30 d20+25=43 d20+10=15 d20+4=22 Thursday April 24th, 2003 5:12:16 PM
(OOC: JK, Renik was following Rond's directions! At least, I think he was...)
Finding his path blocked, and deciding the tunnel would be too small for the likes of Feng anyhow, Renik returns to his companions. As he goes he ponders the stone 'door'. A curious thing to find so deep underground, and the sun a curious symbol to find upon it. Perhaps flame might open the door in the absence of a handle? He ponders on, wondering if perhaps the stone steps and low passageways might have been carved by some long-dead dwarven craftsman.
Reaching the others he quickly whispers the salient points of his find, and indicates that, if Rond is in agreement, he will expore the larger passage instead. If there is a White Dragon down here, this is surely the path it would use.
If Bill wishes to climb onto Renik's shoulders again Renik stoops down, then he floats a foot into the air and continues his silent, shadow creeping subterranean flight.
At the first sign of danger he reverses direction, moving back to the remainder of the party.
Move Silent 30 Hide 43 Spot 15 Wilderness Lore 22
Arien Thursday April 24th, 2003 7:53:47 PM
Arien looks at the portable hole for a moment before looking at Bill and says, "I think it'd be best if we stay outside of the hole right now. Should the dragon surprise us it'd get really hairy, really fast."
Bill Troublefinder Thursday April 24th, 2003 8:12:37 PM
[OOC: I thought that Bill and Renik and all were going down to the little side corridor. And the description of the folding of the tarp was backposting the details in order to answer JK's questions. I thought we all were by now down at the little corridor, and that Rond had signaled to check out the worked corridor. The timing and location of the posts is all over the place. This is confuzzling.]
"Feng, Arien, it takes sixty seconds of flying for Renik to get from the entrance to the side corridor. And, if the dragon shows up in that time, I can blink out of the way, or even dimension door. Or, if you prefer, you can slip and slide along, taking several minutes, and making a lot of noise, and getting injured when you go sliding down the various icy inclines."
If they chicken out on hopping into the hole for a sixty second ride, then Bill shrugs his shoulders. "Okay, go ahead and make lots of noise and take lots of time and slip and slide all you want," and reaccompanies Renik and whoever will hop in the bag.
Bill does join Renik in order further to explore the main shaft, leaving William back with Rond. Unless Rond and the others want Bill to carry the rest of them in the bag (which seems unlikely for them to choose, but is possible) along with him.
Feng Thursday April 24th, 2003 9:27:02 PM
Feng follows along using the time to get in the proper frame of mind to fight a dragon. The quiet is somewhat disturbing since Feng believed it near impossible to sneak up on a dragon. Then again they could be walking into an ambush.
Draax Thursday April 24th, 2003 11:21:10 PM
Draax shares the same misgivings about the hole as Arien and decides to follow along with the others.
"I think we should worry more about locating the dragon than how fast we travel. And I really don't like the helpless feeling I have when riding in the hole. It probably just me being paranoid, but I feel more comfortable when I have some control over my actions."
Hobbes Friday April 25th, 2003 8:28:08 AM
Hobbes creeps up behind Rond and waits, barely whispering, "If ever we need absolute quiet I can arrange that. 8 minute's worth of redius 15 feet...but any dragon worth his bent will already know we're here. IF he's here."
He then backs up against the wall and crouches down ready to move when ordered.
moving things along (DMJK) Friday April 25th, 2003 2:20:37 PM
[sorry I misinterpretted the one finger thing. It doesn't really matter though.]
The side passage is partially explored, and it doesn't appear to lead to any dragons. So the party resumes with the main passage.
Soon the passage comes to a nexus. A tremendous circular shaft perhaps fifty feet in diameter rises upward into the darkness. Two other large passages meet with the one you have followed and open up onto the shaft at intervals of 1/3. A large disc of ice covers the floor in the center of this chamber. It's quite solid and you can walk across it, and it's too thick to see through. The ice merely appears black when you shine a light into it.
However, from the shape of the chamber, you assume that the shaft descends straight down into the depths of the mountain. The ice seems to have been purposefully laid down to seal the passage to the depths below, like a mage's ice wall. And the temperature is cold enough that it isn't melting.
A little heat would certainly melt through it or a hammer might crack it, so it isn't an insurmountable barrier. But you have to wonder why it's here. Did the dragon leave and seal the chamber so it would know if someone entered his lair? Is the dragon lurking beneath waiting to pounce on whoever comes through? Perhaps it's holding some poisonous gas at bay? Who knows?
Arien Friday April 25th, 2003 8:24:29 PM
"Hmm if we're trying to keep this quite I'd say fire would be the best way to go about this. Bill maybe you can use some of that alchemical fire to melt this?"
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 25th, 2003 8:51:29 PM
"No, no, we don't want to melt it, I think," Bill answers Arien. "We can get past it without doing so. In case it's an alarm or something."
[Will post later - just don't have time to finish this now.]
Bill Troublefinder Sunday April 27th, 2003 4:02:35 PM
"How about this?" Bill schemes aloud. "I, or one of us, anyway, can blink through the ice. Renik, you've used my ring before to try that.
"Say, Damocles - do you still have that, what was it, lavender ioun stone, that lets you breathe even if there's no good air? We got it from Atomos, I think. If I lend Renik my ring, and you lend him the ioun stone, and he takes William with him, then he can check out what's on the bottom side of the ice, and let us know. Or, if Renik doesn't want to do that, I could try it. Unless someone else wants to. Maybe we see what's there, before we go breaking or melting the ice. 'Cause, if the dragon is somewhere down below, then breaking it will be sure to alert him. Her. It.
"Oh, also, if you want some company, Renik, I could hop in the hole, you take me with you, and stick the hole against the wall or somethin' on the other side, then I get out, and we check things some more. Whadda you guys think?"
Renik d20+5=10 Sunday April 27th, 2003 5:26:45 PM
The rogue carefully explores the ice with his fingers (Search 10). Seeing no obvious way through he moves back to the others.
In a hushed voice he says "It would be my guess that the Dragon is beneath this ice, although there is no way of telling how deep. It is likely that the creature seals itself in when resting. That being the case, I'd rather not try to break or burn through until we are sure we know what is on the other side.
Bill, I like your plan. It should probably be me that goes as I'm already flying, and we don't know how deep the drop is under there. I think I'd like to make myself invisible before I make the trip though. That way if the dragon is beneath the ice and awake, it shouldn't spot me.
It would make sense to have you with me in the portable hole also. That way we can test if there are any deliterious effects from travelling in a portable hole whilst being blinked!" He flashes the halfling a swift wink.
He turns to the rest of the party. "What do the rest of you think? Rond, does that sound like a valid plan?"
Draax Sunday April 27th, 2003 8:10:18 PM
Draax listens to the plan and has to agree that it sound like a very good idea. He wonders about the halfling's sanity as he watches Bill talk to Damocles. Draax wonders if the dead cleric has somehow returned and only Bill can see him. He looks around for a moment to see if he can somehow catch a glimpse of the spirit before returning his attention to the plan. "I guess we can wait to see what you find on the other side before we decide how the rest of us will get through."
Feng Sunday April 27th, 2003 10:36:04 PM
"It sounds risky but we need to know what is down there. Maybe if we are lucky the cavern will be empty and Renik will be able to grab the items and be gone before the dragon notices."
Hobbes Sunday April 27th, 2003 11:40:31 PM
Hobbes nods his approval. "It should work. And it also sounds like a good place for silence. I can cast it on an item that you can carry so that it can't hear your breath or clinking or your coins and weapons. Hmm...do you need to speak to blink through?"
Rond Monday April 28th, 2003 6:24:08 AM
"Listening to the others that are talking Rond considers what they talk about. Nodding to Bill when he asks Rond state, "It should like that should work find. Do we want to worry about the two other openings, or what about above? Which of these four do we want to make sure is clear?"
Renik's examination - DMJK Monday April 28th, 2003 3:25:50 PM
Renik checks the surface of the ice. There are no obvious holes. It seems to completely seal whatever lies beneath. It is smooth and firm. In other words, it doesn't seem to be melting in anyway. There's no way to really tell how long it has been there. There isn't any dust or anything.
A plan is put forward to have Renik blink through the ice with an ioun stone that Damocles, who doesn't seem to be here, once possessed. Perhaps someone else has it now? Hobbes also suggests silence.
The party seems agreed on a blinking scout, but what other effects will Renik carry with him. And will Bill go in the portable hole? What happens to something in a portable hole when it blinks? Hmmmm.
Bill Troublefinder Monday April 28th, 2003 4:38:06 PM
"Hmmm - I've blinked with the portable hole before, and with the bag of holding lots of times, and nothin' inside has ever been wrecked," Bill ponders. "Everything I carry has always blinked along with me. But, yep, Renik, I guess we'll find out again, eh?"
Red-faced, Bill realizes he was looking at Draax and calling him Damocles. "Where's my brain? I mean, Draax. Draax, not Damocles - do you have the lavender ioun stone? I remember you saying you'd like it when we divvied up the rest of the stuff from Atomos shortly after coming to Plateau City. Sorry." Bill thinks back on Damocles, and the sacrifice he made, and feels a moment of sorrow.
If Draax has the lavender ioun and is willing to let Renik use it, Bill is pleased. If he doesn't have it, then maybe Bill did need to talk to Damocles.
"Hobbes, that's a great idea! Renik, what should he cast silence on? Oh, and Arien can maybe read that scroll of invisibility I gave you, too, if you figure you want to use that on yourself now. Unless you can read scrolls, Renki."
Bill takes a few things out of his pants pockets - some wands, a few vials, a flask, and a couple other knickknacks. He removes his outer pants, leaving on his warm winter pants. He stuffs his pants into an outer pocket on his backpack, closes the flap, and hands his backpack to Rond. "Could you carry this for me? I'll get it back after we've checked ahead." If Rond doesn't want to carry it, he checks to see who would want to. (The backpack, bag of holding, and pants together weigh about 19 pounds.]
"William, I'm trying to decide if you should come with Renik and me, or stay back with the rest of the group," he says aloud (but not too loudly), so that his friends can follow his thinking, and, if they wish, add their recommendations. "With me in the bag, you could communicate to me what's going on around you and Renik. With you back here ... I don't know whether we'd be able to communicate, if I'm in the hole. You seemed awfully far away when you were in the hole earlier today, and I was carrying the hole. Maybe you'll want to come along on Renik's shoulder? I'll let you decide."
Once he and Renik are about ready to go, he says, "It might be a good idea for you all to not stand on the ice here while we're off below. And maybe you can check out the areas nearby while we find out whatever we find out below." If William decides to come along, Bill makes sure he understands that he should let the rest of the party know what he sees after first Renik blinks to the other side of the ice.
He waits to see if there are any further recommendations or cautions, then opens the portable hole, and eases himself inside. He left only one of the bigger chests inside, with a medium and small chest within. He opens up the big one, and takes out the medium, stacking them one on top of the other. He takes two of the breathing pipes and ties the pair together. Sitting on top of the raised medium chest, he lifts the pipes upward, and says, "Okay, Ren, close the top, except for the pipes."
Renik d20+15=23 d20+25=35 d20+15=31 d20+10=26 d20+10=13 Monday April 28th, 2003 5:32:02 PM
"Well, whoever has the stone, I'll use it if you don't mind lending it to me for a bit. Hobbes, you should probably save your spells. I can be pretty quiet when I need to be."
Renik slips on the ring, takes the stone if it is available, and says to Rond "My guess is that the other passages are probably alternate routes out of the mountain, leading to other cave openings. (OOC: do the other paths slope upwards, JK?) Bill, I think we need to leave William behind, so that if something does go wrong we can warn them quickly." Then he closes the top of the hole over Bill, leaving only the air pipe sticking out. (OOC: Kim, could you mail me a copy of William's details again? I'm afraid I've lost them.)
Renik waits to see if anyone has any further suggestions or items they wish to loan him, then he secures all his pouches, pockets and the portable hole with Bill inside, and slowly inverts himself until he is floating head down. He says "Could you folks hide your lights? I need to accustomise my eyes to the dark, and it's likely to be pretty gloomy down there."
Ensuring that he is able to move up and down without making a sound, and without any of his gear falling off (Move Silent 23) he says to Arien "OK, here's the Invisibility scroll my friend. Cast away please."
Once Invisible and certain that he can move in silence, Renik blinks downwards through the ice, pausing only long enough to offer a swift prayer to Wardd. If he reaches the other side safely he instinctively attempts to blend in with his surroundings (Hide 35), and manages to keep extremely quiet (Move Silent 31). He peers about, looking for any sign of life below the ice, or for any clue as to how deep the shaft might be (Spot 26, Listen 13). He continues blinking the entire time, and makes sure he holds his breath. Once he has had time to survey his surroundings, he blinks back up to the surface.
He tries to keep his descent as swift and silent as possible, his head pointing downwards and his feet straight up so that the least amount of him possible shows through the ice. He keeps one hand lightly on the breathing tubes, ready to tug if he suddenly needs Bill to exit at speed.
Draax Monday April 28th, 2003 6:05:08 PM
Draax answers Bill, "Yea, I wanted the stone, but it was given to Damocles. I believe it should have been in his backpack when he was taken from us." Draax bows his head in respect for a second before continuing. "I know Rond distributed the items from the backpack, but I do not remembering him giving the lavender ioun stone to me. We were kind of out of it at that moment because of the lost of Damocles and I probably just forgot, hold on one second." Draax checks his gear and the pockets of his cloak looking for the stone, if he does have the stone he gives it to Renik.
(OOC: From what I read the ioun stone was not distributed, so either it was given to Draax or Rond still has it.)
Arien Monday April 28th, 2003 7:54:01 PM
Arien casts the scroll for Renik and then waits for Renik and Bill to come back.
Renik d10=6 d10=7 d10=8 d10=1 d6=5 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 2:47:27 AM
Ammendment;
Remembering Bill's previous advice on blinking, Renik decides at the last minute to change his planned descent.
Rather than head down, Renik lies flat, and blinks through that way, so that once through no part of him remains in the ice.
He passes through up to 15 feet of ice without incident. If the ice is 20 feet thick he takes 5 HP damage.
Hobbes d20+9=21 d20+7=25 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 8:21:41 AM
Hobbes nods to Renik, then stands back taking in the immensely tall cavern that drifts out of sight.
Cocking his head, he says, "Hrm... you're right, Rond. It would be indeed unfortunate if there was something else up there. I'll keep an eye out."
He stares up at the overhead passageways [Spot 21, Listen 25] and gets an idea and a disgusted look.
"Hmmm...those three caves that we saw ALL dump out here. We would have been right no matter what. What a waste of a spell..."
Falling (DMJK) Tuesday April 29th, 2003 10:38:10 AM
Of the other two passages, one slopes up and one slopes down. They both curve out of sight after a short way. Who knows where they go?
After being turned invisibile, Renik lays down and blinks through the ice. It's about 6 inches thick, and he passes through without any trouble.
The surroundings look much like those up above. He's in a large shaft that plunges down for hundreds of feet. He can't see all they way down to the bottom. Lucky for him he's still flying. It would have been a long fall.
Fortunately, there is a ledge around the outer edge that spirals down and provides a long ramp so that someone could walk down.
As for Bill in the portable hole, the hole remains open just a bit for Bill to breathe and while Bill doesn't blink in the extra dimensional space, his air supply does. He only manages to get about half the oxygen he needs from the tube. It's a fight just to breathe. Fortunately, the trip through the ice is fast, but Renik doesn't end the blink right away.
The rest of the party waits.
[How long does that fly spell last, anyway? I estimate that it's been about 2 hours since it was cast.]
[Bill is the only one with an ioun stone on his sheet, and it's a different one.]
Bill/Kim OOC Tuesday April 29th, 2003 1:17:07 PM
[OOC: Flying time. My bad. For some reason, earlier Bill had accurately reported that fly lasts 90 minutes. Then, here on the mountain, I had him state it lasts twice that long, three hours. Didn't do that on purpose. Not sure what flipped the doubling bit in my head. I just discovered my mistake when I relooked at Bill's CS. '10 minutes per level' - and he is effectively at 9th level with this power.
When flying ends, "The subject drops 60 feet per round for 1d6 rounds." Heh.
Also I think that Draax (Stan) is right - we forgot to handle the distribution of some of the stuff that Damocles left behind.
Looking back to Peer's post regarding item distribution (Sunday February 18th, 2001 7:09:24 PM), here's what should have been included:
potion of water breathing potion of fire breathing oil of impact scroll of airy water scroll of blade barrier ioun stone lavender (can breathe without air, including underwater) rapier +1 ]
That's over 2 years ago! I'd be inclined to say that stuff is gone if you're just now thinking of it. -jk
Renik d10=9 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 3:18:25 PM
Renik gazes down into the seemingly bottomless abyss below him, and feels his stomach lurch. How long did Bill say this flying spell lasted?
Suddenly less than happy to trust to chance, Renik blinks straight back up topside, lets Bill out of the hole and lets the others know what he has seen.
"There's a path spiralling down" he says. "My guess is that we'll find the dragon at the bottom. But I'd like to reset this flying spell before we continue. It's quite a drop!"
"Now I was thinking; if I took William with me on my shoulder and Bill stayed up here, we could scout ahead, and let you all know what we see, without making a sound.
Or, everyone could go in the hole, I could blink us all through, and then we could all get out on the other side and either walk or fly down the walkway. I'd be tempted to fly myself, less chance of running into traps. And it's quieter.
I know some of you have reservations about hole travel, but we've all used it now, and there have been no ill-effects. I think it has to be the safest way of getting us past this barrier."
He takes out a small mirror and brushes back his hair, checking for any split ends.
Draax Tuesday April 29th, 2003 11:08:00 PM
Draax turns toward the area that Renik's voice is emanating from. "The hole is probably the best way to get pass the ice wall without breaking it. I advise that we go over a few at a time. I would just feel more comfortable that way. Once we are on the other side we can start making our way down. How much longer will you be invisible?"
Feng Tuesday April 29th, 2003 11:14:06 PM
"We seem to have a way through the ice. But I think we need to figure out a way for a hasty retreat. If we are being pursued, does anybody think we will have the time to climb into the hole and blink back through?"
Rond Tuesday April 29th, 2003 11:55:43 PM
Hearing Feng's comment Rond whispers his comments, "We need to be clear on what it is we are attempting to do here. Are we going in to get the treasure and get out? Or are we going in to kill the dragon and find the treasure? I thought we were headed into to do the former. If we're headed in for the latter, then we need to take your (indicating Feng) suggestion into mind."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 30th, 2003 2:31:33 AM
"Intrepid William - will you scout with Renik?" Bill politely requests of his psicrystal. "You let me know everything you two see and hear, and I'll tell our friends here, topside."
[William has the ability to 'see' and 'hear' and perceive anything within a 40' radius (80' diameter sphere) telepathically. The gemstone can even be inside a pocket, and perceive outside. Even magical darkness does not thwart his 'vision' - although he cannot see invisible things. He cannot read Renik's thoughts, but could hear him whisper, or even perceive him signaling with his hands.]
During all of his talking, Bill talks quietly.
"I have a potion of flying you can have, Renik," offers Bill. "It lasts for 50 minutes." He holds forth the potion bottle, waiting until Renik takes it out of his hands. "Hey, did you know that the outside air supply was blinking on and off in the portable hole? I don't get that one. I could always breathe just fine when I was blinking."
He shifts his attention to the party as a whole. "My thought is this. Let Renik scout ahead. Let's all stay on this side of the ice. We'll keep the portable hole here. I've got two ways, besides blinking, to get us through the ice fairly quickly. One involves you all hopping into the hole - and then I'd dimension door to the other side. I can even take us nearly a thousand feet down, or sideways, or diagonal, that way. The other would be to use a cone of sound on the ice, possibly shattering it. You wouldn't have to be in the hole for that one - just probably wouldn't want to be directly beneath the ice when it's falling. Or, Arien can center one of his fireballs right in the middle of the ice. Maybe one of you has another way. Bash it real hard a bunch of times. Then there's the alchemical fire, like Arien already suggested. Or, we could build a campfire ..." As Bill ticks off options on his fingers, he happens to look around, and notes a growing measure of impatience among some of the party members with his excessive detailing of the options. "Okee, enough on that.
"But anyway, Feng, that's a good point. But, weighing the factors - if we're being pursued by a dragon that flies like, at least twice as fast as any of us can fly, and eight or ten times faster than we can run - you think it'd have problems catching up to us if we're at the bottom of that shaft, and most of us running our spiraling way back up? Until we know more - maybe let's wait until we decide to break it. Duzzat make sense, Feng? Besides, Rond's question is good. I'd say - it's us or it. I still have a birthday party to invite you all to," he says.
"So, Renik - say, how are you gonna see if it gets real dark? You want ta take this eternal flame dealie with you? Anybody have a potion of darkvision, or can cast that kind of spell for Renik? Or, maybe, Renik, William can be your eyes for you if it gets real dark.
"William - if Renik covers his eyes with his hands for a moment, that's a signal to you to let him know what's around you two, so he can keep flying without bumping into something - okay? Oh, wait, he's invisible.
"Renik - tap William twice if you get to a place where you can't see. Okay?
"William - if Renik taps you twice, then you're his eyes. And tell him if you see the dragon before he does, right away. But don't talk to the dragon - I don't care how brave you are feeling - you don't want to leave us out of the action, do you? Discretion, little friend."
Bill touches William, and the little gemstone sprouts ectoplasmic legs (last 24 hours, allowing for move 30, spider-climb).
"If we get word from Renik that he thinks the white is nearby, then we can all start our prep spells. Hobbes and Arien, that's going to keep you pretty busy, I s'pose."
The halfling looks around this nexus of passageways. "Wonder if there's any secret doors around here?"
DMJK Wednesday April 30th, 2003 11:26:19 AM
Feng poses an interesting question, and the group tries to plan how to best cross the ice. Then there's the matter of whether Renik will scout ahead or not. And is the group planning a snatch and grab or a dragon battle? Good questions that need answers.
[use email if you guys really want to debate any of these ideas, so that we can get things moving.]
As Bill thinks on the blinking, he surmises that the extradimensional space in the hole did not enter the ethereal plane, but the breathing tubes did. Essentially, he was trying to suck air through an ethereal straw.
Arien Wednesday April 30th, 2003 2:23:51 PM
"I say get rid of the ice now, because after the fight we may not be able to and I can almost guarantee that the hole and anything else we can use will be full with the dragon's hoard. I for one do not want to stuff myself into a hole filed with a bunch of treasure. I think that what I said earlier, the Alchemist Fire is the best way to do that so that I don't have to waste any spells."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 30th, 2003 6:39:26 PM
"Get rid of the ice, and the dragon knows we're here," Bill says. "Let Renik scout first."
Feng Wednesday April 30th, 2003 10:17:46 PM
"If the dragon is after us then running wouldn't do much good. So far there is no sign of any cult worshipping the dragon. Human or giant, that would make things much worse."
Draax Wednesday April 30th, 2003 10:55:44 PM
Draax listens to the opinions about the ice wall and adds his own to the pool. "I do not want to break the ice as yet. I have no idea if it is a ward or some type of alarm, but once we know where the dragon is, we might be able to use the breaking of the ice as a distraction. Who know, it might be use to keep things out or keep things in, but until we know where the dragon is or why the wall is here, I say lets leave it as it is. Just my opinion."
Bill T Thursday May 1st, 2003 2:34:38 AM 'Oh, one other thing,' Bill telepathically relays to his friends via his psicrystal. 'We take back the king's things - you think the white won't know? Rond, I don't fancy we're going to waltz out of here without its days ending. Wishful thinking won't help here.'
Rond Thursday May 1st, 2003 3:04:13 AM
"I do not want to get get rid of the ice cover at this point. If we find a reason to get rid of it that makes sense then I'll consider it. I'm not exactly comfortable about traveling in the hole either. But when we're finished we're probably not going to be in the best of shape, and using the hole is probably going to be to the fastest way to get back to the exit point without bringing undue attention to ourselves. So I'm planning on using the hole again, unless we have to fill it with too much stuff. "
"Renik you should get going, we've had you sitting around too long while we're trying to figure out what is next. Let us know what you find, and good luck."
Renik d10=10 d20+15=30 d20+25=26 d20+10=25 Thursday May 1st, 2003 3:45:33 AM
The rogue nods, though being invisible no-one can see it.
"Right you are, skipper!" He scoops up a rather suprised William, places him on his shoulder, and blinks safely back down through the ice.
Then, ensuring all is quiet (Move Silent 30, Hide 26) he descends down the shaft, flying down the center rather than following the walkway. He keeps his eyes peeled for signs of life as he descends (Spot 25).
He continues until he reaches the bottom, spots the dragon, or both.
William the PsiCrystal Thursday May 1st, 2003 3:52:13 AM
As soon as they are through the ice, William communicates with Bill back up top.
"We're through, mighty Bill! Ooh, it's very deep! It goes down forever! We're dropping, heading down. I can see a path spiralling down the shaft. We're heading down deeper, ooh, what a pretty outcropping!"
The psicrystal continues his running commentary to Bill as they drop ever deeper. As it grows darker the little crystal's senses come into play, and if he feels anything alive in the vacinity, he gives Renik a gentle warning prod in the neck. He keeps an ectolplasmic 'eye' out for Renik's signals, as outlined by Bill.
Hobbes Thursday May 1st, 2003 7:06:03 AM
Hobbes stands by the wall and is seen praying silently, his eyes closed in reflection. Then his eyes open again and he starts to look around.Focusing his attention to the ice and the chamber he murmurs something and holds his symbol aloft. He peers around the chamber purposefully.
[Detect Magic - On the Ice, in the air and all around]
Bill Troublefinder Thursday May 1st, 2003 10:11:10 AM
Now that Renik is underway, Bill passes on to his friends William's running commentary. He goes to the entrance of the tunnel opposite the one they came in on, to glance briefly down it. Most of the time, he is turned toward the center of the chamber, but he occasionally glances backwards, and upwards.
He also attunes his senses to any changes in wind currents or air pressure.
Out voted (DMJK) Thursday May 1st, 2003 10:37:08 AM
Arien seems to be out voted on breaking the ice wall, and Renik heads down to scout while Hobbes detects magic up above.
Hobbes determines that there is no active magic save for what his companions possess. However, there is a residual feeling of magic in the ice. He surmises that the ice wall was created with magic, but that there are no spells tied to it now.
Renik presumable drinks the fly potion and flies down the shaft. About 200 feet down, he notices a small side passage similar to the one he explored before. After another 400 feet, he reaches the bottom. There is a single large passage that leads off from the bottom. He explores it. It makes a turn and after the turn, it starts to get brighter. He makes out a large, brightly lit chamber around the bend before he ducks back.
William relays everything to Bill who relays it to the party.
Shall Renik continue his scouting or should the group press on together?
Bill Troublefinder Thursday May 1st, 2003 12:21:15 PM
Bill faithfully relays William's commentary, except portions such as 'Mighty Bill.'
"I might be wrong. But what say that we make some of the longer-lasting preparations here in the next few minutes - various protections and the like - and then move as a group onward?"
'William - have Renik set you high on the wall. Then slowly, quietly, walk yourself around the corner to see what's in the bright room. Then come back so Renik can pick you up. Explain to Renik what I told you - and if he thinks it's not a good idea, then don't do it. If he sets you on the wall, then go ahead.'
[OOC: Will later post list of requested assistance - scrolls for Arien &/or Hobbes to read. Gotta run.]
Bill Troublefinder d4+1=5 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Thursday May 1st, 2003 7:42:04 PM
Bill hands scrolls to Arien and asks him to cast on him:
Cat's Grace (d4+1=+5 to Dex); Bull's Strength (1d4+1=+5 to Str); Endurance (1d4+1=+5 to Con). Each lasts 3 hours. [Woo-hoo! 5 each]
He reminds the others about the scrolls and such he made available to others which (as far as I recall) no one has yet taken advantage of, except for the scroll of fire shield, which Rond accepted from Bill.
Here is the list: Scrolls: 5: Endure Elements, Cold 1: Cat's Grace (1d4+1 to Dex) 1: Protection from Elements, Cold 1: Protection from Elements, Fire
Potions 1: Neutralize Poison
"I've got other things, too, if people want some. Smokesticks, antitoxin, flashpellets, a couple extra flasks of alchemical fire, acid, tanglefoot bags..." he offers.
Feng Thursday May 1st, 2003 9:29:43 PM
Feng spins his axe in one hand and paces nervously. Something in his gut tells him that bad things will happen and soon. Closing his eyes Feng concentrates and tries to feel for evil.
Hobbes Thursday May 1st, 2003 10:45:05 PM
Hobbes raises a reluctant finger.
"I hate to interrupt our progress but here's a disturbing thought. What if the ice wall was not something to keep people out, but instead something to keep something in." he looks around at reactions.
"It certainly would explain it's purpose here. We've not been able to figure out just why or how the dragon put it here conclusively. But if someone ELSE on the outside sealed it in, that would certainly explain both how and why.. Someone else...named Hororot perhaps?"
He takes a stone and sharpens the end of his scythe a little. "Just a thought..."
Rond d4+1=4 Friday May 2nd, 2003 3:53:18 AM
Responding to Hobbes concern, "How would Hororot have gotten the ice in place? He said that his stuff had been stolen after he had died?"
Saying a quick prayer to Wardd, Rond begins the process of setting up his spells using Arien.
Cat's grace = +4 Fire shield Haste
Bill T Friday May 2nd, 2003 4:39:47 AM
"Don't be too hasty with the haste, there - it only lasts a few rounds," interjects Bill - although Arien would likely counsel in a similar vein - perhaps also with the fire shield (which lasts, what, a few minutes?).
Renik d10=1 d10+15=25 d10+25=35 d10+10=20 Friday May 2nd, 2003 8:14:14 AM
The rogue briefly considers Williams telepathic missive, then shakes his invisible head. Renik is invisible, and William isn't. He stands the better chance of observing unseen.
Very slowly, very quietly, he eases his head around the corner, and takes a good look at the room and its contents (Move Silent 25, Hide 35, Spot 20). Once he has taken in the scene he moves carefully back and retreats down the tunnel, flying all the while, at no point coming into contact with the floor or walls. He flies back up the shaft and blinks through the ice, and reports what he has seen (OOC: Damage from rolling a 1? Not sure, posting at work).
Above and Below (DMJK) Friday May 2nd, 2003 11:14:48 AM
Below: Renik sticks his head around the corner and the dragon bites it off.
Not really.
Above: Bill offers up his goodies, and Arien gets a big bundle of scrolls passed to him for some quick casting.
Below: Renik struggles not to gasp as he enters the chamber. Surely, he has found the dragon's lair, but lucky for him the dragon isn't in it. He quickly surmises that the ice wall is meant to keep people out while the dragon is away.
Above: Feng feels for evil and gets some residual traces. Something evil has passed by this way recently, but it isn't here right now.
Below: The chamber is enormous. It would have to be for a dragon to live in it, wouldn't it? It's a large icy cave. Huge icicles hang from the ceiling which is some 300 feet up above. Most of these glow with a faint light that illuminates the entire cave. Renik struggles to see how they work, and guesses that some sort of light source is encased in the ice. Some of those icicles are 20 feet long or more too. Renik shudders as he realizes the damage one could do if it fell and hit you.
Above: Hobbes and Rond engage in a discussion about just what the ice wall might be doing sealing off the lower chamber.
Below: The floor of the cavern is what really catches Renik's attention. The space is a huge cavern. He sees that the room is mostly circular and about 700 feet in diameter. A large icy pool lies at the far side. It looks like part of an underground lake, and Renik realizes that he's traveled down to the base of the mountain. This pool is snuggled right up against the wall on the far side of the chamber. Scattered around the floor of the chamber are icy stalagmites, and Renik grins wide as he notices them. The ice is crystal clear, and each stalagmite is filled with portions of the dragon's treasure. He sees glowing weapons, gems, jewels, gold, and all other sorts of loot.
Surely Hororot's crown is in one of them, but it will take a little looking to find it. Then the ice will have to be melted to retrieve it.
Before leaving to tell the group what he found, Renik spies a dragon scale at his feet. It's pure white, almost transparent... and it's as big as a small shield. The dragon it fell off of has to be huge. Renik is suddenly aware of just how loud he's breathing and just how alone he is.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday May 3rd, 2003 8:44:45 PM
"I dunno, Hobbes - I got the feeling that the old king's spirit is kind of stuck in the tomb," Bill says in response to the cleric's pondering, "and that he really doesn't have much of a chance to get out and about. He asked us what was going on in the world around - I know you were busy escorting Elmo and Jared out of the catacombs when we met him - so, unless he was trying to mislead us, that doesn't make much sense to me."
'Say, William,' the little nomad tells the psicrystal, 'let Renik know I'm suggesting he leave you there on the wall - you can keep a lookout - and see if he'll come and get us.'
[So, does Arien read the scrolls as Bill and Rond requested? Does anyone want to take advantage of the scrolls and such Bill offered? Write it down, so it can happen!]
Draax Sunday May 4th, 2003 9:36:50 AM
After listening to Renik's report of what he found, Draax inadvertently gives a shiver at the thought of the size of a dragon that the scale fell off of. Fortunately the dragon is not at home, but not knowing where it is can be more dangerous.
"Lets get in there and get what we came for before the dragon returns. If we do not have to fight it I will not complain, but if we do have to fight it I would rather already have the sword, crown, and any other treasure we collect already in our possession in case we have to withdraw. By withdraw I mean run. As treasure, I suggest we take the glowing weapon, gems, and jewelry. The gold is too heavy, takes up too much room, and makes too much noise."
Draax looks back down the tunnel as if he expects to see the dragon coming towards them. A little while ago he was hesitant about getting into the hole and now he is eager to get in and beyond the wall.
Feng Sunday May 4th, 2003 10:02:19 AM
"I believe the dragon is out at the moment. Something evil passed through here recently. When we are below I will act as a sentry. If I continually concentrate I should be able to feel the dragon approach. The range isn't far and the dragon will probably know we are here but at least we won't be suprised."
DMJK Sunday May 4th, 2003 2:51:54 PM
What's Feng's range on detect evil?
That was glowing weapons, not glowing weapon. :)
What's the final verdict on how the group is going to pass the ice wall?
Renik Monday May 5th, 2003 7:13:28 AM
Renik stares into the Dragon's lair with violently conflicting emotions.
Look at all that loot!
Look at the size of that dragon scale!
But just think how much cash is sitting out there in the ice!
But look at the size of that scale!
I could be rich! Filthy rich!
You could be dead, you idiot! Look at the size of that scale!
Renik shakes his head to clear his thoughts, and returns to his companions, leaving William behind as lookout.
The rogue nods at the various suggestions."Good thinking Feng, that's an excellent idea. I was going to suggest leaving William in hiding above the ice, but if you can detect approaching evil to a similar range, let's do that instead."
To Draax he says "Having seen the size of that scale, I'm rather less keen to get into a fight with this thing. I agree, if we can get out with the items (and a few trinkets for good measure), let's do that.
He opens the Hole, waits for the entire party to get inside and get their breathing tubes organised, and then Blinks everyone through the ice. Then he flies down to the base of the shaft, and lets everyone out.
Once in the vicinity of the dragon's cave the flying rogue whispers "OK Rond, how do you want to play this?"
Rond Monday May 5th, 2003 1:16:42 PM
Waiting until the party is actually engaged by the dragon, Rond will only use the cat's grace spell for now.
Rond then climbs into the hole in order to tranport quickly to where Renik has already been.
When Renik asks about what to do Rond ponders for a little bit about what the group can do.
"I was thinking that why don't you and I move out and steathily search and see if we can find the items. Bill is REAL good at surprising people, so I'd say leave him and the rest back here keeping an eye out and pretending to be a spec of sand in the beach that the dragon inhabits. That way we have spare fighting ability to move in if you and I get caught somehow."
Renik's offer and Rond's plan(DMJK) Monday May 5th, 2003 2:38:02 PM
Renik offers to use the portable hole to blink everyone through, and Rond suggests that only he and Renik actually enter the final chamber.
How about a quick vote?
Renik d6=6 d10=8 d10=8 Monday May 5th, 2003 5:30:12 PM Blinking Damage Something goes wrong and Renik takes 6 points as his first blink upward through the ice fails, but gets through succesfully on the second attempt. Heading back down goes more smoothly.
The Vote Renik waits with the Hole open. "Is everyone comfortable with this?" he asks.
Down in the Passage Assuming everyone agrees and they head down the shaft to the chamber entrance, Renik nods in agreement at Rond's suggestion, though not without trepidation. "OK, Rond. Try to keep out from under the stalegtites, Those things skewer you flat if they land on you, and you never know, there may be traps... "
Before heading out into the chamber (but waiting until any further discussion is concluded) Renik has Arien cast the various scrolls he has been carrying. They may be wasted, but then they may just save his life. Better safe than sorry...
(OOC: Based on previous rolls, 20th April, please let me know if you'd rather I reroll JK.)
In addition he drinks the following potions:
Protection From Elements (Cold) (duration 50 minutes) Protection from Elements (Fire) (duration 50 minutes
He removes a potion of Haste from his belt and holds it ready as he prepares to move, sword in hand.
Draax Monday May 5th, 2003 10:45:37 PM
Draax listens to everyone's suggestions. He feel better knowing that Feng can give them some type of warning before the creature is upon them. To Rond he say, "I really do not feel comfortable with just the two of you looking for the items. With the dragon gone I think speed is more important than stealth at the moment."
When Renik's mentions about the possibility of traps Draax sees the wisdom in not having a lot of them moving all over the place. "OK, I can see how if only a couple of us are doing the searching the safer it may be. But, since you will most likely you have to break the stalagmites to get to the treasure and find the items, it might be wise to have a couple of us close to lend a hand."
Draax scans the area where the group is gathered. "Also, I would really like to know if the way we came in is the only entrance/exit to this place."
Bill Troublefinder Monday May 5th, 2003 10:52:51 PM
Bill thanks Renik for the ferry ride. "Say, could I get that ring back, Renik? I've got an idea or two what to do with it."
Then, looking up at the vast, glorious chamber, the halfling gets excited. "Oooh. Oo-oo-oo... How about if a couple of us go up to the ceiling, then make a lot of noise and bang around on those icicles? The ones up top are called stalactites, if Darragh was right. Darragh is my mama's maid of honor's second cousin once removed. Or, they're stalactites and icicles - gotta get closer to see. Actually, stalactites look like icicles, but they're really made from, um, kind of a drippy stone stuff."
Then, realizing he's getting a bit carried away with his explanation, he says, "Well, anyway, we oughtta go up there, and send the spikey things raining down, before the dragon has a chance to do it to us - and when everybody's out of the way." He thinks about this, and how much fun it would be. "See if we're up high, right at the top, kinda in between the pokey things, then, they'll probably miss us on the way down."
His flushed face has the look of anticipatory delight that a boy might have after suggesting that he and his friends climb the tree and shake it hard to see how many apples might fall to the ground.
He gears himself up for flying, after redonning his outer pants, and hoisting his backpack over his shoulders again.
Feng Monday May 5th, 2003 10:56:20 PM
Feng follows along, scanning the large chamber.
OOC: I believe the detect evil has a 60ft range.
Hobbes Tuesday May 6th, 2003 1:38:06 AM
"I really don't like the idea of splitting the party at this point especially when there's an unaccounted for dragon about. If you meet him in there, you are dead. If we meet him out here, we are severely at a handicap. I've still got the Locate Object spell ready as well that could help in finding it quickly."
Rond Tuesday May 6th, 2003 8:10:25 AM
Rond frowns in consternation as no-one seems to understand his thinking. Of course he doesn't realize that he hasn't verbalized those thoughts!
"When I suggested the two of us to look around I was trying to use our stealth to our advantage. If the Dragon should return, I wanted to give us a chance to not be noticed, or at least a chance that we might surprise the dragon as much as he surprises us. If we all fan out and look around, or even if some of us do, there's more a chance that we can be caught off guard without doing the same to the Dragon."
With Hobbes comment about locate object Rond says, "then by all means lets pray that the object is here, and you find it with the spell. That might mean we could all move together. Also, do you or anyone have the ability to try to know where the dragon is? I'd hate to find out that he's invisible and listening to us right now." Rond shudders a little at that thought.
"Regardless of the outcome I think Bill that you should fly and try looking around from above, but use William to talk to us. If we cannot locate the objects via spell, or it's too general, then Renik I think you could head out in front of me and while you check for traps, I'll keep an eye out for anything else."
Down the shaft - DMJK Tuesday May 6th, 2003 10:39:58 AM
Since there seems to be no further disagreement about blinking through the ice in the portable hole, everyone hops in the bag, and Renik takes the group through the ice. Everyone experiences the same sort of trouble breathing as Bill did earlier and is quite happy to get out of the hole.
The trip down the side of the shaft takes some 15 minutes as it is a long, lazy spiral. The group carefully heads down as Bill natters on about knocking down the icicles. That gives the flying Renik time to scout ahead a bit.
He does notice not notice anything else about the room other than what he already saw.
The rest of the group makes it to the bottom, and Rond tries to convince them to split up while others suggest entering the chamber as a group.
For Feng the very chamber has a faint feeling of evil. The evil dragon has lived in there so long, that his taint lingers on in the ice. It's almost like how a skunk's spray fouls an area long after the creature is gone.
Renik Tuesday May 6th, 2003 3:47:25 PM
The rogue nods. "Right you are Rond. Over to you, Hobbes. Let's see if Gargul can make this a little easier for us, eh?"
He runs through an automatic check of his equipment as he waits, more a nervous reflex action than from neccessity.
Feng Tuesday May 6th, 2003 10:13:55 PM
"The Dragon is not here at the moment. The entire place reeks of evil. This Dragon has lived here for quite some time..." Feng pauses as something else crosses his mind. "Has anyone seen any sign of the dragons passing? Tracks, frozen bones, anything? It is possible that the dragon left or something drove it out."
Draax Tuesday May 6th, 2003 10:47:26 PM
Draax waits to see if Hobbes' spell succeeds in finding the items. He freezes for a second when Feng describes the evil aura emanating from everything and his theory about the dragon being driven away. "Although I would be very happy if the dragon was not coming back, I think the ice wall is an indicator that the dragon might still be around. But if you are right I would really hate fighting something that drove the dragon away."
Rond Wednesday May 7th, 2003 1:34:56 AM
While waiting for Hobbes, Rond listens to Feng and his report. Muttering under his breath Rond comments, "At least we don't have to really justify killing it anymore."
Should Hobbes know where the objects are with clear intent, then Rond will double check about locating spells either for the dragon, or to count the number of living beings in this chamber. Should there be no way to account for enemies, then Rond will advise Renik, Bill and him to go out as described above if no idea where the objects are. Renik and Rond leading the group if there's a relative bee line to the objects. Either way Renik will be looking for traps. Probably have detect magic up if possible, and any other magical means to determine if the party is in trouble.
Rond quickly quelches a quick bit of pessimism when he thinks, provided detection is not two big glowing eyes and a disembowled voice saying , "found you!"
Hobbes Wednesday May 7th, 2003 3:50:52 AM
Hobbes nods and descends with them into the lair, then prepares his spell, intoning foreign and alien intonements, turning a forked twig over and over in his hand and holding aloft his holy symbol. Peering intently at Bill's pictures and remembering the descriptions as well, he intones the final words of the spell [Locate Object] and places the image of Hororot's crown in his mind. He extends the twig in front of him waiting for an indication.
Arien Wednesday May 7th, 2003 4:40:03 AM
Arien casts any scrolls handed to him on the owners before quaffing a potion of protection from elements: cold himself.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday May 7th, 2003 2:50:14 PM
"Okay, Rond. I'll fly up high, and see what I can from there. Does one other person, besides Renik and me, want to be able to fly? I can empower one." He waits a moment for a response to that before flying up to the ceiling, to begin traversing the cavern from the top, in the direction of the frosty pool.
The Dragon's Lair
The Lair Wednesday May 7th, 2003 2:52:59 PM
The party heads into the dragon's lair as Hobbes casts his locate spell. The spell comes off, and Hobbes feels drawn to the crown over there closer to the water.
Feng hunts about for dragon tracks or the like. There are plenty of gouges in the floor all around the chamber from its claws. He notes that they have not iced over. However, there were no tracks in the passageway the party followed. Of course, if it flew...
Feng realizes that the chamber is larger than his detect evil spell can cover. If he stood in the center of the chamber it wouldn't reach either end.
If Rond uses detect magic, his senses are nearly assaulted. There are all sorts of magical items in the room.
Arien starts casting spells from scrolls. [if everyone could post the list of spell effects on them in their name field, that would be handy. Consider that Arien cast any scrolls you gave him, but when combat starts, if it doesn't say it by your name, then it isn't working.]
Feng [Detect Evil 60'] d20=7 Wednesday May 7th, 2003 10:07:19 PM
Feng slowly makes his way around the chamber leaving the others to deal with the treasure. He tightens his grip on his double axe in nervous anticipation of the worst yet to come. Feng tries to listen for any heavy breathing by a hidden dragon. [listen check 7]
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 25; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Det. Magic] Thursday May 8th, 2003 1:15:28 AM
[As stated earlier, Bill empowers one person to fly - give some feedback, friends, so we know who that is.] Bill wears his ring of blinking, but does not activate it for the time being.
He takes a moment to inspect again the interior of his bag of holding, to ensure the things he might want to withdraw from it are accessible.
"Hobbes - would you like to say a prayer for us before we begin our explorations?" He waits long enough for the cleric to do so. [Note - he's not asking for the prayer spell, necessarily, just for a good word of petition and intercession. :-) ]
Bill picks up William, and suggests he stick with Arien for the time being.
The nomad then flies near the ceiling, learning what he might from closer inspection of the cavern's roof. He'll take a moment or two to inspect one or two of the lights - and find out whether all is ice, or a mixture of icicles and stalactites. Does he note fracture lines? After a bit he detects magic along the ceiling. Although his primary action at the moment is to examine the ceiling, every few moments he sweeps his eyes throughout the cavern. His path takes him in the general direction of the icy pool.
Renik (Invisible, Str 22, Dex 23, Con 17, HP 75, AC 24, Flying, Endure Elements (Cold), Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire) ) d8+1=7 d20+16=20 d20+26=33 d20+10=29 d20+10=17 d20+10=23 d20+2=21 Thursday May 8th, 2003 2:37:43 AM
Renik, still feeling the ache from the failed blink, quaffs a healing potion to restore himself to full health (CLW+1 potion: 7 HP cured).
Then, still invisible and flying, he moves out silently into the vast chamber, his every sense alert to danger, scanning the place for signs of their goal (and any other likely looking loot too).
He takes care to avoid straying underneath the stalegtites, and keeps a regular eye on the movement of his companions.
He pays particularly close attention to the icy lake, wondering if Dragons can hide underwater. He studies this area carefully.
Rond (Cat's grace +4, Endure cold) Thursday May 8th, 2003 2:44:29 AM
With no real evidence that the party is in trouble, other than for thinking it can take on a dragon. Rond does not prepare for anything like the rest of the group. Though he does make his potion of haste ready in case he needs it.
"If no one wants the fly, I'd suggest Hobbes so that he might be able to touch and heal us whereever we are"
Hobbes (Protection from Elements, Cold) Thursday May 8th, 2003 5:44:32 AM
Hobbes continues following the pull of the forked twig trying to maintain his concentration. As the group around him gets more tense, so does Hobbes a little. He mutters something which sounds of the gods and divine tongues, sufficing for a prayer to most people most likely. In actuality, it is the utterence of another spell. [Protection from Elements - Cold]
Finishing that, he nods to Rond's words and puts the Potion of Fly in his pouch.
[Feng has Endure Elements - Cold and Endurance cast on him as well]
Knock, Knock, Knocking (DMJK) Thursday May 8th, 2003 11:11:12 AM
Bill checks out the ceiling. They all look like icicles to him. He doesn't see any fracture lines either. Of course there are quite a few. It would take a good bit of time to check them all. The icicles with lights detect for magic, but nothing else.
Renik and Bill both see that the lake has a layer of ice over it. They'd have to actually go and check it to see how thick it is. If the dragon is hiding in the water, he's been in there long enough for it to freeze on top of him. Of course it is up against the cavern wall, who knows how deep it is, or if there's a cave down there filled with air, or if it heads underground and hooks up to another mountain, or if its filled with crazed mermaids. It's hard to tell much of anything except its an iced over pool of water and that there was no lake outside the mountain, at least not right at the base.
Renik wanders around looking for loot in the ice stalagmites (they're all ice, if there was a word for an inverted icicle, I'd use it.) He sees all kinds of interesting loot, a sword, lots of gold, is that a diamond? Surely not, it's way too big. The ice is clear and has been kept that way somehow, but it still distorts anything inside so you can't see it perfectly.
Bill empowers Hobbes to fly, while the cleric follows his rod and finds his goal. Near the pond, completely encased in ice, he finds the sword and the crown.
Feng doesn't hear any kind of heavy dragon breathing, but he does hear some sort of clanging noise in the corner. Everyone hears it pretty fast.
Investigation reveals another of those small doors behind a thin layer of ice. It's roughly in between the entrance chamber and the lake. Something is on the other side of it trying to get it. It doesn't seem like a dragon, and Feng doesn't get a feeling of evil.
{I've put up a rough map of the chamber. The main entrance is on the bottom edge. The lake is the blue spot in the top. The iced over door is on the left side. The blue spots are the ice columns on the floor. The bright blue spot is the ice column with Hororot's goodies inside. There are no marks for icicles on the ceiling. There is one for every floor spot plus a few extra. I'll put characters on the map after the next post. Keep in mind the scale. It's a huge chamber. You can't move all the way across it in a round of combat. Oh, yeah. The link for the map. Ice Cave Map 1}
Tratain;(Endure Cold, Bull Strength) d4+1=3 Thursday May 8th, 2003 2:51:52 PM
There are a few more loud knocks on the Door then they cease for a moment, some muttering can be heard from behind the door if you listen carefully [Bull's Strength]. Two more loud knocks and the door flies open shattering the thin layer of ice covering it. A human lands in a heap with a loud WHUMP and an oooof.
Tratain stands up and brushes himself off. He looks up and freezes for a moment, stunned to find anyone other than himself wandering around the mountain. He quickly composes himself.
"Umm, Hello there. I wasn't really expecting to find anyone wandering around the mountain here. Well some dwarves actually but you all don't look like dwarves."
Draax (Bull Strength +4, Str 23) d4+1=4 Thursday May 8th, 2003 5:01:58 PM
Draax drinks a potion of Bull Strength (+4) and smiles as he feel the surge of strength flow through his body.
Draax freezes for a moment when he hears the sound and listens to make sure that it was not his imagination. As he looks around at the looks on everyone's faces he is sure that it is for real. Readying his sword and shield, he heads over to where the sound is coming from. He takes his eyes from the door and looks over at Feng hoping that his detect evil will give some indication if it is the dragon or not. When the door burst inward Draax jump back a few feet and raises his shield in a defensive manner. As he notices the human getting off the floor, Draax stays in a defensive stance, not knowing if a dragon has the ability to polymorph into a human. Draax again, looks towards Feng to see if he detects any evil on the human.
When the stranger speaks Draax seems to relax although his nerves are still on edge. "Dwarves? I guess we could say the same about you. I am Draax by the way, well met"
Until he is given the OK, Draax will keep his shield half raised and keep the stranger at least a sword length away.
DMJK Thursday May 8th, 2003 8:18:33 PM
Tratain is our new character, played by Joe.
I'll let everyone roleplay the entrance/greetings as you see fit, then I'll step back in when it seems appropriate.
Feng Thursday May 8th, 2003 10:27:47 PM
Feng shakes his head indicating a negative response. He lowers his weapon slightly and gazes at the human. He man not be evil but alarms go off in the half-orc's head.
"You caught us by suprise as well. Perhaps you could give us the short version of how you ended up behind that door?"
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 25; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Det. Magic] d6=2 d6=2 d6=6 d6=5 d6=1 d6=5 Friday May 9th, 2003 1:48:11 AM
Bill thinks about yelling down to Hobbes something about the icicles. However, since several of the sharp things are a few hundred feet directly above the cleric on the ceiling, he chooses discretion - and flies down to where Hobbes is. His detect magic still active, he focuses for a few moments on the crown and sword. He withdraws from his pocket a flask of alchemist's fire. He motions for Hobbes to step back, his fingers to his lips, then looks upwards to the ceiling, making a motion with his fingers as though drawing them to a sharp point. He also points toward the frozen water, signaling to Hobbes to keep a lookout.
Hovering just above and to the side of the mound of ice covering what he assumes to be Hororot's stolen treasure, he unstoppers the flask, and pours the contents over the ice, moving backwards away from the flames to observe what kind of job it does at melting the covering of solidified water. [2+2=4 hp of fire damage over a 12-second time span.] If it is at least a tiny bit effective, he repeats the experiment with a second flask of alchemist's fire. [6+5=11 hp fire damage to ice.] If adequate to melt the ice about the crown and/or sword, he takes up the item(s). If a bit more is needed, he'll try it a third time [unless it is obvious this method is not particularly effective] [1+5=6 hp fire damage to ice, total 21 hp fire damage to ice from three flasks]. If this procedure is working, but needs a few more flasks (not a dozen more - but maybe, say, three to five), he will apply them in a similar manner, guided by the results and his intellect - and any words of wisdom that Hobbes may have to offer. [OOC: Now that he's set off a huge trap, right?]
Meanwhile, he says to William, and through him to Arien and any members of the party within 60' of the mage, 'Hobbes found Hororot's crown and sword. My thanks to Gargul for the direction he gave his cleric. Am trying to melt the ice which encases it. Will put in bag after I wrap the sword - as soon as we get it out. How are things over there?' He also, inwardly, gives a nod towards Wardd for the find.
Being way over on the opposite side of the dragon's lair from the newly opened door, Bill may be vaguely aware something is happening there, but his focus at the moment, now that the original objects of their journey are within reach, is to recover the artifacts before being diverted elsewhere.
Arien (Protection from Elements:Cold, Mage Armor) Friday May 9th, 2003 2:58:12 AM
Arien finishes up casting the scrolls and moves into the dragon's chamber. He positions himself between the three central pillars of ice and the pillar to the north of the cluster. Arien watches the water since it seems so out of place, liquid water here where it was so cold. As he waits he casts Mage Armor on himself. For now Arien simply acknowledges the human with a nod of the head. Arien wasn't about to let himself be caught by surprise if he could help it.
Rond (endure cold, cat's grace +4) Friday May 9th, 2003 3:14:31 AM
Moving across the chamber and following Hobbes, Rond comes up short when the door is opened. Rond comes to full alertness when the door comes crashing open. When it turns out to Tratain, Rond relaxes a little bit.
Realizing the amount of sound that the opening door created, Rond thinks that either the Dragon is not here, or if he is, he knows about the group now.
"Do you know anything of where you are?" After pausing a second to hear the new comers response Rond will then introduce himself. "You can call me Rond, though we don't have much time for niceties right now. We would prefer not to meet the occupant of this chamber. We want to get out of here quickly. So if you'll excuse us we need to finish what we're here for, and then be heading out."
Renik (Invisible, Str 22, Dex 23, Con 17, HP 75, AC 24, Flying, Endure Elements (Cold), Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire) ) d20+10=19 d20+10=25 d20+26=30 Friday May 9th, 2003 7:43:59 AM
The rogue, still flying and invisible, watches the developments below him with interest, but does not participate. There will be time for introductions later, assuming they all live through this. For now he can serve the team best by remaining unobserved and watchful.
He remains near the center of the chamber, quitye high up, keeping a careful eye out for trouble (Spot 19, Listen 25, Hide 30).
Tratain (Bull's Strength, Endure Elements Cold) Friday May 9th, 2003 9:42:32 AM
Tratain Relaxes a little at the greetings, He is wearing a plain white robe secured by a belt at his waist, though he is clearly wearing armor underneath it. On his belt are a small case, a pouch, and a quiver holding several Bolts. A greatsword is strapped across his back with his pack. A Holy Symbol hangs from his neck, a Shield that has had continual flame cast upon it.
"Of course I know where I am, you don't come to the Scab by accident." He says Smiling. "This is or rather i should say was the citadel of the Smoking Mountain Dwarves, though they seem to be gone now, thier halls are empty, with nothing to indicate they were here except for the craftmaship used to create the underground Citadel, none can match the work of dwarves when it comes to shaping stone, actually you are the first people I have seen in the 3 days i have been exploring the Citadel."
"I left Plateau City Many months ago on a journey to meet these dwarves, It was rumored they had an Item in thier possesion...something Important...and i came to see if it was true, but I find for some reason that the dwarves have vanished, but according to my magic the item is still here, i followed the locating magic this way until i reached that door." Tratain Indicates the door behind Him. "I believe what i seek is in this chamber, or at least close by."
Tratain Continued Friday May 9th, 2003 10:03:52 AM
My Name is Tratain, by the way, Tain if its more comfortable or you need me in a hurry.
OOC - Can't believe i forgot to put my name in the last post :) And hello everyone
He did what with the alchemist's fire? - DMJK Friday May 9th, 2003 2:21:10 PM
Arien decides there isn't much that unusual about the pool. It is frozen over afterall, and most deep bodies of water don't ever freeze solid.
Since Tratain's holy symbol is visible, most of you, particularly Feng and Hobbes would be able to tell that it's a symbol of Domi.
My assumption is that Draax, Feng, Rond, and Tratain are near the new door.
Renik is flying up near the ceiling roughly in the center of the chamber.
Arien is near the three central pillars watching the lake.
Hobbes is near the ice column that he believes holds Hororot's crown, and Bill pulls out his flask of alchemist's fire in the ice cave and proceeds to pour it. As soon as he opens the stopper, the alchemical mixture comes in contact with the air and lights on fire. The vial gets hot instantly, and starts to burn Bill's hand. The heat makes it hard to handle effectively. (1 pt dmg, fort DC 15 to keep from spilling it all over yourself. reflex DC 15 after that to pour it in the suggested manner.)
Bill Troublefinder -To Melt the Ice [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 25; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Far Hand] d20+12=30 d20+11=30 8d6(5+4+2+5+3+5+4+6)=34 Friday May 9th, 2003 3:13:43 PM
As Bill is protected for up to 12 hp of fire damage per round, the heat does not really bother him. [Note: Prot. fr Elements (Fire). Fort save 30; Reflex save 30.]
He looks up at Hobbes, and smiles. "Hmm - need to modify my approach a bit," he says quietly.
Another idea occurs to him, and he cuts more of the clean canvas, covers the ice with it, and gets some of his firewood, and lays it on the canvas about the ice-encased artifacts. That way, the flasks should help set the canvas & wood on fire, and provide additional melting power. The wood should outlast the canvas, of course.
He also cuts off, from one of his untreated tarps, a strip of canvas. He wraps the canvas around each flask before pouring it, so that the heat generated by the chemical reaction is absorbed by the cloth, and continues as he planned. He keeps the cloth away from the mouth of the stopper, wrapping it around the lower end of the flask. If, however, for some reason the flames cause problems, he will use the minor power far hand to manipulate the flasks and distribute their contents. He quietly counsels Hobbes to step back, and keep an eye out for falling icicles.
[Keeping the rolls for flasks #2 & 3 of d6=6 d6=5 d6=1 d6=5, and adding to them as much of the heat energy as may be required from up to four more flasks, as above with 5+4, 2+5, 3+5, and 4+6 fire damage. Remember, Bill has intelligence of 18, and I don't. He's going to go with something that works, and modify and refine his approach to be as efficient and effective as he can, using successive approximation as needed.]
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23) Friday May 9th, 2003 7:13:32 PM
Draax listens as Tain greets the group and is greeted in return. He turn his eyes towards what use to be a door and a smile comes to his face.
Pointing toward the door. "Hey Tain is it? Tain is that a way out of here? You do know that this is the lair of a dragon? Anyway like Rond said, this is not the time for full explanations, but I am definitely interested if you know a quick way out of here."
Arien (Protection from Elements:Cold, Mage Armor) Saturday May 10th, 2003 3:34:47 AM
As Bill works on the items Hororot sent them for. Arien still keeps his senses fully alert, watching all the exits. He most definetly does not want to be caught unaware in the lair of the beast.
Renik Saturday May 10th, 2003 5:37:19 PM
The Rogue continues his arial surveillance. He hopes to himself that Bill has plenty more canisters of alchemists' fire. That diamond looked incredible, and the other things just left lying around...
An avaricious grin settles upon his invisible face.
Feng Sunday May 11th, 2003 10:19:31 PM
Feng steps forward to examine the new door. He is confident that the others will watch Tain. Feng normally doesn't care much for powerful magic unless they are needed to stop a great evil, but letting it fall into a white dragons hands isn't a good idea either.
Rond Monday May 12th, 2003 3:53:54 AM
Rond stands over 6 feet tall. With his own greatesword strapped to his back, along with a backpack on his back. Rond is carrying rather lightly from what you tell. Wearing his leather armor looks to be like he's not feeling the weight of the armor at all. Currently his one hand as a potion (haste) in it and the other has a scroll in it (fire shield).
Rond comments to Tain, "As long as what you seek is not over there" indicating where Bill is working " then we'll have no problem. Once we are away from here we might have more time to talk as long as you are friend and not foe"
Hobbes Monday May 12th, 2003 6:18:27 AM
Hobbes doesn't know what exactly Bill is doing as he begins his lengthy preparations with the fire and he is most definite he doesn't wish to find out directly. He moves around the ice column to make sure the locate object is indeed pointing there and then takes a wide birth toward the other half of the party with Tristain.
The tall cleric walks firmly toward the newcomer, his black plate armor now a bit frothy from the cold. He also wears a large helm, a long black and silver cape and is immersed in highly decorated and warm-looking black ceremonial robes.
"An Eye of Gargul am I. If you be friend, then what do you know of the dragon that resides here?"
Hobbes keeps his eyes wandering about the cave and doesn't stand in a clump with everyone but off to the side.
The Best Laid Plans - DMJK 7d6(3+5+2+6+4+2+1)=23 d4=3 Monday May 12th, 2003 10:23:18 AM
Some of the party starts making introductions to Tratain. Bill starts stacking up his firewood and canvas. He's pretty sure a fire on the wood would work, but he sets the canvas to it ignite more quickly. Hobbes grows a little impatient watching and moves over to meet the newcomer.
AS Bill gets an armload of wood out of his portable and Hobbes is about halfway across the chamber, the iced over lake booms explosively. It cracks and little shards shoot upward, and the dragon bursts through the ice.
It doesn't appear to have already known that you were all in its lair because it doesn't come in attacking everyone, but it immediately sees Bill with his armload of wood. It's right by him, and everyone else is so far.
It breathes directly at Bill as it tries to figure out what's going on. (23 points of frost damage, which the protection from cold spell promptly absorbs. reflex DC 25 for 1/2)
The Fear (DMJK) Monday May 12th, 2003 11:11:19 AM
The creature is deadly and imposing. Pure white like the snow, the light glimmers off its polished scales. Polished to reflection, they reflect the chamber like mirrors. Freezing drops of water drip down its back and off its wings.
The thing radiates power, and as it breathes on Bill, you all find yourselves in doubt. Can this mighty beast defeated?
Bill, Hobbes, Arien, and Renik are close enough, they need to save vs. Dragon Fear DC 19 or be shaken for 4d6 rounds.
Bill Troublefinder -To Melt the Ice [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 25; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire)] d20+11=30 Monday May 12th, 2003 11:37:08 AM
Bill had in the back of his mind that the frozen pool was one likely entrance for the dragon. He was a bit concerned that Hobbes decided to move off, leaving him alone with Hororot's treasure, and left to his own resources for defense. Oh, well, let's get on with getting this thing melting down - and keep an eye out, Bill, since no one else is doing so.
The sound of cracking ice is distinctive. There was the year that the river froze over, and he and his friends had walked across and back to test it. Bill had made it back, and Buppo, and Borbo. But Carty and Frullin, along with his sister Nelki, were just about to shore when they all heard a sound like a spine cracking - only lots louder. Rays of cracks shot out, centered on Frullin, the biggest kid in the group. Carty jumped away, and almost made it to shore - we couldn't figure out why he didn't slip. But Nelki grabbed Frullin around the waist - and then the two of them sunk down. Luckily, it was only a little over Frullin's head, and he knew how to swim pretty well.
This memory shot through Bill's head as the ice broke up, and he looked over, almost expecting to see Frullin and Nelki going down. Nope, not them. It's a dragon. Quite a bit bigger than Frullin, for sure.
Hmmm - it's sucking lots of air into its lungs. Big lungs. Look at its sides swell up. Bill - wake up! It's gonna blast you!
With the logs in his arms, Bill brings those up to cover his face - the least protected part of his body at the moment - and manages to reduce the amount of the white dragon's icey breath that reaches him (Reflex save DC 30, damaged halved to 12, all 12 points absorbed by protection from elements, cold.)
After the cold blast passes, Bill realizes he needs to move quickly. What could help him more in doing so but his potion of haste? He takes it from his pocket (free action), and downs it. With the additional partial action the potion gives him, the little nomad takes a deep breath and dimension doors. Where? Right to the interior of the white dragon's left lung.
Bill Troublefinder - Will save vs. Dragon Fear d20+13=23 Monday May 12th, 2003 11:42:22 AM
[Was writing my post before your fear save post.]
Though it's big and fearsome, the plucky halfling is not overcome by fear of the dragon (Will save 23).
Renik (Shaken, Fly, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire), Invisible) d20+2=9 4d6(2+3+1+4)=10 d20+16=23 Monday May 12th, 2003 3:27:00 PM
Renik turns, and his eyes widen in horror. Dear Gods of the Wold, the size of that thing! (Failed Will save, Shaken)
He feels the icy grip of horror about his heart, but even as he contemplates fleeing he sees his friends rush to join the fray. He cannot let them down! They will stand or fall together!
Swooping silently and invisible over the creature he lands in a position near the monster's hindquarters that will allow him to flank the dragon with one of his companions.
Then he downs the potion of Haste he was holding, and draws his second shortsword, ready to attack.
Move Silent 23
Tratain: AC 24 Bull's Strength +3(19str), Endure Elements Cold, Sheild of Faith Monday May 12th, 2003 5:12:31 PM
"A Dragon's lair you say? I haven't seen or heard of any dragon." Tratain hears the ice cracking and see's the Dragon Burst out of the Ice lake. "Oh that dragon..."
Tratain then Casts a Spell of Protection upon himself (Shield of Faith) and draws his Greatsword, ready to fight the dragon or cover the retreat through the door whichever his impromptu allies decide upon.
Hobbes (Protection from Elements - Cold, Prayer ) d20+9=22 Monday May 12th, 2003 6:20:15 PM
Hobbes hears the slam of the ice breaking behind him and knows at once what has caught up with them. He grabs hold of his holy symbol in his gloved hand and prays. It starts softly than rises to a shout, "Gargul et 'vas sivant Oules jein!" [Prayer]
Remembering he is in flight now he finally does so. Not high, but merely floats inches above the ground back away from the dragon. (But not too far from Tretain.)
Feng Monday May 12th, 2003 10:07:25 PM
Feng curses under his breath. He had let his guard down and now the dragon had arrived. Feng speaks the command word and his axe bursts into flame. Saying a prayer to the gods, Feng runs over to attack the dragon.
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23) Monday May 12th, 2003 11:41:11 PM
At the sound of the cracking ice, Draax quickly turns and points his bow. He freezes for a second as he realizes what he is aiming at. For some reason the first thing he thinks about is that they did not get any of the treasure yet. He berates himself for letting he mind wonder, telling himself that he must be spending too much time with Renik.
Keeping his bow aimed at the dragon, Draax moves closer ensuring that he is within bow range before he attempts to fire off a shot.
Arien (Protection from Elements:Cold, Mage Armor) d20+4=22 d20+5=22 5d6(4+6+6+5+5)=26 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 2:31:15 AM
Arien watches as the dragon bursts out of the lake and focuses on Bill. Arien smirks and sets things into overdrive. Activating his boots of speed Arien falls into casting a spell, shouting the last words of the invocation Arien sends a fireball at the dragon.
(26 damage, spell dc: 22)
Rond (endure cold, cat's grace +4) Tuesday May 13th, 2003 3:25:26 AM
Hearing the crackling and breaking of the Ice, Rond comes awake with action as the Dragon emerges.
"So much for doing it the easy way." Rond mutters.
Concern floods Rond as his long time friend is attacked. without thinking Rond quaffs the potion of Haste.
IF Rond can he'll read off the scroll fire shield. If he cannot than he'll start to close with the Dragon. (ooc don't have books with me right now, unsure what I can do)
Rond notes that the stranger doesn't hesitate to join the fray.
Dragon Attack! (DMJK) Tuesday May 13th, 2003 10:14:26 AM
Bill gets blasted, and then he attempts to dimension door into the dragon's lung. Not having a clear conception of dragon anatomy, Bill's spell fails. He attempts to dimension door into the lung, but some odd bit of dragon anatomy gets in his way. Instead of finding himself inside the dragon, he finds that he winds up on the astral plane. He's floating in emptiness. (Will save DC25 to return to the prime plane at a random location within 100 ft)
The party sees the dragon breathe at Bill, and then he disappears.
Renik moves into place.
Across the room, Tratain casts his spell and draws his sword.
Not having ever reached Tratain before the ice broke, Hobbes casts his spell and floats back away from the dragon.
Feng lights up his axe and begins the long charge toward the dragon.
Draax focuses his shot and attempts to move close enough for short range.
Arien blasts the massive beast with a fireball.
Rond drinks the haste potion and uses the extra partial to cast fire shield. (which version?)
[Out of time. I'll finish up with the dragon's actions and the results of the fireball later today when I get a chance. We're in finals week, and it's screwing up my schedule.]
Hobbes (Matt) Tuesday May 13th, 2003 5:12:11 PM
[OOC: Just a reminder to both DM and all players that PRAYER is UP! Don't forget. It may mean the difference between life and death. ;) Also Feng, (not sure why you keep forgetting this) you have Endure COld and Endurance on you.]
Dragon Attack! pt 2(DMJK) [Hobbes' roll to beat dragon SR] d20+8=28 [Arien's roll to beat SR] d20+8=14 [bite attack] d20+22=37 2d6(3+2)+5=10 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 6:17:09 PM
Hobbes invokes Gargul's protection, and he grants the party his aid. His hands wrap and protect, and provide a measure of insulation from the dragon fear. Furthermore, the dragon fails to resist the spell, and Gargul turns his back upon the creature.
Arien's fireball explodes and shakes the icicles on the ceiling. Several fall and crash to the floor beneath. Fortunately for everyone, the icicles that fall are all above the stalgmites on the floor. Ice shatters and shoots shards everywhere, but no one is actually impaled. A side effect of the drop is that several of the pillars containing treasure are burst open. Gems and jewels are flung about the room. The pillars containing Hororot's crown is one of the ones smashed.
Fortunately for Arien, the triple pillars he's standing near seem well attached and do not fall.
Despite the carnage of the spell, the dragon resists. It doesn't seem to suffer from the flames at all. However, it seems to take minor damage from the ice shards.
The dragon moves to attack. With Bill out of the picture it focuses on Hobbes. It continues its upward flight from the bursting out of the pool and flies across the room and swoops down at the cleric. The neck strikes out fast like a snake and the huge horse size head filled with dagger like teeth snaps down. Hobbes supresses a scream as the fangs tear through his body. [AC37,dmg10]
The dragon crashes to the floor in the center of the room and screams out in triumph. It rises up on its hind legs and stares wickedly at the charging Feng.
[rolled SR for Hobbes and Arien for their spells to affect the dragon. For any future spells cast, please roll your own. I estimated caster level's at 8, which is probably high for Arien, but I didn't want to look it up. The roll is d20 + caster level.]
added new map. Letters indicate character placement. Blue dots indicate area of icicle collapse. ice cave map 2
Arien d20+5=23 d20+5=25 5d6(3+4+3+6+5)=21 5d6(5+3+6+5+6)=25 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 6:50:44 PM
Moving with supernatural speed thanks to his boots Arien casts two more fireballs at the dragon.
(SR checks: 23,25 Damage: 21,25 Save DC: 22)
Feng (Prayer, Endure Elements Cold) d20+31=45 d20+18=32 d8+17=22 d6=1 d6=4 d20+10=27 d8+9=12 d6=3 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 7:16:34 PM
OOC: Thanks for the reminder and also anybody within 10ft of Feng gets a +4 bonus to fear save from his aura of courage.
As Feng approaches the dragon he takes a gamble. Counting on the dragon to assume that his orc blood makes him stupid, Feng uses his ring of jumping and leaps 10ft into the air. [jump check 45 = 10ft] If he is wrong, Feng realizes that he coud be leaping right into a claw or the dragons mouth.
He calls upon the divine power that the gods blessed him with hoping to hurt the evil creature before him. He looks the dragon in the eye, showing no fear. His flaming axe spins in an arc at the white dragon.
[1st attack smite evil: hit ac 32 for 26 total damage. Used a hero point to reroll the d6 fire damage.] [2nd attack hit ac 27 for 15 total damage]
Tratain: AC 24 (Bulls Strength(19 str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) d20+2=6 d6=4 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 8:11:23 PM
Tratian goes through the gestures and Incants of another spell(Summon Monster IV). A Floating ball of Light(Lantern Archon) appears 40 feet away to the front and a little off to the left of Tratain. It flies to within 30 feet of the dragon and fires(If able) its Light Ray at the Dragon(Ranged Touch Attack hits Touch AC 6 for 4 points of damage). Tratain then advances towards the dragon as much as he is able.
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer) d20+3=8 d20+3=23 d20+15=20 d20+10=27 d6+5=11 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 8:54:47 PM
Draax moves within point blank range of the dragon and fights off the dragon fear (used hero point to reroll save 23). He fires off his first shot, watches his masterwork arrow goes flying away and wonders to himself how he can miss something so big by so much (hit AC 20). He takes a deep breath before firing off his second shot (hit AC 27 for 11 dmg if hit) hoping to get better results.
Kim - OOC question Wednesday May 14th, 2003 1:55:58 AM
How big is the dragon? What are its dimensions? On the map, based on the scale, it looks to be 120-130 long. Is it longer, shorter? I need to know this to determine Bill's next action.
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) Wednesday May 14th, 2003 3:13:52 AM
Continuing to worry about his friend, Rond hopes the dragon doesn't intend to move any more. Rond will read his summon swarm spell (effective lvl 19) and direct the creatures to attack the dragon's eyes. Once he's done with the scroll Rond will continue to close. Rond says a quick prayer to Wardd hoping that the swarm might effectively blind the Dragon.
If Rond gets close enough he'll pull his greatsword and activate its flaming ability. If not close enough to engage the Dragon next round, Rond will hold off.
Renik (AC 29 (Dodge, Haste) HP 75, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) d20+13=15 d20+13=33 d20+13=14 4d6(1+3+5+5)+6=20 d20+8=15 d20+13=31 4d6(5+1+4+6)+6=22 4d6(2+6+5+6)+18=37 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 5:35:22 AM
(OOC: JK, I posted last time that my flight move was towards the rear of the dragon, but the current map still shows me still at the centre of the cavern, around 50 feet from the dragon, which was my starting position. I'm going to assume Renik is within 15 feet of the dragon and behind it, as per my previous post. It's your call, or course! :-)
The invisible Rogue mouths a silent prayer to Wardd, then leaps forward to attack, adopting a flanking position with Hobbes and/ or Feng.
His face twisted into a savage grimmace he rams his twin shortswords into the back of the dragon's hind leg with all the force he can muster, seeking out those areas where the Dragon's scales are thinnest (Sneak Attack). As his blows land he pops back into view, his Invisibility spell ended.
Once his attack is done the Rogue backflips away until he is just out of the dragon's range, dodging, weaving and ducking to avoid any retaliatory strikes.
(OOC: First Move: 15' in partial action (Haste). First Blow: hit AC 15, used Hero Point to reroll, AC 33 crit threat, missed, dmg 20 HP. Second Blow: Hit AC 15, miss. Third Blow: hit AC 31, dmg 22. Second Move: (Spring Attack) 15' to outside of dragon's reach, maintaining a flanking diagonal. Tumble: To avoid AoO during second move: 37.
Hobbes (Prayer, Protection from Cold) d20+9=24 d20+8=15 d20+8=23 4d8(1+2+4+5)+8=20 d8=7 d8=6 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 6:45:21 AM
Hobbes cringes and is dropped to the floor from the dragon teeth. He grumbles and gimaces, wondering how he managed to end up at its head so quickly, then shouts at the dragon, "It is TIME thou learneth thy Garglian Lesson! Unatte Etlif O't Jlik Mon!"
He touches the dragon hard on the snout. [Spell: Inflict Critical Wounds, Casting Defensively [Succeed with 24, needed 19] Touch Attack 15, Spell Resistance roll 23. Using 2 hero points to reroll 2 crappy dice. Total Damage: 30]
He then prays to Gargul quietly as this is about to hurt.
(DMJK) Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:18:06 AM
It's like 120 feet long, but 30 feet or so is tail. And a lot of the rest is head and neck. So it has a pretty good strike radius. For ease of use, the A&G are definitely all body. The O&N are tail, and the D&R are head and neck. Maybe some body in part of the R. Use your imaginiation a bit.
And Bill's next action is getting back to the prime plane in a random location. He doesn't get to pick where he reappears.
Bill Troublefinder d20+13=26 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 12:25:05 PM
[Will save 26 (successful) for random relocation on the prime material.]
Dragon fight (DMJK) [d100 for Bill's random location] d100=20 [fireball save 1] d20+10=22 [fireball save 2] d20+10=19 [large icicle falling] 6d6(6+4+5+6+5+6)=32 [smaller icicles falling] 3d6(6+5+6)=17 [aid on Arien] d8=3 [swarm damage] d4+6=10 [save vs inflict] d20+11=28 d20+22=32 2d6(6+6)+5=17 [snatch Feng] d20+11=19 [right claw Hobbes, possible crit] d20+17=27 [left claw] d20+17=27 [dmg rt claw] d8+3=8 [dmg lt claw] d8+3=9 [left wing] d20+17=26 [right wing] d20+17=27 [left wing] d6+3=6 [right wing] d6+3=6 [tail slap] d20+17=32 d20+8=15 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 5:31:51 PM
Arien casts his fireballs. The dragon's wings deflect much of the blast of the first one from its body, but the second one catches it spot on.
The beast howls in pain as it roasts in the fire.
The explosions from the fireballs shake more of the icicles down from the ceiling. A gigantic icicle above the triple pillars near Arien come down this time, and while the mage isn't impaled. He is caught in a storm of shattering ice as the shards fly through the air. (32dmg, reflex DC15 for 1/2).
Two smaller columns near Rond, Draax, and Feng also fall. The shards bite into heroes and dragon alike. (17 dmg, reflex DC15 for 1/2)
Feng uses his ring to leap through the chaos and attack the dragon. Using the ring and jumping keeps him from being able to make the full attack. So, he is only able to hit it the first time, but the blade of his axe bites deeply. The paladin's lands right in front of the dragon.
Tratain summons the light archon and shouts commands at it. It has thoughts of its own and flies down to check on Arien. It casts Aid on him. [3 hp, +1 to rolls] Then it scoots off.
Draax's shoots his 2nd arrow through the dragon's left wing, and the creature howls. It doesn't seem to hurt the creature too terribly though.
Rond summons his swarm. Insects appear and swarm over the dragon's head. Rond finds that he has absolutely no control over the bugs once they appear, but the bugs roughshod over the dragon. They seem to be running over its head, but how much impact they have is hard to say. More than anything, they seem to really make it mad.
Rond moves in close and draws his sword.
Renik launches his sneak attack and becomes visible. He feels he gets two solid blows in. However, he has some trouble tumbling while flying. He's not used to making his moves on the wing. He winds up floating upside down, though roughly where he intended.
The dragon snarls at Hobbes as the cleric casts his spell. The dragon pales visible, as Hobbes touches it.
Bill reappears flying horizontally looking down at the ice about 15 feet off the ground.
The dragon, which is hobbily wounded and really ticked off goes ballistic.
It strikes at Feng and bites down hard. [AC32,dmg17] It clamps down and does not let go. The paladin is stuck fast in its jaws.
The dragon rakes Hobbes with its right claw. The talons slash through his armor like it was butter. [AC27, dmg 8]
With the left claw the dragon swats at the advancing Rond. The blow is hard, and he struggles to stay on his feet. [AC27,dmg9]
The dragon slaps the two men before it with its bony wings too. The left wing slams Rond [AC26,dmg 6] and the right one hits Hobbes [AC27,dmg 6].
As it focuses most of its attention forward, the dragon's tail snakes out and slaps Renik. [AC32,dmg15]
Arien (Protection from Elements:Cold, Mage Armor) d20+10=20 d20+5=21 d20+5=25 6d6(4+2+1+4+4+3)=18 6d6(3+4+6+6+2+1)=22 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 5:49:16 PM
Arien launches himself backwards as the icicle comes down he rolls as he hits and comes up near the pile of ice from the shattered icicle. Grinning wildly he launches another pair of fireballs at the beast, these two however came from scrolls he retrieved from his magical haversack as he tumbled.
(Relflex save: 20, evasion; SR checks: 21,25; damage: 18,22; Save DC:22)
Renik ((AC 29 (Dodge, Haste) HP 60, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) d20+13=19 d20+13=16 20+8=19 d20+13=22 d20+13=32 d20+13=15 d20+18=27 4d6(3+6+3+6)+6=24 d20+18=33 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 6:13:01 PM
Renik, his head ringing with the force of the dragon's tail blow and his stomach in knots of terror, grits his teeth and continues to attack. The fury of their opening assault has seriously hurt the beast, he is certain. If only they can keep up this pressure before the dragon starts to thin their numbers!
He weaves through the air, getting to grips with these airbound gymnastics (Tumble 27), then hacks at the beast once more. His first two blows sail wide (1 Hero Point used and wasted), but his third bites home with deadly effect (24 HP dmg, 2nd Hero Point used, crit threat missed).
Then he reverses course rapidly, again weaving in the air to avoid any parting shots (Tumble 33).
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) d20+6=15 d20+15=33 d20+10=18 d6+5=11 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 9:01:26 PM
Draax notices that his arrows are doing little damage to the dragon, but decides to fire a few more before he does the inevitable.
He takes his eyes off the dragon for a second to get out of the way of a flying ice shard (saved DC 15 takes 9dmg) and tries to ignore the fragments that hit him. He fires off a couple of more arrows as he watches the dragon go into a rage (AC 33, 11 dmg). Realizing how much fun the others are having in close quarters with the beast, Draax prepares himself for his close encounter.
Tratain: AC 24 (Bull's Strength(19str);Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) d20+12=26 d20+14=16 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:37:56 PM
Tratain Thinks to Himself I really Should Learn how to talk to that little guy so I can get him to do what I want, well at least he's helping
Tratain Charges the Dragon (Save Vs. Fear 26) refusing to let its Huge size intimidate him, and attempts to strike the Dragon with His Greatsword (OOC: Not sure If i can reach this round If i can I'm Charging so effective AC is 22) but connects with nothing but Air.
Feng (Endure Elements: cold, Prayer, HP 48) d20+9=25 Wednesday May 14th, 2003 11:04:58 PM
Doing his best to dodge the ice shards [ref save 25], Feng doesn't notice the Dragon's jaws clamping down on him until it's too late. Groaning in severe pain feng curses himself for allowing himself to be distracted. Gripping his flaming axe in both hands, Feng stabs down hard into the soft tissue below the dragon's tounge.
OOC: Unsure of attack or damage considering his situation. I am picturing Feng bitten at the waist, half in and half out.
Bill Troublefinder, who does not easily give up [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 25; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Hasted; My Light; Blinking] d10=7 d10=7 d10=6 d10=3 d100=60 d6=4 d6=2 d6=3 d6=6 Thursday May 15th, 2003 1:54:43 AM
Bill looks in the direction of the noise of combat as he activates his ring of blinking. He flies toward the dragon and aims for its side, trying to figure out where its lungs are, based on his past experience of seeing dragons, and the motion of the rib cage of the dragon as it breathes - and adjusted a bit based on his experience of a moment ago. He activates my light as he draws near, and blinks just as he gets near to the bright white scales along its rib cage. Entering the ethereal plane, he penetrates as far into the interior of the magnificent beast as he is able, going up to 18 feet into the center of its body, pulling his knees toward his chest so as to make himself more compact, and hoping to find the cavity of one of its lungs. Maybe even its stomach. If there is an interior cavity large enough for a small halfling (3'6" when he stands up tall, perhaps 2'6" when his body is wrapped up more like a ball) to fit in, he does so. With the light of his eyes providing him some feedback even when on the ethereal plane, he will contort his body to fit an odd nook or cranny, if such is possible. Once inside, should he succeed at his attempt, his hand goes in his pocket.
If 18-20 feet was not far enough to get into the lungs, stomach, intestine, or some other open cavity of the dragon, then Bill will be expelled into the nearest open space - whether an open lung or the like at up to 35 feet inside, or to the exterior of the dragon. The damage he will take in such an eventuality will be a function of how many five-foot units of solid matter he passes through. 4,2,3,6 are damage rolls for successive 5-foot units. [Please ignore d100=60 - that was to see the results of an action which, I realized, must wait at least until next round.]
If he does suffer damage as the result of blinking forwards or backwards, it may be that the dragon will suffer like damage.
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) AC 22 HP 54 d20+9=23 d6+4=7 d6+4=8 d20+12=16 d20+12=16 d20+12=24 d6+4=5 d6=3 d6=4 d20+7=9 d20+7=12 d20+7=9 d20+7=23 2d6(4+3)+4=11 d6=3 Thursday May 15th, 2003 4:31:49 AM
Reflex save=23 for 8 points. (would fire shield negate this? (I'm assuming no since this is impact damage, not cold damage).
15 points taken from Dragon. Dragon takes two fire shield attacks for 15 points (d6+4 for standard wizard casting of fireshield (d6 +1/lvl no stated max))
Snarling in return Rond really hopes that Wardd heard him earlier as he tries to attack the Dragon. Swinging his Greatsword at the dragon, Rond snarls in frustration when he cannot connect. Rond then hopes that the group is doing better overall than he is. Seeing that Feng is in trouble Rond uses his remaining movement to try to help Feng out of his predicament. (if previous attacks can connect with snout, then he'll jump at that).
party results (DMJK) [FB save 1] d20+10=30 [FB save 2] d20+10=26 [lantern atk1] d20+2=16 [lantern atk 2] d20+2=6 [lantern dmg 1] d6=4 [feng] d20+14=18 [ring against dragon SR] d20+8=11 [FS against dragon SR] d20+5=12 [FS against dragon SR] d20+5=17 Thursday May 15th, 2003 1:50:47 PM
In his hasted madness, Arien fireball's the dragon twice more. Caught in the dragon's mouth, Feng has to rely on the dragon's reflex to stay out of the blast. The dragon saves each time (so Feng does too).
Hobbes and Rond are also in the area of the blast. [save DC 22, dmg 18,22]
The two fireballs disperse the swarm that Rond had summoned.
Renik smacks down hard on the dragon, but not as hard as he would have liked. No sneak attack. It knows you're there, or it wouldn't have smacked you.
Draax shoots another arrow at the dragon and then moves into close quarters. Hopefully Arien won't fireball him too.
Tratain charges bravely, but his blade won't bite through the dragon's scales.
His archon pops up over his head and blasts the dragon with its light rays though. The first ray strikes and seems to do a little damage.
Rather than try to break free, Feng struggles to attack the dragon. He has little luck.
Bill tries to blink into the dragon, but its natural magic resistance forces him back.
[fire shield wouldn't negate shard damage, does hurt dragon though from when it attacked. I'll add in the dmg. The heat version won't protect from the fireball]
Rond tries to help free Feng, but he has little success.
dragon's turn (DMJK) 6d6(6+6+4+1+5+1)-1=22 Thursday May 15th, 2003 1:59:57 PM
The dragon flings Feng across the room. The halforc sails about 60 feet and crashes into one of the few remaining ice columns with a sickening thud. [22 dmg]
Then the creature leaps into the air and spreads its wings.
AoO for Rond, Tratain, and Hobbes. Not Renik since he tumbled out of the way and not Draax since he hasn't engaged in melee yet.
As it flies, it summons a fog cloud centered around Arien. The mage can't see more than 5 feet through the dense stuff.
Then the dragon beelines for the main exit. It sweeps its wings back and flies over the group before it and out into the main passageway.
You can chase it if you want.
Tratain AC 24 (Bull's Strength(19Str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) d20+14=30 2d6(2+5)+9=16 4d8(6+7+6+2)+7=28 Thursday May 15th, 2003 2:22:51 PM
Tratain attempts to strike the Dragon as it tries to flee (AoO Hit AC 30 - 16 points of damage)
Seeing as how he will never catch a Dragon in flight Tratain will run over to Feng and try to see if he is all right, and will Heal him if he needs it. I will cast Cure Critical wounds on Feng if he accepts it, and I am able to do it this round - Healed Feng for 28
Tratain : One More thing Thursday May 15th, 2003 2:39:38 PM
Tratain will also Intercept the Next attack ment for Feng.
OOC: I'm not sure which way feng was thrown and which way the dragon was going, but if I can get there and the dragon attacks him again I take the Next Hit, (Protector Ability)
Renik d20+11=23 d20+7=15 d20+11=27 d6+6=12 Thursday May 15th, 2003 3:29:45 PM
"Don't let it escape" yells the rogue, racing after the fleeing beast. As he sails through the air at full speed, his swords poised to strike he cries "It's hurt badly! Now is our best chance to kill it, before it can hide or heal! Hit it with everything you have! More fireballs! More arrows! Bill, hit it with your sound blast!" The rogue doesn't realise in his excitement that Arien is effectively blind.
If he manages to catch the dragon after his move he attacks again, striking home only once (AC 27 for 12 HP)
JK Thursday May 15th, 2003 4:42:50 PM
Map as of the end of my last post. Dragon is heading out that entrance and moving very fast. Rond and Bill are at the edge of the fog. It rises up 20 feet. Renik is above it.
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) Thursday May 15th, 2003 10:33:06 PM
Draax draws within melee range of the creature and then watches it fly toward the exit. He would not have believed it if he has not seen it for himself, the thing was actually running. He takes off after it; skimming the edge of the fog, but knows he is not fast enough to catch it. He hopes someone can slow it down long enough for him to catch up.
Feng (Endure Elements: Cold, Prayer, 54hp) Thursday May 15th, 2003 11:03:36 PM
"Much appreciation Tratain. You have proven yourself to be a good and noble person. Now let us hurry before the beast returns." Feng rises to his feet and looks around the cavern.
"My friends let us fill our packs with all we can and be gone before the creature returns. It might be best to complete our quest and return to finish the dragon at a later time. Now that we know what we are up against, we can prepare better and we need to get back to the meeting place before it is too late."
If the dragon truly leaves and isn't turning around for a charge, Feng will start filling his pack. He thinks about grabbing the sword and crown but those items would be safer in Bill's hands.
Note for Arien - the fog does not affect William, who easily can see through it (-Kim) Friday May 16th, 2003 3:01:31 AM
[Bill earlier explained in the hearing of all that William can see quite well in a 40' radius. William is with Arien.]
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Hasted; My Light] d20+7=12 d20+11=23 Friday May 16th, 2003 3:53:15 AM
Ending his fruitless blinking as the dragon slides by on its exit beneath him, Bill, fairly close to Renik, flies by him, passing him the portable hole. "Take this. I'll be in touch."
Bill dimension doors to the surface of the circle of ice the party spent so much time arguing about earlier, several hundred feet above the large tubular shaft the dragon now enters.
At a point roughly ten feet from the center, the halfling invokes the power that so many times before shook the ground, knocking down those standing upon what they thought to be a stable surface. He stomps the ice, setting up a violent vibration from where his foot lands, outward in a cone twenty feet wide. [Spell effect not subject to spell or power resistance, vis Psionics Handbook, p. 101.] The psychokinetic shock rattles the ice [presumably], causing large chunks of it to break the smooth symmetry, and fall down with ever-increasing speed, second by second approaching terminal velocity as the pieces pass through the air of the long passageway.
[And, JK, if one stomp does not do it, but only serves to weaken the ice, Bill follows up with a second stomp three seconds later. Only if the first does not quite do the job.]
Bill hopes that some of the ice meets with the ascending dragon.
Not waiting around too long after breakup, Bill pulls from his bag of holding his specially prepared canvas, keeping it wrapped neatly, and bundling it gingerly on his chest [dex check 12 to handle it with care, and avoid breaking the enclosed alchemist's fire and tanglefoot bags]. Grateful for the added strength in his arms due to the scroll Arien read for him, the nomad begins flying down the shaft, ready to deploy the canvas on the ascending dragon. Beams of light shine brightly from his eyes.
While all this goes on, he maintains telepathic contact in quick bursts with psicrystal William, letting him know, and through him, all within 60 feet of Arien, what he is doing. [i]'I'm breaking the upper ice. Renik - bring the others. The white may come this way, or may decide to change shape, and go through the dwarfs' passageways. We must pursue.'[/]
[Although this may be premature - IF Bill meets up with the ascending dragon - 23 is the ranged touch attack for the tarp vs. the dragon. I don't know whether any bonuses might accrue for the huge size of the target. Recall the tarp has embedded tanglefoot bags, alchemical fire, lamp oil, many slits in the canvas, which may easily catch on scales and such, also ropes and light lead weights, and a few pieces of firewood. Bill intends, whether as part of the attack, or as a followup, to take hold of the dragon somewhere on its scales, and hang on for all he's worth. Hey, if it tries to swallow him, that's fine, too!]
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) AC 22 HP 23 d20+9=27 d20+9=13 d20+9=14 d20+12=32 d20+12=32 2d6(4+6)+4=14 2d6(1+3)+4=8 d6=3 d6=2 Friday May 16th, 2003 4:54:04 AM
(one save, one hero point, no save. 9+22 for 31 points damage.)
Caught by surprize by the fireball that Arien launched. Rond is able to dodge only one of the two fireballs. Rond stares at the after image for a second as he didn't think Ariens fireballs would get that big!
Mumbling under his breath, "I'm beginning to really not like some spells"
Realizing that the Dragon is trying to take off Rond calls out, " Where's that tarp trick we were so worried about?"
Worried about trying to keep the creature on the ground, Rond has an instant of clarity as he strikes truly on the Dragon with this greatsword. Critical Strike for 22 points of weapon damage. 3 or 5 points of fire damage.
(ooc I didn't think the fire damage would double, but rolled it just in case).
Glad that he's at least hasted, Rond does his best to keep up with the Dragon, if not attack again. "How about a fireball in the exit?".
If the Dragon for sure is going to outdistance Rond with no problems, then he's going to worry about scooping up the crown and sword, and then follow afterwards.
Hobbes (58 Damage, Prot. from COLD, Prayer) d20+2=19 d20+10=11 d20+3=18 d20+3=19 Friday May 16th, 2003 6:33:12 AM
Hobbes stares wide-eyed and protective ready for another thrashing as the dragon flees...and lets him! He regains his composure and flies back to the location of the crown quickly....VERY quickly. He makes a diligent search for both it and the ivory hilted sword. Once he finds them, he picks them up and holds on TIGHT.
[Search 19 Spot 11 Stupid 1!!!!!!! Hahaha]
As he stands there, his face as black as his armor, he contemplates the immense pain of the burns on his body and how friendly fire isn't...
dragon flight (dmjk) Friday May 16th, 2003 12:14:58 PM
Tratain fires a parting shot at the dragon and runs over to help Feng.
Renik starts to chase after the dragon, but despite his flying potion, he has no hope of catching it. He realizes that there are few creatures in this Wold that move faster than a dragon in flight. Renik makes it to the far side of the fog, but the dragon makes it out the door.
Draax runs a few halfhearted strides after the fleeing dragon, but he quickly realizes that he has no hope of chasing it down while he's on foot.
Feng, healed by Tratain, gives a quick little speech and starts randomly snatching up loot.
Bill finds that with Renik moving full speed ahead after the dragon, that the rogue doesn't really have the time to stop by to accept the portable hole. He can drop it or bring it with him. Then he summons up the dimension door. The other end lies at the far end of how far a gap Bill is able to bridge, and he steps through. After stepping through the dimension door, Bill has a brief moment of disorientation, and despite the haste, he is unable to cast stomp this round, much less get out the tarp.
Rond takes his parting shot, then he and Hobbes scramble to find the crown and sword. It'll take a minute to find again. There are junks of ice covering everything in that section of the cave.
The dragon heads out the door and angles upward. Presumably it's flying up the shaft toward little Bill, but it could be doing anything.
dmjk Friday May 16th, 2003 12:17:40 PM
I'm not going to redo the map this time. Renik made it to the far side of the fog. Tratain moved over by Feng. Rond and Hobbes moved over by where Hororot's goodies are supposed to be. Bill is up on the ice, and the dragon is out of the chamber, somewhere in the shaft.
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) Friday May 16th, 2003 4:40:58 PM
Draax curses under his breath as he realizes that he cannot catch up to the dragon. He does not believe that the dragon has quit the fight and letting it recover would be a terrible mistake, but he knows that there is nothing he can do about that right now. Still mumbling under his breath, he looks over at Feng and begins picking up any weapons, jewel, gems, and items that he can find. He places any weapons that will fit in his Quiver of Ehlonna is the quiver and any jewel, gems and items in his backpack.
Hobbes [Protection from Cold, Prayer] Friday May 16th, 2003 5:22:36 PM
Hobbes pauses his search as the pain is getting a bit much. He takes small jar out of his pouch and starts spreading the contents over his face. He visibly looks relieved when he is through.
[Using a dose of Keoughtom's Ointment. Healed up]
Tratain AC 24 (Bull's Strength(19str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) Friday May 16th, 2003 10:27:47 PM
After Seeing to Feng Tratain heads after the Dragon to see if it really is gone or just hiding a little around the corner, He slows as he approaches the shaft not wanting to give the dragon the element of Surprise if it should turn out it didn't just keep on going.
Arien (Mage Armor, Protection form Cold, Haste) d20+6=20 Saturday May 17th, 2003 2:37:16 PM
After finally getting his bearings in the fog cloud Arien bursts out and looks around wildly to see the dragon's tail as the beast flew into the passage and away from the party. With the aid of his boots Arien speeds after the beast, pulling another fireball scroll out of his haversack as he does.
Renik ((AC 29 (Dodge, Haste) HP 60, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) Sunday May 18th, 2003 5:09:06 PM
The rogue blinks at the speed with which the dragon makes its gettaway. "Wow! Those things can move!" he whistles.
He sees the fallen hole left by Bill, and swoops down to retrieve it. Then he too flies after the dragon, hoping that they can do some more damage before it gets away and heals itself. He sheaths his swords, and readies his bow instead.
Feng (Endure Elements: Cold, Prayer, 54hp) Sunday May 18th, 2003 10:29:50 PM
As Feng gathers loot he listens for a rush of air that could come from flapping dragon wings.
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Hasted; My Light] Monday May 19th, 2003 12:55:37 AM
At a point roughly ten feet from the center of the horizontal ice wall, the halfling invokes the power that so many times before shook the ground, knocking down those standing upon what they thought to be a stable surface. He stomps the ice, setting up a violent vibration from where his foot lands, outward in a cone twenty feet wide. [Spell effect not subject to spell or power resistance, vis Psionics Handbook, p. 101.] The psychokinetic shock rattles the ice [presumably], causing large chunks of it to break the smooth symmetry, and fall down with ever-increasing speed, second by second approaching terminal velocity as the pieces pass through the air of the long passageway.
[And, JK, if one stomp does not do it, but only serves to weaken the ice, Bill follows up with a second stomp three seconds later. Only if the first does not quite do the job.]
Bill hopes that some of the ice meets with the ascending dragon.
[If the first stomp was adequate for ice breakup, Bill immediately begins this next action.] Not waiting around after breakup, Bill pulls from his bag of holding his specially prepared canvas, keeping it wrapped neatly, and bundling it gingerly on his chest [dex check 12 to handle it with care, and avoid breaking the enclosed alchemist's fire and tanglefoot bags]. Grateful for the added strength in his arms due to the scroll Arien read for him, the nomad begins flying down the shaft, ready to deploy the canvas on the ascending dragon. Beams of light shine brightly from his eyes.
While all this goes on, he maintains telepathic contact in quick bursts with psicrystal William, letting him know, and through him, all within 60 feet of Arien, what he is doing. 'I'm breaking the upper ice. Renik - bring the others. The white may come this way, or may decide to change shape, and go through the dwarfs' passageways. We must pursue. Watch for falling ice.'
[Although this may be premature - IF Bill meets up with the ascending dragon - 23 is the ranged touch attack for the tarp vs. the dragon. I don't know whether any bonuses might accrue for the huge size of the target. Recall the tarp has embedded tanglefoot bags, alchemical fire, lamp oil, many slits in the canvas, which may easily catch on scales and such, also ropes and light lead weights, and a few pieces of firewood. Bill intends, whether as part of the attack, or as a followup, to take hold of the dragon somewhere on its scales, and hang on for all he's worth. Hey, if it tries to swallow him, that's fine, too!]
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) AC 22 HP 23 Monday May 19th, 2003 2:02:30 AM
"Assume he's coming back and get healed up as we get the crown and the sword. As soon as we have the sword and crown in hand lets consider leaving and hoping that he doesn't care too much about one or two items."
Rond then continues to search & move towards where the crown and sword are.
Pursuit (DMJK) 3d4(3+2+4)+3=12 Tuesday May 20th, 2003 11:30:08 AM
Tratain, Renik, and Arien pursue the dragon and head out into the chamber as Bill shatters the ice up above.
The ice gives way with a loud crash after cracking into small pieces and tumbling into the darkness below. Bill notes that the spiral ledge catches the outer edges of the ice, and only the center falls all the way down. Bill gets his tarp close to his chest and flies down behind the ice. The beams of light making him quite visible in the darkness.
Draax and Feng scramble for loot as Hobbes heals himself with the ointment. Rond continues looking through ice chunks for the crown and sword.
Following the dragon, Tratain, Renik, and Arien find that it didn't go very far afterall. It has perched on the spiraling ledge of the shaft about 100 feet above the ground level, directly opposite the entrance to the cavern.
It shrieks when it sees them approach and it blasts Arien with a magic missile as soon as the mage is partially visible. (12 dmg) Then they see it glance up the shaft and hiss. There is some sort of light way up there, and its coming down.
It would take about 8 rounds for someone to run up the spiral to get to where the dragon is, fewer if hasted. Renik could make it in a round.
Bill is 500 feet above the dragon. Flight is 90 feet per round, and it isn't increased by haste or anything since it's a spell effect and not natural movement.
Arien d20+5=20 5d6(6+2+5+5+5)=23 Tuesday May 20th, 2003 12:43:50 PM
Arien grimaces as the magic missiles hit him and targets the dragon with the spell off his scroll, another Fireball.
(SR Check: 20, Damage: 23, Save DC: 22)
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday May 20th, 2003 1:54:26 PM
[OOC: From the Fly power description (underline added): "The power's subject can fly at a speed of 90 feet (60 feet if the creature wears medium or heavy armor). The subject can fly up at half speed and descend at double speed. The flying subject's maneuverability is good. Using the fly power requires as much concentration as walking, so the subject can attack or manifest powers normally."[i] Thus, Bill's descent is at least 180. I [i]think the haste would increase the speed, but won't argue that point.]
As Bill continues his descent, he again warns his companions via William of the approaching ice. 'Stay to the sides - ice falls in the center.'
He is prepared to alter his course one way or another should the dragon try to fly past him.
Renik (AC 29 (Dodge, Haste) HP 60, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) d20+13=20 d20+8=19 d20+13=27 d8+3=8 Tuesday May 20th, 2003 4:01:22 PM
Heading William's warning, Renik is glad he'd readied his bow, the rogue lets fly with one arrow after another.
It takes him acouple of shots to find his range, but the third arrow finds its target (AC 27 for 8 HP).
"Keep hitting it!" he yells. "We've got it on the ropes!"
He calls back to his companions in the ice cavern "It's in the shaft! We're going to need backup, guys!"
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) Tuesday May 20th, 2003 4:47:58 PM
When he hears Renik's call, Draax secures whatever treasure he found, grabs his bow and runs towards his companions.
Feng (Endure Elements: Cold, Prayer, 54hp) Tuesday May 20th, 2003 7:30:41 PM
Feng follows Draax when it has become clear that his companions won't stop until the dragon is dead. He would like to just leave without further confrontation but must do what he can to make sure nobody dies.
Tratain AC 24 (Bulls Strength(19str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) Tuesday May 20th, 2003 7:49:45 PM
Tratain readies himself incase the dragon should fly back down, if it does he will attempt to attack it.
Rond Wednesday May 21st, 2003 12:57:22 AM
(ooc If I follow the map correctly it's at least 200 feet to the entrance to where the dragon disappeared.)
If Rond can hear Renik calling out, Rond will answer, "You'll have to drag it back to where those of us on foot can reach it. Otherwise it's going to take a little while for us to catch up to you guys."
If Rond doesn't hear what Renik calls out, then Rond will continue to look for the sword and crown, but keeps his eyes and ears out for if the dragon returns.
Hobbes (Prayer, Protection from Cold, Flying) d20+10=19 d20+2=10 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 5:26:19 AM
Wisely staying out of the friendly fire area, Hobbes continues to help Rond look for that blasted crown and sword! (Spot 19 Search 10)
DMJK [fb save] d20+10=28 [claw atk] d20+17=33 [claw dmg] d8+3=10 [bite] d20+22=24 [bite dmg] 2d6(6+2)+5=13 [claw] d20+17=27 [lantern] d20+2=18 [lantern dmg] d6=2 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 10:26:44 AM
The fireball blasts the dragon as Renik peppers it with arrows, most of which seem to bounce off.
Bill races down with net in tow.
The dragon glances upward sizing up its situation. Then it turns and leaps at the group in the doorway just as Renik says it's on the ropes. The rogue has time to think about what happens when a frightened dog is backed into a corner, and he translates dog to dragon just as it swoops down right at Arien and snatches him up in its right claw. [AC33, dmg 10]. Then it bites the pesky fireball man [AC24, dmg 13]. Held in the right claw, Arien will have difficulty getting out another scroll, much less reading it.
It swats at Renik with the other claw, but the nimble rogue tumbles out of the way. [AC27]
Tratain's summoned archon steps up to defend everyone from the powerful dragon and zaps it with its mighty light ray for 2 pts damage.
Tratain can have an extra set of attacks with his next post since he held them.
On the far side of the chamber, Rond and Hobbes keep hunting for the crown. Hobbes sees the crown, there under that big chunk of ice. Maybe the sword is by it.
Feng and Draax run full out toward the doorway. Just to be nice, they'll make it next round.
Tratain AC 24 (Bull's Strength(19str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) d20+14=25 2d6(5+6)+9=20 d20+9=23 2d6(4+5)+9=18 d20+14=17 d20+9=23 2d6(1+3)+9=13 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 12:27:42 PM Attacks from last round As the Dragon Swoops in and grabs Arien Tratain tries to strike it (Hit AC 25 for 20 Damage,and AC 23 for 18)
{i] This round [i/] Tratain Continues his assault upon the Dragon hopeing it will fall soon (Hit AC 17, no chance :) and AC 23 for 13)
OOC this should be round 6 of 7 for the Lantern Arcon
Renik (AC 29 (Dodge, Haste) HP 60, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) d20+18=31 d20+13=32 d20+13=17 d20+8=27 d6+6=10 d6+3=6 d20+13=31 d8+4=7 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 4:14:09 PM
(OOC: Not sure if Renik gets an AoO as the Dragon swoops towards him; if so fires an arrow that strikes home (AC 31 for 7 HP).
Renik whips out his twin shortswords and lashes out at the dragon striking twice (Draws swords in partial action, then full attack, AC 32, missed crit for 10 HP, AC 27 for 6 HP).
Even as a savage grin twists his features he feels himself begin to slow back down to normal speed; the Haste potion begins to fade (Hasted this round, not next).
Arien (Mage Armor, Protection from Cold, -1 hp) Wednesday May 21st, 2003 8:11:03 PM
As the dragon's maw speeds at Arien he stares at it a moment before remarking with a faint smile, "Well this was fun." As the teeth tear his body the color drains from his face and he slumps back against the claws holding him.
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Hasted; My Light] d20+3=21 d20+7=18 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 10:23:24 PM
As he continues his fast descent, Bill observes in sharp relief the red and yellow light from the fireball reflecting off the dragon's white scales. Is that Renik down there? One arm holding fast to the tarp (strength check 21, dex check 18), and the other he uses to reach into his pocket. He withdraws a feather, and tucks it carefully into his waistcoast. The flying psionn again takes the tarp in both arms, taking hold of the key lead ropes for the unfurling he anticipates in the near future.
He again concentrates to see if he can tell whither moves the dragon.
Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) d20+14=34 d20+14=24 d20+9=23 d6+5=10 d6+5=11 d6+5=6 Wednesday May 21st, 2003 11:54:43 PM
If he gets within firing range, Draax will pull two of his magical +1 usable arrows and shoot them at the dragon (AC34, 10 dmg if not crit, 26dmg if crit). Seeing Arien's limp form in the dragons mouth guides his first arrow for a direct hit. He tries to mark the area where his second arrow falls as it flies pass the dragon.
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) AC 22 HP 23 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 1:05:20 AM
(ooc no comment on whether Rond heard the call)
Rond continues to rummage around and assist Hobbes with the finding of the objects. Rond doesn't realize how serious the situation might be out in the tunnel.
Hobbes d20+2=14 4d8(4+7+8+3)+8=30 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 3:15:42 AM
Hobbes immediately shouts, "There it is, Rond! Help me with this!"
He then notices Ronds unusual coloring of red (blood), white (frost) and black (fireball). "You too, eh?"
He lays a gentle hand on his back and utters some healing words. [Cure Critical Wounds for 30 hp on Rond]
He then tries to grab it or lift the ice off, whichever he needs to do. If it's a matter of lifting he will assist Rond in that (not the other way around.) [Assist successful on strength check. Rond gets +2 on his "lift ice" roll. Then again if Rond doesn't lift it Hobbes' 14 will hopefully do it.]
JK - ooc Thursday May 22nd, 2003 11:26:40 AM
[egad, I've lost my post-it with the dragon's hitpoints. Let's see, it had about 387 left. No. no. That's not right. Dang it. It isn't in the trash. Where could it be? I'm not going to add it back up. We'll just be guessing generously, about 50 points in the party's favor I imagine.]
Lantern Archon (jk) d20+2=11 d20+2=20 d6=1 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 11:33:19 AM
The mighty archon blasts away with its heavenly light ray. The dragon reels in agony. (1 dmg)
The lights help Bill make out the form of the dragon on the floor of the shaft. He can tell its closed in combat with some of the party.
Dragon Fight (dmjk) [ice fall] 4d6(5+4+2+3)=14 [claw damage] d8+3=7 [bite] d20+22=28 [claw] d20+17=34 [claw dmg] d8+3=9 [wing] d20+17=28 [wing dmg] d6+3=8 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 11:56:36 AM
Renik, Tratain, and Draax dish out what damage they can. In such close quarters, they're able to see just how serious its wounds are. It's bleeding profusely and has some rather serious looking burns. Nevertheless, it hasn't given up the fight. Indeed, it seems all the more desparate to survive. The three know without a shadow of a doubt that if the whole party had attacked the creature when it swooped at Arien, the creature would be dead now.
Then Bill's ice shower hits. The dragon's too large a target to dodge out of the way, but it's magical hide is clearly touger than all but the largest chunks of ice.
Closed with the dragon, Renik and Tratain are also in danger. (14 dmg, Reflex dc15 to negate)
When the first batch of ice hits, the dragon unleashes a quickened gust of wind up the shaft without a second thought. The gust whips any secondary ice particles into the walls of the cave, and it causes Bill some difficulty in flight. Worst of all, the wind threatens to unfurl Bill's tarp before he's ready. (Str dc 15 or lose the tarp)
Apparently still miffed about the fireballs, the dragon squeezes the unconcious Arien in its claw (7dmg).
Then it savagely assaults Tratain and Renik. It tries to bite Renik, but the nimble rogue dances away from the jaws of death.
It strikes at Tratain with its other claw, and the magical talons pierce right through his armor (AC34, 9dmg)
It strikes Tratain with the left wing. He feels a rush of wind as it nearly slaps him to the ground. (AC28, 8dmg)
It is unable to hit anyone with the other wing.
Feng arrives.
-----------------------------
Apparently oblivious to the life and death struggle at the chamber entrance, Rond and Hobbes pull the crown from the ice. When they pull it free, they also discover the sword. Finding the items was the difficult part, they are easily freed. Each item is cool to the touch, presumably because they were recently encased in ice.
Lantern Archon (jk) d20+2=3 d20+2=18 d6=4 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 11:59:00 AM
Never one to give up on people in need, the bobbing lantern fires away with more light blasts. The dragon's scales simply deflect one away, but the other strikes. This time the dragon truly does wince in pain, and it gets a look of fear in its eyes for the first time.
Tratain AC 24 (Bull's Strength(19 str); Endure Elements Cold; Shield of Faith; Prayer) d20+17=29 d20+12=25 3d8(2+4+1)+7=14 d20+14=25 2d6(4+4)+9=17 d20+9=14 d8=6 d20+7=9 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 12:29:06 PM
Tratain Oblivious to everything but the Dragon and the Mages plight is quite surprised when a big chunk of ice hits him on the head.(Failed Save with a 9)
Seeing the Dragon viscously squeeze the unconcious mage, Tratain tries something drastic, he is going to attempt to heal Arien while he is still held in the Dragons claws (Casting Cure Serious Wounds Defensivly 29 vs DC 18, Rolled 25 for touch attack on Arien if needed to actually hit him with the spell Healed Him for 19 (rerolled the 1 on the healing almost forgot)
If that is impossible Tratain will just attack the dragon with his sword. (First attack hits ac 25 for 17 damage, Second Attack Misses)
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); My Light] d20+3=19 5d4(1+2+2+4+3)=12 5d4(1+4+3+3+2)+9=22 d20+9=29 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 3:52:03 PM
[Was posting, when a book next to my PC fell on the Escape key. Had rolled a nat 20, for 23, on str check. But this will do.]
Bill's grip on the tarp remains firm during the end of his descent (Str check 19).
The halfling's flight takes him to about 60' above the ground, the dragon's body occupying some space above that. Bill lets go with a cone of sound. He targets the white dragon's body, attempting to avoid any friends he discerns in the area. He augments the 60' diameter cone (Fortify Power), adding half again the sonic damage done by the cone, for 18 hp damage to the beleaguered dragon (save vs DC 30 for half damage). [Power Resistance (same as SR) DC 30 - should be a d20+10, rather than +9. Power level 3 plus Dex bonus of 7 for +10. Ignore 5d4+9.]
Renik (AC 25 (Dodge) HP 60, Prayer, Shaken, Fly, Endurance, Bulls Str, Cat's Grace, Protection From Elements (Cold and Fire)) d20+11=23 d20+13=17 d20+8=11 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 5:20:36 PM
Renik dodges the falling shards of ice with ease (Ref 23), diving into a roll that brings him in close to the dragon's flank. This time though his attacks lack power, and he is unable to penetrate the creature's scales (AC 17 and 11: aargh!).
"Don't miss, Feng!" cries the rogue, furious at his own ineffectiveness and seeing his half orc companion racing into the melee.
Seeing the approaching lights above him in the shaft and hearing the sonic blast he yells he calls "Go, Bill! Blow that thing's eardrums out!"
To his missing companions he screams "Rond! Hobbes! Where in the Planes are you? We need you NOW! Arien is down! What in Alemi's name do you think you're doing?!?"
The rogue is desperate, furious and elated, all at the same time.
Feng (Endure Elements: Cold, Prayer, 54hp) d20+12=32 d20+12=32 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 d20+7=22 3d8(4+8+3)+24=39 d6=6 3d8(7+5+3)+24=39 d6=1 d8+8=10 d6=1 Thursday May 22nd, 2003 10:22:03 PM
Time seems to crawl by as the battle he thought was over raged on. He thought themselves lucky is chasing the dragon away but never thought that the dragon could have been caught let alone anybody wishing to continue fighting such a creature. Perhaps there was a lesson to learn in all of this. He would have to think about it later. Now it was time to end this. The burly half orc spun his flaming double axe with practiced ease. He gripped the weapon with both handsd and swung with all his might.
[OOC: In all my time in the wold I've never had numbers fall like this. Maybe it is fate's way of saying that the dragon is supposed to die.]
[Crit hit for 45, Crit hit for 40, and hit ac 22 for 11]
Rond (haste, endure cold, cat's grace +4. fireshield (protecting against cold), prayer) AC 22 HP 53 Friday May 23rd, 2003 12:03:42 AM
Quickly snatching up the crown and the sword, Rond exclaims, "We've found the items! I thank you for the healing Hobbes, but now lets go find the others and get out of here!"
As Rond hears the crashing of the ice he picks up his pace wondering what has happened out in the entranceway.
Draax Draax (Bull Strength, Str 23, Prayer, HP 70) d20+15=33 d8+8=14 Friday May 23rd, 2003 3:57:16 AM
Draax drops his bow, pulls his sword and charges the creature. He use the momentum of his run to enhance the power of his swing (hit AC33 for 14).
Hobbes (Fly, Prot Cold) Friday May 23rd, 2003 4:36:36 AM
Hobbes nods curtly to Rond then frowns and looks backat something: a glimpse of rapid movement across the cavern as Renik's screams drift to his ear. Like a flash he is soaring the cavern. On the move he draws a potion out of his pouch which he holds in one hands and outstretches his other hand in a motion of healing magic. He flies straight to the doorway into the cavern to assess the situation but he does not go into the shaft just yet.
To the victors go the spoils (DMJK) Friday May 23rd, 2003 11:46:27 AM
Tratain manages to heal Arien and yanks the fireball man from the jaws of death.
Clutching his precious tarp to his side, Bill blasts the dragon from above while Feng and Draax rain down blows.
The party's assault proves too much, and the dragon succumbs to its wounds. It collapses in a bloody heap in the doorway. The hapless Arien is still clutched in the creature's claw. The thing has a deathgrip like a vice. [str DC 25 to pry him loose]
The lantern archon dances about happily and disappears in a brilliant flash of light.
Hobbes and Rond arrive in time to see that the battle is over. They have the crown and the sword, but the rest of the dragon's treasure lies scattered about the now dragon-free chamber.
The dragon gives one last shudder. Then, as if on cue, the lights in the chamber wink out and everything becomes pitch dark again.
Tratain's anvil is somewhere in there in the dark.
Arien Friday May 23rd, 2003 2:14:33 PM
The stuck elf wiggles about a moment while cursing the dragon before remembering about a potion he has in his pack. Contorting a bit Arien manages to get one arm back and after a bit of fumbling get his hand into the haversack, where he summons the potion into his hand. Breaking the seal on the potion with his thumb, Arien gulps down the potion and sighs in relief as he becomes ethereal. He shifts his incopreal body out of the dragon's clutch easily and settled himself nearby. "Well is anyone going to turn the lights on?"
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); My Light] d20=11 d20+7=15 Friday May 23rd, 2003 7:44:55 PM
Bill, just about to unfurl the tarp and blanket the dragon with it manages in the nick of time to belay the action (figured 1-10, he unfurls, 11-20, he does not). He swoops to a landing on the dragon's back as the last breath goes out the old beast's nostrils. For a moment, he stands still, contemplating the massive body of this magnificent creature. He sighs - feeling a mixture of shared triumph with his friends over this evil beast, and sorrow that something so huge and wonderful and full of life a moment ago is now dead.
But, ever the practical one, his moment of contemplation is brief. "Is everyone all right?" he asks. "Where are Rond, Arien, and Hobbes?"
'Hey, William, where are you? Where is Arien?'
"Hey, Renik. 'Zat you, Feng? Saw your axe bite deep there. Hi, Andraaxius. Uh, hello, mister," he says to the newcomer, eyes still shining bright.
"Whoa - there go the lights." Bill takes a moment to carefully repack the fumey tarp into his bag of holding (Dex check 15 to keep from busting up the alchemical flasks). He pulls out four sunrods, and strikes them together. He takes them to his friends. (Each sheds light in a 30-foot radius, and lasts for 6 hours.)
After passing out the sunrods (Renik, Feng, and Draax), he approaches the stranger. "My name is Bill. Have you seen an elf who was casting fireballs?"
A worried look crosses his face, and he looks toward the dragon's mouth. "He's not ... in there -- is he?"
========== [OOC: No one can see or hear Arien, since he is ethereal, unless they have means to see on to the ethereal plane. Arien can see and hear any on the material plane within 60 feet of him. If my understanding of etherealness is correct, that is.]
Yep, that's right. -jk
Renik Saturday May 24th, 2003 7:15:49 AM
The rogue's eyes gleam in the light of Bill's sunrods.
"Congratulations, my friends, we've done it!" he grins. "We actually killed a dragon! Feng, that final blow was amazing. Where did Arien vanish to? He was fantastic, he roasted Frosty nicely. Phew! What a rush!"
He turns to the newcomer and extends his hand. "Thanks for your help, friend. And thanks for saving Arien, that was mighty brave of you. There's many that would have simply fled on seeing a dragon come bursting through the ice. My name's Renik Dacour, it's a pleasure to meet you."
He looks back into the great chamber and his grin broadens. "Well my friends, it looks like we've got an entire dragon hoard to search!" He waves Bill's portable hole, and continues "and we even have something to put it all in! Now, if anyone can cast detect magic on the area, we can be sure we don't miss any of the magical goodies. And we're going to need to get any items still encased in ice out somehow. Bill, I have a feeling using the alchemist's fire trick may damage the things we are trying to retrieve. What do you think?"
Lighting his way with the sunrod Renik makes his way back into the great chamber. He picks through the shattered ice with great care, extracting what items he can, and noting the locations of those he can't. He makes sure he heads back to that enormous diamond he saw earlier. Until he is sure what he is dealing with he doesn't put anything into the hole, he simply makes a pile of all the recovered items.
(Search 25 (taking 20))
As he searches he whistles happily to himself.
Hobbes Sunday May 25th, 2003 10:25:04 PM
Hobbes lands inside the doorway and watches this magnicifent ferocious immense creation die. As all goes quiet and the party begins to stir, Hobbes walks slowly across the shaft and kneels beside the beast, rests a hand on its scales, and recites a small prayer.
"Great Eye, Curate of the Dead, Take thee your Brother, this magnificent beast Draconis Albeoere to his home and in his journey be blessed by your divine guidance."
He remains there a few minutes, simply staring at it. Very quietly he remarks, "Rond has them, Renik."
Tratain 3d8(2+3+3)+7=15 2d8(3+1)+7=11 Monday May 26th, 2003 12:34:04 AM
Tratain Says to Bill "Hello Bill, Indeed i did see an elf stuck in the dragons claws a moment ago, but i don't know where he is now, i could have sworn it was going to take at least three people to pry him loose from there." and he Answers Renik "I am glad i was able to help, it is true that most people probably would have run when confronted by the dragon, but it goes against my code to abandon those in need when it is in my power to help. And to answer your question, I am able to cast detect magic if needed."
Tratain continues "As i was saying before the excitement, my name is Tratain, Tain if you need me in a hurry. I left plataue city many months ago on a quest to find the dwarves that inhabit these mountains. I learned that they had in their possesion an important item, an Anvil, called the Anvil of the Gods. But it seems the dwarves are gone, probably driven away by that dragon, but my location magic tells me that the Anvil is still nearby. It is probably in the Dragons Horde somewhere."
He then Heals himself [Cure Serous Wounds for 15, Cure Moderate Wounds for 11] and offers healing to anyone else who needs it. And then goes off to search the Dragon's Horde, looking for the Anvil, but adding everything he collects to Renik's growing pile.
Draax d20=14 d20+2=15 d20=10 Monday May 26th, 2003 8:52:38 AM
Draax runs to the mouth of the dragon and is as perplexed as everyone else as to Arien's disappearance. "I hope the dragon did not swallow him when it finally fell." He replays the scenario over in his mind and he is sure that he saw Arien still in the thing's mouth after it was laying dead on the floor. He searches the mouth area one last time using the sunrod that he got from Bill before coming to the conclusion that there is some magic evolved and he figures that the other magic users of the party will have a better chance of locating him. He pull his magic reusable arrow out of the beast and checked it for any damage (rolled 14 for dmg check on arrow) and it seemed to be in good shape. He goes in the direction of the other arrow (search 15, arrow not dmg if found, 10 for dmg check).
Draax acknowledges Renik's words and Bill's greeting. He goes back to treasure gathering duty and adopts Renik's style of putting it in a pile. Seeing Tain heal himself, Draax stops his treasure gathering for a second to look at the other beat up members of the group. He says the following, more thinking out loud than as direction to his comrades.
"Everyone should heal up as much as possible. We still need to get back to the safe cave and with our carrying devices being filled with treasure, we will not be able to use the same method that we used to get here."
Not really worrying if anyone was listening to him or not, he returns to gathering whatever weapons, gems, and jewel that is currently not stuck in ice.
Rond Monday May 26th, 2003 12:06:38 PM
Rond catches up with the group just in time to see the death of the dragon. Concern flashes over his face as he says, "What happened I thought the Dragon had fled? By the way we have the crown and sword. But like Renik has now said, with nothing stopping us, as far as we can tell, what's to stop us now. All we have to watch for is our window for when we'll be transported back."
Noting that Arien is not within seeing of the sun rods that Bill has just passed out Rond comments, "Do we need to tear that beast open to make sure we can put Arien to rest, if that is what has happened? Are we going to want to recover parts of this beast for spell casters, or what not?"
Listening to Tain's comments Rond says to Tain, "Do you think that the Dwarves should be contacted about what has happened here?"
When Rond gets all the business activities done with, he'll shudder and suddently realize that was the first real straight forward battle that he's had in a long time. Rond quickly puts all his gear away as he goes and sits down for a second.
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire); Blinking] d20+18=21 d20+18=29 d20+18=25 d20+18=20 d20+18=28 d20+18=28 d20+18=20 d20+18=27 d20+18=36 d20+18=37 Monday May 26th, 2003 12:36:15 PM
"Very pleased to meet you, Tratain. You showed great courage," Bill says, looking up at him. "A stranger who comes to the aid of others at risk of his own life, as you have, I count as a friend. Excuse me, though - we have to find Arien."
Bill decides he's may have to look inside the dragon. He starts blinking, and looks around at his friends. "I'm gonna take a --" just then, he spots Arien, sitting a few feet away. "Hey, Arien!" he says to his friend. "Guys, guys - he's here - right there," he points to where Arien sits. "On the ethereal plane." Bill's speech, though, cuts in and out for all but Arien, as he blinks between the material and ethereal himself.
He asks Arien if he knows how long he will remain ethereal, and suggests he do a bit of local exploring. "Do you want to check out what's in the pool of water?" he asks the elf. "I'll stay blinking for a while, so you can communicate through me to the rest of us." Bill pulls out a few more sunrods, so that everyone who wants one can have one. He gives one to Arien, too. He hands his wand of cure light wounds to Hobbes, and suggests he do what he can to get everyone back up to snuff.
Bill checks on Renik and the others who are gathering magic and treasure. "Good idea, good idea. We want to make sure that we don't put any extra-dimensional things in the portable hole - so we'll check out everything before putting it there. Maybe space things out a little, instead of piling one thing on top of another. Easier to examine that way. Excuse me for a bit."
Bill returns to the dragon, and spends a fair amount of time looking it over, examining the scales, and its proportions, and wings, and tail, and neck and head. He pulls out the journal he uses for sketching, and draws pictures of the dragon from several angles. He examines the wounds the dragon received, and tries to see what was effective, and what was less so.
After doing that for a while, as well as committing to memory (ten autohypnosis rolls: 21, 29, 25, 20, 28, 28, 20, 27, 36, 37) various aspects of the dragon's physiognomy, Bill goes to check out the growing pile of treasure. He detects magic / psionics on the collected items, spending enough time on each one to get as good a feel as he can for the type and strength of magic upon it, remarking on what he discerns to those around him.
After that, if further work is needed to collect things, he will dedicate himself. He suggests knocking down some more of the icicles from the ceiling so as to get through the icicles on the floor.
the spoils (dmjk) Monday May 26th, 2003 1:16:41 PM
Eventually Arien becomes visible again, and the party scrapes together a good sized pile of loot. There are quite a few magical items though you don't know what any of them do*, and Renik appraises the gems.
Enjoy.
hororot's crown (does not detect for magic) hororot's sword (does not detect for magic) +2 thundering longsword +3 shortsword +2 returning dagger +2 scythe +3 longbow +1 holy arrows (19) mithril shirt (nonmagical) +3 breastplate engraved with a griffon in flight +2 studded leather of silent moves +1 large steel shield SR13 potion protection from elements, cold (7) potion of cure moderate wounds (7) ring of protection +3 ring of feather falling staff of charming (42 charges) boots of the winterland periapt of wisdom +2
gold pieces = 2450 platinum = 320 3 emeralds worth 1000gp each 45 assorted gems worth 50gp each 19 assorted gems worth 100gp each
*For convenience, I've identified all items, but you'll need to identify them all at some point. Whether in the catacombs or by identify or lore is up to you guys.
the dragon carcasse (dmjk) Monday May 26th, 2003 1:18:20 PM
And will anyone do anything with the dragon as Rond suggested?
Arien Monday May 26th, 2003 2:44:17 PM
"I believe that when we get back to civilization I'm going to buy you and Feng a drink." Arien says to Tratain as he holds his hand out to shake. After greeting the man Arien turns back to the rest of the group, "Just how much longer do we have before we have to be back? If we have time I suggest we rest here for the rest of the day, rest and heal as it were. Thats also a good idea Rond, lets slice this beast open, maybe take a trophy or two. Feng how would you like a nice set of dragon fangs on your helmet? Besides that we should definetly get the treasure stowed away so that we can move quickly."
Arien takes of his haversack and pats it, saying, "This little beauty functions something like that hole of Bill's except that of course its not a hole, I can carry quite a bit of the treasure in here and Bill's hole could likely carry the rest, that way none of us would be weighted down. Anyway lets get working here, I'd like to find out just what all this stuff is."
Feng Monday May 26th, 2003 7:50:29 PM
Even with the victory Feng doesn't look happy. "There is no need for praise. In fact I should be apologizing to you all. I thought it would be satisfactory to only drive the beast away. My hesitation to act could have cost somebody their lives. For that I am sorry."
OOC: Thats a lot of loot. Now are the totals listed the dmg value or the catacombs value?
They were DMG totals. You'll lose a good bit of value if you trade them. -jk
Draax Monday May 26th, 2003 10:50:38 PM
Draax smiles as he looks at the pile of treasure. He helps with the cutting of the dragon, making sure that he puts two of the white's scales with the treasure.
"I wonder if we can use the way that Tain got in as our way out?"
Tratain Monday May 26th, 2003 11:24:21 PM
Tratain says "A good drink would be nice when we finally get back to civilization, its an awefully long walk back to plataue city though." And answers Draax "The dwarvern caverns are quite extensive, i haven't explored all of them but im sure theres an exit to where you need to go, if its somewhere i have explored already, i would be happy to take you there. After i find the object i came here looking for, I don't supposed anyones seen an Anvil somewhere in all this ice?"
Tratain then goes back to looking for the Anvil, and will cast locate object if necessary to find it. And while Searching, he calls out, does anyone need any healing still, i have a few moderate and light healing spells i can still cast today.
Rond d20=10 Monday May 26th, 2003 11:40:52 PM
Watching Renik head out and hearing him whistle Rond smiles slightly and says, "Feng why don't you go with Renik and see what you two can find out there. Maybe you can keep him from being too happy."
"Tratain, we have a quicker way to get back if you wish to come. It is probably the least we can do for you help here."
Seeing as how Draax is anxious to cut up the Dragon Rond will help out as best he can. Before they do any major work on the beast, Rond finds tiny parts of him to try cutting to see what works best. (greatsword, greatsword flaming, paring knife, stalagtite...etc... working on the tail, the tiniest teeth, etc...)
the anvil (dmjk) Tuesday May 27th, 2003 12:47:47 AM
After a little more looking, Tratain finds the anvil. It is made of adamantite and detects strongly for magic. As to what it does or how it works, no one has any idea.
cutting the dragon (dmjk) Tuesday May 27th, 2003 1:25:00 AM
Rond finds that it pretty much takes a magical blade to cut through the dragon's hide. Anything else requires way too much work. However, the greatsword is a little unwieldly to do any fine cutting with. Flaming doesn't seem to make cutting any easier, but it does make it a little easier to get himself burned.
Renik Tuesday May 27th, 2003 2:24:48 AM
Nothing Feng does can stop Renik from being too happy. His eyes dance with avaricious delight as he examines the spoils. "Cheer up, big guy!" he grins. "It all got a bit crazy trhere for a while. But we're all safe, and just look at our reward!"
"Tratain, do you mean these tunnels extend for miles underground? Hey Rond, you never know, there may be a tunnel that heads back towards the rendezvous point with the wizard! Bill, do you have that map handy?"
He shows Tratain the map. indicates their rendezvous point, and their current location.
He takes advantage of the holy warrior's healing offer, then starts to pack away the treasure.
Bill Troublefinder [3 Hrs: Str 16; Dex 25; Con 19; HP 81; AC 29; 90 Min: Fly; 1 day: Endure Elements (Cold); 50 min: Prot. fr Elements (Cold, Fire)] Tuesday May 27th, 2003 5:37:33 AM
"Feng, if you go for a dragon's treasure, you'll usually have to go for the dragon, too. I'm glad you've got such strong shoulders, Feng. He might have taken some of us out if you hadn't finished him off so convincingly. Now stop kicking yourself. I wasted a lot of time trying things against the dragon that just didn't work. But we did it, and we're all alive."
Eventually noting the problems his friends have in slicing the dragon, Bill picks up the magical (+3) shortsword from the gathered magic. "Here - try this, Rond" he suggests.
He gives Renik the maps. "Would love to check out the dwarfs' tunnels. Nice anvil, Tratain."
"Say, Hobbes & Renik - since we can fly for a while longer - how about if the three of us run in a grid pattern along the ceiling, knock down what we can, and see if we find any more magic up there - or uncover something else below."
Bill will quickly sketch out a pattern to follow. He detects magic/psionics during his flight, and knocks down what he can - ensuring none are below him as he does so. After dropping additional icicles, he surveys the floor, seeing what they may have overlooked, and using the wand of prestidigitation to organize things neatly.
"Anyone want to go underwater to see what's down there? I'll go. Someone want to join me?" Bill asks.
Hobbes Tuesday May 27th, 2003 6:56:14 AM
Hobbes takes the wand from Bill and nods. He then goes around to everyone to give them a "physical". (Heal checks all around.) Then he touches those in need on the head with the wand as many times as it takes. From the dragon, Hobbes cuts off a bit of the dragon's mane under its chin and carefully removes two of its smaller teeth.
Hobbes Tuesday May 27th, 2003 6:59:56 AM
After Hobbes is done with all this, he will help Renik and Bill do any flyby searching needed. He'll probably need another fly by this time which he casts on himself.
more searching (dmjk) Tuesday May 27th, 2003 11:58:58 AM
There's nothing else to be found in the chamber.
As near as Tratain can tell, the dwarven tunnels are only in or below this particular mountain.
If anyone wants to remove a part of the dragon, make a craft (skinning) skill check [or similar] for each item that you want. This will determine if you get the item intact and how much of the surrounding area you damage. DC will vary by item. Teeth are at the low end and internal organs are at the high end.
Rond d20+8=10 d20+8=24 d20+8=22 d20+8=9 d20+8=16 d20+8=16 Tuesday May 27th, 2003 3:38:03 PM
Rond very carefully using the short sword that Bill gave him, Rond works on cutting out two teeth and 4 scales if he can. (Knowledge nature? 10 (tooth), 24(tooth), 22(scale), 9(scale), 16(scale), 16(scale))
While he works he asks, "How many more of any of these should I get?"
Renik Tuesday May 27th, 2003 4:33:26 PM
Back from his flying exploration, Renik points at the pile of treasure. "Well, I say we get this lot packed. Then, after a rest to replenish our spellcasters, we should get moving. Our mission is accomplished, we have a rendezvous to keep, and we have no idea what dangers may await us on the return journey. We need to rest, and then get moving."
Renik starts packing the items neatly away in the portable hole and anywhere else folks with magical carrying devices have space. Then he unfurls a thick blanket from his pack and curls up underneath it, allowing his battle-weary body some brief respite.
Feng Tuesday May 27th, 2003 10:09:06 PM
Feng takes the opportunity to sit down. He feels the exhaustion creep in as the adrenaline fades.
"This may have been a successful battle but it is not something I wish to repeat. Next time we might not be so lucky."
Tratain d8+5=11 Tuesday May 27th, 2003 10:56:32 PM
Tratain Says "I would be very greatful if you could get me back to Plataue City quicker, it was a very long and dangerous walk here. Also I have a Favor to ask, could i place the Anvil in your Portable Hole for transport back to the War Cathedral? I am afraid i have no means of transporting it myself, I did not come here initially to bring it back with me, I merely came here to see if the information i found about it being in the dwarves possesion were true. I do not want to leave it here for another Dragon or who knows what to find and claim."
"Do you wish to rest here? or perhapse in the Citadel through the door? It seemed abandoned when i was searching through there before, but i can't promise that i wasn't lucky not to run into anything."
Tratain then heals himself back to full health, and heals Renik [Cure Moderate
Draax d20+1=17 Tuesday May 27th, 2003 11:03:20 PM
Using his magical longsword, Draax gives Rond a hand cutting the beast.
He looks over at Tain's newly acquired anvil, "Nice, it seems that we all got what we were looking for. What are your plans after we get back to the city?"
Tratain - Continued 2d8(2+5)+7=14 Tuesday May 27th, 2003 11:03:56 PM OOC: Darn, hit submit by accident, and if theres a way to Modify the post i can't find it :)
Tratain Heals Renik [Cure Moderate for 14] and Says I have several more spells available if needed, one Serious, one Moderate, and two Light healing spells left if you would like to save your wand.(Cure Light - 1d8+5, Cure Moderate 2d8+7, Cure Serious 3d8+7 if needed, you guys can roll them and I'll Mark them off if they are taken)
And as far as resting, I wear a ring that sustains me so i need very little sleep, if someone would stand guard for a few hours while i rest, i can then watch while others rest if needed.
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=17 Wednesday May 28th, 2003 7:24:25 AM
Bill assists with the dragon chirugery, helping with the detail work as he is able. [Used bonus from knowledge (nature), to assist Rond in extracting whatever items we choose to extract. Bill will suggest taking time & care (take 20) on the organs in the head and neck.]
[The following skills may be of some use in this endeavor: Autohypnosis (strong ability to concentrate and remember) +18; Concentration +24; Heal +6; Knowledge (Nature) +5; Search +6 (incl. +2 from magnifying glass); Speak draconic (not that he'll talk with the dead dragon, but, in learning draconic, one learns much about dragons); use rope +7.]
Eventually, the halfling grows weary, and offers to take a turn sleeping.
Hobbes d20+1=21 d20+1=14 d20+1=13 Wednesday May 28th, 2003 8:27:38 AM
[21 and 14 on teeth. 13 on slicing off a bit of dragon mane (beard)]
"Rond, you've still got the items? Are they safe?"
Hobbes then wanders placidly through the rest of the cavern until it is time to either rest of go.
hacking up the dead dragon - dmjk Wednesday May 28th, 2003 12:35:43 PM
While watching Rond make a mess of things until Bill slows him down, Hobbes has a brief thought that cutting off bits of the dead dragon might be offensive to Gargul.
Still, after the initial results. Rond gets 2 teeth (and a nasty cut on his palm from slipping while trying to cut out the first one), he gets 3 scales. One came off clean, one was damaged too badly to be of any use, and the other two came with a good bit of dragon gunk on the bottom, but that can be cleaned up.
Hobbes gets his two teeth, and while he doesn't perfectly preserve the dragon mane, he gets a passable specimen.
Tratain heals up some of the groups, and Renik seems concerned about packing up the goods and getting out of here.
Tratain Wednesday May 28th, 2003 10:40:09 PM
Tratain Says Smiling "Well First, i think i'll take a long bath in some Hot water, ive spent months on the road, alot of it in the Cold, I'd just like to be not Cold for a bit. After that I have no Definite plans, I have got an adventerous streak, I'd like to think ive gotten wiser in my travels, but i always seem to end up in the middle of nowhere looking for something, or doing something, just look where i ended up this time."
Feng Wednesday May 28th, 2003 11:00:19 PM
Feng sits back and waits for the sound of the dragons minions or some other danger. He finds it hard to believe that they beat a dragon.
Rond Wednesday May 28th, 2003 11:25:03 PM
"We ran into a giant on the way in, so that's what we're looking for on the way out. I'm thinking that we could possibly rest, with watches, before going back to the rondeveus."
Renik Thursday May 29th, 2003 6:00:38 AM
Renik rests while he can, and takes his turn on watch. He seems deep in thought, and says little. Once they are all rested and ready to move out he shoulders his pack, secures his gear, and takes up a point position as the party depart.
Draax Thursday May 29th, 2003 6:17:26 AM
Draax listens to Tain and nods His head in agreement about taking a bath as soon as they return. "Do you have any idea of what you will do with the anvil?"
After waiting for Tain's answer Draax will take a watch before getting some rest.
Hobbes Thursday May 29th, 2003 6:59:13 AM
Hobbes looks distraught for the rest of the evening and when not resting spends his time on his knees in prayer.
He is conscious of Gargul's disapproval of his actions and prays in his mind and in his heart in answer.
"Forgive me, Great Eye. I do not wish to desecrate the vessel of such a spirit, nor do I wish to use it for wealth, but I wish to keep these so that I do not forget what I have done today. To help destroy such a creature in its own lair no less has filled me with pride and with awe. But it is also something I do not wish to do again...and I never want to forget that..."
Hobbes' Prayer (DMJK) Thursday May 29th, 2003 10:30:45 AM
Hobbes feels peace with his decision, but also a sense that he shouldn't allow further desecration of the dragon.
The party decides to rest. Where? Dragon lair? Citadel? Somewhere else?
Renik Thursday May 29th, 2003 6:13:10 PM
Renik is happy to sleep in the dragon's lair, reasoning that it's the one place no right-minded wandering critter is likely to venture. However if the party wish to rellocate, he doesn't protest overmuch.
Rond Thursday May 29th, 2003 8:26:06 PM
Looking around at the group and their preparations to sleep for the night, Rond suggests, "Renik, Tain, and Draax take 1st. Arien and Hobbes take 2nd, Bill and I will take 3rd. We should head out at first light, I think. We not expecting this thing to have a mate are we?"
Feng Thursday May 29th, 2003 10:08:07 PM
Feng places his hands on his chest and lets the healing energy flow into him. [lay on hands]
"Say if we can get a fire going how about roasting some of that dragon? Not many people can say they have had roasted dragon."
Tratain Thursday May 29th, 2003 10:38:07 PM
Tratain Answers Draax "I will leave the Anvil with the Leaders of the War Cathedral and they can decide what to do with it. I suppose they will store it someplace secure and attempt to figure out its magics and keep it safe until such a time as it is needed again."
Upon hearing Ronds watch order he says "Might I suggest someone else takes the first watch in my stead, I wear a ring that sustains me, I require only about 2 hours of sleep each day. I would prefer to rest first, that way I can stand guard the rest of the night. But either way is fine with me, in any case, I will only be asleep for around 2 hours. When i sleep really makes no difference to me but Since i am going to be awake anyhow it might be better to let others rest if needed."
Draax Thursday May 29th, 2003 10:57:46 PM
Listening to Tain, Draax thinks that the man is a true explorer. Not many adventurers would turn over such a valuable item for research. "You should think about sticking with us for awhile. Our lives might not be as exciting as your, but as you can see we do have our moments."
Draax takes his watch and positions himself to have a good view of the possible entrances, but especially keeps an eye on the hole in the ice where the dragon emerged from.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday May 29th, 2003 11:25:55 PM
Before his flying wears out, Bill asks if someone will help him go back up and retrieve the stuff he took out of the portable hole earlier (leaving inside the tunnel near the top of the mountain). If all is well in that regard, he puts it all back in the hole, using the chests and such to store such things as no one claims for the moment or puts in other containers.
Bill says he'll go ahead and try out the boots. "And if they swallow my feet or something, or turn me into a pine tree - just tie me up and toss me into the portable hole."
He is pleased that he does not turn into a pine tree. "They're warm and comfy," he announces.
Before lying down to rest, he explains to Tratain that he has a little, brave friend and crystal counselor, William. He further lets the adventurer know that the psicrystal can communicate telepathically. "So, if you 'hear' his voice inside your head, don't be afraid." He looks up at the fellow dragonslayer, then down at the pretty crystal in his hand. "William, meet Tratain. Tratain, meet William."
For his part, taking the 3rd watch with Rond, plus the bonus of having Tratain awake with them, sounds terrific. "Okay, night, all!" Bill, tucked into his sleeping bag, is snoring within minutes, with his psicrystal, William, warm in the palm of his hand.
During third watch, he lets Rond hold on to William. While keeping eyes and ears alert, he mentally communicates with the group's leader, and with Tratain, if the latter is within 60' of Rond, letting them know anything he picks up - and chatting about the events of the previous day, and asking Rond whether they should all fly back to the teleport site, and whether there might not be a whole bunch of frost giants waiting there to pelt them with stones, and how good the hot tea is going to taste as soon as that pot of water gets to boiling, and whether they want cinnamon and sugar in their morning gruel, and how he wants to invite Tratain, too, to his birthday party in Windhorn Hamlet ... and other halfling conversation.
The next day (DMJK) Friday May 30th, 2003 11:19:27 AM
The night passes peacefully, and the next day comes. All spells, notably those protecting you from the cold, have expired.
It's time to get back to the rendezvous point to meet Woodcock.
Bill Troublefinder Friday May 30th, 2003 11:32:49 PM
Bill has a warm breakfast prepared for everyone, and hot tea. He even has an extra place setting for Tratain. "Glad I bought one extra. Never know when you're gonna have guests."
After cleaning up as well as he can, Bill says, "I can enable pretty much everyone to fly. I know it's not your favorite thing to do, Draax, but it should allow us all to get back pretty quickly. After doing that, I won't have a lot in reserve, but that's okay. Any other suggestions? If so, let's hear 'em. If not - line up - oh - I just thought of one thing. What if, on the way out of the tunnels, there are some giants lying in wait for us? Well, even if there were, I suppose if we're flying, they're not going to be able to pelt us with rocks or ice balls for too long." Lest he complicate matters more with his speculations, Bill decides to close his mouth, and see what his friends have to say.
However, then he remembers something. "Oh, I've got some more scrolls with spells to help keep us toasty in the cold. Six of 'em. Arien, will you do the honors to those who need them? For myself, I feel warm enough. Hey - is everyone healed up?" He gets his wand of cure light wounds back from Hobbes, asking how many charges he used. He hopes there are at least a few left, "in case of emergency."
[Can someone figure up the wounds, the healing done to date with layings on of hands and curative spells? Then figure how many charges of the wand would be needed to get everyone back up to full? Bill didn't suffer any damage in the battle, but several did. -Kim]
Renik (Back to max HP from Tratain's CMW) Sunday June 1st, 2003 5:11:56 AM
Accepting both Flight and the Protection against Cold with gratitude, Renik eats in silence, deep in thought. He packs his gear, and heads back out with the rest of the party.
As they get outside the tunnel network and back into the open air, Renik breathes deeply. It's good to be back out on the surface, away from the sinister ice caverns of the white dragon.
Arien Sunday June 1st, 2003 8:29:05 PM
Arien accepts the scrolls from Bill and proceeds to use them on everyone who needs them. "Flying seems to be the best course of action for the moment. The faster we get back to civilization the faster we can finish our task."
(Arien currently has 9 hp, I think he's down about twenty points or so but I don't have the exact amount with me since I'm not on my computer. So likely 3 or 4 charges from the wand would bring him back to full.)
Tratain Sunday June 1st, 2003 11:10:10 PM
In the mourning Tratain refreshes his Endure Elements Cold Spell, and busy's himself doing anything that needs to be done, helping pack any treasure that wasn't all loaded into the portable hole the night before etc.
Tratain takes the offered Tea and Breakfast from Bill and says "Thank you Bill, You are most generous, especially to a person you have know for less than a day, warm tea is just what i need after all that time in the cold. Hopefully my next adventure will take me someplace a little warmer."
Rond Monday June 2nd, 2003 12:17:55 AM
(Rond is down 54 hp's)
Spending his time with Bill, Rond silently rolls his eyes as Bill finds the smallest things to talk about.
In the morning Rond will shiver with the loss of the endure cold spell. As soon as the spell ends Rond digs up the next scroll to be used. Commenting after Bill is done, "We probably want to do our best not to bring attention to where we are meeting Woodcock. So it's either low and fast, or go out in a big circle. comments?"
Hobbes Monday June 2nd, 2003 3:16:02 AM
Hobbes awakes bright and early to prayer and a new day. He also briskly makes sure everyone that needs one has an Endure Elements Cold on them. He nods to the flight idea as he buttons up his garments around his mouth and ears. "Let's get out of here."
Draax Monday June 2nd, 2003 4:15:48 AM
Draax takes the some of the offered breakfast and packs up his gear after all the treasure has been secured. "Sounds like a plan Bill, I have nothing against flying I just prefer to keep my feet on the ground, but this does seem to be the best solution to avoid the giants."
He stay alert while the others are receiving healing as he wait to leave.
DMJK Monday June 2nd, 2003 11:59:53 AM
The group prepares has breakfast and makes plans to get back to the rendezvous point.
So the group is flying back?
[I'll assume everyone has endure cold after Hobbes post, but post where yours comes from so we can cross off scrolls, spell slots, etc.]
Renik (Flying, Prot from Cold) d20+10=26 Monday June 2nd, 2003 3:15:09 PM
Accepting Flight and Protection from Cold from Bill, Renik moves out with the rest of the party, flying low and keeping a good look out for signs of danger as they head back towards the rendezvous point. Having seen how Frost Giants set an ambush, he keeps a particularly close eye on any suspicious mounds of snow (Spot 26).
Renik has spent much of the night lost in thought, and when the party awake and move out his brow remains furrowed. He looks troubled, though increasingly determined.
Finally he seems to reach a decision. He moves to Rond's side as they fly along, and says in a low voice so that only Rond can hear;
"Rond, I consider you to be my comrade and my friend. We have faced many dangers together you and I, and you have always shown courage and skill.
But of late I have started to have concerns that our group sometimes fails to act to its full potential. We don't work sufficiently for one another, and our teamwork lets us down. We have survived unscathed thus far, but I fear it is only a matter of time before our lack of organization gets someone, maybe even everyone, killed.
Now to my mind the responsibility for forging a close-knit, cooperative team lies with the leader. And I have grown increasingly convinced that your style of leadership is not the best method of achieving that goal. So I'd like to propose that we let someone else take a shot, and see if they can resolve the problem. I'll be honest, Rond, I'd like to take on the job myself, but the choice of leader should be for the whole group to decide.
I say that first we determine who wishes to be put forward as a candidate. There will be some amongst us who will not want the job, I would guess. So you, I, and whoever else wishes to would stand. Then we each have a vote (those standing would vote for themselves), and we decide on the leader between us. It may be that the group wish to keep you as leader, in which case I shall retract my challenge, and not repeat it.
I hope this does not cause a schism between us, Rond. You have my respect and my friendship. I speak only because this is a matter of life and death, and (Wardd willing) I believe I can help improve the odds in our favour.
Well, my friend? What do you say?"
If (and only if!) Rond agrees to the vote, Renik will explain his thoughts to the others, and offer himself as a candidate for election.
If Rond does not agree, Renik will continue the discussion in private.
Feng Monday June 2nd, 2003 5:55:10 PM
In the morning Feng does his best to heal Rond's wounds [lay on hands for 24].
"I wish I could do more but my energy will be exhausted until tomarrow."
Hearing Renik's challenge Feng decides it would be a perfect time to help Bill gather the equipment.
"Bill flying sounds like a good idea. I will help you collect the equipment so we may be off."
Feng didn't understand why anybody would want a leadership role. He has a hard enough time keeping himself along the right path let alone other people.
Kim - OOC Monday June 2nd, 2003 5:59:45 PM
Friends - if I weren't on the road, with limited time at the PC, I'd do it myself. Please, will someone add up (and fess up to) all the healing that has, or has not been done, so we know where we're at in that regard?
JK or Carl - feel free to delete this post as soon as someone has taken care of the issue.
Bill Troublefinder (full hit points, warmed by boots of winter wonderland, or whatever they're called) d8+1=9 d8+1=5 d8+1=5 d8+1=3 Monday June 2nd, 2003 6:09:31 PM
Just before leaving the dragon's lair for good, Bill walks once entirely around the large white dragon. "Goodbye, dragon," he says with a measure of respect and awe.
He looks at all his friends to see if any still are injured. He discharges four cures from his wand on Arien (+22 hp). "There, you look much better." And asks those with the means to heal up any who need it.
Once all is ready, and all are ready, Bill explains, "All right - If you have medium heavy armor or heavy armor - take it off and stick it in one of our bags. It'll slow you down flying." He then enables as many to fly as want it, then himself last.
Tratain Monday June 2nd, 2003 7:22:04 PM
Tratain Says "How far is it to the meeting place? I feel very uncomfortable removing my armor in a place like this. If it isn't a long ways off i'd like to leave it on. If moving faster doesn't save a couple hours at least of travel time, i don't believe it to be worthwhile to remove my armor. Without it i am very much defenseless. If we do happen to run into something along the way, I would like to be protected."
Draax (Ring of Warmth) Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 5:17:33 AM
Draax agrees with Tain about removing his armor. He feel vulnerable enough flying...he would not want to fly around paranoid also. He wants to be granted the ability to fly, but does not remove his armor.
Rond 47hp (endure cold, fly) Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 11:00:02 AM (ooc) Rond is currently down 30 and Taking 5 points as the average from the CLW wand. It will take 6 charges to get us back up to full. JK let me know if you have any problems with this reasoning.
"I prefer to use the wand because we're not out of the thick of things yet. If you choose to keep your armor on it could slow us down since we don't want the group of us to be separated."
Rond quaffs the potion without hesitation. He's anxious to get the sword and crown back to the spirit.
When Renik approaches Rond and comments to him privately, Rond smiles at Renik and whispers, "My decision to become leader was a reluctant one at the time. But no one else wanted the job so I took it. I do not mind handing the reigns over to you. I just hope you don't lose your mind if people decide to go against your wishes, as they seem want to do. But lets wait until we're back in civilization to worry about this"
I've sent out the e-mail with our current items. Please see e-mail for current requests from me
Woodcock's Party (DMJK) [rolls for Rond CLW] d8=4 d8=1 d8=7 d8=5 d8=8 Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 11:34:37 AM
As the party flies back to meet their teleporter, they see an explosion of fire. After Arien's recent demonstration back in the cave, none of you have much trouble recognizing a fireball spell. It's up on that ridge there... just where you're supposed to meet Woodcock.
On getting closer, you see the charred smoking corpse of a frost giant lying on a rock outcropping. Five giants are beating on some sort of invisible wall that surrounds the mage. Safe behind his force dome, Woodcock seems unconcerned, at least for now.
[only 5 CLW charges needed for Rond]
Tratain d4+1=5 Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 7:07:13 PM
Upon seeing that the man in the force dome isn't in immediate Danger, Tratain suggest that they back away to a safe distance to begin preparing for the battle to come.
"Bill" he says, "Can you use your little friend to speak with that man and see if he needs our help?"
Assuiming that the Man does need our help, and the group does back away a little bit to prepare, Tratain casts several spells upon himself [Bull's Strength +5 Str, Shield of Faith]
"I also have other spells available if needed, I can cast another Bull's Strength, and an Endurence, as well as another Shield of Faith and Magic Vestment."
Feng d20+14=17 d20+9=12 Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 10:56:19 PM
Feng activates his flaming orc double axe and flies in to attack one of the frost giants. [hit ac 17? and definately miss on 12]
Arien 5d6(5+4+2+6+5)=22 Wednesday June 4th, 2003 12:06:25 AM
"Hmm I do believe I'll follow suit." Arien says with a grin as he removes his last fireball scroll from his haversack. Arien aims the fireball so as to catch as many of the giants as possible in the blast but still miss the paladin.
(Reflex save DC 22, 22 damage)
Rond (Fly, Endure cold) hp full d20+11=19 2d6(5+4)+4=13 d6=2 Wednesday June 4th, 2003 1:54:53 AM
Hearing Arien starting to cast, Rond holds for a second, in order to let Arien cast his spell. As the giants come out from under the blast (I hope you missed Woodcock! ;) ), Rond will try to fly up behind one and squash it into the force shield using the flaming Greatsword. He wants to lift the Giant off the ground, so that as Rond bounces off he'll clear the force shield, and the Giant will not. (trying to avoid damage to Rond).
AC 19 (hoping for surprise ;) ) 15 points dam (2 for fire)
(ooc if anything, imagine Superman using a greatsword for batting practice!)(didn't think I could get 2nd attack in.)
Bill Troublefinder (Flying) 5d4(3+2+2+3+1)=11 d20+8=15 Wednesday June 4th, 2003 3:27:44 AM
"We take time, that gives them time," is all he answers Tratain.
Bill goes for a cone of sound - coming in from whatever side and direction allows him to get the most giants and avoiding his compatriots. 'X' number of frost giants take 11 hp damage, Reflex save vs DC 15 for half.
[Mapette, please?]
Renik d20+25=36 d20+12=31 d8+4=6 3d6(3+3+6)=12 3d6(5+4+5)+15=29 d20+10=17 Wednesday June 4th, 2003 4:26:42 AM
As soon as he sees the giants the rogue moves instantly into cover in shooting range, blending almost seamlessly into the snowy surroundings (Hide 36, Move Silent 17, moves to within 30' of the giants and hides).
"Well, it wouldn't have hurt to buff up a little before getting ourselves into such a dangerous battle" the rogue whispers back to Tratain. "But the die is cast now. Let's hit them hard and fast!"
And he lets an arrow fly with deadly accuracy into the back of one of the giants (AC 31, Sneak Attack, 18HP Dmg).
William the PsiCrystal Wednesday June 4th, 2003 4:37:32 AM
The tiny gem communicates with the embattled wizard.
"Fear not, friend wizard, my redoubtable comrades come to your aid! Like shadows of light they strike, silent and deadly!
Bill's sonic attack shatters the air, Arien's fireball goes off with a boom, and various warriors race into battle.
"Well, deadly, at any rate."
Draax d20+13=32 d20+8=18 d8+3=8 d8+3=9 Wednesday June 4th, 2003 4:50:48 AM
Draax takes aim as he hovers a safe distance away from the giants. Being use to the group's tactics he waits for everyone to fire off their area of affect spells before he shoots a couple of masterwork arrows at a giant.
Draax will shoot at any surviving giant that was caught in the spells cast by Bill and Arien. (Hit AC 32 for 8 dmg and AC 18 for 9 dmg)
Hobbes Wednesday June 4th, 2003 6:23:38 AM
Hobbes furrows his brow as he sees it is Woodcock under the dome, but is very thankful that he is holding his own.
Raising his symbol over his head and advancing until he is 30 feet from the giants and also within range of the party (to get everybody). He intones the words for Prayer yet again.
[If this isn't possible then party first but since Feng can attack this round I'm assuming we're it's possible to get both.]
DMJK 18d8(1+2+7+3+4+7+5+6+4+3+8+7+8+4+3+1+1+8)=82 d20+8=21 Thursday June 5th, 2003 11:10:54 AM
[sorry for missing yesterday]
The party launches its firey and rather noisy attack, and the giants start to regroup to fend off the new enemy.
They look slightly burned and a little ticked off, but there's still plenty of fight. The leader raises its sword ready to whack Feng's head off, but then...
With the giants distracted, Woodcock dispells his force dome, which kept him nice and safe from the fireball, and casts some spell.
Whatever it was wasn't noisy or flashy, but all five giants fall over dead. They look all dried out and sort of hollow.
The wizard looks at everyone, "Thanks for providing a distraction."
He scans the horizon for a second, "No dragons chasing you? Good. Ready to leave?"
Rond Thursday June 5th, 2003 1:35:30 PM
Thinking to himself, no wonder he didn't seem to concerned about this place. Seems he might have been worried about us.
"No. The Dragon is taken care of. The Dwarves can probably now reclaim what was theirs. We have one extra to transport. We found him inside and he was helpful to defeating the Dragon." Rond indicates Tain, letting Tain decide if he wants to say anything.
Bill Troublefinder d20+16=32 d20+19=22 Thursday June 5th, 2003 1:46:57 PM
[Spellcraft 32 to discern nature of the spell Woodcock cast, Knowledge, Arcana 22 to pick up any extra info.]
"Hi, Mr. Woodcock," Bill chirps. "Sure, we're ready. Looks like we're all more or less on time."
Renik Thursday June 5th, 2003 5:55:51 PM
The rogue stows his bow and brushes back his hair with the aid of a small mirror retrieved from somewhere about his person.
"Quite some display, Mr Woodcock. Remind me never to cross you." smiles Renik with a wink.
"Are we ready to leave? Let me put it this way; the only ice I plan to see in the forseeable future will be in my Green Gnomish on the rocks. Let's get back to civilisation and a nice warm tavern before my toes freeze."
Feng Thursday June 5th, 2003 10:13:49 PM
Feng floats in a state of disbelief. He had seen magic before but nothing like that. He would have to give magic users a highler level of respect in the future.
Tratain Friday June 6th, 2003 1:47:08 AM
Tratain Greets Woodcock and Says "These fellows tell me you may be able to transport me back to civilization along with them, would that be possible, its a long walk back."
Hobbes Friday June 6th, 2003 4:08:30 AM
Hobbes' eyes brighten. "Gargul certainly sends his help in unsuspecting packages! We thank you for your punctuality and your" he glances at the giants, "effectiveness. We are most assuredly ready, good sir."
Hobbes glances over his shoulder once more not completely trusting that they are actually alone with no more adversaries.
Draax Friday June 6th, 2003 10:17:08 AM
Draax lands by the wizard and looks around at the old man's handiwork. He is very impressed by the effectiveness of the wizard's last spell. He scans the area for any other signs of trouble as he waits for the wizard to transport them back.
Moving right along - DMJK Friday June 6th, 2003 11:31:42 AM
Bill recognizes Woodcock's spell as the one known as horrid wilting, a necromantic spell of considerable power.
Woodcock dismisses his spell casting as nothing, and while he remains commited to his original contract for the rest of the party, he thinks 100 additional gold is in order for an extra "passenger."
Assuming the fee is paid, he transports the group back to Floating City. He bids everyone good day and goes about his business.
In the Big Float, Tratain has the opportunity to visit the War Cathedral. After telling about the adventure, the high priest persuades him to leave the anvil there instead of lugging it all the way to Plateau City. Those who wish are able to pop into the Floating City branch of the Catacombs and do some shopping or pop down to the Giggling Ghost for some drinks. (if you want to do something else, email me)
After a little relaxing and running of some errands, cheap passage is quickly found back to Windhorn Hamlet.
You arrive in early afternoon, and it seems there's nothing left but bringing Hororot his crown and sword.
Tratain Sunday June 8th, 2003 6:15:16 PM
Tratain Glady pays the 100 gold for passage back to the Floating City, he gives Woodcock a Gem worth 100gps.
After Leaving the Anvil at the Cathedral Tratain says "Thank you friends for your help in completing my quest, I would Like to return the favor and help you finish yours if you will have me along."
Assuming they agree, Tratain then goes and finds his hot bath and gets himself cleaned up, then helps the others with anything they may need to do.
Feng Sunday June 8th, 2003 9:05:43 PM
Feng relaxes in a room glad to be out of the great chill. Looking at his share of the treasure hoard he contemplates going to the catacombs.
OOC: Feng might depending on hom much he gets or is the mail I recieved before about the proposed plan an official mail?
Draax Sunday June 8th, 2003 9:37:14 PM
Draax relaxes in his room still finding it hard to believe that the group actually killed a dragon. He wonders if he should locate the local bard and tell the tale while it is still fresh in his mind. Although Draax will not mention the dead king in his tale he knows that the story will not be finished until they return the sword and crown to the dead king, so Draax decides to hold off praising the group's accomplishments.
Bill Troublefinder Monday June 9th, 2003 1:21:10 AM Floating City Caring for the widow and orphan While in the Floating City, Bill lets his friends know that he's going to look up Groyle's wife and her son, Evan. "Y'know, the widow of the guy in the barfight."
He takes her two pouches, one with 50 gold pieces and the other with 50 silver pieces inside. "I'm sorry, ma'am, you've lost your husband, and little Evan here his father. Just wanted to offer some practical help. Is there someone in town you trust, who might be able to help you watch over your boy, and make sure he gets a good education?"
Bill will use part of his time in town to see what he can do to get some sort of decent people to help support Groyle's widow (whose name he, I hope, gets) and son. He definitely looks for such assistance outside of Drummond's gang. He does not wish to contribute to any further association with such rogues and the family of the dead man.
Should he find someone who appears to be an honest benefactor (getting what references he can in the little time he has), he entrusts 200 gp to that person or organization, letting them know that, from time to time, as he is able, he expects to check in to see how Evan is doing in his studies, and how his mother fares. He gives the address of a bookshop in Plateau City that he uses for some of his correspondence, should someone desire to get hold of him.
Catacombs He also drops off at the Catacombs a shopping list of miscellaneous material components and items he has been assembling over the past few months, and sees about scheduling the use of a pocket plane for a while.
Windhorn Hamlet - Home, Sweet Home Hororot King Once back in Windhorn Hamlet, Bill suggests they take care of fulfilling their promise to Hororot. "Though, we'll want to have some sort of protection against spectres and the like before we pop down there.
"Hobbes, I don't want to have my insides shriveled again by those evil critters. Anything you can do to protect me from them? I mean, us? 'Course, maybe we'll be lucky, and they won't show up to bother us, again. But, just in case, I don't want you off feeding your horse while I'm surrounded by those wavery things. You gonna stick with us down there?"
Rond Monday June 9th, 2003 2:08:27 AM
Once back Rond will spend a little time in the catacombs making some purchases.
"We could certainly use the company. Especially after the way you helped out Tain!"
Once back in the Hamlet, Rond looks forward to completing their quest with Hororot.
Renik d20+5=11 d20+10=19 d20+15=18 d20+25=26 Monday June 9th, 2003 3:16:19 AM
Renik nods at Rond's words to Tratain. "Aye, you're a more than capable set of extra hands, my friend. It would be our honor to have you along. You know, you might want to consider sticking with us full time. We tend to work in Plateau City, and you strike me as a man with the skills to excel in our line of work. I'd give it some thought."
"So, off to see Hororot then." He examines the sword and crown. "Poor old fellow, I hope these bring him the rest he craves."
Before they leave Renik asks Bill if he can carry William, so as to keep the party informed of his scouting progress.
Once the party move out Renik will scrout ahead, moving into the Catacombs the way the party left them, carefully checking for any signs of occupation (Search 11, Spot 19, MS 18, Hide 26). Should he encounter something he will retreat as fast as possible, warning the others of the danger via William.
Bill Troublefinder Monday June 9th, 2003 10:58:33 AM
"No!" Bill says of Renik's suggestion that he scout ahead. "Not unless Hobbes can make you invisible to undead." Is that a slight tremor in Bill's lower lip?
If Hobbes can do that for Renik, then he does let him carry William. He really prefers, though, that they all travel together in the graveyard tunnels.
Caring for the widow and orphan (dmjk) Monday June 9th, 2003 12:29:51 PM
When Bill visits Groyle's widow, she slaps him as hard as she can, throws his money in the street, screams, "We don't need your guilt money!," and slams the door on his face.
He doesn't have much better luck finding a benefactor. The widow's friends don't take too kindly to the hafling (one even tried to stab him), and no one else seems to care.
the cemetery (dmjk) Monday June 9th, 2003 12:32:49 PM
Some make it to the catacombs, and the group seems to enjoy Tratain's company. And everyone thinks of going to see Horrorot and ending this quest.
As the group heads to the cemetery, nothing seems unusual. No undead leap upon the party to suck out their entrails. No assassins fire poisoned darts out of the brush. No giants rain down a hail of boulders.
It's a peaceful night, just as one would have expected before the necromancer set up residence in the catacombs.
Still, perhaps some protection from undead wouldn't hurt, and did Bill just insult Hobbes?
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=22 Monday June 9th, 2003 7:22:05 PM Wrap up of Floating City Other widows and orphans Bill uses his wand of prestidigitation to collect the scattered coins. He decides that Groyle's wife perhaps got the sort of husband she deserved, though he does feel sorry for the boy, Evan. She was wrong, too, about it being guilt money. He feels no guilt whatsoever about the thug Groyle's death. He brought it upon himself, and Bill did not have a hand in it. Oh, well, perhaps he should have been more circumspect in how he went about seeing about provision for the family of the dead drunken fool.
He recalls having met a few years back in the Catacombs a woman who covered her face. He later learned she ran an orphanage here in Floating City. So, he asks around about her - Flaust, it was, and, if he finds her, introduces himself, gives her 250 gp and 50 sp (260gp value total) for the care of orphans and widows in the town. He explains briefly the situation with Groyle's widow and son Evan, as well as warning her about the ruffians in the neighborhood (as if she needs such warning), and wishes her well in her work.
If he does not locate her or someone he trusts to find her, he does not disburse the funds.
Windhorn graveyard As soon as the group is ready to descend, Bill accompanies them. Right in the middle of the group. He activates clairvoyance in order to look ahead, above, below, to the right and left, just in case there are spectres who are lurking about. He thinks it might be safe to stick near Feng.
Feng Monday June 9th, 2003 8:20:16 PM
In the graveyard Feng walks in front. If there are undead about he should be in front. If undead do decide to show themselves he can try to send them away.
"I'll take the point. Just in case if there are any undead around."
Tratain d4+1=2 Tuesday June 10th, 2003 12:50:41 AM
Tratain follows along with the group, when they reach the cemetary he casts Bull's Strength upon himself(+2 Str).
He says "Are we expecting any trouble here? You seem a little nervous there Bill. I also can cast another Bull's Strength and an Endurence if anyone would like them."
Draax Tuesday June 10th, 2003 12:53:55 AM
Draax goes with the group under the graveyard to return the crown and sword. He gets in whatever formation the group deems necessary.
Rond Tuesday June 10th, 2003 2:44:41 AM
"It's hard to say from what we've experienced. Bill here got attacked by spectres when we came in. We met a couple of other nasties before we met Hororot.
We're trying to make sure that we're not going to meet anything that we cannot handle as a group."
Renik Tuesday June 10th, 2003 3:36:54 AM
"Ah, Bill, you worry overmuch!" grins the rogue, but nonetheless he takes Bill's advice. "I suppose it would make more sense to have Feng lead the way."
As they continue their journey Renik pulls his shortswords clear of their scabbards. He tries not to gaze in avaricious glee at the magnificent craftsmanship of his new weapon. He swishes through the air once or twice, marvelling at its perfect balance and swiftness. "I shall call you Chill" he whispers to the blade "after your previous owner."
Hororot's Rest
DMJK Tuesday June 10th, 2003 12:12:02 PM
Bill has little trouble finding Flaust's orphanage. The diminuitive follower of Alemi wishes him a blessing and thanks him for the funds.
------------------------
The group finds its way down to Hororot's chamber, and they encounter no other undead.
Upon entering Hororot's chamber, a faint light illuminates the room, and Horrorot sits inside. He sits upon his broken sarcohpagus with such nobility that you might have mistaken it for a throne had you not seen it earlier.
His voice greets you as you enter, "So, the heroes triumphant return, and I see there is another amongst you. Greetings, servant of the true gods. I am Horrorot, once Hororot King but now Hororot Trapped."
"Now before I lay down to rest, tell an old soul the tale of your exploits."
Renik Tuesday June 10th, 2003 5:23:01 PM
The rogue smiles, and turns to look at his companions. Turning back he says
"Ah, it is a tale worth the telling, Hororot King, and that's the truth! A tale of journey into icy darkness, of battle against grievous odds, of triumph in the face of despair. But my memory is an unreliable tool at best, and prone to lapses. I am sure there are those here who are itching to tell the tale, and could do a far better job than I."
He winks at Bill, a smile on his lips.
Tratain Tuesday June 10th, 2003 11:27:52 PM
Tratain Greets Hororot and then sits back to listen to the party's recounting of the adventure
Draax Tuesday June 10th, 2003 11:29:47 PM
Knowing that his vocabulary would not do the tale justice and also knowing Bill's fondness for talking, Draax decides to let the others relay their adventure to the dead king.
Draax takes a sit in the corner of the room; eager to hear the tale himself.
Rond Wednesday June 11th, 2003 12:12:32 AM
Smiling as Renik teases a little about what's to come. Rond sees in his minds eye the stage announcer name Renik, getting the crowds attention as he calls for Bill, the mighty storyteller as he tells his tale of how the Windorn Hamleteers defeated the white dragon.
and so the curtain rises......
Bill starts the story... Wednesday June 11th, 2003 2:02:14 AM Answering Tratain On Tratain's question regarding his nervousness, Bill explains that he, "Despite being invisible at the time!" found himself surrounded and attacked by three spectres, last time they were here. "We never did end up taking care of them ... unless the death of the necromancer managed to quiet them down." He also relates, briefly, how some sort of super-spectre had targeted him back in the Scar in Plateau City. "He drained me something terrible, and I took me maybe six months to recover fully. I HATE spectres!"
With Hororot King Glad finally to have made it among the safety of his friends to the ancient king's chamber, Bill breathes a sigh of relief.
Wanting to give his friends first crack at the tale, Bill sees that they are offering that privilege to him. Knowing that no spectres would dare bother Hororot King's chambers, especially if the necromancer himself had feared the ghostly king, the hobbit relaxes. He retrieves a log from the firewood he had in his bag, and uses it as a chair as he begins to unfold their story.
"Well, sir ... I mean, your majesty, uh, Hororot King. Did you know that these days, we've turned it around, so that we'd say 'King Hororot'? I kind of like your way of it, though."
Bill clears his throat, cracks his knuckles, and looks around at his friends, waiting to see if anyone else wanted to go first. As they look his direction, he shrugs his shoulders, and then says, "Okay, I'll give the summary." Those who are well acquainted with him may suspect that the halfling's summary could be another's novella.
Getting out of town "At first, upon agreeing in principle to your request, your majesty, to retrieve your crown and sword, we thought to set out in a ship across Dragon Bay. The captain of a sailing boat, the Kraken, took some money from Andraaxius with a promise to carry us there, to the foot of the mountains of the Scab. On arriving on the morrow, however, Captain Maurice said he was joking with us, and that all know, due to the dragons who dominate the bay, that no one in his right mind would venture such a voyage, and what were we thinking, anyway? I let him have the good mincemeat pie my mother had prepared for him and his crew, nevertheless. So, -- oh, he did return us the money we paid. Of course, Renik and Hobbes were very disappointed that they would not be able to go out on the sea," he says with a wink and a smile.
"So, how to get to the mountain of the white dragon? Overland? Well, Draax - he's that handsome half-elf leaning against the wall there, Mr. Hororot," for Bill, getting into the telling of the story, forgets for the moment that one should not call a king 'mister', "- finds a wizard at the Blue Dog Inn - they have good spicey potatoes there, that's what I like about the Blue Dog - and learns that a bunch of wizards have gotten into the business of teleporting all sorts of cargo and what-not to and from the Floating City, since, as I think I mentioned to your majesty last time we were together, the city got moved to - well, no one really seems to know where, exactly, which seems kind of strange, since there're lots of smart people, you'd think they'd somehow figure it out. Maybe they're just not saying.
Floating City "Anyway, people can still teleport there 'n back again, so they do. We hitch a ride, and, presto! - we're teleported to The Big Float! Wondrous city it is, wonderful place to visit. We thanked Cornelius - he's the wizard, y'know, and with 'Windhorn Trade' - and he suggests we check out 'Gordo's Transport' to see if anybody there can help us get to the Scab. Hobbes makes a good joke about Renik riding the dragon after we tame it. It's hard to tell, sometimes, looking at his serious eyebrows, but Hobbes's got a real funny side to 'im.
"Well, a man at Gordo's at first isn't sure anyone can help us get to the Scab, since there's really not much in the way of trade out there, it being the Scab and all. But, I go ahead and draw out a map, after Rond and Arien ask me to, and Mr. Gordo looks it over a bit. He tells us to 'go do some sightseeing for a couple of hours while I find someone that can get you there.'
"'Oh, boy - sightseeing!' I think to myself. The Floating City, it turns out, is organized from top to bottom. You know how cream floats to the top of the milk? That's what the city is like. The best is at the top. The worst is at the bottom. Nobles and rulers on the top level. Rich folks next one or two down, and then merchants and military. Getting toward the bottom, the poorer folk, and some pretty shady characters live. But we found the Giggling Ghost! It's a tavern, sir, and maybe you'd like it. There's a lady ghost who runs the place. Yep! And she's real pretty-like.
"Anyway, this fellow, just outside the Giggling Ghost, allows as how there might be a mage who can help us out, and we should meet him at ... what was the name of that tavern, guys?" Bill hasn't really forgotten the name, but doesn't want to hog all the story to himself.
"Say, how about if one of you tell this next part of the story? Oh, yeah - Nyrashal Woodcock was the wizard's name, wanted to meet us at a tavern a level or two up, called the Hole in the Bottom of the Sea. Who wants to tell what happened to us there?"
Bill looks around to see who will pick up the thread.
Hobbes Wednesday June 11th, 2003 6:51:59 AM
Hobbes was silent the whole way back and emits no reaction even when his name is mentioned. He just takes in the view of Hororot, a noble king, an entombed spirit, a lost soul. It brings a tear to his eye actually. With all his teachings and praying, nothing Hobbes has ever approached the length of time or distance of this lost sheep from his home.
He approahes the spirit reverently and bows before him. He takes his holy symbol and a vial of Holy Water and sprinkles it forward holding aloft the silvered eye. "The Blessings of Gargul the Wanderer be with you, mighty King. As Gargul has found many before, and they were welcomed to his arms and taken thus to their right place of rest that they may continue into the next life, so is he ready to take you, Brother. We have found the items which lock you to this hell and brought them hence and thus release you. With the Blessings and Guidance of Gargul, may you have peace and guidance in your travels now. Go blessed with him into the next life. You are free."
Hobbes then kneels and makes several gestures and closes his eyes to beckon and pray for this soul and for Gargul's arrival to escort Hororot the Great King.
Hororot - (DMJK) Wednesday June 11th, 2003 11:48:22 AM
The spirit seemed excited as Renik introduced the tale, but as Bill told it, he seemed a little bored. He probably wanted to hear about the glories of battle instead of details about finding transportation.
Nevertheless, he was listening attentively until Hobbes approached. He smiles warmly, "Thank you. I long for the rest, verily it is so, but so do I yearn for one more tale of combat victorious. What of the mountains? Tell me what happened there."
Hobbes feels the true Eye of Gargul upon him and knows that he has pleased his god.
Rond Wednesday June 11th, 2003 12:17:38 PM
Watching the King and realizing that maybe we can do him one last favor. Rond nudges Renik and whisper, "Maybe the rest of the story should be told by you. Think of our little crystal friend, and tell it from that perspective."
Renik Wednesday June 11th, 2003 2:16:16 PM
"As you wish" smiles the rogue, and removes his cloak and pack.
"Well, your majesty, there we were, ready to meet our contact who was to whisk us (by means magical) to our destination. But Plateau City is a dangerous place, and it soon became apparent that our rendezvous was a notorious haunt of the brutal and the thuggish. Within moments we were challenged, and fighting broke out; blows were exchanged, blood flowed, and by the end one of their number lay dead. The law was called, and for a short while things looked bleak. It was an inauspicious beginning to our adventures.
Undaunted and released by the long arm of the Law, we made contact with a mighty wizard by the name of Woodcock. Within moments we found ourselves in the frozen wastelands of the Scab Mountains, an icy north wind chilling us to the very marrow. We took leave of our guide, and ventured towards the dragon's lair.
But our journey was not to be so simple! We had not gone far before we fell prey to an ambush! A mighty Frost Giant burst from the snow, just as his pack of Winter Wolves fell upon us from the opposite direction! The giant hurled gigantic boulders with a fiendish accuracy, and the wolves cut into our ranks like a hot knife through butter. We fought back desperately, but it seemed that all was lost! First the mighty Feng fell to the giant's gargantuan axe, then I myself was cut down, hanging on to life by the merest thread!
But at the last we prevailed, the wolves despatched and the giant falling victim to twin fireballs from Arien here. Its scarred and smouldering corpse fell lifeless to the snow, and we thanked our Gods for our victory.
But we had little time to celebrate. We had seen a giant encampment, and knew that several of the giants companions were nearby. We had to flee if were to reach our destination alive.
As we travelled under cover of darkness, each of us knew that we had barely survived the giant attack. How then would we fare against the dread might of a White Dragon?"
Warming to his tale, Renik pauses to take a sip of water, then continues.
"Well, we soon found the Dragon's mountain, and after some searching discovered a cave entrance that led down into the icy bowels of the earth. But it was not just the weather that chilled our bones as we descended; the deeper we descended the farther we were from the light, and the closer we drew to winged, talonned death.
Eventualy we reached an icy barrier, which (with some ingenuity on the part of Mr Troublefinder here) we bypassed. Below was a sheer drop, a shaft carved into the rock that seemed to fall away into infinity. Our hearts in our mouths, we descended.
We reached the bottom without incident, and immediately realised we had reached our goal: before us lay a vast cavern of ice, shimmering and glowing with an uncanny light. Vast tapered pillars of ice hung from the ceiling and rose from the ground, and all about, encased in glittering ice, lay treasures unimagined by your humble narrator. And believe you me, Hororot King, I can imagine quite a bit.
We moved into the cavernous chamber, every sense alert for danger. Everything seemed as still as the surface of the frozen lake we spied before us. We hunted through that chamber for what seemed like hours, but what in truth was mere minutes. And there we found, encased in ice, your prized blade and crown. And, in another part of the cavern, our new companion Tratain.
We did not have time to celebrate our find. With an earsplitting crash and a roar that sent raw terror coursing through our souls, the lake behind us split assunder. The dragon burst forth, vaster than we could possibly have imagined. An icy chill burst from its horribly fanged maw, sweeping over us, and its terrible claws glinted in the shimmering light of that icy tomb. For a heartbeat, I confess, I thought that all was lost.
And then we struck. Arien hurled blast after blast of fiery doom at the creature. Feng rushed the beast, only to be caught up in those terrible jaws. Hobbes and Rond both suffered telling blows, but we fought back. Bill here tried trick after trick to cause the dragon crippling damage, but was thwarted at every turn.
Then the dragon hurled Feng a full sixty feet across the chamber, and turned to flee! Those not grievously wounded gave chase, and we were able to corner it in the base of the great shaft. We attacked once more, and Arien's fireballs would have put paid to the creature had it not snatched him up, meaning to crush the life from his body.
But it was too late for the beast. As Arien's life slipped away, our new friend Tratain risked his own skin to save a stranger, leaping in close to heal the dying man. Then Bill, Feng and Draax launched a devastating assault (Feng's blows were struck with a force I have never seen equalled). The creature bellowed one final time, then crashed lifeless to the cavern floor. Victory was ours.
Well, there is little more to tell. We gathered up your items (and the one or two trinkets the dragon had left lying about), and made our way, with only minor incident, back to you.
And so ends your tale, Hororot King. A fitting ending, I hope, to a life lived as a true hero. May this adventure mark an ending to your years of ghostly imprisonment. Fare you well, your majesty, on your journey to come."
And the rogue bows deeply.
Tratain Wednesday June 11th, 2003 10:24:19 PM
Tratain sits back and listens as Renik continues the tale. Both Bill and Renik are wonderful storytellers he thinks to himself.
Feng Wednesday June 11th, 2003 11:17:15 PM
While tails on conquest and battle give him no satisfaction, Feng is glad that Hororot is enjoying them. Considering the length of time he was trapped here their tale was probably the only joy in a long time.
Draax Wednesday June 11th, 2003 11:26:27 PM
Draax sit in the corner chewing on some rations and drinking from his water skin. He listens intently to Bill and Renik and almost applauds at the end of the tale until he remembers that he was there to see it happen.
The Story Ends (DMJK) Thursday June 12th, 2003 2:33:39 PM
Hororot listens attentatively through the whole tale, and he applauds at the end.
"Thank you, my friends. When you leave, please try to seal my tomb, so that no other grave robbers come to disturb my rest."
As the crown and sword are returned, they become a part of his spectral image even as they lie in the sarcophagus. You can tell this is truely where the items belong.
Hororot makes his final farewell, "I look forward to meeting you again when your journeys are finally done." Then he is gone.
The light from one of Bill's sunrods keeps the shadows at bay, but the darkness seems oppressive now that the old hero is finally at rest.
Arien Thursday June 12th, 2003 5:04:25 PM
Arien salutes the old king as he fades away. "Well the dragon is dead and the old king at rest. Might I suggest we leave his tomb in peace and return to the hamlet?"
Bill Troublefinder Thursday June 12th, 2003 7:33:35 PM
Bill also salutes the king, now again at rest.
"Yes, Arien," answers he, "but we must figure how to seal the tomb, in such a way that future wanderers through these catacombs may not discern its presence. Whether bricks, or stones, or what have you. Maybe we could hire a good stonemason, blindfold him, bring him and whatever he needs here, have him seal the tomb, blindfold him, and return him safely to his home."
Tratain Thursday June 12th, 2003 10:41:14 PM
I am able to cast a spell which allows me to shape stone, but I do not have it memorized today, in the mourning when i pray to Domi i will memorize several and I will attempt to seal the entrance to the old Kings tomb.
Tratain has 3 available 3rd level spell slots, in the mourning he will use them all to memorize stoneshape and attempt to seal the tomb so no one can tell it was there
Draax Thursday June 12th, 2003 11:23:49 PM
Draax formally bows to the dead king as he says goodbye.
"That sounds like a very good plan Tain. If you move the stone and smooth the surface enough, no one will know that it is here. Hopefully the king will be able to rest a few more generations before someone accidentally stumble upon this place."
Bill Troublefinder Friday June 13th, 2003 1:00:24 AM
"Great idea, 'Tain!" Bill enthuses. "I can fill the portable hole with a bunch of stones, and we can pile those up behind the entrance to this tomb, and with your stone shaping, then, the extra stones can help make the hidden doorway extra thick!"
Then, sensing the change in atmosphere now that Hororot King is laid to rest, the halfling adds, "Let's watch ourselves on the way out, and protect ourselves on the morrow."
Rond Friday June 13th, 2003 2:09:59 AM
Glad to see that the King has found his rest. Rond shudders as the silence and the chill settles on the tomb area.
"Can you also give a blessing, or a protection, or anything of that sort to the area after it's been sealed?"
Renik Friday June 13th, 2003 4:49:00 AM
Quiet now, the rogue listens to the others plan to seal the tomb. "Aye, that sounds like a good plan. We can return here tomorrow. But for now I hear an Inn calling me, and a twelve year old bottle of Fargunian Red. Let us head back. There are things we need to discuss before we retire for the night."
Hobbes Friday June 13th, 2003 4:58:52 AM
Hobbes nods serenely to Rond, "It has been done. Gargul was indeed present inside. I felt him. And he has indeed blessed the tomb. Aye, Tratain, that is a wise gesture Stoneshaping the wall. I too can offer assistance in such an affair and perhaps a glyph to release a spell to dissuade people or speak a warning for them to keep out. Perhaps a plaque telling the king's tale can be made and placed on the coffin. Anyone that made it that far might not resort to thievery if they knew the cost of such a desecration."
Feng Friday June 13th, 2003 6:33:20 AM
Feng thought it was a good plan. The only other one would involve a high amount of danger. The half-orc felt a small amount of satisfaction. Killing a dragon and puting a spirit to rest were good things.
The adventure done - DMJK Friday June 13th, 2003 11:38:32 AM
After a restful night spent in warm, comfy beds, the party returns to the cemetery one more time. Tratain and Hobbes perform their stoneshaping, and the tomb is sealed (for what you hope will be) forever.
There were rewards and satisfaction for the quest, treasure won and a good deed done. Perhaps there were some lessons learned too, principally that the group works best when it works together.
The rest of the day is at your balance to visit friends and family, stare at your loot, or have a nice glass of Aisildurian red.
I'll email xp in a little bit. Everyone gets one hero point for the dragon fight. Email me any nominations for others. Remember, hero points carry an xp value of 50*lvl (so if you're 7th level that's 350xp for each hero point earned). Ian will take over the group on Monday, so once you've fixed up your character sheets send them to him. ianhess@hotmail.com
I've enjoyed it, and I know I'll be seeing you guys around the Wold. In fact, Matt is going to be my DM in the Cinnamon Valley now, so we'll see what sort of revenge he has planned. :)
Arien d4+1=5 Saturday June 14th, 2003 1:43:49 AM
Arien, having only been in Windhorn a short time before the party had been taken to Plateau City didn't know many of the people around here. So he spends most of the day making new friends. When the evening arrives he sits in the common room of the inn nursing a cup of wine with a bemused smile on his face.
((OOC: Well I've got a surprise for the group, though whether or not it'll be as good a surprise as Bill's presents has yet to be seen. Anyway after talking with Jerry he consented to allow me to make some changes to Arien because of the party balance. So when the new module starts you'll be seeing a new Arien as a pure, 9th level mage. Woo Hoo! Ah and those are hps for going up a level, max! Woo Hoo!))
Hobbes Saturday June 14th, 2003 4:33:07 AM
Hobbes is quite placid during his last ride back from the cemetery.
"My Friends. I must leave you now. Amidst the strife and calm of the Wold I have been given a gift. A gift of knowledge, a gift of wisdom, a peace of mind. Gargul has touched me in a great way and now I must retire to the cloister of the Black Cathedral to reflect on these gifts and to bear witness to others who seek to follow the Eye in service. It has been nothing short of exciting and I thank thee for the wisdom each of you have provided me. And thus I take it to bear fruit elsewhere."
He moves to Rond and clasps his hand. "Farewell, sir. I must relieve myself from your charge. It was an honor serving under you." He removes a hat from his belt and hands it to Rond. "This which you gave me I return to you. Mayhap it will fit our new friend there (indicating Tratain)."
"I am sure our paths will cross again. If you are ever in peril, need insight, or require healing, do not hesitate to ask. May the blessings of Gargul always be with you in your travels and if your path come short may you join with him ever onward on your path beyond. Farewell..."
After receiving any goodbyes he mounts his horse, Bradbury, gives it an affectionate pat on the muzzle and gives a small kick, then rides down the beaten path toward Plateau City.
Tratain Saturday June 14th, 2003 12:53:01 PM
After helping to seal the Old kings Tomb Tratain wanders around Town for a little while, and askes Bill if he would show him the sites. If the items from the Dragons Treasure have not been identiefied yet he asks Bill if he knows of a place close by where they could get it done. If they have been identified he hands Bill the staff of Charming for his use. If there is a Catacombs Location nearby he goes there to inquire about some things.
Renik: Standing for Leader, votes for Renik Saturday June 14th, 2003 4:51:45 PM
The rogue is aghast that Hobbes is leaving the group.
"Is there nothing we can say to change your mind? Who am I going to poke fun at now?" He grins at the dour cleric. "No, I understand, Hobbes. You have a link with your God that I'll never fully comprehend. And that link to divinity must always come first. Good luck to you my friend, I hope we see you again soon."
And with that the rogue grabs Hobbes and give him a big (manly) hug.
Watching the cleric ride off, Renik has a sinking feeling. He really is going to miss that old sourpuss.
Renik asks everyone if they will meet him in the Hearthfire Inn that evening. He has a matter he needs to discuss.
Once everyone is there he expains.
"I've discussed this with Rond, and well, here it is. I think that this team has real potential, but that we're not working together as a coherent group as well as we might. I think a change of leadership may remedy that problem. So here's my plan.
First we each announce if we want to stand for leadership. I wish to stand, and as the incumbent Rond must stand also. Once we know who wants to take the job on, we vote for whoever we wish. As I want the job, I'll be voting for myself.
So if you're happy with the status quo, vote for Rond. If you want to go with a more hands on leadership style that emphasises teamwork, vote for me. Or you may feel you are the best man for the job.
Tratain, you have only just joined us, but if you wish you may participate as far as I'm concerned. After all, you are one of us now, if you wish to be."
Renik looks to the others for their reactions.
(OOC: as the next module is likely to start on Monday, I'd say we should ignore the one-post rule in this instance, and try to get this matter resolved before we start our next adventure. If you get a chance, please post over the weekend. Thanks!)
Bill Troublefinder - to Hobbes Saturday June 14th, 2003 10:20:05 PM
"Whoa, Hobbes, you're leavin'? I can't believe it. Well, there're parts of you I'll miss. You do well there at the temple. It's good to hear about your gift from Gargul. Uh, just a sec'."
Bill reaches into a pouch at his waist, and after digging around a bit, extracts a red stone and a white stone.
"You weren't with us back then, but, when we went to an island where the sahuagin had a temple - that was to rescue the Sentinel head, y'know - there was a pathway that, far as we could tell, no monster from the jungle could cross. It was filled with these magic red and white stones. Some sort of warding function, I guess. Well, I want you to have them, so you can remember us. Red and white are both good colors. All kinds of symbolic meanings, I suppose. But I wish you well, and I know - and no jokin' this time, even if it sounds like I'm tryin' to be funny or somethin', 'cause I'm not. I know that Gargul's got his eye on you, and you let him know that I'll look forward to meeting him again, sometime." Bill is very serious when he says this.
After a moment, he adds, "Just let him know it doesn't have to be real soon, though. Goodbye, mister Hobbes."
Bill Troublefinder, regarding Renik's proposal Saturday June 14th, 2003 11:12:18 PM
At the Hearthfire, Bill is at first startled by Renik's challenge to Rond's leadership.
He looks at Rond, to gauge his reaction, but suspects, since Renik says they already have been talking about this, that his old friend will not feel the surprise he, himself, does. He also looks around at his other friends.
Bill swirls his ale around in his mug as Renik concludes his proposal, takes a little sip, clears his throat, and speaks.
"When I first joined the group, there were my cousin Borbo, may the gods bless his soul; Andraaxius Slowblade;" he says, nodding toward the half-elf Draax, "Sedar the mage - hope to see him around again sometime; Brother Branze Bones - who, though he was usually a mule-headed misinterpreter of most things, did give his life for the sake of the party; K'isst, bright and beautiful and exotic and stalwart and passionate;" and here, Bill's cheeks turn a little red, "and, and Ronderiadshel - Rond. Rond stuck up for me from the start. We did stuff together, like when getting ready to go after the Sentinel Head. Remember the frog's eggs in the pocket, Rond?" he says with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Now, I wasn't around when the party decided they needed a leader. We'd always just sort of done things more or less by consensus. When I rejoined the party after some special work for M that Sedar and I'd been working on, I found out that Rond was our leader. Fine with me. You've done a good job, friend. I think you try pretty hard to let everyone have a say and such, and make some good suggestions quite often.
"Rond, though, I think that sometimes, in a crisis situation, it takes someone who's good at seeing a whole bunch of stuff all at once. Now, I think I'm pretty good at that, but I don't want to be the leader of our group. Too many other things to do, you know.
"Renik seems to be able quickly to pick up on what's going on, and is pretty good at directing this one here and that one there.
"Now I don't know if you two want to work out some sort of captain / sergeant thing, or if we vote on just one leader for the group, and that's enough."
The halfling takes out a little ball from his pocket and, keeping his hands cupped over it, bounces it on the table every once in a while, careful so it does not try to escape, as he waits to hear what the rest of the group might have to say.
Rond to Hobbes Sunday June 15th, 2003 12:28:25 AM
Letting an eyebrow shoot up as Hobbes suprises everyone with his statment.
"Hmmm. I understand what you are saying Hobbes, but I'm assuming you should probably check in with Marcus when you get back to Plateau city and see whether he has released you to go back to the life you knew. Last I heard you were assigned to him till further notice.
Along those lines, I'd have you return the hat to Marcus himself since he gave it to you to begin with.
I thank you for your help with the infernal machine and your insights to the dream and to the land of the dead.
Are you sure you wouldn't at least let us escort you back to Plateau City?"
Rond to everything else Sunday June 15th, 2003 12:40:08 AM
Rond does not act surprised when Renik makes his surprise announcement.
Listening to what Renik has to say, Rond decides he'd better say something so that everyone knows where he stands. But before he can say much, Bill jumps in. Waiting for Bill to finish, Rond jumps in before anyone else can say anything.
"I don't think we have to worry about the Captain - Seargent thing unless Renik really wants to.
I would also say that we don't necessarily have to vote on the leadership issue."
Putting his hands up as some people start to protest, "Hold on and hear me out.
Our little 'band' of adventurers has seen people come and some people go. Usually because of death, sometimes.." Looking the direction that Hobbes just left, ".. people decide to leave. I'm thinking that since Renik wants his chance at leadership that maybe I should let him take the reigns. If anything just to make sure that there's someone that wants it should I die. Where the vote would come in would be if people were unhappy with what Renik was doing. After a given amount of time if there was a problem with his leadership, people could call for a vote. This way should he die, then I can step in and fill the void.
I imagine that he's thought long and hard about this and is ready to give up his wine and women for the betterment of the party." When Renik begins to sputter at Rond, he smiles and chuckles as he noticed he caught Renik off-guard. "Well he might not give up the wine that readily. But being a leader is not as easy as it seems. He wants the chance to make decisions about life and death, and I'm inclined to let him try.
Does anyone else wish to speak?"
(ooc I'll post the final treasure list in e-mail Sunday afternoon/evening. We can check with JK then whether he can roleplay someone coming into identify everything, or whether someone has to go in with their stuff.)
Bill, again Sunday June 15th, 2003 2:40:41 AM
Bill listens to Rond. What a wise group of friends the halfling has, he thinks to himself. They genuinely lift each other up.
Then, an important thought intrudes, and, regardless the propriety of the moment, he has got to pass it on. "Oh, oh, oh - you guys are all invited to my birthday party. It's just in a couple of days! My family's fixin' some good pies and such, and you're all invited. So, don't anybody else go riding off, okay?"
Draax Sunday June 15th, 2003 6:30:21 PM
Draax has seen many join and leave the group and only wish Hobbes the best in whatever he decides to do. "Good luck my friend and may you be safe on your journey."
Draax thinks long and hard about the subject of leader. He looks deep inside himself for any desire to lead and finds none. Having no desire to be the group's leader and seeing Rond willingly step aside for Renik, Draax has no problem with Renik taking the position.
"Well if Rond is willing to step aside and no one else would like the position, I think that Renik will make a good leader or at least be given the chance to prove me wrong. I do think he should appoint a second so that if he is not with the party or something worst, that individual could step right in."
Turns to the halfling with a smile at the mention of Bill's birthday party. "A party would be a nice change of pace. You can count me in."
Feng Sunday June 15th, 2003 11:28:49 PM
Feng says his goodbye's to Hobbes and wishes him well.
On the matter of leadership:
Feng lets out a deep sigh. "I never expected this after what we went through. Surviving and succeeding was a tremendous feat. I don't mean to sound rude but who is in charge does not concern me. I will support the group conscensous."
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