Clearing the way, checkin, Surin out front
Subject Clearing the way
Salix looks on in disgust. These people valued death more than life. He wanted to be the one to purge the world of their taint, but that was not his mission. His mission was to rescue Acer. After they had done that, maybe they could do something more. "Surin, Kal keep a listen at the west door. Ally, you and I will keep watch on the southern door. The rest of you drag those bodies back to the pit. It might give us a few minutes leeway when they are discovered missing."
As the party members scramble around, the stronger members carrying bodies back down the hallway after stripping them of most of their gear. Their equipment is fairly basic, not nearly the quality that the party already has. Harp makes sure to keep several of the torn and bloodied tabards. The guard's bodies are quickly disposed of and the eight party members are back in the room in short order. The party also found 27 silver pieces, 59 copper pieces and 10 gold pieces. Surin looks at Salix and the druid nods. Surin takes the coins and puts them in his bag, making sure they don't make any noise.
"Surin, any idea of which way we should go?" The halfling shrugs "I've been listening and checking and both doors look the same. The one on the west wall looks like it might be used more than the one on the south, but other than that, I'd flip a copper piece."
OODM: Which door?
From: Kevin
Subject Clearing the way
"The west one it is. If there is no clear sign one way or the other, lets go with the one that is more used.
Surin, you take the lead until we see something. Kal, you and Mund stay as close as Surin says. The rest of us will give you some more space."
From: Porter
Subject Clearing the way
Mund sees what that he's trying to do and drops the man like a hot yam. That just ain't right, a man doin' that to hisself. Gives him the creeps.
Mund goes ahead and drops his body down into the pit, but now it ain't not enjoyable-like like it should be. He don't even look to make sure it gets impaled on the spikes.
"Well, that was useless. The survivor, I mean. Good spell you cast there, elf."
"Let's get a move-on."
From: Mark
Subject Check in
I would like everyone to check in just to make sure no one wants to do anything before I move on.
From: Kevin
Subject Check in
Just check to see if there is anything that looks like it might be of some use (a map of the area, listing of prisoners and where they are kept, special instructions from Faldor, etc.).
From: Kevin
Subject Check in
I am also checking in for Harp, Surin and Salix.
From: Jason
Subject Check in
I'll just check in, nothing Ragnar wants to do here.
From: Josh
Subject Check in
Kal nods and waits for Surin's lead.
From: Josh
Subject Return
Do we know when Karl and Chris are coming back?
From: Derek
Subject Check in
Allistair's ready to go too. He's also impressed with Kal's spell, and will be asking him about it later.
From: Randy
Subject Check in
Check.
From: Mark
Subject Return
They are supposed to be getting back on Saturday, May 5th. I do not know how quickly they will be getting back up to speed, having been gone for three weeks. They are in the middle of opening a Quiznos franchise, so I am sure that that will take some of their time.
From: Josh
Subject Clearing the way
"Well, that was useless. The survivor, I mean. Good spell you cast there, elf."
Kal looks at Mund a little surprised. "Thank you." And then stands ready for Surin's lead.
From: Mark
Subject Check in
Ok most everyone has checked in. I have an auction to run this afternoon so it will likely be tonight before I get a turn out. That will let Porter get a chance to check in.
Then the party will head through the west door.
From: Mark
Subject Surin out front
With Ran and Ragnar watching the southern door, Surin heads to the western door. Mund and Kal take up position near the door, ready to follow the halfling when signaled. Surin spends a few seconds looking over the latching mechanism on the door. "Not trapped. Good sign" he says to himself. Holding up a hand to signal silence, Surin works the mechanism and the door swings into the room a little bit. Both Kal and Surin can see some light through the crack in the door. Surin pulls the door open a bit more and slips through, motioning the other two to hold position. The hallway is short, only 5 feet or so. Surin takes a glimpse around the corner and sees a large room. The room is about 25X60. At the south end the last 10 feet or so are raised and there is an alter made of steel. The alter has pulley and clamps and chains and other objects that Surin is not sure of.
Along the east and west walls are lit braziers. These cauldrons are filled with burning coals that heat and also light the room with an eerie red light. Surin sees three other doors in the room. One is just across from where he just entered, and the other two are on the same wall as where he just came in, just further down the wall. Against the far wall, just past mid way down, Surin sees what must be a bloodhulk. The creature is the size of a large man and dressed in rags. However, the figure is bloated and distended veins criss cross its livid skin. The figure seems not to notice Surin and the halfling edges his way behind the brazier right next to him. His skin prickles at the heat and sweat starts to form under his armor. Just then Surin hears a door open and he freezes where he is.
The door in the west wall opens and a man walks through dragging a small figure by its arm. The man is dressed in rust colored robes with a skull and scythe symbol on them. As he drags the figure behind him Surin can hear him talking "Come on little one. Faldor has given me the high honor of preparing the sacrificial dagger and it must be cleansed in the blood of an innocent. That means you." As the man moves past where Surin is, the halfling stifles a gasp of shock. The figure is a little girl, maybe 5 or 6 years old. She is nude. Her hair is matted and she is filthy, but the worst part is the vacant look in her eyes. She stumbles along after the man, whimpers coming from her. The man continues "This is going to hurt. A lot. You can scream and yell all you want. In fact I encourage it. My master feeds on the fear and the pain."
The man leads the child to the alter and lowers one of the restraints. He starts putting the girl into the restraints and the child begins to realize what is about to happen. She starts to scream, a pitiful thing at first, but growing in panic and power as the man traps her down and then starts to raise the metal form she is tied to. The man then starts pulling on one of the chains and the girl is hoisted into the air, feet first. Surin realizes what is going to happen and hurries back to where the party is. "Girl, 5 or 6. Cleric is going to sacrifice her. He is stringing her up now. There is a bloodhulk in the room."
OODM: Actions or questions. Time is of the essence.
Surprise, round 1 actions
Subject Surprise
OOC: Guys, I am not sure, but I am going to make some assumptions here. I think we will get the surprise round in this encounter. We will get one standard action or one move action before the initiative count is done. In this case, they will be move actions once we open the door and move into the room. My assumption is that on the surprise round move action, we will all move into the room, albeit to different locations. On the first regular round, assuming the evil guys dont totally smoke us on initiative (remember, Mark will be giving us a +4 bonus on initiative since we had surprise) our special people can do their special things and then close if needed while the fighter types can close first and then take a standard action attack.
I do not mean to be writing for your characters. If there is something you want to change, add, delete, please do so.
IC:
How many more of these abominations were they going to have to endure. Adults could look after themselves, but small children?? This he could not allow.
Looking at the group, Salix says "We can't let this happen, agreed? Harp, what would be the best way to do this quickly?"
Harp thinks for just a few seconds. "Mund, Ran, Ragnar and me take the bloodhulk. You, Allistair and Kal go after the cleric. Surin heads down toward that far door in case he tries to run out that way. If Ragnar can turn the bloodhulk, then he and one of us can come help you while the other two finish that thing off. If Kal and Allistair shoot those mage arrows of theirs at the cleric while you close, you may be able to keep him from starting some type of evil prayer.
Good enough??"
Harp looks to Salix, who takes a quick look at the rest of the group looking for agreement
If they give consent, as they move toward the door Harp will cast Bless on the group.
OOC: Mark, Salix will have his scimitar out, Surin will have his throwing axe and as me moves into the room will move down the wall (I4 to I10 so he will be be ready in case the cleric tried to leave that way. Harp's group will move across the room toward the bloodhulk, with ragnar hopefully turning the bloodhulk when he gets in range. Salix's group will head toward the cleric, hopefully with Kal and Ally casting magic missle at the cleric until Salix and Kal can start skewering him.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
A comment on the movement.
Surin only moves 20 per round. Also, the can not move in a straight line down the wall, since the braziers are in the way. He can move behind them but at half speed, so each square with a brazier counts as 10 feet. Only Surin, who is small, can move behind a brazier.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
Ok, since I am still Surin, I see him going J3, I3, H4, H5 in the surprise round. 1st normal round, H6, H7, I8, I9 and then hide behind the brazier at I10
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
Surin pipes up as Harp tells of his plan "Let me sneak in first and get close. I can throw my axe at that guys back and give you a distraction while you come in."
OOC: Mark, I estimate it will take Surin 6 turns to get to I10, trying to move silently, right? If you agree, he will tell the others to give him a minute and enter the room.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
No I show it should take 5 rounds. He can move 10 feet per round when moving silent. So he can make I3 round 1, I4 round 2, I6 round 3, I7 round 4, I9 round 5. That puts him with in 30 feet of the guy at the alter.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
I was pretty close. Let's make that happen. Surin can watch for when the others enter the room and will use his action on the surprise round to sneak attack Mr. Cleric.
From: Jason
Subject Surprise
Ragnar is ok with that. He'll plan to follow Harp in and turn the bloodhulk.
From: Josh
Subject Surprise
Kal nods in consent, ready to move.
From: Josh
Subject Surprise
OOC: Now that I think about it, it might be a better idea for us all to team up on the cleric while someone (Mund or Harp, maybe Kal with his high AC dance) tanks the bloodhulk. The bloodhulk's going to be difficult to kill, but it won't be very tricksy. Who knows what the cleric's going to do.
From: Jason
Subject Surprise
Well hopefully Ragnar is going to be doing that with his turn attempt.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
My thoughts were: if Ragnar can turn the bloodhulk, then Ragnar and one of the fighter types can go help Salix and Kal. If Surin can get a good sneak attack in (the guy will have no dex bonus and does not appear to be wearing armor) and then Kal and Allistair get a couple of good MM attacks on him the round they close we can do some damage pretty quickly and make it hard for this guy to cast any spells. If we want, we can have Harp go with Salix, Kal and Allistair - Ragnar can try turning every round until he gets it. Once he does turn it, so long as Ragnar does not attack it, it will cower until the two beat the hell out of it. A defenseless unarmored opponent will not last long against Mund and Ran using full attacks. I doubt it will last 4 rounds against them in that position.
You are probably right, I will have Harp go with Salix, Kal and Allistair, just so we have some muscle over there.
Mark, would you adjust accordingly. Harp will cast bless on the group BEFORE Surin enters. He will then go with Salix's group toward the cleric.
Ragnar, Mund and Ran will go after the bloodhulk.
From: Jason
Subject Surprise
Isn't it possible he'll hear the bless being cast? Spellcasting isn't quiet. Personally I think bless is overkill on a surprise attack, 7v1 if Ragnar can get the turn sucessfully.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
We are over 60' away, in another room, with the door mostly closed, while he is moving chains and shackles around. He isn't going to hear us. If I can get an extra point on to hit and damage rolls for the cost of a 3rd level clerics 1st level spell, its worth it. We can save Ragnar's stuff for when we meet the BBEG.
From: Randy
Subject Surprise
Ran, already hearing the screaming, charges through the door at the mention of a little girl being set up for a sacrifice. He vaguely hears some of the others start talking as he moves but he does not stop. A child's life is in danger and so he moves to make sure she is not harmed.
OOC: I know this is going to screw up all of the meta-gaming but Ran would not wait to strategise in this situation. I'm not sure how far he can get, but he is going for the Cleric unless the blood hulk forces him to stop.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
Well that shit-cans everything else. Harp will run in after Ran, heading toward the bloodhulk. Guys, make your actions as best you can.
Salix will also follow Ran, heading for the cleric. Surin will move a little more cautiously, trying to get to where we had planned before (I9 or I10) so he can get a throw off at the cleric.
From: Jason
Subject Surprise
Ragnar will still try to turn the blood hulk.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
Ok lets hold off a bit more until we have heard from Porter and Derek.
I will be writing this up tonight. There is too much going on for me to do it at work.
From: Derek
Subject Surprise
Allistair is right behind Salix. They don't have time to plan if they want to save this girl from a terrible fate. As soon as Ally is in range and has line-of-sight, he will fire a MM at the evil priest.
From: Josh
Subject Surprise
Kal's going to run toward the Cleric and cast MM at him.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
I just want to be clear on some terms.
Running is a full round action where you move 4 times your speed, loose your DEX bonus to AC and can do nothing else.
Now if you want to make a move action and then a standard action to cast MM that is fine. But running and casting are out of the question.
Josh, I am fairly sure I know what you really want to do. I just need everyone to be careful. In the IC write up you can use whatever colorful language you want. However, in the OCC instructions, please let me know exactly what actions you want your character to take.
From: Derek
Subject Surprise
Thanks for being clear. OOC, Allistair will just take a move action and then fire a MM. IC the write-up will stay as it is.
From: Josh
Subject Surprise
Ditto for Kal.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
Surin takes another step into the room as the others in the party close around. The halfling gasps out what he had just seen. Salix and Harp start figuring out how they want to make their attack when the terrified screams of the little girl waft into the room like a rising whisper on the wind. Before anyone can stop him Ranthir, who had positioned himself in front of the door, pulls the door all the way open and bolts through the door, sword and shield drawn and ready. "Gods" Harp says " so much for a plan" and turns to follow after his friend. "I'll handle the bloodhulk" comes Ragnar's voice as the others follow Ranthir's charge.
OODM: Surprise round, people have moved into positions shown on the map. Give me your actions based on map location and Init order for round 1. If you do not like where you are let me know where you want to be but remember the movement rules.
Init for round 1.
Allistair, Surin, Kal, Harp, Ranthir, Mund, Salix, Ragnar, Man, Bloodhulk
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Kal will keep pace with Ran, and then cast MM when he's in range.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
He is in range now. MM is a long range spell. Remember you provoke AOO if you cast in a threatened square. Of course you can cast and then move.
From; Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
Assuming he's in range now, Allistair will immediately fire his MM and then stay where he is. (He'd just get in the way, most likely...)
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Man Ragnar is slow. Fortunately the room is pretty small. He'll advance on the bloodhulk and turn it (aiming to end up where Kal is now more or less, its not particularly important.)
IC: Ragnar is chagrined to see the others quickly pass him, even the halfling (who does have a head start.) Well all he really had to do was get into the room. As he rounds the corner, he takes in the scene that Surin had described to them. Even never having seen one before, he immediately recognizes the bloodhulk for what it is, and pauses before advancing more deliberately. Holding his shield boldly in front of him in both hands (his sword is sheathed), he says "Foul spawn of evil, in the name of my master I rebuke you! Hide your face lest he smite you to dust!"
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
He is well with in range. MM is at least a 100 feet plus 10 per level, so both Kal and Ally have a range of 170 feet.
Round 1 and round 2 actions
Subject round 1 actions
Yea Kal will cast and then move.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Harp storms into the room after Ran, his eyes taking in the sight. His training flows through his mind, instructions beaten into him hour after hour after hour. He had to put him self between the bloodhulk and the cleric, because that was where Salix and the others were going. But, he remembered, the thing would not notice him until Harp attacked. How could he use that to his advantage? Well, get close enough that if he moved to attack the others, he would be set to respond. Harp zig zags around those in his way, his swaord drawn, working his way into what looks like the most advantageous position and waits for an opportunity to strike. (OOC: Mark, Harp moves F6, G7, F8 and readies a standard attack for when the bloodhulk moves from that spot.
Salix scrambles to follow the others into the room. Damnit Ran, he wanted to save the girl too, but running in like this was likley to get them all killed. As he enters the room, the evil suffusing from the room almost overpowers him. Obad-Hai, even the forest had not seemed this bad. The evil seems to ooze from the walls, the floors, everywhere. This had to be stopped. Looking down the room, Salix sees the cleric, intent on restraining the girl in preparation of his dark act. That is where he was needed. He moves off, drawing his scimitar as he goes. (OOC: Mark, since Salix moves after Kal and Ran, he will move to whatever open square there is adjacent to the cleric. It will take 2 move actions, so he will not attack this turn, but will be in place to attack next turn. This has happened so quickly that I do not see him using a spell, but just attacking.)
Surin is surprised at how quickly things go to hell in a handbasket. While he understood Ran's revulsion at what was going on, just rushing into place like this was never a smart move. You never knew what things might be hidden, sort of like that pit Mund had fallen into. While Harp was as noisy as a lumber truck on a mountain road, he was usually pretty good at coming up with a plan that would let them do the most damage while taking the least amount of hurt, and that was something that Surin could appreciate.
Why, if they had just given him a minute, he could have snuck up right behind this guy and could have stuck one of his axes out of the guys back. That probably would have made invoking some evil spell a bit more difficult, Surin laughs to himself. Oh well, nothing else to it, he had to make the best of a bad situation. He had a bunch of big folks in front of him blocking his view, but he had a good idea of where he needed to go. Zigging around Kal, Surin pulls his new axe from his belt, and as he gets to just in front of Kal he takes aim and lets the axe fly at the man binding the little girl with chains. Let's see how that feels!! he thinks to himself. (OOC: Mark, Surin will go H5, I6, H7, and then throw. He should have a base 11 for this attack (11 BAB, +1 on thrown weapons, +1 axe, -2 for distance). Right???)
From: Mark
Subject round 1 actions
Sounds right. I will have to check. Since this is likely to be a complicated combat, as there are things the party does not know about, it will be tonight, after 9, before I will be able to write it up.
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Oh that sounds encouraging :)
From: Kevin
Subject; Round 1 actions
OH, I'm sure the altar area is probably desecrated so good people have negatives in that area. It also gives evil folks positives to controlling undead.
It just makes sense.
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Which is why I prepared consecrate, since that counters and dispels it.
Unfortunately, I was planning on saving it for the altar up above, but we'll see.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
I agree, there may be more than one desecrated place in this area. Surin did hear the cleric say that the master (Falor) had given him the honor, so we can deduce that this is not Faldor.
From: Randy
Subject round 1 actions
Ranthir charges at the cleric (can he still apply his dodge bonus if he charges?) and attacks hard, careful not to get the blades near the girl.
From: Mark
Subject round 1 actions
As far as I am concerned he can apply his dodge bonus. He still takes a -2 to his AC for charging, bu the dodge brings that back up to a -1. He will then get +2 to his attack for charging.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Guys, apparently my email hasn't been working for the past couple of days. I thought y'all were just being quiet.
I don't have time to go through everything right now. If you need to move things along, go ahead. Otherwise, I'll get synchronized back tonight.
From: Mark
Subject round 1 actions
I will not be doing the turn until after 9PM ET tonight. If you can get something in by then that would be great.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Not again, Mund thinks to himself. This is what comes from treating elves like folk.
Mund rages and attacks the undead monster.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Init for round 1.
Allistair, Surin, Kal, Harp, Ranthir, Mund, Salix, Ragnar, Man, Bloodhulk
Ally analyzes the situation with a calm he finds surprising. He first notices that the little girl is still alive. However she is chained to a metal frame and suspended upside down over the steel alter. The man there is holding a golden chalice of some sort, collecting the blood that is flowing from the wounds on the girls wrists. There are quite a few people between the mage and the cleric so he moves to his right and a few steps forward to get a better view. As he moves he starts to get a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. Putting the east wall to his side and a brazier behind him, he takes up position and chants his mage arrow spell. Four of the glowing blue bolts of force leap from his finger tips and strike the man in the back, burning holes in his robes (Damage 17).
Surin sees that the man's back is still turned and decides that this would be a great time to test Trestle's Hatchet. He had not had much use for the weapon so far but there was no time like the present. The cleric was a bit further than he usually liked to attack from but Anglewing had said that it would fly farther then a normal ax. He moves forward, his hand moving swiftly to his belt and grabbing the ax. Surin also starts to get a strange feeling in his stomach as he moves forward. A quick weave around Kal to get a better view and the ax was in the air (AC22, 4+11=15,miss). He watches, stunned as the ax bounces of the man's back, a loud clanging sound reverberating from the impact.
Kal stops for a second to to chant his mage arrow spell. His rapier points at the man and four more blue bolts of force slam into his back (Damage 12). Kal then starts to move forward to engage the man in hand to hand combat. An odd feeling whispers to him in the back of his mind.
Harp knows that the others actions are going to break the effect of the blessing they had asked for just a while ago. He moves to position himself to defend the others when the undead abomination moved to attack. His own blessing should give him some advantage on the first strike, before his own blessing fails. (Move and ready action). Harp almost gets sick to his stomach from the feeling of wrongness in the room.
Ran charges towards the man on the alter, his sword held high. As he moves, a sense of dread fills him. His vision fills with the sight of the little girl, strung up over the alter like a deer being bled, her eyes wide with panic and fear. The 1/2 elfs blade, with the force of his charge behind it, swings down and crashes into the mans shoulder. The robes separate revealing plate armor underneath. However, it is not enough to stop the enchanted steel (AC22, 18+13=31, hit, damage 6) as it crashes into the man's shoulder.
Mund had been waiting for this. Watching the empty eyes of the bloated creature next to him he sees the face respond as the blessing fades. Channeling the rage he feels for the betrayal of the barbarian tribes, he calls on the bear totem of his people. His blood goes hot in his veins and he whispers the word of command. His ax frosts over as he swings it at the things chest (AC13, 4+13=17, hit, damage 16) The ax sinks into the things chest with a wet squishing sound. Mund pulls the ax out and cuts at a bloated leg (AC13, 3+8=11,miss) but swings wide.
Salix feels some discomfort as he also moves as fast as he can towards the cleric at the alter. With the damage Kal and Ally had already done and with three against one odds, hopefully this fight would be a fast one.
Ragnar strides with the confidence of one in tune with his god. His shield held forth in both hands he chants the ritual of turning "Foul spawn of evil, in the name of my master I rebuke you! Hide your face lest he smite you to dust!" (Turn check 5-2=3, 5HD creatures affected, no effect) His shield starts to glow but something in the room seems to darken the cleansing power of the light. The creature stands unaffected.
The man turns, his eyes wide. "Who dares defile the sacrifice? Nerul will feast on your souls. But first hers." With a backward thrust, he shoves the dagger into the little girls chest all the way to the hilt. Blood gushes out of the vicious wound covering the man in her life's essence. Her eyes flutter and close, her last scream dying in her throat.
As the bloodhulk moves to strike at Mund Harp react first. His sword sweeps down (AC13, 16+12=28, hit, damage 10). His sword sinks into the things arm, blood splattering and oozing out of the wicked gash.
The hulk slams a fist at Mund (AC21, 6+9=15, miss) but the barbarian is able to duck under the huge ham fist as it whirls through the air at his head.
OODM: Round is over. I need round 2 actions.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
Mund doesn't have time to notice what's happening with the girl. This big ugly is taking up all of his attention. Why do they always seem to want to attack him?
Mund presses the attack on the big ugly.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Well you attacked him first. Duh. ;)
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
Huh? Mund don't understand.
*looks confused*
Mund smash!
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
Figures... stupid penalties to turning. I wonder how many HD this thing has. Ragnar turns it again, and then moves. If the turn fails, he moves to F9 while drawing his sword. If it succeeds, he just advances to back the thing into the corner.
IC: Ragnar fights against the feeling of evil that permeates the area. The area was clearly dedicated to Nerul, but he was sure that Heironeous could reach him here as he could anywhere. Not faltering in his even pace, he continues to advance on the bloodhulk, saying "Your master cannot protect you from the might of Heironeous... not even here. Begone!"
From: Josh
Subject Round 2 actions
Everything stops for Kal when the girl gets killed. His vision narrows, his heart beats loudly in his head. Time distorts, every second takes five. All conscious thoughts have left him.
He instinctively moves around back of the cleric for a better angle of attack.
OOC: Kal moves to H12 with his 5 foot step and then attacks the cleric. Hopefully Salix will move ot f12 and we'll get flanking bonuses.
Round 2 actions, round 2, round 3 actions
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I am off work today, so will not be able to check in on a regular basis.
IC: Harp feels his sword make a satisfying chunk in the creature. Gods, this thing was vile. Readjusting his feet, he focuses his attack on the creature. (OOC: Full attack)
Salix curses to himself. What type of priest walks around in full plate armor? He wasn't a fighter - how was he supposed to deal with this. Well, at least Ran and Kal were there to help. He tries to get into a flanking position and attacks with his scimitar.
Surin also curses. Plate mail??? Damnit, that had been his best weapon, and it had just banged off uselessly. Picking another axe from his belt, he moves toward the wall and duck behind one of the brazier. (OOC: Mark, he will move I8, I9, I10, and then ready an action - attack the cleric if he moves to the door at I11).
OOC: I hope Ragnar has better luck on this roll.
From: Randy
Subject Round 2 actions
Ranthir's eyes widen in shock as the foul priest murders the innocent child. He lets out a scream of rage as he unleashes a fury of blows on the man with his sword.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Just waiting on Derek since he is first in the INIT list.
I will write a turn tonight.
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Sorry. I was busy this morning.
IC: Allistair cringes as the girl is killed. Dammit, they were too late. Allistair wanted nothing more than to send that evil man to oblivion, but he only had prepared a few magic missles assuming his skills would be needed elsewhere this evening. Harp and Ally seemed to be putting a lot of punishment into that Bloodhulk creature, but who know how much punishment it could take before the foul powers of Nerul were drained, leaving it truly lifeless. Allistair decides to be prudent, and witholds from casting for now. That priest was reacting since they got the jump on him, so odds were against him being able to cast any foul spells for the time being. If anyone else came through the other doors though, then he would be ready.
OOC: Allistair will stay where he is and withold action. He will be watching the doors at E2, I6, or I11. If another bloodhulk comes through, then Allistair will hit it with a MM. If it is not undead, then he will try casting a Sleep spell on them.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
Mark, if anyone, say Kal, moves to where Salix can get flanking when it comes his turn, Salix will move to try and get flanking (i.e. Kal moves to H12, Salix would move to F12 - 5 ft step).
If they dont move, he will not move.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Init for round 2.
Allistair, Surin, Kal, Harp, Ranthir, Mund, Salix, Ragnar, Man, Bloodhulk
Ally decides to hold back in reserve. Mund and Harp were fighting the undead; Salix, Kal and Ranthir were handling the cleric and Ragnar was going to join the fray soon, so things seemed to be well in hand.
Surin curses the man's armor. Hope my new ax isn't hurt too bad. With all the crowd around the cleric there wasn't much room for him, so the halfling moves along the eastern wall and tries to take up a hidden position behind one of the braziers, pulling his normal ax as he goes.
Kal's eyes go cold at the death of the young girl. He takes a step onto the dias and thrusts with his rapier (AC22, 16+12=28, hit, damage 6). He slides his weapon between two plates and draws blood.
Harp turns his full attention to the undead before him. Swinging his sword in large slashing strokes he strikes the bloated form twice (AC13, 3+13=16, hit, damage 13, 7+8=15, hit, damage 14) flinging blood around as he cuts deep into the spongy flesh.
Ran screams in fury as the little girl's eyes fade. He unleashes a flury of blows at the man. His first blow crashes down on the man's helm (AC22, 15+11=26, hit, damage 10). The helmet shatters and the sword cuts a deep wound in the man's head. The man falls to the floor with a clatter, his knife dropping to the floor.
Mund joins Harp at cutting the undead down. His ax flashes coldly in the glowing embers of the braziers. First one way (AC13,13+13=26, hit, damage 21) and then back (AC13, 15+8=23, hit, damage 15) his blade cuts deep wounds in to the things flesh. Viscous red flood, like semi congealed blood oozes from the wounds.
Salix almost turns and yells at Ran for his impulsive behavior, but the sight of the dead girl stops him in his tracks. The look of grief on Ran's face is enough for the druid.
Ragnar, knowing that this evil place must be giving strength to the undead creature calls on his god's power again "Your master cannot protect you from the might of Heironeous... not even here. Begone!" Again a bright light shines forth from the symbol on his shield, (Turn roll 13-2=11, turn up to 8HD creature, no effect) but again the dark power of this place fights the light and the creature is unaffected. Ragnar curses and moves to help Harp and Mund, drawing his sword as he goes.
The bloodhulk swings an arm the size of a large tree trunk at Mund and catches the barbarian on the side of the head (AC21, 19+8=27, hit, damage 7).
OODM: I need round 3 actions.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Ragnar will attack the bloodhulk, moving to flank it if he can.
From: Josh
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: The Cleric's dead, right?
Kal yells "Harp! Ragnar!! Forget that creature, come heal this girl. Save her!"
Round 3 actions, dead again?
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: Yeah, we got 500 lbs of blood enfused undead right in front of us, and wer'e going to step away.
IC: Harp watches as his sword slices and dices through the creatures flesh. It certainly wasn't hard to hit this thing, and the wounds they were making were like nothing Harp had seen, but still the think kept going. The creature looked worse for wear, in fact the wounds seems to explode when they were made. From his side he sees Ragnar come to hi side, his sword out, ready to take a swing. Then, there is Kal's shout. The girl was dead??? How??? They had only been in the room a few seconds. Looking around, Harp decides that Ragnar is better suited to help the girl. This bloodhulk was going to be brought down by the sword. "Ragnar, go see if you can help her. Mund and I will finish this thing off"
With that, Harp launches another attack at the creature. OOC: Mark, full attack)
From: Porter
Subject round 3 actions
Mund grins when he sees Harp do some damage to this ugly, and grins even more when he shows the orc how to really whup up on it, only to get the grin slapped off his face by a knock upside his head.
Shaking his head to get his bearings back, Mund attacks again.
OOC: with undead, is it possible to see if they're close to death or not?
From: Mark
Subject Dead again?
You mean close to death again? :) The thing if full of large cuts and gaping wounds.
From: Porter
Subject Dead again?
Yes, close to death again. :rolleyes:
*stabs Mark*
From: Mark
Subject Dead again
Ax bounces off off Mark's skin since it does not have the needed enchantment to bypass Mark's DR.
From: Porter
Subject Dead again
You don't stab with an axe, silly.
*snicker-snack*
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Change in plans; Ragnar will withdraw from combat and go over to the girl's side.
You all do realize that Salix has 6 ranks in heal and Ragnar has none, right?
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
Salix, his heart pounding at the emotions running through it, reaches out to the girl to see if there is anything he can do to help her. Trying to see if there is the slightest glimmer of life left in her body, he uses all the skills he had learned over the years to try to preserve her life.
OOC: Mark, healing skill check. If he senses any sign of life, he will attemp to stabilize her.
Surin will keep and eye and ear on the foor at I11
From: Josh
Subject Round 3 actions
If the Cleric's unconscious, Kal will move to e9 and attack the hulk.
Round 3, the blade
Subject Round 3 actions
Salix reaches up from where he is standing, trying to detect the smallest hint of life from the little girl. Her pale face looks at him, its death grimace seared in his mind. Her pale skin reflects blandly in the fire light. He places his finger tips at her throat, attempting to feel the weakest sign of a beating heart. One second, two second, three seconds... Time seems to stop as he attempts to discern the slighest sign of life from the little body. Finaly, he comes to the conclusion that her soul has been drawn to the great beyond. He sighs and says a small prayer to Obad-Hai that she had lived a good life and that she was in a good place now.
Steeling himself, Salix draws the dagger from the little girls body, inspecting it closely to see if it migh be the weapon the cleric was supposed to have "blessed" in this obomonation.
OOC: Mark, what do we see of the dagger/knife use to kill the girl?
From: Mark
Subject Turn
It is a beautiful day here today so it will be tonight before I get anything out.
Welcome back Karl and Chris. I hope your trip was a good one.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3
Init for round 3.
Allistair, Surin, Kal, Harp, Ranthir, Mund, Salix, Ragnar, Man, Bloodhulk
Allistair keeps an eye on the door to his left and on the opposite wall. He runs through the spells he has prepared for the day and keeps the sleep spell at the top of his mind. It might come in useful in this situation.
Surin keeps a close watch on the door next to him. If anyone came out that door, they would find a dagger deep in his guts faster than a loose gold piece would disappear back at the carnival his family ran.
Kal wants to weep at the death of the little girl, but there are still foes around. Salix and the others are better equipped to help her, if she can be succored. "Harp, Ragnar" he shouts, "the girl needs your help. Get over here." Figuring that the others would need someone to take the place of the healer, he moves deftly past his allies and takes up position next to Ragnar. His rapier darts in and punctures the disgusting flesh of the creature. Thick blood squirts out of the wound, covering the elf's hand (AC13,6+12=18, hit, damage 10).
Harp hears Kal's call for aid. Now? When they had this overblown bag of blood to kill. "Ragnar, you are better versed at healing. Kal is here now, go see what you can do to help the child. Mund and Kal and I can take care of things here." With that the 1/2 orc launches another series of blows (AC13, 11+13=24, hit, damage 16, 12+8=20, hit, damage 11). More bloody chunks of flesh fall from the creature and splatter on the floor.
Ran sheaths his sword and drops his shield, moving to release the little girl from her bonds. He struggles with the straps, fumbling a bit. "Salix, Kal please help. Maybe we can still save her."
Mund, his blood still seething in his veins, hacks at the bloated form again and again (AC13, 5+13=18, hit, damage 13, 16+8=24, hit, damage 16). Finally the creature falls, almost collapsing in on itself, as half congealed blood flows from the many wounds. The barbarian bangs his ax on the floor, smacking off the blood covered frost that is there.
Salix helps Ran release the girl from her restraints. They ease her to the floor and the druid checks for a pulse. Hoping against hope for the flutter of her life's blood he touches his fingers to her throat. One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds. He places his ear over her mouth and hears nothing, feels nothing. Salix looks up into the distraught eyes of his friend "I am sorry. She has already passed on. There is naught I can do." His eyes almost in tears the druid moves to pick up the dagger that the now dead cleric had used on the girl.
OODM: End of combat. I will write up a bit more out of combat time.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3
With the battle over, Mund sees that the little girl is dead. What a waste. Probing his wound, Mund says sarcastically "It's a good thing we have Ran here to run in without thinking, or we might have been able to do this without anybody getting hurt."
Mund begins going through the priests clothes to see if there's anything worth having. "Want me to go head and kill him? It ain't like we're gonna get anything out of him."
From: Josh
Subject Round 3
Kal kneels and says a quiet prayer. He works some of her spilt blood into the leather hilt of his rapier. "You will be with us as we avenge your death."
From: Mark
Subject The blade
Salix helps Ran release the girl from her restraints. They ease her to the floor and the druid checks for a pulse. Hoping against hope for the flutter of her life's blood he touches his fingers to her throat. One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds. He places his ear over her mouth and hears nothing, feels nothing. Salix looks up into the distraught eyes of his friend "I am sorry. She has already passed on. There is naught I can do." His eyes almost in tears, the druid moves to pick up the dagger that the now dead cleric had used on the girl.
The weapon is vicious looking. It gleams with an inner light that illuminates the alter and the intricate etching on the blade. Motif's of death and blood sacrifice run up and down each side of the blade. Groves are cut into the blade and the hilt so that blood would channel and flow down the pommel and out the end. Salix has never seen such a cruel looking weapon. He gathers it up and heads back to the group.
He holds up the weapon for the others to see. As he passes it around the inner light of the blade seems to brighten when Ally and Mund handle it. Mund checks the sharpness of the blade with a finger tip and almost looses the end of his finger. "That thing's sharper than it looks. Damn edge almost cut my whole finger off."
OODM: Discuss, talk, plans of action?
The blade, doors, where to put them
Subject The blade
Ranthir goes cold as the death of the child sinks in. He hears Mund but ignores the insult. He had done everything he could. Planning would have made no difference since the girl was about to be killed even as they rushed in. Had they waited to discuss things the priest might have finished his ceremony and left before they had the chance to stop him.
No, Ran had done the only thing he could. He did not kill this girl. He did not.
Ranthir snaps his mind into focus. "We must move. Hopefully we have put a snag into the plans of these foul priests of death but we can't count on that. We must move quickly if we are to have any success this day."
Ranthir speaks forcefully before looking to Salix. As he does, he sees the girl once again and doubt creeps into his mind. 'Could we have saved her?' he thinks to himself before forcing the thought out of his head.
From: Derek
Subject The blade
Allistair is saddened that they were unable to save the girl, but the fact is they were too late and lamentations weren't going to help them now. For all the time Ran had spent his life denying his human half and trying to be an elf, he sure didn't act like an elf a lot of the time. Elvish mourning was more somber and introspective. In the end, Allistair keeps these thoughts to himself and says nothing to Ran or the others.
Clearing his thoughts, Allistair asks to see the knife again. Why did it seem to brighten when he and Mund held it, but no one else? Only he and Mund were pure human... and only he and Mund were from tribes in the Wildlands. Allistair coud cast a simple charm to see if the knife were magical, but he could only identify it for sure if he had one of those expensive pearls, which he did not posess right now. Maybe someone else in the group had one?
Allistair will cast detect magic and then examine the knife, and then the altar and anything else in the room. Assuming the knife is magical, he will ask Kal and Surin (or anyone else, for that matter) if they have a pearl he could use to positively identify what kind of magic the knife posessed. (OOC: I seem to remember Surin getting a string of pearls from the jeweler)
From: Mark
Subject The blade
Just a note, Identify takes 10 minutes to cast, IIRC.
AS to magic, the blade is medium level magic. The plate armor on the dead cleric is low level magic and the Alter radiates a medium/hihg level magic.
From: Porter
Subject The blade
OOC: From what Mund can perceive of the blade, does he think that it might be a more effective weapon than his axe?
From: Kevin
Subject The blade
Harp shakes his head, clearing the gore from his eyes. This creature had been like a puss filled wound, exploding its guts and blood every time it was sliced. Blood, gory work, but it was down.
Turning around, he sees Salix and Ran holding the little girl, the druids head shaking back and forth. Damn, all that, and she had still died. Syaing a small prayer for the girls soul, Harp moves over to where the others are gathered.
When the time seems right and as the discussion moves onto what to do next, Harp lays out the basics. "Well, my guess is these doors over there head into some type of prisoner holding area. Those were the guards out there and it would give them easy access when they performed their ceremonies. The cleric came from that door, so I would guess that the way to the altar and Faldor lie that way. But, could the Stormfather be down this way? Salix, you'll need to decide."
OOC: I hope that Karl is back and able to add something from our favorite druid.
From: Mark
Subject Doors
You might want to refer to the door locations in your e-mail. I am not sure which doors you think lead where.
From: Mark
Subject The blade
Mund would find it hard to believe that this little dagger could do more damage than his wonderful new, frosty axe. However, the end of his thumb still throbs from where the blade almost sliced it off.
OODM: Mund has no idea. By itself a dagger should do less damage than an axe, but a +5 frost, thundering, keen etc dagger would do much more damage than his axe.
From: Derek
Subject The blade
After casting detect magic and looking around the room, Allistair reports to the others. "The cleric's armor is magical, but nothing special. Probably just a defensive bonus. This knife has something special on it though. I think we should take it with us and not leave it here for these vermin to use. I could positively identify it with a pearl, but it would take a few minutes and I don't know that we have a few minutes to spare. In the meantime, I think it would be prudent to wrap it up and put it in my bag of holding. Any spells to discern the location of the knife should fail while it's in the bag. However, we need a scabbard of some sort for the knife. If it pierces the bag, it would be ruined."
OOC: Was there a scabbard for the knife? If there is, Allistair will re-sheathe it and put it in his bag unless someone objects. If there is no scabbard, he asks if someone has a spare or something they could improvise with.
Allistair continues. "The altar though, has some very powerful dark magic upon it. Just being close to it makes my head swim and my stomach turn. I think we can be certain it has been used in dark rituals to Nerul and as been infused with his power as a result of it. I think it would be in our best interests to cleanse or destroy it, however if it is time-consuming I don't think we have time right now for that either."
From: Kevin
Subject where to put them
Harp will also want to search the body and will suggest that the drag the bodies to the pit trap back where they entered this area.
From: Kevin
Subject Where to put them
Unless of course the rest of the group says that there is no reason to hide the bodies.
From: Derek
Subject Where to put them
Allistair would prefer to treat the corpse of the little girl with more dignity than these fools that gave their soul to Nerul, and he assumes most of the others feel the same way. The priest they just killed though? Drop 'im in the pit. Search his body first though.
From: Mark
Subject The blade
Surin whistles when he sees the dagger. He looks at it for a few seconds and hands it to the next person in line. "That thing is worth a pretty penny. Platinum with jewels. Big ones. Not countn magic that be on it. Probably worth more than most of our gear combined."
From: Karl
Subject where to put them
Sorry, I am back but have to be quick today.
Salix shakes his head as he releases the body of the little girl. She might be alive except for Ran's foolhardy bursting in without thinking. They should have taken steps to separate the priest from the girl, tackle him or something, he didn't know. He didn't even know that anything could have worked at all. All he knew is that Ran rushed in and *that* didn't work. He turns to give him an accusing look, but the pain on Ran's face takes the fire out of Salix's wrath quickly.
Harp speaks, pointing toward doors and talking of prisoners and Faldor. "Salix, you'll need to decide".
"Hide the bodies but do it quickly. Harp, if you think that way leads toward holding cells, we should check it out first. Surin, while the others are moving the bodies, see if you can scout down that way a little. Come back quickly and let us know what you find."
OOC - I haven't had time to check the map, and I think I deleted the email. Salix is making his decision based on whichever doors Harp has indicated.
Sorry, I"m still playing catchup on a dozen different things. Kevin, can you also please continue Surin's turns until Mark hears from Chris. I'm not sure he's going to continue with us.
From: Kevin
Subject Doors
I will do so.
Mark, I was referring to the wall with the 2 doors - the ones that seem to connect with the other door from the room that had the guards.
From: Kevin
Subject Doors
Oh, and Surin will pick up his axe and put it back at his waist.
From: Jason
Subject The blade
As the knife is passed around, Ragnar refuses to touch it. "We should snap it in half and be done with it; its clearly been dedicated to Nerul and who knows how many innocent lives it has claimed." He won't say anything though as Allistair works out a method to transport it.
When Harp suggests hiding the bodies, Ragnar will suggest they place the girl's corpse in one of the niches in the previous room, which seems a little more respectful than dropping her in a pit.
From: Kevin
Subject Where to put them
OOC: Great idea.
IC: As Harp mentions hauling the bodies to the pit trap, Ragnar speaks up, suggesting that they place the body of the girls in one of the niches in the previous room. It would be better than leaving her and save her from being thrown down the pit with the others. Harp agrees, and will motion to Ran to see if he wants to move the girl.
From: Kevin
Subject Doors
Harp will talk to Surin quickly, suggesting that they start with the door at I6, since it most likely will meet up with a room connected to the doorway at L5.
From: Randy
Subject Where to put them
Ranthir gently takes the girl in his arms. Her tiny, lifeless body, has a great weight to him as he carries her into the previous room. Tears fall from his eyes as he places her reverently into one of the niches. He kneels and closes his eyes. 'You will be avenged. Justice will be served. Forgive me.'
He wipes his eyes and rejoins his companions. There is a darkness to his countenance that the others have not seen before. "Let's get these bastards" is all he says.
Surin goes in, robes and a new player
Subject Surin goes in
Did you forget about us last night, Mark??
Or were you too busy watching fictional characters on tv to worry about our real life D&D characters?
Viva la Revolution!!!!
From: Mark
Subject Surin goes in
I plan on getting something out this afternoon. I am working on a marching band project this morning.
From: Mark
Subject Surin goes in
Ran gently picks up the little girl's body and carries it back to the first room. As Mund and Harp strip the cleric and drag his body behind him. When all three get to the room, Mund and Harp toss the clerics body down the pit, hearing it land with a squishing thud on the spikes and the 5 other bodies. Ran looks sets her body down in a corner and moves the old brittle bones from one of the niches. After he has placed them with the bones in another niche, he takes her body and carefully slides it foot first into the niche. He then says a silent prayer to the elven and human gods to watch over her. When he turns back his eyes are cold and his face is hard. "Let's get these bastards" is his only comment.
When they return a few minutes later the rest of the party is ready to go. All of them take up places near the door that Surin is going to enter next. Ally keeps an eye on the door across the room and Salix keeps an eye on the door just down the wall. Surin checks the door and it does not seem to be trapped or locked. He lifts the mechanism holding the door shut and eases the door open. Light from a heatless torch on the far wall illuminates the room. The halfling moves cautiously into the room.
The room is 15 feet by 20 feet and most of the walls are lined with metal rods used to hang clothes and robes. In fact that is what Surin finds. Robes, vestments, overcoats of many different sizes. As he looks through them though he notices that the designs on the clothing bothers him. The ones that can be made out are of vile and evil acts. The others are just disturbing for some reason. The colors are either muted or blood red. Surin moves back to the door to report on what he has found. Other than the clothes along the walls and a small table in the middle of the room there is nothing there.
OODM: Next?
From: Derek
Subject Surin goes in
OOC: Mark, was there a scabbard for the knife so that Allistair could put it in his bag?
From: Derek
Subject Surin goes in
Allistair speaks up. "If we put these robes on, it could give us a few moments of surprise next time we encounter someone. Of course, I don't know if any of us are actually willing to wear those things...."
From: Jason
Subject Surin goes in
"I for one could not bring myself to put one on. I think we should continue on. There's nothing for us here."
From: Porter
Subject Surin goes in
"I agree with Alley. Most of us aren't great at foolin' nobody, but the robes could make a big difference."
When Ragnar states his refusal, Mund turns on him and gets right up in his face. "Well, then, why don't you just sit on your elven ass down right here while we go forward. back here. I don't think I want to go in with somebody who won't wear an ugly robe or wait for a plan to attack in order to keep his teammates safe."
From: Josh
Subject Surin goes in
Kal says without moving "I also will not don these robes."
From: Mark
Subject Surin goes in
Ragnar is a dwarf.
From: Jason
Subject Surin goes in
OOC: Just to make sure, you do know Ragnar's a dwarf, right? I assume Mund would be using elven in a derogatory, rather than literal, way.
"Fortunately, that's not really your decision to make, is it, Nagrat" Ragnar replies, using a slang orcish term for one who is banished or killed for attempting to rebel against his leader.
From: Porter
Subject Surin goes in
Um, oops. I thought that Ran said that, not Ragnar. Let's forget that my earlier post happened at all. I'll post something else.
From: Porter
Subject Surin goes in
Mund doesn't pay Kal much mind, but Ragnar has never made unreasonable demands before. "Huh? Why not? You think your god'll get pissed if you wear some ugly robes so that you can kill some evil priests?"
From: Derek
Subject Robes
Allistair moves next to Salix and talks quietly. "This, um.... difference of opinions may take a few minutes to sort out. I think Surin should go ahead and see what's in the other doors while we resolve this."
From: Jason
Subject Robes
"I'm not sure that he would be upset. There are clerics in Gorn who could settle that issue, but I'm not one of them. No, its a simple fact that I'm revolted by the very sight of them. I have no doubt that my revulsion would be easily read by anyone who saw my face. As a more practical matter, I doubt that they have any in my size, seeing as how dwarf followers of Nerul aren't exactly a common occurrence."
OOC I feel like I could write that up better, but I have to go teach a class in 4 minutes, so this will have to do for now.
From: Porter
Subject Robes
OOC: Have we actually seen these robes, or are we just going off of Surin's description?
From: Mark
Subject Robes
Not sure what you mean. Surin has seen them and described them. But as far as I know no one else has entered the room
From: Porter
Subject Robes
Right. So I'm wondering how Ragnar could be revolted by the very sight of them, since he hasn't seen them.
From: Kevin
Subject Robes
Harp speaks up. "Mund, I've got the same concern, and not only for Ragnar and me, but Surin as well. At this point, most of these folks probably know each other and wouldn't be fooled by a stranger wearing one of their robes."
From: Mark
Subject Robes
Well he has seen the one that the dead cleric was wearing, up close and personal, and it is in the same vein as the ones in the new room.
From: Mark
Subject Robes
I want to be clear here. These are not like tabbards where they are all basically the same. I don't know what other religious groups were during their services, but Catholic priest have closets upon closets of robes and vestments to wear, both based on size of the priest and the season/special event. Some robes were only used once a year.
From: Porter
Subject Robes
"I reckon it this way -- what's it gonna hurt? If it don't work, we ain't lost nothin. But if it does, right on!"
From: Kevin
Subject Map
Mark, assuming Surin entered at I/J 6, is the room 15 wide and 20 deep, or 20 wide and 15 deep, and is there a door that would seem to go back out to the room where the guards were?
From: Mark
Subject Map
Here is the XLS
From: Mark
Subject New player
Well it did not take you animals long to scare off Karl's SO. :)
Chris feels that he will not be able to devote the time to the game that it needs so is bowing out as Surin.
Our favorite phsycotic halfling will now be played by Corey Young. Corey and I go way back. He is also in my evil real life game. Corey is a gamer from way back and a munchin. :)
Please welcome Corey to our group. It will take him a day or two to go through the 2-1/2 years of archives, so I will continue to play Surin until he says he is ready.
From: Kevin
Subject New player
Boy, once Corey's wife lets him off the reservation, he really goes hogwild.
Welcome to the game. Be gentle wiht the little guy.
From: Porter
Subject New player
Is Surin now going to switch teams and try to ensure that the sacrifice happens?
From: Mark
Subject New player
:evilgrin:
From: Josh
Subject New player
Hey Corey, welcome to the game. Please don't sacrafice us to Nerul.
From: Porter
Subject New player
Not all of us, at least.
Mund could make a list for you. He's actually literate now!
From: Mark
Subject New player
If you call thinking that the "See Spot Run" books are great lit. then he is literate. ;)
From: Porter
Subject New Player
That Spot is such a scamp! Mund loves him.
From: Karl
Subject Surin goes in
Agreed.
OOC - I'll be checking in and trying to respond in kind. I've had a couple of minor disasters that will be requiring a lot of attention over the next few days. If I start slowing things down, please feel free to make command decisions regarding my character.
From: Karl
Subject Robes
"Who knows what vile magics these things may have on them?" Salix cuts in. "And like Harp says, these people probably already know each other. I don't think the unknown risks of wearing them are worth the split second of advantage we're likely to get out of trying the deceit." He looks at each member of the party firmly. "We need to move on. Surin, check the other door(s)."
From: Porter
Subject Robes
"Unknown magicks? You just makin' stuff up now? Alley said that the priest's robe wasn't magick at all."
From: Kevin
Subject Robes
"Your right Mund, that one didn't, but we don't know if they are all normal. Now, if you want to hide instead of taking these things head on, like an orc, then go ahead and put one on. Otherwise, your'e wasting time and the appointed hour for the tribes is getting closer"
Surin will go check out the door at I11. After a quick check with Allistair, he will point out that this door lines up with Door #2 out in the tunnel.
Door #2, trophies, warm welcomes
Subject Door number 2
I've been at work for a long time now and the conversation has moved on, but I just realized that Porter is right... Ragnar hasn't even seen the robes. I was basing his reaction off the description of the robes, but he hasn't actually seen them. If Surin had simply reported that he'd found some evil looking robes, Ragnar probably would not have responded that way.
From: Mark
Subject Door number 2
As Mund and the others argue about wearing the robes found in the vestry, Surin moves on to the second door along the east wall. He again makes a quick check for traps. Finding none, he checks the mechanism and finds that it is not locked. He works the latch and again swings the door open. Just like before he can see a light coming from down the short hallway. Using the shadows as best he can, he moves down the hallway, keeping to the northern wall. He has the same sense of dread as he had in the larger room.
The hallway is 20 feet long and opens into a small room, 15X15. In the north east corner he finds another steel alter much like the one in the large room. However, this alter is much smaller. As he scans the room two things come to his attention. One is a gold and gem encrusted chalice sitting on the alter. The second is the heads of five people mounted on the wall, like hunting trophies. When he is sure that the room is empty otherwise he heads back to report in.
OODM: Actions?
From: Mark
Subject Map
Here is the updated map.
From: Kevin
Subject Door number 2
Harp is feeling really out of sorts in this place. However, he is all for trying to sneak in the room and steal the chalice.
Wonder if Salix will recognize the heads??
From: Karl
Subject Door number 2
Salix listens to Surin's report with trepidation. He dreads what he fears he will find in the next room. He looks at Harp. "I have to know. Will you come with me?"
If he agrees, Harp and Salix will check out the heads on the wall. They will do this quickly. They are just looking for Salix to see if he can ID anyone.
OOC: Should we send Surin to get the chalice (after checking for traps)? It might put another kink in their ritual if it is missing or destroyed.
From: Porter
Subject Door number 2
"As fun as that would be, we ain't got time to sneak around around collecting pretties. Let's get a move on and find the druid."
From: Jason
Subject Door number 2
Unless its magical, it probably wouldn't make any difference. Even if its their favorite chalice they're still not going to stop the ritual, just get a different one.
From: Porter
Subject Door number 2
But does the chalice with the palace hold the pellet with the poison? Or was that the vessel with the pessel?
*cornfused*
From: Derek
Subject Detect magid
Is Allistair's Detect Magic still active? If so, he'll go into the room Surin just searched and look around, especially the chalice and the altar.
From: Mark
Subject Detect magic
Would Ally have continued concentrating on it after he had checked out the main room?
The spell description says:
Level: Brd 0, Clr 0, Drd 0, Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 min./level (D)
So it could have lasted up to 7 minutes, but my impression was that Ally would let the spell expire once he had checked the alter and the stuff of the cleric.
From: Kevin
Subject Door number 2
OOC: Mark, would Harp and or Ragnar have some feeling as to the "value" of this? And I don't mean monetary. I know that religions are different, but even within the Order, there are some items that have more meaning than others, some items that are used for special ceremonies. Is there some sense with this item?/
Harp will join Salix in viewing the room. He will also ask Surin to join them, asking everyone else to stay out in the main room.
Karl, do we want Surin to try and take the chalice? It might put a crimp in their plans if it will not stop them.
From: Mark
Subject Door number 2
The clerics of Nerul are very secretive. No one has any idea of how valuable, in a relgious sort of way, this chalice is. Most any one who saw it would know it would pull a pretty penny if they could fence it.
From: Porter
Subject Door number 2
Why all this talk of "try" to take the chalice? If you want it, why don't you just have Harp go up and grab it? Did I miss something?
From: Karl
Subject Door number 2
OOC - Salix is too worried about what he's going to see on the walls to think about the chalice. These might be his family/friends after all. However, if Harp asks Surin to come along, and then has Surin fetch the chalice, Salix isn't likely to stop him. On the other hand, it could just be bait for a trap, and in game terms if it's not critical, it's probably just a distraction (which we can ill afford right now).
From: Kevin
Subject Door number 2
OOC: I thought Mund was rearing to move on and did not want to mess with the chalice? If he is OK with taking a few minutes to try and get it, then no problem. If he does not want to wait, then Harp will suggest that while taking the chalice might not stop the ceremony, it will probably slow it down, extending the time that the tribes will stay alive.
Mark, if we get to that point, Surin will check N11, O10 and then P9 - the shortest way to the altar, taking 20 if he can.
This assumes Karl agrees.
From: Porter
Subject door number 2
Oh, that wasn't Mund talking -- that was Porter.
I'm just trying to understand why you feel the need to sneak in to get the challice. Nobody's there!
From: Kevin
Subject Door number 2
Sneak as in very, very carefully have Surin make his way to the chalice and take it without setting off all the alarms and trap doors that are probably there.
From: Mark
Subject The blade
Between the fighters a spare scabbard could be found. It is not a great fit, but it will keep the blade from plunging into vital spots with out notice.
From: Mark
Subject Trophies
Salix asks Harp to join him and Surin, and the three make their way into the smaller room. Salix moves slowly, not out of any fear of traps but out of fear of what he might find. The golden chalice on the small metal alter is the first thing he sees. Then, slowly, he raises his eyes higher, until he can see the heads mounted on the wall.
Three of them are human, two 1/2 elf. All are druids. One Salix recognizes. Wiflif, an older human. Salix and he had spent a few months together once, learning about how leaves change color. A nice enough man, dour and forthright. You knew where you stood with Wiflif. His pale skin gleamed in the torch light, his glass eyes reflecting the yellow/red flicker. The faces of all of the druids have been placed along the walls like the trophies some lords keep of the animals they killed. However, this time, the faces had been finished like they were screaming and in pain.
OODM: I will let Kevin, Karl and Corey finish this up. The rest can talk about how they want to prepare for the next door. Also, who is carrying the full plate armor the Cleric was wearing.
From: Mark
Subject Mailing list
I have modified the mailing list a bit. Try and just reply to the mailing list. I want to see if it is working correctly.
Let me know if you get e-mails with parts in them that you have not seen.
Thanks
From: Karl
Subject Trophies
Salix tears his eyes away from the grim sight, but after a moment looks up again. He studies the faces, especially the ones he does not recognize. He would remember them and take home their description so that their sacrifices could be remembered and honored appropriately. As he studies the horror on the walls, his eyes seem to grow dark and his determination even more set. "Faldor and his filth will pay for this atrocity," he says coldly as he turns to rejoin the others.
OOC - I'm assuming while this is happening, Harp and Surin will be doing whatever they decide to do about the chalice. Salix doesn't particularly care.
From: Mark
Subject Trophies
I was wondering if I have given the characters enough motivation for this mission? ;)
From: Porter
Subject Trophies
Mund follows the the other three in to see what he can see, but doesn't say anything.
From: Kevin
Subject Trophies
OOC: Mark, I don't think we said anything about taking the armor. It is too heavy, too cumbersome, and while it will be worth something, the dagger and chalice are probably worth more.
I will write something up shortly.
From: Kevin
Subject Trophies
OOC: Mark, I don't know when Corey is going to start playing Surin. Harp will suggest that he tie a rope around Surin so if a pit trap gets triggered, Harp can halt his fall. And, if Surin makes it cleanly to the altar, he can tied the rope around the chalice, come back to where the others are waiting, and Harp can pull the chalice free from back in the hallway.
From: Josh
Subject Trophies
"There probably aren't any pit traps in his trophy room, but I guess we're best off being safe."
From: Corey
Subject Warm welcome
Greetings all. Sorry for the silence on the wire, but I'm busily spinning up on your adventures. Fun stuff. Real role-playing. What a treat!
Munchkin? Mark, Dost thou call me a munchkin?!? Why? I mean just because a guy keeps his inventory and skill list in Excel spreadsheets, carries stainless steel dice, has 4 figures for his current character AND his familiar, buys the deluxe versions of the PHB, MM and DMG, makes parchment maps and can tell you the min, max and average damage for any weapon or spell doesn't make him a munchkin.
Surin's really interesting. I haven't read his sheet yet -- I'm trying to get a feel for him based on his actions first.
When I jump in, I'll provide a different email address.
Looking forward to this!
From: Karl
Subject Warm welcome
'munchkin' must mean something else. I thought he was saying you were really young, like, a kid.
From: Corey
Subject Warm welcome
Nope. I'm 41. I have 4 crumb-crunchers, a.k.a. munchkins, of my own. Well, my wife and I both claim them.
From: Kevin
Subject Trophies
OOC: Mark, if you and Corey will let me finish this encounter with Surin, that would be nice.
IC: Surin listens to Harp plan about getting over to the chalice and then tieing it off and pulling it off of the altar. Not a bad start for a big lumox like Harp, but he didn't know how to think like a carny. "Harp, instead of putting the loop around me, why don't I put the loop around the chalice from here? Here watch this."
With that, Surin makes a lasso from the silk rope, loops up enough loose rope to make it to the altar, takes aim and says "This may take a few tries, but its safer than walking in there"
OOC: Mark, I don't know how this will work. Ranged touch? Size differentials? Non-moving object? Use Rope skill? You decide. If he gets the rope around the cup, he will have the others back out of the room and he will back down the hallway, paying out the rope till he is in the door way. He will then yank on it.
From: Derek
Subject Warm Welcome
Was that sarcasm? I thought everyone knew what munckin meant since the popularity of the Munchkin card games. Back when I was a teenager we used the term min/maxer, since they were always trying to tweak everything to minimize weaknesses and maximize benefits to their characters.
Anyway, welcome, Corey.
Turn, getting the chalice
Subject Munchkin
Munchkins is a game created by Steve Jackson. It played on the term Munchkin which, according to Wiki,
"The term was applied originally to young gamers by older players, presumably because the connotation of being short and ridiculous (like the Munchkins in the book and film The Wizard of Oz) made it an apt label for the childish gamers it was applied to. However, before long it came to refer to anyone who engaged in a juvenile gaming style no matter their height, age or experience. Suggestions that the term appeared first on BBS and Internet forums in the late 1980s as "muchkin," to describe someone who wanted his character to have as much of everything as possible, and that it subsequently gained an additional N via misreadings and mistypings [1], can be discounted, since the term was already in use and needing no explanation on usenet groups by 1984.
Munchkins are infamous for various degrees of cheating, willfully misinterpreting rules that work against them while loudly proclaiming ones that work in their favor. As a matter of course they selectively obey the letter of rules while perverting the spirit blatantly. The worst munchkins will cheat shamelessly, ignoring inconvenient numerical modifiers and fouling dice throws till they get the result they want. During character creation, munchkins engage in vicious min-maxing, leading to exceptionally unrealistic or unusual characters who make no sense except in terms of raw power.
Munchkins are often accused of roll-playing, a pun on 'role' that notes how munchkins are often more concerned with the numbers and die rolls than with the roles that they play."
It is a joke we use with Corey since he has all the neatest toys you have seen for gaming.
From: Kevin
Subject Munchkin
I second that comment about Corey having the best stuff. I mean, everyone has many types of dice, but Corey had a ranger figure with a removable animal companion. He has a dry erase, magnetic initiative counter. Our DM should be so well prepared.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I was all set to write up a turn and 5 requests for quote came in in a 15 minute period.
Kevin, I am going to make it a ranged attack, not a touch attack. The AC of the chalice is modified by the lack of any DEX, but it does get its size modifier.
I will try and get something out this afternoon.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Remember, Surin is small, not medium, if that makes a difference
From: Mark
Subject Getting the chalice
As Salix looks at the heads mounted on the wall, Harp and Surin discuss how to get the chalice without setting off any traps. The 1/2 orc suggests tying a rope to the halfling so that if a pit or something opened, then Harp would be able to keep Surin from falling in. Surin thinks for a moment and then replies. "Close, but no cigar, tall, dark and toothsome. Rope is going to be involved however." The halfling quickly pulls off his backpack and rummages through it for a few seconds and come out with some fine silk rope. "Ever play rope the steer?" Harp frowns a bit and watches as Surin makes a slip knot and then turns to face the small alter from across the room.
As he is sizing up the target he realizes a small problem. He doesn't have a very good angle from down where he is. "Make yourself useful Harp" he says to the 1/2 orc "but watch where you put your hands. I need some clear area if this is going to work right." With a few instructions from Surin, Harp picks up the halfling and holds him above his head and a bit our in front. "There, that's about as good as it's going to get" says Surin. Harp can hear the halfling start to twirl the rope and give grunt as he tosses it at the chalice. The first throw is just a bit short and Surin pulls the lasso back in. The second throw is right on target and Surin has to stifle a yelp.
He pulls the rope tight, until it is snug against the neck of the chalice. "Ok big guy, back up into the hallway. As Harp moves back, Salix and Mund besides him, Surin plays out the rope until they have about 20 feet. "Ok that should be enough. If there is a trap and it is a pit trap, this should be good. Of course, if it's something else, we may all be dead." With a flick of the wrist, Surin pulls the chalice off of the small metal alter and it flies 10 feet in the air before it clangs to the ground. All four of them wait, expecting the worst. When nothing happens, Surin pulls the chalice the rest of the way to them.
OODM: Now what? Salix, Harp, Mund and Surin are in the hallway to the smaller alter area and the chalice is on the floor, rope still attached.
From: Derek
Subject Getting the chalice
Allistair speaks up. "We could just drop it into my bag here, only picking it up by the rope if you want to be careful."
From: Kevin
Subject Getting the chalice
Harp says "I agree. With our luck, it will have some type of alarm spell on it or something. Lets just lower it into the bad can cut the rope."
From: Porter
Subject Getting the chalice
"Mund raises an eyebrow and watches with an amused expression.
From: Derek
Subject Getting the chalice
This irrelevant, but I was reading the description of a bag of holding. At the end it says this:
If a portable hole is placed within a bag of holding, it opens a gate to the Astral Plane: The hole, the bag, and any creatures within a 10-foot radius are drawn there, destroying the portable hole and bag of holding in the process.
Has anyone every made a trap using this idea? That would be a particularly nasty one.
From: Porter
Subject Getting the chalice
"Wait a second. Y'all don't want nobody touching the cup, right? Well, that will be a problem if we have to get that dagger out in a hurry."
"I can stick the dagger in my other boot no problem, but then it's not protected from magickal spying."
"Which do y'all think is a bigger danger -- the cup or the dagger?"
From: Derek
Subject Getting the chalice
"I don't really think we will need either of them tonight. I just want to make sure Faldor and his followers don't have them. After we get away with Acer, we can decide what to do with them. Despite the cruel imagery on both of them, they may be nothing more than magically enhanced damage weapons. I doubt that is the case though, as they probably have some sort of necromantic or other negative-energy magic on them, so we may find using them ourselves more than a little distasteful. Still, keeping them out of Faldor's hands is certainly justifiable, and even if we do nothing but destroy them later, that alone would infuriate Nerul, which kind of makes me want to do it." Allistair smiles mischeviously, and looks over at Ragnar and Salix for an approving nod.
From: Kevin
Subject Getting the chalice
Surin sighs at all these folks trying to be sneaky like. It was not that hard to think ahead. "Harp, take one of th tabards we took off the guards, put it on the ground, and I'll lift the chalice and put it on the tabard. We roll it up and tie it up in the material, then we can lift it up and put it in the bag."
From: Porter
Subject Getting the chalice
"OK, but don't destroy that dagger without talking to me first. I wouldn't mind me a new knife."
From: Josh
Subject Getting the chalice
"I think it's best to just put them both in the bag and be done with it. We've spent enough time on this already."
From: Porter
Subject Getting the chalice
"Yup. Let's go."
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I will write up more tonight after Survivor.