Entering the Lands of Dread - DM Marcin Wednesday February 28th, 2007 8:23:44 AM
It takes an hour of walking to reach the trail Peryhann was talking about, and during this hour the group experiences for the first time a bit of what the Dreadlands have in store for travellers. For now it is a lot of mud and water in the boots.
The trail itself is not a beaten path - too few travel it to leave an easily discernible way. Careful reading of the tracks is needed not to lose it, but its presence can be seen every now and then in a line of stones allowing a crossing of a stream or a tree log dragged to span a pit.
Horvis notices that somebody travelled this way not longer than a day ago. Two pairs of human-made boots have left their imprints in the mud here and there.
It is an hour to midnight. The sky is pitch black and the moon is shining green. The dark forest stands silent before the group.
[I will need your marching order. If you have any magic effects/class features/feats active that are related to perception/detection please list them in your next post. Starting tomorrow I resume posting at my usual time.]
CDM Jerry Wednesday February 28th, 2007 10:22:28 AM
Joe, please post the report for last week and send me a copy in email. Thanks.
Izen Wednesday February 28th, 2007 8:52:10 PM
"I couls scout ahead out of sight," Izen offered. "With a Message spell, I could stay in contact with the group. But we should camp and wait until morning to press on--no sense in giving an advantage to creatures that see better in the dark than we do."
He looked to the others--"we need to think this through before pressing on."
When marching: Ring of Invisibility active Spot, skill mastery, 27 Listen, skill mastery, 30
Horvis d20+11=20 d20+17=18 d20+7=27 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 9:20:01 PM
The centaur tried to tell Aquila about the dangers of eating things from this swamp. Horvis is not too certain how well he did, but he's never known Aquila to be overly fond of carrion. Handle Animal = 20
As the party trudges through the swamp, Horvis peers miserably at the mud sucking at his hooves. This is one of the reasons that he chose to follow the path of the shifter. There are so many forms better suited to travel through this mess. As he walks, Horvis looks for sign of animals in the swamp. If he has to impersonate something, it's best if he takes the form of something native to the swamp. Survival = 18, natural 1 Spot = 27, natural 20
Once they reach the trail, he listens to Izen.
"I'd agree. Find a dry place to camp, make sure all the casters are prepared for this."
Horvis then gestures to the swamp. "Would you rather have me scouting on foot, or flying overhead. I could see further from overhead, but if nothing else is flying I'll be announcing our presence to everyone."
Perception / Detection Depending on form chosen, may have significant bonuses to Spot or other skills. Also might have Track feat or darkvision. Depending
Monthor Wednesday February 28th, 2007 10:21:08 PM
Monthor stays in the middle of the marching order, close to Arien.
-----------
" Stay grounded Horvis. Better not to announce ourselves anymore then we have to. "
Tratain Wednesday February 28th, 2007 11:02:49 PM
Tratain will walk a little ahead of Arien and Monthor Wearing his Goggles of Night when it is dark out so that he can see.
He says "Try and find a secluded spot where we can rest up for teh night, we want to try and avoid any contact with the Sons of Dread if we can."
Tratain will get the two hours of Rest that he needs and then stand watch for the rest of the time the group is camped.
ADM Joe Wednesday February 28th, 2007 11:07:28 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday Feb 23rd
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X O X X Jova X X X X O Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X O X X X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X X X O X
Arien Wednesday February 28th, 2007 11:39:26 PM
"Agreed, let us find a portion of the path that might be less traveled. I have a rope trick spell memorized so that we can rest easily." Arien begins to look around for such a spot.
Draax d20+7=22 d20+3=4 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 11:42:04 PM
Draax listens to the others and although he hopes that they will not need to come in direct contact with the Dreads, he knows that group might have to get close to get the information they need.
"I agree that it is best to not be seen, but if we have to spend any length of time out here, we might not have that option. Hopefully we can get a good lay of the land and find a secure pocket that we can hide in. If we do have to get close for a short period of time to get the information that we need, Arien's infiltration idea might be our only option."
As they stop to make camp, Draax listens to the comments of the others. At Horvis' suggestion of flying above the group, Draax says, "Before you do that, lets make sure that there are actually birds in this area. If there are no birds around here, your flying will alert anyone that notices that something is out of place. If there are birds around here, you will need to change into one of the types of birds that are in this area.
As for a marching order, I am not good at picking up trails or noticing tracks so being up front is not for me unless it is to support someone who has some sense of nature. I can cover any other place in the order."
Draax will rest for the first two hours and then spend the rest of time on watch with Tratain.
Perception / Detection Draax only has spot/listening skills and low-light vision.
(22 spot check and natural 1 listen check, if needed)
Juliander Thursday March 1st, 2007 12:56:24 AM
Juliander stays toward the rear of the group, and keeps a weather eye out for trouble. To Arien, "Aye... a rope trick spell would be just the thing."
Jova -Darkvision 13 hours- d20=20 Thursday March 1st, 2007 2:40:48 AM
Jova gets down off his summoned mount. With a wave of his hand he dismisses the beast, it returns to where it was summoned from. With a practiced gesture, his hand flutters, and he casts darkvision upon himself.
"I will take first watch then. I will wake you Tratain in a couple of hours, then i shall rest. I plan on summoning my mount once again. I will be riding around the group, about 50 feet away at all times. To the casual observer, we will look like a slaver party.
"I can also summom one other. Juliander you seem good in the saddle, would you like one? If not speak up and I will get you one.
"The ancient one said we can trust noone, so be thinking what sort of signals we can give each other, if our information gathering turns to battle, in a blink of the eye."
Camping - DM Marcin Thursday March 1st, 2007 3:01:46 AM
Horvis is reasonably certain he managed to convey to Aquila the idea that it's not healthy to eat things found in the swamp.
The swamp seems to be devoid of animal life. The party passes under some crow nests, but these have been abandoned. With the coming of the sickness the animals moved away. Only the plants were forced to stay and endure.
Urged by their spellcasters the party finds a secluded spot and makes camp. Arien's Rope Trick can provide a dry and comfortable resting place for everybody if the party leaves the rope dangling in the air. If the rope is to be pulled up somebody needs to stay outside. The birds will probably have to stay on trees, too [eight creatures per Rope Trick, or seven if the rope is pulled up].
[Let me know if somebody wishes to stay outside and if such person wants to sleep or keep awake.]
The forest is dark and silent. The odor of swamp hangs heavy in the air. It is quite cold and everyone can see their breath. It will probably be time to break out winter clothing soon. One can't help but wonder what the morning will be like in this tormented land.
Monthor Thursday March 1st, 2007 10:02:19 AM
Jova " The ancient one said we can trust noone, so be thinking what sort of signals we can give each other, if our information gathering turns to battle, in a blink of the eye."
Monthor With a sly grin, Monthor replis.... " How about me axe splitting someone's skull? Is that clear enough? " .... .. . " How's this or a marching order then... two side to side ::
Horvis and Izen on recon doing their thing. Me and Julie at point, then Draax and Arien Tratain and Jova riding around with the horses."
Horvis d20+7=13 Thursday March 1st, 2007 12:44:33 PM
The centaur listens to Arien's suggestion to provide a magical shelter before shrugging.
"I'd rather stay outside, if you please. Someone should keep watch over the luggage, if nothing else. Me, I'm not going to put my Haversack into your shelter." Knowledge Arcana = 13, about extra-dimensional spaces
"I'll stay out here to keep the birds company, too. Don't worry about me, I'll change into something that doesn't feel the cold too much. The question is, should I change into something that can hide? Or something that looks evil and tough enough to scare things?"
Depending on what his companions suggest, Horvis will change into either a treant or a troll.
"Hmmm, Monthor's suggestion makes sense. I can be in front, in some form. If you want to pose as slavers, I can be a big dog like such people use to track slaves. Or as something big, like a giant or ettin that might be leadign the slavers."
Horvis prepares to stand guard for the night, waiting for a response from his companions.
Izen d20+25=32 Thursday March 1st, 2007 2:33:46 PM
"Good idea about the haversack," Izen agreed. For the first time that anyone could recall, Izen took off his ever-present pack, and handed it to the centaur for safekeeping before entering the extra-dimensional space. He quickly retrieved a sling, bullets, and several potions (Highlight to display spoiler: {Oil of Magic Stone, Potion of Shield of Faith, and Potion of Darkvision}) from the pouches before surrendering it. "But let me know when you want to rotate watches, Horvis. I'm glad to take a turn." He would don the pack as soon as he descended for his turn on watch.
As the group discussed the foray into the Dreadlands, the halfling made several following comments. In fact, it was the most that any in the group had heard him speak up to this point. When discussing the matters, the halfling's tone was crisp, factual, and professional--almost military:
"The marching order Monthor proposed sounds fine to me."
"Tratain: If you have the ability to cast a spell to Hide the group from Undead, it would seem wise to cast it. I'm guessing that, with your advanced relationship with Domi, you could probably hide all of our life forces for several hours at a time."
"Horvis: It would also be worthwhile to consider casting a spell that allows us to Pass Without Trace, or the like, if that is possible."
He sniffed and eyed the night sky. "Getting colder. If it turns truly cold, I have a potion or two to Endure Elements, but that, too, might be a worthwhile spell to cast on those who might be susceptible to the elements."
"When we're marching, I think it best for all of us to avoid being seen in our real forms. I can hide myself easily enough, but for the others, what about an illusion of some kind? Some way to disguise the appearance of those who are visible? Jova Kon, Arien? What do you think?"
"If some of us are not visible, a simple Message spell is usually helpful for communication with one central member of the group. Juliander: You supplied that when we fought the giants. Perhaps you could again? Or, does someone else know a better communication spell?"
"Horvis: I agree that hiding your true form is best when standing watch. The question is, what form would attract less attention? Until we know more about the inhabitants of this land, I don't think we know the answer to that question--a problem for our march as well as standing guard. For me, while on watch, I would prefer invisibility and a shield against detection by undead. I can supply the former, if someone else can supply the latter--I'd rather not use up my potions of Hide from Undead unless needed."
When on watch: Spot, skill mastery, 27 Listen, skill mastery, 30 Ring of Invisibility active Potion of Hide from Undead, unless a party member can cast it Hide--if applicable--32
Tratain Thursday March 1st, 2007 10:46:31 PM
Tratain says "Good Idea's Izen. I can hide us from Undead for about 2 and a Half Hours at a time, I can extend that three times using my Magic Rod. I will ask Domi for the spell 3 times, that should keep us hidden for about 15 hours out of the Day, that should be plenty."
He continues "Magic to protect us from the elements would be usefull as well, along with the Ability to Hide us From undead I can make myself and One other immune to the Cold, everyone who can Cast it should cast it on themselves and one person who Can't do it for themselves that way we aren't taxing on spellcaster for it."
----------------------------------------------- ALL SPELLS CAST AT CASTER LEVEL 16
Condensed List of Spells Memorized: 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elementsx2; Shield of Faith;Hide From Undeadx3 ;Prot. From evil;(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Delay Poison; Remove Paralysis; Align Weapon; Resist Energy, Lesser Restorationx3 (Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge;Magic Circle; Remove Disease ;Magic Vestmentx3*** ;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Wardx2;Dimensional Anchor: Magic Weapon*(Divine Power) 5th Level: Disrupting Weapon; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Quickened Shield of Faith (Spell Resistence) 6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence; Greater Dispel Magic (Blade Barrier) 7th Level: Holy Word; Summon Monster VII;Undeath to Death(Power Word Blind)
Draax Friday March 2nd, 2007 12:19:55 AM
Draax nods his head in agreement at the mention of using the rope trick. Feeling the bite of the weather, he agrees with using a endure element spell. "How many endure element spells do we have? I have a few arcane scrolls with the spell on them that one of you that can use arcane scrolls can cast it from.
I agree with Jova that it might be a good idea to have a word or signal that will let everyone know that something is not right without letting anyone else within ear shot in on it. I have no idea what that should be, but I do think it is worth having something."
Jova -Darkvision 13 hours Friday March 2nd, 2007 12:25:39 AM
After dismissing hismount, Jova moves closer to the mage Arien.
"I dont have any disguise spells, that last long term, few minutes here and there. So i will be fine the way I am, work better that way. I will rest for a time in this rope trick thing, if Horvis will watch my bag as well. After a couple of hours i will exit, and help Horvis with the watch."
Before handing Horvis hisbag, he removes his well crafted staff, which felt good in his hands once again. Very good.
Juliander Friday March 2nd, 2007 12:52:24 AM
"Horvis... I would be in your debt if would you be so kind as to keep an eye on my haversack as well? I'm not sure how the magic of the pack will interact with Arien's spell." Juliander intends to spend an evening's rest in the rope trick area, and take a watch if needed. "If you need me to take a watch, I'll be happy to do so."
The grey morning - DM Marcin Friday March 2nd, 2007 6:40:38 AM
The group wisely decides to remove their nondimensional containers before entering the Rope Trick. [Good call. Checking if you will remember to do this was the reason why I had to do camping as a separate post.]
The night passes uneventfully. Daylight comes eventually, but the sun is not visible, as the whole sky is clad in dark grey clouds, moving about pregnant with rain and lightning.
The new day did nothing to the boquet of swamp's odors, though - something everyone is painfully aware of the moment they emerge from the Rope Trick space.
And so the cautious journey begins, with Izen and Horvis in the lead and the rest of the Kinghts tagging along.
The trail leads straight through the marsh deeper and deeper into the desolated land. With every step the trees grow more twisted and strange, slowly changing colors to those of greys and purples, their shapes growing more bizzare with every passing hour. After noon, which was punctuated only by the sky turning the lightest shade of grey for the day, the party starts to get an impression that it is walking through some strange, alien land.
The journey is taxing on endurance of everyone. A distraction comes several hours later, when Izen stops the group and listens intently.
There seem to be voices coming from afar, a bit to the side of the trail. The words can't be distinguished at this distance, but it sounds like a loud argument.The speakers sound human.
Monthor Friday March 2nd, 2007 9:25:32 AM
Monthor rubs his hands together and a small drop of saliva trickles down the side of his mouth.... but then he stops and a large frown forms on his oh so ugly face.
Monthor then whispers...
{ Me bet ye all want to be stealthfull and sneaky don't ye? Fine. Send the stealth sqad in to see what's going on.}
Izen d20+17=36 d20+20=22 d20+23=35 Friday March 2nd, 2007 12:45:57 PM
Izen reappeared long enough to smirk and nod at Monthor's comment.
"Juliander or someone--a Message spell so that I can relay what I find out. Tratain--a Hide from Undead spell, if you haven't already covered us all. And someone--" he pointed to his sodden boots-- "A Prestidigitation spell to dry my clothes. Can't be very stealthy if I'm dripping."
Assuming that the group agreed to this course of action, and once the preparations were done, Izen vanished again.
DM and anyone who can see invisibility Highlight to display spoiler: { Izen activated his Winged Boots and took to the air, flying silently in the direction of the voices, until he could see and hear what was happening. He carried with him his iron Bands of Binding in one hand. (He had returned his other items to the haversack after exiting the Rope Trick.}
Spot--rolled this time--36! Listen--rolled this time--22 Move Silently--rolled this time--35! Ring of Invisibility active Winged Boots, 5 minutes, 2/3 charges for day remaining
Horvis d20+17=26 d20+7=27 d20+7=23 d20+3=4 d20+3=22 Friday March 2nd, 2007 1:42:15 PM
The shifter hunkers down on the trail, looking for a dry spot to sit. Horvis is in the shape of a riding or hunting dog, so he scratches himself while looking up at his companions.
"If you're casting Message, you might as well do me, too. Let us know if Izen sends something back. Want me to sniff out who or what might be there?"
After waiting for a response from the others, Horvis moves ahead while sniffing the ground and air. Unlike a real dog, however, he is studying the trail for tracks. Izen's scent is carried on the wind as the invisible rogue flies about. And Horvis is paying attention to the cover between himself and the voices. He will approach to scent range (30 ft to 60 ft) unless there is nothing to conceal him. If need be, he will creep ahead in the sater and undergrowth. Unfortunately, he serves mainly as a distraction to cover Izen's approach.
Riding Dog - Medium Animal Move = 40 ft. Scent ability
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk
Draax Friday March 2nd, 2007 5:40:56 PM
Draax waits quietly for Izen, Horvis and anyone else that goes to investigate to return.
Juliander (message, see invisibility) Friday March 2nd, 2007 7:54:44 PM
Juliander casts message, targeting everyone in the group, and then casts see invisibility so that he can keep tabs on Izen, purely for his own safety.
Jova Sunday March 4th, 2007 12:31:24 AM
After leaving the rope trick, Jova summoned his steed once again. Straightening his pack, he mounts and flllows the group. He rides back a few hundred yards every once in a while to make sure they are not followed.
When izen tells them of the upcoming people, Jova braces himself for a battle.
"Horvis before you run off come here." Jova pulls his wand of invisibilty from his coat. Leaning down he touchs the wolf, and the wolf disappears. "That should last about 3 minutes. Enough time to run up there, look around, and get back to tell us the lay of what is happening."
"By the way, I have used the word 'Jarka' in the past for quick actions with Z. If that works for everyone, uliander can relay the word to Izen through the message spell he cast.
"Monthor, i have a spell that will increase your foot speed. Actually double it. Would you like to try it?"
Monthor Sunday March 4th, 2007 11:50:21 AM
" Make it so Mr. Jova. "
Tratain Sunday March 4th, 2007 10:09:40 PM
Tratain says quietly "The Hide from Undead spell should be active still. The rest of us will wait a little ways away until you check it it out Izen. We want to avoid contact if possible, maybe we can follow who's up ahead to one of the Dread bases."
Voices - DM Marcin Monday March 5th, 2007 9:23:01 AM
The group stops briefly to prepare for possible trouble. Izen and Horvis depart to investigate, each travelling the swamp in his own unique way. The contact through Message spell is soon lost, as it turns out the speakers are at least half a mile away.
It takes the scouts about ten minutes to assess the situation and make it back to give report. Here is what is relayed back courtesy of Juliander's magic:
Two travellers are standing on a small patch of dry grass in the swamp. Both are human. The first one is a tall, young, pale blonde, dressed in a worn leather jacket and carrying a small crossbow and a quarterstaff. A large backpack, tall, cowskin boots, and practically his entire person is cowered with mud - some already dried up, some fresh. The second one is a shorter, stocky fellow, copper skinned and dark haired. This one wears a cloak that used to be black before it has been subjected to the perils of marsh travel. No obvious weapons are visible on his person, but judging by his muscular posture he might not need them too often. A traveler's bag has been slung on his back.
The pair seems to be engaged in a heated argument that is about to turn into a row, and possibly a brawl - right now they are facing each other; the tall one has grabbed the blackcloak's collar, the stocky one has one hand on his opposer's shoulder, the other one on his belt. At the moment they do not seem to pay too much attention to the surroundings.
Their converation has turned into a shouting match. Both are now yelling (in Common) at the same time:
"Some shortcut that was, graverobber! If only I stuck to my-" "You'd be dead, you cretin! You couldn't find-" "Shut up! Shut your trap, you pathetic hack of a-" "Mongrel!" "Corpse sniffer!"
On it goes.
Horvis's smell brings in an unpleasant stench of unwashed travellers. [Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {The scents Horvis can sense are a mix of adreanline, fear, excitement, and aggression. The aggression is taking more and more prominent place with every moment.}]
The Knights are approximately half a mile away from these two. Izen and Horvis can assume they are anywhere between the strangers and the party.
Izen Monday March 5th, 2007 1:43:21 PM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Izen floats in the air as long as he reasonably feels his boots and ring will hold out. He then quickly returns to the group while there is enough time to move away unseen.}
After a short time, Izen reappears near the group and quickly reports what he saw ahead.
"In my opinion, I see no reason not to let these two fools fight it out for themselves."
Juliander Monday March 5th, 2007 6:16:34 PM
Attempting to get a good read on the situation, Juliander mentions off hand, "It could be a ruse to make us believe that they are ready to fight one another, and when we approach to discover the matter, they... and their hidden compatriots... ambush us. We should proceed all the same... but I would advise that we err on the side of caution."
Monthor Monday March 5th, 2007 7:24:56 PM
" Yes, yes, yes... let's go and see what the orc butt smellers are fighting about. "
Draax Monday March 5th, 2007 8:40:17 PM
Draax listens to the reports and suggestions about the arguing individuals. He adds his own suggestion to approaching the men.
"I kinda agree with Izen about letting them settle their dispute on their own, if that is what it is. It we are going to approach them, I hope it is for a better reason that to stop them from fighting. Do we want information from them or directions? Do we want to find out who they are because they are in our way? I do think we should at least find out who they are, but just being here does not speak much for them having any goodness in their hearts. If we approach them as a group, they might attack because they feel threaten. Showing any concern for them will let them know that we are out of place.
I think a couple of us should approach them to see what they do. If it is a trap; we could spring a trap on their trap. If it is not a trap, they might not feel as threatened if they believe that they are not completely out numbered. I think two to four of us should approach them and make just enough noise so they know we are coming to see what they do. If someone could keep an eye on them to see how they react as the group gets closer, might also give us a clue to their intentions."
Horvis Monday March 5th, 2007 9:03:27 PM
The shifter trots up to his companions, hard on the heels of Izen.
"I concur with Izen. Let them fight, and then we can avoid the victor. Or take advantage of what injuries he takes. I smelt no others about and, from what I judged, they were not acting."
After delivering his report, Horvis sits on the path and scratches at his neck with his hind leg. Since he is with his companions, he resists the urge to perform more personal hygiene. All the while, he is listening to his companions speak.
"If you want to bait a trap, I can either be part of the bait. Or I can be an observer. Either way, I can help snatch them up."
Jova d100=53 Monday March 5th, 2007 11:48:53 PM
Jova hears monthors agreement as he watches the path ahead.
"Ok sir monthor this spell will help you move a bit faster for about 13 minutes. Try it out, if you like it, i can cast it sevral times aday when necessary.
Casting the spell he leans off the horse to touch Monthor.
--Cast expedious retrea 13 minutes, +30 ft movement
Approaching - DM Marcin Tuesday March 6th, 2007 4:16:13 AM
Since the shouting duo is way ahead of the group, the Knights, guided by Izen and Horvis, find it easy to advance unseen along the trail until the clearing is about two hundred feet away, off the path. Any closer than that and there would be a chance that the group would be noticed.
By the time the Knights arrive at this spot the shouting has stopped.
[If the group is to investigate please let me know who approaches openly (and in what form) and who accompanies them covertly (and what are the means of staying unseen). It seems also possible to bypass the strangers and continue along the trail without being noticed.]
Izen Tuesday March 6th, 2007 8:48:46 AM
Izen sighs quietly and mumbles, "I recall what happened last time we stuck our noses into something other than our mission."
When the group approaches and is ready to send a party forward, Izen says, "I'll be going in covertly. Jova, if you please, one of those spells might help me as well."
After decisions are made and some move in to confront the strangers, Izen waits a few moments, then takes a few steps off to the side and promptly blinks out of sight.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { After a few minutes to allow the group to get close to the strangers, he activates his ring of invisibility, then activates his winged boots, and flies (hopefully more quickly due to Jova's spell) to the scene. He moves as quietly as possible [skill mastery, 33] and positions himself behind one of the strangers, about 15 feet away.}
Horvis d20+17=27 d20+7=24 d20+7=16 d20+3=8 d20+3=11 Tuesday March 6th, 2007 10:36:14 AM
The shifter remains in the form of a riding dog. It's boring, but Horvis figures that he can approach without causing too much alarm. After Izen departs, Horvis will move off along the trail trying to determine what he can with his eyes and nose.
Riding Dog - Medium Animal Move = 40 ft. Scent ability
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk
Tratain Tuesday March 6th, 2007 10:58:08 AM
Tratain says quietly "Everyone but Izen and Horvis stay here and Hidden. You two go check on them, I'd like to follow them at a distance, they might know where they are going and can lead us to our objective. Rushing in there and Fighting them doesn't gain us anything."
ADM Joe Tuesday March 6th, 2007 11:03:07 AM
Posting Report for week ending Friday March 2nd
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain O X X X X Jova X X X X X Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien O X X O O Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X X X X X
CDM Jerry Tuesday March 6th, 2007 11:49:37 AM
Thanks Joe :)
Arien Tuesday March 6th, 2007 12:33:23 PM
"Agreed, and do not forget I still have the Veil spell available for casting, though I would want to back away a bit to cast it without alerting anyone."
Juliander Tuesday March 6th, 2007 8:41:15 PM
"I'll stay put, but if it comes to words... I'd like to be involved. Keep in touch via the message spell."
Draax Tuesday March 6th, 2007 8:52:41 PM
Draax shrugs his shoulders at Tratain's suggestion to follow the two. He whispers as his ducks down and settles in to wait. "OK, lets see where they lead."
Jova Wednesday March 7th, 2007 1:35:27 AM
Jova sits astride his mount watching and waiting with the others. Oddly hefeels calm, no immediate threats he assumes.
The fools have fought it out - DM Marcin Wednesday March 7th, 2007 4:33:50 AM
The group stays put. Horvis moves away to scout along the trail. Izen departs to check on the strangers.
Horvis covers a bit of distance - half a mile maybe - but doesn't discover anything alarming or suspicious. The trail is as hard to find as it has been for the whole day. The only notable discovery is that the relatively fresh prints of two pairs of boots the party has been running into every now and then are no longer there.
Here is what Izen relays back through the Message spell:
The muscular, dark skinned man is standing over a prone body of his blonde companion. Izen has little doubt that the tall man is dead - judging by the unnatural angle his head rests at his neck has been snapped. The other man, hovever, does not look like he is mourning. He's already gone over the dead body emptying the pockets and removing the leather jacket. Now he is busy with the backpack; he's turned it upside down and is now rummaging through the contents that have fallen out, keeping some, throwing the rest into the dark waters of the swamp. A spine of a leather-bound book can be seen vanishing in the marsh together with several small pouches and a change of underwear. Five black candles soon join them with a <splat> <splat> <splat> <splat> <splat>.
"Ah ha ha ha! Talk back to me, would you? Would you? Cast spells at me, would you? How did it work out for you, huh!? Comfortable there, my little friend? Dry enough? Hah! Where's your sass now, you dirty vermin? Just you wait, I'm not done with you yet, oh no."
The man stands up and fumbles in his own bag for a moment. His hand emerges holding a small, black stone. This he forces into the dead man's mouth. Then he places his fingers, spread like claws of a bird of prey, on the blonde's scalp and utters a strange phrase. Some kind of magic energy is released and Izen can feel an icy cold shiver run up his spine.
The corpse stirs, starts to shake uncontrollably, and finally rises to it's feet. It's movements have become sluggish and slow.
The black clad man points a finger at the murky water.
"Go to the bottom of that pool! Stay put and do not emerge no matter what!"
The corpse starts to obediently shuffle away.
"Good riddance! Have a nice eternity, filth! MUA HA HA HA HA - AH HA!"
The stranger returns to sorting through the belongings of the tall man.
Horvis d20+17=21 d20+7=19 d20+7=27 d20-1=12 d20+3=11 Wednesday March 7th, 2007 10:56:23 AM
The shifter sits as he listens to what Izen relates over the Message spell. When the rogue finishes his report, Horvis looks up at his companions.
"Hmmm. Do you want me to search the water after he leaves? If you think these things might be valuable?"
"Or do you want to act now, while he is distracted? I'd be shifting into the form of a scrag, so I could approach underwater."
While he sits and waits, Horvis casts Longstrider and Greater Magic Fang upon himself. Depending on his companions response, he will either remain in the form of a dog or shift into a troll.
If he remains a dog, Horvis will remain on the trail but move closer to where he judges the man is looting the body.
If his companions agree with the suggestion to attempt an ambush, Horvis will shift into a scrag and slip into the water. He will approach the man underwater, poking his eyes and head above water to keep his bearings as he swims through the swamp. If he can't remain underwater, he will crawl or slide through the reeds until he can get back into the water.
Rolls & Stats Survival = 21, 25 with Scent Spot = 19 Listen = 27 (natural 20) Hide = 12 (if a scrag, 16 if a riding dog) Move Silent = 11
Wildshape = 1 of 9/day (or 2)
Riding Dog - Medium Animal Move = 50 ft. (Longstrider) Scent ability
Scrag - Large Giant Move = 30 ft. (Longstrider) or Swim 40 ft. Scent
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 walk speed, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Izen [ac 25; hp 82] d20+10=21 Wednesday March 7th, 2007 1:18:21 PM
Still floating and invisible behind the stranger, Izen sends another message to Juliander, "He might be useful for information. If anyone disagrees, speak up now. Otherwise, I'm going to attempt to catch him alive. Relay to Horvis what I'm doing, and tell him to be ready to pounce if needed."
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Izen waits 60 seconds for any reply asking him to stand down. During that time, he slowly, quietly [move silently, skill focus, 33] removes his iron bands of binding. If after 60 seconds no one has asked him to stand down or alter course, he throws the bands at the stranger.
Ranged touch attack = 21. I'm assuming the stranger is also denied his dex bonus to ac due to my invisibility? DC 30 strength or escape artist check to escape.
If Izen throws the bands, and they successfully bind the stranger, Izen says out loud, "He's down!" then flies forward, draws his rapier and levels it at the man's throat.}
Draax Wednesday March 7th, 2007 3:28:54 PM
Although he is disgusted by the stranger's actions, Draax is a little relieved that the stranger's true colors were revealed before the group made contact. To Horvis he says, "Yea, I think it is worth taking a look at the items that are now in the water. We will never know what information we can get from them if we do not look."
He agrees with Izen's actions, but only knowing Izen for a short time, Draax wonders if the roguish character is up to the challenge alone. Unless someone disagrees with Izen's plan and tells the rogue to stop, Draax will begin moving towards the stranger in case Izen is unable to capture him.
Juliander Wednesday March 7th, 2007 3:41:17 PM
Juliander relays the message to the group standing with him, though his disdain for the murder is obvious. He replies back via the message spell, "It is also my understanding that the dead can be a wealth of information, if a cleric has the correct spell that is."
Tratain Wednesday March 7th, 2007 8:07:23 PM
Tratain says "We should just let him go, and check whats left afterwards. I have no doubt we can kill or capture him but we don't want to do anything that will draw attention to us. We can't Drag him around here with us while we're trying to infiltrate these lands, we'll have to teleport him to Lord Arraks or somewhere else to face justice."
Monthor Wednesday March 7th, 2007 8:19:40 PM
" Izen... Me with ya. Grab him!"
Arien Wednesday March 7th, 2007 10:02:32 PM
"I say let him go for now, we can keep an eye on him if need be. I would however like to see what is in that water."
Deciding the course of action - DM Marcin d20+5=18 d20+5=18 Thursday March 8th, 2007 3:52:05 AM
Tratain and Arien advise Izen against acting immediately. This gives the party time to quietly discuss their options.
Horvis, in a form of a dog, moves closer to the man and can actually see him through the dark trees.
The stranger is finishing sorting through the belongings of the dead fellow and stuffing select items into his bag.
Jova d20=3 d20+14=30 Thursday March 8th, 2007 4:04:31 AM
"No need to go looking for trouble isay. Let him go, lets deal with the dead guy if we can. Maybe someday we will cross thisevile doers path once again. Jova says this whilescanning the swamp for dangers.
Jova spot 3 Z spot 30
Izen Thursday March 8th, 2007 7:10:46 AM
"That works for me," says Izen. "All I'm concerned with is getting information. If you can get it from the corpse, that's even easier."
Izen floats quietly behind the man and keeps an eye on him.
Monthor Thursday March 8th, 2007 8:34:15 AM
" Izen, why not follow him for a while to see where he's going? "
Izen Thursday March 8th, 2007 8:51:05 AM
Izen relays another message through Juliander: "I only have a few more minutes of invisibility today. If I followed him, it would barely be out of eyesight of the group."
Monthor Thursday March 8th, 2007 10:47:07 AM
" Well forget about it then and let him go. "
Draax Thursday March 8th, 2007 7:31:15 PM
Since Izen is not going to confront the stranger, Draax stays where he is and waits for the man to leave so the group can go and investigate the items he left behind.
Tratain Thursday March 8th, 2007 9:17:47 PM
Tratain waits with the others for the man to leave then after he is gone for a while goes with the others to check out what was left behind.
Horvis - Longstrider, Greater Magic Fang d20+17=22 d20+7=26 d20+7=21 d20-1=15 d20+3=18 d20+2=10 Thursday March 8th, 2007 9:27:46 PM
The shifter remains in the form of a riding dog, crouching down in the sickly undergrowth and watching the man. Horvis has heard the cautions from his companions, so he doesn't move to block the man when he moves. Instead, he simply waits until the man has left. Only then does he move forward, shifting into the form of a scrag when he reaches the scene of the fight.
Once Horvis is settled into the form of an aquatic troll, he slides into the water where the objects were thrown. He knows that there is an undead thing down in the water but isn't too concerned about that.
Once he is in the water, Horvis submerges and starts searching for the items that were tossed into the water. Since he doesn't need to surface for air, he will keep searching until he has found the book and candles, plus whatever else he can find.
Rolls & Stats Survival = 22, 26 with Scent Spot = 26 Listen = 21 Hide = 15 (if a scrag, 19 if a riding dog) Move Silent = 18 Search (untrained) = 10
Wildshape = 1 of 9/day (or 2)
Riding Dog - Medium Animal Move = 50 ft. (Longstrider) Scent ability
Scrag - Large Giant Move = 30 ft. (Longstrider) or Swim 40 ft. Scent
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 walk speed, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Juliander Thursday March 8th, 2007 11:28:22 PM
Other than to relay messages, Juliander remains silent throughout the proceedings, not sure what the right course of action should be in such a situation. He looks to the elder members of the group for direction in this case.
Searching the pond - DM Marcin Friday March 9th, 2007 5:50:48 AM
The cackling stranger is soon done with his task. Tossing away the empty backpack he straightens up, dusts off his pants, wrings out his cloak, and sets off in the general direction the trail is leading in. He has visible difficulty finding it, though, and the party has good reasons to suspect he will be off the track soon.
Those watching the swamp see no signs of any imminent danger.
The search of the clearing reveals the following finds: - a leather backpack, - a spellbook, ruined by water, - a spell component pouch, - five black candles, - a change of silk underwear, - inkwell and two quills, - a bedroll and a blanket, - an empty scrollcase, - flint and steel, - one non-aggressive zombie.
None of the items strike the eye as something special or unusual. The stranger must have taken everything of value.
The pages of the spellbook are almost completely smeared. All that can be figured out is that it probably didn't contain spells of level higer than four.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+5=13 Friday March 9th, 2007 11:39:15 AM
The scrag emerges from the water with the last of the items in its hands and a strand of pondweed hanging between its eyes. Horvis tosses his head to get the offending bit of vegetation of the way, then dumps the sodden bedroll and blanket on the ground.
"That's it. Can't find anything else, 'cept the dead thing. Want me to fetch it up here so you can examine what killed it? The first time. If we run into that man again, it might be good to determine what kind of magics or weapons he uses."
Horvis squats down in the mud to look evenly at his companions. As he sits there, Horvis shakes his head and tilts it to one side before gently scraping at one ear with a clawed finger. His hand moves towards his mouth before he stops himself and flings whatever he found into the water.
"Sorry. It's sometimes hard to keep the body's impulses under control. Want me to fetch the zombie? Or just put it out of its misery?"
"Or, ah ... can some of you interrogate undead? Before Monthor chops it to bits?" Spellcraft = 13
Rolls & Stats
Wildshape = 2 of 9/day
Scrag - Large Giant Move = 30 ft. (Longstrider) or Swim 40 ft. Scent
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 walk speed, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Arien Friday March 9th, 2007 6:09:39 PM
"There are spells that allows one to converse with the dead, however I believe that they must actually be dead and not undead, perhaps by simply removing whatever that man put in its mouth we can remove the unlife from the creature."
And with that, Monthor reaches in the undead's mouth and pulls the stone out.
Draax Saturday March 10th, 2007 3:14:04 AM
Draax stays on guard while some of the others take care of investigating the contents and the zombie.
Izen Saturday March 10th, 2007 3:25:50 AM
Izen looks the scrag over. "That is one ugly thing you're wearing, friend. No offense, of course..."
At the mention of the undead, he shrugs. "Is there any problem ending its current life? Let Monthor kill it. He'll have his fun, and we can question it without issue."
Tratain Saturday March 10th, 2007 10:54:36 AM
Tratain says "We need to put that soul to rest. He was probably an evil man but he still must not be denied his passage to Gargul's Realm."
"I do not have the speak with dead spell memorized Today. I can try and cast it tomorrow, but I'm not sure it will function even after we send the soul on its way to Gargul but I can try. If the spell succeeds we will have 8 questions we can ask the Body."
Tratain (2nd) Saturday March 10th, 2007 10:58:23 AM
"Oh and Monthor, if we want to use this spell don't damage the body to badly. It needs to be able to speak plus it would be quite rude of us. I also intend to give the man a decent burial after we finish questioning him, its only proper."
Monthor Saturday March 10th, 2007 11:39:02 AM
Whatever ye say Tratain.
Juliander Monday March 12th, 2007 12:26:38 AM
Juliander's complexion pales at the sight of the undead creature, and the human bard appears to be fighting his gag reflex when Monthor reaches into the creature's mouth. "Questioning the dead..mmphmm.... is not a... mmmph... bad idea... excuse me." Juliander moves quickly to a nearby tree and retches as quietly as he may... which is to say that he isn't quiet at all.
Of Gargul and undead - DM Marcin Monday March 12th, 2007 5:35:53 AM
It is not hard to pull the zombie out of the water. It struggles as it tries to obey the command of its creator and resubmerge, but it is easily restrained.
The man does not actually look that bad yet - he hasn't been dead for longer than half an hour after all.
[Those wishing to examine his body please make a Heal check DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {His neck has been broken.}]
Monthor fumbles in the mouth of the corpse and pulls out a small object that turns out to be a stone a bit resembling onyx - only it looks burned out. It doesn't end the unlife of the stranger, though - whatever purpose this item had it has been served and the existence of the body is now self-sufficient.
[Spellcraft DC23: Highlight to display spoiler: {The zombie has been created with Animate Dead}]
[I'd say you could use Speak with Dead on a body that used to be undead but is one no longer.]
Jova d20+2=11 d20+14=21 Monday March 12th, 2007 12:39:39 PM
Jova sits his horse. Odd set of events this group puts into motion. Only watching the group out of the corner of his eye, he and Z scan the horizon for anything out of place. This was like old times. He and Z had spent many hours scanning the upcoming terrain before entering. It felt, normal.
Jova spot 11 Z spot 21
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+7=26 d20+16=18 d6+8=11 d20+16=21 d6+8=13 2d6(3+6)+10=19 d20+17=21 d20+7=27 d20+7=18 d20-1=1 d20+2=22 Monday March 12th, 2007 3:33:10 PM
The scrag holds the zombie with both hands, shaking it slightly after Monthor has removed the stone from the thing's mouth. The zombie's head wobbles wildly as Horvis moves the thing.
"See that? See how it wobbles? Broken neck, I'd guess. Takes a powerful man to do that, if he did it without magic. So want to talk to it?"
If his companions actually want to talk to the zombie, Horvis will toss it to the ground and then pin it before slamming both fists into its belly. The impact of both fists and the tearing leaves the zombie's abdomen a shattered ruin. First attack - hits AC 18, 11 damage Second attack - hits AC 21, 13 damage Rend - 19 damage
"It should still be able to talk. Maybe not well, but it should be able to say something."
After any interrogation takes place, Horvis will strike out following the trail of the survivor.
Scrag - Large Giant Move = 30 ft. (Longstrider) or Swim 40 ft. Scent
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 walk speed, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Juliander Monday March 12th, 2007 8:15:34 PM
Juliander pulls it together long enough to turn and watch the zombie's head wobble. He then promptly returns to his perch next to a tree, and completes the emptying of his stomach upon the ground.
Izen Monday March 12th, 2007 8:49:37 PM
Izen stands off to the side, idly watching the goings-on while playing a small coin along his fingers.
Tratain Monday March 12th, 2007 9:31:53 PM
Tratain says "If we want to question him we'll have to wait until tomorrow. If we want to keep moving lets just bury him quickly and go on."
OOC:No one answered my E-mail about the speak with dead so i assume lack of interest in doing it?
Monthor Monday March 12th, 2007 9:53:26 PM
" Let's camp then and question him in the morning. "
Draax Tuesday March 13th, 2007 3:02:15 AM
Draax watches the trail to ensure that no one comes towards the party unnoticed.
Camping - DM Marcin Tuesday March 13th, 2007 6:01:44 AM
The only movement Z can spot is the stranger, slowly making his way in the general direction the trail leads to. Already he had to backtrack twice.
The zombie is quickly deprived of the force animating it. All that is left is a badly mangled body.
[If the party is to camp I'll need the order of watches and a list of any special precautions taken.]
Monthor Tuesday March 13th, 2007 8:49:57 AM
" Since we have a ready made information source here, why not take advantage of it? We can use Arien's rope trick to camp like we did last time. Me'll take first watch. We can likely use some alarm spells or long lasting protection from evil blessings if they be available. Can any of ye spellcasters put up a wall or somesuch barrier to fortify our camp site? "
Jova Tuesday March 13th, 2007 10:50:53 AM
"Camp it is. I have never questioned a dead anything. But we were sent to gather information. I have no way of warning spell. Both Z and Aquila are outside the rope trick though, so they are as good as anything."
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+7=22 d20+7=18 Tuesday March 13th, 2007 1:14:43 PM
The scrag sits down on a hummock, waiting for his companions to determine where they will camp. Horvis will also stay outside, keeping watch over the luggage and the animals. He will remain in scrag-form for as long as possible. Once he has to change back to his original form, he re-casts Greater Magic Fang and settles in for a wet uncomfortable night.
Horvis keeps watch with Monthor at the start of the night, mainly to keep the dwarf from playing with the remanins of the zombie. When Monthor expresses a desire for magical protections, Horvis will cast two Spike Growth spells to ring the camp with traps, covering everything except the open water and the path.
"Make sure that you tell the others about this. If they need privacy, tell them to not stray too far from the trail."
When dawn comes, the shifter will meditate and regain his spells for the day.
Rolls & Stats Spot = 22 Listen = 18
Wildshape = 2 of 9/day
Scrag - Large Giant Move = 20 ft. or Swim 40 ft. Scent
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Spike Growth - 1d4 piercing for every 5 ft of movement, Reflex save DC 19 to avoid half-movement
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang**(2), Spike Growth**(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Izen Tuesday March 13th, 2007 2:42:14 PM
Izen heads off to sleep with the rest of the group. He takes middle shift if he is needed.
[ooc: subbing for Kup. I don't know how you guys handle watches with the rope trick, so Izen will take whatever one he usually does, or none if he doesn't usually do so]
Arien Tuesday March 13th, 2007 3:26:52 PM
Arien casts the rope trick and steps away from the rope to allow others access. Before climbing himself Arien takes a look around at the landscape and then with a sad shake of his head climbs into the spell.
Draax Tuesday March 13th, 2007 4:33:05 PM
Draax climbs up the rope to get a little sleep. "I will take the last watch."
Juliander Tuesday March 13th, 2007 8:26:44 PM
Juliander takes the first watch, building a small fire; small enough to conceal from the outlying area. He spends some amount of time staring off into the darkness, and an equal amount of time gazing into the flame. The entire time however, the bard quietly sings to himself. He spends the night outside of the rope trick however.
Tratain Tuesday March 13th, 2007 10:40:06 PM
Tratain rests with the Others, and in the Morning Casts Speak with Dead on the Body and asks. "What is Your Name?" "Who was the Man that you fought with Yesterday?" "What do you know of the plans of the Sons of Dread?" "What are the locations of any Encampments of the Sons of Dread you know of?" "Who was it that you were going to Meet?" "What is the Dread?"
OOC: Does anyone else Have anything they would like to know? We have two More questions right now that we can ask, If I use my Prayer Bead we have 4 More. Post any questions you want asked.
Jova Wednesday March 14th, 2007 12:21:07 AM
OOC-Sounds good to me Tratain. No need to use the bead methinks
Draax Wednesday March 14th, 2007 4:46:08 AM
Draax says, "They were taking a shortcut, so along with who they were going to meet, I would also like to know where they were headed."
Questions - DM Marcin d20+7=19 Wednesday March 14th, 2007 7:18:44 AM
The party settles for the night.
Not for a single moment the sun can be seen on the sky. A thick layer of dark clouds covers it all day - and yet, when night comes, the green moon somehow manages to stand out through them...
It is cold, it is damp, it smells bad - and, oddly enough, there is a feeling of not belonging that everyone started to experience some time ago - tiny sparks of life lost in the sea of slow decay.
Those who sleep dream about wandering through a forest in a cold, grey fog.
At midnight those standing watch notice pale flickers of white light moving about the swamp here and there, always very far, on the very verge of sight, and always winking out merely a second after being spotted. But night passes without incidents.
Day comes. As Draax stands silently watching the shadows disperse he feels something brush against his hand.
The first snowflake.
In the morning the questioning can begin. Tratain concentrates and the spell is cast.
The body is shaken by a violent spasm, as the holy might of Domi starts to battle the inherent wickedness of the person...
[Will Save 19]
...and Tratain's strength prevails - barely!
"What is your name?"
The voice comes out raspy and wooden. The jaw of the corpse opens and everybody can see the black tongue move in its mouth.
"Hhhhngh... Vee... Vinnimare."
"Who was the man that you fought with yesterday?"
"Shh... Shaur. Wor...shipper... Mar...teaus."
As that last name is spoken out a gust of wind briefly passes over the party. It gets a tiny bit colder and it seems as if the word was carried away...
"What do you know of the plans of the Sons of Dread?"
"No...thing..."
"What are the locations of any encampments of the Sons of Dread you know of?"
"Proving... grounds... not far... along the trail... we... aughh... lost... trail... not far... day or... less..."
"Who was it that you were going to meet?"
"True... Sons... we were... invited... to join... nghhh... would pass... tests... learn... grow... gain power..."
"What is the Dread?"
"Master... of... Sons... his power... rivals..."
...
"Gods..."
"Where were you headed?"
"Proving... grounds. Testing... grounds... Many... invited... some... die... Gain power... learn... work... serve... Then be... accepted..."
Izen Wednesday March 14th, 2007 11:11:26 AM Ooc by Kup: I'm back! Matt, thanks so much for your terrific sub posts! One question for the DMs: does a Ring of Invisibility have a daily time or usage limit? I wasn't aware of any.
Izen frowned as the questioning of the departed continued. "We should ask how many people there are at these testing grounds, and why the Sons of Dread are gathering new recruits," he suggested.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Wednesday March 14th, 2007 1:22:31 PM
the centaur listens as the corpse responds to Tratain's compulsion. Horvis nods when Izen suggests askign about numbers and reasons. Although, if the participants are all like the corpse and his former companion, the numbers may not matter very much after some "testing" time. The fact that the Proving Grounds are supposed to be less than a day away provokes some thought.
"This place they were going is close. Did you want me to change into a flying creature and see what I can see?"
While waiting for a response, Horvis rubs his chin and then speaks before Tratain asks more questions of the corpse. He studies what remains of the features of the corpse, too. Impersonating this man might be interesting in the coming days.
"Do you think that this thing would know anything about who else was attending? Would it be possible for me to sneak in wearing the form of a monster normally evil?"
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 0 of 9/day
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 ft movement enhancement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Monthor Wednesday March 14th, 2007 9:18:39 PM
" What? We can't just go in and kill them all?!? Fine then!!! Let's do the stealth thing again. "
Draax Wednesday March 14th, 2007 9:56:24 PM
Draax listens to the answers from the dead and starts rubbing his chin as he begins to think. "Now I kinda wish we would have taken out the other guy or at least held him up and search him for anything related to this testing ground. If they were all invited I wonder if there is something that must be carried or a password that would get us by if we get noticed. Knowing what to expect would open a few more options for us."
ADM Joe Wednesday March 14th, 2007 10:25:37 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday March 9th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain O X X X X Jova X X O X O Monthor X O X X X Izen X X X X X Arien O X X O X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X X X X X
Tratain Wednesday March 14th, 2007 10:36:18 PM
Tratain listens to the answers given by the Man and asks his last question. "What is the Name of the Person that invited you to the Proving Grounds?"
After the response Tratain attempts to find an out of the way place to bury the man and say a prayer to speed the mans soul to Gargul. Even though he was evil he may have done some good at the end here.
He says to Horvis "Take a look around before you take flight, this seems to be a mostly dead land. If you want to take a look from the sky make sure you copy one of the Birds that we can see from here. If there are no other Birds around you would stand out, and an alert guard would notice something that doesn't fit."
Tratain address the group "It seems the encampment is close. Horvis and Izen should probably scout ahead for us. I am still against anyone trying to Overtly enter this compound. Not all of us would be able to go, theres no way anyone there will mistake me for anything but one of Domi's faithful. Also as bad as the Son's of Dread are what type's of tests are they likely to put those who enter through, how long before you will be forced to do reveal yourselves or so something unforgivable? Lets just watch the camp from a distance, let Horvis and Izen so what they can. We can then try and follow the True Son's of Dread when they leave this encampment and head to their main camps."
Jova d100=72 Wednesday March 14th, 2007 11:41:57 PM
Jova walks while listening to the others. Tratain especially seems to see things the way they are.
"Well we have definately learned one thing. Marteuw," he turns and spits to the ground. "Marteus seems to be leading the Dread. Even if he is not the leader, seeems those who follow, or wish to follow believe this.
"We also learn that there is a 'proving ground' near here. Tratain, and others of you know what a proving ground is. In plateu City, I witnessed the gathering of those wishing to become Hands, Protectors, and various other speciaql envoys of their Gods. In this case, that means several very dangerous people, or monsters vying for their Gods approval.
"We all have auras of goodness. Any of us get to close, and a evil preist, maybe even a sorcerer will notice. Any type of entry is foolhardy at best. In fact, once we get discovered, we may become one of the 'tests'.
"Remeber, this is by invitation. We have no idea of the numbers or strength of what we would face. One good thing, by the looks of this trail, not many have used it for entrance. I purpose we make a wide circle around these proving grounds. Try and find a path or road more readily travelled. Set up ambushes where we can have the upper hand.
"One thing is for certain, this just became extremely dangerous. Word of caution to my friend Monthor. In battle you are very good. Against a highly trained wizard you may never get close enough to strike him. And there in lies our problem. Black sorcery, Priests of Disease, ugliness my friends ugliness." Jove then walks to the side and does his daily summoning to bring forth his mount.
72 Beats ASF Spell cast, Phantom Steed for 26 hours. Used rod of extending.
Arien Thursday March 15th, 2007 2:04:02 AM
"I say we scout this testing grounds, I have a feeling that the testing will be quite harsh and we may have another chance to question the dead there and gain more information. Personally I would rather wipe the camp out but I have a feeling that would just make this job more difficult."
The last question - DM Marcin Thursday March 15th, 2007 7:04:17 AM "What is the name of the person that invited you to the proving grounds?"
"Hhhh... Alhan... dra..."
[...]
Some time later the Knights are standing over a shallow grave of the would-be initiate. While the questioning did not reveal the situation in its entirety, the group now seems to know enough for a plan to start to form.
No one has seen any birds flying over the swamp - just empty nests of crows. In fact, any living creature seems to stand out.
The day is still young. In other, more bright parts of the word the sun must have just risen.
[Just making sure - everyone is keeping track of provisions and supply of fresh water, right?]
[The Ring of Invisibility makes wearer invisible at will, so there is no limit on the duration.]
Izen Thursday March 15th, 2007 8:47:52 AM " I am still against anyone trying to Overtly enter this compound. Not all of us would be able to go, theres no way anyone there will mistake me for anything but one of Domi's faithful."
"I could get in," Izen said matter-of-factly. On the perimeter of the group, the halfling leaned casually against a blasted tree, rolling his coin across the backs of his knuckles. He flipped the coin up in the air and caught it before pocketing the copper and glancing up at the others.
"I could get in. Go in invisibly, scout the encampment, collect intelligence, return and report. Do not engage the enemy." He rattled the proposal off crisply and professionally.
He paused, awaiting a response.
"It's what we were sent here to do."
Juliander Thursday March 15th, 2007 9:23:15 AM
"While I understand your reservations Tratain, to be sure my skills at overt infiltration are my greatest asset to this group. To be sure... I am a skilled spy, particularly when allowed to interact socially with the subject, so to speak. That said however, if you overrule the idea... I'll accept that. I'm not about to put the entire group at risk, just to satisfy my ego. Keep in mind however... that if Izen goes in invisibly, then I should as well. I'm perfectly capable of pulling that off as well."
Mothor Thursday March 15th, 2007 10:45:22 AM
" Oh let Julie and Izen go guys! Best case scenario, we have to attack the camp to save their arses. Win/win as far as me be concerned. Just remember guys that "invisible" doesn't mean "undetectable". They could well have means of detecting your thoughts or even smell you out. And the gods know, Julie's smell is detectable!"
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Thursday March 15th, 2007 2:52:42 PM
The centaur shifts his weight from side to side after listening to the corpse's last words.
"Sneaking in is probably the best way. But we should be close enough to assist the scouts if they get into trouble. If you're going in disguised, Juliander, did you want me to join you in the form of an animal?"
If Juliander thinks that is best, Horvis will shift into an appropriate form - horse, wolf, snake - and accompany the bard.
"If you want to sneak an item in, give it to me and I'll shift while carrying it."
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 0 of 9/day
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 ft movement enhancement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Draax Thursday March 15th, 2007 5:56:58 PM
"I agree with Arien scouting the grounds should be our first move. Sooner or later we are going to have to come in contact with them if we wish to gain the information that we came here for. It might take someone to get close enough to at least find out where that information might be kept.
I would be caustous with the invisibility; remember that there are wizards on the ground and probably a few familiars, either one might have the ability to see invisible.
That being said, I think the three of you should take a closer look, especially with Horvis playing the role as a familiar. Lets remember that the two we had here were lost, so if you wonder close to the ground and are discovered; just pretend that you were headed in that direction and got lost. Getting you back out might be a problem.
If you do go; leave any holy items behind with the group."
Having given his suggestion, Draax waits to hear what the decision will be.
Tratain Thursday March 15th, 2007 9:20:10 PM
Tratain says "Lets head down the road and take a look at this camp. We can make a decision then. Just remember if your going to go in I'd bet that anything we can do with Magic then can undo with Magic of their own. I can't stress enough how much of a bad idea I think it is that anyone walks into that camp. We have no idea how many people are there, but I can guarantee anyone associated with the Sons of Dread will gladly kill anyone of us for advancement. We don't know if they have a password, a token you need to present to them or something else. I can't stop anyone from from going if you want to, but I advise we observe first, let Izen scout at night covertly and then if we need to send someone in."
Jova Thursday March 15th, 2007 11:33:07 PM
Jova mounts. Whispering to Z the only thing that might be heard, "Fools".
First impressions - DM Marcin Friday March 16th, 2007 8:50:25 AM
There is nothing more to be learned at this site, and the group, following Tratain's suggestion, continues down the trail.
The journey is long and taxing, not only physically, but also psychically, as the monotony of the surroundings quickly starts to wear at the mind. A distraction - any kind of distraction - starts to become highly desirable.
The forest slowly changes. The trees become taller and blacker, standing branchless and petrified by some kind of slow poison like rows after rows of columns. The terrain is no longer flatlands and becomes rolling hills, which is a blessing, since now the trail sticks to dry land.
And then, a few hours before dark, there's a thin line of smoke rising above the forest in front of the party.
As the Knights reach the top of the next hill a view opens before them:
A small clearing in the forest surrounded by hills from all sides. One of the hills has been cloven in half, revealing a face of bone-white stone.
A small group of rickety huts and buildings erected from wood and clay leans against it, huddled together around a larger stone structure that one could easily mistake for a small temple, were it not completely devoid of windows and ornamentation of any kind. The stone building is about as large as a sizeable barn; the rest is nothing more than cottages and sheds.
Amazing as it might sound, somebody is actually having a try at agriculture in this desolated land. Two small fields have been plowed in the ground near the cottages. These are barren; nothing suggests that they have ever yielded harvest.
The smoke is rising from one of the huts. One can count about ten human-sized figures slowly moving about the site, six of them tending to the fields. From this distance they look like peasants.
The whole picture is strangely devoid of color and life; was this a village encountered in other lands one would think of words like "plague-ridden", "squalid", and "dying out".
The group observes the site from the distance of some four hundred feet, safely hidden among the shadows of the forest.
Izen Friday March 16th, 2007 2:34:22 PM
Izen stepped back from his vantage point to the village and let the others have a look. When they were done, he suggested the following.
"I'll fly in invisibly and take a closer look, then report back on what I see. Then we can make decisions about who, and how, to approach."
"It'll be dark soon," Izen observed. "Bet that place changes when the lights go out. We may also want to camp discreetly, maintain surveillance, and wait for dawn to approach. That way spellcasters can prepare protective spells."
Assuming that the group approved of his reconnaissance mission, Izen waited for a Message spell to be cast and any other protective spells the group's casters might wish to bestow, then winked out of sight and flew forward.
Invisible Highlight to display spoiler: { Izen flew up at treetop height toward the village, angling his flight so that he would intersect the village perimeter obliquely. His movements were careful and silent (Move Silently, Skill Mastery, 33!).
He flew around the village's perimeter first, observing both inhabitants and structures, and taking care to give a wide berth to the stone building and stone face in the hillside. Once his perimeter review was done, he would find a spot from outside the limits of the village buildings to observe the stone building's doorway, trying to get a sense of its interior. (Spot, Skill Mastery, 27; Search, Skill Mastery, 30!; Listen, Skill Mastery, 30!)
Before moving, still airborne, within the village perimeter, Izen studied the village for signs of magical or mechanical traps or means of defense (Trapfinding, class feat, based on Search, Skill Mastery, DC 30!). If he were satisfied that he could move forward without risking detection, Izen flew carefully forward, examining the stone structure in particular (same skills as above, same totals due to Skill Mastery).}
Finally, and assuming all of that worked without difficulty, Izen would return to the group, appear, and report.
Draax Friday March 16th, 2007 7:21:54 PM
Draax nods his head at Izen's plan, "Sounds good to me. I am sure the people here have to eat something, but this farm still looks out of place. Has anyone seen any sign of the guy that was a head of us on the trail?"
Draax listens to what everyone else has to say before looking for a suitable campsite.
Monthor Friday March 16th, 2007 7:32:01 PM
" Make it so Mr. Izen."
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang Friday March 16th, 2007 10:48:02 PM
The centaur listens to Izen's plan and nods in approval. Before the rogue leaves, Horvis will cast a Barkskin to protect the man. Then he replaces his own Greater Magic Fang in case something bad happens.
"I can change to something with darkvision to keep watch. That might be best, not having a fire tonight. Depending on what that place looks like once the sun goes down."
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 0 of 9/day
Active Effects Barkskin (Izen)- +5 natural armor bonus, 130 minutes Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang**(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Tratain Saturday March 17th, 2007 6:29:43 PM
Tratain says "I wouldn't approach while flying. Any reasonably competent mage will be able to see invisible things all the time. Stick close to the ground and trust your own skills in hiding over being magically invisible. I'm not saying don't use your ring to become invisible, just use it as added security."
Jova Sunday March 18th, 2007 1:40:03 PM
Jova stays mounted. Z seems apprehensive. It seems Izen, and mayb others are off to explore.
"Tratain, when it gets dark, i would like to send Z on a reconassance mission. It would help us greatly to know what is on the other side of that building. Maybe there is a supply route, maybe an escape route. Do i have your permission to send him out?"
OOC__Hehe, you sound like the leader to me.
Izen (illegal second) d20+25=26 Sunday March 18th, 2007 9:17:38 PM
Assuming it's permitted to use Tratain's advice, Izen will use the trees and any other natural cover while invisible for as long as possible--not that it helped! Hide check nat 1 (this is why the Skill Mastery feat exists)!, net 26.
Juliander Monday March 19th, 2007 12:34:36 AM
Juliander smiles, bowing low to Tratain, "I would not presume to enter using a disguise... until I knew precisely what was in season for the Sons of Dread this time of year. My methods are not so brash." Juliander quickly casts see invisibility as Izen sets off. Then follows up with clairvoyance, with the invisible sensor placed directly above the stone temple, high enough to give him a good vantage of the entire village. Once cast, Juliander proceeds to scope out the scene from the safety of where he stands, next to Monthor.
Recon - DM Marcin Monday March 19th, 2007 10:17:51 AM
Various means are employed to gain additional information.
Izen flies around the perimeter of the village while Z checks the land behind the stone structure.
Aside from the single trail that brought the party to this site there are no roads, no paths, no trails leading off from the village. It looks like a secluded spot, cut off from the rest of the Wold. There are no signs of sentient activity away from the clearing. There seem to be no other buildings aside from these already spotted by the party.
Izen notices that the tiny hamlet is surrounded by a sparse ring arranged from old, moss covered stones. There are maybe twelve of them, each about as large as a head of a bull, and each has several runes carved into its surface. The runes are dark and dead, but Izen suspects it's a ward of some sort that is still active. It is soon found out that the stones do not react to Izen's presence in any way whatsoever.
[Spellcraft DC30 to identify the purpose of the ring; the observer would have to be close to the stones or otherwise able to observe them in detail. Highlight to display spoiler: {A permament ward against undead. Nonstandard necromantic magic has been used to create it.}]
Aside from the ring of stones no other traps, sigils, wards, or defensive measures are found.
See Invisible does not reveal any magically hidden surprises. There are no invisible or ehtereal beings within range of sight aside from Izen.
Izen enters the village. Juliander joins in the observation through Clairvoyance.
The people moving about the settlement are mostly humans, with an occasional half-elf and gnome thrown in for a good measure. After several minutes of observation the scouts conclude that the rickety huts are inhabited by at most twenty souls. All these beings are dressed in nothing more but rags; their bodies show signs of severe malnutrition and various diseases. Looking through the tiny windows of the huts Izen can verify that seven of them are resting on makeshift beds, all seriously ill. The rest is busy with various activities typical for peasants and farmers: working on fields, repairing tools and clothes, spinning, cooking something foul in a small cauldron, tending to the sick, washing, drawing water from a well behind one of the sheds, and so on. All are grim and all look exhausted; there are men and women, but no children. It is very rare that any of them speaks, and when they do exchange remarks it is about their work. They pronounce Common with different accents, suggesting some of them might be from far parts of the Wold.
The conditions inside the cottages are squalid; the overall feel of the place starts to drift towards <a labor camp>.
Fifteen minutes after Izen departed the door to the stone structure is opened and two men emerge from the inside. Both are humans and look like mercenaries, wearing chainmail and longswords at their belts. There are no symbols or coats of arms on their equipment that would allow to identify their allegiance. Both appear quite healthy and, unlike the villagers, well fed. Their equipment seems to be of excellent quality. The pair is carrying a black cauldron full of white, pasty gruel. This they put down in the middle of the village. The peasants gather around and share the meager meal. There is just enough paste for each person to get a small cup. Two women take the food for the sick. The guards, leaving the cauldron behind, go back into the structure and bar the door, but not before Izen has a chance to take a good look inside.
Inside there is a dark hallway leading into the hill. The stone building is but an antechamber for some kind of underground complex; its interior looks like a guard post with beds, tables, and chests all around. Several more men are inside; the interior is illuminated by some kind of gems hanging from the ceiling.
The examination of the exterior of the stone structure reveals that it has been erected from large blocks of white stone, probably quarried locally as it looks very much like the stone making up the face of the small cliff. The masonry looks pretty decent to Izen. As there are no windows it's not possible to peer inside. There are distant, muffled voices coming from behind the doors, but exact words cannot be made out.
There is still no trace of the dark clad man that the Knights have met in the swamp. It's hard to guess whether he made it to here before the group or is still lost in the wild.
Izen Monday March 19th, 2007 11:26:48 AM
After completing his scouting mission, Izen returned to the group, appeared, and reported his findings (as DM post above).
"Labor camp on the exterior," he concluded. "Primary target is the large underground installation. Not likely to be much more to see out here. I could get in and reconnoiter--I don't know about the rest of you, though."
Usually the halfling's assessments were detached and clinical. Something about this labor camp, though, clearly bothered him. It was evident just in the subtlest of ways--a tightening of the jaw, a narrowing of the eyes--that he didn't bother, or was too preoccupied, to hide.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang d20+5=15 d20+14=27 d20+10=23 d20+10=20 Monday March 19th, 2007 12:25:34 PM
The centaur listens as Izen reports his findings. Horvis shrugs as the labor camp is mentioned, then looks around at his companions.
"Sounds more like slaves, to me. Or food. Or sacrifices. Who knows what the people inside the hill use them for? We'd only find out if we stayed and watched for a while."
After Izen mentions investigating the interior of the building, Horvis makes a suggestion.
"It worked before, and this time I don't have to worry about talking. I'll turn myself into a bat once it gets full dark and fly into the village, then up to the building. Maybe over and around the hill to see what I can learn."
With that, Horvis reaches up to snag his ioun stones and places them in a pouch. He mvoes away from his companions, especially Monthor and his clumsy boots, before shifting into the form of a bat. In a high twittery voice, he speaks to his companions.
"Can someone make sure that I can talk to you? I'll fly around for a while, then come close to report back."
Horvis takes to the air, flying close to the ground and suppressing the urge to snap at any flying insects. He will one of the runestones but can't figure out what the markings mean. Spellcraft = 15
Then he flies into the village, landing on the roof of one building and trying to listen to any conversation from the occupants. Unless the discussion is particularly interesting or relevant, he will then take to the air and fly towards the hill. Instead of going directly to what sounds like a guardhouse, Horvis will climb into the air and fly above the hill. Perhaps something is interesting on the other side? Or maybe there's an airshaft blocked by a screen that he can fit through?
After seeing that, Horvis will fly back to the guardpost and land on the wall above a window. Hopefully these guards are like most - loud and rowdy - and will provide him with some information.
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 0 of 9/day
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision
Active Effects Barkskin (Izen)- +5 natural armor bonus, 130 minutes Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang**(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Monthor Monday March 19th, 2007 2:32:00 PM
Monthor listens intently to the reports. He pays particular attention to the observations that the males and females workers may be slaves. As Izen and Horvis talk, Monthor keeps a close eye on Draax, Arien and Tratain. They will know what the dwarven warrior is thinking. Oh yes, they will.... They may even notice that Monthor's knuckles are getting whiter and whiter squeezing the handle of his war axe. Monthor remains calm... no sense in getting all worked up at this point. Not when there may be some killin' to do soon.
Izen (illegal second) Monday March 19th, 2007 5:41:33 PM
Izen glanced at Monthor's whitening knuckles (Spot, Skill Mastery, 27), and that told him enough. He decided to speak frankly (ooc--in the interests of keeping things moving!).
"Look, I'm sure many of us are appalled at the sight of slavery and forced labor," Izen began carefully. "Here's the thing: whatever we were sent to investigate is likely inside that dungeon, and if we kick the door in to get inside, we're liable to compromise our mission. If Lord Patrark had believed that we were capable of taking on this threat by ourselves, he would have given us orders to seek and destroy. But he didn't. This is a reconaissance mission, not an assault team. Our mission is to scout and return with usable intelligence, not to engage the enemy."
He looked around the group appraisingly. "Now, if we can accomplish our mission and free the slaves, so much the better. But first, we ought to focus on the tunnel complex." He glanced at Monthor. "All right?"
"Now, what capabilities do we have to get inside undetected as a group? Monthor's got his cape. With some reliable coordinates, an invisibility spell, and a message spell, he could be inside and ready to act. I feel confident that I could slip past the guards undetected. Horvis--well, he can do his bat thing, or something similar."
"What about the rest of you? Jova Kon and Juliander can both cast invisibility spells, I know. Could you cover everyone? What about getting through the door without alerting the guards? Does anyone have something to help with that? Even a fascination or sleep effect might work, if it lasted long enough and left no trace. Or--if we disposed of the guards without raising an alarm--would there be a way to make it appear as if nothing had happened? An illusion or disguise spell, perhaps?"
Izen brought his eyes back to Monthor. "Once we've seen what's inside, if we decide it's safe to do so, then, maybe, we can hack our way back out. Kick-the-door-out, as it were."
"We can always use the Rope Trick to camp here if people need to refresh spells. And that would give Horvis his chance to scout."
Monthor (2nd) Monday March 19th, 2007 7:06:29 PM
Izen brought his eyes back to Monthor. "Once we've seen what's inside, if we decide it's safe to do so, then, maybe, we can hack our way back out. Kick-the-door-out, as it were."
Monthor looks at Izen and smiles. Not a regular smile. He smiles the smile that says he's got a itch to kill something....
"Works for me Iz. Me know we can't free every slave in the world. No problem. No problem at all."
Monthor 3rd (sorry) Monday March 19th, 2007 7:07:43 PM
" Couldn't Arien just teleport us inside? "
Juliander Monday March 19th, 2007 8:28:31 PM
"I can't make everyone invisible. However I can dimension door myself plus four others into extremely close proximity of the door. Say... right outside." The bard smiles, "I think that should do the trick... and then in we go."
Izen (3d) Monday March 19th, 2007 11:07:59 PM
Izen considered what Monthor and Juliander had said thus far. He scratched at his stubble thoughtfully.
"I'm no caster, but from what I understand, teleportation is a little risky. Dimension door--like your cloak, Monthor--might be better for a short hop like this."
"Juliander, if we followed my suggestion, we'd all go inside, invisibly, by way of the dimension door. You'd just need a 'spotter' inside to relay the directions. A message spell, or something more powerful, like a divination spell of some kind, cast on the spotter might work. I'm glad to volunteer to be the spotter, or someone else could be."
"Of course, once we go in that way, it'd be helpful if we had the same option for getting out. Not absolutely necessary, but helpful."
Jova Tuesday March 20th, 2007 1:56:35 AM
Jovawaits impatiently as Z returns. Through the link he had seen what the hawk had seen, or not seen which was more important.
Jova reports to the group that Z had seen no other path, or road.
"This means that the occupants are using a teleport spell, like you are explaining, or they are using a teleport device such as thde tree in Mr Fox's druidic garden. Either way, i would say that we have no way of knowing how many of whatever is in there."
Z begins to go wild, squakong in his low tones as the 'labor camp' is described. Jova does the best he can to settle the bird down.
"I know, I know, wait, I will explain to them." He kreeps saying to the bird. Then he spits several times, nearly gagging. Turning to the group as they are preparing for their assault.
"First off, this is no 'labor camp'. This is a 'proving ground'. Those poor wretches down there are proving their worth to their God Marteus. I guided a merchant wagon near Cresent Valley a few years back. I met a Priest of Marteus, his name was Nirtti. He told of such a place. Those wretches are 'proving their worth to Marteus. If they survive their sicknesses, then they will be exalted to serve Marteus.
"Slaves? Look around you what do these slaves do? Nothing but live. They are all disciples of Marteus and should be executed immediately. Our Dragon partner would thank us for such. But the information most valuable lies with n the temple.
I agree we need to go in, but Izen said the door had been barred once the guards went back in. How do you expect to unbar the door? Even if you teleport in, do you know what you will face inside? You are brave, but your plan is destined to fail.
"The best thing to do would be to wait until morning. Summon a few allies to take kare of the sick ones, by take kare of I mean kill. When the guards open the door for morning gruul, we attack and gain entrance. Stealth and secrecy wont work in this situation."
Draax Tuesday March 20th, 2007 2:44:41 AM
It is easy for Draax to guess Monthor's feelings because Draax was having the same thoughts. He listens as a few of them begin to talk about a plan. Everything sounds good until Javo shares his knowledge of the followers of Marteus.
"I hate Marteus followers as much as the next man, but unfortunately I cannot bring myself to killing them in cold blood while they are unarmed and helpless. I have no problem with causing their deaths, but it has to be for a better reason. Now taking down the guards is something I am more than willing to do.
I would say that we should kidnap and replace a few of the farmers, but the possibility of being infected is too great.
If Izen has the skills? I think he should check out the inside and lets us know if it is worth us doing anything. If it is we can go in invisible and then take care of business, but if this place does not have what we need, taking out this place will let them know we are in the area."
Draax waits to hear what the decision will be.
Bat flight - DM Marcin Tuesday March 20th, 2007 6:19:32 AM
While the group discusses their options Horvis flies away as a bat to take a closer look at the village.
Bits of conversation he can overhear:
"...really cold. Gave the last blanket to old man Smithson. Better ask wizards to take him in next."
"Not really see how anything will grow here. We'll be living on this gruel thing forever. Say what you will, it burns my stomach every time I eat it."
"...Poor girl has really lost it. The slavers did to her..."
"Where's the new man? Tell him I'll need his bucket in a moment."
"Think Salhar will go next? I've been here two months, longer than him. My family probably thinks I'm dead..."
"Would... cry... but no longer have... strength."
There are no air shafts or chimneys opening on the hill. The area has been already scouted out by Z and Horvis confirms his observation that there is nothing there that catches the eye.
As mentioned before, there are no windows in the stone structure, so looking in is not an option.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang d20+14=15 d20+10=30 d20+10=21 Tuesday March 20th, 2007 9:04:28 PM
Having exhausted the possibilities of the hill for now, the bat wings back to the village to listen to the conversations between the folk there. Something about the words he heard didn't agree with what Horvis expected.
After landing on the eave of one of the huts, the bat settles in to listen to the conversation. After listening until he is either bored or certain of what they are discussing, he will flit between buildings in an attempt to identify how many people are within each building.
Finally, he will return to his companions. After landing away from anyone's boots, Horvis will shift back to centaur.
"This is what I heard and saw. Not much. Should I cast Find the Path and determine how to get inside?"
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 1 of 9/day
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision
Active Effects Barkskin (Izen)- +5 natural armor bonus, 130 minutes Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang**(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Monthor Tuesday March 20th, 2007 9:10:31 PM
Sounds good Horvis. Cast away.
Izen d20+25=28 d20+21=38 d20+25=34 Tuesday March 20th, 2007 10:20:57 PM
"Agreed. Then I propose that we camp in the Rope Trick, keep watch, and make final decisions in the morning on how to proceed."
If the party decides to camp: When on watch: Spot as needed, Skill Mastery 27 Listen as needed, Skill Mastery 30 Hide, 28
If the party decides to try to infiltrate the next time the door opens, some possible skill checks: (Invisible, but not flying unless in the morning) Move Silently, Skill Mastery 33 Tumble, Skill Mastery 31 Spot, Skill Mastery 27 Listen, Skill Mastery 30 Escape Artist, 38! Hide, 34
Juliander Tuesday March 20th, 2007 10:36:40 PM
"Here is an interesting idea... perhaps we wait until it gets dark, and then sneak through the village under cover of night to infiltrate as a group? We still have plenty of resources available, so I don't see the point of resting before going in."
Tratain Wednesday March 21st, 2007 12:20:49 AM
Tratain says "When we rest tomorrow that will give us another day to watch what they are doing. It will also give us a chance to prepare spells that will give us a better picture of what is going on."
Draax Wednesday March 21st, 2007 1:16:45 AM
"Sounds good to me."
Jova Wednesday March 21st, 2007 4:19:41 AM
Jova shruggs his shoulders and walks a ways away. There he can be seen talking to, and calming own the bird he calls friend.
Another night in the swamp - DM Marcin Wednesday March 21st, 2007 9:08:19 AM
Horvis hangs around in the hamlet a bit longer.
There isn't really that much talking going on. Most of it is labor related. Some phrases are cryptic.
"How much longer do I have to wait? My daughter was supposed to get married three weeks ago..."
"Patience, no one I know has been here longer than three months."
"One more month! <groan> My arthitis is killing me already."
"Yeah, it's Cursed Swamp for you. Zarthmoor has harsh climate. Still, nobody ever mentioned it's so cold..."
"I'm worried about my family. Gods alone know if the slavers didn't take them, too."
Inside one of the huts a woman kneels by her bed quietly praying to Alemi.
Horvis counts nineteen people in total. Seven of them seem bedridden. Most seem to suffer from anemia, scurvy, arthitis, and other ailments common to people working overstrength in a hostile envirnoment. Their complexion is an unhealthy shade of brown with just a hint of green. A slight smell suggesting troubles with digestive system hangs around each of them.
Most of the Knights vote to spend another night watching the encampment. The Rope Trick serves the party well yet again.
Come nightfall the activity in the village ceases. The peasants return to their cottages and fall on their beds, instantly asleep. There are no lights. No guards emerge from the stone building to patrol the site.
The night passes quietly. Around midnight the watches spot pale white lights moving among the trees.
The lights slowly drift among the trees, winking out and reappearing. More appear with every minute and all converge on the hamlet, until it is surrounded by a sparkling ring of white flames.
The lights grow brighter and take on shape, each turning into a spectral humanoid shilouette. The spectres slowly move around the outskirts of the village, as if dancing, but do not approach the buildings. There must be hundreds of them.
This quiet vigil lasts about an hour. Then, all of a sudden, all of them wink out like candles blown out by the wind.
The morning is very cold. A thin sheet of ice has covered puddles of water. When it gets brighter the Knights, who are finishing their morning meal, can spot the black-cloaked stranger entering the village from the other side of the forest. The peasants do not pay him much heed. He approaches the stone structure and bangs on door. Shortly after he is admitted in.
CDM Jerry Wednesday March 21st, 2007 10:43:51 AM
I need the report submitted from the last week's posting please. Submit it here and email me a copy please today so I don't have to bug ya further friends. :)
Arien Wednesday March 21st, 2007 2:20:06 PM
"I believe that we have waited long enough at this point, if we stay here chances are that we are going to get discovered at some point. So I say that we either move today and do something or that we continue and try to find another settlement where we can find more information."
Izen d20+25=27 d20+21=40 d20+25=33 Wednesday March 21st, 2007 2:52:32 PM
In the morning, Izen was all business. "Getting inside the stone structure. I propose that we get as many of our squad inside without revealing ourselves as possible, using as many routes as we can conceive."
"I will go in invisibly, when they open the door next."
"Juliander proposed bluffing his way in. Now that we've seen how it's done, it looks feasible. He can walk up to the door, use the information that the dead man from the swamp gave us, and try to get in. Horvis can go in disguised as Juliander's familiar. If there is anyone else who feels confident enough in their bluffing skills to try it--" Izen arched an eyebrow at Jova Kon "They're welcome to try. No more than one or two others, though, I think, based on what we've seen."
"That leaves rest outside at present," Izen admitted. "Tratain, you said yourself that you were concerned that your aura might give you away, and I agree that's a risk we might not want to take until we're ready to reveal ourselves. But you, Monthor, Arien, and Draax can remain outside until we relay a signal for you to come in. Maybe a divination spell like scrying or clairvoyance cast on one of the scouts would be useful that way. In the meantime, those of you on the outside can investigate those will-o-the-wisps we saw last night, or the stone face and stone markers around the village, or interrogate one of the villagers."
"What do you all think?"
There was much to discuss, but IF the group was ready to proceed as indicated, then Izen would, after accepting any magical enhancements the group decided to bestow on him, do the following (in the interests of conserving posting time):
(All of this depending on group consensus as to approach)
--Vanish and move invisibly to a position near the door to the stone structure (Move Silently, Skill Mastery 33; Hide while invisible, 27). --Wait either for Juliander et al. to knock or for the guards to open the door for gruel-time. --Sneak in behind the guards, using his Winged Boots as needed (Tumble, Skill Mastery, 31; Escape Artist, 40!; Move Silently, Skill Mastery 33). --Find someplace inobtrusive inside to make his first observations (Hide while invisible, 33; Listen, Skill Mastery, 30; Spot, Skill Mastery, 27) and check for magical or mundane traps inside the building's entrance (Trapfinding Search, Skill Mastery, 30). --Proceed accordingly from there. Listen, Spot, and Search as above. If he were in trouble or finished seeing what there was to see, Izen would activate his Winged Boots (if not already activated) and use his Cape of the Mountebank to Dimension Door straight up and out of the structure 500' before returning to the group, reappearing, and reporting.
Monthor Wednesday March 21st, 2007 2:56:28 PM
" Look fellas. This is the way me see things. One, we want in. Two, getting in is easy. We can teleport some way or another inside the doorway. Or we can knock on the door and ask nicely to be let in. Or we can trick our way in. Worst case, me can just bash the door in. It doesn't look THAT sturdy. Three, we'll be found out inside soon enough. No way a group this size can walk around without being found. Me not exactly built for stealth ye know. We may as well just plan for a fight and take them out as they come at us.
Here's what me proposes... one of use puts on a black cloak and walks up to the door. The rest of us follows either polymorphed into something else or invisible. The cloaked guy, let's call him " Izen", knocks at the door. Either the door will open to let him in. Win. Or the door will open so that the guards can kill him. Win. Or they taunt him from the other side of the door. Win, 'cause then me will dimension door meself in and bash them. Subsequently... big word Monthor... that one hurt a bit... subsequently, me then opens the door for the rest of ye. And we're in.
Let's vote friends. Yeah or nay to me plan. 'Cause me be getting thirsty just sitting around here doing nothing. And when me gets thirsty, me gets cranky. And when me gets cranky, me gets to smashing stuff. Ye know, doors and stuff.... Me votes 'yeah'."
ooc> It's a dungeon crawl folks. Let's just go in an start crawling already. It's morning. We're all fresh so let's get going. We know we don't want to kill the workers unless they give us reason to. We know that the guards are "slavers" of some sort and none of us will mind cleaving them up if they give us a reason to. I'm all for sneaking around, really, I am... but how are you going to get an armored dwarf to move anywhere "quietly" for any lenth of time? You can't. So let's just get in.
Monthor Wednesday March 21st, 2007 2:57:44 PM
ooc> DAMN YOU IZEN!!! Either plan works for me.
Draax Wednesday March 21st, 2007 5:20:09 PM
Draax listens to Izen and Monthor both come up with plans at the same time. "I am OK with both, but I favor Izen's plan."
Juliander Wednesday March 21st, 2007 8:44:12 PM
"Either plan works for me." Juliander is clearly ready to go.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Wednesday March 21st, 2007 10:27:07 PM
The centaur looks around at his companions as they prepare to go to the building.
"I'll go as a familiar. I'd prefer to be a flying creature, ideally a bat, but I can be whatever you're comfortable with. Once inside, if we get alone, I'll cast Find the Path on someone to figure out how to get where we want to go."
"By the way, are there any items that you want me to take in with me? I can shift back to this form to retrieve them."
Unless Juliander has a preference, Horvis will shift into the form of a bat. Once he's in that shape, the shifter will flutter over to Juliander and land on his shoulder. Squeeking quietly, he will whisper to the bard, "I'll try not to tickle, you try not squeezing me." Then he will crawl under the bard's cloak to hide from the sun.
Rolls & Stats Wildshape = 1 of 9/day
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Jova Thursday March 22nd, 2007 1:30:22 AM
SAfter watching horvis do his thing and hide in julianders clothes, jova scans the area looking for Aquila. Aquila still with us?
Scratching his neck, he says, "Okay. Let me se if this works. Izen gets invisible. I will attempt entrance with Z on my shoulder. I would like to change Monthor into a warhorse using a polymorph spell. That way when i knock on the door, I can create a diversion. Argue about allowing the horse in. I
"I will give Arien my wand of invis, he can tap Tratain, Draax, Juliander and himself with it. The effect lasts about 3 minutes, so Airen may need to use it more than one time. While the guards are distracted with me and Monthor the horse, everyone should be able to get in. Monthor will have the ability to end the spell at any time, in case bloodshed is needed. What you think Monthor, ever want to be a horse?
"If the guards still give me troubles i can always turn Monthor into a hawk, like Z there. The more i think about it, the more I think it ill work."
OOC So everyonre knows I have +21 to bluff. If Yves wants to be something something else, other animal, or whatnot, just say. Horse would be believable though.
Monthor Thursday March 22nd, 2007 7:34:39 AM
Works for me.
Tratain Thursday March 22nd, 2007 10:24:28 AM
Tratain says "I'd like to give Izen the chance to try and scout alone before anyone else heads in but it looks like I've been outvoted. I'll go along with whatever the plan is."
Entry - DM MarcinSpot checks to notice invisible Izen d20=15 d20=13 d20=10 d20=20 d20=18 Listen checks to hear invisible Izen d20=4 d20=20 d20=10 d20=4 d20=13 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 11:21:05 AM
A plan is agreed upon. The party will approach in two groups.
The first one is Izen (invisible and sneaky), Jova with Z on his shoulder, Juliander with Horvis playing his familiar, and Monthor as a horse [note that it is Jova, not Monthor, who can dismiss Polymorph, and it is a standard action]. Juliander and Jova will try to bluff their way inside, while Izen sneaks in to look ahead.
The second group, following behind the first, consists of Arien, Draax, and Tratain, all invisible and waiting for trouble [please mark off three charges from the wand].
Spells are cast, magic items handed over, and the Knights set off.
The appearance of a horse and two persons does not get an immediate reaction from whoever resides in the stone structure.
The group approaches at a steady pace. Several of the peasants briefly look up, but then just sigh and return to their work.
So far, so good.
The stone building draws nearer and nearer.
Just a few more steps...
.
.
.
The stone door is within reach.
<Bang> <bang> <bang>
There are muffled voices coming from within and the sound of shuffling feet.
The door is being unbarred and slowly heaves open. A sound of stone scraping on stone accompanies its movement.
Izen, Jova and Juliander are looking into a face of a guard, who blinks from sunlight and looks rather surprised.
"Who in blazes?..."
Silver tongued members of the group spin their tale. Meanwhile Izen sneaks inside and takes a good look around the interior.
It is as large as the inside of a sizeable barn. The structure has been erected from stone blocks in a competent if simple fashion. Strangely enough, the designers did not include windows or even arrowslits - an unusual choce for a guardhouse - for a guardhouse it most certainly is. The room is signifficantly more warm than the outside. The air is fresh. The interior is illuminated by two white glowing crystals hanging high under the ceiling (which is about 12 ft high). A dark corridor leads down into the hill. There are several beds standing by the walls, weapon racks on the southern wall - holding mostly polearms and bows, several tables and small chairs, and, most importantly, five guards. All are human, all are tall and muscular, and all are wearing chainmail and longswords at their belts. Two have been playing dice at one of the tables and the rest was busy with god knows what - but now the attention of all five has turned to Juliander and Jova.
"Sarge, were we expecting someone?..."
Izen makes his own observations. Highlight to display spoiler: {Izen is in H10. He notices that there is some kind of proximity triggered spell effect filling the hall in row 5 and above. Make sure you only use the means of communication that are available to Izen - not sure if anybody bothered to cast a Message spell.}
Juliander and Jova take their best shot at playing a pair of prospective initiates.
It seems to be working. The guard, still uncertain, motions them in. The rest stands up scratching their heads.
And then-
"Shh! Did you hear that?" - that's #2.
"Over there!" - #4 points to the western part of the room. "Something's there!"
"Intruders! Alarm! ALARM!"
[Natural 20 on a Listen or Spot check is always a success...]
[Starting now we are counting time in rounds. The party can take one round of actions. Horvis is with Juliander. Monthor is a horse. Those not on map can appear anywhere in the 20th row and then take a standard action.]
[Please list in your next post your AC, HPs total, and all active spell effects. I'm in travel tomorrow. My Friday post will be about 8 hours later than usual.]
[Time elapsed: 1 round]
Jova--Second Thursday March 22nd, 2007 11:31:22 AM
"Send Izen now, it make take an hour to get the plan allset up any way. That would give me a chance to morph Monthor as a practice, so when we do it for real, he is not shocked."
Sorry Dave, didn't see your post until mine was done. Go ahead and post again. M.
Jova Thursday March 22nd, 2007 3:10:58 PM
At the alarm, Jova hesitates for a split second. Seems Monthor would want to be around for this. With a wave of his hand, Jova cancels the effects of the polymorph spell. This will allow his smaller friend to do what he does best. It would be interesting what the other members of the party do.
Monthor Thursday March 22nd, 2007 3:17:05 PM
ooc> So, is Monthor stunned this round or can he attack something?
I don't recall anything about being stunned after Polymorph in the current rules. Monthor can act. M.
Jova Thursday March 22nd, 2007 5:42:37 PM
OOC Why would you be stunned? With me dispelling the spell, you have full action. At least that iswhy i posted so early in the day to give you your move/attack.
Dave is right. M.
Monthor ( AC 31, HP 129) d20+20=30 d6=4 d10+30=36 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 8:31:49 PM
The horse is gone and an ugly angry dwarf with a big arse axe is IN THE HOUUUUUUUSE!!!!!!
Monthor charges past his compadres and engages with one of the guards (L14).
--------------------- Monthor charges ( +2 to attack role, -2 to AC ) Power attacks -7 to hit, +14 damage) Attacks 2 handed (strength damage +12)
Active effects, Magic Vestment +4 Magic Weapon +4 (both from Tratain) Dodge bonus (+1) to guard 3 Monthor's AC is 30 vs G3, 29 vs everybody else To Hit +20
Monthor hits AC 33 for 39 (I counted the bonuses wrong before I roled. He's +23 to hit and the total damage bonus is 33) physical and 4 fire damage = 43 damage to guard 3.
Juliander (AC 24, HP 73) d20+16=32 d20+16=27 d20+11=29 d8+3=8 d8+3=10 d8+3=6 2d6(4+3)=7 2d6(5+5)=10 2d6(4+6)=10 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 9:37:57 PM
Spitting a curse out under his breath, Juliander takes a step back from the guard, and brings the light crossbow he had been gripping under his cloak up directly between them. The human's hands become a blur as he reloads the weapon multiple times, unloading on the guard. (OOC: Rapid Shot/Rapid Reload to hit AC 32, 27, and 29 for 15, 20, and 17 hit points damage respectively [assuming he is evil]. Total damage is 52 hps. If not evil damage would be 24 hps.)
Horvis (AC 23; HP 74/74) - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+9=20 d20+10=20 d20+10=20 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 10:28:16 PM
The bat heaves itself out from under Juliander's cloak until it appears on his shoulder. He squeaks some words to Juliander, "Going inside, gonna get past them to keep them from summoning help."
Horvis then launches himself into the air, twisting and tumbling as he flies into the building and up near the ceiling. He is squeaking and twittering as he goes, trying to determine if there is any other invisible creatures in the area besides Izen.
Position If guards flat-footed (and unable to make AoO) = K11 (and 10 ft over floor) If guards not flat-footed = M15 (and 10 ft over floor)
Rolls & Stats Tumble = 20 (enough for half movement past Guard 1) Listen = 20 Spot = 20
Actions Move Equivalent = get out from under cloak Move = either regular or half-speed and tumbling, depending on ability of guards to make AoO
Wildshape = 1 of 9/day
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision AC 23 (10 + 2 DEX + 4 Size + 2 armor + 5 enhancement) STR 1, DEX 15, CON 10
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Draax Thursday March 22nd, 2007 10:55:33 PM
When the alarm is sounded, Draax readies his sword and shield. He takes a moment to scan the area and make sure that no danger is coming from the outside before he charges to the door to help the others.
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82) d20+18=23 d4=3 d6=4 7d6(5+1+6+2+4+3+5)=26 d20+12=14 d4+2=5 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 11:26:36 PM
Izen silently cursed his luck. Still invisible (at H10), he drew and hurled his javelin at the guard farthest into the room in one fluid motion (Quick Draw, attack guard #2 at K9, hits flatfooted AC 23 because attacking while invisible, damage 5 + 4 shock + 26 sneak attack = 37 HP damage).
Now visible, he shrugged and smirked at Monthor. "It was a boring conversation anyway," he commented, before drawing a dagger and sending it hurtling toward guard #5 at N10 (Quick Draw, hits AC 14, damage if applicable 5).
"No one go down that hallway--it's magically trapped," he told the others as he drew his rapier (Quick Draw). "And finish these guards--" pointing at #4 and #5--"Before more trouble arrives!"
Tratain AC 28 HP 113 Friday March 23rd, 2007 12:51:11 AM
Tratain moves up to the side of the door ready to help his comrades as they need it.
Arien AC 21 HP 60 (Mage Armor) Friday March 23rd, 2007 1:48:18 AM
Cursing the luck Arien moves to the opposite side of the door as Tratain and keeps an eye out for any approaching hostiles.
Jova {76 HP 23 AC} Friday March 23rd, 2007 2:07:18 AM
Jova watches as his friends enter the battle
Spells 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, Polymorph 1 min level** 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft
**Already cast
Like a thunder we are - DM Marcin Friday March 23rd, 2007 6:19:43 AM
Jova dismisses the magic shielding Monthor and the dwarf is returned to his natural form.
Monthor springs immediately to action, nimbly bypassing the guard at the door and using the momentum of his charge to smash into the one that's been called "sarge". His axe almost chops the man's arm off - without so much as a scream he drops to his knees, no longer conscious, and starts bleeding to death.
Juliander's crossbow launches three bolts in rapid succession at point blank range. All strike true and the volley is enough to deprive the man of his life. He leans against the doorframe and slowly slides to the floor, dead before his body completes the fall.
Horvis, still as a bat, rises to the air and verifies that there are no invisible beings he can see aside from Izen.
Izen abruptly reappears, sending his javelin at the nearest guard. The weapon hits a vulnerable spot - the guard gurgles and spits out blood, but remains on his feet. The dagger launched by Izen is deflected by the guard's chain.
There is a sound of running and Juliander and Jova sense that the rest of the party has arrived to their help, though they still remain invisible.
[...]
Guards! - DM MarcinMorale checks for guards d20-3=-2 d20-3=6 d20-3=9 Friday March 23rd, 2007 6:40:07 AM
Overwhelmed by the sudden assault, with their commander gone and half of their number out of fight, the guards have no stomach to mount a suicidal defense.
One of those sitting by the table rises on shaky legs and throws his hands up. "Mercy! Don't kill me, I give up!" His buddy remains sitting, his face ashen, visibly frozen with fear.
The wounded guard about-turns and starts running away down the corridor dragging Izen's javelin behind him, screaming with pain. The end of the weapon plays a staccato tune on the flagstones. The nature of the guardian magic is revealed as soon as the guard enters its area - a loud sound of handbell rings out through the complex [Spellcraft DC21: Highlight to display spoiler: {Alarm spell}].
[No map needed this round. Two of the guards are at party's mercy. The fleeing guard is right now 70 ft from the party and it looks like he will vanish in darkness next round.]
[Everybody can take one round of actions to stop the fleeing guard. After that he will pass a bend in the passage and vanish from sight.]
[Decisions again: how to handle the guards? Should the party advance down the corridor? If so, in what formation and with what spells active? There are no immediate threats left in this area and the party can spend more time here than one round. If you decide to explore in the old-fashioned way of walking down the corridor I'll need a marching order and a list of precautions taken.]
[Round 2]
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82) d20+18=30 d4=2 d6=5 7d6(4+6+1+4+5+4+5)=29 Friday March 23rd, 2007 8:12:00 AM
The clatter of the dragging javelin stopped as it returned to Izen's hand (ooc--it's a returning weapon--comes back to Izen's position at the start of his next action).
Izen moved to the hallway and sent it back.
Attack fleeing guard, hits AC 30. If he's truly "running" per DM post, then he's deprived of his DEX bonus and damage is 4 + 5 cold + 29 sneak attack, total 38.
Monthor ( AC 31, HP 129) d20+28=44 Friday March 23rd, 2007 9:01:05 AM
Monthor looks at the two shaking guards.
" The two of ye! Get your faces down on the floor now or ye will taste me axe! "
:: To punctuate his statement, Monthor coupe de grasses the bleeding sargent. ::
-------------------------------------------- Hits AC 44. I'm not even bothering to role damage.
" Are we making a stand here boys! They know we're here now. Better to stay here and deal with whoever's gonna come. At least here we have an exit back outside if we need to make a run. Let's throw some stuff in the doorway to slow them down. ( ooc Let's block off 7J and 7Lm, leaving a corridor in 7K for the footmen to engage the ennemies). Bowmen and missile dudes, ready yeself as our first line! Shoot whoever comes down the hall. Someone bind Mutt and Jeff over there and search them. "
:: After finishing off the sargent, Monthor searches him. ::
" Anything on those tables? "
:: If Monthor still has time, he helps out with blocking the hall way (as explained in the ooc part). ::
ooc> It just seems to Monthor as this room is a highly defensible spot. Let them come down the hall and get peppered by missile fire and spells. If we go forward now, we're more vulnerable. The only thing that worries me about remaining here is spell attacks. BTW, if "someone" decides to slit the guards' throats... well Monthor won't object to much.
Horvis (AC 23; HP 74/74) - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+5=23 d20+10=25 d20+10=17 Friday March 23rd, 2007 10:48:18 PM
The bat looks down the corridor at the fleeing guard. Or maybe at the crumpled body of the guard. Either way, Horvis flies down the corridor despite Izen's warning of a trap. From what he can tell, the guard has set off the Alarm spell already.
Keeping up near the ceiling, Horvis flies a total of 80 feet down the corridor. He goes over the guard, trusting that he won't be attacked. From here, he should be able to spot any approaching forces and either retreat or hold them off.
Position Somewhere down the corridor, past the fleeing guard.
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision AC 23 (10 + 2 DEX + 4 Size + 2 armor + 5 enhancement) STR 1, DEX 15, CON 10
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Juliander d20+18=33 d8+3=8 2d6(3+2)=5 Friday March 23rd, 2007 11:04:07 PM
Juliander fires of a shot at the fleeing guard, growling, "Coward." Turning to Monthor, "We should push forward. Allowing them to come to us only gives them the opportunity to prepare their defense." Looking to Tratain, "The less prepared they are for us, the better... wouldn't you say?" (OOC: Hit AC 33 for 13 hps damage)
Draax Saturday March 24th, 2007 1:11:34 AM
Draax moves into the room, he lets the others decide if they are going to make a stand or continue on.
He moves to the downed guards and begin to remove their clothes. He makes sure that he identifies all items worn especially any badges or symbols on the guards.
Jova {76 HP 23 AC} d20+10=21 Saturday March 24th, 2007 4:06:31 AM
Jova is silent. Following Draax he also helps to search the guards. Being the oppurtunist he tries to judge the value/worth of the guards armor, and weapons and such. He does finsd some rope and ties the two living guards up. Jova places torn cloth in their mouths to silence them as well. He ies the cloth in the mouth as well.
Search 21
Arien AC 21 HP 60 (Mage Armor) Saturday March 24th, 2007 12:00:56 PM
Making sure to stay invisible the mage enters into the guard room and stands by, trying to not make any undue noise. When these guards were questioned by others he wanted them to get as much misinformation as possible. Arien stands to the side of the corridor waiting for the next move.
Monthor Saturday March 24th, 2007 7:32:44 PM
" Julie, their defences ARE prepared. That's why there's an alarm. They would expect us to run ahead down a long corridor right into their main forces. The last thing they would expect would be for us to hold up here. If you want to move on. Fine. You have point. "
" WILL SOMEONE QUESTION THOSE TWO BEFORE I LOB THEIR HEADS OFF... PLEASE!!! "
Jova {76 HP 23 AC} d20+21=32 Sunday March 25th, 2007 12:34:33 AM
Jova sits down at the head of one of the prone guards. Removing the gag he grabs the guards nose and gives it a smart tug.
"Have your attention now do I? Ok, what is this place?
"Who is in charge?
"Is this complex all one floor, or how many floors are there?
How many other people are here?
"Answer my questions or i will start cutting off your fingers, then toes, then well you can imagine."
Bluff 32
Dave please roll Intimidate. M.
A brief moment of silence - DM MarcinGuard vs Jova's Intimidate d20+5=16 Monday March 26th, 2007 4:00:28 AM
Izen's returning javelin and Juliander's crossbow bolt finish off the last guard before he has a chance to reach safety.
Monthor cuts off the sargeant's head. His two subordinates promptly obey the command and flatten themselves on the ground. They are quickly tied up and gagged.
The party busies itself with re-furnishing the guardhouse. The hallway gets partially blocked, as per Monthor's idea. Then the room, the prisoners, and the bodies are searched.
There is a lot of worthless junk here, including worn clothes, combs, razors, clay cups, bottles of foul beer, playing cards, and other items one commonly finds around thugs and mercenaries. There are, also, several items that seem to be of value:
- two glowing crystals at the ceiling, - five chainmails, four longswords and a shortsword, four light crossbows and about fifty bolts; all these seem to be at least masterwork, - three spears and a halberd, normal, - 54 gp in small coinage, mostly silver and copper, - three small metal vials in the pouch of the late sargeant, - two bottles of fine wine in one of the chests by the wall, - a small silver statue of a scantily clad woman in another chest.
The guards do not wear any symbols that would betray their allegiance. One of those killed, though, has tattoos on his chest that resemble some kind of religious symbol [Knowledge:Religion DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Unholy symbol of Ga'al.}].
Jova tries to question one of the guards, but all he gets as an answer are wheezes and strange yelpy noises. The man is shaking as if in a fever and Jova is not even sure if his questions registered.
Horvis flies a bit deeper down the corridor getting past the magic warning device without setting it off. The passage seems to lead straight on, sloping slightly downwards [anyone Knowledge:stonemasonry DC15 or Spellcraft DC23: Highlight to display spoiler: {The main passage has not been mined out; it seems more like a work of magic similar to Stone Shape.}]. There are doors to the left and right, most of them now open, leading to chambers of various sizes that look like servant's wing - various storehouses, sleeping rooms, a kitchen with a tiny fire elemental forced to work as a smokeless stove, a workshop, a small smithy, again powered by a bound fire elemental, a dark room with nondescript black altar in the middle that looks like a small temple, a larder... There are people in these rooms here and there - a cook hiding behind a cupboard in the kitchen, a smith still hammering on the anvil, probably short of hearing, a fat, bald man surrounded by an odor of alcohol snoring loudly on one of the beds somewhere. This part of the complex is maybe 200 ft long. The air here is hot and full of various smells, not all of them unpleasant. Further along the passage changes into stairs leading down. A faint noise as if of shutting doors comes from that direction. Strangely enough, about a minute after the party has entered the guardhouse a faint sound of a handbell coming from the depths of the complex can be heard twice.
[How long would you like to wait in the guardhouse? I can consider "until something happens" a viable answer.]
[Time passed 2.2 minutes]
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82), Invisible Monday March 26th, 2007 11:56:49 AM
Izen sheathed his rapier and javelin.
"I'll take a look at that hallway and make sure any more alarms or the like are disabled. I'll let you all know when we can move forward, if we want to. If we're staying here, I can spread caltrops in the hallway--just let me know."
With that, the halfling walked forward and vanished (reactivate Ring of Invisibility), then set to studying and dismantling the magical Alarm and any other traps.
Monthor ( AC 31, HP 129) d20+2=19 Monday March 26th, 2007 12:10:12 PM
:: Monthor points to the ceiling. ::
" Somebody want to shoot those crystals out? The bad guys maybe able to see or hear us using them..."
" Any of you magic types wanna check these vials out? "
occ> If no one steps up, Monthor pockets the vials.
:: Monthor then watches the shaking guard... ::
" Tratain... what's the chance that these orc lovers are gonna get all of us infected? "
( Stonecunning, 19) " That passage way wasn't dug... that's magic that did that. "
" What now?.... Do we charge down looking for trouble or stay here and wait for it? "
Horvis (AC 23; HP 74/74) - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Monday March 26th, 2007 2:08:18 PM
The bat returns from exploring the tunnel and attached rooms. As Horvis passes Izen, he twitters a greeting to let the rogue know that he is coming. Once he arrives back in the guardroom, Horvis looks for a place to perch while he speaks with his companions. Once he has landed, he will describe what he saw farther down the tunnel.
"I vote for going ahead. What we came to see is probably down there and we'll need to go ahead anyway. And it means that we're setting the schedule, such as it is, rather than the other defenders of this place."
If his companions agree, he will lift off and head back down the tunnel to scout ahead of their advance. He will lead them all to the top of the stairs after, of course, Izen has completed his work.
Wildshape = 1 of 9/day
Bat - Diminutive Animal Walk 5 ft, Fly 40 ft (good) Blindsense, Low-light vision AC 23 (10 + 2 DEX + 4 Size + 2 armor + 5 enhancement) STR 1, DEX 15, CON 10
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Monthor Monday March 26th, 2007 2:58:48 PM
" Me be okay with going. It's not tactilly sound. But me be okay with it. "
Jova {76 HP 23 AC} Monday March 26th, 2007 5:58:04 PM
Not having a missile weapom, Jova hopes Juliander or Draax will shoot out the crystals. He was having a hard time getting up and leaving the sick guards. Surely they could tell him something.
After searching the bodies he decides there is litttle worth there.so he grabs the coin, and the figurine. Had to be worth something to someone he thought.
Z lands on his shoulder once again as they prepare to explore.
"So Monthor how was your rime as a fourlegged creature?"
Draax Monday March 26th, 2007 6:00:53 PM
Draax stops anyone from destroying the ceiling crystals. "Wait; do not destroy the crystal yet. They might be used for spying or they could just have light spells on them or they could explode if destroyed. Can anyone cast detect magic and tell me what type magic is on the crystals."
Depending on what is found out about the crystals and how they are mounted into the ceiling; Draax will move a desk or chair under the crystal and use a dagger to remove them from their housing.
"I am OK with continuing also."
Juliander Monday March 26th, 2007 7:27:52 PM
"I could cast detect magic, however I'm not particularly adept at deciphering particular auras. However..." turning to Arien, "If you'll have a gaze at the crystals... I'll be happy to shoot them out should you determine it is okay to do so."
Tratain AC 32 HP 141/141 (Magic Vestment;Shield of Faith; Endurence) Tuesday March 27th, 2007 12:15:43 AM
Tratain casts Shield of Faith and then casts Mass Bears Endurence on the Party.
He says "Lets Head on Down before they can prepare too much, we want to gain information while we are here, we can't let them take everything important."
Tratain looks at the two guards with the Symbols of Ga'al and says "Theres nothing I can do for them here, when we leave we can take them to a temple of Alemi or Domi and the clerics there may be able to break the hold Ga'al has over them."
Arien AC 21 HP 60 (Mage Armor) d20+26=28 d20+26=34 d20+26=41 d20+26=37 d20+26=27 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 2:25:05 AM
Arien casts Detect Magic as asked and examines the room for any magical auras, concentrating on them should he find any.
(5 spellcraft checks for any magical auras: 28, 34, 41, 37 and an auto-failure in that order)
Downstairs - DM MarcinArien's extra Spellcraft checks d20+26=40 d20+26=35 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 4:11:14 AM
Arien scans the area for magic. Aside from multiple strong emanations he gets from the equipment of the Knights he also picks up resonance from local magic.
The pair of crystals, safely removed from their ceiling anchoring, emanates a faint evocation magic.
One of the longswords radiates a faint evocation aura.
Two out of three vials radiate a faint conjuration aura. The third has a faint aura, too, but Arien fails to pick up its school of magic.
There is an Alarm spell blocking the passage into the complex.
As the warning magic does not rely on any kind of mechanical parts Izen has no skill to remove it unless he has a way to dispel it [The description of the Disable Device skill specifies a list of spells that can be deactivated using it. I would add to this list any spell that leaves some kind of physical trace like a circle or a glyph, but Alarm doesn't, so my interpretation of the rules would be that can't be physically removed].
The sounds of handbells come from the depths of the complex every now and then anyway, so-
<ring ring ring>
The party advances deeper.
The Knights march through the servant's quarters. Their progress is not opposed by anyone. It seems that all lairs of Sons of Dread share a common athmosphere - a dark, foreboding feeling as if of being quietly watched.
Suddenly a waft of strange, yet familiar aquatic smell passes over the party. A dragon turtle!?-
- Just a pot of turtle soup that has been left by someone on the stove in the kitchen.
The party reaches the stairs spotted earlier by Horvis. One by one the Knights descend deeper into the hill. The stairway ends and the corridor continues onward. There is light coming from ahead of the group. One can actually already see the middle of the next room-
There is a huge statue of a warrior standing there, glistening in the light as if cast of metal. It is over seven feet tall and depicts a knight in full plate, but there are no weapons on his body. The body's proportions are distorted; his legs are thicker than those of a human, and his arms end with massive fists that resemble heavy hammers.
The statue stands motionless, but electric energy arcs over its surface, and two pale white lights flicker in it's eyes.
Two humans and a gnome, all dressed in black cloaks, jump around the statue, tracing intricate runes on the surface of the iron man. They seem to be in a great hurry. With every move of their fingers the electric charge builds up. Absolutely no sound accompanies their frantic activities.
The passage continues onward, but is blocked by a dark porticullus.
[Spot DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is another porticullus that is right now raised and hard to see. It hangs over the border of J16-17 and K16-17.}]
[Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {There is another Alarm set up around J-K 16-17}]
[We count the time in rounds again. Each member of the party can start his round in J20 or K20. It is also possible to shoot/cast spells and remain off map if you prefer.]
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82) d20+16=34 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 1:38:06 PM
(Spot, skill mastery 27, as above)
Still invisible as he neared the chamber with the massive creature resembling an iron golem, Izen reached into his haversack. The magic of the pack reacted to his thoughts, and the Iron Bands of Binding appeared in his hand. He threw the Bands at the large creature.
(Feel free to place Izen off of the map or wherever it makes the most sense for him to have a clear line of effect to the creature--just not J16-K17!)
Ranged touch attack, target deprived of DEX bonus (if any) because of invisibility, hits touch AC 34.
Iron Bands of Binding immobilize the target, of Large size or smaller. Target must succeed at a STR or Escape Artist check DC 30 to break or escape the Bands.
Now visible, Izen shouted to his companions, "There's another porticullis up there!" He pointed to the border of J16-17 and K16-17. "And there's another Alarm set up below it!"
He drew his rapier (Quick Draw) and readied for trouble.
Monthor ( AC 31, HP 129) Tuesday March 27th, 2007 9:41:02 PM
Monthor roars a blood curdling war cry, grips his war axe with both hands and runs at full speed straight ahead towards the black cloaked people (K11 from K20).
--------------------- Active effects, Magic Vestment +4 Magic Weapon +4 (both from Tratain) Dodge bonus (+1) to 3
Horvis (AC 17; HP 126/126) - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+10=26 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 9:45:07 PM
The bat notices the portcullis before Izen shouts, but the mention of the Alarm spell is useful information. He flies onward, past the portcullis and into the room.
After making a full move, Horvis shifts back into his natural form. He isn't bearing any weapons but his hooves and fists might be enough to keep the black-clad people from working on the golem.
Rolls and Stats Spot = 26
Wildshape = 1 of 9/day
NOTE: AC and HP's changed due to form change
Actions Move - 40 ft to J12 Standard - Shape change (triggers no AoO)
Position J11-K12 (reaches J12 with 40' movement, then shifts into large size)
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
Monthor sup.. d20+5=18 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 9:48:36 PM
Intimidate role = 18
Jova {76 HP 23 AC} d100=57 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 11:43:00 PM
Jova sees the people running around the statue. As predicted, the fighter amongst them roars hois battle cry and is off to battle. Jova quickly moves his hands, hoping his spell will reach over the head and onto the enemy before the short one can arrive.
ASF 10% 57 is good, can cast spell Cast Glitterdust on #3 10ft radius Will save DC17/13 round duration
Spells" 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--*Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, *Polymorph 1 min level 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft
*Spells Cast
Juliander (AC 24; HP73) Wednesday March 28th, 2007 12:39:23 AM
Seeing that they could be in for quite a fight, Juliander takes a moment to allow the sound to build from within him, surrounding his very being before releasing the song of inspiration to aid his friends. It begins slowly as a low dirge might, and then crashes into a rythmic chant, set to the beat of Monthor's attack. (OOC: Begin to inspire courage. Starting next round all allies will receive a +2 bonus to hit and damage, as well as on saves against charm and fear.)
Charge! - DM Marcin Wednesday March 28th, 2007 3:24:08 AM
Izen throws his bonds of binding at the large iron statue.
With a bloodcurdling scream Monthor charges the group in the room! The sound of a handbell rings out as another Alarm is set off.
Horvis follows suit, shifting back to his normal form in the middle of the room, slightly off the spot he would like to choose since Monthor is already there.
Jova launches a spell of his own at the group in the center of the room.
Juliander's voice rises above the din of battle in an inspiring song!
The bonds of binding pass right through the metal statue, as if there wasn't anything there. Similarily, Jova's spell does not find any targets in it's area of effect to highlight...
[...]
A Trap! - DM MarcinFireball damage 6d6(6+1+1+1+4+5)=18 6d6(2+2+3+6+6+1)=20 Acid Arrow to hit d20+3=11 Acid Arrow damage 2d4(1+2)=3 Wednesday March 28th, 2007 3:34:19 AM
The image of the statue and three people working on it waver and fade out as the illusion, no longer maintained by its creators, disperses. Now at least it is explained why no sound accompanied their activities...
There is a sudden rattling sound and a second portcullis slams down, cutting off the room with Horvis and Monthor inside it!
The chamber that has been just blocked off is about 15ft high and illuminated by some crystals at the ceiling. There are two ways to exit it at ground level, both now blocked off by metal bars. There are also eight balconies, four on each side of the room, each at the height of ten feet above the floor.
Men stand up and appear in five out of eight balconies - black, shadowy shiluettes. The only one recognizable is the stranger from the swamp. And it is him who opens up a magic barrage that is unleashed.
[Spellcraft DC17 to identify the spell cast by him: Highlight to display spoiler: {Silence}]
[Horvis and Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {All sounds are suddenly drowned out around you and you stand in complete silence. Note that this means that you can't shout anything to the rest of the party, though you can post to them that they see your lips moving but there is no sound. Also note that magic items that require command word to activate won't work while you are silenced.}]
Two sparkling embers race from the balconies into the middle of the room and soundlessly explode into fiery infernos [both Monthor and Horvis are hit by two Fireballs. First one is 18 fire damage, Ref DC16 for half, the second is 20 fire damage, Ref DC17 for half].
Horvis notices a splash of acid heading his way, but it's too late to dodge it [3 damage from Acid Arrow, it will last for one more turn, John please keep track of it].
Monthor feels some force tugging at his mind [please make a Will save DC15. If you fail Highlight to display spoiler: {Monthor is under effect of a Hideous Laughter spell for 4 rounds}].
The attackers drop down to the ground, vanishing from sight [explanation: they used move actions to stand up, standard actions to cast spells, and free actions to drop prone. This way they are not visible when it is party's turn. I marked their positions on the map with five Xs. The black clad stranger is in E7].
[The bonds of binding have landed in J7.]
[Members of the party not on the map can start their action in J20 or K20, or remain off map, though in the latter case only Monthor and Horvis are in sight.]
Horvis (AC 17; HP 117/126) - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider, Mass Bear's Endurance d20+5=24 d20+4=24 d20+4=20 d20+9=29 d20+9=28 2d8(7+7)+2=16 d20=19 d20=10 d4+7=11 d6=4 2d8(6+5)+2=13 Wednesday March 28th, 2007 9:19:05 AM
The centaur blinks in astonishment as the images vanish and the torrent of spells are unleashed. He recognizes the first spell as it is cast, then ducks and covers from the two fireballs. Spellcraft = 24 Reflex save = 24 (natural 20) Reflex save = 20
The blob of acid is annoying, too. But not enough to keep him from fighting back. He shouts to Monthor, hoping that the dwarf is able to understand his intent.
Spot DC 15 to read lips: Highlight to display spoiler: {Follow me and climb!}
Horvis runs to the corner in front of the dark stranger, drawing his scimitar as he moves. He wants to both take the fight to these mages and get cover from at least some of the opponents.
As he moved towards the corner, Horvis was evaluating whether he could attack the prone opponent on the balcony. If he can, the scimitar will swing up and over at the black-clad stranger. Attack hits AC 29+2(31) (threat, natural 20), confirmation AC 28+2(30) - 16+4(20) damage
If he cannot attack the mage, Horvis will drop his scimitar on the ground and shift into the form of an hill giant. He is now more than 10 feet tall and can reach the stranger. More importantly, Monthor might be able to climb ...
If he is outside the area of silence, Horvis will shout back to his companions.
OOC - I could not really tell about the height of the balconies but it sounded like there was a lip or railing that provides cover. If this is the case, Horvis probably can't reach. For all intents and purposes, Horvis is the same height as a medium character so he probably can't reach that high. But, if the DM feels that he can, I rolled attack and damage.
Otherwise, Horvis will be in the shape of an hill giant which is 10 1/2 feet tall. In which case, I've also rolled an AoO vs. the stranger because Horvis threatens him but none of the others.
Stats
Wildshape = 1 (or 2) of 9/day
Hill Giant - Large Giant Walk 40 ft Low-light vision AC 24 (10 - 1 DEX - 1 Size + 2 armor + 5 enhancement + 9 natural) STR 25, DEX 8, CON 19 10 ft. reach
Actions Move - 25 ft to J12 Free - Draw scimitar Standard - Depends (see above) Option A (attack) - hit AC 31 (threat), confirm AC 30, 20 damage Option B (shift) - free action to drop scimitar, standard to shift (healing 13 hps)
Attack of Opportunity: Hill giant - hits AC 37, 13 damage (bludgeoning) + 4 fire Centaur with scimitar - hits AC 30 (threat), confirmed AC 21, 17 damage
Position F7-G8
Active Effects Greater Magic Fang - all natural weapons are +1 magic, 13 hours Longstrider - +10 movement, 13 hours Mass Bear's Endurance - +4 CON
Acid Arrow - 1 turn remaining
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Purify Food and Water(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider*, Pass without Trace, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin(2), Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone(2), Spider Climb, Tree Shape 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*(2), Spike Growth(2), Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Command Plants, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth(2), Baleful Polymorph(2) 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace 7 - DC 23 - Windwalk * = cast
ed. JohnP - to reflect Mass Bear's Endurance and Inspire Courage
CDM Jerry Wednesday March 28th, 2007 9:20:53 AM
Ok, friends. I need the report for last week and this week. We have a problem here. Let's get it solved please. I'm emailing Joe and Marcin in a sec about this. ;) Post the report and send it to me in an email please.
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