Trapped? - DM Marcin Wednesday March 31st, 2004 7:51:31 AM
Despite so much going on around them both Tratain and Draax manage to strike the snake creature as it passes by. The brown crust that has appeared on its skin after the bath Setanos gave to it is broken by the steel of their weapons. Glowing, red ooze starts to seep out of the wounds. It's almost as if the creature was bleeding lava. But there is no time to admire their handiwork. Tratain, Draax, and Setanos jump into the room. Sarigar's hand reaches out to Tratain, who slipped and regained balance at the last possible moment.
Renik readies his bow in preparation for the coming of the wolf, but as soon the creature appears in the doorway it is crushed under falling curtain of earth and stone. The small cellar is filled with a cloud of dust that gets into eyes, noses, and mouths. For a moment the heroes are deprived of vision. There is shaking and rumbling accompanying the movement of huge masses of earth. It goes on for a while, slowly becoming softer and quieter. After a minute or so the Hamleters realize that all that is left of the noise is the ringing in their ears. The party is standing in silence.
The cloud of dust settles, and, after winking dirt out of their eyes, the heroes can see again. The illumination is provided solely by the flaming axe of Feng. A crack is running through the whole length of the ceiling of this cellar. A few small pebbles fall from it on the robe of Arien, who is standing in the middle of the room.
The way out has been completely blocked by stones and earth. Some of the rubble has stacked itself inside the room in a large pile. There are several beds lined up against the walls. None of them seem very inviting.
The air is dusty and unpleasant to breathe. The question is, when it will run out?
Black Paws sits in the middle of the floor and howls mournfully.
Trapped?
[0:18]
Feng (Ac 23, HP 62) Wednesday March 31st, 2004 10:28:34 AM
Feng looks at the wall of stone and the room. This was not a good thing. Was it better to be crushed to death or slowly run out of air. Feng reverts his axe back to normal to conserve air.
"Sorry but we need the air the flame burns. I'll do what I can to help those that can't see in the dark."
ooc: dsl server went down for maintenence when I was going to post, sorry.
Sarigar(AC19, HP11/78), Black Paws (AC17, HP33) Wednesday March 31st, 2004 11:57:05 AM
Almost immediately after the rumbling stops, Sarigar realizes that he's trapped. He dashes back to the doorway and begins frantically shoving stones and digging at the dirt clogging the door. It's painfully obvious that he can't stand being trapped like this.
Tratain HP 46/59 3d8(5+3+5)+9=22 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 1:20:37 PM
Afer a few seconds Tratain shrinks back down to his normal size. He takes out his goggles of night and wears them so that he can see in the Darkness, and then incants a spell of Healing upon Himself.
Tratain says "Who else is Injured, I'll begin Healing everyone now that we seem to be safe..well now that there's not anyone activly trying to kill us at the moment. Arien or Setanos, do either of you have any Transportation spells available? We should try and get as many people as we can out so that the air supply will last longer. Sarigar needs to be taken out if possible, all his panicing will do is use up the air faster or cause a cave in I think. I will stay here and can probably get myself out tomorrow using Stoneshape spells if it comes to that."
Tratain also begins searching the room while everyone else shares thier ideas.
Arien (Mage Armor, Shield AC 25) HP: 17 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 1:42:59 PM
"I do have one teleport spell memorized currently and one dimesion door spell as well. Unless we went down farther than I expected then either should work. I can take myself and three other people with either spell, then after I can rest and rememorize spells I could dimension door back down here and retrieve the rest of the group. The only question remains, who should come up first. Its obvious we need to get Sarigar out of here and I think Renik could use some fresh air as well so the only question who should be the third person." Arien waits to see who is decided upon then prepares to cast his spell.
Setanos (AC 23 HP 33+11/83) [Extended Mage Armor, Shield, Heroism] Wednesday March 31st, 2004 2:05:34 PM
Setanos nods in the darkness for those that can see him. "That was well fought lads, good job. Have no fear, we'll be outta here soon enough. I've no spells left ta travel, sadly, but I'll stay down here for a day. I could use the rest!" His joking tone belies a grim look on his face.
Spells active: Mage Armor : 14 hours Shield : 16 of 70 rounds. Heroism : 13 of 700 rounds
Renik Wednesday March 31st, 2004 3:45:28 PM
"Don't worry about me" grins the rogue with false bravado, spitting out dust. "All I need is a good rest and my gear back and I'll be as good as new. This bed will do me fine once I get all the pebbles out. I'd suggest you take a heavy hitter or two with you in case of trouble. Feng and Tratain perhaps. Considering the size of you Feng, you probably use up twice as much air as I do! Just as long as you make sure to take whoever that is trying to bring down the rest of the roof on us."
He peers into the darkness trying to make out Sarigar.
"I don't know if there's much we can do about it right now, but I have a pretty good idea where the goons that captured me dumped my stuff. All the items were placed in a box labelled "To Be Identified", and the box itself was stored in one of the storage cellars. I seem to remember there being a corridor with a set of four or five doors on the left, after I was dragged in from a large circular cloister. They stripped me of my stuff in the first cellar, the scum. Anyone fancies picking that up on their way back, I'd be much obliged."
Suddenly a dim memory flickers. "There was something else... most of it is very hazy, I think I was drugged after they stripped and tortured me, but I'm sure I remember being strapped to some kind of large crystal sculpture for some time. There was something dark and sinister at work there. Something was tugging at me, sucking out my very life essence. We need to destroy that thing, because whatever it was I know for a fact it was nothing good."
He listens to his companions in the darkness, a warm feeling suffusing his body at the thought of being reunited with them. Even the grimness of their current predicament does nothing to spoil his good mood.
Draax AC25, HP41/89 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 8:59:49 PM
Draax relaxes when the falling ceiling kills the wolf. He turns and assesses their situation, "Well, I guess it's better than getting eaten by a wolf. No offense Black Paw."
Before the lights goes out he spots Renik. "Hey buddy, nice to see that we did not have to avenge your death. Listening to the way you describe what happened to you I am starting to believe that my true calling in life is to help destroy life sucking machine. I guess our work here is not as complete as I thought it was a few seconds ago."
"You are right Arien, you may want to take Sarigar, his wolf and anyone else who will need to see to memorize their spells."
To Tatain he says, "When you finish taking care of the most wounded of us I could do with some healing myself."
Making a plan - DM Marcin Thursday April 1st, 2004 6:40:41 AM
The paladin lowers his axe and the flames subside and vanish. Darkness fills the room. A faint glow can now be seen coming from the cardboard tube carried by Arien - the tube that contains the coin with the Light spell. In its illumination a dark outline of Sarigar can be seen bent in half near the doorway. The wild man works with bare hands on the pile of rocks and rubble. It seems that for every stone he pulls away from the passage another one falls down to take its place.
Tratain finds some time to tend to his wounds. After offering to help anyone else who might be wounded he starts to look around the room. Draax mentions that his injuries need attention. [There is time to cast as many spells as you like.]
As Arien sums up the travel magic he has left over it becomes obvious that at least some of the Hamleters can get out of this prison almost immediately. Setanos, realizing the choice the group is about to face, offers to stay down.
Renik, after acknowledging the presence of the party member unknown to him, relates what he remembers of his imprisonment.
Black Paws starts to trot around the room, then jumps on one of the beds and starts to claw at the walls.
Tratain goes around the cellar examining the beds. All of them are crude wooden frames filled with piles of straw and covered with dirty furs of unrecognizable animals. But, as he lifts the rags on the bed in the corner of the room, he discovers that three wooden boxes have been hidden in the dirty straw! Two of them are rather large wooden crates, maybe the size of travelling coffers. Somebody has stamped Catacombs on all their sides in black. The third one looks like an oaken strongbox locked with a small, shiny padlock.
[0:20]
Renik d20+8=27 d20+9=10 Thursday April 1st, 2004 2:43:53 PM
"Some of you are looking pretty beat up. Let's get everyone healed before we make any further move."
The rogue watches with interest as the crates are unearthed by Tratain.
What's in those?" he asks, peering over Tratain's shoulder. When he sees the crate he rubs his hands in anticipation of a challenge, even if he doesn't have his tools to hand. Finding a sliver of metal amonst the debris on the floor he works the small padlock carefuly (Open Lock 27) after first ensuring the lock isn't trapped in any way (Search 10).
Tratain 4d8(1+5+6+1)+9=22 d8=3 d8=3 13d8(1+8+2+2+5+3+3+6+5+4+8+6+6)+9=68 3d8(7+4+6)+9=26 4d8(2+4+4+1)+9=20 d8=4 3d8(6+4+1)+9=20 d8=4 3d8(3+7+1)+9=20 d8=4 2d8(4+5)+9=18 2d8(7+1)+9=17 d8=4 2d8(2+6)+9=17 2d8(4+4)+9=17 d8+5=7 d8+5=6 d8+5=6 d8+5=9 d8+5=13 d8+5=6 d8+5=10 d8+5=9 d8+5=12 Thursday April 1st, 2004 8:05:21 PM
Tratain leaves the Chests with Renik for examination and opening and begins examing the group and healing everyone who needs it.
Sarigar Healed for 67 Feng Healed for 65 Arien Healed for 24 Draax Healed for 48 Setanos Healed for 50
After Tratain says "Well, thats all I can do today. (Used all Remaining Spells, even 0 levels :) Rerolled 1's on healing) Arien, I'd suggest you Take Sarigar, Black Paws, and Feng with you outside. You can come get the rest of us tomorrow, Between you and Setanos we'll only need to make one more trip out of here I think.
Draax Thursday April 1st, 2004 8:58:41 PM
"Thanks Tain, that feels a lot better." With the reprieve away from fighting Draax takes the opportunity to get a little rest. He finds a spot on the floor and uses his backpack as a head rest. He knows that he is not going to get any sleep until Sarigar and his panicking wolf are moved to an opened area so he closes his eyes and listens to the conversations around him.
Feng Friday April 2nd, 2004 1:05:21 AM
Feng sighs pleasently as his wounds close up. He could manage but wounds in general are things he likes to avoid. He thought they could all use a good rest after this and the catacombs will want their stuff back.
"We better take all of this with us. Perhaps there is gold in the chest. Gold we can use to help stop them."
Sarigar(AC19, HP78/78), Black Paws (AC17, HP33) d20+13=25 d20+1=21 d20+3=10 Friday April 2nd, 2004 2:31:25 PM
Sarigar continues digging frantically, barely noting the spell(s) Tratain used to heal him. However, with his restored health, he is unconsciously able to dig even faster as the pain of his wounds no longer hampers his movements.
As he tumbles a sizeable stone out of his way, he happens to take note of Black Paws scratching at the wall (Spot 19). Knowing his brother to be quite observant, he jumps over to examine the wall. He runs his fingers over the mortar, taps at it, even puts his ear up to it to listen if there's anything behind it (Search 21, nat. 20).
If it sounds hollow, he will throw his shoulder into it and push with every ounce of his strength and weight, letting out a forceful "AAAARRRRRRGGGGHHH" (Strength Check 10). Otherwise, he'll start to pull and scratch at it, having full confidence that his brother has found a way out.
Examining the find - DM Marcin Friday April 2nd, 2004 3:58:04 PM
All that can be heard for a moment is heavy breathing of Sarigar, who continues his attempts to clear a way out without apparent progress, and rhytmic incantations of Tratain, who goes from one wounded hero to another lending aid.
Draax sets up for sleep, but sleep will be hard to come by given the circumstances. Feng, already making plans for the future, suggests taking the crates to the surface for return to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, Sarigar tries to figure out if Black Paws has found a secret way out. It seems that the wolf is just clawing at the walls at random, desperate to get out of this death trap.
Renik, despite dim illumination and inferior tools, manages to pick the lock on the strongbox in no time at all. As soon as the lid is lifted a sizeable collection of coins appears for all to see. Most are gold - there is large, shiny currency of the Floating City, old coins from the South, and some gold pieces so worn down from the use that they are practically unrecognizable. A healthy dose of silver of various origin is mixed with the gold. Here and there a small white pearl catches the light of Arien's glowing coin.
[If the party takes the time to count the treasure you will arrive at the sum of 2980 gold pieces, 503 silver pieces, 12 nice pearls, and a small scrap of parchment with "IOU 20 gold - Kirian" scribbled on it.]
A muffled noise comes from one of the unopened crates, followed by gentle snoring.
[0:25]
Feng Friday April 2nd, 2004 10:48:53 PM
"Now we need to get out of here as soon as possible. Before Sarigar goes crazy or brings the rest down into this room. We need to be prepared for the possibility that the dark elves broke their word and are waiting in force."
Draax Sunday April 4th, 2004 12:02:26 PM
Draax opens his eyes for a second to take a look at the money found in the crates. At first he dismisses the snoring sound as his imagination, but he gets up and moves over to the unopened crates just to make sure. When he notices that someone or something is sleeping in one of the crates he points at the crate and then puts his hands together and on the side of his head with his head tilted to the side to indicate sleep. He then points to Renik and then to the lid of crate and does a lifting gesture with his left hand while drawing a dagger with his right. He moves to the side of the crate ready to quickly stab if the sleeper is hostile.
Renik Sunday April 4th, 2004 2:34:26 PM
Renik is just about to ask Feng what he means about dark elves when he too hears the snoring. Nodding at Draax he moves next to the crate, waits for his companions to get into position, and then removes the lid.
If the occupant proves to be friendly he will open the other crate also.
Tratain Sunday April 4th, 2004 10:57:56 PM
Tratain Readies his Warhammer and Shield and waits for Draax and Renik to open the crate. He says to the Others "How could anyone have slept through all that racket we casued on our way in."
Arien (Mage Armor, Shield AC 25) HP: 17 Sunday April 4th, 2004 11:23:21 PM
Arien, about ready to begin casting, notices the behavior of his friends and waits to see what happens with the crate.
The contents of the crates - DM Marcin Monday April 5th, 2004 2:39:26 AM
The party gathers around the pair of large crates, ready to defend themselves should their new company prove hostile.
Renik examines the lids and notices that both containers have been closed by nailing wooden boards on their tops. Eventually, the Hamleters have to pry off every single plank in order to have a look at the contents. The sound of breaking wood does not seem to wake the sleeper, who continues his gentle snoring.
The first crate contains robes, cloaks, and other assorted garments of various colors and sizes, all of them seemingly new. Every garment has been neatly folded into a small package - or at least they used to be packed like that until somebody nested himself a bed in the middle of the box. This person, almost completely wrapped in a big, thick, woolen cloak (only a sizeable nose sticks out), does not seem to be particularly large. The whole container is filled with strong herbal smells. Many thick pouches full of dried leaves and several clay bottles stopped with black wax have been carelessly pushed to the sides to make more stretch room for the stranger. A green, empty bottle of wine ("Mermaid's Dream") and an unstopped and half full bottle of Bluethorn Root extract - a common sleeping potion - provide at least a partial answer to Tratain's question.
The second crate is only half full. Multiple leather pouches, some very small, some as large as a human head, have been carefully stacked on its bottom. None bear any markings. When untied, it turns out that each contains some kind of colored powder - among them one jade green, one deep purple, a couple rosy red, several white, and one sparkling and glistening like beads of rain in the moonlight. [You can use Appraise if you like, but with a -2 penalty because of poor illumination.]
Black Paws has given up on trying to claw his way out through the walls. The wolf returns to the side of his master and lies down on the floor, unhappy and afraid.
[0:26]
Setanos (AC 23 HP 83+11/83) [Extended Mage Armor, Shield, Heroism] Monday April 5th, 2004 8:26:22 AM "Well I'll be..." Setanos says with a grin. "Course, if I was lock'd ina crate with nuttin better ta do, I'd prolly enjoy a good bottle meself."
Drawing his greatsword, he stands ready and nods his head at the sleeping form, waiting for someone to wake him.
If things go smoothly, he'll spend some time cleaning out his soggy component pouch.
Sarigar(AC19, HP78/78), Black Paws (AC17, HP33) Monday April 5th, 2004 12:39:06 PM
Sarigar hurriedly slips off his backpack and begins rummaging through it. He first pulls out a lock, looks at it, then the wall, shakes his head and stuffs it back in the pack. He pulls out a flask next, almost chuckles, then shoves it back in the pack. He reaches back into the pack, impossibly far, in fact, he half crawls into it, then suddenly all around him hear a muffled HA!".
He hauls himself out of the pack, this time his hands clutching a sizeable hammer. He turns back to the wall and begins pounding. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! He stops long enough to see what kind of progress he's made. If he seems to be making headway, he'll continue pounding. If not, he'll go back and dig through his pack.
Renik Monday April 5th, 2004 5:25:02 PM
The rogue reaches into the crate and taps the sleeping figure smartly on the shoulder.
"End of the line, everybody out!" he barks in his finest stagecoach driver tones.
Stepping back to allow his companions to deal with the newcomer he looks over at the frenzied Sarigar with a pained expression.
"Will somebody please tell me why this fellow is trying to bring the rest of the roof down about our ears? Hey you, whatever your name is, cut that out right now!" If you just calm down for a few seconds we'll get you out. Carry on like that and you'll find yourself buried under a ton of rock!"
If Sarigar is beyond reason he will attempt to restrain him, calling on Feng and Tratain for assistance.
Draax Monday April 5th, 2004 6:39:31 PM
Draax smiles as he hears Renik's comments about Sarigar, "Oh, I forgot that you two have not been properly introduced. That guy over there banging on the wall is Sarigar (points at Sarigar) and his wolf friend is Black Paw. They have the same type of relationship as our old friends Ferrak and Darkfang. HEY SARIGAR! Take a break from hammering the wall and come and meet my friend Renik. Do not worry about making an exit you and Black Paw will be out of here in a few minutes, so take a breather." Draax hopes that the Sarigar will stop hammering and come over.
If Renik's tapping does not wake the stranger Draax will unceremoniously dump him out of the crate.
Unknown dwarf Tuesday April 6th, 2004 2:45:17 AM
The stranger tumbles to the floor, sputtering and waving his arms wildly in the air as clothes blind him. Yelling, "Ha! and Ha!" as he bats away clothes, when the flurry is done, a dwarf is left standing amidst the pile of clothes. He is smaller than most dwarves, yet chunky, giving him a shape sort of like a duck. When he walks, he sort of waddles, reinforcing the duck look. He has a long beard, belly length, filled with leaves and twigs and an assortment of ...items best not dwelled upon. His nose is rather large and bulbous. He also has large, pale, watery eyes. He usually dresses in an ankle length tunic of rough wool, stained repeatedly over the years. He wears no hat or helm nor shoes.
The dwarf holds something clutched tightly in his left hand, a seal, which he waves in front of himself like a weapon. "Back! Back!" he cries before his eyes clear and he sees the group surrounding him. "Oh.....um.......say! Wardd says ta give dis to ya!" He shoves the seal of cure light wounds into Draxx's hand, shoulders his club and tries his best to look important. He hooks a thumb at himself and says quite proudly, "Me Gaxx Ogre Slayer!"
Underground - DM Marcin Tuesday April 6th, 2004 3:06:08 AM
Setanos lays out the contents of his spell component pouch. Some items have been destroyed by immersion in the water, but most seem to be still in decent shape [leave it to dry for a few hours and the component pouch will be useable again].
Sarigar, not understanding that the situation is not as dire as it seems to his furry friend, tries a new approach. With two blows his hammer smashes a sizeable hole in the brick wall, revealing packed dirt and sand. Several pebbles fall from the ceiling, followed by a few handfuls of fine dust. This gets an attention of Renik. Draax introduces the wild man and tries to pull the wild man's attention away from the wall.
After being shaken for a moment without an effect the sleeping dwarf is unceremoniously dumped out of his bed. Following a brief struggle with the cloak he was wrapped in he introduces himself as Gaxx.
Black Paws crawls under one of the beds. Quick panting can be heard from his hiding place. The lupine does not understand what is going on and is very afraid.
It is probably hard to believe, but less than half an hour has passed since the party has entered the dungeon under the inn...
[0:27]
Feng Tuesday April 6th, 2004 3:40:20 AM
"Welcome Gaxx, slayer of ogre's. Perhaps once we get out of here you could recount the tale of how you ended up in that crate over a pint." Feng said with a smile. He didn't want the dwarf to feel threatened and make things worse.
Arien (Mage Armor, AC 21) HP: 41 Tuesday April 6th, 2004 6:35:44 AM
"Hello Gaxx, my name is Arien, nice to meet you, have to go." Turning to Sarigar, Arien tries to catch the wild man's attention, "Do you remember how I brought us to this room Sarigar? I can use the same magic to get us out of her and up above, if you'll go get Black Paws I'll take us up right now." Looking around at the rest of the group Arien says, "Looks like I'd best get these two out of here, who was going to be the third to come up?"
Setanos (AC 23 HP 83+11/83) [Extended Mage Armor, Shield, Heroism] Tuesday April 6th, 2004 9:10:56 AM
Guessing that the Dwarf wont be making any problems, he looks over to Sarigar. "Easy there man, we'll get ya out of here."
Turning to Renik, he says "His name's Sarigar, and he's a damn fine hunter. That there is Black Paws, his friend. I'm guessin he's not liking being all closed in." He then adds "We probably stink a might bit too", sniffing himself and laughing.
"Anyway, thats about the size o things. But there's one thing I'm na to sure of. What was ya doing on that pile o boxes made ta look like tha dark machine? Not sure why they'd put ya there, cept as maybe a distraction. Anyway, I'll see ta this stuff" he says, pointing at the boxes of loot.
He then casts a quick spell of detection, looking about the items in the boxes. All the while, he'll be watching Renik's actions.
OOC: Cast Detect magic, examine the boxes Beginning 1 minute for the Sense Motive check.
Sarigar Tuesday April 6th, 2004 2:38:28 PM
Realizing that hammering the wall is causing the pebbles and dust to fall from the ceiling and noting that's pretty much how the large room's ceiling collapsed, Sarigar bags the hammer. He crawls over to where Black Paws curled up and clasps his brother in his arms and almost seems to be making the two of the shrink so as to make the room larger.
Hearing the others attempting to introduce him to Renik, he stays pretty much in a ball, but nods and gestures meekly toward him as if to say hello.
He looks up at Arien pleadingly, but also very frightened. It's obvious he wants out, however that happens, but is still anxious about magic.
Renik Tuesday April 6th, 2004 7:08:02 PM
Seeing Sarigar refrain from his attempts at egress the rogue softens his approach. "A pleasure to meet you, Sarigar, Don't worry. You'll be out of here soon."
"Setanos, I'm afraid I have no idea what that assembly of boxes and crates was all about. Certainly it's not the machine we seek. As you say, it may have been intended as a diversion. Or perhaps they were intending it as my funeral pyre. Either way, we still have a crystal construction of some sort still to find."
He looks over at the new arrival and smiles. "Gaxx, eh? Anyone with gifts of Wardd to hand out is a friend of mine. Well met, sir. I'm afraid you find me at something below my best; I don't usually parade around in nothing but a loin cloth. The occupants of this foul place seem to have made off with my clothes."
OK, Arien I suggest you take Sarigar, Black Paws and Feng, unless there are any objections. That way we'll still have two strong fighting units even though our forces are split."
Gaxx Tuesday April 6th, 2004 7:58:20 PM
Gaxx eyes the ones around him somewhat warily but when some of them introduce themselves, Gaxx hops forward. He raises a amber stone, hanging from a leather thong around his neck, and shows it to anyone who will listen. Imbedded within the amber is a perfect four leaf clover. "Wardd be Gaxx's friend, give him spells ta use. Bring Gaxx here so Gaxx can help. Gaxx be a mendi.....a mendy.......a good friend of Wardd!"
Draax Tuesday April 6th, 2004 8:12:21 PM
Draax tentatively takes the seal from the disheveled dwarf, "Uh thanks and thanks Wardd for me too."
When Feng greets the dwarf, Draax puts his dagger away figuring that the paladin would have scanned the dwarf for evil. He looks the seal over and when it does not blow up in his hands he smiles and greets the dwarf. "Good morning Gaxx, I hope your rest was peaceful. You can call me Draax."
Draax gives the stranger a good looking over and realizes that this is the first time that he has ever seen a dwarf that looks out of shape.
Feng (Ac 23, HP 62) Tuesday April 6th, 2004 11:44:32 PM
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintence Gaxx. We can always use a friend of Waard with us. Evil doesn't rest and neither do we."
Tratain Wednesday April 7th, 2004 12:04:00 AM
Tratain watches the encounter with the Dwarf. Seeing as how he doesn't seem hostile Tratain goes back to searching the room. He calls over his shoulder as he searches, "Don't suppose Waard supplied you with a way out of here for us did he?"
Still underground - DM Marcin Wednesday April 7th, 2004 3:42:55 AM
As Setanos scans the contents of the crates with detecting spell no magic auras are revealed. He eyes Renik for a while, but doesn't notice any obvious changes in his behavior.
Sarigar finally gives up on trying to free himself on his own and tries to comfort his lupine companion.
While Gaxx introduces himself and exchanges a few casual remarks with others Renik makes plans for getting out of the trap. His suggestion is to take Sarigar, his wolf, and Feng to the surface first.
[Well, you need to come up with a plan for getting back to the surface. Feel free to post a couple of times per day if needed.] [Do you have any plans regarding what you are going to do next?]
[0:28]
Setanos (AC 23 HP 83+11/83) [Extended Mage Armor, Shield, Heroism] d20+3=7 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 8:43:39 AM
Content that Renik is alright, Setanos settles down to more practical matters.
"Ya Renik, yer suggestions a fine one, so lets go with that, unless like Traitan said our new friend here happens to have a spell o travel ready to go, in which case we might be gettin out o here in one group." He looks over at the Dwarf, hoping that Waard may have indeed provided a bit of luck today.
Setanos then walks over to Sarigar and puts an easy hand on his shoulder. "I know magic's strange ta ya, and ya certainly dont like being in here and I cant blame ya for that. But Arien's good, he'll get ya out of here an into the open air soon enough mate."
Standing up, he speaks, "But befor we go, lets take a good look about this room. Might being that they had a sneaky way out. Lets get everyone searching for a bit and see if we find something"
Setanos takes a few minutes to look around the room as best he can, but the darkness and lack of training make things difficult.
OOC: Search check for secret doors: 7.
After getting out of here its find the secret machine and smash it as far as I am concerned. I'd really like to try to cash in the items we have, going back to the spiked chain and so forth, been holding it for a while.
Gaxx d20+8=21 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 10:35:57 AM
Gaxx thinks for a moment then mutters, "I dunno, lets see what Wardd shows us. He then waddles around the room studing the stone walls, seeking any irregularity in the construction. (search +6, stonecunning +2 = 21)
Sarigar Wednesday April 7th, 2004 1:58:40 PM
Still wrapped up with Balck Paws, he jerks ever so lightly as Setanos touches him. It's almost like Setanos woke him up, but it was clear that he was awake. Hearing Setanos' words, he does seem to calm slightly, but then returns his attention on becoming small.
Renik d20+8=19 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 3:17:46 PM
Nodding at Setanos' suggestion the rogue assists as best as he is able (19) for any hidden items or overlooked escaper routes.
If no route out is discovered he suggests they proceed with getting the first team out. "The quicker you go the sooner you'll be rested enough to get the rest of us out, Arien."
Arien (Mage Armor, AC 21) HP: 41 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 5:05:49 PM
"Very well then, unless Feng wants to stay lets go." Arien brings Feng and Sarigar, along with Black Paws, close to him and casts dimension door. As he casts the spell he visualizes the yard, just outside of the inn, and brings them to that point.
Draax d20+2=13 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 9:55:14 PM
"I agree with Setanos, if the machine is still out there, then we have not completed our mission. I guess we might have to find a different way into the school. There was the room upstairs with the different doors, but I wonder if it was blocked or destroyed by the cave in."
With nothing else to do Draax joins in on the searching the room for a secret or concealed exit (search 13).
Tratain d20+9=12 d20=4 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 10:43:34 PM
Tratain attempts to examine the walls as well for any way out. (Spot 12, Search 4) But doesn't have much success on his own.
Tratain Says to the group "Ok, if we can't find a way out of here right now lets just get some rest and be prepared for tomorrow. Come Down and Get us after you are rested Arien. The Rest of us Will Teleport out of here tomorrow and we can go find that machine and Smash it."
If no way out is found Tratain settles down and tries to rest until mourning.
-------------------- Spells Being Memorized When able to 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Bless; Sheild of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From Evilx2(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Endurencex2; Bull's Strength; Remove Paralysis;Align Weapon(Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge; Prayer; Dispel Magicx2;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement; Divine Power;Death Ward;(Spell Immunity) 5th Level: True Seeing; Rightous Might;(Flame Strike)
Feng Wednesday April 7th, 2004 11:44:27 PM
Feng illuminated the room the the head of his axe once more. He followed the searchers around the room making sure they had plenty of light to search by.
"Any luck?"
Moving out - DM Marcin Thursday April 8th, 2004 4:04:18 AM
The group decides to search the room they are trapped in for the last time before using magic to leave it. No secret doors are revealed; the bricken walls seem to have been put in here just to reinforce solid stone and packed dirt hidden behind them.
Having decided on the future course of action Arien gathers Feng, Sarigar, and Black Paws close to him, and, after the mage carefully performs proper gestures, the whole group departs the cellar through Dimension Door, leaving others behind in total darkness.
After a while the silence of the underground prison sharpens the hearing of those left behind. First you become aware of the breathing of others, then the beating of your own heart. Your ears strain to hear something - anything! After a while you hear - or imagine that you hear - the beating of the sea against the cliffs. With no sky to look at it is hard to judge the passage of time; it starts to seem to you that hours must have already passed. Shouldn't Arien be back already? What if something happened to him?...
Arien, Feng, Sarigar, and Black Paws arrive at the yard before the inn just as planned. After spending so much time in the dungeon it is a real pleasure to breathe fresh air again. The sun momentairly blinds eyes accustomed to dim illumination. The inn stands silent, its doors and windows open. A shutter on the first floor is repeatedly slammed against its frame by the wind. It is well after noon. The funeral pyre that has been set up by the Hamleters yesterday has finally stopped smoking. Gentle sea breeze is spreading warm ashes all over the neighbourhood. A fox has been gnawing on a bone dug out of the heap, but startled by your sudden arrival bolts and runs away. Looking in the direction of the sea the small group can see a huge depression in the ground that was not there an hour before.
[Group on the surface: the nearby countryside offers many secluded places to rest at. If you decide to break camp please post who is sleeping and for how long, and who is keeping watch.]
[Group underground - running out of air: for every two hours that have passed you need to make a Fort save. The DC of the first save is 8. Every next save has the DC progressively increased by 2, so it is 10, 12, etc. Failing a save makes you tired. Next failed saves make you progressively: exhausted, unconscious, and dead. Note that Draax is already tired as an after effect of the poison. Failing even one save makes your rest not comfortable enough to memorize spells afterwards.] [0:33]
Setanos (AC 19 HP 83/83) [Extended Mage Armor] d20+13=32 Thursday April 8th, 2004 9:16:28 AM "Courage mates, we'll be outta here soon enuf" Setanos calls out in the darkness. Every so often he calls out to make sure everyone is still awake. Other than that he tries to remain as quite as possible, conserving air.
OOC: Fort Save vrs DC 8 : Passed
Tratain d20+12=31 d20+12=31 d20+12=22 d20+12=30 d20+12=22 d20+12=31 d20+12=30 d20+12=17 Thursday April 8th, 2004 9:26:39 AM
After No way out is found Tratain Makes Himself comfortable and is quickly asleep and gets all the rest he needs. The rest of the time spent waiting Tratain is able to keep his mind off being trapped in a small cave and he rests easily waiting for Arien to arrive. (Made 14 Hours Worth of Saves Before Failing One, Not sure how many we needed to make.)
Draax d20+12=18 d20+12=30 d20+12=20 d20+12=31 d20+12=27 d20+12=18 d20+12=14 Thursday April 8th, 2004 11:28:34 AM
Not finding a way out, Draax goes back to his spot on the floor and tries to get whatever rest he can.
(Made 10 hours worth of saves before failing one)
Setanos (12 hours worth of saves) d20+13=16 d20+13=20 d20+13=18 d20+13=16 d20+13=22 Thursday April 8th, 2004 12:18:40 PM
1st : DC 8 : 32 Passed (on previous post) 2nd : DC 10: 16 Passed 3rd : DC 12: 20 Passed 4th : DC 14: 18 Passed 5th : DC 16: 16 Passed 6th : DC 18: 22 Passed
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday April 8th, 2004 1:02:37 PM
With the ceiling now removed and the bright sun flowing down over them, the brothers take a moment to adjust, then Black Paws begins to jump and bound around the area. Sarigar stands up, turns his face toward the sun, throws his arms back, takes a huge breath and exhales with a sense of complete and utter relief. He then joins Black Paws in game that seems to be a combination of tag and playful wrestling.
The pair run and tumble all around the clearing with seemingly not a care in the world.
Feng Thursday April 8th, 2004 11:26:17 PM
Feng can't rest just yet. He would like to but he had friends trapped below ground. Then there was the nagging feeling that they were betrayed by the dark elves.
ooc: Feng will stand watch
Renik d20+5=25 d20+5=10 d20+5=23 d20+5=14 d20+5=17 d20+5=6 Friday April 9th, 2004 5:47:32 AM
"Well, in the absence of anything better to do I suggest we get some rest while we wait of the cavalry to arrive" smiles the rogue in the darkness. Though his demeanor is cheerful he struggles inwardly with the feelings of claustrophobia their predicament generates. His whole capture, torture, life draining and near-turning to stone, followed by being trapped under tons of rock have left him with a very acute appreciation of the value of freedom.
(Made 10 hours of Fort saves (just!) before failing one.)
Arien (Mage Armor, AC 21) HP: 41 Friday April 9th, 2004 6:30:47 AM
"Well Feng I have spells to memorize and to do that I'm going to need to rest for at least eight hours. So if you and Sarigar can keep watch for me I'll go ahead and rest." Arien looks around a bit before sitting down in a cross-legged postion. Then after a deep breath, enters Trance.
((Trance for four hours then rest for another four then begin memorizing spells.))
In the evening - DM Marcin Friday April 9th, 2004 7:29:06 AM
The group underground rests in total darkness and silence that is broken only occasionally by Setanos. After some time the air gets noticeably thick. Hour after hour passes. The dreams of those who managed to fall asleep are not easy. For those who chose to remain awake every breath slowly becomes an effort. The chill of the earth drains the heat away from the bodies of the Hamleters. It takes a moment to realize where you are after waking up [Gaxx's saves?...].
Meanwhile, Arien, Feng, Sarigar, and Black Paws find a place suitable for camping. It is a good thing that the party's mage is an elf, for the knowledge of how much depends on him having a night of good sleep could make a human toss in his bed. Time slowly passes and the sun disappears under the horizon. Soon stars of the night become visible. The moon Wardd appears, looking down on the abandoned inn in its travel across the sky. Nothing disturbs the rest of Arien, and in the late evening he feels completely refreshed. Judging by the stars its two hours before midnight.
[All right, the stage is yours. How do you plan to get out? If there are changes to the standard selection of spells prepared it would be a good moment to post the modified lists.]
Sarigar d20+17=36 d20+13=31 d20+13=17 d20+28=30 d20+23=43 Friday April 9th, 2004 10:45:38 AM
Just as the sun begins to set, Sarigar will set off into the nearby woods to hunt and forages (Survival check 36, enough food for 18 people). While he's out there, he'll make large reconnoitering circles around the camp to be sure the area is secure (Spot 31, Listen 17).
Despite his playful demeanor after being released from his potential tomb, he knows that things are not done yet. He will drop off most of the food, keeping a meals worth for himself and Black Paws, with Feng and Arien then retreat back out into the nearby woods with Black Paws. Although he says nothing to Feng or the sleeping Arien, before leaving, he does give them subtle hints that he will be close, watching from hiding (Move Silently 30, Hide 43 nat. 20).
Gaxx d20+8=20 d20+8=25 d20+8=18 d20+8=11 d20+8=20 Friday April 9th, 2004 12:23:39 PM
Gaxx blinks in surprise when he sees some of his new friends disappear, along with the light. But since the others don't seem unduly distressed, he quickly loses interest in the occurance. He sees that the others are settling down for a snooze and considering how big his head feels at the moment, decides to copy them. It doesn't even occur to him that the others cannot see in the darkness.
In the stillness and silence, Gaxx grows tired. For some reason, the air seems very heavy and hard to breathe.
(rolled 10 hours worth of saves, failed one in the 8th hour)
Draax Friday April 9th, 2004 10:33:43 PM
Draax opens his eyes and notices that his mental clock is not working and he has no idea how long they have been waiting for Arien's return. He realizes that it will still take two trips for Arien to remove them all. Not knowing the number of teleport type of spells Arien can memorize at one time, he wonders if there will be enough air for one person to remain down here for a little longer. To keep his mind occupied he lets his thoughts drift to his childhood and his father's lessons of swordsmanship.
Arien (Mage Armor, AC 21) HP: 41 Saturday April 10th, 2004 1:41:08 AM
Standing up Arien loosens up a bit and retrieves his spellbook. Spending the necessary time Arien memorizes a new batch of spells, focusing on teleportation spells. After he finishes memorizing spells he nods to Feng and Sarigar and says, "Well then I shall retrieve our friends now, hold the fort down." That said Arien casts dimension door and returns to the underground room. When he arrives he says without notice, "Ok first trip, who wants to come?" Arien waits for the three to be decided on then dimesion doors back up to Feng and Sarigar.
Renik Sunday April 11th, 2004 10:13:29 AM
"Draax, Gaxx and Setanos, you go first. Tratain nd I will follow after" grunts the rogue, rousing himself from morbid slumber. He cannot wait to free himself of this hellhole.
Setanos Sunday April 11th, 2004 10:22:34 PM
Setanos shakes his head. "You go up first Renik, if something goes wrong ya I want ya out. And you've had the worse of the tha last few days" His voice is casual, but there is an underlying seriousness to it.
Feng Monday April 12th, 2004 1:27:27 AM
Feng's nervous as he waits silently. There is nothing he can do to save his friends but that doesn't make it any easier. All he can do is pray.
Free at last! - DM Marcin Monday April 12th, 2004 4:33:09 AM
Sarigar leaves Feng standing quiet guard over resting Arien and goes in search of food. He is gone for the better part of the afternoon and comes back shortly after Arien wakes up. The wild man is carrying a sackful of wild apples, a few combs of honey, and three large trouts. He hasn't seen anyone and hasn't found any new tracks.
While Sarigar is busy cleaning fish, Arien departs using travel magic. Arriving in the underground cellar the mage finds all of his friends alive, though the air is already very stale and things probably would have turned ugly if he came a few hours later.
It takes two trips to get everyone to the surface. Most of the Hamleters have endured their entombment quite well. Only Draax and Gaxx are worse for the wear [fatigued]. The cold air of the night is so sharp that for a moment it is hard to breathe. The murmur of the sea can be heard in the distance. Aside from that the countryside is quiet and dark; not a single light can be seen but stars and the moon Wardd majestically sailing through the blackness of the sky.
Gaxx looks around and does not recognize this neigborhood at all.
The inn, which only yesterday was loud and busy, stands quiet and dark, its sinister secret still hidden beneath it.
It is time to make plans for the future. Is the threat of the Sons of Dread averted? Has the academy been destroyed? Are the halfings from the nearby villages safe to travel the road again?...
Setanos Monday April 12th, 2004 8:01:17 AM
Setanos looks about the group. "There's still work ta be done down there. Nothin we saw was very school like. I'm thinkn we rest a bit till light, then press on down again. I know we're all tired, but theres dark things at work down there, an we're tha only ones ta stop it." He looks at everyone in turn, hoping to see the same resolve to press on that he feels inside himself.
He then takes a moment to refresh his magical armor.
Gaxx Monday April 12th, 2004 11:12:58 AM
Gaxx stares at the Inn in amazement. He cannot believe how lucky he is to find such a place when he is feeling so tired. Pretty much ignoring everyone else, Gaxx waddles into the Inn, returning minutes later with a blanket and pillow. He finds himself a nice comfortable rock to curl up against, says a prayer of thanks to Wardd and promptly falls asleep.
Draax Monday April 12th, 2004 4:57:47 PM
Draax takes a deep breath when he reaches the surface. He almost laughs out loud as he observes Gaxx. "Lets rest for a few hours and let this fresh air replace the stale air that has been occupying my lungs. I agree Setanos, if the whole place did not caved in, we should probably try the room with the multiple doors. I think I heard some breathing behind one of them the other day when we passed through."
With Sarigar permission, Draax eats some fruit before finding a nice spot near a tree and closes his eyes.
Renik Monday April 12th, 2004 5:47:42 PM
"Aye, there's no reason to go charging back in unrested. We've waited this long, another few hours won't change much. Let's rest and head out at first light."
The rogue resolves to find out more about the unusual dwarven follower of Wardd in the morning.
Feng Monday April 12th, 2004 6:52:48 PM
The fatigue and long battles has finally caught up with him. Feng strips out of his armor and leans against a tree. He only means to sleep for a few minutes but it is hours before he wakes.
Arien (Mage Armor, AC 21) HP: 41 Monday April 12th, 2004 8:58:12 PM
Having freshly rested, Arien keeps a watch shift to releive the less fortunate members of the party.
((OOC: This is short notice but I completely forgot to do this until today. I'm moving soon and I'm not sure how long it'll be until I can get an internet connection again. If someone could, starting tomorrow, post for Arien I would be greatful. Unfortunatley I don't have his character sheet since this is not my computer but the DM should have it and the most recent spell list was posted just a couple of days ago. Thanks in advance to whomever takes Arien for me and I should see you guys again in hopefully around a week.))
Anyone who feels he has a good hang of the way Adam plays Arien please contact me through e-mail. Otherwise I'll send Arien's stats to you, Jim. Marcin
Tratain Monday April 12th, 2004 10:43:04 PM
Tratain Says "I know being Trapped in that tunnel wasn't fun and was Tireing but I think we should head in there now before they get a chance to move the machine. We know there are more people in there who if they haven't already, are preparing to move that machine to a different location. If we wait until it is light before we go back they could finish before we get there and transport it away magically. I think we should finish this before we have to try and find them again."
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