Victory at Last! (DM Cayzle) d20+1=8 d20+1=16 (bees fail saves) d20+8=9 (sage fails too) Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:42:26 AM
Tratain's attacks stagger the Sage, and the Cone seals the deal, taking him by surprise and freezing him to the core. It also has the happy side effect of killing the two already-wounded bees as well. It strikes the champions as a kind of ironic justice that he who killed brave Sarigar with fire should meet his end in cold.
You find on the Sage's frozen form: headband amulet pearl two rings ioun stone 14 similar small vials vestments a bead two wands
You had also found earlier in a puddle on the floor: two wands two small tubs of ointment two rods
A thorough search of the inner sanctum brings your total gold count to 10,000 gp. You note that the books, furnishings, and other goods do seem valuable.
You are gathered in the room where Monthor and Renik wait. You have brought the poor remains of Sarigar and Black Paws with you. You have not yet left the underground complex. It is about an hour after the Sage died.
Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 9:31:04 AM
Feng waits quietly and prays for his fallen comrades. Prayers to gargul for their souls to be welcomed into the joyful afterlife.
Tratain Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:13:13 AM
Tratain looks around the Sages inner sanctum for anything of Note. He also looks to see if he can find the elves that were lost earlier, he tells the one hiding under the sages bed that he can go now.
OOC: good fight guys, I looked back in the Archives, the running battle took 4 and a half months :)
Questions Cayzle - First is the 10,000 GP you just listed in addition to the 10,000 we found before? Also can we take the Sages Bug Helm?
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:49:16 AM
The pupant pokes his nose at the bodies of the brothers wanting them to play some more. He whimpers softly as all his nudging does is cause the bodies to limply roll back into the same position.
DM Cayzle Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:05:43 AM
Sorry, Philip, but in fact the pupant is not to be seen.
Renik Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:07:55 AM
Renik's whirlwind of blows culminates with a bellow of sheer fury, just as the sage dies and the force cage blinks out of existence. Flipping once he lands on his feet in a low crouch, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his eyes blazing. He slowly expands his awareness, taking in his surroundings, and nearly gags on the acrid stench of burned flesh.
In an instant he is up and running towards the scene of the battle, his heart in his mouth.
His worst fears prove justified. He is far too late. Staring down at the charred and smoking remains of his companions Renik staggers back, a hand to his mouth. He has to fight back the bile rising in his throat, turning from blackened corpses in horror. It is several moments before he is able to regain control over his emotions.
Then his back straightens, he turns to his companions and says "Help me find carpets or tapestries to wrap the bodies. We will take them back with us and see if there is any way we can plead for their souls."
His voice is sharp and businesslike, and the trembling of his hands is the only outward sign of the overwhelming grief that threatens to engulf him.
Renik spends the next hour or so gathering all the valuables he can find. His face is grim as he works, lost in bitter self-recrimination. If only he had not allowed himself to get so easily caught, like a fly in amber! He is supposed to lead the Hamleteers, but he was useless to them, useless! Because of his failure the brothers are dead!
Trying to distract himself from his sense of guilt he says "Can this loot be identified? Then we can consider what to sell and what to keep."
Monthor Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 12:26:16 PM
ooc> Are we out of the cages? And where's Feng?
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 1:24:19 PM
[ooc: Ah, poopy. So, instead...]
The bodies of the brothers lay in a charred, smouldering heap until the cool air of the underground cavern chills them room temperature.
As the others gather up the limp forms, the slightly rusted and dented symbol of Mittiri around Sarigar's neck slips out from under his armor and dangles from the sturdy necklace chain, glinting in in the eye of every one of the Hamleteers at least once as it catches the light just right.
[ooc again: By gosh, I'm gonna stay in this game, even if I have to describe my now rotting corpses flopping about limply. =) ]
Draax Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 2:16:50 PM
Draax search the place for the remaining two elves.
Cayzle Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 5:56:09 AM
DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SETS! The site is acting weird. It is slow and sometimes sends out strange warning messages. * Be patient. Compose your post in WORD or some other format, in order not to loose it. Cut and paste to this board. If you fail, try again. It will eventually take. * The powers that be are aware of the problem.
Free at last (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 7:26:47 AM
When the Sage died, the cages of force trapping Monthro, Feng, and Renik faded away. [Sorry this was not clear before.]
[OOC: Yes, the total gold found is 20,000.]
The one elf cowering under the bed emerges and thanks you all profusely!
The other two elves are not underground. You have not yet gone above ground.
The group attends to loot and then gathers near the body of their fallen friend.
Identifies must wait for a period of rest and spell recovery. Many are wounded. Will you rest here, amid insect corpses? Or in the Sage's inner sanctum? Or will you brave the open sky while still wounded?
Arien Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 8:43:37 AM
"I do have rope trick memorized currently so if we want to rest now I can simply cast that and we can rest in safety for awhile. The question is, where do we want to rest? I would say here in the inner sanctum of the Sage's lair will be just fine." If no one objects the elven wizard then casts Rope Trick and climbs into the extradimensional space the spell created.
Monthor (HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 12:09:32 PM
The dwarven fighter is very relieved to finaly be out from the force cage. His relief is short lived however as it is overwhelmed with grief for the brothers. Monthor's feelings are conflicting. He is sad at the brother's passing. He is angry at Serge for killing them and he is shamed that two comrades died because he was unable to protect them.
He sees that one of the elves are is with them but questions where the other two are.
" Me go top side to try to find the other two skinny ones. "
With that, Monthor makes his way back to the mouth of the tunnels (where they first entered)and takes a peek out to see what's going on.
Renik Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 3:10:17 PM
"Hold, Monthor, do not go alone. I suggest that in the face of the unknown we proceed with caution. Where one goes, we all go. You are correct, we need to scout this place and determine the safety of the remaining elves. But think on this; there may be many more of the Sage's cretures still to face. The elves may have been transported to the top of the great tree. In our current state we risk further... loss... if we act rashly.
Arien is correct, moving to the inner sanctuary, healing our wounded and replenishing our spells is the wisest course. We will do a full sweep of the encampment once we are back to full strength."
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 3:36:12 PM
As the remains of the brothers have been gathered for easier transportation, unknown to the others, their spirit finally shakes loose of their worldly containers. As they rise to their ghostly feet, they find themselves pulled together, intermingling, becoming the one they truly have always been.
If the others could see them now, they would see a ghostly beast man, roughly 9 feet tall, barrel chested, full bodied fur, head like a wolf, arms like a man, legs that start like a mans, but end like a wolf. The simplest way to describe this form is werewolf, but not quite, there are some subtle differences.
As they stand between their charred remains, they notice that the others aren't looking at them. They wave their arms and shout at them, "Hey, we're right here! Look at us! Grrrrr" Quickly growing frustrated, they walk to Renik (probably the closest to the bodies since he suggested wrapping them up) and tries to poke him, but finds thier finger, in fact their whole hand, goes right through his chest.
"Ummm, that ain't right." They stand there, staring at their hand for quite a while. Looks and feels solid enough to them, but why can't they touch the pack or why can't the pack hear them?
Monthor Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 8:31:01 PM
ooc> Am I allowed to answer Renik? Or does Monthor need to wait until tomorrow? I'll take a guess and post now.
Monthor stops and turns to face Renik. The others think that they see a small tear coming down the dwarve's face... but they are not sur.
" You wait if you want Renik. The skinny ones may be outside right now being hunted by ants or bees. It be bad enough that we lost the brothers... me not waiting and losing the elves too. Me will take a look outside and search the areas that we have already covered. "
::Monthor's voice grows louder as he speaks until it finally reaches a loud roar of anger and anguish. ::
"Then me will take Serge's head and hang it by the entrance of the tunnels as a warning to all... It's going to say DON'T FREAKINGM MESS WITH THE HAMLETEERS!!!!! "
And with that Monthor turns again and, axe in hand, heads for the tunnels opening.
Draax Thursday May 4th, 2006 12:51:25 AM
Draax listens to Monthor's and Renik's conversation, "Wait up Monthor, since you are going to go anyway, I will go with you. At least we can make sure the way out is clear or find the little pup. I agree with you about taking Sage's head, he has came back too many time for my taste." Draax joins Monthor as he goes in search of the elves.
Safely above ground (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:35:55 AM
There is a small disagreement among the grief-striken heroes. Some want to wait and recover; others cannot bear to wait any longer. But in the end it matters little. Those who leave the underground warren find that there are no dangers above. There are a few medium size worker ants milling around aimlessly, as if bereft of guidance.
Otherwise there is no sign of danger.
There are signs of battle, of course, and maybe more. But now you feel the loss of Sarigar's woodcraft. Who can look for tracks and scents? Who can tell if the elves have been here?
Down below, Renik feels a tiny chill, as if someone had walked on his grave, as the saying goes.
Sarigar: Highlight to display spoiler: {You might note that to the Wild Brothers, colors are faded, scents are very faint, sounds are muted. Even Monthor's cry of rage is soft and distant. Please make a Will save vs DC15 or be pulled toward a stream of Woldsblood. (you get two saves, of course, and you can grant yourself a +2 circumstance bonus if you are not yet ready to leave). Please make this save every post, and increase the DC by 1 each time.}
Time passes, and you have a chance to heal up, regain spells, and recover.
Feng AC 23, HP 82/ 117 Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:50:19 AM
Since he needs very little sleep and no food or drink Feng finds himself with much time on his hands. He pulls out a small rag and some polish before cleaning the blood and grime from his armor. Slowly he cleans every inch on it until it shines once more. All the while he thinks about what was done wrong and how this time it cost two lives.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+7=23 d20+7=14 Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:06:23 PM
As the brothers watch the Hamleteers go about their business of cleaning out the Sages sanctum and start working their way back up to the surface, they notice that things are starting to look, sound and even smell different.
Their own hand looks fine, but the colors of the world around them, including the Hamleteers seems to be fading. The words the others speak to each other sound quite distant and they have to strain to hear most of what's said. And the smell, though they would expect the smell of blood in the air, it seems far too strong for what little was spilt. And there's more than just the smell of blood, but that of fresh dirt.
As they follow the others to the surface, rivulets of a thick red substance seems to begin rising through the ground. They are careful not to step on it, but do see that the others seem to stomp on the rivulets with no problem. Even more oddly, their steps don't disurb the liquid at all. The smell of blood and fertile soil is very strong, almost overwhelming.
As they step around a rivulet, they feel a tugging sensation, but they pull back. A wisp of their form seems to peel off and get dragged in the current, but they remain mostly intact.
"Ummm, guys? What's this stuff? And why's it so strong in our nose?" But again, the others don't react to them at all.
================================================
Actions
Will Saves (DC15) - 23 (save), 14 (fail) - save overall
Renik Thursday May 4th, 2006 3:59:50 PM
With the party healed and recovered, Renik suggests immediate transportation to Plateau City.
"We need to sell the sage's gear, then go and petition the temple of Gargul for the life of our comrade" saya the rogue, trying not to look at the blackened ruin poking out from the end of the rolled carpet.
"And we should make haste. The longer we delay the further Sarigar's soul will slip away from us and into the realms of the dead."
Monthor... Thursday May 4th, 2006 4:06:04 PM
Listening to Renik....
"INDEEEEEEED...."
Draax Thursday May 4th, 2006 10:45:05 PM
Draax listens to Renik, "Before we depart I am going to make one last effort to find those other idiots that got themselves captured. The inserts seem to be harmless at the moment so if I cannot find them, I have no problem letting their friend go through go through this place searching for them."
Draax goes back up to the top and begins searching some of the passageways. He will use chalk to mark his progress and make sure he does not get lost. If he cannot find the elves after 3 hours of searching, Draax will give up and get ready to depart with the others.
Tratain Friday May 5th, 2006 12:14:33 AM
Tratain says "The only place we Have not checked yet was on top of that Tree, Lets Go check there for the other elves then Arien and I can Teleport us all back to Plataue City."
Tratain will Memorize Two Wind Walk Spells, and One Word of Recall. We can all Windwalk up to the top of the Tree and check it out. After we explore there Arien and I can Teleport us all back to the City.
Weighty Issues (DM Cayzle) Friday May 5th, 2006 6:43:38 AM
Feng reflects as he rests. Draax searches the complex and finds no sign that ant or elf remains underground. Aboveground, the few ants left seem to be wandering off. Renik and Monthor are eager to get back to civilization, but the lone elf begs the group to find his friends.
"Maybe you could scry them or something?" he asks.
Or you just might want to check the top of the big tree, suggests the sensible Tratain.
But if you windwalk to the top of the tree and DO find the elves there, how will you rescue them in insubstantial form? And what about the dead? Sarigar's inert form is not insurmountably difficult to bear, but Black Paws was large in life, and must mass half a ton of dead weight, so to speak, at least. How are you carrying the canine around? Can he even be included in the Wind Walk? Can a teleport or Word of Recall even handle that much weight?
And speaking of the dead, Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {As the party grapples (so to speak) with the two corpses, it will be hard to ignore your own dead bodies. How will the spirits of the Brothers react to their earthly remains?}
Oh, and to add to the issue of weight, there are valuables (books, furnishings, lab equipment) that you will leave behind unless you somehow manage to bring them too. (The 20,000 gp I mentioned earlier is mostly in gold, gems, jewelry, platinum, etc. The value of the furnishings and such would be above and beyond that. Anyone have any ranks in Appraise?)
Tratain Friday May 5th, 2006 10:38:51 AM
Tratain sticks with the Others Deciding what to do.
OOC: We can switch back and fourth between forms in Wind Walk, if we do find them it Arien can Dimension Door them to the ground if no easier way down is found. As for Loot and Carrying Black Paws, didn't someone have a Portable Hole? If not we can Take what items people have room for, I know we have at least one Bag of Holding and Several Haversacks. For Black Paws as long as someone Can Actually Carry Him he can be included in the Word of Recall Spell, If necessary Tratain can Divine Power and Rightous Might so He can carry him. Also Arien could you Memorize Analyize Dweomer and Identify all that stuff for us? Also Cayzle could you send us an E-mail Identifing everything since Arien can identify it, it'll help us speed up distributing it all.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+7=16 d20+7=27 Friday May 5th, 2006 11:09:25 AM
As the brothers follow the party around, not ready to give up on having them see or hear them, they finally take more careful notice of the "rugs" they've been carting around.
"Ummm, guys?!? What cha carrying?"
Something catches their eye and when they look closer at it, they realize it's the symbol of Mother Mittiri that Sarigar had always worn. They look down at their chest and see that same symbol around their neck, then look back at the other one as a realization finally comes over them.
Their eyes go wide as the memory of the pain of the scorching rays come back to them, but they realize that they are in no pain now. Tratain never healed them, they know that, but they don't feel hurt. Could it be...?
"Oh, no, nope, not happenin'. We're here, that's not us. Can't be. Guys?! What's going on?!? What...who are those!?!"
As the realization begins to settle in, the brothers step near another rivulet and they feel it pull on them again. Though strong, the brothers resist the pull better this time as they seemed to be more prepared for it. Regardless, the color and sounds of the world fades a little more as the streams of blood become more vibrant and audible.
================================================
Actions
Will Save DC16 - 16 and 27 (nat 20)
[ooc: Sarigar weighs about 270 with gear and Black Paws weighs around 1200 pounds, maybe a little less now that they're both missing a fair amount of flesh =( ]
Feng Friday May 5th, 2006 11:48:55 AM
Not one with an eye for valuables, Feng pulls out a bag of holding he forgot he had. "Just point out what to grab and I'll fill up the bag."
ooc: its a bag of holding [3]. not sure how much can be stored within it.
edited by PhilipK to add the bag info: Bag of Holding - Type III: Weighs 35 lb., Holds 1,000 lb. with a volume of 150 cu. ft.
Arien Friday May 5th, 2006 1:53:50 PM
"I can store some within my haversack and also I have the pants that Bill gave us that can hold extra gear. I haven't memorized spells yet as I wanted to wait to see what everyone wanted to do first, I can simply memorize Teleport multiple times and while the first group is trying to get Sarigar and Black Paws raised I and some others can take care of the more mundane matter of stripping the Sage's lair of anything of use or value."
Monthor d20+8=26 Friday May 5th, 2006 8:39:22 PM
" Me also have a haversack... and can fill it up with stuff if ye need me to. "
The dwarf walks up to Black Paws. The burly dwarf hunches down and begins to stroke his friend's fur. After a few seconds, he tries to respectfully lift Black Paws off the ground (str check 26).
ooc> If he succeeds.
" Me can carry our friend. Me and Arien take the loot and try to bring them back to life quick. The rest of you go look for the skinny ones. We'll catch up as soon as we can... WITH the brothers.
Draax Saturday May 6th, 2006 12:43:54 AM
Not being able to find the elves, Draax gives up and turns his attention to more pressing matters. He looks at the different valuables, "I have a pair of Bill's pants also and will take whatever it I carry in them. I think we should try and rig a stretcher for Blackpaw; that way two or more of us can help carry him." He begins looking around the place for items that would be suitable to make a stretcher capable of carrying the wolf.
Renik d20+3=14 Sunday May 7th, 2006 3:43:29 PM
The rogue nods at the various suggestions.
"I too have a pair of pants given to me by Mr Troublefinder. I'm sure we can get everything and everyone back with Arien memorizing multiple teleports. Assuming your teleport can transport Black Paws, Arien? If not are you able to memorize a spell to reduce him in size?"
He examines the gathered loot, but he has always been better at winning loot than valuing it (Appraise 14).
As he leaves he notices Sarigar's symbol of Mittiri hanging out from one of the two rugs. He kneels and lifts it into his palm, looking down at the rusty emblem with head bowed.
"We shall bring you back, my friend, we shall bring you back!" he whispers, though it is not clear if he speaks to pursuade the cahrred remains of his compatriot or himself. He tucks the pendent back under the rug and stands slowly.
Activating his blink ring and casting invisibility upon himself Renik flies to the top of the tree to see if he can find any sign of the elves. If he can he carries one down at a time (turning off the blink ring first!).
Carrying Capacity (DM Cayzle) Monday May 8th, 2006 10:43:10 PM
Per the PHB, page 162, someone with a Str of 28 is needed to hoist Sarigar while the Word of Recall takes you all back to civilization. I think Monthor is not quite there. Can anyone get up to a 28 Str?
Pants and Bags are used to stow away a good portion of the Sage's fancy goods.
The top of the tree is investigated, and a series of platforms are found up there. No bugs, but the two elves are found tied up above. They are pleased as punch to be rescued. "We'll never leave the Emerald Kingdom again," they say. "Better Parnoth's slaves than pawns of the Fae King!" They would love some help getting home.
Sarigar himself is beginning to catch on to his plight, and the pull from the rich flowing streams of blood that trace the ground like veins are calling to him.
Feng Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:05:12 AM
"I think it might be best to put them in the bag of holding. Might keep them better preserved than exposed to air."
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+5=14 d20+5=18 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:40:55 AM
As they are slowly coming to the realization that the wrapped bodies are in fact their own, the brothers begin to understand the graveness of their plight. The rivers of blood, though potent to their nose and somewhat painful as they step close to one, are strangely calming and inviting.
"Guys? This blood stuff is really neat. It keeps tugging at us and we kinda like it. But we've seen too many packmates die and don't really want to leave you too."
Again, the tug comes and the being that is Sarigar Paws fades substantially this time, but comes back.
Actions
Will Save DC17 - 14 and 18 (save, barely)
[ooc: Black Paws is far too large to fix in a bag of holding (150 cu. ft.) as he's probably close to 200 or more cu. ft. Sarigar might though.]
[another ooc: Since they are dead, the brothers are inanimate objects and thus a reduce spell that works on objects (Shrink Item for instance) I would think work.]
Renik Tuesday May 9th, 2006 2:36:02 PM
The rogue asks again "Do we have any way of shrinking Black Paws? Whatever we do let us do it fast: we have no time to waste."
To the elves he says "Our first duty is to our comrades. We must return with him to the city at once. If you care to make that journey with us I am sure safe passage to the Emerald Kingdom can be arranged."
Arien Tuesday May 9th, 2006 3:16:47 PM
"That would be something that a druid would likely to be able to do but not a spell that I can cast, no. Unless the Sage has some arcane spell for shrinking an animal, which would take me a day to learn regardless then we will need people to just lift the body. Tratain do you have a clerical spell that can take you and others back to Plateau City? I would like to make sure that the elves were at least returned safely there and then we can see about getting them home the rest of the way."
Arien paces a moment before continuing, "I will take who I can as well on the first trip but it will certainly take more than one to get us all to safe harbour, all that is left to decide is how we want to do this."
Monthor Tuesday May 9th, 2006 6:00:16 PM
The dwarf struggles to lift the big Black Paws but ultimately fails. (Strenght 26)
" Somebody help me lift the big doggy! Tratain can ye make me a we bit stronger? Arien, don't forget to take the spell books."
Draax Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:53:03 PM
Draax continues to help with the preparations to return home.
Almost time to bid the Sage's Home farewell (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 10th, 2006 12:38:43 AM
All eyes are on Tratain -- can he boost his own strength, or Monthor's, enough so that Black Paws can be carried home? And can his Word of Recall bring everyone with him?
By the way, whatever happened to the Sage's body?
The elves say that Plateau City would be fine. "Any place but here!"
Tratain Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:02:27 AM
Tratain Casts Bull's Strength on Monthor so that He can Carry Black Paws.
Since Renik used his Fly ability to explore the top of the Tree and Bring the Elves Down Tratain will Use one of his Windwalk spells for the elves so that they can Travel where they want.
Between Tratain and Arien they are able to Teleport enough people to plataue city.
Monthor Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:49:22 AM
Scooby Doo flash back time....
before...
:: Monthor walks back back to the room where the brothers were killed. There, laying on the floor is the remains of the sage. The still frozen body has started dripping in the heat of the room. Poodles of blood ar still visible where Monthor assumes the brothers were slain. A determined Monthor walks up to the sage's body and lifts it up with one hand. In the other hand, his knuckes whitten around the handle of the mighty war axe.
{ Screw you Serge! }
ooc> In dwarvish... " FOR THE BROTHERS!!!! "
With a mighty blow, Monthor seperates the sage's head from his body.
A 'plop' sound is made as the now headless body flops on the floor. The sage's head remains in Monthor's hands. Monthor walks to the tunnel's entrance and spikes the head in plain site at the entrance. A warning to all... Don't mess with the Hamleteers.
ooc> Sorry about the creative licensing DM. I just thought that it would make for a good post.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+5=6 d20+5=25 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:15:21 PM
The brothers follow the others around, the rivulets of blood growing more vibrant while the Hamleteers fade. They witness Monthor attempting to pick up Black Paws remains by himself and wonder what he's doing? "What cha doin' short one?"
The whole situation is very confusing to the brothers for here they are, walking around, but right there are what must be their dead bodies. The tree-lady never spoke of such things.
As the others seem prepared to leave, the brothers gather close to the others and feel another strong tug on their spirit. Though Sarigar seems to have come to grips, the half of them that is Black Paws seems to have a desire to stay even longer.
Actions
Will Save DC18 - 6 and 25 [nat 20]
Renik d20=9 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:30:11 PM
The rogue makes sure he has everyb last gem stuffed into his numerous pockets before bidding the elves farewell.
He provides whatever assistance he can moving the bodies.
Aid another check?
Draax Wednesday May 10th, 2006 10:46:39 PM
Seeing that everything is just about taken care of, Draax waits around to assist anyone if needed.
LOG ON