Beyond the giants door
Subject Beyond the giants door
Harp grins at Mund's assurance that the next room is clear. "Mund, I am sure that if there is anything in the room, it is hiding and being quite after hearing the giant pound on it's door so much. I say we go back to the main room, have a quiet lunch, and come back in 1/2 hour. By then whoever, or what ever, might be in the room would have a better chance of moving around so that we could hear it. Let's go eat and maybe Salix or your brother can tell you what is in that vial you found."
Mund looks disappointed for just a second, but his face brightens with the mention of the vial. "Do you think it could make my axe magic?" he asks Allistair as the party works it's way back to the main room. When they get there they have a quiet meal, while Harp and Allistair review the map that the mage has been keeping. When they are done eating Allistair motions to his brother to bring the vial over. The mage inspects the vial. The liquid inside looks to be a medium green, the same basic color as the cure potions they have, but of a more vibrant color. He looks at it but comes up with nothing (Knowledge Arcana, DC20, 1+11=12, failure). "Sorry Mund, I have not really ever gotten into the brewing of potions."
When lunch is done, the party moves back to the manticore room. "Kal," Harp says "you and Surin go to that door. You protect Surin if anything happens. Surin, you go see if you can hear anything. We will be right here. If you need help, yell and we will come running." With that Harp gives the two a clap on the back and pushes them on their way.
The halfling and the elf work their way to the other door in the manticore room. Surin holds up his hand and signal Kal to hang back a few feet. Then the halfling starts strutting his stuff. Kal closes his eyes for a second, trying to pick out where the halfling is just by listening for him, and even this close, it is like Surin has disappeared. Kal reopens his eyes and sees that Surin has already moved 20 feet into the room. The elf starts to follow, moving quietly and slowly behind the halfling. When Surin gets to the door, he turns and signals Kal to stop.
The halfling then places his ear to the door and listens. For a good 5 minutes he stands there, listening for anything on the other side. He then turns and signals Kal to gather the others. Kal moves back to the door and motions the rest of the party to advance. They do so as quietly as possible, and Surin meets them in the middle of the giants room. In a quiet whisper, he reports in.
"I did not hear anything. Doesn't mean nothing is there, it just means that if it is there, it is real quiet like. But my best guess it that the room, or whatever it is, is empty." Harp nods and points to Mund and Ran, then to Kal and himself. He motions to the door and the four move into position. With Ragnar, Salix, Surin and Allistair watching from behind, Ran motions for Mund to open the door. The barbarian does his best to open the door quietly and it swings open to the left.
Ranthir and Mund make a quick peek into the room but see nothing moving. Along the east wall is a small table. On the table is a brass key with a gem in the handle. After a few seconds of expecting something to attack, Harp motions Ran and Mund to slowly enter the room. The two fighters advance and make room for Harp and Kal to enter the room as well. The room is 20 feet east/west and 40 feet north/south, with the door being in the northern most portion of the west wall. The table is twenty feet down the east wall.
Harp moves back to the door and gestures to Surin. When Surin gets to the door Harp points at the table and the key and makes a looking gesture. Surin nods and moves off to inspect the table. He stops 10 feet away and over the next 10 minutes works his way around the table, checking the floor, the wall, the ceiling. When he is done he moves to the table and takes the key off the stand.
OODM: Now what.
Searching
Subject Beyond the Giants room
OOC: Run away. Just like Sir Robin.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Any comments on what the party is going to do next?
From: Porter
Subject Searching
Mund is going to look around the room to see if there's anything more to see.
Mund is also interested in at least peeking in on the next room.
From: Karl
Subject Searching
Is Salix in the room? If so he will be looking around, using all of his skills to check for anything out of the ordinary that might be happening now that the key has been disturbed.
From: Porter
Subject Searching
If he's not in the room, Mund calls back for him to come into the room. :)
From: Derek
Subject Searching
Allistair is interested in looking at the key, seeing what this one is made of, etc. He agrees that they should peek in the next room, and then decide whether to rest (most likely) or try and kill something first.
From: Kevin
Subject Searching
As Harp watches Surin exploring around the table, he starts to get nervous - a key sitting on a table? Had any of the other keys been set up that way? He did not think so. He says quietly to Surin "Be very careful, my little freind - this almost seems too easy." With that, Harp will look around the room from where he is, trying to see if anything seems amiss.
OOC: Mark, assuming nothing jumps out at us (and that is not a safe assumption), Harp will want to go back and review the map. He has noticed (or at least I have) that there seems to be a U shaped space 10'w wide around the room where the Grey Render was. He would like the group to go back and see if they missed any secret doors in the earlier rooms or hallways. This can be before or after they take look in the next room.
If something jumps out at us as we pick up the key and leave, then he will just fight.
Moving on
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get a turn out last night. My son is leaving town for a week and needed the computer to download songs onto his I-Pod.
I will get a turn out this morning.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Every one breaths a sigh of relief when nothing blows up as Surin takes the key from the stand on the table. "Ok folks" Harp says "let's take a close look at these walls and see if we have missed any secret doors. According to Allistair and the map he is keep there is a chance there are passage ways behind some of these wall. Take your time. We have all day." The party breaks into pairs: Kal and Surin, Ranthir and Harp, Ragnar and Salix and Mund and Allistair. The search starts.
Over the next two hours nothing is found. At one point Allistair gives up in frustration and asks Surin if he could see the key. Closer inspection shows that it is as intricately designed as the others, but that it also has a gem in the handle. Allistair calls Ragnar over. "You're a dwarf. Any idea of what type of gem this is?" Ragnar puts on a good show of looking at the gem from all angles. After several minutes the dwarf mutters in frustration. "I have no idea of what type of gem it is." Holding up his hands to stave off comments he goes on "I know, I know, dwarves are supposed to know everything about gems and ores and such. But I was taken captive when I was only 6 and never got the traditional dwarven training. You might as well ask Mund what it is." The dwarf stomps off to continue looking for secret doors.
As Allistair sits there Surin wanders by. Seeing Allistair holding the key, Surin pipes up "That's one of the nicest zircons I have every seen. Nice size and a wonderful cut. I almost thought it was a diamond for a while." Allistair sits, stunned, for a few moments before calling the halfling back and finding out all he can about the stone.
The party is a bit down with the lack of success. "Well maybe the access is somewhere else" Harp says. Let's go check the next door. If we hear anything we rest for the night. If not then we open the door and see what's in it." The party nods agreement and they tromp back to the main room. When they get to the next door in the main room, Harp nods and Salix, Surin and Mund head out ahead of the rest. With the rest of the party about 40 feet behind, the three make their way down the long hallway. At the end they stop about 30 feet from the door on the north wall. Surin then takes the lead. He moves forward, slowly and starts to listen at the door.
Harp thinks that Surin is spending an awful amount of time at the door and starts to worry. He starts to move up but stops himself. He has got to trust the others to do their job. So he waits. A few minutes later his patience is rewarded when Surin heads back to the party and signals them to follow him back to the main room. Once there he fills the party in.
"I heard voices, low, rumbling voices. I did not understand the language. Sounded like there were at least three of them, maybe four, not exactly sure. Sorry I could not figure out more."
OODM: Now what?
From: Porter
Subject Moving on
While Mund and his brother are searching for secret doors, Mund starts up a conversation. "Back there when you got hit by all those spikey spikes, I thought you were done for, but you didn't even fall down. I thought that all the magick training made y'all weak and feeble. How did you stay so tough?"
From: Karl
Subject Moving on
Can we assume that Salix took a try to figure out the language? After-all, that's primarily why he went up with Surin in the first place. Or do we have to explicitly state that he goes back up to the door and gives a listen?
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Yes you can assume that Salix took a listen. He did not understand the words or anything, but something about the tone/flow of the language struck him as vaugely familiar. Unfortunately, he is not able to figure out what it is. Yet.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: it would be nice if Allistair had the component for a clairvoyance spell. If he knows it, that is.
IC: Harp listens to Surin and Salix's report. Multiple creatures, unknow language. What was new. It couldn't be bugbears, could it.
"All right, as these rooms have gotten harder as we have moved on, I don't think we want to try this without our spells and prayers ready to go. I still would like to know what these things are. Lets try this. Mund, you and Ran go down with Salix and Allistair. You and Ran up front, Salix and Allistair in back. As before, open, look, close. We do not want to fight these things today if we can at all help it. I just want to know what they are so we can plan accordingly. We are almost done, and I don't want us getting over anxious. I've made enough mistake this adventure, and I don't want to make any more."
From: Randy
Subject Moving on
Ran nods in agreement and begins moving towards the door, trying to be as quiet as possible.
From: Ashley
Subject moving on
I'm glad Surin passed his knowledge (shiny objects) check. :)
Taking a peek
Subject Moving on
It was an appraise check and Surin rolled well and Ragnar rolled a 1.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
I thought your schedule was going to lighten up after school got out and the shows went into reruns. You are as bad as Burlew.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Both boys were gone last night so the wife and I went to a movie and dinner.
I will get a turn out tonight.
From: Derek
Subject Fraternal questions
OOC: Really busy yesterday. Sorry for the late reply.
IC: Allistair laughs a little in spite of himself at this comment from Mund. "I'm surprised you of all people would ask that question. Remember that I was your younger long before I've became a wizard. You weren't always as easy to get along with as you are now, and you used to pick a lot of fights, with me and everyone else. Also our hometown, and our people in general, are generally not a peaceful society. In some ways the simple fact that I survived to manhood is an testament to my fortitude."
"You are correct in observing that mages for the most part are not physically strong or tough. That's not because the use of magic training makes you weak and feeble, just that a lot of physical strength and endurance isn't necessary to learn it. Though having it can be helpful, as you noticed when I was attacked by the Manticore."
From: Porter
Subject Fraternal questions
"So, what was it like being a tough guy in an entire school full of wimps?"
From: Mark
Subject Taking a peek
"Ok" Harp says "Salix, Allistair, Ran and Mund will go down to the door. Mund will open it while Salix and Allistair look in and see what they can see. Mund will then close the door as quietly as he can and hopefully whatever is in the room will be none the wiser. We have a good idea of how big the room is, 70 x 50, but we do not know if it is broken up into smaller rooms. If the things attack, you two" he points at the mage and the druid, "make it back here to the main room as fast as you can. Mund and Ran will be the rear guard. You two" he points to the two fighters "retreat as best you can with out opening yourselves up to too much danger. We will try and have an ambush ready here."
The four nod and head off down the hallway. When they get about 40 feet from the door, they slow and try and make their way as quietly as possible. As they get to the door they take up positions. Salix and Allistair look at each other and nod at Mund. The barbarian opens the door (Move Silent, 17+4=21, vs listen check, 5+?=?). The door swings open and the druid and the mage look in.
The room is as big as they thought it would be, 70 x 50. in the middle of the room stand four creatures that are the oddest creatures the two have ever seen. They stand about 5 feet high and 5 feet wide. They have three arms, three legs and three eyes spread about their body. Their skin is green and very rough. On top of the body is a huge mouth full of teeth. The hands end in sharp claws. Allistair motions to Mund to close the door(Knowledge check: Planes, DC 17, 19+6=25, success) and the barbarian tries his best (Move Silent, 8+4=12, Listen check, 14+?=?). As he moves the door it lets out a squeak and the four figures turn their bodies so that at least two eyes of each one is looking at the door.
As Mund closes the door, the four at the door hear a voice call out "Hello the door". The voice is deep and rumbling, almost like an earthquake.
OODM: What do you want to do? I am sending Derek info on what Allistair knows.
From: Derek
Subject Taking a peek
Right as Mund is closing the doors, a light goes on in Allistairs mind. "Flaming arse of Heironius! We need to get away fast!" Allistair swears as he starts running away from the door back to the hallway and very quickly motions everyone to leave the door and follow him. "Don't worry too much about the noise. I think they saw us at the very end. We need to get behind another door as quick as we can before I can take time to explain everything."
OOC: Allistair will go on and explain what he knows AFTER everyone gets away to a safer place.
From: Porter
Subject Taking a peek
"Let's go go go!" Mund yells out, pushing everybody forward in front of him.
Retreat, plan, clubs and a test
Subject Hotmail issues
Would someone resend the main part of the turn. I still have not received it. Hotmail seems to be having issues.
From: Karl
Subject Hotmail issues
I didn't get it either.
From: Kevin
Subject Taking a peek
OOC: Daddy, Daddy, what is it Daddy? Can I keep it as a pet?
From: Karl
Subject Taking a peek
OOC: Well, you better get two so they can keep each other company. /OOC
Can we assume that everyone follows orders and heads for safety, or do we each have to explicitly state so? If so, we're either waiting for Mark's write-up to know if anyone got caught in the door, or Derek's turn where Allistair tells us what he knows, right?
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
Let's assume that we all try to run away. We now need to know if we succeed, and if we did, Allistair needs to let us know what those things were and why he's so scared of them.
From: Mark
Subject Retreat
No the door got shut and the 4 got moved back to the main room.
From: Randy
Subject retreat
OOC: I haven't received the original email either.
Once the door is closed Ranthir starts backing away with the others and when they reach the main room listens attently to Allistair.
From: Derek
Subject Retreat
Allistair says quickly to Harp as he passes him at run. "We need a big open space where they can't sneak up on us. Let's head for the White Dragon's room." Allistair continues to think out loud as he runs. "... place is magical.... don't know if they can walk through these walls.... if they get the keys we'll never get out..."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
"You heard him!" Mund yells out as people don't jump as fast as he thinks they should. "Move it, now!"
From: Mark
Subject Retreat
With Allistair leading the way and Mund bringing up the rear, the mage hurrys the party back to the room where the dragon corpse is starting to rot. Harp is a botherd since normall Allistair is a very calm and rational person and he seems a bit paniced by what he had seen.
"Allistair, what did you see? Salix, what was it? One of you two tell us."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
Mund has his axe out, and is staying close to his brother, watching his back.
From: Derek
Subject Retreat
Allistair pauses for a few seconds to catch his breath. "Sorry for the scare. I felt it was better to get away now and be safe. That room contains a rare magical creature called Xorn. Generally they are peaceful, since they don't eat meat - or any kind of biological material, for that matter. However, the fact that they consume metal of all kinds - the rarer the more delicious to them - could be disasterous for us. Not just because of the armor and magical weapons that we have, but because of the keys. The keys are made of all sorts of precious metals. If they attacked us and ate our keys, we would probably be stuck here forever."
"The other distressing fact is that Xorn can move through stone. They can simply walk right through it as if it weren't there. I don't know what to make of the fact that they were still in the room. Perhaps this place being magical in nature prevents them from using that innate ability of thiers. Or perhaps not. Maybe they were just resting, or had just recently been teleported into the room by the divine powers that manage this place."
"They weren't speaking any known language amongst themselves, but when they heard the door move we clearly hear 'hello door'. So I assume that means we can communicate with them in common."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
"Maybe some of us should strip off all of our metal and go talk with them, leaving the rest behind here to guard the keys and the rest of our gear."
From: Karl
Subject Retreat
Salix shrugs. "I have no idea what they are, but they have a lot of teeth and don't look like anything I've ever seen."
From: Kevin
Subject Retreat
Harp is surprised to see the group come running back up the hallway, Mund yelling and Allistair saying something about getting back to the white dragons room. Well, whatever they had seen was making Allistair concerned, so better to move now and ask questions later. As he watches Mund run by yelling to follow him, Harp pipes up to the others "MOVE, NOW!!! Follow Mund" With that, he draws his sword and wil take rear guard as they back toward the main room and move toward the white dragons room.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair considers Mund's idea. "I think that might be a good idea. We might be able to keep our weapons and armor, but I'm not sure. These creatures aren't like the dreaded rust monster, where just contact with it's body will cause it to crumble to dust. These creatures are native to the elemental plane of earth, and they eat metal for sustenance like we eat grains and meat. If they've been here a while, they could be starving for metal and might go into a frenzy if they detect our metal."
"We have gotten some gold and such from some of the creatures we have killed, haven't we? Maybe we could bribe/sell it to them in exchange for safe passage."
From: Porter
Subject Plan
"Do you think they've got a hankering for mithril? I don't want to lose this breastplate."
From: Mark
Subject Plan
:evil grin:
From: Porter
Subject Plan
OOC:
Hey, leave that crap back with Griff. I don't fancy the idea of playing in a universe where even the gods have to do what Griff says. :p
From: Mark
Subject Plan
Hey these are intelligent non evil creatures. You should be able to work something out.
From: Porter
Subject Plan
"OK, let's make a pile of metal stuff that we want to make sure they don't eat, including my armor and all the keys," Mund says while removing his breastplate.
"Also, does anybody have anything I could use as a club?"
From: Derek
Subject Plan
"Like I said, the more precious the better. Exotic metals like mithril and adamantium are like the most succulent sweetmeats and richest pastries to them. They also love gold, silver, and platinum like we would a rare steak or a roast duck. They also eat base metals like iron, copper, and lead, but they are just for sustenance like we would live off of barley and gruel if we didn't have a choice."
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
Harp listens to Mund as he formulates a plan. But what if these creatures were chasing after them right now? THe ogre had been able to leave the room, as had the flaming dogs, but the water elemental had not be able to leave. Where did that leave them now? Who knew?
"OK Mund, that's a good idea. Lets keep anything we don't want to loose aside, but lets not be too hasty on this. First, I think we need to find out if these things can leave that room. Mund, you are the fastest of us here, probably moreso without your armor. You can probably use the club the ogre had back in the first room, but I think speed will be your best weapon here.
I hate to suggest it, but someone needs to head back to the room and see if those things are still in there or not. If they are, then someone needs to try to parlay with them, if we can. Our history in this place for working with these things has not been good, but maybe these things are so far out of our world we can work something out."
From: Porter
Subject Plan
After ridding himself of his armor, axe, and favorite knife, Mund says "OK, I'll run down and check on our gear, then I'll go check to see if the metaleaters are still there, then I'll come back and report."
If nobody protests, Mund will go check on the stuff. If it's OK, he'll go back to the door and say through it "hello door?" to see if he can get a response. If he gets a response or not, he'll immediately return and let everybody know the situation.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
OOC: Does anyone have an image of Elan running around with his improved armor class? Too bad Mund does not have an 18 charisma.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
OOC: What gear do we have that isn't with us?
From: Porter
Subject Plan
Mund brought all of his saddlebags in here, but hasn't been carrying them around.
From: Mark
Subject Plan
The way it sounded, the party would have only had the items that they were carrying for advernturing. So bed rolls, camp equipment, etc would still be in the main room.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
OOC: Can anybody think of anything Mund can use as a club, besides that ogre club which will probably be too big?
Or can Mund use that giant club as a 2-handed war club?
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
He can use it. There are minus to attack with out certain feats, which Mund does not have.
So he can use the club, but will take minuses.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
What minuses, and what feats?
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair says to Mund as he gets ready to leave, "As long as we have the keys and our good weapons and armor with us, I don't think there's anything in the main room that is irreplacable or worth fighting over. If you do see the Xorn, don't provoke them. They're generally peaceful, they just might be very hungry, the same way you would be if you had been stuck in a room for several weeks."
He then says to Harp, "Why don't we pool together some of the gold, etc. that we've gotten from some of these creatures, like the ogre and the giant? If they're hungry, I'd bet they're a lot more cooperative after they've had a bite to eat."
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
I will have to check when I get home, but the feats do not really matter since he does not have them and is unlikely to get them soon.
I seem to remember that it is a -4 to hit, but will want to verify.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
I'm just wonder what the -4 is for. War Club is a martial weapon, and Mund is proficient in it.
From: Mark
Subject Test
Porter and Derek
I am going to ask you to hold off any more role play for a while. I want to make sure that everyone is getting the mailing list e-mails.
If you get this e-mail please let me know. I want to wait until every one has checked in before I move this along. I am afraid that some players are not getting what is happening.
Thanks
From: Porter
Subject test
Got it.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
That's right. Back in D&D 2E, you could wield 2-handed a 1-handed weapon for creatures a size larger than you. But not in 3E.
From: Kevin
Subject Test
I got this one. But I still never received the original version of this turn.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
"Good idea Allistair. If any of you have anything that may interest these things, lets toss it in."
With that, Harp looks at the Ring of Sustenance Angelwing had given him. It had benn given to him by his superior, with the knowledge that Harp was not really prepared for this task, and Harp had not really gotten used to having it around. He turns to Allistair "Do these things like magical metal items? I have this ring that has a small enchantment on it - maybe it would be usefu."
Harp aint given up his sword.
From: Derek
Subject Test
I got it too.
From: Randy
Subject Test
Got it.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair looks at the small ring. "I can't say for sure, but I doubt that a magically infused metal would taste any better to them than a non-magical one. Xorn aren't magical creatures per se, (OOC forget what Allistair first said,that was wrong...) they are simply from the elemental plane of earth and they require metals for sustenance. As long as we don't go flashing things like that mithril breastplate in front of them, I think they would be happy to have gold, silver, and platinum coins and not be too interested in our items made of 'baser' metals such as iron or steel unless they were still starving.
From: Karl
Subject Test
I got this, but I have no idea if it was due to being in the list.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
OOC: Harp will want Mund to take Salix or Allistair with him - Salix because he has the strongest desire to work this out without causing bloodshed, Allistair because he knows the most about them. Maybe Allistair can talk to Salix about these things, and Salix can use that to his best advantage.
Salix also has a better AC and can keep his non-metallic armor on.
From: Porter
Subject Plan
OOC: Salix is also pretty darn good at either magicking stuff or turning into a bear and being a front-line.
Plan and more clubs
Subject Down the hallway
Salix will do whatever Harp requires. s
From: Jason
Subject Test
Got the message, for some reason I didn't check my email before I left work yesterday, only at lunch... Hope I haven't held things up.
From: Porter
Subject Coins
"I picked up this small bag of coins from the giant we just killed. It ain't much, but it's something, and it should be tasty for them."
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
Here is the section from the PHB about weapon sizes and penalties.
Inappropriately Sized Weapons: A creature can't make optimum use of a weapon that isn't properly sized for it. A cumulative --2 penalty applies on attack rolls for each size category of difference between the size of its intended wielder and the size of its actual wielder. If the creature isn't proficient with the weapon a --4 nonproficiency penalty also applies.
The measure of how much effort it takes to use a weapon (whether the weapon is designated as a light, one-handed, or two-handed weapon for a particular wielder) is altered by one step for each size category of difference between the wielder's size and the size of the creature for which the weapon was designed. If a weapon's designation would be changed to something other than light, one-handed, or two-handed by this alteration, the creature can't wield the weapon at all.
So since the ogres club was sized for a L creature instead of an M creature, Mund would have a -2 to attack with it.
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
Sorry I just checked and the ogre had a greatclub sized for a large creature. A greatclub is a two handed weapon. Mund would not be able to use the weapon at all.
From: Mark
Subject Test
Ok I have heard from Ashley and Jason, but not Josh. I will wait until late tomorrow morning and write up a turn then.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
Is there a dragon bone that Mund can use as a club?
From: Derek
Subject Clubs
What about the table with the key on it? Could you rip off a leg from the table?
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
To get a dragon bone of proper proportions would require a bit of work, as the dragon is not that decomposed yet. Salix would also have to help "Guide" Mund as to where to look.
The table leg might be the better bet.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
Mund really likes the idea of working with Salix and Allistair, the two members of the party that he gets along with best.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
OOC: We could have Mund, Kal and Harp got together. They've all gotten along together really well so far...
IC: "I'm willing to go and help try to talk to them, see if can reach a peaceful aggreement. Can we get a pile of all the metal that we've acquired here so far? Also, does anyone remember if those Grimlocks had metal weapons or not? There have been so many different kinds of creatures we've encountered, I don't remember any more."
Allistair takes off his sword (as yet unused) and his crossbow and bolts (also unused) and puts them in the pile of weapons and armor that Mund started.
Back to the room
Subject Back to the room
Mund pales a bit when he hears that these things eat metal. "They ain't getting my armor, no siree." The party quickly decides to send Salix, Allistair, Surin and Mund back down to the room where the Xorn are. "Hey, if they eat metal, maybe I should have a club or something first" Mund says. "What about one of those table legs in that room where the giant was?" Surin pipes up, "That table was only a couple of feet high and the legs weren't that sturdy. How about the club the ogre was using? You know from the first room?" Mund nods and starts to go get the ogre's club. "Mund?" Salix says "Did you say you needed a club? I have an extra in my pack. No self respecting druid is ever with out a club and a spare. You can borrow mine extra it you want." Mund accepts the club with joy.
Allistair comes over and talks to Harp and the others. "You know, it is possible that the Xorn's can not tunnel out of that room. If they were able to I would have thought they would have found us by now. Just like that one room with the undead creature who could reach through our armor seemed like it could not leave it's room, or the elemental could not leave it's room. I think part of the enchantment here may be to keep certain things in their rooms. What type of challenge would these Xorn's be if they could just move through the stone and leave the place? So my thinking is that they are trapped in that room. I could be wrong though."
Harp brightens at the thought that they will not be followed but then remembers that this might force them to fight. "It's as good as it will ever be" Mund announces, holding up the club. :OK" Harp says. "You, Allistair and Salix will take the small amount of metal that we have on us and go try and talk our way by these things. Let's hope they can pass through the door. If they can't this may get ugly. Salix, I know I can count on you to do your best to resolve this with out bloodshed, but do not risk our lives. The overall mission must be accomplished. If they have to be killed, I will understand if you do not want to participate, but we will kill them." Salix keeps his council to himself but nods towards the 1/2 orc.
The three make their way back to the main room, followed by the rest of the party. When they get there, the others stop and wait while the three continue on. "We will wait here until we hear from you or you come back" Harp says. "Be safe." The three nod and move down the hall. When they get to the door Salix takes his place in the front and raps the door with his club. The voice from the other side responds almost immediately. Deep and resonate, in halting common it comes "Hello, who are you and why have you brought us here?" Salix had been expecting this question. "We did not bring you here. We are trapped here, just as you are. One of our party recognized you and said that you are Xorn. Is that true?"
"That is the name those not of our plane call us. Our name is " and a long, rumbling sound, filled with tones of the earth and rock, comes from the creature. "But you would not be able to pronounce it, I would expect. In this language I am called 'Deep Delver'. If you did not bring us here, do you know who did?" Salix was afraid that this question would be asked.
OODM: I would like Karl to let me know how Salix will answer this question.
From: Karl
Subject Back to the room
"I'm am not sure. I have been told that this place was constructed by a god or gods, but the god to whom I pledge my allegiance does not reveal any knowledge of this place to me.
"We are seeking our own exit from this place and believe we need to enter your room or perhaps pass through it. We do not intend harm to you if such can possibly be avoided. We know that you find sustenance from what we call 'metal'. Though we need 'metal' for other things than food, we have brought you an offering of what metal we can spare as a token of our good will. May we enter in peace and may we have your pledge of peace as we discuss how we all must proceed?"
Salix waits for their reply and will use all his skills (sense motive, etc) to determine if they seem trustworthy.
From: Kevin
Subject Back to the room
Mark, I got Karl's response (thanks Karl for including the turn) but I have not gotten the original turn. I can make due with the copy Karl included.
From: Mark
Subject Back to the room
"Ah the gods built this place. That would explain why we can not leave. Normally walls such as these mean nothing to us, but we have been unable to leave." There is more conversation is another language, several voices, all sounding similiar to the first voice but with different resonances.
"We would like to talk, but are wary, as we are sure you are wary. Situations like these require caution. The offer of food is welcome, as we are hungry. What is your name? I have given you mine. We are four. How many are you?" To Salix's ears the questions seem in earnest and straight forward.
Questions
Subject Questions
From: Mark
Subject Questions
OOC: Just so there is no mistake, there are 8 total people in our party, right?
IC: Allistair whispers into Salix's ear. "Better be completely honest. 3 people here , and 5 others resting in another room X feet away (OOC: I don't know how many feet there are per square on the map. The white dragon room is 35 squares away.) . Also be sure to point out that we need a metal key, and if they eat it we will probably be trapped here forever."
From: Mark
Subject Questions
On the dungeon map the squares are 10 feet. On the battle map the squares are 5 feet.
This is mainly due to the fact that this dungeon was designed over 20 years ago and in 1st edition everything was done in 10 foot squares. I have to admit though that I like the 5 foot square combat system.
From: Karl
Subject Questions
"My name is Salix, Wealdward of the Druids of the Great Woods. I and my companions are three at your door, and five more tending to our supplies in another part of this construct. We respect and share your desire for caution. May we have your promise to not attack us if we open the door to speak with you? We want to avoid a fight if possible and will not attack you if you pledge to harm none in our party nor take any of our supplies.
In the room, Delver, treasure
Subject Talk at the door
"Let me discuss with the others" comes the reply. For the next several minutes the three at the door hear a heated converstation through the door. While they do not understand the language, there is something familiar about the pattern and the rise and fall of the conversation. When Deep Delver talks in common again it is almost a surprise.
"Some of my companions do not trust you, but I have convinced them that we have no options at this point. If you betray us, it is not our responsiblity, but yours. We will move back some from the door and then you and your companions may enter."
Salix detects no lie in the voice.
From: Karl
Subject Talk at the door
Salix whispers to his companions, "If we enter and close the door, the others might not hear us if we need their aid. If we leave the door open, the Xorn may be able to exit through the open door. Mund, you should enter first, then me, then Allistair. You two remain near the door. I will speak with the creatures after we enter. If there is trouble, we must exit and try to reshut the door and call for the others."
If there are no objections, he will call to the Xorn, "We are coming in. We mean you no harm."
From: Mark
Subject Talk at the door
"We have moved away from the door. You may enter."
Salix looks at the other two and pushes the latch that opens the door. Mund, his club at his side, moves through the open door. Salix and Allistair follow. They see the four creatures about 40 feet away, standing is a group. The one in front makes a gesture towards the three and speaks "Well met, Salix of the Great Woods. My companions are Follows Ore, Rock Head and Metal Master. What are you companions names?" Delves Deeply motions to the other three as he names names. Salix and the other are a bit disconcerted by the way the Xorn are shaped.
Their mouths are on top of thier bodies, with three eyes, arms and legs evenly spaced around the central torso. The design looks very stable and powerful. Mund thinks to himself, "How do you get to the backside of something that has no backside?"
From: Karl
Subject Talk at the door
Salix cannot keep his eyes off the creatures, "Forgive my curiosity. I have never seen beings like you before. My companions here are Mund, and Allistair" Salix replies, motioning to his companions in turn. "You said you were hungry. As we said, we have brought what metal we can spare as a token of our good intent. May we ask how long you have been here and how you came to be here?"
(OOC - Salix is also scanning the room for any other creatures or objects he might see. He especially wants to see if there is another door, indicating the key they are searching for might not be in this room.)
From: Mark
Subject In the room
"Hello, Allistair and Mund" Delver says. He again makes a gesture with one arm/claw. "Time means little to us who do not dwell under the glowing orbs you surface dwellers call suns. We have not been here long, by our reconing, but had been out looking for food when we came here. How we came to be here is something I was hoping you could answer. Your gift is appriciated. If you would toss it over this way, Follows Ore will retrive it."
Trying to not be too obvious about it, Salix looks around the room he sees that it fills the space that they were expecting. He sees no other doors or passageways. He also does not see any tables like they have found in other rooms.
From: Porter
Subject In the room
"Hello guys. Here's a snack." Mund tosses some coins on the ground at their -- feet?
"Have any of y'all found any other doors or passageways in this room, or a small metal key? It will help us all get out of here."
From: Karl
Subject In the room
(OOC - I'm assuming we put all the metal stuff in a bag, perhaps the one we got from the ogre that had other coins in it.)
Salix takes the bag and tosses it towards the creatures lightly. "We do not know how you came to be here, other than it must be the will of the gods who built this place. I know that is small consolation and not much of an answer, but it is all that I know about the workings of this place. We have encountered other creatures here and all of them were hostile and could not be reasoned with. You seem like reasonable beings and I hope that we can avoid conflict.
"We are trying to get out of this place, ourselves. We are looking for a key which we believe to be in this room. Have you found anything in this room, perhaps made of metal, probably about this size" he indicates the general size of the other keys they have found.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
I just realized that I do not think I ever gave the party the exact amount of gold that the ogre had or the hill giant. I will do that when I get home tonight.
The Grimlocks used battle axes, and there were 6 of them, so Salix and party can have those six axes.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
"We have seen no other doors or ways out. If we had we would have used them. What is a 'key'? We have not smelled any metal in this room."
From: Mark
Subject Delver talks
As the Xorn next to Delves Deep moves forward to grab the tossed bag, Delves answers. "We have not sensed any metal in this room, other than that on the door. We can smell metal from short distances and have been all over this room."
From: Porter
Subject Delver talks
"Do you mind if we look around, to see if maybe there is a hidden door somewhere?"
From: Karl
Subject Treasure
In that case, let's say that Salix and party have up the coins, but retained - for the time being - the axes. Can we say at this point that they left three of them outside the room as reserves and each kept one. Salix's intent would be to make a gift of the coins, but would retain some other metal to bargain with in case they needed to.
From: Derek
Subject In the room
Allistair speaks up. "A key is a device used to open a mechanism that otherwise keeps a door from being opened. We have found several so far, including ones made from copper, iron, etc. In the main room of this god's construct, there is a large central door with holes for the keys. We believe we have to gather all the keys before we can open those locks and leave this place."
"Some of the other passageways did not at first appear to have a key, but upon careful inspection we have found keys that were hidden, or cleverly hidden doorways that led to other rooms. I beleive your claim that there is no metal key here, for your acute abilities would have detected it. I might assume there could be a hidden doorway, but certainly you are as capable, if not more so, than us in detecting such a thing. Also from what we have so far mapped out of this place, all four walls of this room have other hallways that we have already visited. Still, it couldn't hurt if you let us also take a look. Perhaps our different sensory organs will enable us to find something that could have been overlooked?"
From: Mark
Subject Delver talks
There is some chattering between Delves and one of the Xorns in the back. "For the moment, we think you should stay were you are. Unless there is some good reason for rushing this. We would like a bit more time before we commit to such an action. Normally I would say that we would know if there are any doors but with the magic of this place you might be right."
As Delve is talking, the Xorn next to him is opening the bag and passing out the coins in it to the others.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
Not a problem. The axes would not be as tempting of quality, but definitly more volume.
From: Karl
Subject In the room
OOC - Do we know that it is metal? I mean, it's conceivable that it's something else right? Or perhaps of a type of material unknown to human or Xorn.)
"A 'key' in our language is an item one needs to pass through a barrier. Doors, such as these, often have locks, or mechanisms to seal them shut. A key would be an item that undoes the lock. Have you found any other objects in this room? It's possible a key might not be metal at all."
From: Karl
Subjectd: IN the room
(OOC-Mark, you can ignore parts of Salix's comments that overlap anything Mund or Allistair have said or done. )
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
Not a problem.
From: Karl
Subject In the room
Salix still would like a response about any "other" object that might have been found by the Xorn in this room. (Long shot, I know. Just covering all the bases.)
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
(OOC - Salix should still be sensing motive, so can I assume he still believes these guys are in earnest? )
"We have been here several days and are anxious to leave. Nevertheless, we will give you some time to talk. We are going to return to our companions and will check back with you shortly." Salix motions for the others to join him and leave and shut the door.
From: Derek
Subject In the room
Allistair nods in agreement. "Of course. Take all the time you need."
After taking a few minutes of looking at the Xorns, Allistair realizes that while thier radial symmetry gives them excellent 360 degree eyesight, their eyes being on the sides of their stiff body probably makes it difficult for them to look up or down.
"If you don't mind me interrupting again, I might point out that due to the shape and configuration of your bodies it would probably be difficult for you to see something that is down low or up high. If at some point you would allow us to search the room, we could concentrate on the floor, ceiling, and edges where it's probably a little difficult for you to see well."
OOC: How high is the ceiling in this room? What does it look like? Does a cursory look at the ceiling reveal anything?
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
The ceiling is the same as the rest of the place, 30-40 feet high. It looks like all the other ceilings. It looks like there might be something in the middle of the room, hanging from the ceiling.
From: Ashley
Subject IN the room
Surin was amazed that for once, they might be able to reason. He gives Salix an encouraging glance, and takes in the sights of the room. Looking at the strange creatures, and hearing them talk, takes the edge off of his fear. "I take it that stuff's pretty tasty there, huh Deep? I could go for a bite to eat myself." He looks through his pockets, finds a forgotten piece of hard tack, and munches on it a bit. "What I wouldn't give for somethin' nice and hot about now."
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
Um, do I need a turn where Salix is startled that Surin followed them there and then they all die horribly in a surprise attack from the Xorn because one again Salix appears to have lied?
From: Porter
Subject In the room
Originally Surin was going to be with the other three, but then it was written up without him. I have no idea why.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
No because Surin did not go to the room with the others. I distinctly remember not writing him in. Did I put Surin in somewhere I shouldn't have?
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
I thought it was decided that only three were going to go. If Surin went I have no problem with Salix telling the Xorn the correct thing, since after the room with the manitcores, it would be a sore subject for him.
Just let me know if you all want Surin there.
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
Well, if it's no problem re-tro adding him, Salix *was* kinda wishing he was there. I certainly couldn't hurt to have a good spotter, de-trapper in the room.
If he *is* there, then let's go with Allistair spotting the thing hanging from the ceiling. I'll let him respond first, since he thought to look up. Maybe we can get the Xorn to let us check it out.
Personally, I'd like a write up of something before I reply again since I'm sorta confused at this point as to who is where and what was said last, etc.
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
And please don't ask me why I hyphenated "retro" and not "retro-adding". It's been a looooong day.
From: Porter
Subject IN the room
"Huh. What's that?" Mund says as he approaches the thing hanging from the ceiling.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
Well since Allistair has not brought it to everyones attention yet, lets hold off on Mund mentioning it. It is over 30 feet in the air.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
I will do a write up tonight.
From: Porter
Subject in the room
I want Mund to look up at the ceilings when his brother mentions them. Does he notice the thing hanging from the ceiling?
From: Mark
Subject In the room
I will check tonight. It is a really small object and Mund's spot roll is not the best. :)
From: Derek
Subject In the room
OOC: Sorry, I've been busy for the past couple of hours.
IC: Allistair taps Salix and Mund's shoulder while they are near the door. "Take a look on the ceiling in the center of the room. It looks like something might be hanging from there, but it's a little hard to make out. Maybe one of you can see it better?"
From: Ashley
Subject in the room
Now I'm just confused. Sorry everyone
From: Mark
Subject in the room
Don't worry Ashley. Just part of the problem with 8 people playing, several days between turns and different expectations.
From: Mark
Subject Retcon
This is a slight retcon of the first discussion. Surin was present. Please just add him in to the scenario.
"My name is Salix, Wealdward of the Druids of the Great Woods. I and my companions are four at your door, and four more tending to our supplies in another part of this construct. We respect and share your desire for caution. May we have your promise to not attack us if we open the door to speak with you? We want to avoid a fight if possible and will not attack you if you pledge to harm none in our party nor take any of our supplies.
"Let me discuss with the others" comes the reply. For the next several minutes the four at the door hear a heated conversation through the door. While they do not understand the language, there is something familiar about the pattern and the rise and fall of the conversation. When Deep Delver talks in common again it is almost a surprise.
"Some of my companions do not trust you, but I have convinced them that we have no options at this point. If you betray us, it is not our responsibility, but yours. We will move back some from the door and then you and your companions may enter."
Salix whispers to his companions, "If we enter and close the door, the others might not hear us if we need their aid. If we leave the door open, the Xorn may be able to exit through the open door. Mund, you should enter first, then me the Surin, then Allistair. You three remain near the door. I will speak with the creatures after we enter. If there is trouble, we must exit and try to reshut the door and call for the others."
The following happens after Allistair realizes that the Xorns may not be able to see up high.
Allistair taps Salix, Surin and Mund's shoulder while they are near the door. "Take a look on the ceiling in the center of the room. It looks like something might be hanging from there, but it's a little hard to make out. Maybe one of you can see it better?"
The four peer up at the ceiling trying to make out what is there. Mund's eyes are not up to the task (Spot check, DC20, 15+3=18, fail). "Theres something there, but I can't make out what it is" he says. Allistair's luck in not much better (Spot check, DC20, 12+3=15, fail) but Salix's half elven eyes can see it easily (DC20, 19+7=26, success). "It is a copper key with some type of jewel in it. It is suspended from the ceiling by something, maybe a fine string or metal wire. It is hard to tell" Surin pipes up "It is a fine, thin twine I think"(DC20, 12+11=23, success).
"Delver. We have found what we are looking for. It is suspended from the ceiling of this room."
OODM: I will let the four players take it from here.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
Besides the keys the party has found they have found the following.
Ogre, 55 GP
Grimlocks, 6 battle axes
Hill giant, 350 GP, 1 small silver chalice with gems.
From: Porter
Subject Treasure
Your description of what we got from the Hill Giant was:
Dirty pieces of clothing, a pot, a large flint and steel, pieces of food, something that looks like a human leg, probably female, several copper coins and a silver coin. And a small vial of a green liquid.
Which is correct?
If Mund is carrying around that much money from the hill giant (he's carrying the money from him), Mund would have objected a long time ago to giving it all to the Xorn.
Negotiations, the key, turn and elementals
Subject Negotiations
Also, I don't think Salix would have been stupid enough to give it all to them. He's probably have given them around 50 gold pieces since there is only 4 of them, and would not even have mentioned or offered the chalice or battle axes.
I was under the impression that we only had a few coins and most were copper. I'll be glad for the larger estimate, but let me know whatever the decision is. Also, do Xorn eat gems?
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
No problem with how much coinage was given to the Xorn. Also, no mention was made of the chalice or the axes to the Xorn so that is not a problem.
No mention is made of gems, so I would say they do not eat them.
From: Kevin
Subject Negotiations
OOC: Mark, i think the way you ended this - the last line seems to imply that the party has told Delver that what we are looking for is in their room and it is hanging from the ceiling (unsure as to who said it - Salix or Surin). They are probably waiting for a response from Delver.
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
"Alley, do you think one of your magic arrows could break the string that key is hanging from?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I know. I have just been swamped at work this morning.
I hope to get something out at lunch or early this afternoon.
From: Derek
Subject The key
Allistair tries to get a look at the string and key that Salix was able to see so easily. "I'm... don't think so. The specific energies of this spell, while causing damadge to living creatures, don't seem to have any effect on inanimate objects." (OOC: I'm pretty sure that's how MM works, and Allistair would know for sure. Mark will say otherwise if I'm wrong) "I could fly up and get it, but I'd have to rest before so that I could memorize that spell."
Allistair considers another moment. "I think we might be able to get it right now though, if the Xorn don't mind. I have an interesting spell that enchants a rope to rise up in the air and enter a small extra-dimensional space that can be used for hiding or escape. If I can get the rope high enough, than maybe we can reach the key."
OOC: The rope trick spell says up to 30', and Mark said the ceiling is 30' to 40' high, so it's his call whether or not we can get there with Rope Trick.
From: Mark
Subject The key
You can always try. Of course you would have to convice the Xorn to let you cast an unknown spell in their presence.
As far as I am concerned Allistair would have to see the string to target it. Also since It is assumed that MM passes through armor and robes and such, I do not feel that it can be used to sunder items.
From: Karl
Subject The key
Salix replies, "I still have a prayer to produce a flame I can hurl, but the Xorn might mistake that as a weapon. Rather than that, I could summon a small elemental and send it up to get the key for us. An Air elemental should do nicely, I think."
(OOC - I was also thinking a fire elemental would be useful since it could burn through the string. However, I don't know if fire elementals can fly. It doesn't mention they can in the source material I read. I could be wrong though. Mark?)
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
I see no mention that fire elementals can fly. However, my books are at home so I will check tonight and let you know.
From: Karl
Subject Elementals
It's not really an issue if I can use an air elemental. I imagine if the thing has attack capabilities it should be able to either break or untie a string.
Do you want me to roll-play asking the Xorn for permission to summon an air elemental to get it for us or are we still waiting on a write-up?
If you want to just write it up, Salix will ask for permission as stated above, and will offer, if necessary another 100-200 gold coins as needed to complete the bargain.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I can write it up tonight.
From: Porter
Subject Elementals
OOC: Good thinking, Karl.
From: Derek
Subject Elementals
Allistair remembers something at Salix's mention of an elemental.
"I don't know if that would be a good idea or not. Remember that these Xorn are from the plane of earth, and earth and air get along about as well as water and fire do. Although it can't hurt to ask, I suppose."
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
JUst to let you know I did mention that to Karl but not to the group. :)
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Just to let you know I just had an eye appointment and can barely read the books or the computer screen. I am having my wife proof read this so I do not make any mistakes. I plan on doing a turn later tonight, after the eyes return to normal.
To summarize where we are at, Salix, Surin, Mund and Allistair are in the room with the Xorn and negotiating. Salix has given the Xorn some gold to munch on and they have discovered a copper key hanging by a thread or something from the ceiling, 30-40 feet up. Salix is going to try and negotiate for the party to get the key down.
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
The Xorn's, busily munching on the gold coins that Salix had tossed their way, barely hear the conversation between the party members. Salix has to call to Delver to get his attention. "Delver,I think we might have found what we were looking for. There is a small object hanging from the ceiling. We are fairly sure it is the key we seek.
It is hanging from a string in the center of the room 30 feet or so above you. We ask your permission for me to summon an elemental creature that can fly up and retrieve the key for us. This creature will be under my control at all times and you have my word it will not harm you in any way. It is also very small compared to your own size and it will be alone."
Delver talks to the others as they continue eating the gold coins. After some seconds he replies "Friend Salix, you have our permission to do this thing. We will move to one of the corners so that your creature may do your bidding." The Xorn's move off to the corner opposite the door and sort of hunch down, each of them trying to keep at least two eyes on what is happening.
Salix sighs in relief. After all the killing, finally a challenge that did not involve death. At least not yet. Salix moves to the middle of the room, with Allistair and Mund just behind him. Surin stays at the door. When the druid gets to the middle of the room he calls out to Delver again. "I am going to send one of my companions back to the rest of our party to let them know what is going on. They might be getting worried since they have not heard from us. The halfling, Surin will go report to them and come right back. Is this agreeable to you?" Delver nods his body in what looks to be agreement and Salix motions for the halfling to do as he said. Surin hustles as fast as he can and reports back to the others.
He returns just as Salix is ready to summon the elemental. Salix starts the chant of creature summoning and summons a small air elemental. The small cloud appears in his hand and makes a whistling sound, like a fast breeze. Salix makes a whistling sound back and the swirling air leaps from his hand and straight at the string that the key is hanging from. For the next several seconds the cloud swirls around the thin string, small lightning bolt and claps of thunder coming from it. Again and again it attacks the string to no obvious effect. After a little more than half a minute the creature dissipates, like a fog on a windy morning.
Salix hears Delver call to him. "Friend Salix, it looks to me like things did not go the way you expected them to go. What will you do now? Also, you don't happen to have any more of that tasty gold on you, do you?" The voice is almost plaintive.
OODM: Next idea. Just a quick note. Although I did not show the rolls, the elemental was not able to damage the string holding the key. It was making sunder attacks.
From: Porter
Subject Sunder
OOC: How well can Mund see the string? Could he sunder it with an arrow?