Cleaning up, dragon armor and scavangers
Subject cleaning up
Covered with blood, both his own and the dragon's, Mund lets out a triumphant yell.
"That's right, you son-of-a-bitch! Take the coward's way and die before I can inflict any real damage. It's sad, really. You'd expect a dragon to live up to its name more than that."
Turning to his companions, with an enormous bloody smile from ear to ear, he says "Does anybody have anything to make a fire with? Because fire or not fire, I'm eating dragon steak tonight!"
From: Randy
Subject Cleaning up
"Mund, are you sure you want dragon steak?" Ranthir says with a smirk on his face. "I've always thought that it is more customary for the slayer to eat the heart."
Ranthir will begin searching the room for the key, focussing on the corners of the room.
From: Karl
Subject Scavangers
(OOC - can I get a knowledge check concerning what Salix knows about dragons in terms of any parts worth salvaging?)
From: Mark
Subject Scavangers
Well everyone knows that dragon scales can be made in to armor and shields. :) I will do a check for other things tonight.
From: Karl
Subject Armor
Are there restrictions on a Druid using such armor? I know he can't use metal armor.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
I will check but I do not think there would be.
From: Porter
Subject Armor
There are no restrictions on dragonscale armour. I'ts perfect for druids.
IIRC, it is somewhat difficult to work with. Dragonscale armor has to be, at minimum, masterwork. It might have special properties beyond that.
From: Ashley
Subject Cleaning up
Surin lets loose a cheer as the dragon falls. "Nice one there, Everyone." He then turns his attention to finding the key, hoping that it's not stuck under an icy patch somewhere.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
That is what I thought. However the amount of scales needed is what I have to figure out. An armorer who had been trained to work in dragon scales would need to be found. Using an exotic material like this would require special training and some experience, unless you have a whole lot of it for him to practice on. And there is not that much of it.
It is something to think about for the future.
From: Karl
Subject Scavanger
OK, on that note Salix will want to salvage the hide or scales (can you take the scales without taking the whole hide? He's not going to slow down the group, but he will try to drag the carcass back to the main room after this part of the dungeon is done and work on it when they camp next. This is provided no one else objects. He'll also help out and split with anyone else who wants some dragon bits. (I.E. if Mund is serious about the steaks, Salix will help.)
But I would like the check anyway (when you get around to it) to know if Salix wants anything besides the hide/scales.
From: Jason
Subject Cleaning up
Ragnar is left speechless at Mund's sudden display of raw strength. Heironeous had, of course, come through for him and injured the brute, but his own physical prowess had been as nothing. The beast's frigid breath had removed his doubts about the dragon's identity, but Mund had decapitated it in a single swing.
Well, let it be a reminder to him that only in the might of Heironeous could he assist in the task set before them. And there was something he could do, after all. He seeks out the wounded, praying for Heironeous to ease their wounds. (Sacrifice Endure Elements twice for CLW on Allistair and himself, sacrifice Dispel Magic for CSW on Mund, unless anyone objects. He's willing to heal Salix too but figures the druid can take care of himself if he wants to.)
From: Mark
Subject Scavangers
I will check. The biggest problem will be in preserving the items.
The way I see it is that there are adventure groups whose sole job is to go out and find components for spell casters. They are prepared to preseve the items in the correct way, the correct spells, fluids, containers, etc. Some things might only be usefull if killed on a full moon or at one of the soltices, etc.
Dragon blood has some use somewhere I am sure as would the heart and maybe the brain, but preseving those items properly would have taken planning.
I know you are just interesed in what you can get for this encounter, and I am sure there will be something, but not what a party that was doing this "professionally" might get. :)
From: Karl
Subject Scavangers
Right. So for the knowledge check I'll need to know:
A. what Salix knows about dragon parts and which are of value.
B. what, if anything, he knows about salvaging them.
I have no problem being told he knows about a, b, c, d, e, but only knows how to harvest "b". :) I'm just trying to figure out to what degree he's going to try and not waste the resources and to what degree he is going to lament the loss. Just trying to give you more than a general "Salix knows there must be *something* good to be done with a cut up dragon but slept through that part of nature lore."
From: Mark
Subject Archives
Just curious
Do any of you ever look at or read the archives of the game on Sakeriver?
From: Jason
Subject Archives
I do on occasion, usually when I'm about to write something that I want to be historically accurate. Its easier for me to find things in the archives than in my email, especially because I eventually delete most of the emails after a couple of months.
From: Karl
Subject Archives
I do, but usually only when I need to check facts to keep continuity.
From: Porter
Subject Scavanger
Mund was indeed serious about eating dragon tonight. Feasting on the flesh of your decapitated opponent is a beautiful thing.
Mund also loves Salix's idea of turning this dragon's hide into armor. He doesn't understand why the elf doesn't just go buy a breatplate or chain mail like everybody else, but he's a big fan of keeping tokens of conquests.
Mund also wants to take a dragonbone to be made into a handle of his favorite knife, Vera.
From: Mark
Subject Archives
Couple of months? I delete mine as soon as I put up the archive. I am a neat freak that way.
From: Porter
Subject Archives
I haven't deleted one yet.
From: Kevin
Subject Archives
I usually keep 1 week of e-mails, and have used the archives, but I find calling my brother and bothering him for the information/details I need satisfies both my need for information and my need to annoy him. It is a win-win situation.
From: Porter
Subject Archives
I need that phone number!
From: Mark
Subject Archives
If only the SOB wouldn't call just as my wife and I have gotten romantic. Kills the mood. :)
From: Ashley
Subject Archives
that calls for a serious :lol:. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Archives
867-5309.
If you get the above, it gets even better when you know my sister in law's name
From: Josh
Subject Archives
As they finish off the fight and begin searching, Kal turns to Mund, and with a slight smirk says:
"I can't help but notice you had no objection to fighting the dragon. I'm sure we could have talked to it and convinced it to let us take the key with no problems, these are intellegent creatures after all."
From: Johs
Subject Scavangers
Kal will help, and would like some of the dragons blood and some of it's bone. He's also interested in creating armor out of the thing, but will wait to see what everyone else does.
From: Josh
Subject Archives
Gmail: you never have to delete mail, and it's searchable with google technology. What else could you ask for?
From: Derek
Subject Scavangers
OOC: I've been riding airplanes all day coming back to Austin. Sorry for the late reply. Also, I occasionally use the archives, but I usually can't find what I want in it, generally the name of Heironious or his antithesis when I forget it. (Which is usually) While I'm thinking of it, an overview of religions/pantheon of would be nice to have somewhere easily accesible on Sakeriver, in addition to the map and short info on each of the countries.
IC: Allistair is a little disappointed that his 2nd fireball misses the dragon, but he is more than impressed that Mund is able to behead the dragon in one stroke. Going to examine the dragon, he is a bit relieved to see that it is after all a small and therefore young and (relatively) weak dragon.
As Salix and the others start talking about making armor and such from the hide, Allistair reminds them that since this dragon is young its hide and therefore any armor made from it will not be particularly hard or strong, but even such it can be made into exquisite (i.e. masterwork) armor that can later be enchanted if so desired. He also starts thinking about components may be used from the dragon. Certainly claws and fangs would be useful, and probably a few scales, blood, eyeballs, brain, and sexual organs would probably all be worth money to the right people, if not useful to himself. (OOC: I'm assuming that with spellcraft and knowledge of dragons that Allistair would know what's most valuable/useful on a dragon corpse)
From: Kevin
Subject Cleaning up
Harp watches Mund cleave the dragons head from the rest of its body. Gruff and annoying though he may be, he was one hell of a fighter. Harp turns around to see Allistair watching his brother with what seems to be a bit of awe. Probably much the same look Mund had had when he had seen Allistair floating over the Landshark tossing fireballs.
Harp goes up to Allistair and says quietly " I am sorry my plan failed so miserably. I did not mean for you to take the brunt of the attack. Will you accept my apology?"
Harp watches as Ragnar goes around to help those who had been injured by the dragon. Harp had some litlte grace left, but it was obvious to Harp that Ragnar was better qualified for this work.
After talking to Allistair a short while longer, Harp will join with the rest of the group in searching the room. He has little interest in getting anything from the dragon, though if dragon steak in prepared later in the evening, he will try some, just to say he has.
While he is milling about, he will try to talk to Salix and Ranthir. He will say to each of them (together or separately) " I am not sure I am up for this. My plan almost got us all killed. I don't have the experience to lead this group, or the brains or force of personality. I am a soldier and a brother, nothing more. I am afraid I am going to mess this up, and the consequences of that are great beyond knowing."
From: Porter
Subject Scavangers
Mund rolls his eyes. "I ain't never gonna feel bad killing somebody that tried to kill me or my friends first. And that goes goes double for loudmouth elves who don't know their place."
From: Josh
Subject Scavangers
"This dragon didn't attack us first. We bust into it's room and attacked it. I didn't hear you saying we should try to talk it."
From: Derek
Subject Scavangers
Allistair shrugs off Harp's intended apology. "No apology needed. I hurt it pretty bad with that fireball, it obviously attacked what it perceived as a threat first. It's my own fault for not ducking like the rest of you did. (i.e. failed the saving throw) I do appreciate the healing though. That cold breath felt like it was going to freeze me solid."
Allistair *very* audibly sighs as he hears Mund and Kal's comments to each other. What's the big deal? They all knew how evil this thing was, and there was almost certainly no way to reason with it. Encountering an evil dragon is almost always kill-or-be-killed.
From: Porter
Subject Scavangers
"That's just stupid talk, and if you're so ignorant that you can't see that, then you ain't worth talking to."
Archives, cleaning up and moving on?
Subject Cleaning up
Kal responds with a derisive snort and goes over to the body of the dragon.
He takes some of the blood and whipes it along the side of his blade. He takes another figerful and works it into the leather of the hilt while saying a prayer to Corellon Larethian.
He turns to Ranthir with a grin: "I never thought I would get to kill a dragon. One less evil beast in this world, and we are the gods' holy instrument. Truly a spectacular day."
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok I have a couple of projects to work on this morning that hopefully will not take too long. Lunch and this afternoon look pretty open now so I am hoping to get a turn out this afternoon.
From: Randy
Subject Cleaning up
Ranthir nods dismissively before turning to Mund. "Mund, that was amazing. You are a warrior in the truest sense of the word."
After a brief conversation with Mund, Ranthir notices Harp trying to catch his attention. He walks over to join Harp and listens to his concerns and self-doubts.
"Harp, you are living up to your mission well. I must admit that I had some doubts about your readiness to lead but I feel that you have proven yourself many times. If I had any criticisms it is that you are sometimes too eager to get on with it and that once you have an idea you tend to not want to revise it. I think I had the opposite problem during our last adventure. I couldn't seem to stick to one plan. Either method can be deadly to a group but both are difficult to avoid. I would like to continue working with you as our leader and I hope that you will allow me to be a counsel to you when you need advice."
From: Karl
Subject Archives
Tell her I said "Don't change your number".
From: Karl
Subject Archives
I'll just assume she goes for shorter guys. ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Archives
At least someone got it.
Of course, after I dated her, she did change her number, but my brother tracked her down anyway.
The questions just keep growing, don't they?
From: Mark
Subject Archives
She didn't change her number, he seemed to have forgotten it. She only starte dating him becuase his date for Prom dumped him a few weeks before prom and he was desperate for a date and she was a freshman. I was the one she wanted all along. :)
From: Ashley
Subject Archives
I'm taking a 'sense angst' check about now. ;)
From: Mark
Subject Cleaning up
The room rings with Mund's triumphant shout. Turning to his companions, with an enormous bloody smile from ear to ear, he says "Does anybody have anything to make a fire with? Because fire or not fire, I'm eating dragon steak tonight!"
"Mund, are you sure you want dragon steak?" Ranthir says with a smirk on his face. "I've always thought that it is more customary for the slayer to eat the heart."
"Heart, blood, steaks, liver. It is all the same to me. This thing is dinner. Hey, Ally, is there anything worth keeping from a dragon that you could use?" With that Mund reaches down and lifts the neck of the dragon off the floor, trying to keep the blood from spilling out of the severed arteries. Ragnar pipes up "You know, I think I know a dwarven armor smith (Knowledge check local, DC10, 6+4=10) who said that he knew how to make armor out of dragon scales and hide." Salix nods in confirmation. "I know of at least one High Druid that has armor made from the scales of a red dragon. It allowed him to walk through a raging forest fire with out being hurt at all. It is well known among the druid circles that the armor of a dragon can protect you from the elements that the dragon uses. (Knowledge Nature DC15, 13+9=22)."
Mund ask for Salix's help with skinning the dragon and getting any useful parts from the body. Allistair mentions that he has heard of elixirs that can be made from the blood of a true dragon but no one has any empty vials in which to store the blood (Spell craft check DC15, 7+11=18).(OODM: If any one has any empty vials that I did not see on their equipment list let me know. Or if you want to dump out a vial of holy water you can, just let me know and you can have a vial of white dragon blood.) Over the next hour or so Mund uses Vera and with Salix's aid does a pretty good job of cutting up the dragon. They get the hide with the scales still on it as well as the heart, the brain (which is surprisingly small) and several of the larger bones and claws.
As Mund, Salix and Allistair work on the dragon's corpse, Ragnar makes the rounds healing those who need it. He is relived that this was such a small dragon and probably very young. If the thing had stayed airborne they might never have been able to bring it down. When he is done with the healing he watches as Mund cuts off the last piece of the hide and holds it up for every one to see. It is not as big as he would have thought. "You know I might be wrong, but that looks like an awfully small piece to make a suite of armor out of."
Ranthir, Surin and Harp spend their time searching the room. It takes a while as the room is quite big and much of it is covered in ice. After almost an hour of looking Surin finally finds what they have been looking for, a very ornate silver key. At about that time Mund is cutting out the stomach of the dragon. As he lifts it out of the carcass he feels something strange. He takes his knife and slices open the belly. A disgusting mash of fluid splashes out as well as 3 medium sized gems.
OODM: Ok what do you guys want to do? Spend the night? As far as I know there is nothing to make a fire with so no way to cook the dragon meat. Let me know if you want to eat it raw. I have no problem with anyone who wanted to drink the blood. Let me know if your character wants to eat any other organ raw.
From: Porter
Subject Cleaning up
Mund is all for knocking down another door. He feels great!
From: Karl
Subject Cleaning up
If our health is up to par I say let's move to the next one.
From: Kevin
Subject Cleaning up
OOC: I agree we are down a few spells, but otherwise in great shape. It is still early - lets move on. If these keep getting harder, we may not be able to keep it up.
If we had not waited, rested and revised spells, this encounter would have been alot harder. We did most of our damage via magic (except Mund's collosal last swing).
From: Mark
Subject Cleaning up
Well remember that Ragnar has used many of his spells healing. I still have to go run that but he used at least 3-4 spells I think.
Jason what does Ragnar have left for this day.
Also Kal is out of MM for the day.
From: Kevin
Subject Cleaning up and moving on
OOC: Kal can stand up like a real man this time and mano a mano with what ever we meet next. All the way until he gets hit for the first time and crumples to the floor.
I did not realize that Allistair has more HP than Kal does. Maybe we can work it to where Kal and Harp set up a "Shield other" that allows Harp to take some of Kal's damage. Boy, would that be different.
We are not 100%, but I say we check the next door to see if we can work out what is behind it.
From: Derek
Subject Cleaning up and moving on
OOC: That's wierd. I did take the 18 CON on purpose, but I didn't expect to have more HP than a warrior. In Allistair's bio though, he did once win a wizard's duel only because he was still standing after his opponent had run out of offensive spells and Allistair just beat him senseless w/ his staff. Besides, being Mund's little brother he had to be tough. ;)
A breather and healing up
Subject Mund's new job
Hey all, sorry I've been slightly noncommunicative the last few days. I'm in Costa Rica for the week and I expected to have a little more internet acccess than I'm having. I hope to be able to check in a few more times, but I may not be able to. If I'm getting really behind, Mark could just have Ragnar do as Harp directs. As far as healing, he's cast resist energy (2nd level) and whatever healing spells I detailed in the last email, which would take me a really long time to get to, and his 2nd and 3rd level domain spells. That leaves him with 1 CSW, 2 or 3 CMW, and maybe 2 CLW but I'm really not sure, because this is a pretty sorry computer, and there are 40 of us with just this one computer.
From: Mark
Subject Break
Sorry for the long break. I needed a breather and had a busy weekend.
I will try and get a turn out this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject Break
Guys
I am sorry I left my campaign notes at work. I will write up a small turn later tonight but the major stuff will have to happen tomorrow.
From: Mark
Subject Healing up
As the party discusses what to do next Ragnar makes the rounds, healing those who need it. He sacrifices several of the prayers he had asked for that day for healing grace, knowing that the battle lord would grant him that for this purpose. Mund is the most seriously wounded and Ragnar spends the most time with him (Sacrifice Dispel magic for CSW, heal 12 points). The dwarf goes to Allistair and offers his help to the young human. The mage, while a little uncomfortable around clerical people, accepts the healing grace (Sacrifice endure elements for CLW, heal 12) When Ragnar's hands are done all Allistair feels is warm through his entire body..
Ragnar, seeing that Salix has taken care of his own wounds, then turns his attention to himself. After a quick prayer (Sacrifice Endure elements for CLW, heal 10) Ragnar is also ready to go.
1 year, weapons and wiki
Subject 1 year
Some of you may know, today is the 1 year anniversary of the game. Congrats to Karl, Kevin and Randy for making it a whole year with me. I hope it has been fun.
From: Randy
Subject 1 year
According to my quick look back over my email, that was yesterday. It has been a lot of fun and I hope we continue to make progress on our adventures.
From: Mark
Subject On to room 7
After Mund is done butchering the dragon, Harp gathers the rest of the party around. "Do we want to continue on to the next room? We have used a good portion of Allistair and Kal's arcane knowledge for the day and Brother Ragnar has expended several of his healing prayers. What say you?" The group responds that they are all prepared to move on to the next room.
As usual Surin heads off down the door next to the one with the copper lock. This is a very long hallway, well over 200 feet long. When he gets within 50 feet of the door, Surin slows down and starts to take his time, moving as quietly as he can and listening for any sound coming from the room (Move silent 12+14=26). He moves to the door and places an ear against it, straining to hear anything beyond (3+12=15). He does not hear anything. The little halfling spends a few more minutes trying to determine if there is anything on the other side of the door but to no avail. He then makes his way back to the party to report his findings, or lack there of.
"No sound, nothing, Harp. Either the room is empty or whatever it is is really quite." Surin tells the 1/2 orc. Harp nods and looks to the rest. "Ok, standard formation. We have done this enough times over the past couple of days we should be getting good at it." With that the party heads down the hallway, Mund and Ran in the lead with Ragnar and Harp following behind, Allistair and Kal in the third row and Surin and Salix bringing up the rear. As they approach the door the party slows down, trying to keep the noise to a dull roar. Once they reach the door Mund looks back at Harp. The 1/2 orc looks at the rest of the party and seeing that they are all ready nods at Mund who pushes the door open.
OODM: I will write more tonight when I have time. I would like everyone to let me know if they have any weapon out and if so what weapon it is.
From: Kevin
Subject Weapons
Harp has his trusty longsword out, along with his shield.
From: Kevin
Subject Map
Mark, an Excel map would be nice, if it is not too much hassle.
From: Josh
Subject Weapons
Kal's rapier is out. He's also prepared to cast bulls strength on himself.
From: Randy
Subject Weapons
Ranthir is holding his sword.
From: Kevin
Subject 1 year
It seems like ages. I think you turnover players the way I turn over tenants.
It has been a learning experience, and quite a bit of fun. I use your turns as "incentive" to motivate my son in the morning. He does not get to hear a turn until he is up, dressed and eating breakfast.
I would like to express my thanks to Karl and Randy for putting up with this newbie the past year (and for those new members who have had the misfortune of having to interact with me or my character these past few months).
I still want to get some more information out of Ragnar. We know almost nothing about him.
From: Mark
Subject Map
Will have it tonight when I get home.
From: Derek
Subject Weapons
Allistair is unarmed, as usual. He actually has a longsword and a crossbow, but I doubt he'll get to use either much. He isn't like Kal where he can use the sword and cast spells at the same time.
From: Porter
Subject Weapons
Let's get it on!
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
Weapon?
From: Derek
Subject Weapon
Is that in the voice of Captain Tenneal from Most Extreme Elimination Challenge?
From: Porter
Subject Weapon
Since everybody else has their melee weapons out, Mund will have his bow out.
From: Jason
Subject Weapon
Sweet! As none of you know, today marks the 24 year anniversary of my birth. What a coincidence.
From: Porter
Subject Wiki
I have added at least a short stub for each character. I encourage everybody to add more, both to the the page about your character, the pages about other characters, and the ones about the campaign.. I know that I'll be adding more.
Some great things that we can fill in:
The over-arching plot of the campaign to date.
Significant events in the campaign to date.
Significant events *for your character* in the campaign so far.
The interactions/friendships between the different characters.
From: Jason
Subject Weapons
Ragnar will have his longsword out as well as his shield.
Room 7 and statues
Subject 1 year
It has been lots of fun. Thanks for the hard work.
From: Karl
Subject Weapons
Salix has his sling out and loaded.
From: Ashley
Subject Weapons
Surin too :)
From: Mark
Subject Door 7
At Harp's nod Mund pushes the door open. As the door swings open the party can see a wall only 20 feet away and that the room opens to their right. Mund and Ran look around from the hallway as best they can and can see what looks to be a couple of statues sitting on the floor. They are fairly large carvings, standing between 5 and 6 feet high. Mund pops his head in the door and looks to the right and sees that the room goes to the east for about another sixty feet and that the room has several more statues, ten in total. He also sees what looks to be a door on the east wall in the southern corner. The barbarian reports this to the others waits for Harp's instructions.\
OODM: I have included a new map of the Dungeon and a room map. On the room map the statues will be called by their square designator. For example the one closest to the door that was just opened is D2. Always refer to the statues by that convention.
I need actions.
From: Kevin
Subject Door 7
Mark, what do these "statues" look like? Humanoid, creatures, etc?
Mund would be able to describe them.
From: Mark
Subject Statues
Vaugley humanoid but he is still a good 15-20 feet away from the closest, the light is not all that great and he is human.
Looking in room 7 and a map
Subject Looking in room 7
Ran will inch in and take a look to see if he can get a better description of the statues and report back to Harp what he finds.
From: Karl
Subject Looking in room 7
Salix will suggest that maybe Surin should check for traps/triggering mechanisms first and maybe Allistair should check for any enchantments.
From: Derek
Subject Looking in room 7
That's a good idea. With Harp's permission, if Allistair can get in far enough to do a detect magic sweep over some of the statues he will do so. Then maybe we can find out the foreboding reason why these statues are referred to as D1 through D9.
From: Mark
Subject Statues
It is not D1 through D9. Use the row/Column designator.
Positions are F1, N1, D2, K2, G3, L4, H5, E6, C7, J7.
From: Porter
Subject Looking in room 7
Mund steps into the room, allowing the others that want to see an opportunity to do so. If his Allistair comes in to investigate, Mund will stay close to him.
From: Derek
Subject Statues
Oh, that's what you meant. So it has become a battleship game, hm?
From: Ashley
Subject Looking in room 7
"Wait!" Surin says as people start moving out the door. "Salix has a point, this whole place could be boobie-trapped. It wouldn't be too hard to rig these statues to just fall atop of you if you stepped wrong. Don't move." With Harp's permission, Surin will make sure no one is about to trigger something, then start scoping out the nearest statue (uh, D2?) for traps and such.
From: Porter
Subject Looing in room 7
The halfling don't say much, but when he does, it's usually worth listening to.
As soon as he hears Surin, Mund goes completely immobile, blocking the doorway.
From: Kevin
Subject Looking in room 7
Harp hears Surin's warning, and has learned the the halfing usually has good instincts for such things. He calls to Mund and Ran "Hold a minute. Let's have Surin check the entryway for any traps or triggers, and then, Allistair, can you see if you can detect any magic, either just inside the door way or from those statues themselves. Mund, I know you will keep him protected. Be ready to fall back through the door if anything happens."
OOC: Mark, was Ran better able to make out what these things looked like
From: Mark
Subject Looking in room 7
Ran and Mund both start to move towards the door when Surin and Salix speak up almost at exactly the same time. "Traps" they say in unison. Surin looks at the druid and breaks out laughing. "Might be a good idea for someone to check the room out first, It wouldn't be too hard for someone to rig those statues to fall on someone." Allistair also speaks up "I can also check to see if the statues radiate magic. That could give us some warning."
Surin spends the next few seconds searching the area just in front of the door, making sure it is safe for the others to step into the room. After a short time he turns to the party and says "As far as I can tell the 10 feet or so in front of the door is clean. I ain't guarenteen nothing, but if there is something hidden, they done it real well." The little halfling moves to just inside the door with his back to the wall motioning Allistair to join him in the room. The mage starts to move forward but his brother pushes his way in front of Allistair and walks protectively in front of him. Allistair gives a little eye roll but humors his brother.
When the two are in the room the mage turns to face the room and the statues. He breathes a sigh of relief. It looks like he will be able to cover the whole room from here. He makes the gestures and then says the words that he had learned the first month of his apprenticeship. This time he is ready for the spells reaction to where they are, but he is still almost blinded by the power emanating from the walls and floor and ceiling of the place. However after a few seconds he is able to focus his will on the statues. Even after concentrating on them he gets no response. "They have no magic about them at all. I would say that they are just what they appear to be, life sized statues."
OODM: Ok now what? I will have a map out tonight, but Mund is 10 is in square B3, Allistair is in B4 and Surin is in A3. Every one else is in the hallway, Harp and Ranthir in front, Kal and Ragnar next and then Salix.
From: Salix
Subject Looking in room 7
Salix will suggest that they let Surin check the room thoroughly. "This could be a maze of traps to test us? Maybe something is set to trigger a response from the statues." He wished more than ever that they were outside where he had a better grasp of how things work. He was growing tired of all this unnatural enchantment.
From: Kevin
Subject Looking in room 7
OOC: Mark, I repeat my request as to a slightly better description of the "statues". Do they look like they were posing, are they humanoid, monsters, do they look like they were fleeing something and got turned to stone or are they posed statues?
IC: Harp nods at Salix's suggestion. "Allistair, come on back in the hallway. Mund, follow our little halfling friend here while he looks around a bit more. Ran, you stay with me here at the entrance, the rest of you behind us in case needed."
From: Mark
Subject Statues
I already answered as much as I will.
The ones close to the party look mainly, vaugly humanoid. No one is close enough to tell anything else at the moment.
From: Mark
Subject Map
Here is the map in the PDF and XLS format.
I still need everyones actions.
From: Porter
Subject Looking in room 7
So right now Surin and Mund are going to look at the statues more closely, yes?
From: Mark
Subject Looking in room 7
Are you asking me or telling me? Does Mund want to go inspect the statues more closely?
From: Porter
Subject Looking in room 7
I thought that Surin was going to do this, and Mund is going to be his shadow as he does so.
From: Kevin
Subject Looking in room 7
This is what Harp had in mind. Surin and the expertise and Mund has the hit points if something attacks.
Ran and Harp will be back by the doorway ready to run up if something happens. Harp will have Allistair just outside the door so Mund will not worry about his brother quite so much. Ragnar or Kal can be with him. Salix in the back as he seems to be feeling out of place in this place.
From: Porter
Subject Looking in room 7
Also Mund's barbarian abilities make traps less risky for him.
From: Kevin
Subject Looking in room 7
Agreed.
From: Mark
Subject Looking in room 7
We have not heard from Ashley yet so I am not sure what Surin is going to do.
From: Porter
Subject Looking in room 7
Well, Mund's perfectly OK with being a gigantic hairy shadow for the halfling.
From: Ashley
Subject Looking in room 7
especially big compared to Surin, who will do what Harp asks and check
the whole room for abnormalities.
Sorry Mark, I've been in class all day and am currently sitting in Aida tech.
From: Kevin
Subject Looking in room 7
IC: Search VERY carefully. Those statues worrry me. This place won't have put them here by chance, there is a reason they are there.
Searching the statues, weapons, Harp and Mund, more searching
Subject Turn
I have a few things to work on this morning and then I will let you know your fate. ;)
From: Mark
Subject Searching the statues
With a nod from Harp Mund and Surin switch places, with the halfling in front and the larger barbarian behind him. Mund chafes a bit at the delay but deep inside he knows that this is better. He knows that he can probably avoid most of the traps but that the others, Ally in particular, probably could not. He would hate to see Ally killed now after all they have gone through. Maybe he could goad that elf Kal in to risking himself to find the traps? Mund laughs to himself at the image of Kal at the bottom of a pit with three or four wooden stakes sticking out through his back.
Surin takes his time, checking the floor for pressure plates or trip wires. He moves towards the closest statue (D2) and from about 5 feet away takes a good look at it (Search 17+11=28). Even in the dim light the features are clear. He calls out to the group waiting at the door "It is a hobgoblin (Knowledge Check, DC10, 12, success). The work is amazing. Very life like. It is hard to tell but it does not look to be an action pose. I would say that somehow the artist got a hobby to sit for the work. But I ain't no artist. I'm movin on to the next one."
Again the halfling moves around to the north of the statue and works his way closer to the next one (F1). "I recognize this creature as well, it is an orc. Again very life like. No traps here either. Should I keep goin?" Mund, who is right behind Surin, also looks back at the party.
OODM: What is everyone going to do? If you are moving into the room give me the row/column designator like I used before. I want to know who is in the room and where they want to be. Surin is at E1, Mund is at D1, Harp is at B4 and Ran at A4. Everyone else, as far as I know, is out in the hallway.
From: Mark
Subject Statue sizes
Just to let you know, the sizes of the grey circles on the map have absolutely nothing to do with the size of the statues they represent. All the statues are in proportion to the creature they are of and all are life size. For example if the MM description of the Hobgoblin says that they are 5 feet, then the statue at D2 is just around 5 feet high. If the orc description says an orc is 6' then the orc statue is 6' tall. They are all in proportion for the creature being described. The actual circles do not mean anything other than location.
For example L4 is not neccisarily larger than H5.
I hope that this is clear.
From: Karl
Subject Searching the statues
"Are you *sure* they're sculpted?" Salix calls to Surin. "Are they on pedestals? Is there any artist's mark? Veining in the stone?"
"I'm worried that some creature might have turned these unfortunates to stone," he says to Harp by way of explanation.
Salix will wait and follow Harp's lead/command.
From: Mark
Subject Searching the statues
I have sent Ashley some info about the statues.
From: Kevin
Subject Searching the statues
Harp nods at Salix's question. Out of his element or not, he had a good head on his shoulders. He mentions half in jest to Salix " I wonder if those birds we encountered earlier may have been in here first?".
Harp calls to Surin "Don't touch any of them. Check out these statues that are closest to us and see what they are."
From: Ashley
Subject Searching the statues
"Touching would be a bad idea," Surin said in agreement. "Though for all I can see they're just statues." He moves toward one of the statues closer to the door (E6) to check it out.
From: Derek
Subject Searching the statues
"When everyone is back in the hallway, why don't we try throwing a rock at one or something?" Allistair murmurs to no one in particular.
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
"Anybody got a sling stone?"
From: Ashley
Subject Searching the statues
"I got one. Do we want to check all the statues first or do it now?"
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
"Let's check out this first statue first."
From: Ashley
Subject Searching the statues
Surin will do this unless Harp objects.
From: Porter
Subject permission
OOC: Do you for Harp's permission to scratch yourself, too? ;)
From: Ashley
Subject permission
Harp, I gotta itch something fierce. Do you mind?
From: Kevin
Subject Searching the statues
Harp will motion Ran to come from behind Harp and up to his side (B3) and motion Kal and Allistair into the room behind them (Kal in A3, Allistair in A4). As this is happening, he sees Surin and Mund talking to themselves and sees Surin pull a sling stone from his pouch. What were they doing? "Surin, don't touch them yet. Finish looking and then we will hit them."
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
"Come on, let's check out the statue, you little scratcher."
From: Surin
Subject Searching the statues
Not that Surin would have much of a choice if Mund wanted it bad enough :P. He'll go on to the next statue and Mund can throw stones without him.
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
Mund takes the sling stone from Surin if Surin lets him.
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
What I meant is that with a gesture, Mund *asks* for the stone, and accepts it if Surin will give it.
Go on to the next one? We don't know what we found on this one.
From: Mark
Subject Searching the statues
Ok if Surin gives Mund a sling stone which statue is he going to hit with it.
From: Ashley
Subject Searching the statues
OOC: Whoops. Sorry, I wasn't clear enough, I guess. And I also didn't read Mark's post to me very carefully. Give me two minutes...
From: Kevin
Subject Searching the statues
Harp seethes inside his mind. Either it was Kal doing his own thing in a self righteous act, or Mund doing his own thing out of a complete lack of concern for his personal safety (and possibly the safety of others). Harp had been one to break the rules before, but never when life and death were on the line. What would it matter if they took a few more minutes to finish looking at the statues, and then they could start trying to get a response out of them. Hell, maybe opening the door on the other side of the room was the trigger. I wonder if these things could be pushed aside, or toppled over? Even if they were to come to life, doing so in a jumble on the floor would certainly slow these creatures down some.
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
I'll wait until I find out what Surin discovers from the first one before I make that decision. Right now, he's just tossing it back and forth between his two hands.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
Wow. That's quite a severe reaction from Mund and Surin talking and Surin giving Mund a sling stone.
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
OOC: I am going to get some lunch. I hope we are all alive when I get back.
From: Porter
Subject Searching the statues
Actually he can't be doing that, since he's holding his axe and shield. He tucks it into his belt pouch.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Mund
OOC: Just part of Harp's progression to LG from NG. He has been trained to follow the rules, especially when working as part of a group. It is something that has been pounded (literally) into his head over the past few years. It is now starting to sink in.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
Unless I read it wrong, Harp is upset that Mund is breaking the rules and putting Surin's life in danger.
Mund has done neither one. All he's done is talk to Surin and put a sling stone in his pocket.
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
Actually he is not holding his axe and shield since when I asked for weapons you said that you had your bow out, since all the others had melee weapons.
One reason I asked.
Mund has a bow out. Unless you tell me otherwise.
From: Ashley
Subject Searching the statues
Surin stares hard at the statue, trying to make sense of it. If it weren't for the stone color and the stillness of it, it would probably be indistinguishable from a real-life hobgoblin. Though Surin couldn't imagine why anyone would want to sculpt a life-size statue of a monster. Art wasn't really his thing. Taking Salix's instruction, he looks closely for a 'maker's mark', though it's not obvious at first glance. Though, Surin figures, if he made an ugly statue he probably wouldn't sign it either. In answer to Salix's question, Surin yells back to the group, "No stand or pedistal. It's just standing here." If Surin doesn't find any distinguishing marks on it he's gonna go on his way to the next one.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp an Mund
Harp does not know that. He hears the two of them talking, trading sling stones, and he is not sure what they may be planning. He is just feeling a bit put out from the abject failure of his plan against the dragon. It obviously must be someone else's fault - it CANT be his fault. In that he is all to human.
From: Porter
Subject Weapons
Huh. I thought I had said that Mund was switching from his bow to his axe.
Doing a search, it looks like I never sent that.
So I'll do it now. Before Surin heads off toward the first statue, Mund puts up his bow and pulls out his axe.
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
Ok he has his axe and shield out now.
From: Kevin
Subject Searching the statues
Harp hears Surin call back about the next statue. Hobgoblin. Well, even if they came to life, they would not be to tough to beat. Unless they kept getting bigger and stronger the farther into the room they went. It would be interesting to see if they did.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Mund
As Jamie from Mythbusters says "I reject your reality and substitute my own".
When Harp realize how poorly his plan worked, he was shaken and is questioning his abilities. However, when in doubt, he will fall back on his training to do things in a orderly fashion. Improvisation is not a strong point, and not something he understands well.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
OK. Thanks for clarifying. I incorrectly assumed you were metagaming.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Mund
If I knew what metagaming was, I would know if I was doing it.
This was just a frustrated thought running through Harp's mind. Part of him wants to go in and just start busting these things up, but part of him, reinforced by his training, want's to be patient and methodical. If he was by himself, he would pick the biggest one and start swinging.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
You know, I (not Mund) feel sorry for Harp. He is *sooo* not suited to leadership, and would be much happier following someone else's rules.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Mund
I agree. Harp did not ask for this. He was chosen by Anglewing. Harp was much happier when they rescued Rochelle - he did what Ran told him and did not have to think a whole lot. Harp is a pretty good grunt, not a good officer.
From: Mark
Subject Harp and Mund
Listen to all the cry babys. :) I don't want to be leader, I don't want to be inside, I don't want to be so short. :)
All in good time.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
I don't want to be so devilishly handsome.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Mund
Wish granted - Charisma is now a 3.
From: Porter
Subject Harp and Mund
Mund cries, he is so happy.
From: Mark
Subject More searching
As Surin inspects the second statue, the one of the noble orc, Mund takes a closer look at the hobgoblin one. Damn if it did not look like it was almost alive, Mund thinks to himself. He keeps catching his hand moving to touch the smooth stone surface but catches himself each time. As Surin is looking, Mund hears Ally mention something about throwing a stone at one of the statues and seeing what happens. Not a bad idea Mund thinks. "Hey Surin, can I borrow one of your sling stones?" The halfling looks back at the barbarian with a questioning look in his eye. "Sure" the rogue says handing a sling stone to the barbarian. "What you need it for?" "Well Ally had this idea" Mund replies "of hitting one of the statues with a stone and seeing how it reacts."
Surin frowns at this. "Would you mind holding off on that until I get a look at them all. If throwing a rock wakes them up I don't want to be out here in the middle of them all. I don't got all that fancy armor you got." Mund grunts his consent and puts the stone in his waist belt pouch and pulls his axe back out. Surin motions Mund to follow him and the halfling works his way to the bottom of the room to the next closest statue. As he moves Surin thinks he sees something out of the side of his eye but when he turns all he sees is another statue. A real ugly statue (G3). This one is a winged creature of a type Surin has never seen before. He stands there for a minute, Mund behind him, watching the statue but sees nothing. The halfling shakes his head and moves on to his original destination (E6). Mund shakes his head, not having seen anything either.
When he gets there he sees that it is another orc statue. Almost, it looks to him, identical to the first. A close visual inspection reveals nothing special about the statue. Surin then moves on to the next statue (C7) with Mund still behind him. The halfling is now out of view of the rest of the party. This statue, in Surin's opinion, looks like a creature he saw years ago, a Bugbear.
OODM: OK, I need actions actions. Surin is at C6 and Mund is at C5
From: Porter
Subject More searching
Let's have Mund be at D6. He's staying close to Surin, and he doesn't want to let Surin get in between Mund and the statues he's studying.
From: Mark
Subject More searching
So let it be written, so let it be done.
From: Porter
Subject More searching
Mund agrees with with the halfling's suggestion and won't touch any of the statues.
It's the halfling's show, and Mund will follow him wherever he leads.
From: Josh
Subject More searching
Kal's just staying alert and following Harp's lead.
From: Randy
Subject More searching
Ranthir will also watch and wait.
From: Derek
Subject More searching
Allistiar keeps on getting more and more uneasy at the slow wait at the end of the room. "Be careful," he calls out to Mund. "I'd be willing to bet that either all these stone statues will suddenly awake and attack us, or else there is some creature in the back corner that turned them all to stone."
From: Porter
Subject More searching
Mund's blood chills as he thinks of his recent escape from statuehood. That bite in his leg still don't feel right, no matter what Salix says.
"Let's go real slow and keep a sharp eye out, Surin. I don't want to be surprised by no rockifying monster."
From: Derek
Subject More searching
Allistair asks his familiar if he can smell anything strange. If not, Allistair sets him down and tells him to scout around the room, and to immediately return and report if he sees, hears, or smells anything unusual.
From: Kevin
Subject More searching
OOC: Mark, at this point, I think we have Harp at B4, Ran at B3, Kal at A3 and Allistair at A4, with Ragnar and Saliz just out in the hallway.
Unless we have reason to change their exploration, let them keep on keepin on.
From: Ashley
Subject More searching
OOC: I'm a little confused as to how many statues Surin has now examined. I highlighted the ones on the map and attached it. Let me know if I missed any or did something wrong. :).
IC: Once thoroughly convinced that the immediate statues in the room weren't going to squish him or anyone else [I did take all the proper checks, right?], Surin calls back out to his friends. "They're pretty safe, so far as I can tell without touching it. Allistair should probably come take a look at 'em, see if there's anything unnatural that I can't pick up on. Try to keep to the path I've taken, in this general area [I'm thinking the squares of DEF 3 4 and 5, if Surin's already been though there]". Surin's a bit ansy about going farther in and surrounding himself on all sides by the statues, but he's confident in Mund and the rest's ability to save the day if need be.
From: Mark
Subject More searching
No he has not looked closely at G3 but he has looked at F1.
From: Ashley
Subject More searching
That makes sense. Thanks.
Surin searches the statues and a snake
Subject Map
Ok I have attached an updated map showing where everyone is, as far as I know. I have now also included the row/column fields so that you can tell me exactly where you want to be.
The red circles are statues that Surin has looked at closely.
Unless there is a problem I will be writing a turn up early this afternoon.
From: Porter
Subject Map
Could you tell us again what the individual statues are of?
From: Karl
Subject Map
Salix will be wherever Harp wants him. That's a standing order for him until fighting starts. (So you don't have to wait for an update for me until we start fighting.) :)
From: Mark
Subject Statues
The statues looked at so far are
F1= Orc
D2= Hobgoblin
E6= Orc
C7= Bugbear
Surin has not taken a close look at G3 but it was some sort of winged humanoid.
From: Mark
Subject Snakes
Sysyphys pokes out of the pocket in Allistair's robes where he usually stays and flicks the air with his tongue. It flickers several times and the tiny snake hisses "I tasssste sssseveral sssstrange thingssss but they all tasssste like your big friendssss. If you wisssh me to look around sssset me down. And warn your big friendssss not to sssstep on me."
From: Mark
Subject Snakes
That last bit with the snake should have gone to Derek only. No one else in the party would have understood what the snake was saying. Please play your characters that way.
From: Mark
Subject Surin searches the statues
Surin nods at Harp's permission and glances back at Mund. The big barbarian has his axe out again and seems a bit figity. Surin chuckles to himself. Mund was a great fighter but he did not really have the patience for this. Slow and steady was the only way to make it through times like this. Or times like the goblin camp. Speed was likely to get you killed in a place like this. The halfling motions for Mund to follow him and the rogue turns his concentration back to looking for traps. He moves to the south of the one sculpture (E6) and moves over to the next one (H5). This one looks like a dog/man mix. It is slightly taller than most humans but the face is like that of a dog. Mund takes a place between Surin and the statue behind him (E6).
After several minutes of looking at this statue Surin moves on to the next. He moves slowly, checking the floor carefully. He then gets to the next statue, the one with wings and a horned head (G3) and he looks at it intently.
OODM: I am sending Ashley more information. No actions until you or I hear back from her.
I have attached the new maps showing the new locations of everyone.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok I have heard from Ashley but I just got back from a ballgame so I will not be writing a turn tonight.
I will get one out tomorrow.
Surin notices something
Subject Surin notices something
When Surin sees the toe move on the statue (G3) he tries to keep his composure (Bluff check 6+1=7, versus sense motive 7-2=5, success) and is able to keep the trembling out of his voice. Trying to gets his concern through to Mund with out the creature seeing it Surin tries to signal Mund of the danger (Bluff 4+1=5, versus sense motive 16-2=14) however his gestures alert the beast that it has been found out. As the halfling turns to try and warn Mund the beast takes a swipe at the halfling's back. However the halfling had been keeping an eye on the statue and is able to easily dodge the attack (AC20, 7+6=13,miss).
OODM: Initiative for this round:
Kal (24, Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Creature (16), Surin (9).
Ragnar and Salix are outside the room and so do not see the attack. They can be told what is happening.
I need actions. You can use the last map. Surin is at G4, Mund at G5 and the other 4 are at the entrance to the room as previously listed.
From: Josh
Subject Surin notices something
OOC: I'm not sure if Kals standing close to any statues, if he is, he'll take a few steps away from it and then cast bulls strength.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
The closest statue to Kal is D2, the hobgoblin, and it is about 15 feet away.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin notices something
Harp see's the statue take a swipe at the little rougue but the little guy is able to duck aside. With a shout Harp says to the rest of the group "One of the damn statues just tried to attack Surin, lets go help him". With that, Harp charges at the creature and takes a swing at it (OOC; Mark, Harp will Charge to F4 and attack the creature.)
From: Porter
Subject Surin notices something
Mund jumps in between* Surin and the statue. "Run! Get yourself back with the other! I'll keep it from following you!"
Mund swings his axe a the stone.
"Brother! Do you have any more fireballs? I wouldn't mind the help!"
*I guess that in game mechanics, that means that Mund moves to G4.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
I do not know that you can move into a square with an ally. I will check the rules. You can move next to him with a 5 foot step, either H4 or F4. Until Surin moves, Mund can not move into his square.
From: Ashley
Subject Surin notices something
After feeling the wind of the statue's heavy blow, Surin doesn't need to be told twice -- hoping Mund had a decent handle on the monster, Surin makes for the nearest inimpeded wall (withdrawl), drawing out his hatchet. "The statues, they're alive! And angry!" He yells over his shoulder toward the doorway. Then, realizing for the first time just how many statues this room had, he mutters a curse. It was gonna be bedlam in here pretty soon if someone didn't come up with a plan, and quick.
If he manages to find some decent cover (how are the lights in this room?), he'll turn his attention toward the hobgoblin statue. Depending on how Mund's hit effects it, he'll try to sneak up on it and hit it from behind.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
So far only the statue at G3 has moved.
The closest wall away from the creature is either G8 or C5, both of which pass by statues.
Please let me know which wall you want to move to.
Mund can not move to G4 until Surin is out of the way. He can move to either H4 or F4 before Surin moves.
Round 1 actions, round 1 and round 2 actions
Subject Surin notices something
SO which statue is it? The winged thing or the hobgoblin? I'm confused.
Salix will enter the room, moving far enough inside to try and get a clear view of the statue that moved. If possible this round, he will fire his sling at the thing.
From: Mark
Subject Statue
It is the winged one at G3. The hobgoblin was at D2.
Here is a list of the statues looked at so far.
F1= orc
D2 = hobgoblin
C7 = bugbear
E6 = Orc
H5 = dog faced creature
G3 = winged humaniod.
Only the winged "statue" has moved, the one at G3.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Kal will stay where he is and cast bulls strength on himself.
From: Karl
Subject Round 1 actions
In the hallway, Salix had been running through lists in his mind of what creature might be in such a setup as the one that had been described by Surin. At first he was puzzled by Allistair's news that the statues didn't radiate magic (other than the ambient magic in this place). He was sure they were frozen creatures, from the apparently exquisite detail Surin had reported, but that didn't seem to make sense if they didn't radiate magic. But if he assumed they were sculptures the whole picture changed. What if there were so many of them and they were so perfectly executed so they could act as camouflage for something else? Maybe they would be facing a g-
The cry from Harp startles him into action and he runs into the room, trying to get line of sight toward the commotion. "Harp! I think it's a gargoyle!", he hazards, not actually being able to see what Mund and Surin see. "The other statues are probably camouflage, but there may be more than one of the creatures hiding among them. If I'm right, only magic weapons will hurt them."
To that end, Salix forgets the sling in his hand and prepares to petition Obad-Hai for the grace to call lightening down upon the creature as soon as he can get in position to target it, though he wished now, more than ever, they were outside, ideally under a stormy sky.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1 actions
Seeing how crowded it is near Surin, Ranthir ignores Harp in favor of trying to out any other possible enemies. He moves swiftly and tries to knock over the nearest statue (D2) and if he has time he continues on to (F1). If he uncovers another creature before hearing the comment on magical weapons he will attack it with his sword.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Mund believes his godfolk friend and doesn't worry about trying to kill this thing. He'll leave that to the rest of them.
"Come on! This way!" Mund tries to get Surin to go west (on the mini-map with the statues).
Mund will do his best to put himself in between the gargoyle and Surn (I guess that means waiting for Surin to move), and will be as defensive as possible (withdraw? total defence? I'm not sure what's appropriate).
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Ragnar hears Salix's warning with intense regret. If the druid was correct, which he probably was, his sword would be ineffective against the creature. "Its a good thing I didn't try to join a military order like Harp," he thinks to himself, "because I would have been an abysmal failure." Running through his head the list of blessings Heironeous will grant him, he finally decides his best choice is to keep whole those who can actually hurt the creature. To that end, he makes his way into the room and will try to position himself near anyone who enters melee combat, and keep himself between the fight and the spellcasters behind him.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Addendum: Instead of just running away and keeping Mund between Surin and the gargoyle, Mund will also attempt "Aid Another" to give Surin a +2 on AC.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
Allistair was about to ask his familiar to poke around the room, but all of a sudden Surin jumps back as one of the statues comes to life and attacks him. Allistair instead quickly tells Sysyphys to get back into his pocket.
Seeing how the statue has come to life, Allistair thinks seriously about shooting a fireball into the rear of the room just for good measure. But the rest might all be statues, so he'll play it safe and try and help Surin. He still has many magic missles available, so he releases one in his mind and directs it towards the gargoyle attacking Surin.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
As Harp charges toward the creature, he hears Salix's shout. Gargoyle?? What the hell was a gargoyle? It sounded like a bad case of gas. It did not matter. It was alive and it could be killed,and Harp was the one who was going to do the killing.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, does Kal know what a gargoyle is?
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
No. Kal has no ranks in Knowledge( Nature).
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), Creature (16), Surin (9), Salix (3).
Kal watches as the statue bursts into motion and attacks the halfling. The little guy is fast though, maybe as fast as Kal. Surin ducks under the blow and dances back a bit, bumping into that clod barbarian. If this thing was stone, Kal thinks to himself, he is going to need to be as strong as he can. The elf chants the spell of strength and as he finishes it he feels like he could lift Harp and Ragnar at the same time.
Harp also watches in horror as the stone moves to smash the halfling. Not again he thinks. Why is it every time I send someone out, they end up getting attacked. That should be me. With a loud shout the 1/2 orc charges the beast, his sword flashing in the air. His charge takes him right next to Surin and his sword connects with a ringing blow (AC16, 16+12=28, hit, damage 10). A large chunk of the creature's wing crunches beneath the weight of the blow and falls to the ground.
The statues are coming to life is Ranthir's thought as the stone figure attacks Surin. Hoping that Harp and Mund would be enough to defeat the statue moving, Ran moves to the closest statue (D2) and tries to push it over. Luckily the thing is not on a base or a pedestal, but it is still incredibly heavy. Putting his shoulder into it he is able to topple the figure (STR check, DC10, 10+2=12, success). The figure shatters as it crashes to the ground.
Mund is not surprised by the attack of the statue. He almost gets a "Watch out" out when Surin ducks under the blow. "Surin, come on, this way. Get behind me!" shouts the barbarian as he moves up next to the halfling, trying to distract their foe (Aid other, AC10, 18+5=23, success).
Allistair sees Harp charge the statue and his first thought is fireball. But the room is a tight fit and there are people all over the place so he decides to stick with the basics. Chanting one of the first spells he had ever learned he points his finger and three bolts of energy leap from his fingers and streak towards the statue. They strike the beast in its flanks, searing holes in the stony hide (Damage 9).
Ragnar enters the room when Harp charges forward, taking a few seconds to take in what is happening.
The fearsome beast looks hungrily at the little halfling and strikes out with it two claws (AC22, 7+6=13, miss, 18+6=24, hit, damage 4) and one hard claw leaves a crease in the halfling's armor. The bite almost takes a piece out of Surin's neck but Mund is able to push him to the side at the last moment (AC22, 15+4=19, miss). The beast licks the blood from it talons and smiles.
Mund is ready to start moving towards safety when some sixth sense warns him of danger. He turns to his left, almost a full circle, and catches the claws of another stone beast on his shield (AC22, 8+8=16, miss). Oh shit, he thinks, two of them. "Come on you stone bastards, I'll chop you up like I did the dragon."
Surin winces at the shallow wound on his chest and decides to find some place to hide. Watching the things claws carefully, he moves away from the beast, back towards the nearest wall. "Mund" he shouts, "follow me."
Salix steps into the open space in front of Allistair and immediately recognizes the beast. "It is a gargoyle. They can only be hurt by magical weapons." The druid then chants the prayer to Obad-Hai for calling lightening. As he finishes his prayer a dark cloud forms at the ceiling of the room. Salix points his finger at the gargoyle and makes a gesture. A bolt of lightening strikes from the cloud (REF save DC16, 8+6=14, fail, damage 11). As the bolt hits the gargoyle shatters in a bloody explosion.
OODM: End of round 1. I need actions for round 2
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
Two questions:
First for Ashley -- do you want Surin to ask Mund to follow or not?
Second for Mark -- on the map, which statues are attacking?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Well the one that attacked Surin just burst in to a bloody pulp thanks to Salix. Mund is not sure which of the other statues it is, just that he is being attacked.
Now if you looked at the map you could tell which one has moved, L4.
From: Josh
Subject Round 2 actions
Kal will move cautiously to H3 and attack the statue on L4. He'll be particularly watching the two on F1 and G3.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mark, as normal, I am a little confused. The cirlce at G3 is now a dead lump of stony looking creature, right?
Does Harp see the new creature attacking Mund? Does he hear Mund's shout at the creature?
If he does hear and realizes there are additional creatures, he will move to H3 and attack the gargoyle attacking Mund.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
The first gargoyl is dead. It was the statue at G3.
I will make a check for Harp next round.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
If Kal gets to H3 before Harp does, Harp will move to I4 (and provoke an attack of opportunity as he leaves H3).
From: Randy
Subject Round 2 actions
Ranthir will continue trying to uncover any additional enemies and clear the room a little by knocking over the next nearest statue.
I don't have any way of hurting these things again! I really need to work on finding an enchanted weapon of some sort, Ran thinks to himself.
From: Porter
Subject round 2 actions
Yeah. Being a 5th-level fighter with no magic weapons really sucks in this D&D universe.
Mund's right there with you.
From: Karl
Subject Round 2 actions
If Salix knows there are others, he will attack the nearest one he sees with another lightening bolt.
If he doesn't see the other one, he will look around carefully, knowing they sometimes hunt in pairs or small groups.
(OOC - do I need another knowledge check to see if Salix knows that? If so, go ahead. If he doesn't know that, then just have him check since he figures it's a big room and the one went down pretty easily for this to be a proper test, given that they should be increasing in difficulty.)
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
Allistair still isn't sure what's stone and what isn't, but he knows that the one that just attacked his brother needs to be dealt with, so he shoots a magic missle at it.
OOC: I know Mund doesn't have any magical weapons, but I wondering how well he would do if he just grappled with one of these things? Perhaps only magical weapons can hurt it, but if he choked it unconsious would it make a difference?
From: Kevin
Subject round 2 actions
OOC: If Mund asks real nice, maybe Harp will let Mund borrow his enchanted sword.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I've been thinking that myself. I need a rules call -- when grappling, you can inflict damage just by pinning your opponent. Does that work against creatures that can only be hurt by magical weapons?
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mund doesn't even know about that, so he couldn't ask.
From: Mark
Subject round 2 actions
What rules call? He can try and I will determine the out come. There are rules that cover this. Mund does not know that it will not work. He might have to find out the hard way.