Rond d20+12=23 Monday August 20th, 2001 6:04:43 PM
Rond briefly considers whether he should consider having a serious heart to heart with Wardd. Some how he feels that he's been pushing his luck too much lately.
Moving down the stairwell, Rond proceeds to motion the party to join him in the chamber below. Continuing to move as quietly as he can (MS 23) he comes up from behind the dwarf (if he can), and indicates to the party that they should not be seen by the Dwarf, and remain on the ceiling. Motioning everyone in the group to stay behind the dwarf, Rond does his best to turn the dwarf around so that he does not see Rond, or anyone in the group.
Once the group is past the dwarf, Rond will whisper very quietly, "Raise no alarm, leave the temple. No problems, and you will receive severance pay. Stay at the Red Wyrm Inn for two days."
Draax Monday August 20th, 2001 9:16:18 PM
At the signal to move Draax starts to head down the stairs. Noticing the dwarf and Rond directing him to avoid the dwarf, Draax walks along the ceiling past the dwarf. Not knowing what transpired before he moved, he suppresses the yearning to drop down and slit the dwarf's throat. He hopes that the dwarf realizes his good fortune and if not, Draax vows to remind the dwarf of the life he could have had just before killing him.
Sunblaze (Kim) d20+4=9 Tuesday August 21st, 2001 12:05:56 AM
The small elf moves as Rond directs, aiming for a balance between haste and quiet. Haste wins. "Disarm him," she whispers to Rond. She looks around, and glances at the exits from this lower room. And she takes some cloth in hand, ready to stuff the dwarf's smoky mouth if he looks to make any noise. Or poke his eye out. Did she just think that?
Clarification Needed, I Think... (DM Donna) Tuesday August 21st, 2001 6:49:34 AM
I'm not sure you all realize the dwarf's position when he was "frozen" by the panicky Damocles, so I'll clarify and give you a chance to change your actions if you wish:
Spike was more concerned about whether the retreating guard detail was still within range of sight. Once he was satisfied that none of his companions could see him, he pulled out his pipe, stuffed it and lit up. Obviously he had NO intention of going up the stairs at all.
When Damocles swooped down and cast the Hold Person spell on Spike, the dwarf was in the middle of taking a hefty drag of his tobacco (at least...I think it's tobacco--you never know with these evil mercenaries..! ;D)--his eyes are half-closed and he's facing mostly into the western doorway...and completely paralyzed now.
Renik--approaching the eastern archway--still sees nothing more than a long, torch-lit corridor from which emanates the persistent yet monotonous chanting, which has neither gotten any louder nor faster nor more intense.
Renik (Invisible, Spider Climbing) d20+12=19 d20+4=11 Tuesday August 21st, 2001 7:11:19 AM
Renik continues towards the source of the chanting, moving Silently (19). He smiles grimly as it occurs to him that this could possibly be a trap, designed to lure the over-curious to their doom, and not their enemy chanting at all. But he is set on his course now, and cannot afford to be swayed by what is probably just an overactive imagination. If he finds himself getting close to the source of the sound he will Search (11) for traps before moving closer.
Sunblaze (Kim) Tuesday August 21st, 2001 12:58:16 PM
[OOC: Regarding crossing the ceiling - Sunblaze can't cross the ceiling, unless someone wants to carry her. She can cross the FLOOR. She can ascend or descend the stairway. But she does not spiderclimb, nor fly, at least not at the moment.]
The elf alters her looks (change self via the chameleon ring) to make her face real plain, and her hair a dirty blonde.
"Hey," she says quietly (but roughening her voice) to Rond & Damocles, careful not to use their names. "Let him go out on the streets, but only with what nature gave him, plus his pipe and tobacco pouch." She takes first his weapon(s), then begins disrobing him, first dropping his trousers to his ankles (hard to run that way), obviously wanting the cleric and the ranger to assist. "Then he can leave. I'll escort him. Hey, Spike, I've got a serpent here. You wiggle the wrong way, you talk too loud, he bites you, you're dead. You cooperate, and you'll be free to head out the door to the Inn, alive."
Damocles (Kim) Tuesday August 21st, 2001 9:09:03 PM
The cleric blindfolds the dwarf, after removing the pipe from the fellow's mouth, his expression showing distain for the lingering smoke. He assists Sunblaze in disrobing the slothful guardian. But he forbids her to remove the dwarf's loincloth, if such he has. Everything else, except pipe and tobacco, the cleric of Alemi takes from the held dwarf. [If he has rope (?)] Damocles ties the stout creature's hands behind his back, makes sure the blindfold will hold, adds a gag to the mouth for good measure, then, requesting Rond's assistance, releases the hold person spell, quietly repeats the instructions Rond and Sunblaze gave, and marches him up the stairs, guiding him out the doorway. Should the mummy apparition show itself, he will skirt it, and otherwise not attack, not react.
Head Count (DM Donna) Wednesday August 22nd, 2001 7:05:03 AM
Sunblaze and Damocles quickly have one bound-up dwarf and one pile of equipment and clothing (except for the loincloth). Spike is obviously less than thrilled to be in his position, but when the Hold Person spell is canceled, the short mercenary follows instructions, even if it is with a lot of reluctance.
Renik continues down the corridor, via the ceiling, noting that there are wooden doors that lead north and south about one hundred feet down the corridor. Taking a moment to squint at them, he notes that they appear to be heavy and bound with iron bands. They open via fixed iron handles.
Renik can also see that the corridor extends another 150 feet or so before ending in another open archway opposite the one that leads to the stairway chamber. The chanting gets louder as Renik gets closer to the new archway.
Renik (Invisible, Spider cimbing) d20+12=13 d20+12=23 d20+4=15 d20+2=3 Wednesday August 22nd, 2001 8:02:44 AM
Renik continues to creep along the ceiling towards the end archway but in his eagerness to see what is up ahead he fails to take sufficient care, and dislodges a small stone(Move Silent 13: natural 1). He freezes in place, and prays the loud chanting from up ahead has drowned out the noise. Taking advantage of the momentary pause, he again checks for any traps nearby(Search 15. Sorry, second +12 roll was made in error) or waiting guards (spot 3: another natural 1! Aaarggh!)
Sunblaze (Kim) Thursday August 23rd, 2001 12:38:26 AM
She picks up the dwarf's gear, and lugs it up behind Spike and Damocles. She checks to see if there is anything of particular interest, and telepathically communicates with her viper familiar to keep alert to what the dwarf is doing, as she herself focuses her attention on the inventory.
Damocles (Kim) Thursday August 23rd, 2001 12:50:06 AM
As they move along, the cleric looks to see if Spike bears any tattoos or other recognizable markings. At the door, Damocles presses three gold pieces in Spike's hand. "This should get you something to eat and drink. What place did I say you should wait?" he asks, verifying that Spike understood his instructions. If he answers, "The Red Wyrm Inn," or something to that effect, the cleric tells him as he unties his wrists, "Do not look back, as you value your life." He removes the blindfold. "Go that way," he bids him with a nudge toward the straightest path into the city, leaving him with pipe, tobacco, loincloth, and three gold pieces with which to find his fortune in the wide Wold.
Once the lightly clad dwarf walks out of sight, Damocles returns with Sunblaze, finding out from Rond or Draax which way the party is now heading. On the way he helps carry the dwarf's gear, quietly asking Sunblaze what she intends to do with the miscreant's belongings.
Rond Thursday August 23rd, 2001 4:29:20 AM
Rond waits for both invisible and visible party members to return. Hoping that all have had no problems in their travel. If Renik doesn't return right away, once the group is back together, he'll direct everyone down the corridor, until they have to make a decision. Then they'll wait for Renik.
Buying Off a Mercenary (DM Donna) Thursday August 23rd, 2001 7:27:23 AM
Spike attempts to answer Damocles' question, but since Damocles didn't remove the gag in the dwarf's mouth, the words are very much garbled.
Sunblaze will need to make Appraisal checks to see what she estimates the two dwarven hammers, the banded armor, a wide, metal-studded belt, the light crossbow and case of quarrels and the assorted stuff in the backpack might be worth. (Roll once for each item--the crossbow & quarrels count as one item.) A large belt pouch holds two potion bottles (a gray ceramic bottle and a black glass bottle with its bottom half wrapped in braided reeds), and a smaller pouch that jingles. There is an assortment of gold, silver and copper in the pouch.
The illusionary mummy lunges around past the trio at the door before wandering back towards the stairway chamber.
Renik's heart pounds deafeningly in his ears, but the chanting doesn't stop, he isn't suddenly engulfed in flames nor crushed by a deadfall, and there is no guard who suddenly springs on the invisible man, so it appears that none of the enemy is aware of his presence yet.
Rond continues to wait.
Renik (Invisible, Spider Climbing) d20+12=28 d20+2=16 Thursday August 23rd, 2001 7:48:34 AM
Relieved that he hasn't brought the weight of the enemy down on his head, Renik continues to the archway (Move Silent 28), and peers in, seeking the source of the chanting voices (Spot 16).
Draax Thursday August 23rd, 2001 10:52:51 AM
Draax watches Damocles and Sunblaze escort the dwarf toward the exit. He smiles as he shakes his head, thinking to himself, 'I will have to get use to this showing kindness to your enemy, I guess that's what makes us the good guys.'
While waiting for Renik's return, Draax comes to the decision that it would be better if the others handle the non-violent SoDs, because he could not trust himself to be able to set one free.
Arien Thursday August 23rd, 2001 7:05:24 PM
Arien watches as Damocles and Sunblaze escort the Dwarf from the area and shifts slightly to relieve a small ache beginning to form in one leg. Then with an impatient sigh he once again reviews his memorized spells, wondering if he'll get the chance to use them.
Sunblaze (Kim) d20+3=23 d20+3=11 d20+3=22 d20+3=16 d20+3=14 d20+5=7 d20+5=18 d20+3=23 Thursday August 23rd, 2001 11:19:14 PM
Sunblaze helps Damocles with Spike as much as he needs.
Next Sunblaze sizes up what she finds: two dwarven hammers (Appraise 23) the banded armor (11) a wide, metal-studded belt (22) the light crossbow and case of quarrels (16) and the assorted stuff in the backpack (14) a gray ceramic bottle (Alchemy 7) and a black glass bottle with its bottom half wrapped in braided reeds (Alchemy 18) and a smaller pouch that jingles (Appraise 23 - She can count!) She enumerates the assortment of gold, silver and copper in the pouch.
[OOC: Once she determines what she can and he and Damocles are back with the others, she quietly tells them. Then asks Rond, "So, what do we do now? You suppose anybody'll wonder where the dwarf went?" (Hold this portion until Spike is taken care of)]
Damocles (Kim) d20=4 Friday August 24th, 2001 1:47:42 AM
"Oh, yeah, the gag. Hard to answer, I know. Talk softly, now." Damocles calls Sunblaze (not by name) over for a moment, asking her to have the serpent at the ready should the dwarf prove uncooperative. His own weapon is under his arm, ready to grab to use if necessary. He removes Spike's gag (not yet unbinding him or removing the blindfold), allowing the dwarf to indicate whether he will go to the Red Wyrm Inn, or to choose death instead of a drink. If the dwarf seems compliant, the cleric of Alemi will keep his word, unbind his wrists, tells him to take five steps forward before he removes his own blindfold, then lets him go. He watches, his body behind the door, to make sure he heads off in the right direction.
If he's not compliant...
Rond Friday August 24th, 2001 4:10:00 AM
"They might. Though they might spend more time figuring out where he went, than looking for us."
Rond hopes Renik is okay, and tries to keep his nerves from getting the best of him.
Choices (DM Donna) d20+2=20 Saturday August 25th, 2001 7:07:22 AM
Spike is still for a moment, but--since he is completely at the mercy of his captors--capitulates gruffly:
"Go to the Red Wyrm...right..?" Once freed from the bonds and blindfold, the dwarf stoically strides out the door and down the steps, muttering something about at least being able to drown his sorrows.
Renik, meanwhile, is hanging upside-down in the archway from which is issuing the chanting...and he definitely does NOT like what he sees:
A large, rectangular chamber approximately ninety feet long by thirty feet wide with a ceiling about twenty feet high. It's lit by the customary one-torch-holder-every fifteen-feet-or-so method that the party has so far encountered, and its walls have the partially-faded frescoes of unknown origin and subject on them--however, they have been recently defaced with rather fresh grafitti...a large open red eye, from which blood-colored tears trickle. This isn't what makes Renik nervous, however--it is the occupants of the room, and what THEY are doing that causes the hackles at the back of the warrior rogue's neck to stiffen to attention...
...there are dozens of black-robed individuals in the room, all of them chanting and genuflecting more or less in unison. Renik quickly calculates that there are at least twoscore mages assembled--he can practically taste the magic in the air..!
The mages seem to be in the middle of some ceremony honoring the eight-foot-tall statue of gunmetal gray material...a statue that looks rather familiar to Renik's eyes. Even as he recognizes the features (complete with eerily glowing crimson eyes), the worshipping Sons of Dread come to a part in their ceremony where they invoke the name of their Dark Master:
"...Marteaus...Marteaus...Marteaus...!"
Renik d20+12=26 Monday August 27th, 2001 7:48:33 AM
This is NOT good, Renik thinks to himself. There is more power in this room than their small band can possibly hope to compete with, and he doesn't like the look of that ceremony one bit.
He gives the room another quick scan to see if he can spot any evidence of the flyer printing process, or further exits from the chamber, then he turns and moves back down the corridor as quickly as he is able without making a noise (Move Silent 26). Rond and the others need to know about this, and fast.
Sunblaze (Steven) Monday August 27th, 2001 3:10:26 PM
(The Appraised stuff... don't I find out about it?)
Sunblaze continues to look through the stuff. Her eyes seem to keep coming back to the belt. Yet she is unsure why. She whispers to Damocles, lightly. Just enough so that it can turn his eye. "Let us take this to the group, so that we may all carry it, and not just the two of us."
Draax Monday August 27th, 2001 4:14:29 PM
Draax waits with the party members that are gathered near Rond, he tries to look more relaxed than he feels. He mentally curses himself for not getting a good look at the dwarf, thinking that it could have been a good disguise to have if the need arrives.
Damocles (Kim) Monday August 27th, 2001 10:54:56 PM
"Right," he confirms Spike's answer, and watches him grumble on his way. *'Good thing for you it was I, and not one of my more hot-blooded friends who got to you first,'* he thinks toward the retreating dwarf.
Sunblaze catches his attention. As Spike disappears, he turns toward the diminutive mage, and responds to her suggestion. "Good idea." He helps her out, taking up the banded mail, the hammers, and backpack, leaving the rest for her to haul. "Back down," he says quietly, and leads the way down the stairs. As they descend he asks, "You figure out any special qualities to this stuff?"
Once they catch back up to the others, the cleric reports to Rond, "He's gone." He looks to see if all are present. "Where next?" he continues softly. "Shall we see if we can take care of the guards? Or has Renik found something yet?"
Arien Monday August 27th, 2001 11:36:49 PM
Arien stiffles a large yawn and mutters to himself about this seemingly endless waiting that they had to endure.
Details, Details..! (DM Donna) Tuesday August 28th, 2001 6:47:10 AM
Sunblaze decides that of the mercenary's equipment, only the two dwarven hammers and the wide, metal-studded belt may be worth anything. (The belt is of particularly good quality, its metalwork meticulously wrought.) While the possible use of the gray ceramic bottle eludes the musical spellcaster's deductive capabilities, the black glass bottle with its bottom half wrapped in braided reeds seems to be a rather potent curative potion (OOC: Cure Moderate Wounds.)
Spike's money pouch has about 110gp, 80sp and 50cp in it.
Renik arrives right after Sunblaze and Damocles rejoin the group in the lower staircase chamber. Just as he does so, however, Renik's Invisibility inexplicably flickers off, revealing the roguish man on the wall beside the party.
Rond Tuesday August 28th, 2001 8:25:05 AM
Seeing Renik appear so suddenly, Rond is halfway through pulling out his weapon, when he finishes his jumping. Realizing it's Renik, he sheepishly pushes his weapon back in its scabbard, looking like the boy that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
He then faces Renik and waits for his report, noting that the group is fully reunited.
Renik Tuesday August 28th, 2001 8:42:06 AM
Renik quickly recounts what he has seen in the end chamber; 40 or so wizards, the aura of raw magical power, the statue and the name the wizards were chanting. "But no sign of what we came here for, the mechanism these wizards are using to produce the flyers."
Noticing he has become visible once more Renik tries to mentally calculate if the potion should have worn off naturally by now. He hopes his reappearance doesn't signify closer scrutiny by the pyramid's occupants.
Draax Tuesday August 28th, 2001 4:41:19 PM
Standing in the room wishing for something to happen, Draax is startled at Renik's sudden appearance. He smiles at Rond's reaction until he notices the dagger in his own hand that he does not remember drawing. Putting the dagger away as casually as he can, Draax listens to Renik's account of what he saw. Hearing about the 40 plus mages does not make him happy; he thinks that this is the wrong time for him to finally be granted a wish.
Digesting Renik’s words; Draax stops and just stares at Renik, in a low voice his says, "Did you say that they were chanting for Marteaus?"
Turning to Rond he says, "Isn’t that the name of the guy that we gave the ring to save the lives of the town people? I hope it is just two evil beings with the same name, although I seriously doubt it."
Draax gets nervous and excited at the same time. He never felt good about giving Marteaus the ring, although he also knows that it was the only thing that could have been done. A chance to have a part in foiling his plans may ease some of the guilt, but he does not look forward to facing a being that can turn back time.
Sunblaze Tuesday August 28th, 2001 8:00:02 PM
Sunblaze gathers the Dwarven things, and walks downstairs. She listens to Renik, wondering if the group can take those mages on. "They seem to be powerful, and if they are summoning this person whom you believe to have saved the town? Well, perhaps you helped an evil, without understanding it." She looks at the way where Renik came from. "I have a few spells which cover a large area, they might help us to disturb their summoning."
Damocles (Kim) Tuesday August 28th, 2001 11:34:20 PM
Damocles nods at Draax's words. Then responds to Sunblaze. "My arrival in Windhorn Hamlet took place just after the exchange of the ring for the village. Who knows? Maybe the one whose name our hosts now chant arranged the whole setup with the Sahuagin just so he could get the ring. I hope never to comprehend evil," he says, looking at Sunblaze. "I have little love for those who call upon that name," he says, pointedly avoiding saying the name of Marteaus. "Our ... we were asked to look for something here, and I think our chances of living to find it are better if we don't for the present involve ourselves in the assembly our scout reports. Let us pray for guidance, and aid the prayer by further searching. Away from this spot." He glances the way that earlier Spike had stared, then up on the wall toward Renik.
He lifts his eyebrows, "Now, did you determine anything about those items, active one?" and he nods toward the gear he and Sunblaze carry.
Arien Wednesday August 29th, 2001 12:33:39 AM
The mention of the Martaeus sends an involuntary shiver down Arien's back as he remembers the events back in the hamlet. Then turning to the others he tells them, "If they are indeed summoning Marteaus we must stop them, after all we do owe him one."
As the Wold Turns (DM Donna) Wednesday August 29th, 2001 6:46:32 AM
Renik's calculations seem to say that the potion duration was on the shorter end of its possible time of effect, but sometimes that is simply the case with potions. Still...you never can really tell whether the eyes of evil are upon you unless you actively try detecting such scrying.
The sound of the chanting drones on as the party discusses what they'll be doing next.
Renik Wednesday August 29th, 2001 7:24:41 AM
"Well I know nothing of this Marteaus character," says Renik, a newcomer to the Hamleteers, "but I do know that going up against 40 wizards capable of generating the magical aura I felt in that room is tantamount to suicide. I vote we continue to hunt for what we came for; whatever is producing those flyers. Once we've taken care of that perhaps we could try to disrupt their ceremony somehow. We should search this building properly; there's a room at the top of the pyramid we didn't check, and more floors below." Renik turns to Rond. "The decision is yours, Rond. What do we do next?"
Rond (undetection time left=several hours) ;) Wednesday August 29th, 2001 12:08:29 PM
(ooc I thought two score was 28? ;) ).
Listening to everyone's comments, Rond takes time to absorb all the information. Commenting to Draax, "Yes, that seems the name. Seems things run in circles."
Pausing to consider his options, Rond makes his decision.
"Renik, I agree that at least for tonight, we need to continue to scout and see if we can find this machine. Then we need to determine if we can steal and/or move it. If not, we'll need to destroy it. Once these steps are done, then we can consider toying with the mages.
Keep in mind, these 40 some mages have still spent the time to hire outside guards. So their power level could be deceiving. But not being a spell caster, I know not what they do. If we have time, maybe we can have a our spell casters try to observe what is going on. This might give some clues as to what is going to happen in a night or two."
Should no other objections come up, Rond will motion for Renik to lead the way to the unexplored portions of the temple.
Draax Wednesday August 29th, 2001 2:22:43 PM
Draax nods his head in agreement with Rond's decision. "Yes, we need to complete our mission and report this new information back to our employer. The involvement of the evil one is too important not to pass to Marcus."
Damocles (Kim) Wednesday August 29th, 2001 9:21:53 PM
The cleric watches the baton passed from Rond to Renik as to which way the group will go. "Yes, friend," he agrees with Draax, "we would do well to report such. As we would do well not to say the names of our allies too freely in these environs."
Arien Thursday August 30th, 2001 1:19:56 AM
"To tell the truth Renik I doubt that it was the mages generating the aura, but rather what they were trying to summon. I suspect that they are likely about the strength of those we encountered near the arena. But still 40 of them could probably handle us with ease."
Sunblaze Thursday August 30th, 2001 4:04:02 AM
Sunblaze listens to the group and then shares her idea. "What if we used my ring of chameleon power to assume the shape of that dwarf. Wound't we have someone on the inside them?" She looked at everyone, wondering if she was nuts or if it was a good idea.
The Huddle Continues Thursday August 30th, 2001 7:12:25 AM
The party continues to consider its options. The chanting continues unabated.
Gnomish d20+5=23 Thursday August 30th, 2001 3:41:56 PM
"So, are you folks lost, or what?" A gnome with a bulbous nose, dressed in medium-green robes with emblems of yellow-orange flames sewn on the left and right breast of the robes, appears a step or two below the top of the spiral stairway which descends to the level below which the party is now on. No one had been paying any particular attention to the continuation of the stairway. Looking more closely, his right hand holds the railing, and his feet hover perhaps a foot above the stair.
"I can offer a guided pyramid tour, for the right price," he says cheerfully, in a nasal voice. "Renik, you wouldn't have a few healing scrolls, now, would you? Or did you spend your money in some other fashion?" At the bottom of his robe on the right side, the tip of a short sword protrudes. He holds a knobby little stick in his left hand. "I hope you appreciate our tight security, here," he says, tapping the stick against his outer thigh.
Draax Thursday August 30th, 2001 5:05:43 PM
Draax listened to the others' comments as he was waiting for Renik to take the lead as per Rond's request. He agrees with Arien's assessment about the group's chances against 40 minor mages. He did not agree or disagree with Sunblaze's suggestion, but he did have a few questions for her about what she is able to accomplish with the ring. Just as he turned to ask Sunblaze the questions he heard the gnome's comments. In the split second it takes to become aware of the danger, Draax thinks up and discards many plans of attack. He slowly turns to observe the speaker. Seeing gnome, the half-elven fighter again goes through his many attack options and after noticing the stick in the gnome's hand and not knowing what it is, he again discards every one. Frustrated, Draax vows to never make a wish again.
Looking up at the gnome, Draax take a casual step away from the others as if to get a better look. He stands there (looking like a cowboy from an old western just before he draws his weapon) flexing his fingers ready to throw one of his concealed wrist daggers if the need arrives.
Draax realizes that the gnome referred to Renik by name, which to him is good and bad. Good because the gnome wants to talk, but bad because he may know too much about the party. Although Draax tries to fight it, he cannot stop the smile that comes to his face as he thinks, 'I can use his knowledge of us as an excuse to my comrades for killing him.' Draax stands there trying to look serious, but he cannot get rid of the smile.
Damocles (Kim) d20+4=23 Friday August 31st, 2001 2:14:49 AM
"He just knows the name because he heard it being used a moment ago." The cleric thinks about glaring at Arien, but exercises self-restraint. "We don't know any gnomes here. At least, I think we don't."
Renik Friday August 31st, 2001 5:53:14 AM
Hearing the voice behind him Renik spins around, his rapier whipping from its sheath. He is wondering how to kill the little man silently when something the gnome says gives him pause. Healing scrolls... money... he has the strangest feeling he has met this fellow before, but for the life of him cannot place the face.
"Hold fast, friends, I believe this one may not be a foe!" he calls to his companions, suddenly remembering with whom he last had that conversation.
Looking up and the gaudily clad gnome he grins and says in a mock-bartering tone (though his rapier remains firmly in hand, dancing lightly at his right hand side) "Guided tours, you say? Of this dusty old place? And what, pray tell, might we expect to pay for such an incomparable treat, my fine Gnomish friend?"
A Friend, Indeed..! (DM Donna) Friday August 31st, 2001 6:23:31 AM
The gnome looks at all of you with amusement.
"You are all just SO lucky that I'm not actually one of these SoD S.O.B.'s..." he replies, sighing--yet his grin doesn't fade away, "...pray, good sirs, allow me to properly introduce myself..." The gnome bows with a flourish, reaching up and sweeping the hat from his head as he bows down low.
Wait a minute--the gnome wasn't wearing a hat before he took it from his head! And the voice... you could swear it belongs to--
"Bill Troublefinder, at your service..!" the little being standing there is NOT a gnome, but the halfling psionic that most (if not all) of you have come to know all too well! He laughs at the others in the party. "Geeeeez--if you could JUST see the looks on your faces..!"
Draax Friday August 31st, 2001 9:21:37 AM
Draax looks up at Bill and with great effort he keeps himself from falling to the floor laughing at himself and the turn of events. He thinks to himself, 'It's just like Bill to get our hearts pumping with a joke and to show how easy it is for the party to be discovered if we remain in the same place for too long.'
He waves for the halfling to come down to them. With a big smile on his face, Draax says, "Please Bill, come down and join us so that we can take turns choking the life out of you for almost scaring the life out of us." Draax does let out a small giggle at his last thought, 'Maybe I can use the joke as an excuse to my comrades for killing the halfling'.
Renik d20+12=29 Friday August 31st, 2001 12:30:28 PM
Renik smiles at the halfling he met back in the catacombs. "Mr Troublefinder, it's a pleasure to meet you again. I never did get those scrolls though, I'm afraid. Are you planning to join us on this little jaunt then?"
To Rond he says "Rond, we have three choices ahead; we can examine the upper level we missed, we can check out those iron doors down the corridor (though they are uncomfortably close to our chanting friends, that may in itself suggest them as the most likely location of our goal), or we can head down another level, and see what lies there. Myself I'm tempted to be thorough; head back up to the top level first, then check behind the iron doors, risky though it is, then move down further if needs be. Are you in agreement?"
If Rond agrees he will head back up the stairs, and check the upper level. If he prefers Renik check another location he will scout that instead.
Either way he will quaff his last remaining invisibility potion, and move off cautiously (Move Silent 29).
(OOC: Welcome back Mr T!)
Arien Friday August 31st, 2001 2:11:10 PM
"Ahh it is good to see you again Bill, as you can see we are in the middle of a little something so I am afraid that a full explanation of why we are here will have to wait. Since you are here I am guessing that you are done with whatever mission you were on. As for this printing machine and where it might be, if I were a Son I would put something so valuable where it would be very hard to steal, either deep within this temple or very very close at hand."
Bill Troublefinder Saturday September 1st, 2001 3:03:00 PM
"Sure, Draax," Bill replies, "But you mean come UP, I'm sure - unless there's a gravity inversion? Your hands should fit around my neck, I'm sure." Bill smiles as he pulls himself up by the railing, and it is clear that he is floating in the air as he ascends from below. [Nobody has gone down to the level below yet.] "Hi, Renik. Join you? Well, I did offer a guided tour, right? And I know the general area to look for what you're seeking - but haven't actually seen it, yet. Hey, Arien. Is that you, Sunblaze? You -- uh, did something with your hair?"
He is about to greet the cleric, then hesitates. "Say - what happened to Spike?" Bill asks, pointing his stick to indicate the armor that Damocles carries. "He's not dead, is he? He's actually one of the more decent thugs, but a little lazy." Bill returns the hat to his head, makes a few adjustments to his face, and again looks like a gnome. His nasal voice returns. "Any of the other guards around? If you killed Spike, maybe I can go talk to them, tell them he took off or something, make sure they don't come looking for whoever did that to him."
He pushes off and floats over to Rond, and punches him on the shoulder. "I heard you're in charge now, ol' buddy. So, whaddaya say?" Bill floats back slowly.
Sunblaze Saturday September 1st, 2001 3:43:10 PM
Sunblaze watches as the Gnome becomes a Halfling, and sees that Bill Troublefinder has returned. She drops the guard which she had spent most of the night setting up. Quickly she walks over to him and smiles. "Took my invitation to heart did yah?" Her eyes glance over the Armor, and then at Bill's questioning. "We sent him to the Red Wyrm Inn. Naked as a Jay Bird." She muffled a laugh. Whispering to Bill, so that Rond won't get angry at the noise she sings a greeting.
"Bill the Halfling left the group, Disappearing from the Wold as we knew. While we all worked, serving soup. When he return he was a Gnome who flew!"
"Now to our work. I'm guessing that your Undercover work was here? Good, Good. Now the ring I used to hide from the dragons can be used to change one of us to look like Spike, and we have his armor, which means we can be the part." She starts to twist her hair with her hand, unknowingly.
Rond (information overload!!! ;) ) Monday September 3rd, 2001 2:31:04 AM
Turning to the stranger's comments, Rond tries to figure out what is going on. With the mention of Renik's name, Rond becomes fearful that the group has somehow become discovered. Feeling his adrenaline level beginning to rise, Rond quickly becomes flabbergasted when the gnome fellow turns out to be Bill T.
While Bill goes about his business, and everyone makes their comments to him, Rond tries to give Bill the HAIRY EYEBALL treatment.
But when Bill taps him on the shoulder, Rond gets all sheepish and says (ooc aww shucks, twernt nothing ;) ), "You've heard correct, though you mustn't have been far behind us, to have kept up on things.
"Spike was dismissed from service, with the promise from me, that his time would at least be covered. The jay bird thing was their idea.
"Renik, I think we should consider getting the closer area out of the way first. Because they're going to find out about Spike eventually, so I'd like to be as far as possible from the chanting, when the alarm sounds. If the closer area actually has the press, we'll need the extra time to try to carry it, if it's possible."
Renik (clarifying post) Monday September 3rd, 2001 6:30:38 AM
"Aye, fair point," nods Renik, and heads off invisibly spider climbing towards the iron doors. (MS 29, see above)
Damocles (Kim) Tuesday September 4th, 2001 1:19:46 AM
"Here I was just noting that we shouldn't be mentioning each others' names, and you toss them all over the room, friend," he lectures Bill. "But the dwarf was sent off, as she mentioned," and he nods towards Sunblaze, "alive and healthy - to the Red Wyrm Inn with his pipe, tobacco, loincloth and three gold pieces, in a bit of a grumbling mood, but with a promise to wait at the Inn. Not quite naked as a jay bird. As you can see, we have the rest of his stuff. You said you think you can talk to the rest of the guard so they won't give the alarm?" And after a beat, Damocles adds, "Oh, and it's good to see you - especially now we know who you are."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 4th, 2001 1:47:28 AM
Bill acknowledges the various greetings from his friends. "To answer your question, Renik, my fee for the guided tour would be -- all the pies I can stomach once we get done here!" He smiles appreciatively at Sunblaze's song. To Arien, he says, "You're right - it's deeper inside, and a fair ways from the entrance."
His expression then turns more serious, and he speaks quickly to Rond. "If you want to get to the press, I can tell you, it's not that way." He moves his chin in the direction of the rite. "I'd just as soon we stay away from those chanters - too much opportunity for traffic between here and there. From here, we can go that direction," and the gnomish halfling indicates the direction that the guards came from and returned to on this level. "There's a chance of bumping into them there, but they'll probably be in some of the rooms we share, and if things go well, I can get you by them. Or, maybe a bit safer - head down the spiral stairs I just came up down to the next level, and we can go from there. Mr. Leader, sir," and he focuses on Rond, "How 'bout I go and tell the guards that Spike has skipped out, mumbling about getting a decent drink, being sick and tired of this place - they'll probably buy it, and just put him 'on report' for now. You all head down the stairs - and skip the 6th step from the bottom. I'll be with you in a few minutes after I talk to the guards. But down that direction," and he points the way that Renik just went, "they've got some security stuff behind the doors we maybe don't wanna mess with right now."
"So, shall I report on Spike's desertion?" he asks Rond, and looks around at the others to see if that seems agreeable to them, too.
He takes off his backpack, and opens it. "Damo - uh, hey you," he says to Damocles. "I've got a bit of room left in my bag. Wanna put any of Spike's stuff in here? Do it fast if you want to, 'cause I don't wanna hang around here." He nods to Sunblaze, too, seeing that she has some of the dwarf's gear.
Damocles (Kim) Tuesday September 4th, 2001 1:55:41 AM
The cleric places Spike's armor in Bill's bag, if it will fit.
More Choices (DM Donna) Tuesday September 4th, 2001 6:09:24 AM
All of the stuff that Spike had does, indeed, fit into the seemingly-bottomless pack that Bill holds open. As the halfling shrugs the haversack on, the party reviews its choices:
1) Whether to have Bill tell the other guards that Spike took off; and
2) Whether to have Bill guide the party to the area that he believes houses the device that they are looking for.
Renik (Invisible, Spider Climbing) d20+12=23 d20+4=6 d20+4=23 Tuesday September 4th, 2001 6:45:11 AM
Renik nods attentively at Bill's words, and sets off down the stairs, spider climbing to avoid having to use any steps at all (Move Silent 23).
When he reaches the bottom he waits silently for his companions to join him, checking the area for possible threats, and getting an idea of the lay of the land (Spot 4(the +4 should be +2): gaah). Once he is happy he is alone, he will take a closer look at the sixth step from the bottom, checking to see how it is trapped, and whether it can be disabled easily (Search 23).
Rond Tuesday September 4th, 2001 7:44:11 AM
"Weelll. You were a factor that we weren't anticipating. If you think telling on Spike will give us some extra time, then make it happen. We can meet you where indicated, and then try to get the press. We're either going to steal it, or destroy it, which ever we have time for. By the way, we all have spider climb slippers, or flight available to us. We also have some other nifty things with us." Rond smiles as he says his last sentence.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 4th, 2001 6:56:38 PM
"'Nifty things,' huh? Great! Okay, you head down the stairs. Nobody was there a few minutes ago. You can wait for me there, or head down the corridor on the easternmost side of the southern wall. If you want a safe place to wait, open the second door on the left side of that corridor. There's a metal rod inside the room that you can use to lock the door. I'll probably join you in five minutes. If I'm not back in ten minutes - best go on without me. Later!"
Unless someone detains him with a question or such, Bill waves in parting, and heads to the corridor that the ineffective guards went down several minutes ago. Still levitating, his foot touches down lightly for an occasional pushoff from the ground.
Sunblaze Tuesday September 4th, 2001 7:49:26 PM
As Sunblaze goes down the stairs she seems to be less nimble than she was minutes ago. Her eyes are watching around, and she is making sure that each step is on secure footing. She looks quizzically at the 6th step. Bill was playing a trick? Perhaps, but it wasn't worth the risk.
Damocles (Kim) d20=16 Tuesday September 4th, 2001 10:43:49 PM
Damocles takes the first several steps down the spiral staircase. Once he can see the floor below over the railing, if there is room to do it, he extends his 'wings', and descends in a spiral to the floor, eyes alert. (Spot 16+?) [How far down is it to the next level? How big is the landing?]
Draax Wednesday September 5th, 2001 12:44:17 AM
Draax descends down the stairs, he makes sure that he follows the others example by not stepping on the 6th stair.
Arien Wednesday September 5th, 2001 1:01:33 AM
As Arien descends the stairs with the others he too avoids the sixth stair.
Skip a Step, Then Pass "GO" (DM Donna) Wednesday September 5th, 2001 6:41:23 AM
Those who make a Spot check of 11 or better can see Bill's handiwork on that sixth step--a cleverly-rigged trip rope. Whether or not party members see it, avoiding the step is simple to do and doesn't require any additional checks at all.
The spiral stairs end on this lowest level, and the party encounters nothing on their way to the room described by Bill.
Meanwhile, Back at the Guard Room... (DM Donna) Wednesday September 5th, 2001 6:47:19 AM
Bill must make a Disguise check versus DC10 because he has to replace his hat and look like the gnome he'd been disguised as before.
Bill, too, encounters nothing on the way to the guard room. Inside the chamber, Bolgus is at one table, bragging to his fellow mages about some spell that he used on a cleric of Alemi and using sickeningly graphic phrases to describe the torture that he put the priest through. The mercenaries are at another table (ignoring the boastful spellcaster), with some of them playing cards, others drinking, and one of them sharpening a longsword.
Rond d20=13 Wednesday September 5th, 2001 11:26:08 AM
Prior to Bill's departure, Rond asks, "What's the knock sequence to know it's you?"
Rond walks down the spiral stair case, using the wall as his anchor point. As he hovers over the sixth stair, he sees Bill's handiwork. He then continues on down the corridor to the safety of a locked room. Should anyone hesitate, or stop, Rond will indicate to keep going via the directions that Bill gave.
Bill Troublefinder (as Greener, the gnome) d20+17=30 d20+10=26 Wednesday September 5th, 2001 11:29:06 AM
"Two shorts, two longs, and two shorts," Bill answers Rond. Then he briefly pulls out his disguise kit, uses the lighted mirror and a spot of makeup to touch up as he adjusts his hat of disguise. [Disguise check vs DC10: 30.] Satisfied, he adjusts his levitating gait to be a bit more gnomish, and heads toward the guard rooms.
Bill speaks up in his nasal, tweedy voice. "My, my, Bolgus, but don't you have a talent for torture? Hate to interrupt your mageship, but thought you and the crew should hear this. Ol' Spike's done gone and left us. Yep, he did. Was makin' my rounds, when he takes to puffin' his pipe, and chewin' his cheeks, and mumbling into his beard 'bout this 'n that as he climbs the stairs. So I go up the stairs. The mummy's just there, actin' scary and all. Spike says he's had enough, ain't takin' no more, don't try to stop him, and he quits. Goes off for a drink. Pushes out the door - he's a strong one, no doubt, and disappears. Thought I should tell you, cause I didn't wanna try rasslin' him in the mood he's in." Greener leans against the wall, waiting to see how Bolgus and the crew respond to this news.
[Anticipatory spellcraft check: 26]
Draax d20+1=4 Wednesday September 5th, 2001 11:14:31 PM
After avoiding the steps, Draax takes a look at it, but cannot see any difference from the others. He shrugs his shoulders and heads to the room with the others to wait for Bill.
Damocles (Kim) d20=10 Thursday September 6th, 2001 1:40:08 AM
Swooping down to the landing, the cleric of Alemi looks about, taking a measure of the room. He looks to see if there are torches every fifteen to twenty feet or so, as in the areas above. Damocles looks to see if there is anything else unusual here [Spot check 10+?], and how many corridors, doors, or other items are in this area. If nothing in particular stands out, he heads with Draax along the easternmost corridor on the southern wall to the second door on the left. Weapon in hand, he goes to open the door.
Renik Thursday September 6th, 2001 5:49:05 AM
Renik, following Bill's instructions, opens the second door on the left, and slips inside. It is a great relief to know they have an inside man. Halfling. Gnome even. He just hopes Bill's subterfuge upstairs goes smoothly...
Employers' Blues (DM Donna) Thursday September 6th, 2001 6:17:12 AM
"Quit? QUIT???" Bolgus echoes, his rather pinched face finally looking almost normal as a flood of angry blood suffuses the mage's face. "Why that lazy little weasel! I'll fix HIS wagon..!" He begins to chant and gesture.
"Now, Bolgus, you know we'd thought that Spike was a bit of a...uh oh..." one of the other mages starts to attempt to placate the human, but apparently the elf recognizes the spell that Bolgus is casting and simply shuts up.
Bill's best guess is that Bolgus is casting some kind of disintegration spell...which the incensed wizard confirms with the following statement:
"Well--wherever he is, that dumb dwarf is standing around in nothing but his loincloth! HA!" The other guards snicker and guffaw at that mental picture.
"Waste of energy, Bolgus," the elf who'd spoken earlier points out, but loses interest in the whole subject and returns to the book he's been reading.
"Grinchler--" Bolgus says to Bill with the air of someone conferring a great reward onto a less-than-worthy recipient, "--here's a bonus for informing on the deserter! You're dismissed." The wizard hands the disguised halfling a couple of copper pieces. The reading elf harrumphs and says something about how Greener can now afford to get that flying carpet with such generosity. But Bolgus doesn't catch the low aside.
Everyone in the room seems to take "Greener's" story about Spike at face value.
Meanwhile, One Level Below... (DM Donna) Thursday September 6th, 2001 6:21:45 AM
Damocles notices that the basic arrangement of the area is initially like the stairway chamber above (lighting and all). The rest of the party encounters nobody else on their way to Bill's room.
Bill the halfling, aka Greener the gnome Thursday September 6th, 2001 9:56:19 AM
When Bolgus describes Spike's current sartorial splendor, Greener's eyes get wide. "You mean you can strip naked someone you can't even see?" He gives a low whistle of appreciation. "Won't that arouse the base desires of any dwarf ladies who see him?"
Greener looks down at the coppers in his hand. "A bonus? Thanks. I'll use this wisely." He wiggles his eyebrows at the elf who suggested the magic carpet.
Just before leaving the room, Greener says, "Hey, Slappy, you've got some foam on your philtrum." He points to the groove betwixt the nose and upper lip. "Okay, guys, take it easy. Loincloth. Heh-heh!" Greener snickers with a nasal laugh as he exits.
If no one detains him, Greener heads back the way he came. He places the two copper pieces in the darkest spot he can find along the side of the landing room below.
Arriving in a few minutes at the safe room [I hope], Greener/Bill, if the door is closed, knocks with a pair of short, a pair of long, and a second pair of short raps. Assuming the door is opened, Bill steps in, closes the door behind him, and says, "Okay, we should be good to go. Just let me change into something more comfortable. Uh, Sunblaze, you wouldn't mind looking away for a minute, would you?" As Bill removes the green gnomish outfit for his own clothes, he fully relates what just happened with the guards and Bolgus. Curious, he checks to see if Spike's armor and other accoutrements are still in his bag, or if Bolgus' spell somehow affected that. He carefully takes the built-up extension to his nose off, placing it in his disguise kit. He grabs a block of cheese from his bag, and begins slicing it, offering some to his friends. Bill says, "All right, let me tell you a little more about this place."
The hobbit hunkers down, sitting his back to the wall. "Near as I can tell, this is the lowest level of the pyramid. We're a ways underground. This is the mages' level of the headquarters for the Sons of Dread, and the high mucky-mucks are in charge. Now the route to where I think the scroll printer is passes by various places. Bolgus' mistress is in a room just down the hall from here. There are ventilation openings in lots of places - some are maybe a foot square, then there are bigger ones, too. Some are big enough for someone my size to crawl through, but Damocles or Rond - you'd never fit.
"There are lots of visible doors, and a few hidden ones. I've found one of those that may help us get out of here when it's time to git. Okay, most important, though, is that there's a place with a large door - lots of ornate carvings on it. They do something, they call it 'taking someone in for collection.' Anyways, a couple of people were dragged or carried in there, and I haven't seen them come out. There's a room, maybe 20 by 20 feet, with a bunch of benches and chairs, and another fancy door on the other side of that room. None of the guards I've talked with have been through the second door. I'd bet - two coppers - that we'll find the scroll maker somewhere beyond that."
Bill nibbles on his cheese, and eats some hardtack from his iron rations. As he chews, he says, "Now would be a good time to go. The mages are in the middle of their rites, so aren't too likely to be wanderin' down here for a while. But we shouldn't wait too long." He pulls out a waterskin, and takes a swig. Wiping his mouth, he adds, "If we're lucky, we won't run into anyone to speak of till we get to the room I mentioned. If we're not lucky..." and he shrugs his shoulders.
"It's good to see you all," he finishes with a happy smile. "I leave out anything you wanna know?" he asks.
Sunblaze Thursday September 6th, 2001 8:07:39 PM
Sunblaze smiles at Bill's comment about her turning away. "Fine then," with a snicker in her voice. Carefully she listens to Bill, making sure to mentally note the vents.
"If Damocles or Rond can't fit that's fine, somebody must have some spells that could fix that. If not then we might not be able to use that." She nibbles on a piece of cheese as she talks. She pulls out a piece of dried meat from her belt pouch (Germ filled beef jerky :s) and chews on it.
"Also, the people who were dragged away may, if they are still alive, be able to help us. Or they may wished to be freed, either way, they can provide a good distraction." Waiting for a response from the group, she continues. "If we can find a way to collapse this building, then we can solve the battling problem. We don't want to be forced to fight them all."
Damocles (Kim) Friday September 7th, 2001 12:58:26 AM
Damocles joins the others in the room. He listens to what Bill has to say, and looks to see if he can spot any ventilation ducts coming into this room. "Any idea how many guards are typically at that room? You're not expecting any of us to travel through any vents, now, are you? Do you have a map sketched out of this place?"
When Sunblaze puts forward the notion of collapsing the pyramid, Damocles looks at her and asks, "How do you propose to collapse an 800 foot tall and 800 foot broad pyramid? How many innocent people around the pyramid might be killed or maimed if you somehow succeeded? How ... oh, never mind. What if we flooded it, though? The river is not so far away." He gets a faraway look in his eyes, then shakes his head. "You're infecting me, Sunblaze. Infecting me with zany ideas!"
Rond Friday September 7th, 2001 2:17:05 AM
Glad to see his friend once again, Rond listens intently to what Bill has to say. Too wound up for the situation that they are in, Rond refuses the cheese from Bill. He does take time to wet his mouth somewhat, since it has this habit of drying up on him.
"As long as we agree as to where everyone wants to end up, I can probably stick to the ceiling. But I think we should keep the vents as a possible escape route, and keep everyone together. That's if you feel the mages haven't explored the temple that much. It's hard to tell from our vantage point, whether they might have had time to booby trap stuff."
At Sunblaze's suggestion, Rond pauses, and then rolls his eyes.
"If we feel we have the time, we might want to come back to this room,or other rooms that have ventilation ducts, and lock the door, and leave by the ventilation ducts. Just to give the temple staff, something to do."
Arien Friday September 7th, 2001 3:17:59 AM
"Regardless to whether or not we can do anything to the temple it is as Bill said, we should not stay around here too long. I suggest that we stay in group now, whether one person or the group is discovered the effects will be the same, also together we have a better chance of stopping someone than one person would alone. Now if I can suggest something, since Bill is familiar with the layout around here, he should take a place in the front so that he can guide us."
Considerations (DM Donna) Friday September 7th, 2001 6:40:07 AM
Bill finds that, for all his bluster and pomposity, Bolgus IS a rather effective wizard...for all of Spike's possessions--even his money--is naught but dust now. Oh, well.
After thinking for a moment about Sunblaze's comment about potential help from any prisoners, Bill recalls that there is no such facility in the pyramid--that he knows of--that could house captives...not living ones, anyhow. Likewise, the halfling is of the opinion that there isn't any easy way to collapse the pyramid; the river may be nearby, but it would take stronger magic and psionic powers than the party currently possesses for that waterway to be sufficiently diverted.
Renik (invisible) Friday September 7th, 2001 9:38:05 AM
A disembodied voice, that has been silent for a little while, comments, "It seems we have little choice but to follow Mr Troublefinder, locate our objective, and escape by whatever means are available. If you wish I can come with you, Mr Troublefinder, or move slightly ahead to ensure no wandering enemies come upon us unawares."
Draax Friday September 7th, 2001 4:34:50 PM
While listening to what everyone has to say, Draax gives a little jump as Renik's voice comes out of nowhere. He silently berates himself for forgetting about his invisible comrade. Since the decision to leave this room has been made, he waits by the door for Bill to take the lead.
Bill Troublefinder d20+8=24 Saturday September 8th, 2001 1:05:42 AM
"Well, friend," he answers Damocles, "do you know you just said someone's name? I have a map, and it's right here," he says, pointing to his forehead. "Didn't think it was safe to be jotting such stuff down. But let me show you." As he speaks, he pulls a handful of light brown flour from his bag, and sprinkles it on the ground before him. As he speaks, he draws a map with his finger, showing chambers, corridors, a few secret doors, and such. His compact body floats just off the floor. In a few spots he draws question marks. He then pulls out a piece of paper, and does a quick sketch, with a few notes on it. "Hey, spiderman, where ever you are, grab this, memorize it, then let's burn it." He allows only Renik to see it. "If something happens to me, then I want at least one other person to know this." After a pause, he says, looking up to Rond, "Oh, pal, maybe I should have asked you, first. I'm thinking if anyone is going to try to read our minds, it's better if not all of us know what's planned next. But if you think one more person should know the plan, that's your call."
He waits until everyone has seen his floor sketch, then uses his finger to draw several other lines, figures, and such, so that anyone would be hard pressed to know what in the world the scribblings were all about. "Ignore this here," he says. He lets them sit for a minute or so, then blows the flour away, and rubs out any remnants of his markings.
"Also, I've got a few things we might use on anyone who tries to follow us, assuming we get what we came for. The gist of it is, we don't leave the way we came in. Also, there is a small chance that we'll have some more help from inside here," he adds, thinking of his friend Sedar.
Looking to Arien, he answers him, "You're right - we need to stick together." To Sunblaze and Rond's suggestion to use the ventilation shafts, he says, "Maybe as a last resort, and if anybody can figure out how to get you all and what we're carrying through them." To Renik's suggestion that the two of them go first, he says, "Sounds good, spiderman."
Finally, Bill arranges a few items toward the top of his bag for ready access. "All right - everyone set? Any spells anyone wants to cast before we go, or other prep - potions, whatever?" While others do their thing, Bill launches a couple of ioun stones to orbit his head, holds his sword in his left hand, has a dart in his right. "With no obstacles, we should be outside the room we're aiming for in, oh, five to eight minutes of walking. Let's go. Got the door, tough guy?" he asks Draax.
Sunblaze Saturday September 8th, 2001 7:50:57 PM
Sunblaze carefully chooses her next words, so that the group does not think she is trying to endanger someone.
"We could get the wizards to attack us, and possibly with their force, THEY could take this building down. Or they could avert the river. We don't need to be able to do it ourselves, just have a way of getting it done." She winks at Damocles for a moment, a twinkle in her other eye. The group might remember that Sunblaze has always wanted to see the higher magics.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday September 9th, 2001 1:00:04 PM
"Sweet elf," Bill replies to Sunblaze, "Bolgus the mage just managed to selectively disintegrate all of Spike's possessions, including the ones in my bag. I'm not motivated to arouse such as him to wrath against us. Please don't do anything more than we've been sent to do to get the wizards on our tail. Otherwise, I take it you're set to go?"
Arien Sunday September 9th, 2001 10:29:12 PM
"Well Sunblaze if you really want to do that it'd be fine with me, just wait until the rest of us are out of the place ok? I've no desire to be buried under tons of rock, even if either of your plans would work. Anyway, enough of the chatter, I really suggest we get moving before we get either of Sunblaze's plans as forced choices."
Rond Sunday September 9th, 2001 11:10:03 PM
Listening to Bill, Rond does his best to follow what Bill has laid out. When Bill asks, "It's no problem. You happen to have inside information that we didn't have before."
When Bill's conversation ends, Rond listens to the other minor comments. At Sunblaze's comment, "Well, if we could build something convincing, I'd think about it. But since these people are all mages, I don't think anything of the illisionary type is going to work against them. So there goes the 'fire so big, they have to port in the river' trick.
When everything else is said and done, and Bill asks about final preps. "I think we did all our spell preps at the front door. We don't have much time left on at least one spell, I think. But the other one has plenty of time. "
Bill Troublefinder Monday September 10th, 2001 12:42:34 AM
"Fine. Here we go." And the halfling leads the way, with Renik overhead, towards their goal. As they take their first turn to the left, Bill points with his thumb to a door on the right. "That's where Bolgus keeps his lady. Makes out to the rest of them that he's free from temptations to the flesh, but still keeps a lady." He mentions other points of interest along the way, until they near the room with the carved door.
Doorway to the Unknown (DM Donna) Monday September 10th, 2001 6:50:57 AM
Sunblaze's yearnings to see higher magic will have to go unfulfilled, since the rest of the party points out with various levels of logic that getting 40+ mages ticked off at you while inside their stomping grounds just is not the wisest of ideas. The next several minutes of creeping along the corridors, while tense, are otherwise uneventful.
Finally Bill signals everyone to halt, pointing at a large stone door. It's quite elaborately carved, with the faces and depictions of all kinds of bloodthirsty-looking demons and devils and such on it. Just looking at it sends a shiver down the spines of the party members.
Renik (invisible) Monday September 10th, 2001 6:56:46 AM
"We need to go in here?" Renik is glad no one can see him shudder. "Ah well, no-one said this was going to be pretty." He makes a mental note of their position on the map that Bill briefly showed him, and plots possible escape routes from this point before proceeding. ---- [Renik - the piece of paper Bill gave him outlined an escape route, with a couple of forks in the path that rejoined later. A handwritten note explained how to open a secret door on the southwestern side, near the corner. Bill burned the paper after Renik read it, since Rond didn't indicate anyone else should read it after Bill deferred to him. -Kim]
Sunblaze-Demons, Devils and Tigers, OH MY Monday September 10th, 2001 9:06:33 PM
Sunblaze looks at the group, knowing that they remember her yearning for magic. She shrugs it off and begins to follow the group.
The doorway begins to freak her out and she wonders if turning back is an option. "Don't suppose we could... yah know leave." She looks at the faces of the group and then nods. "I know..."
Rond Monday September 10th, 2001 11:21:27 PM
Feeling sorta morbid Rond comments, "I'm not sure that our employer doesn't keep company with some of these guys," Rond half-smiles to the group.
"None of these things have any kind of protections sewn into them, do they?" Looking at Bill, and the spellcasters of the group.
Arien d20+12=30 d20+7=27 d20+10=20 Tuesday September 11th, 2001 12:04:37 AM
As the group stands in front of the door Arien moves closer in to examine it. Without touching it he examines the door as best he can, taking advantage of the magical qualities of his cloak he makes sure to examine the upper areas of the door as well. He is of course looking for both mundane and magical traps that might be hidden on the door. (Search = 30; Spot = 27; and a Knowledge: Arcana = 20)
Draax Tuesday September 11th, 2001 12:43:25 AM
Draax looks at the evil looking door. "Just our luck." He waits, anxious to continue, but secretly hoping that they are unable to open the door.
Bill Troublefinder d20+15=31 d20+5=23 d20+5=19 d20+5=18 d20+5=11 d20+8=22 Tuesday September 11th, 2001 12:48:55 AM
"Boy, I don't know," Bill answers Rond. He re-examines the door in light of this question, levitating up and down to get a closer look, and pulling out a magnifying lens to check a few details. [Knowledge Arcana 31; Knowledge History 23; Knowledge the Planes 19; Knowledge Religion 18; Knowledge Architecture & Engineering 11; Autohypnosis (to memorize features and layout of door) 22.]
"Well, pretty fearsome. I'll tell you what I think in a sec, but usually one of the guards just pushes down on that latch there and opens the door." He scratches behind his ear. "Then there's that twenty foot square room with benches and chairs, and another scary door on the other side." He puts the magnifying lens away.
Damocles (Kim) Tuesday September 11th, 2001 2:12:28 AM
Damocles stands there, looking at the images for a moment, then shuts his eyes, and focuses his mind on Alemi.
Mystery Portal (DM Donna) Tuesday September 11th, 2001 6:22:04 AM
Both Bill and Arien quickly tell that the door is very high quality work that is made to appear as old as the rest of the pyramid, but is actually quite new. It's locked, but doesn't appear to be trapped. Opening the lock will require either a Knock spell or a skill check versus DC 15.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 11th, 2001 10:35:38 AM
Bill explains what he's found to the others. "Anyone want to try to unlock it? You have that chime of opening?" he asks. If no one else is able to open it, he will use the knock power, but wants to see if another is able to do it mechanically, to conserve his rather limited power.
Sunblaze-Doorway to Hell? Tuesday September 11th, 2001 8:34:15 PM
Sunblaze scanned the door for only a moment before realizing that it wasn't what she wanted to mess with.
"Bill, I know your spells are limited, but I believe that it would be the most help because we need to be silent to get behind whatever is there and possibly quietly." A small smile crossed her face, and she gave Bill a wink. "And if you're worried about your spell powers, don't worry -- I can protect you if yah need it." She snickered at him and then got back to looking at the door.
(OOC: Autohypnosis, Is that a skill? Or does everyone have the ability to try?) ------- [Yes, it's a new skill, described in the Psionics Handbook. -Kim]
Rond Tuesday September 11th, 2001 11:10:26 PM
"Unfortunately we lost that on the first thing we opened, which was the front door. I'm no good at this kind of stuff." Looking at Arien Rond says, "It's either for you, or our invisible friend to do this."
Bill Troublefinder d20+8=25 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 1:33:57 AM
"Protect me? Oh, thanks." Bill's eyes open wider for an instant. "Oh," he says, pulling a lumpy bag out of his backpack. He takes vials out, and hands one to each person in the party (and floats up so that Renik can grab one). "These are healing potions." [CLW, 1d8, reroll 1's.] He hands Damocles two scrolls, and Sunblaze two scrolls. "Cure Light Wound scrolls - a bard or cleric should be able to read these." The halfling notes where people put their scrolls and vials.
Then, unless Renik or Arien opens the door, Bill will concentrate on the latch. He stands to the side, not directly in front of the door. An ectoplasmic slime appears momentarily around the locked area, and the door opens [or it should]. [3 PwPt, DC 25+2=27 (forgot to add the level of the power to the knock roll)]
Arien d20+10=24 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 2:03:39 AM
"Yeah, I'll give it a try." Arien says while approaching the lock. With a few deft twists of his wrists and picks he trips the tumbler; then he stands back and motions for someone else to open the door.
Renik (invisible) d20+4=5 d20+12=19 d20+2=4 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 5:50:45 AM
Renik looks up from his pack, which he has been rummaging through to retrieve his lockpick tools. Seeing that Arien has made short work of the lock, he stows his gear away once more, and smiles "Smoothly done, friend. Allow me." Waiting for others to move back a little he attempts to open the door very carefully, mindful of traps (Search 5: Gaah!). If he opens it without getting blasted, he creeps into the room (Move Silent 19) and checks out the interior (Spot 4 Gaah again!). Once he is satisfied it is safe, he will quietly call the others in.
Behind Door #1... (DM Donna) Wednesday September 12th, 2001 6:09:36 AM
Arien's abilities come in handy as the door opens with a soft "k-snick". Renik succeeds in nearly scaring the bejeebers out of himself when he thinks he's possibly sounded some kind of alarm... but within the room is nothing but the benches and other door opposite the one just opened.
Anyone checking the door will find it locked, also. The standard DC15 exists to check for traps and to unlock it.
Renik (Invisible) d20+4=21 d20+8=11 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 7:17:53 AM
Renik examines the second door carefully (Search 21) and (assuming that no traps are found) is pretty confident that the door is safe.
(Only if he finds no traps:) He reaches for his lockpick, and attempts to pop the lock as Arien did, but the attempt proves fruitless. Stepping back in frustration Renik murmurs to Arien with a smile, "Well, it's got me stumped. You'd best show me how it's done!"
Bill Troublefinder d20+15=25 d20+5=20 d20+5=9 d20+5=25 d20+5=11 d20+8=18 d20+3=23 d20+10=30 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 9:12:51 AM
Bill goes through a similar routine with the second door. Is it identical in features to the first door? If different, here are his rolls: [Knowledge Arcana 25; Knowledge History 20; Knowledge the Planes 9; Knowledge Religion 25; Knowledge Architecture & Engineering 11; Autohypnosis (to memorize features and layout of door) 18; Spot (looking for traps) 23.]
Bill will wait for Arien to try to unlock it. Only if Arien has trouble will Bill knock it open (DC 30). [Wow, two nat 20's in a row!]
Draax Wednesday September 12th, 2001 5:41:44 PM
Draax steps into the first room, but makes sure to stay out of the others' way as they attempt to open the other door.
Arien d20+12=20 d20+10=24 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 6:28:09 PM
Once he can tell that Renik has vacated the area with the lock, Arien examines the lock for traps and if he is satisfied that there are none he again easily opens the lock.
Damocles (Kim) Wednesday September 12th, 2001 8:33:16 PM
Damocles, looking around to see if all are ready, opens the now unlocked door.
Sunblaze-More Demons Wednesday September 12th, 2001 9:47:26 PM
Sunblaze watches the door intently, then when she realizes that all she is doing is walking closer to it she checks for cracks that Trent could slide through.
Then she realizes it's opened and she bravely follows Damocles, pushing herself forward, knowing another door awaits them here. Her hands nimble and ready to perform her spells.
Taking What's Behind Door #2 (DM Donna) d20+6=10 Thursday September 13th, 2001 6:38:26 AM
The door that Arien unlocks is actually a plain (though thick and quite sturdy) door. Bill's contemplations (OOC: I'm applying them to the first, more ornately carved door) identify several generic types of evil outsider lifeforms, but no one of the representations are really any too specific. It was an imposing door of demons & devils. Period.
The room beyond the second, plain door is revealed to the party: a square room, twenty-five or so feet on each side; opposite the door you just opened is a pair of doors--each door looks to be about three feet wide... but they are almost three feet up off the floor, and only about three feet high each. One would think of them more as security shutters for windows rather than doors... except that you all know you are deep underground.
Between the party and these doors is strange-looking contraption--looking like the product of a fevered gnome's nightmares:
Four wrought-metal legs and a metallic tabletop support the collection of gears, rollers, spindles and assorted other parts. On one side of the contraption is attached a shallow metal rectangular pan. On the other side of the machine is attached a pair of metal channels that have a series of straps with buckles all along them. Between these two channels is affixed a strange, semi-circular frame--also made of metal and also with a strap & buckle on it.
There is a long bench along the eastern wall of this room. (OOC: I'll be sending a map of the room to all the players.)
Anybody wishing to examine the machine further must make a Spellcraft/Psicraft check versus DC19.
Bill Troublefinder d20+10=11 d20+4=9 d20+15=19 Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:33:57 AM
Despite earlier having dressed as a gnome, Bill seems stumped by this apparently gnomish contraption. [Spellcraft/Psicraft 11.] He does offer a few speculations, nevertheless. "I wonder what these straps are for? Tying something, or someone, down? And the rollers?" He takes a piece of parchment from his bag, and carefully sees if it might fit in the rollers. "How 'bout the rest of you? Any ideas, Sun, uh, lady?" he asks, almost forgetting for the moment Damocles' warnings about mentioning names. "What goes in this pan, do you suppose?" Bill sniffs at it. [Search 9.] After focusing all his attention on the ornate door, the halfling's senses appear to be momentarily dulled. [Though his knowledge of arcana [19] may help him a little bit.] He is fluent in gnomish, so looks around - above, beneath, on the sides - to see if there is any writing on the device.
Rond Friday September 14th, 2001 1:18:41 AM
Examining the device, Rond tries to estimate its weight, and how many people would be needed to carry it. "Bill, do you have extra blank paper, in which you can try to draw this contraption? I'd like to get a copy written down, in case we have to destroy this at any time."
Renik (invisible) d20+4=15 d20+2=16 d20+4=10 d20+4=21 Friday September 14th, 2001 5:42:16 AM
Renik examines the contraption and the surrounding room, attempting to determine if it is trapped in any way (Search 15). He tries to fathom what the various components could be used for (INT 16), and how the machine might be best disabled (Disable Device 10). He makes sure he touches nothing in the process.
His examination of the machine complete, he moves to the door in the Southern wall, and holds his ear close to it, straining to hear any activity beyond it (Listen 21).
Investigating the Thing-a-ma-bob (DM Donna) d20+1=17 d20+6=23 Friday September 14th, 2001 6:42:59 AM
Rond makes an Intelligence check (which *I* rolled for him, but the player should remember to do this next time {hint, hint!} he has Rond attempt something like this), and thus calculates that the machine can be detached from the table. It would DEFINITELY be unwieldy and cumbersome, but it would only weigh about 25 pounds or so. At its present size, however, even the detached machine will not fit into the mouth of any of the party's present backpacks, bags or other containers.
Renik hears nothing through the door.
Damocles peers intently at the alien apparatus, eyeing it with a faint feeling of dread.
"Not that I'm an expert," he says as he pokes idly at this part or that, "But I think Bill is correct about putting paper or parchment over here, then the sheets would get pulled through these rollers here, and then come out and pile up in this pan over here. But these channels...hmmm..." The cleric walks around to the side opposite the destination pan, then--after scrutinizing the machine some more seems to notice something else, frowning thoughtfully.
"Didn't you say that you've seen--or know of--people brought into this room...but that they DON'T come out?" Damocles addresses Bill directly. When the halfling replies, the priest of Alemi frowns even deeper, then casts a Detect Evil spell on the machine.
It begins to glow a malevolent, dull crimson.
Renik (Invisible) Friday September 14th, 2001 7:57:24 AM
"You mean you think this machine consumes people in order to function? That's disgusting! And our sponsor wants us to bring him this thing? Hmmm." Were Renik visible the others would see serious consternation on his face.
"I say we destroy it. This thing shouldn't exist, regardless of who has it. The ability to mass produce information is a powerful political tool, and given of what I have seen of our sponsor, I am not convinced he would not find some justification to use this thing, fueled by souls of his enemies. In our line of work we must expect to have to kill without mercy, but this is far beyond that. This contraption is quite simply evil. No, better that we destroy it utterly - and quietly."
Arien d20+12=26 d20+4=19 Friday September 14th, 2001 1:42:00 PM
"Actually if we can take a piece off or two, to bring the main piece there down to about 20 pounds I have a way to make sure that even if we are found that they won't find the thing easily." Arien then wanders around the machine looking for any pieces that could be easy removed to reduce the size. (Search Roll = 26; Intelligence roll = 19)
Bill Troublefinder d20+8=24 d20+8=22 Friday September 14th, 2001 4:58:50 PM
Bill, at Rond's request, takes out some paper, ink, and an inkpen. Before he begins sketching, though, he walks around the device, taking mental images (Autohypnosis, 24 & 22, working on memorizing the whole thing). He stretches out his arms, using his body to measure various parts of the device, then begins to jot down a quick sketch, along with notes. He checks the texture of the rollers, trying to determine what they are made out of. "Clever device."
"I can make it levitate," Bill offers.
When questioned by the cleric Damocles, Bill responds, "Yes, that's right. At least I never saw them come back out." Then he looks at the double doors the party has not yet gone through. "Maybe they went on that way."
Then, as Damocles reveals the evil aura of the device, Bill modifies his earlier evaluation. "Fiendishly clever."
When Renik suggests the destruction of the device, Bill responds, "So, we agree that this is the magic scroll maker? I wonder if a similar device could be made, not for making magic scrolls, but just regular writing. You could write stories that people would enjoy, or tell about interesting things going on, or give instructions on how to grow beans, or make pies, or, things like that..." The halfling pauses, reining in his growing enthusiasm. "Oh, sorry. I just have this notion that evil is kind of a twisting of what's good. This thing here is an example of creativity that got bent the wrong direction. Like making people think they're chickens."
He takes a breath, then says, "So, yeah, let's take it apart as we can, get it out of here quick so they can't use it anymore, maybe bust it up some more once we've got it outside, and deliver some pieces of it to Mr. M. What do you think? Damocles - your church have something to take the evil outta things? Like fire?" As he finishes up his little speech, Bill pulls a canvas tarp out of his backpack, and unfolds it to 15'x20'. "We can cover it with this. Who's gonna take it off the table top? Let's do this fast, friends." Bill, holding on to the unfolded tarp, levitates up to the ceiling just above the double doors, bunching it up so that the bottom of the tarp is just above the doors. He figures he can move from there to cover the machine, or offer a welcome with the drop cloth should someone come through the unexplored doors.
Sunblaze d20+5=17 d20+4=10 d20+5=21 Friday September 14th, 2001 6:10:11 PM
Sunblaze carefully listens around, knowing that the machine might be working still (Listen: +5 [+1rank, +2wis, +2race]=17). She looks at it, as if it would bite her friends at any moment. She examines every bit of it herself, as if she wanted to trust her own instincts (Spot: +4 [+2 race, +2 wis]=10) (Search: +5 [+2 race, +3 int]=21).
"Elgg lil Verin, Marcus Zhal Naut Inbal Nindol." Sunblaze's elven words mean, to those who understand. "Destroy the Evil, Marcus shall not have this!" She speaks, not with hatred, but with understanding that too many have died at the hands of this machine.
Draax Friday September 14th, 2001 10:04:54 PM
Draax looks at the machine as he listens to the others. At that moment he realizes that he never actually believed that they would find the machine, but he also never thought that they would run into Bill.
"My vote is to take it apart if anyone knows how and put the individual pieces in Bill’s bag if they are small enough or some of us can carry the pieces. We can decide how to destroy it or give it to Marcus when we are away from here. If we can’t take it apart and one of you know how to destroy it here, then let's do that."
Draax really does not care if they destroy the device or give it to Marcus as long as they get it away from the Dread.
Bill Troublefinder Friday September 14th, 2001 11:46:24 PM
"Great, we agree. But I think Arien should hide part in his way, too. I may be fine at dissembling, but not disassembling. Renik, Arien, somebody, let's stop jawing and get working. I'll handle the curtains here. Someone watch the doors. Take that thing apart. Sound good, Rond?" He gives up on Damocles' counsel not to mention names, since the cleric keeps forgetting himself.
The Evil of Technology (DM Donna) Saturday September 15th, 2001 7:52:19 AM
The expression on Damocles' face clearly shows that the cleric does NOT like this machine at all... especially when Bill--in making his comparisons for his sketching of the device--stretches his arms out.
"Ahhh--see? See?" Damocles points to the metal channels. "This is fashioned so that somebody stands in front of this end, places one of their arms in each channel like so..." He demonstrates by mimicking placing his arms on the metal holders, then Damocles points to the curious, oval-shaped frame.
"...one's face would be pushed into this frame--and obviously the straps would hold the victim in quite securely. The gods alone know what would happen next--but if the 'collected' people's lack of reappearing is anything to go by, then I think that Rond's theory about 'consuming people' is a valid one. No wonder this thing is radiating pure evil!" Damocles shudders.
Arien's inspection reveals that--while the machine is able to be removed from the table by unscrewing four pins--the machine itself is too complicated to break down other than removing the tray for the finished printed material. You'd need someone who is an Expert on this particular machine to do this AND be sure that the machine would still work... if one wanted to be sure that the machine WOULD still work, that is.
Maybe it's Sunblaze's paranoia, but the machine seems to sit there, smugly amused by the curious bard/wizard's scrutiny, and perversely not making a sound.
Sunblaze-I'm Watching You Watching Me! Sunday September 16th, 2001 2:21:08 PM
Sunblaze took a glance at the machine then watched the door they came from, debating slamming it with her quarterstaff or burning it with her magic. She ends up just staying at the door, ignoring it.
"Hey Trouble, how did you get into here in the beginning? You could have gotten us all in with you...What a wonderful plan that would have been." She smiles, yet only she knows it is there.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday September 16th, 2001 4:12:19 PM
Bill shrugs at Sunblaze's question. As he waits for one of those skilled with dealing with devices to undo the screws, he says, "Let's worry then, about disabling it later - just get it out of here fast. No time for fartin' around." Then he blushes at having used a slightly unsavory word. In any event, he keeps his attention focused on the double doors below him, his head close to the ceiling.
Rond Monday September 17th, 2001 1:02:11 AM
"Actually, it looks like this thing's too complicated to take apart quickly and expect it to work. But with Bill's sketches here, we can at least show how it was put together. I say we just manhandle the thing apart, and Arien hide the face part of it. Provided it can be taken apart."
The Tension Mounts (DM Donna) Monday September 17th, 2001 6:40:46 AM
Well, Rond has suggested that Arien takes the machine apart (at least partially.) It is pointed out that the machine can be unscrewed from the tabletop...and the "face part" of it can likely be removed from the machine, too. Even so, the machine will be a cumbersome device--at least twenty-five pounds or so--and it will not fit into a bag or backpack.
If Arien (or anyone else) does more than unscrew the machine from the tabletop, they must make an Intelligence check (since I doubt anyone has a Profession: Mechanical Engineer skill) with a -4 penalty.
Everyone please roll a Listen check, though--versus DC18.
Renik (Invisible) d20+4=22 Monday September 17th, 2001 9:04:21 AM
Standing near the door, Renik continues to listen for sounds of enemy movement. As the others discuss what to do with the machine, and set to work removing it from the table, he suspects he hears something. He hisses at the others "Shhh! I think I hear something!"
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=13 Monday September 17th, 2001 11:45:31 AM
Bill doesn't quite hear whatever it is that Renik, below him, hears. Maybe the canvas he holds helps absorb the sound. "Arien, Renik, Damocles, somebody take those four darn screws outta the pins, now! Then I'll cover it, and we haul it outta here, tout de suite. I can't float here all day," he urges in a stage whisper. Wrestling with the canvas, he pulls a wand out, ready to zap the machine with a levitate spell as soon as someone separates it from the table.
Arien d20=15 d20=18 Monday September 17th, 2001 12:48:16 PM
Arien goes to work on trying to remove the machine from the table and then further breaking it down. After working a moment he freezes as a slight noise reaches his ears. (First roll at -4 then +4 from Int modifier = 15; Listen roll = 18)
Draax d20+1=17 Monday September 17th, 2001 2:31:16 PM
Draax waits for the machine to be moved, he stops for a second, thinking that he heard something. He is not sure if he heard anything or if it was his imagination. He turns his attention back to the machine silently wishing that the procedure would speed up.
Sunblaze-Is That You Dave? d20+5=21 Monday September 17th, 2001 9:22:03 PM
Sunblaze watches the door and then her ears pick something up, and she motions for quiet, unaware of Renik's demand.(Listen: +5 [+1rank, +2wis, +2race]=21) Carefully and quietly Sunblaze climbs to the top of the door (Slippers of Spider Climb) and prepares to make a daring move, should anyone attempt to enter the door.
Did YOU Hear Something..? (DM Donna) Tuesday September 18th, 2001 6:49:31 AM
People freeze, straining to listen--those who made their Listen check think they hear voices approaching the door the party entered the room through, but the voices sound like they pass by. Soon silence reigns once more.
Once the danger is passed, Arien quickly unscrews the machine from the tabletop and manages to also unscrew the face frame from the machine as well--and makes an unpleasant discovery: the frame weighs at least twice as much as originally estimated... whatever metal and material it is made of is apparently a LOT more dense than the ranger originally estimated. (This means that the machine--sans the table--weighs at least FIFTY pounds, and not twenty-five.)
The machine is now able to be removed from the table.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 18th, 2001 11:55:06 AM
Bill invokes the command word to release a levitate spell from his wand, focused on the scroll printing machine. He then drapes the canvas over the machine, and says, "Okay, let's wrap it underneath, and go, but turn right when we get out the devilish door. That's our way out. I'll let you big folk carry it - shouldn't be too heavy, now." The halfling is not yet aware of the noise.
Draax Tuesday September 18th, 2001 3:25:44 PM
After the device has been levitated and draped with the canvas, Draax helps wrap it from the bottom. "OK, I will carry it, so let's go. Who is leading the way?" Draax is ready to half push and half carry the device, he is only waiting for someone to head out and ensure that their way is clear.
Sunblaze- What? You're Leaving Already? d20+5=8 Tuesday September 18th, 2001 8:30:16 PM
Sunblaze hears the voices and her hands are released to cast a spell, but as they move away she stops and waits there and in a faint whisper she speaks.
"Quiet, nobody make a sound." She strains to catch if they left or if they are waiting outside the door for them (Listen: +5 [+1rank, +2wis, +2race]=8). She doesn't catch anything so she comes down, speaking, still quietly to the group. "It seems they are gone, although I can't tell. My hearing is going in my old age." She smiles, and then prepares to go, although she doesn't need a lot of stuff to do.
Arien Wednesday September 19th, 2001 2:25:01 AM
"I say we go out in the same order, with Bill and Renik in the lead. Draax should probably stay to the middle. In case we get stopped we might be able to bluff our way out but not if they see we are carrying this machine out from under their noses."
Rond Wednesday September 19th, 2001 2:30:22 AM
"Draax took time to get the guard's gear, so he'll need to be where he can talk to someone, if we happen to find someone. I think I'll push the device for now. Since Renik is still invisible. Why not Renik in front, and Bill behind. Renik should be able to get to us before someone else, since he's invisible. With Bill behind, he might be able to intercept, if he's going to stay in constume. He seems to have a knack for words," as Rond smiles at Bill.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday September 19th, 2001 3:19:49 AM
"Who's gone?" Bill asks Sunblaze, a look of concern on his face. "You mean, someone was just in the next room? Hmm - spiderman," he says, looking about where he figures Renik to be, "- can you check to see which way they went? Back the way we came, or past the ugly door - down the route we're heading?"
"Thanks, Rond. But, I'm not in costume. Don't want to risk that, 'cause I might need to ... anyway, right now, I'm just me. But sure, I'll go right after spiderman, no prob - least ways, I *think* I'll be following him, if he is goin' the right way. Hey, I know, we'll be the repair crew. Yeah."
Renik (invisible) d20+4=18 d20+12=14 d20+2=5 d20+2=6 d20+12=30 Wednesday September 19th, 2001 6:23:12 AM
Renik nods, then realises how pointless that is. "No problem," he says, and he carefully follows the receding sound of the voices (listen 18, Move silent 14). If he catches up with the source of the talking without being rumbled, he will quickly check them out (Spot 5), try to figure if they are likely to head back towards the route the party plan to take (Sense Motive 6), then creep back to rejoin the others (Move Silent 30).
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