Round 1 set up and actions
Subject Round 1
The party spends several minutes figuring out a plan. Mund is very excited to hear that Ragnar can enchant his weapon. His enthusiasm dies only a little when he learns that it will only be temporary. He likes the idea of testing himself against this brute and seeing who comes out on top.
After about 15 minutes, the pounding at the door stops. "Let's give it 5 more minutes and then go" Harp says. The party patiently waits until Allistair tells them that 5 minutes have gone by. They review the plan one more time, Mund answering everything with a "Yeah, yeah, I know what I got to do." The party takes its place down the hall and Harp nods to Mund and the barbarian takes off down the hall. He gets to the door and takes a breath and works the latch. He shoves the door open so that it bangs against the north wall of the room. Peering in he sees the beast pounding on the far wall, just like last time.
The thing turns at the sound of the door banging on the wall. "Come on you big ugly brute" Mund yells "come grab some dinner, if you can catch me, you useless son of a ..." The rest of Mund's taunt is drowned out in the deafening yell of the beast as it rushes towards the door. As soon as Mund sees the thing take off, he high tails it towards the rest of the party, smiling as he goes. "Ally, get that fire thing ready, he's movin and I think I pissed him off somethin fierce."
Allistair has been estimating the distances and how fast his brother runs for a while now and he is fairly certain of what he has to do and when to do it. When Mund crosses a point in the hallway that Allistair had mentally marked, the mage chants the spell and a small ball of flame leaps from his hand. Mund sees the little thing pass him, the ball growing slightly in flight. As Mund gets to the others he turns just in time to see how their plan worked. As the barbarian turns Ragnar touches his armor and chants the spell that will lend the barbarian some protection, as if he were one of the faithful (Shield of Faith).
The creatures arms reach through the door just as the fireball detonates. There is a sucking wind from the explosion and then a light buffeting concussion as fire fills the air around the door. The party can hear the creature scream in pain and rage as it pulls it hand and arms back through the door (REF save, DC16, 18+7=25, save, damage 11). Harp shouts "Now." Almost as one the party surges forward and they end up right at the door. When they are in position they look in and see the beast at the other side of the room, holding its hands in the air, small wisps of smoke coming from them. 5 of the party members start their prayers or spells. Harp calls for the battle gods strength to fill him (Bull's Strength) and Kal does the same (Bull's Strength). Ragnar grabs Mund's axe and chants the prayer of blessing on it while Salix calls down Obad Hai's blessing of the bull on Mund (Bull's Strength). Allistair chants the spell of enlargement and touches his brother.
At once Mund starts to grow. He actually has to step through the door way so as not to crush Harp and Ranthir and Ragnar. He is ecstatic. Looking down he figures he is almost 9 feet tall and his axe has gotten bigger as well. Looking across the room Mund shouts "Come on you big ugly thing, lets see how you do against a real fighter." (Starts rage)
Initiative for Round 1: Ranthir (23), Kal (21), Salix (21), Ragnar (20), Surin (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
OODM: If you act before Mund you will have to hold action unless you are casting a spell, since you can not get by Mund until he moves. Mund is red and the thing is blue.
I need round 1 actions.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, great job of putting that together. It was pretty much exactly what I (and everyone else, I hope) was hoping for (but in my plan, the creature takes a hell of a lot more damage from the fire ball).
Also, thanks for putting the N arrow on the map. It makes directions for me a lot easier.
From: Porter
Subject round 1 actions
Mund charges straight in and attacks the giant with his axe.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
Allistair will primarily stay out of the way of everyone that is trying to get into the room, but if he can get line of sight he will shoot of a magic missle.
Round 1 actions, connections, round 1, round 2 actions
Subject Beer choices
OOC: Drinking some "Harp" tonight Kevin. ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Beer choices
Actually, I do have Harp on tap at home right now. I use it as my "winter" beer - at $160 a keg, it is a little too expensive to share with guests. When it goes dry in late March, I will switch over to Stroh's or MGD for the summer.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, just like with my Turning rolls earlier, you are supposed to use a d20, not a d10.
The one time most of us get really good initiative rolls is the one time that most of us have to hold action. At least they are holding for Mund at 19, instead of Harp at 8.
IC: Harp watches the plan unfold. Mund running up to the door, annoying the creature as only Mund seems to be able to do, Mund's mad dash back to the group as Allistairs fireball flys down the hallway, scoring as good of a hit as could be expected. Then, the creature retreating in surprise and pain from the doorway. With that, Harp shouts to the group "Now!!" and almost as a one, they move down the hallway. Harp calls upon the Battlelord for the benefit of added strength, and as they run, he hears the others chanting and praying as they run. As they get to the doorway, Mund starts to grow in size, so becoming so large that he has to step through the doorway as they reach the end of the hallway. "Follow him in, and lets surround this thing quickly. But remember, watch those arms!!" With that, Harp watches as the other members enter the room. Harp follows, assessing where the creature is and where his companions are. He then enters the room, moving to wehre he will do the most good.
OOC: Mark, since I do not know where everyone is actually going to be, I have left this deliberately open. The idea is to have one pure fighter type (Kal and Ran) on either side of the creature, one god type (Salix and Harp) with one of the fighters for cure spells as needed, Ragnar close by Mund for healing if needed, Surin trying to get in position to attack, but not too exposed as one good hit from this thing would probably knock him into next week, and Allistair staying away casting "Maaagic Missle".
From: Karl
Subject Round 1 actions
Salix will hold until he can move into the room, getting into position where he will have line of sight to the creature. If he can do that and still cast, he will cast Produce Flame, and toss the first flame at the creature.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1 actions
Ranthir will hold action until Mund clears the way enough for him to get in. He will then charge to flank the giant, watching to make sure he and Kal approach from opposite sides. If he can get an attack in this round he will attempt to attack the backs of the giants legs hoping to sever a tendon.
From: Ashley
Subject round 1 actoins
Surin has no intention of getting in that thing's way, and will hang back behind the doorway.
From: Kevin
Subject connections
OOC: My normal way of checking game activity during the work day is being shut down today. It will take me a few days to get this corrected/changed. Bare with me while I work on this.
Thanks
From: Ashley
Subject Connections
*bares*
From: Porter
Subject Connections
*averts eyes*
From: Mark
Subject Connections
Takes out camera.
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Ragnar will be staying behind Mund, ready to heal if needed. He won't try to close with the creature, but prefers to stay out of its reach. He will, however, have sword in hand, and if occasion arises he'll strike. (AOOs only, not going near the creature for himself.)
From: Kevin
Subject Connections
This is of course video camera.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Initiative for Round 1: Mund (19), Ranthir (19), Kal (19), Salix (19), Ragnar (19), Surin (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
Mund sees the thing roar and accepts the challenge. He hurtles through the room, aiming for the right side of the room and the back wall, trying to come from the thing from behind. His charge carries enormous force and he swings his axe, the blade whistling in the air. It connects with a massive blow to the things bulging shoulders (AC19, 16+14=30, hit, damage 12). Blood oozes from the wound.
Kal pushes his way through the others and moves into the room behind the barbarian. He tries to keep up with Mund, but the barbarian is too fast for him. He moves as far into the room as he can, trying to work his way into a flanking position.
Ranthir has a little cleaner shot at the door and is able to work his way a bit into the room. Once in the room he stops and shoots his crossbow (AC19, 9+10=19, hit, damage 2). The bolt thuds into the things thigh and barely scratches it.
Salix also moves into the room, looking for a place where he can see the creature but be out of the way. He works his way down the north wall, a little bit stunned by the size of the thing. Shaking his head and refocusing his attention, he chants the fire spell and a small ball of flame appears in his hand. He throws it at the thing (AC9, 5+5=10, damage 7). The small ball of flame strikes the thing in the chest and singes flesh. Another ball of flame appears in Salix's hand.
Ragnar moves into the room as fast as his short dwarven legs can carry him. Seeing Mund in combat, he rushes at full speed to a point behind Mund, so that he can heal him if needed.
Surin stays in the hallway, letting the big people fight this out.
Allistair enters the room and sees his brother engaged in combat. "Lets see how this thing likes magic." he thinks and chants the magic missile spell. Three bolts of force leap from his fingers and strike the beast in its broad chest (Damage 11).
Harp dashes into the room, looking for a place where he can flank the thing. Seeing that Mund is taking up most of one side and that the thing is almost against a wall, he moves at a run to the side opposite of Mund.
The thing howls at the pain from all the attacks and focuses its attention on Mund. It bites at Mund and it massive jaws clamp down on his arm and crushes the armor (AC 18, 13+17=30, hit, damage 12). It tries to hold on but Mund is able to shake it off. Its two hands come up and claw at the barbarian's chest (AC18, 15+12=27, hit, 9+12=21,hit damage 15).
OODM: End round 1. I need round 2 actions.
From: Karl
Subject Round 2 actions
Salix will continue throwing flames as he is able, unless he sees that someone is in immediate need of healing and Ragnar is unable to take care of them.
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
"This beast can really lay out some punishment!" Ragnar thinks to himself. Still, this was going to be almost too easy. Mund lived in the Wildlands, and was half-wild himself. The fiercest anger that mortal man could muster, combined with all the might of his own patron? This monstrosity didn't stand a chance. Ragnar steps up behind Mund and chants his most powerful healing grace (Sacrifice Dispel Magic for CSW).
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
As great as Mund feels all magicked up and with the spirit of the Bear flowing in his veins, Mund has to admit that he's still no match for this creature. If Ragnar doesn't patch him up, Mund's going down soon.
Still, there's nothing to do about it right now except fight on, which Mund does.
Round 3 and a hero falls
Subject Job change
Just FYI, I just resigned from my employer. I should have a new job lined up this afternoon, but may be inconsistent in my availability for the next few days. This should be resolved by the weekend.
Mark, you have a pretty good idea of what I want Harp to do. If you do not hear from me, play him accordingly.
From: Mark
Subject Job change
Harp jumps in front of Mund, declaring his love for the Barbarian, who he has nicknames Ennis. Then Harp is eaten.
From: Karl
Subject Job change
From: Porter
Subject Round 2
So how many HP is Mund down to now?
From: Porter
Subject Job change
Was that last sentence literal or euphamistic?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Check Sakeriver. I have been keeping the totals there.
But to answer your question, he is at 20, including his 10 points for raging. When he stops raging he will be at 10.
From: Ashley
Subject Job change
>.<
From: Mark
Subject Job change
I am not sure. I will decide later.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
Allistair is a little concerned at how much punishment that giant is dealing to his brother. The enlargement spell doesn't grant any special ability to withstand more damage, and even with Ragnar behind him healing him, he was getting quite concerned about Mund. Allistair decides to use some more magic to bring this thing down a little earlier if possible. He fires another magic missle at it.
Allistair also remembers having learned about this specific creature before. "This thing is called a Gray Render," Allistair shouts. "Unfortunately, it doesn't have any special weaknesses. We're just going to have to pound on it until it goes down."
From: Ashley
Subject Round 3 actions
Surin watches as the huge monster tears into Mund. He's amazed that the barbarian is still standing through all the blows dealt to him. He searches frantically for something, anything that could give him an upper hand against the giant. He still doesn't want to go into the room, but he's worried for his friend. He watches Harp and the others fight the thing and hopes their blows continue to land true.
OOC: I'm assuming that this thing's reach is more than 10 feet, in which case Surin can't really do anything. You guys keep doing your thing. :)
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Just to let every one know, the thing has taken a massive amount of damage, and it shows.
From: Karl
Subject Job change
heeeey.
(ok, so you probably have to hear the inflection on that for it to make sense. Just imagine the most stereotypically gay voice you can.) ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Job change
Just imagine Carson from Queer Eye saying it, and I think we have the idea.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Ragnar will sacrifice hold person to cast CMW on Mund.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Mund is starting to get concerned. Even with Ragnar healing him as fast as he can, Mund feels his strength slipping. At this rate, Mund will pass out soon.
Mund decides give one last attack before he changes tactics.
From: Karl
Subject Round 3 actions
Salix sees Mund taking the brunt of the brute's attacks. He moves into position to cast CMW on his friend and prays for the grace of Obad-Hai to bind up the wounds that this creature is inflicting on him. (If he can do so without extinguishing the flame in his hand, he will keep it to throw next round. If not he will extinguish it in order to cast CMW).
From: Josh
Subjectl: Round 3 actions
Kal quickly apraises the situation before entering combat. "He' got reach, everyone will be afraid to get in on him. I need to provide a moments distraction so we can all get close."
As he enters the room, Kal's vision begins to narrow. Allowing his training to take control of his body, he lets loose with a volley of magic missles. WIthout losing a step, Kal chases the magical flares to melee with the creature. As his legs push him forward, Kal screams "Charge it, NOW!"
His imbued muscles flare as he gets closer, every part of his body is concentrated on destroying this creature.
OOC: I'll apply my +1AC dodge bonus to this guy. My plan is to use BigUgly's AOO on Kal, so the rest of the party can get in to melee w/ him if they want. Once Kal gets in close he'll attack normally.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Initiative for Round 1: Mund (19), Ranthir (19), Kal (19), Salix (19), Ragnar (19), Surin (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
Mund feels his strength start to ebb as blood loss and shock start to take it effect. But he would not let his teammates down. He was supposed to keep the thing busy while the rest of them attacked from the sides. So far he had seen Harp and Ranthir move in to attack, but no sign of elf. He had also seen them magic missile thingies his brother did and the fire that Salix did, but what the hell as the elf doin? Mund swings his axe at the things head, landing an almost perfect blow (AC19, 19+13=32, hit, damage 10). At the last second the thing moves its head and just barely misses getting decapitated.
Mund is surprised to hear an elven war cry come from behind him and he sees Kal rush at the thing, his rapier leading the way. As the elf moves, the things head lashes out and bites at Kal and almost swallows him(AC19, 5+17=22, hit, damage 14). The thing latches on to Kal(grapple 19+17=36, opposed check 5+8=13, grapple succeeds, damage 19) and picks him up with his jaws. It shakes him a few times, trying to bite him in half, and unable to do so because of the elven chain mail. half, tosses him into a pile 10 feet away.
Ranthir watches in horror as Kal is picked up and almost bitten in half. As the thing tosses Kal aside like so much trash, Ran attacks with all his furry (AC19, 5+8=13,miss). However, Ran is not a barbarian and his anger does not make him a more potent foe. His anger clouds his judgment and his blow is ineffective.
Salix moves up next to Ragnar and joins him in healing Mund. Both of the clerics chant their respective healing prayers and touch Mund on the back, the healing grace flowing into him (Salix heals 8, Ragnar heals 13, total 21).
Allistair watches in horror as Kal is tossed aside like a rag doll. Damn but there were still too many people around for another fireball. He would have to use the next to last of his basic spells. At least it never missed. Chanting the words again another three bolts of force streak from his finger tips and strike the thing in the head. The thing staggers from the blows and wobbles on it's feet.
Harp, who was not able to see what happened to Kal, takes advantage of the things distraction. He is able to land a deadly blow (AC19, 20+12=32, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC19, 8+12=20, hit, critical hit, damage 28). Swinging his sword in a broad arc, he chops the head off the thing as it starts to lunge at Mund again. The massive head rolls from the body, leaving a bloody trail behind it.
OODM: What do you do now?
From: Josh
Subject A hero falls
Kal bleeds.
A hero down
Subject A hero down
As Salix moves toward his friend to offer healing aid he sees that damned child of chaos Elf rush headlong into the creature's mouth almost as if he *wants* to be eaten. As the torn Elf flies overhead there is a brief moment where Salix hopes he lives if only long enough to realize what a stupid thing he did. He almost moves to help Kal first, but knows that if Mund is taken out of the battle, the creature would surely make short work of the rest of them. So he stays his course and offers the blessings of Obad-Hai to his friend.
Then, with a final chop from Harp, the battle seems to be over. Now to see to the fool. "Ragnar, Kal needs us" he calls, and heads over to see if Kal can be saved. He hopes so since in his experience Elven burial rites are needlessly complicated things.
(Salix will use one of his Cure Light Wounds on Kal to stabilze him and let Ragnar do the rest.)
FroM: Karl
Subject A hero down
After stabilizing Kal, Salix will head over to Mund to see how his injuries healed and how much further healing he needs.
"You are brave, my friend", Salix says. "That thing would surely have killed any one of us if we had gotten the attention it lavished on you!" He then sees that Ran is also injured. "Let me check on Ran and we'll see what we can do about the rest of your injuries."
Salix will check Ran's wounds, then confer with Ragnar to see how best to utilize the remaining CLW and CmW prayers he has available.
From: Kevin
Subject A hero down
OOC: Silly elf, renders are for fighters.
From: Mark
Subject Quotes
I want to know who is going to be the first one to quote Monty Python.
From: Randy
Subject A hero down
As the head falls from the creatures body Ranthir drops to one knee, his pain catching up with him. The wounds weren't the worst he had faced but to receive that kind of damage in one blow was always a little shocking.
As Salix approaches, Ranthir pulls himself to his feet. "Help Kal first, my wounds are nothing next to his."
Ranthir then leans against the nearest wall, staying out of the way of the healers.
From: Porter
Subject A hero down
Wow. He might have a longsword up his arse, but that orc can deliver a mighty blow.
Once he's certain that the creature is dead, dead, dead, Mund lays down on the hard floor spread-eagled, staring at the ceiling.
It's a strange feeling. Mund has never been injured so bad so fast in his life. Even after the healing, he can tell.
Sure, people say that magical healing makes it as though the injury never happened, but Mund knows better. There are some things that the godsfolk just can't put back. What Mund needs is to get outside again, chasing down a deer. A few days in the open air and he'd be right as rain.
After a few moments thinking about this, he gets up and starts searching for the key.
From: Kevin
Subject A hero down
Do you mean to suggest that Kal just has a flesh wound? That maybe he could go bleed on the render>
IC: Harp looks down at the body of the creature, it's head rolling off to the side. He draws a deep breath, and says a quick prayer to Heironious, thanking him for his blessings in this battle. He had certainly held his own more in this encounter than the previous one with the ghouls.
Harp takes a quick inventory of the group. His count comes up one short. Kal is down. How had that happened? Last he had seen, Kal had been shooting of magical arrows. Harp steps from behind the creature and moves over to where Kal is, summoning Ragnar to join him. Harp casts the basic prayer of healing to staunch the flow of blood (sacrafice an 0-level for CMW). He will then defer to Ragnar's decisions on treating Kal (remembering that they have the scrolls if needed).
OOC: After the three of them get Kal stabilized, Harp will join Ragnar in checking on Mund and Ran. He will ask Salix to work with Allistair and Surin on searching for a key. He will also thank Mund for his bravery in leading the attack against the render.
I will probably work out a small conversation from Harp later tonight. For a fight that only lasted 3 rounds, there sure was a lot of blood spilt. Of course, when you opponent gets 3 attacks (plus extra if it hits with a specific attack) it can do a lot of damage really fast. Well done all.
From: Mark
Subject Killer trees
Just remember, this thing eats trees for fun. And you all know what Durkon says about trees.
They have Colossal size.
They have natural armor.
They have damage reduction/slashing.
They have hundreds of hit points.
They have enough limbs to make dozens of attacks each round.
Trees, the real killers.
From:Mark
Subject Quotes
Re: Monty Python. No it is more along the lines of "I'm not dead yet."
From: Salix
Subject A hero down
"Kal is in Ragnar's hands at the moment. Let me see your wounds so we know how best to use the healing we have." Salix says firmly. He will check Ran over then confer with Ragnar.
From: Randy
Subject A hero down
Ranthir starts to protest, but seeing that Salix is right he relents.
From: Jason
Subject A hero down
Ragnar is relieved to see Salix come up and join him in healing Mund. While curing Surin this morning he had used many of his most powerful blessings, and after curing Mund a second time he only had his most basic healing prayers remaining.
As he begins chanting, he is amazed to see Kal hurtle towards the beast, only to be picked up and thrown like a doll by the immensely powerful jaws. "May Heironeous have mercy!" he thinks to himself. Finishing his blessing, he is torn by the desire to see to Kal immediately, but remains with Mund. If he left Mund now, he knew, the same might happen to him in a moment and then to the rest of them shortly after.
Heironeous is merciful, however, as well as strong, and lends his might to Harp's blow. Immediately he runs over to see to Kal.
ooc/ Ragnar will sacrifice his two first level spells to CLW on Kal. Yes, he is stingy with the scrolls. He will want to know if we're continuing on today before using one.
From: Porter
Subject A hero down
We might as well not even have the scrolls or potions with how willing we've been to use them.
From: Mark
Subject Turn and experience
I am not going to be able to get a turn out tonight.
I did do the experience for everyone and Harp, Salix and Ranthir went up to level 6. I will work on the turn and the leveling up tomorrow night. Start thinking of the feats you will want as well as where you want to put your skill points. I will use the online dice roller to roll your hit points for you. You will get a copy in an e-mail.
Let the healing flow
Subject Let the healing flow
In the quiet that follows the death of the render, only the sound of the head rolling to the side can be heard. Salix is the first to react. "Ragnar, Kal needs our help." The two rush to where the elf's body lays, the quicker 1/2 elf getting to the body just ahead of the slower dwarf. Kneeling down Salix makes a quick inspection. Whispering to Ragnar "Broken ribs. How many you think?" "Better question might be how many not?" is the dwarfs reply. Salix had seen something like this before. A woodcutter in the forest had tripped a dead fall and been crushed by a huge log, his rib cage shattered. The bloody froth at Kal's lips spoke of the same type of damage.
Kal's breathing was ragged and labored. A small trickle of blood started coming out of his mouth, (At -3) leaving a trail down the side of his face. Salix quickly chanted one of the few real healing prayer that he had (CLW,heal 13) At once the elf's breathing eases and the blood stops flowing. "Here, you care for him. He will not die now. I will see how the others are so that we can organize the healing." Ragnar hears a hint of disgust in Salix's voice when he is talking about Kal.
Salix approaches Ranthir and rebuffs the fighters bravura. "You and Mund and Harp can take care of the fighting. Surin can take care of the sneaking. Allistair can take care of the magic. Ragnar and I will take care of the healing. Ragnar is taking care of Kal. Let me do my job." As the druid chants his last real healing prayer of the day (CLW, heal 13) Ranthir thinks he hears him say "Kal seems to want to take care of the dying." When Salix takes his hands away from his chest Ranthir finds that he can breath normally again. The pain is gone if not the gouges on his armor.
Mund watches as the godfolk deal with the elf and Ranthir. As his rage ends he feels the pains from the things attacks start to settle. He moves over to a corner and lies down spread eagle, looking at the ceiling, thinking. A while later Harp comes over. "Mund, I want you to know, you did a magnificent job. There is not much else I can say, but may I see what I can do for your wounds?" Mund nods, a bit uncomfortable with having Harp heal him, but godfolk was godfolk. Harp lays his hand on Mund's chest and chants the healing words (C Mod W, Heal 16). While Mund feels just like new, he probes the just healed wounds with his hands, testing them.
A few minutes later, while Kal is resting Ragnar and Salix call Harp over. "We have both used most of our god's grace for today and Kal is still severely hurt. What do you want us to do?"
While the three are talking Surin shows up. He is holding a silver key with a large topaz in the middle. "I think this is what we was lookin for."
OODM: OK guys go at it. If you get a chance, take a look at how Jason has Ragnar's spells set up on the character sheet at Sakeriver. I would like to get a consistent way for the players to list memorized spells, used spells etc.
From: Porter
Subject let the healing flow
Mund is interested in at least finding out something about the next room.
From: Derek
Subject Let the healing flow
Allistair is wililng to use his invisibility spell on Surin or someone else if they want to scout out the next room.
From: Ashley
Subject Let the healing flow.
there's another door, right? Surin's all for it, so long as he can still do his thing.
Doors
Subject Doors
There are no more doors in this room, but back in the main room there are 4 more doors besides the one in the center of the north wall with the lock on it.
In the main room there are 13 doors total. 1 is the door you came in. 1 is the door with the lock. That leaves 11 other doors, 7 of which you have opened. 4 more to go.
Vacation notice
Subject Vacation notice
As some of you know, Karl and Kevin at least, I will be going on vacation with the family from Mar. 31 until April 6. Since I will be with the family and not have any internet access, the game will be on hold during that time. I will try and make sure that the party is not in the middle of a combat.
If you guys (and girl) want to do any role playing during that time, fine with me.
From: Kevin
Subject Vacation notice
OOC: I get the play the role of the mistress from Club Vandersexxx in Amsterdam. So long as you know the safe word, you will all be safe.
What next?
Subject Turn
Bueller?
From: Porter
Subject Turn
Mund starts talking to Surin about the best way to check out the next door.
From: Ashley
Subject Map
I'm kinda lost, sorry. was there an updated big map?
From: Mark
Subject Map
I thought I had sent one out. I will send one out tonight.
From: Mark
Subject Waiting
I am basically waiting for Harp, Ragnar and Salix to decide if and/or how they will finish up healing Kal.
Kal is only at 10HP and Most of Ragnars heavy hitter spells are gone for the day.
From: Kevin
Subject What next?
OOc: Harp will discuss with Ragnar and Allistair if they want to use their remaining spells to heal up Kal, or use a scroll and keep some spells in reserve to try the next door. Harp's general feel will be to use the memorized spells to heal up Kal, do a quick investigation of the next door to try to determine what is behind it so they can try to select their spells for the following day. I realize that we have only spent less than an hour since we stopped last, but these challenges are getting harder and harder and it is likely that we might only be able to accomplish "1" per "day".
Harp will be OK with Surin, Mund, Salix and Allistair checking out the next door for sounds, traps, etc. Maybe we can decide from what they learn how to proceed.
Suggestions or ideas?
From: Porter
Subject What next?
Mund likes the idea of opening the door and checking things out. Allistair offered to make somebody invisible for reconnaissance. Even though Mund cannot pronounce that word, he likes the idea. If Surin doesn't want to do it, Mund is willing.
From: Josh
Subject What next?
Kal's insistant that he can go forward with the strength he's at now. There's 7 other party members, he can be a caster for a fight.
From: Ashley
Subject What next?
Surin's only concern is potentially wasting one of Allistair's spells that could be used toward something else.
From: Porter
Subject What next?
"He's right. We have enough other people that can swing a sword. We'll be fine with one less fighter.
From: Jason
Subject What next?
Ragnar is in favor of using up the spells they have prepared for the day to heal Kal (and any others if needed), investigating the door as best they can, and then waiting for tomorrow to move on. He's resigned to the fact that they won't get through within the week and will just hope that Heironeous will see to it they leave the portal in a suitable location.
From: Porter
Subject What next?
Mund does not like this at all. He signed up to act as a guide and to lend support to this group. He did *NOT* agree to get send who-knows-where.
From: Mark
Subject What next?
:evil grin:
From: Kevin
Subject What next?
IC: Harp listens as the various party members discuss what to do next. Some want to be more cautious and rest and replenish their spells, while others want to press on. Harp was not up to this. He just wanted to carry out orders, not come up with them.
"All right, since no one can agree, then I get to decide. We will head back to the main room. When we get there, Surin, you and Mund will check out the next hallway up to and including the door. Take a listen, you know the drill. If you hear something but don't understand it, come back and let us know, and we will have Salix and Allistair take a listen as well. If we can make a guess as to what it is then, we can decide if we are in any shape to take it on now. If we can't decide, then Mund and I will pop our heads in to see what we can. Maybe that will give us some idea about what we face next."
From: Salix
Subject What next?
Salix has nothing to say about Kal. He is out of healing prayers for the day and Kal is not dead. Beyond that he has nothing to offer Kal so he keeps his distance.
From: Kevin
Subject What next?
OOC: Could you summon a painful case of genital warts? Maybe some really bad jock itch.
From: Derek
Subject What next?
Allistair nods his head in agreement and approval of Harp's decision.
From: Mark
Subject What next?
Why would Harp want that? :)
From: Derek
Subject What next?
OOC: It's too bad they don't have the overly-ambiguous and therefore overly-powerful cantrip like they did in 2nd Ed. Then you could give him a nasty itch, or really annoying hiccups or something.
From: Kevin
Subject What next?
Harp wants it to be given to Kal and Mund. Just for entertainment value.
Which door?, moving on and opening the door
Subject Current dungeon map
Here it is. I will try and get a turn out this morning.
From: Randy
Subject Which door
"Based on my reading of the map, I think that if we are only going to open one more door today, it should be the one at the end of the second to last door. It appears that that door will open into onlly one chamber whereas the others may lead to multiple confrontations. I may not be recalling exactly how the locks work though so if that door will not open, then nevermind."
Ranthir is having trouble remembering exactly what conditions the doors were checked under previously, and hopes he is not appearing foolish. It just seems like the other hallways lead to something more unknown than this one.
From: Kevin
Subject Which door
Harp listens to Ran's suggestion, looking closely at the map they have been keeping. His suggestions makes sense, but Harp is unsure if the door will be able to be opened out of sequence. This place seemed designed to go in a set order. As Harp looks at the map, he also sees what looks like a gap between rooms. He will point this out to Surin and ask him to investigate to see if they missed anything. Harp will ask Mund to go with the halfling.
From: Mark
Subject Which door
Earlier when Mund and or Surin looked down all of the hallways. All of the doors at the end of the hallways were locked. They figured out that only the next door in order would be unlocked.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Harp and the other spend some time debating whether to go on to the next room or not. After several minutes of debate and no concession, Harp makes a decision. "All right, since no one can agree, then I get to decide. We will head back to the main room. When we get there, Surin, you and Mund will check out the next hallway up to and including the door. Take a listen, you know the drill. If you hear something but don't understand it, come back and let us know, and we will have Salix and Allistair take a listen as well. If we can make a guess as to what it is then, we can decide if we are in any shape to take it on now. If we can't decide, then Mund and I will pop our heads in to see what we can. Maybe that will give us some idea about what we face next."
The party moves back to the main room and Ragnar moves over to Harp. "I know that Kal says he is fine, but he was almost dead in that last fight. Another minute and it would have taken the high priest back at the temple to bring him back. He needs more healing before we move on. Right now a stiff breeze will knock him over. However, I have used most of the grace the battle lord gives me already today. Unless you want me to dip into the healing supplies given to us by the order?" Harp shakes his head. "Let's leave those supplies for dire need. I'll talk to Kal."
As the party looks over the map they have been making and are discussing which door to go down, Harp pulls Kal aside. "I know you say that you are fine, but Ragnar says that you are still very weak. I still have some healing grace for the day. Let me heal you so that we an all pay our full attention to the challenge to come." Kal starts to protest when Harp interrupts him. "I might have mis-spoke that last statement as a request. As leader of this party, I am ordering you to let me heal you, for the good of the party." Kal's training, to follow the orders of a superior war for a few seconds with his need to prove himself to the others, the barbarian in particular. The fight does not last long. Harp is the appointed leader of this mission and is to be obeyed. Kal nods and Harp chants the healing prayer (heal 11).
When Ranthir suggest that they go to one of the latter doors since it looks like it would be a single room, Mund speaks up. "I already looked into that and them doors don't want to open yet. I is fairly sure that they is only goin to open in order, damn them." The part decides to open the most northern door on the east wall. Surin and Mund open this door and work their way down the hall way. It goes for about 90 feet before it ends with a door in the east wall. When they are about 20 feet away, Surin motions for Mund to stay where he is. Mund nods, knowing that the halfling can move quieter than he can and that he can close the 20 feet quickly if need be.
Surin moves up towards the door, taking his time, doing his best to be silent. Surin trains all of his senses on the ground in front of him and on the door just ahead. Checking for trip wires or pressure plates, fake stones in the wall, or hidden releases, the halfling finds nothing outside the door. The door itself looks just like all the others. When Surin gets there he places his ear against the door, straining to hear what is on the other side (Listen check 2+12=14, DC?). After several seconds the halfling pulls his ear away. He spends a little while longer looking at the stonework surrounding the door and the door itself (spot check, 3+10=13, DC?). He turns and goes back towards the party, motioning Mund to follow.
When he gets back he reports in. "Nothin and nothin. Quiet as a winter's night ." "Ok, let's go take a look."
OODM: I need weapon list and marching order. If I hear back from everyone by tonight I will do another write up.
From: Jason
Subject Moving on
Long sword and shield in hand. Also, he's going to have 2 of the CSW scrolls tucked under his belt for emergencies.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
"Ok, Mund and I up front, Ran, you and Ragnar behind us. Kal and Allistair with Salix and Surin after that All we are doing is opening up the door, I stick my head in , look around, then out and Mund pulls the door closed. Understood? If we dash in like we did back with those ghouls, we may not be dashing back out."
OOC: Harp will have his longsword out, shield ready.
From: Randy
Subject Moving on
Longsword and shield. In whatever order Harp deems best, probably up in front with Mund.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: Does Ranthir feel his extra attak yet?
From: Porter
Subject Moving on
Mund's loaded for bear as a front-line fighter.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
which does not answer the question.
I will assume then that it is axe and shield.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: Mark, just so I am specific, Mund is opening, Harp is looking - using his best darkvision if needed.
From: Porter
Subject Moving on
You are correct. Mund doesn't have much else for front-line fighting.
From: Josh
Subject Moving on
Kal will place himself in front of the group of non-combatants, but will keep his distance from the actual melee.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: +1 Keen body odor used in combination with magical halitosis - maybe Mund should go through the door first. Harp of course bathes with scented oils from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
From: Josh
Subject Moving on
... and of course he'll have his rapier in hand.
From: Porter
Subject Moving on
Which is why Mund kicked his ass.
It had to be done.
From: Karl
Subject Moving on
Salix will do as Harp needs him to.
From: Ashley
Subject Moving on
Surin will have his throwing axe.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Damn, and I was going to have Harp use his worst darkvision.
From: Randy
Subject Moving on
Ranthir wonders what happened to the idea of making someone invisible to scout out the next room but doesn't raise the issue. He is feeling suddenly more confident in his combat abilities and wants to see if he can't make some faster moves in order to strike more blows against his foes.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: Harp was just thinking that half these rooms have been dark, and having an invisible person carry a torch so they can see would be sort of odd. Lets see what we can see, and we may still send in an invisible person. One does not preclude the other.
From: Mark
Subject Opening the door
The party quickly forms up behind Mund and Harp, everyone preparing what weapons they have. Silently Harp prays that he has not made the wrong choice. They move as quietly as they can and eventually make to just outside the door. Harp looks around, catching everyones eye, making sure that they are ready. Harp nods at Mund and the barbarian works the latch and pushes the door open slowly. Harp sticks his head in, expecting it to be dark again. It is not. A feint odor of sulphur wafts across the party. Harp peers into the room and sees several strange things.
First is the odd shape of the room. The first thing he notices is that it looks to be T shaped with the party at the top of the T. The second thing he notices is the large number of creatures in the room. They look like wolves or dogs, standing maybe 4-1/2 feet high at the shoulder. They range from a dark brown to a rusty red color. They are pacing around and just at that moment, the closest one (W4), turns its nose up in the air and turns it's head towards the party.
OODM: I have attached a new map of the room. Let me know what you want to do. 
From: Porter
Subject Opening the door
As had been agreed on previously, as soon as Harp's head is out of the doorway, Mund quickly closes the door.
From: Kevin
Subject Opening the door
Harp pulls his head back out as Mund quickly slams the door closed. Harp was unsure what these things were, but it was unlikely that they would be able to even try to open the door from the inside.
Harp has the group move back to the main room and describes what he had seen (and smelled) as best he can, hoping that either Salix or Allistair will know what these things are.
The plan, doors and spells
Subject Going in
Mund is all for going ahead.
If Harp stays true to his over-cautious nature, Mund will suggest that the magickers launch all of their magick into the room before retiring. Mund can open and shut the door quickly allowing fireballs, magic missiles, and summoned critters to be cast into the room quickly.
From: Jason
Subject going in
Given the circumstances, Ragnar will voice cautious support for going ahead. If they leave two people in the doorway, the wolves or whatever will have to come to them. In that case, he will suggest that Harp (being the only person left with healing for the day) not be the one in the door. Perhaps Mund and Ran, or Mund and Ragnar (the only reason Ragnar is at all hesitant about putting himself in that position is that he would be the one to use the scrolls if things get messy.)
From: Karl
Subject going in
Salix is all for going ahead. He's getting tired of this unnatural place and wants to return to the woods as soon as possible.
From: Kevin
Subject going in
Harp waits to hear from Salix or Allistair on what they may know of these creatures. He will be reluctant to charge into a room with so many opponents. He will more likely want to draw them into the doorway or hallway where the group would only have to face 2 at a time. He is more than happy to hack at 2 of them while the other 6 howl and bay from behind, waiting their turn to die. Harp also has in the back of his mind that they could try to draw them up to the main room, where they could surprise and surround them by the doorway.
OOC: Mark, I will wait for the knowledge check for Allistair and Salix before we decide what to do.
From: Porter
Subject Going in
Perhaps if we have a couple of strong people manning the doors, we can draw out one at a time and close the door behind it.
Mund reiterates his idea of opening the door quickly, tossing in magick, and closing the door. If we do it with three people (one to open, a second one to do magick, holding his action until it's opened, and a third one (and possibly a fourth) to hold action until the spell is in there, then slam the door shut. Unless the critters in there are holding action at the door as well, they'll have zero chance to respond.
From: Kevin
Subject Going in
OOC: The problem is what magic (if any) will work on them and trying to get them in close proximity to each other.
I want to hear from our more learned friends before we put anything together.
While I know what they are, the characters do not. My personal initial thought is to lure them into the hallway with Ran and Harp up front (most HP and best A/C), with Mund and Ragnar right behind to switch off as needed. Salix, Kal and Allistair behind us up the hallway ready to use magic as needed. If we can peg these things down at A1, A2, B1 and B2, they will not be able to surround us.
From: Randy
Subject Going in
"We should fight them in the hallway. If we have Mund open the door and high tail it down the hall, we can set up with ranged weapons and maybe a fireball. We can keep the door to the main room open and retreat into there if we need to engage in melee combat. Given our current state, we need to take the advantage and whittle down their numbers before they can touch us."
From: Derek
Subject going in
Allistair doesn't really know what these creatures could be. Although, considering that in general each room has been more difficult that the last, he really doubts these are regular wolves. The smell of sulphur is suspicious too... but he can't place it.
"I wonder if we can open the door just enough for one of these creatures to come out and then close the door. Or perhaps just crack the door open enough so that it could stick it's head through but not go all the way through. Mund could stand to the side with an axe and decapitate the thing."
From: Kevin
Subject Going in
IC: Allistair, the problem with that is that the door open in. Mund would have to pull it closed, and if one of those things is in the way, he might not be able to get it closed, and then we would really be in trouble.
Salix, do you have any idea what these things are?
OOC: Karl, I know you are waiting for a knowledge check from Mark, so I am just RP'ing here.
From: Karl
Subject Going in
OOC: He already responded that none of us know.
IC: I have no idea. They sound too big for wolves, but too small for dire wolves. The sulphur smell bothers me. In nature that's usually associated with places of fire from within the earth. Who knows what hellish creatures these may be?
From: Kevin
Subject Going in
OOC: Sorry, did not realize that. Let me work something up.
From: Kevin
Subject The plan
IC: I agree. It reminded me of a tindertwig lighting up, and that's not a smell I like. But, they were not very large - maybe the challenge is the sheer number of them. If we can take them on one or two at a time, I think we will be OK.
OK, I want to use the hallway bottleneck. I want to draw a few of them out of the room and into the hallway, where we can use our swords and bows and the magic types can use what spells they have left. Here is the plan.
Ranthir and Mund will line up just down the hall from the door (i.e. A6-B6). I will open the door and get the creatures attention (because I only carry this crossbow for decoration). I will run back to behind Ran and Mund (B7), with Ragnar waiting next to me (A7). Kal, I want you and Salix behind us and Allistair and Surin behind you. When I come running, Ran and Mund shoot whatever makes it through that door. Once they make it down the hallway, we start hacking away as possible, only allowing 2 of them up front at a time. If we get pushed back to the main room, then those of you behind the front lines get ready to surround them on either side as they come through.
All right?
OOC: Remember, we do not have a huge number of arrows or bolts left (and Harp is pretty useless with his anyway). Ran has a good A/C, good HP and gets 2 attacks a round now. Mund does great damage. Harp and Ragnar will be the backup - they both have good A/C and decent HP.
Lets get it on.
From: Randy
Subject the plan
"Sounds good." Ranthir sheathes his sword and pulls out his crossbow, already loaded.
From: Porter
Subject The plan
OOC: Even though Mund really wants to do this, I'm afraid that we're biting off more than we can chew.
IC: Mund's ready to go.
From: Josh
Subject The plan
OOC: I agree with Porter.
IC: Kal's ready.
From: Mark
Subject The plan
Tasty, chewy adventurer. Food of the gods. Adventurer jerky. :)
From: Jason
Subject The plan
I like the plan. We might also have someone ready at the door to the main room, so if we all run away from these vicious rabbits they can close it behind us.
From: Porter
Subject The plan
OOC: Wait! Before we go on, how do the doors from the main room into the hallway open? Do then open inward or outward? Could we do there what Mund suggested with slamming the door closed?
From: Mark
Subject Doors
So far all of the doors have opened in.
I think.
This is one of those areas where things go the way the DM wants them. :) The group moves at the speed of plot and doors open the way I need them to to make the rooms work. :)
From: Mark
Subject Spells
Are Allistair and Kal going to cast spells? If so which ones?
From: Josh
Subject Spells
Kal's casting Bull's strength on Ran before combat starts, and will let loose w/ a Magic Missle whenever he sees a baddie.
From: Josh
Subject Spells
OOC: It seems like Ran's on the front line. I'm casting it on him if he's on the front line. Otherwise Harp.
From: Derek
Subject Spells
Is it possible for Allistair to cast a web across the door so that these "wolves" might get stuck going through the door without entangling any of his comrades? If possible, he will do so. If not, he still has 6 MM's and he'll use one of those.
From: Porter
Subject Spells
How about casting it across the hallway as soon as the runner (Harp?) is past?
From: Kevin
Subject Doors
I think Surin would be the right person for this. Mark, assumign Ashley has no objection, would you include that.
From: Kevin
Subject The plan
OOC: Boy, 1 simple e-mail causes all this commotion.
Between Harp, Ran, Mund and Ragnar, we have almost 200 HP, most have 20+ A/C, and we do some good damage. If we can keep these things to only 2-4 attacking us at a time, we should be OK. If we were surrounded with 8 of them attacking, that would be an issue, but this is a good plan with what these guys have left.
Ran has been relatively uninvolved the past few encounters, so I thought it would be fun to put our 1 true 6th level fighter up front with our barbarian friend. Harp and Ragnar both have pretty good A/C, and Harp cond do some good damage.
Allistair can web the area where they are to come out if he wants. None of the others are going to complain about slowing these things down, least of all Harp who is running away from them.
From: Ashley
Subject The plan
For waiting at the entry to the main door? Sure, I'm for it -- is there a good way to communicate the fact that you're all going to run away like a bunch of pansies or should I just watch out for it? :P
From: Porter
Subject The plan
Mund suggests that Surin stick around to chuck an axe or two before manning the door.
From: Mark
Subject spells
It would be possible to web across the door, but it would be thin. Casting it to cover the ground would be more effetive. Please give me the coordinates of the squares you want to cover.
What, no fireball?
From: Mark
Subject The plan
Ok from what I understand this is the plan.
Harp will open the door, get their attention and high tail it back to the party, ending up at A8. Ran and Mund will be in the front row. Ran with sword and shield, Mund with axe and shield. Harp and Ragnar will be in the second row, both with sword and shield.
The party is hoping the there will be some distance between Harp and the creatures. If so Allistair is going to web the area shown on the map in yellow. He will do this as soon as Harp is at A7/B7. Kal is going to cast Bull's STR on Ran as Harp makes his move. Surin will see if he can get a throw in with his axes and then retreat to the door at A17/18, preparing to close it behind the party if they retreat back to the main room. Salix is waiting to see what the things are. Ragnar and Harp are backing up Mund and Ranthir.
Let me know if I am missing anything and I will write up the turn tomorrow night.