An agreement is reached, HP status and healing
Subject Opinions are voiced
Salix stands as Harp and the renegade Elf return to the main chamber. He listens as Harp speaks about his conversation with Kal, glad that he knew Harp from their previous adventure. Otherwise, he might think the 1/2 Orc had been duped by Kal's twisted logic. As it is, he knew Harp was caught in a hard place. He had a mission to accomplish and this dissention would not make that easier. He was trying to make peace. It must be the 1/2 Orc side of him that blinded him to the seriousness of Kal's offense. So Salix holds his tongue until Harp is finished.
Surprisingly, before Salix can respond, Harp steps toward him and with a massive hand firmly on Salix's shoulder, turns him and moves him a bit from the others, clearly wanting their words to be private. This must be where Harp will tell Salix that Kal's days are numbered, he thinks.
"Salix, my friend, I don't know what to say. I see this whole place as one big test. I don't know if the creatures we are going to meet are good, bad, devious, lonely, whatever. All I know is that I have to finish this mission or the possible evil to the world is one hell of a lot greater than a few dead bodies here. Who even knows what happens to these creatures when they die. Maybe they are sent to where ever there god resides, all happy in his presence. I dont care about the plunder, though if we were to find a potion of healing or two in this place, that I would take. I cannot force you to continue with us, but I would just ask you one thing - what would Storm Father Acer counsel you to do?"
Salix is dumbfounded. If Harp really didn't know the seriousness of Kal's actions, was he fit to lead this group? Hadn't he just told Harp what Kal had done? The conversation while the others were back in the 2nd test room had been quick, maybe he hadn't appropriately conveyed the nature of Kal's recklessness.
"Harp, before I go further I must know whom you serve. Is it a god of mindless slaughter? It is a god of expediency? If it is, I might as well be helping the god of the Orcs." He pauses wondering from the look on Harp's face if he had gone too far. He takes a step back before continuing, but raising his voice so the others can hear. If he was going to make Harp mad enough to strike him, he wanted witnesses as to what it was he had said.
"You want to pass the test of this place. Remember the poem on the wall there. 'But if you succeed, be on your knees, when you meet The Master, He that sees.' If this were a test of kill, get key, kill, get key, kill, get key, why should we care if the Master "sees" us? Why be on our knees? Why even meet the master at all? We would have proof by simply having the keys that we were worthy of them. Why the further judgment? It can only be *because it matters to The Master HOW we get these keys*. What would Stormfather Acer counsel me to do? He would counsel me to lend all my resources to this endeavor not all of which have been honed for drawing blood. He would tell me that *my* skills were needed or I would not be here. If all you need is another killing machine, your order could have sent any number of their own on this quest.
"I'm afraid, Harp. I'm very afraid that we have failed this test already. No just god could look kindly on blind slaughter perpetrated under the guise of parley. I want to lay the murders of those creatures solely on Kal's feet, but I don't know that we can. We are here as a group. My actions, your actions, Kal's actions, they all speak of who we are as a group. Kal has declared us agents of chaos and deceit. By his actions, we are here to exterminate and plunder, not to show our skills at solving a divine puzzle. I know the creatures he brought down have a reputation for "evil" among many, and I suspect we would have come to blows and probably had to kill them at some point, but the point is we didn't even try."
Salix pauses a moment, then continues more quietly, "I will continue to the end of this test with you, Harp. Maybe the God of this place will see things differently or maybe one failure isn't enough to fail us completely, I don't know. I am here to lend my skills to complete the test as a servant of Obad Hai. Stormfather Acer would not counsel me to abandon the teachings of my Order to serve the whims of this place, if they are indeed the whims Kal seem to think they are. So if I pass my part in this test, it will be as a servant of Obad Hai pledged to help you where your needs do not conflict with the tenets of His Order. If you are to pass this test, you will have to understand what is required of one in your role in this. I am willing to continue with you, with or without the murderer, but I will not have him with me to ruin my attempts to avoid needless slaughter if you see fit to ask that of me again. I cannot trust him. What he did was evil. It is not made right by 'I'm sorry' "
From: Mark
Subject agreement
Ok guys does it seem like most eveyone is back on the same page? Kal's fate will be held off until after this quest is over? I will not be able to do a turn until late this after noon or early this evening, so any other RP you want to do to get things tied up is fine.
From: Porter
Subject agreement
We are certainly not at a resolution. Mund just challenged the truthfulness of what Harp said, asking if Kal will admit his mistake and apologize to Mund. Things could go in very different directions depending on Kal's reaction.
Also, Salix said that he's not willing to have Kal as a companion anymore.
It seems pretty obvious that we cannot just go on to the next door yet.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
OOC: Much as it pains me, I have to agree with Porter. Kal's response to Mund will be key.
I am also going to try and write up a response from Harp to Salix. It probably will not be until early evening though. I do not see us getting to the next door before the weekend.
From: Randy
Subject Agreement
OOC: I hope you will also write up a response to Ranthir as well. His issues may have been sparked by Salix but they may not be resolved in the same way.
I have to say that I feel like we could spend days on this conflict and that wouldn't bother me at all. This is by far my favorite part of the game and I think we are seeing some great role playing, though I can see why Alistair, Ragnar, and Surin might not be having quite as much fun.
From: Karl
Subject Agreement
Show of hands, is this boring anyone? I'm enjoying the "events" of the game very much (thank you Mark), but I'm enjoying the character development as much, if not more. I've enjoyed the storylines of all three games I've played, but the real jewels of the game, (and I suspect the reason the DMs like PBEM) are the character turns. Anyway, that's just IMHO. If people want to speed up the action. . .'
What do you guys think?
From: Porter
Subjec: Agreement
I think they are both important. Too much character development without action and events to progress that development is boring, but I don't think we're in danger of that here. We've got the action that happened, and now we're dealing with the fallout from that. Either this fallout will lead to more action, or it will die down to the point where we can continue with the previously scheduled adventure. Either is great. :)
From: Randy
Subject Agreement
I agree with Karl. I am really enjoying the inner conflict here at least as much as the outer action. I am intrigued to find out where Mark is leading us, but I don't want to skip out on the great turns that are being written all around. I don't think we have been moving too slowly though I acknowledge that there is a possibility that some of the players less involved in the current conflict my feel otherwise.
From: Jason
Subject Agreement
I'm agree. Clearly there will be plenty of action by the time we collect all the keys, so taking a break to do some RP in the middle of the dungeon sounds great. Ragnar's not too worked up, just a bit disappointed, but I think the rest of the reactions are very interesting. We're just lucky all the doors apparently lock from our side :)
From: Mark
Subject Agreement
Ok I bow to the desires of the players. :)
Like I said this is not really a problem for me. You guys write all this great stuff and I sit back and relax for a while.
Just a note. Kevin has an idea of how big this place is. For those of you who are thinking that in real life terms we will be here for several weeks, think again.
This place is about 120,000 square feet. You have explored only 4-5,000 square feet of it. Just the tip of the iceberg. I can see this taking months of real life time to get through.
Not that that bothers me, but you guys are going to be here for a while.
So Kevin, Randy, Porter, Josh and Karl can go ahead and work this out.
I figure that if/when you all get bored by the RP you can let me know and I can start back up.
From: Karl
Subject Agreement
Well, technically, Salix felt that he was "in charge" of the little parley event back there and that Kal ruined it. He was expressing to Harp that he would not be in such a position in the future if it included Kal. In other words, if the same thing plays out at the next door, either Kal stays back with Harp, or Salix stays back.
But I agree that we don't seem ready to move on to the next door.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Karl, how dare you steal my idea. You must have snuck into my litte brain and picked up where I was going to try and go with this. I will still probably do this.
I have no problem RP this a few more times. I would like to try to get back to exploring by early next week real time - maybe try to wrap up these issues, if the resolutions make sense, and then move on.
I will work on my response to Salix and Ran early this evening when I get home.
From: Derek
Subject Agreement
OOC: I'm pretty much fine either way you guys want to go with this, but I'd prefer if we avoid actual inter-party combat at all costs. /highhorse = on/ To me at least, the basic paradigm of a party in an RPG is that they work together towards a common goal. That also means reigning in your characters enough so that they can basically get along and work together most of the time. I've been in several campaigns that started out fun, but ended up very unenjoyable with several people leaving or the whole thing collapsing into a disaster because of conflict in the party that got out of control. I don't see that happening here, but as such I always avoid party conflict and almost always play characters that try to mediate. /highhorse = off/
IC: Allistair looks between Kal and Mund, hoping that at least a truce can be found for the time being. He also occasionally glances over at Salix, wondering if he will contribute more to the already heated situation or not. Allistair has some sympathy for Salix's feelings, but at this point the hypothetical innocence of whatever it was they just killed is more or less moot now.
At least Mund seems to have calmed down, and looks like he will let it go for now if Kal is willing to apologize. Allistair bites his lower lip in expectation of Kal's response, hoping he apologizes.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Harp sees the pain in Ran eyes as he says what he does. Harp knows him to be a very honorable person, and knows the hurt and frustration the previous encounted had dealt to his friend.
"Ran, I agree with your assessment, and Kal has said that he was mistaken in the actions he took. I am not sure how the Order will see it, or how the Elven Nations will see his actions. I will leave that to Ragnar and you when this mission is over. For the mean time, I will propose the following - and propose it to the whole group. Let me talk with Salix again, and then we will see if we can come to an agreement."
OOC: See my post responding to Salix for the rest. Same bat time, different bat channel.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Harp walks over to Salix after talking to Ran. He sees a defiance there he had rarely seen in his friend. But to question the battle Lord!!. How to respond to convey his feeling, not piss off his friend, and try to keep the group somewhat together. Harp's head started to pound harder - this leadership stuff was a lot harder than he had thought it would be.
"Salix, Hieroniuos values courage, strength of arms, and the fight against evil. What happened a while ago was not neccessarily to his liking - I grant you that. But we all make mistakes. I know I have made enough mistakes to last a life time. But the Battle Lord encourages us to learn from our mistakes and to try and do better next time.
Did I want those creatures dead? No. Am I sorry they are dead? No. Am I happy that our actions seemed devious? No. Do I know what other challenges this place may present us? NO! For all I know, these first 11 doors are just physical challenges. The riddle mentioned something about a maze after getting the keys. If we can find a way to get the creatures on the other sides of these doors out of this place with no harm to us, I am all for that. But, if needed, I have no problem with kill, get key, kill, get key. Part of my military training was when encountering an enemy, there was no such thing as a fair fight. However, I agree - if we are going to parley, we need to keep our end of the bargin. The problem is, Kal did not intend to enter the room, merely to open the door. When Mund tackled him, and then they got stuck in the room, that was when things went to Hell in a rucksack.
This is not a natural place. It was built to test us, but I do now know what type of testing. Since my Lord was the one it was built for, it wouldn't surprise me if a part of it was test of skill of arms. So far, that is what this has seemed to be. However, I know that I may very well be wrong on that. Here is my proposal.
Until and unless we see something that leads us to change, I will propose that from now on, as we encounter these rooms (there seems to be a pattern developing of a short hall way with a room at the end) you, Ran, Surin and Mund will go to the door and try to determine if we can parlay with those on the other side. The three of you seem to try this the most. Brother Ragnar and I will do what is needed to accomplish this task, even if it means killing every creature we encounter (OOC: If Jason objects to this statement, please edit accordingly). But I respect you enough to give you the chance to try to work it out with out violence. I only ask that you not open any doors without letting me know so that we can take the appropriate measures to prepare for what might follow.
OOC: Again, assuming that Kal actually does apologize to Mund, and they at least come to an understanding and do not try to kill each other right here and now, Harp's basic plan is a modification of the earlier one - Surin, Ran, Salix and Mund will do the basic exploring down the hallways, the trying to communicate with what they encounter on the other side, etc. Mund and Ran should provide sufficient physical backup and Surin should be able to keep them from tripping over anything unseen. Allistair, Harp, Ragnar, and Kal will hang back a safe distance (we can wait until we have a mad to work with to decide where) so they can run up like last time if needed but can also stay out of the way if needed. Harp will reiterate that he does not want any doors opened without prior knowledge.
Also, feelings on healing up the damage we just suffered - Kal, Mund, Ragnar are hurt. My guess is that we will end up having to sleep at some point in time, but ony an hour or so has progressed since we entered this place.
Guys, I hope the actions above do not skip around too much. There is so much I want Harp to say, but I don't want to overload (which is my tendency).
From: Porter
Subject Agreement
OOC: Is Tall Twin mistaken about what happened here, or is Harp mistaken, or is Harp just lying (naughty, naughty Harp)? Because Kal *definitely* went in there to do some killing.
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
Kal responds instantly: "Absolutely. I made a mistake in deciding to enter the room without the support of the rest of the group. The entire party has my appologies for that."
From: Jason
Subject Agreement
Ragnar hesitates to interject himself in the charged atmosphere, but finally feels that he should speak up. "You're right, I will do what is necessary to pass the Battle Lord's test. And I do expect that in most cases, we will be forced to, well, battle. But if these creatures truly are being brought here for the express purpose of testing us, nothing would please me more than finding even one that would prefer to return to the natural world without malice. I believe that your plan is excellent, and even if the first 12 doors lead to violence, I hope that we will approach the thirteenth without prejudice. Salix, (if he agrees) you have my admiration, and also my sympathy, for I expect that any the Battle Lord brings to test his servants will deal faithlessly and mercilessly with you- but let it not be so with us."
ooc:You know, one of my pet peeves is when people do exactly what Ragnar just did. Someone addresses one part of their stated opinion, and they feel like they have to defend everything they've said throughout the whole conversation.
About the healing: Ragnar is missing 11 hps. What is the status of Mund/Kal? Kal seems to be missing 6 from his character sheet but Mund's doesn't show him missing any. Once we get an hp check from Kal and Mund Harp and I can figure out the healing situation
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
OOC: I said in the same email "Unless we're not facing goblins or orcs or some other evil race, in which case I'll do something else.".
I'm paraphrasing because I'm too lazy to go dig.
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
OOC: But to any character in the game, it seemed very much like Kal intended to kill whatever was in the room. Kal has only explained his side to Harp.
From: Mark
Subject HP
Mund is actually down 10. He gained 10 when he raged but then got hit for 10. That 10 stays after the additional HP from the rage go away.
It is possible for a barbarian who is raging to die after the rage stops.
From: Jason
Subject HP
Then I guess the next question is does Harp want us healed up to full for the next fight? If he says nothing, Ragnar will cast a cure light on all three. That's probably not the best way but Ragnar isn't very military minded. In fact, he probably would have healed himself already
From: Jason
Subject HP
I may have changed my mind. If I remember correctly, and I may not, I believe my old character sheet had several scrolls of cure moderate wounds on it given to us by the order? They don't seem to be there now.
From: Porter
Subject HP
Mund's only response to that is "Good."
Mund stands up and turns toward the magick users and asks "So, anybody wanna magick up my wounds? Those critters knew how to bite."
OOC: Once we decide on the healing, Mund's ready to go and kick some more butt.
From: Kevin
Subject Healing and HP
Harp responds to Ragnars questioning look. "Go ahead and tend to the wounds, but save your most powerful blessings until we truly need them. Just basic healing at this point"
OOC: CLW only now - if everyone is within 5 point of the max, that will be fine for now.
Let see how Salix and Ran respond.
From: Porter
Subject Healing and HP
OOC: I'm kinda dissapointed that Kal didn't call Mund out for a duel right now. I had something special planned that might not work later. ;)
But on the other hand, it's exciting to get back to the regularly scheduled hack-n-slash.
Peace in the party
Subject Peace in the party
I got this, but didn't get the next email from Kevin. I don't know what Harp said to Salix. I got a piece from one of the other replies to it, but can someone please forward the whole email?
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
(ooc- Since I'm waiting for someone to email me the turn from Kevin that I didn't get, I'll respond the the turn from Mund I didn't get until yesterday. This is part of the Salix/Mund exchange that takes place immediately prior to Harp and Kal returning to the main room. /ooc)
Salix listens to Mund's comments about godfolk and isn't the least bit offended. He knew enough clerics of other gods, and even a couple of druids of The Order, to understand why someone would get such an impression like that. So at those remarks he just smiles at Mund, and nods "thanks" that his request to leave the plunder behind will be "considered". For Mund to admit to considering something was tantamount to agreeing, and Salix could live with that.
But when Mund says, "The gods know that I have had enough reasons to hate the elves throughout my life. I never thought that I'd be friends with one. You're a good guy -- it's like you're normal folk, and not an elf at all. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you."
Salix responds, "Well, I *am* only half Elf. In fact, I've known only a few Elves. Most of my Order are Human, or at least half so. Heck, I can't even read Elvish, and only know a few words of it spoken." He cuts the explanation short because Mund is clearly ready to take his leave. In fact, Mund had already turned to engage Surin in a knife game. Beside, the correction was beginning to sound too much like an apology for having Elf blood. Was it? Salix didn't know. He rarely thought about it. Mostly he considered himself Human. But Ran was mixed blood, too, and had spent considerable effort to deny his human side. Kal was a full Elf, as far as he knew, and from that example Salix wondered how the Elves could garner anything but resentment from those around them.
"Mixed blood is strength" the Stormfather had told him the one and only time he had asked about his pointy ears and superior night vision, the time he met his first full blood Elf, an emissary from a different Order. "Mixed blood brings the strengths of two races together. It is one of the ways nature avoids a dead end." He had often wondered exactly what the Stormfather had meant by that, but all he could get when he asked was "Observe the world, and you will learn." Sometimes he hated that phrase. So many times it sounded like "Go away and stop bothering me with your questions."
Just then, Harp returns with Kal, ending Salix's musings.
From: Kal
Subject Peace in the party
"Harp, I do not trust Kal's version of events. He was determined to kill whatever was on the other side, and could care less what they were. He is rash and violent. There were times during the end of our first adventure I thought surely he wanted to kill YOU for no other reason than your Orcish blood. I fear he will be the ruin of this party and this test.
"Still, I am not leader here. I have only authority to judge Kal in my own head and heart." He pauses, clearly hating the next words he speaks. "It is *possible* that murder was not his intent. I think it was but I could be wrong. I will leave that judgment up to you and your order and god. One of my Order who acted as he has would be Shunned, but we are not you.
"I will follow your lead, Harp, as I have from the beginning. But watch Kal closely. He is dangerous and this recent rashness undoes the goodwill and apologies he professed at the start of this mission. So his spoken apology at this point is worthless. He will have to *show* an apology before he'll have *my* confidence again."
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
Unless Harp has something to say immediately, Salix turns and joins the others, casting one long glare at Kal then pointedly avoiding even a glance in his direction.
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
Don't worry, I don't think any of us want our characters to kill each other. But thank heavens someone wants to play a mediator. Looks like we're going to need one. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject Healing
I seem to remember the party in general and Ragnar in particular being given 10 scroll of CMW and 10 potions of CLW. Ragnar would be the obvious one to carry the scrolls. And since I do not remember any one talking about distributing the potions, he would have those as well.
Just remember, the potions and scrolls can not be refreshed. Once used, they are gone.
From: Jason
Subject Healing
Ragnar nods and turns inwards, meditating and calling on his lord's favor.
Thanking him that the inter-party conflict seems to be cooling down, he explains that he and his friends are injured, and asks that Heironeous allow him to convert some of the blessings he has been granted that day into pure healing energy. (CLW on himself, Mund and Kal, sacrificing Comprehend languages, obscuring mist, and divine favor.)
ooc: The character sheet now allows me to update it, but overnight the list of my equipment was erased. Do you want us to keep updating you on the status of our character sheets or is Mike still working on them?
Harp responds to Ragnars questioning look. "Go ahead and tend to the wounds, but save your most powerful blessings until we truly need them. Just basic healing at this point" OOC: CLW only now - if everyone is within 5 point of the max, that will be fine for now.
Let see how Salix and Ran respond.
From: Randy
Subject Peace in the party
Harp finishes speaking and Salix offers his response. As Salix turns to join the others, his glare at Kal is not lost to Ranthir. Ranthir speaks to Harp in quiet tones.
"Harp, I agree with this plan and I will support you in it fully. Thank you for your acceptance of my opinion and your diplomacy in this matter. I don't think anyone wants this mission to fail and so we must work together. Your leadership and even-handedness in this matter is what we need to keep this group on the same page. I do not envy your position of leadership in this matter. As you may recall I did not desire to lead our last adventure and this kind of situation is one of the reasons why. As for turning Kal over to the order, I believe what I will do is simply make a report of my observations to Angelwing when we return. If he deems it necessary to intercede then I will leave that to him."
From: Kevin
Subject Peace in the party
OOC: I know that many of the characters were willing to leave the "booty" behind, but I think someone (maybe a sneaky little halfling) would be interested in that flask.
I would hate to leave behind some healing.
Mark, has most of the group seen the flask/vial and would any of them have recognized it?
From: Mark
Subject Peace in the party
I would guess that almost all, except maybe Salix, has seen or at least heard about the flask. No one has any idea of what it is.
From: Ashley
Subject Peace in the party
tempting, but Surin has already expressed that he will stand by his friend in this matter. Of course, he's *also* said that he will follow the command of the leader of this mission. Hmmm. :)
From: Mark
Subject Peace in the party
Ok so are we all on the same page? Do I need to write up something new tonight?
From: Porter
Subject Turn
New new new new new new new!!!!!!
From: Karl
Subjec: Peace in the party
Just that the plunder is going to be a sticky point for Salix. The only thing he thinks should be kept is the key. Everything else should go back. If anyone wants to keep it (besides Kal), Salix will reiterate his offer to reimburse the person in question. If Kal wants it, well, Salix thinks he's tainted anyway, so he could care less what Kal does. If anyone is going to object, it should probably be role-played. If no one is going to object, you can write it up however you see fit.
Oh, did the Kal/Mund thing come out in a turn? If so I didn't get it.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheets
If you had been missing gear and money and gear on mounts please check again. Mike found a few that seemed to not have that stuff moved over. He has done so now.
Please check you sheet and let me know if there are any problems with it, other then the few we already know about( Mund and AC, Kal and class.
From: Jason
Subject Peace in the party
My gear is fine again, thanks. I'll add the scrolls/potions when I get back to my home computer.
Once we're healed up, Ragnar is ready to move on. He'll pick up the key from where he put it on the floor (unless someone already did that, I seem to remember someone did), offer it to Harp, and then get set for the next door.
From: Josh
Subject Peace in the party
Kal will take the flask.
OOC: I woke up to a buncha emails, I haven't read them yet. if someone already picked it up, then Kal won't.
From: Ashley
Subject Peace in the party
Get ye flask!
Listening at the next door
Subject Character sheet Salix expects nothing less, actually. If Salix notices Kal taking the flask (or all the coins, too, for that matter), he will not say anything, but will quietly add that action to his list of ways Kal's "honor" is meaningless.
;-)
From: Mark
Subject coin loot
As to the coin loot. You know how cumbersome all those copper pieces will be? Just like a bunch of pennies.
I was looking back through the archives and thought I had told you how many coppers there were. Does any know if I told you how many there were?
From: Jason
Subject Coin Loot
This is the only email I can find on the subject of the coins. The last paragraph mentions them without saying how many there were.
NO
From: Mark
Subject Coin Loot
Ok I will have to get that info this evening.
From: Mark
Subject the next door
The tension that had filled the room eases a bit at Kal's apology. A few more words are said, but the overall mission needs to be accomplished. Taking up Harp's lead, the party readies itself for the next door. Brother Ragnar moves to Kal and Mund, chanting the healing prayer. (CLW on Mund, Kal and Ragnar, Mund Heal 13, Kal Heal 10, Ragnar Heal 6.) Harp takes possession of the Brass Key that was found in the room and adds it to the Copper Key found in the first room.
At Harp's gesture, Surin heads to the third door. He takes a cursory listen at the door, not really expecting anything. When he hears nothing, he opens the door and starts heading down the passage way. This passage way is much longer. Salix and Ran follow about 30 feet behind Surin as the little halfling moves down the corridor. It turns once and then turns again. After a while it ends in another door. Surin moves quietly up to the door and takes another listen. After a bit he returns to the following two and together they return to the main room. "Lot longer hallway this time, but I did not hear anything through the door this time."
OODM: I will try and make a map this weekend and write more of the party's approach to the room.
I do not have my map at work and I have a P&P game tonight.
From: Josh
Subject the flask
Just to be clear, Kal's only taking the flask. His number one concern is the success of this mission, everything else takes second seat.
From: Josh
Subject the flask
... and he'll be vocal about that if anyone says anything.
At the third door
Subject The third door
OODM: There were 8643 copper pieces in the room with the Grimloks. Mainly in three very large sacks. Also the hallway of the third door turns north immediately and goes for 70 before turning west. It then goes another 60 feet west before ending in the door that Surin listened to and heard nothing.
INDM: Harp, upon hearing Surin's report, organizes the next foray. "Mund, Ran Ragnar and I will go first. Surin, Salix, Kal and Allistair will stay 30 feet back from the door, prepared to rush to our aid if we need it." Looking at the other party members for signs of dissent, he sees none, other than a flash of resentment from Kal. The three with Harp head out first and the others follow behind. They quickly arrive at the door. Harp issues his commands. "Ragnar and I will enter first, in case there is no light, as in the last room. If we can open the door and make our way in Ran and then Mund should enter. Any questions?" There are none. Harp motions for Ragnar to lift the bar on the door and push it open. The room is again dark, and the two can see nothing from the door.
OODM: OK guys what do you want to do?
I have made a new map but for some reason it does not want to upload at Sakeriver. I will contact Mike there about it .
From: Kevin
Subject The third door
OOC: Mark, would Harp (and Ragnar) be surprised that he cannot see into this darkness?
From: Jason
Subject The third door
I got the idea that we can see into it, and there's just nothing there within the limits of our vision, which I believe is 60 feet or so. Is that correct?
Fight in the third room, rounds 1 and 2
Subject The third door
Maybe I mis-spoke. They can see into the room, it is just that they can not see anything in the little bit of room they can see into.
From: Mark
Subject The third door
Yes, actually you can see the other wall, the one opposite of you.
From: Kevin
Subject The third door
OOC: Thanks, it does make a difference. Normal darkness Harp can see in is one thing, magical darkness he cannot is something all together different.
IC: Harp peers into the dark room through the open door. He can see nothing, but can barely make out the other side of the room. It is dark, but that does not affect him. With his sword, he reaches out and pushes the door open more, letting as much light in as possible. He whispers to Surin "Do you see any type of trap on the doorway?" If the answer is no, Harp will motion to Ragnar that the two of them will enter the room just barely and then place themselves with their backs to the wall, scanning as much of the rest of the room as they can. He will motion for Ranthir to be ready to follow them in if needed, but not until he either hears Harp or Ragnar call him.
If Surin does find any type of trap, Harp will motion him to disable it if he can.
OOC: This OK guys? Especially Randy and Ashley.
From: Mark
Subject the third door
Actaully Surin searched for traps after he had listened at the door earlier. He found no traps.
From: Randy
Subject The third door
Ranthir waits in the doorway with his crossbow at the ready. Just because he didn't want to attack without provocation did not mean he would abandon the defense of his friends.
From: Porter
Subject The third door
At seeing how dark it is, Mund puts up his bow and arrow and pulls out his axe and shield. By the time he can see anything, it will be too close to shoot an arrow at anyway.
As Harp and Surin cautiously probe the darkness, Mund's fingers impatiently grip the shaft of his axe. At least with Kal it wasn't so boring.
From: Ashley
Subject The third door
Surin gives a low whistle as the door creaks open and he finds himself staring at a whole lot of dark nothing through the opening. Anything could be hiding and he wouldn't even know it, so long as they stayed quiet enough. Enough of that, he tells himself to stop the ungodly shiver running through him. You ain't tellin' stories to the little ones, and there's work yet to be done.
"I already checked the doorway," he tells Harp, "but I can't speak for the area inside." He defers to Harp's leadership, somewhat relieved that he was asked to stay back.
From: Mark
Subject The third door, round 1 and 2
Round 1
In the darkness Ragnar and Harp make a dash for the far wall 30 feet away. Harp makes it with ease and turns to look at the rest of the room. Ragnar is able to hustle all the way across the room and get his back to the wall as well. The door was 30 feet north of the south wall and the north wall was another 30 feet up from the door, making the room 30' x 60'. Then Harp notices the two other things in the room. Things with many legs, ;large snapping claws and a stinger waving around on a long tail in the back. And they do not look happy.
Initiative: Harp(24),Ragnar(21), Scorpions(10)
Both of the creatures scuttle towards Harp and Ragnar, their claws making clicking noises on the stone floor. One of the scorpions (S2) tries to take a claw full out of Harp, but the chitinous claw just bangs off the metal armor (AC21, 1+6=7, miss). The other tries to separate Ragnar's head from his body. However the doughty dwarf is used to fighting in tight underground places and easily catches the claw on his shield. (AC22,2+6=8, miss)
Round 2
Initiative Harp(24),Ragnar(21), Ranthir (20), Mund (19) Scorpions(10)
Glad that his back is to the wall, Harp unleashes a vicious overhand blow at one of the claws of the scorpion that is threatening him (S2). (AC16, 14+10=24, hit, damage 8) He is gratified to see his sword penetrate the exoskeleton and some green blood ooze from the wound he had caused.
Ragnar's sword flashes in the dim light next to Harp. The sturdy dwarfs sword also connects with one of the legs of the creature in front of him (S1), severing the clawed foot from the leg. (AC16,13+7=20, hit, damage 5) However, there are plenty more feet where that one came from.
Ran looks on in horror as his friends are attacked by these skittiling creatures. He can see them clearly enough in the dim light of the hallway and they look like really big versions of the scorpions he had seen in the desert once. Quickly releasing a bolt at the scorpion closest to him (S2), Ran watches his shot bury itself in the armored body of the creature. (AC16, 10+10=20, hit, damage 4) While it looks like the bolt has no effect, Ranthir knows that you almost always have to chop scorpions to bits before then stop moving. Ran the drops his crossbow and draws his sword as he closes on the beast.
Mund sees something large and many legged in the semi darkness charging Ragnar and Harp and his heart leaps in his chest. Fight. Realizing that his bow will be almost useless in the dim light, he drops his bow and as he moves toward the beast, draws his axe and shield. As he closes he swings the axe at the tail section of the beast in front of him (S1). His axe gleams in the dim light and connects with the waving tail section (AC16,17+9=26, hit, damage 11). He howls when he sees a large section of the tail fly from the beast.
The beast attacking Harp hardly notices that there is more than one person attacking it. Both claws snap at the 1/2 orcs head. (AC21, 19+6=25, 5+6=11, hit,miss, damage 8) One of the claws grabs on to Harp's sword arm and almost crushes the arm in it's grip. The stinger flashes out of the dark(AC21, 17+1=18, miss) and Harp is just able to get his shield up in time and the stinger bounces off the metal, a sickly fluid dripping from the end of the stinger.
The other beast attacks Ragnar. (AC22, 6+6=12, 4+6=10, miss, miss.) The stinger also misses as Ragnar dodges the whipping tail end (AC22,9+1=10,miss)
OODM: OK I need round 3. I am attaching two maps, one for the room and one for the dungeon.
From: Ashley
Subject the third room
darkness = no sneak attack. :(
The rest of us can hear what's going on, right?
From: Josh
Subject Fight round 3
Do those of us who are standing back hear the fight? If so Kal charges in, attacking a scorpion if he can in time.
OOC: I love these new maps Mark, great job.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3
Harp looks on in disgust at the creatures. He had heard of such things, but had never thought they would be so ugly. Like larger versions of the creature he had seen at the docks one time, but that thing had been called a lobster. It did not matter - he would carve these ones up as quickly as the cook at the docks had done with that lobster.
Harp and Ran had been in this position before, so Harp was pretty sure of what to expect of Ran. Harp looks around the creature, gets Ranthirs attention, motions with his head, and takes a short step to the left, placing the creature directly between Harp and the 1/2 elf. "Let's see if this thing can fight with both ends of its body" Harp thinks to himself. With the creature flanked, Harp will attack, confident Ran will do the same from the other side.
OOC: Any have an good scorpion recipies?
From: Jason
Subject Round 3
ooc: is Mund still bored? :p
Ragnar is startled to be attacked from behind when he had seen nothing moments before, but the armor on which he had spent nearly his entire inheritance once again proved its worth as the creature failed to penetrate its covering. Quickly regaining his composure, he knocks aside a clawed appendage with a swipe of his shield and slashses at it with his sword. Briefly he congragulates himself as he completely detaches one of its feet, but then notes with dismay that the creature seems untroubled by its lack.
Grimly he beats aside more swipes of the creatures claws, and is startled to feel something beat against his armor from an unexpected angle. "The scorpion's stinger!" he thinks to himself. He'll have to be more watchful of that... Ragnar knows that his people are particularly resistant to poisons but has no desire to push his luck.
He notes gratefully when Mund charges in from the rear. The barbarians great strength and furious attacks will be very useful for bringing the creature down, he knows. In the meantime, Ragnar strives to keep its full attention on himself.
OOC: Ragnar will take a step to his right, trying to flank the scorpion, and will continue attacking. Incidentally, seeing as they take up lots of room on the map, can Ragnar tell if they also have 10' reach?
From: Porter
Subject Round 3
Yelling back over his shoulder he yells "It's two giant crawdads! Anybody wanna come help kill 'em?"
Mund attacks the same crawdad again.
From: Mark
Subject Sneak attack
Actually the others are able to hear this round. They can move up towards the room if they wish.
As long as Surin can flank the target a sneak attack is possible.
From: Mark
Subject Moving into battle
Well they can start moving this turn if they wish. They were about 30 feet back from the door so it would take at least one move action just to get to the door and another to enter the room.
From: Mark
Subject Reach
For as large as they are they do not seem to have a very good reach. It is mainly that they are long and wide, but not very tall.
From: Ashley
Subject Sneak attack
so Surin has to flank it first, or just flank it as it's sneakattacking?
From: Ashley
Subject Round 3
Surin sizes up the situation quicky as best he can--it's too dark to see the critters properly, and he doesn't want to risk hurting the others so close to it. He draws his rapier, takes in a deep breath, and starts moving toward where his ears tell him the action is and trying to pick out the sounds of the crustaceans in the room.
OOC: Is there light coming from the doorway, so that it's not completely dark? Or is Surin gonna be fighting blind?
Round 3
Subject Round 3
Fight? Hmmm. I must have missed an email or two.
From: Karl
Subject Round 3
(OOC - OK, I'm mostly up to speed, I guess, but I didn't get the original email with the maps attached.)
Salix, hearing the commotion heads to the door. He moves to the side a little so Kal can pass. Better to have the impetuous Elf in front of him where he can keep an eye on him.
From: Mark
Subject Sneak attack
Here are the rules for sneak attacking damage
Sneak Attack: If a rogue can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from her attack, she can strike a vital spot for extra damage.
The rogue's attack deals extra damage any time her target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the rogue flanks her target. This extra damage is 1d6 at 1st level, and it increases by 1d6 every two rogue levels thereafter. Should the rogue score a critical hit with a sneak attack, this extra damage is not multiplied.
Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet.
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, a rogue can make a sneak attack that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. She cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a sneak attack, not even with the usual --4 penalty.
A rogue can sneak attack only living creatures with discernible anatomies--undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures lack vital areas to attack. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to sneak attacks. The rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.
So since there is only partial light, and Surin does not have either darkvision or low light vision, I would say that he would not be able to do sneak attack damage, since he can not get a good enough view of the creatures anatomy, to figure out where to strike.
Mund is also in the same situation. The creatures basically have partial concealment against him. Ran has low light vision and as long as the door stays open and lets light in from the hallway he will be able to see fine. Ragnar and Harp have dark vision 60 feet and can see just fine, although it might be in black and wihite.
From: Randy
Subject Round 3
And Ran does not disappoint. He moves to flank and strike hard with his sword.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3
Allistair hears the sound of battle ahead. At least this time everyone seems to be agreeing on whether to fight the adversary or not. Seeing Kal and the others charge forward into the room, Allistair runs to the entrance of the room, hopefully he can let loose a magic missle or two at the new foe they are facing.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3
Round 3
Initiative Harp (24), Ragnar (21), Ranthir (20), Mund (19) Surin (11), Allistair (10), Scorpions (10), Kal (6), Salix (6)
Harp grins as the room fills with allies. This should not take too long, he thinks. Taking a quick step to his left, and ducking under the waving claws he stabs his sword at the face of the scorpion (S2). (AC16, 9+11=20, hit, damage 9) His sword buries itself in one of the creature's eyes. Harp pulls the sword out before the claws get a grip on him.
Ragnar also takes a step, but this time to the right. Jumping over a claw (S1) that grabs for his leg, he slices down with his own sword and connects with another solid blow. (AC16, 17+9=26, hit, damage 9) His sword severs another clawed foot and now the creature wobbles a bit when it moves.
Ran sees Harp's head nod to the side and the 1/2 elf takes a step to his right, keeping the large scorpion (S2) between the two of them. As the tail whips by his head he takes another swing at it. (AC16, 12+10=22, hit, damage 3) Another chunk is taken out of the tail but the stinger is still attached.
Mund is glad to see that his axe can hurt this creature. He had heard stories about monsters that could not be hurt by normal weapons. This was just an oversized crawdaddy. Shouting to the rest of the party in the hallway "its two giant crawdads. Anybody wanna come help kill 'em?" With that he turns back and lashes out with his axe (AC16, 4+11=15, miss) at the tail, but misses it as it passes in front of him.
Surin hears the commotion from the room from his place in the hallway. Moving as fast as he can he passes through the door and steps to the side, trying to get an idea of how the fight is going before he does anything else. His one hand plays with the throwing axe at his waist.
Allistair also approaches the open door; trying to determine is his magical aid is needed.
The scorpion facing Harp attacks the 1/2 orc with both claws and its stinger. (AC21, 6+6=12, 11+6=17, 17+1=18, miss, miss, miss) The 1/2 orc is easily able to evade all three attacks, catching the last one on his shield again.
Ragnar is not so lucky. One of the claws grabs his leg and crushes the armor, pinching the flesh beneath. (AC22, 10+6=16, 19+6=25, 17+1=18, miss, hit, miss, damage 5).
Kal, hearing Munds call, charges into the room, his rapier drawn. Seeing the barbarian locked in battle, Kal rushes to his side and attacks the scorpion (S1). (AC16, 5+12=17, hit, damage 8) His rapier pierces the armored hide and slides in hilt deep. The creature shudders and as Kal pulls the rapier free it starts to try and take a step away from the two people behind it.
Salix moves up next to Allistair in the doorway, observing the combat. He remembers what he knows about scorpions and knows that they are mindless insects that will attack anything that moves.
OODM: I need round 4. I will send a map tonight when I get home.
From: Porter
Subject Round 4
Mund attacks the same creature again.
From: Randy
Subject Round 4
Ran continues to flank the creature taking his cue from Harp. He waits for his opening and when he sees it, he strikes.
From: Ashley
Subject Round 4
I'm not sure Surin will be able to get there this round. if the low level of light has the same movement consequences as darkness, he can't run or charge. Nevertheless, Surin will move as fast as his wee legs can carry him to help his much larger friends.
From: Jason
Subject Round 4
Ragnar will keep doing the same thing, except the part where he got hurt hopefully.
From: Ashley
Subject Round 4
As soon as he crosses the threshold into the room, Surin can hardly see enough to put one foot in front of the other. Cautiously, and with the dizzying feeling that every step could land him flat on his face, he moves toward the noises ahead of him as fast as he can without landing himself in an invisible hole or wall. He puts his rapier away, realizing that he can hardly fight in this situation, and brings up his trusted axe. Inching as close as he dares, he sizes up the options ahead of him. For all he could see, Harp and the rest had a handle on the situation, and Surin could only interfere. Raising his axe, Surin waits for any opening that he could take against the creature.
OOC: Does the darkness have any other effects on a miss chance with a ranged weapon? I'm thinking back to the rule that if you throw a ranged weapon into a melee and it misses by more than 4, it hits someone else. Assuming I *don't* want to hit the other folks in the party (yet), would it be a good idea to throw an axe into the mix?
The only thing I found was this rule concerning darkness: All opponents have total concealment from a blinded creature, so the blinded creature has a 50% miss chance in combat. A blinded creature must first pinpoint the location of an opponent in order to attack the right square; if the blinded creature launches an attack without pinpointing its foe, it attacks a random square within its reach. For ranged attacks or spells against a foe whose location is not pinpointed, roll to determine which adjacent square the blinded creature is facing; its attack is directed at the closest target that lies in that direction.
So*, assuming Surin is within range, and he can pinpoint one of the giant roaches, he'll hazard throwing an axe at the nearest one (unless there are some uberserious attack penalties I don't know about). This might take until next round, if Surin still has space to cover. He'll try to stay far enough away from the things' reach, if he can.
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
Well since the door is open there is light coming from the hallway. Surin is not in total darkness.
In fact there is enough light for the elves and 1/2 elves to see very clearly due to thier low light vision.
Only the humans and the halflings would have any problem and that is just some concealment.
There is a problem with throwing into combat.
Let me check the rules, however, I do not expect this to take another round. I expect they will be dead before we get to the scorpions turn.
From: Kevin
Subject Insects
OOC: The scorpions, hearing themselves referred to as mere "insects", instead of the proper Scorpiones order fo the class Arachnida, rear up in anger at the entity who summoned them here. How dare it/he/she/they refer to these majestic creatures as mere "insects"? Why, bees were insects. Scorpions were the king of the desert, not to be confused with mere 6 legged creatures. Ants had six legs. How droll.
Round 4 and clean up
Subject Round 3
Hey. Mund thought they were crawdads.
From: Josh
Subject Round 4
Kal keeps on swinging.
From: Karl
Subject Round 4
ROTFL!
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
OOC: Filled with divine power, both scorpions turn on the 1/2 orc, and using their fate point, and all six attacks are critical hits. 106 points of damage latter, Mund is having 1/2 orc and scorpion stew.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 4
OOC: There are no scorpion gods, just the scorpion king. These scorpions must be the hand picked minions of the scorpion king.
And Mund, they are related to crawdads. At least more closely than to *insects*. Uggh.
IC: Harp feels his sword strike again, biting deep into the creature. They could be hit, they could be killed. He sees Ran manuervering on the other side. Harp moves as well, keeping the creature between himself and Ran. Just a couple more strikes, and hopefully this thing would be down. Harp looks for another opening, and strikes again.
OOC: Mark, 5 ft step if needed to maintain the flanking, other than that, ginsu practice on dinner.
From: Karl
Subject Round 4
Salix steps into the doorway kicking something in the process. Looking down it appears to be a foot from one of the creatures, giant scorpions. He sees that the room is unlit except for the light from the door. He also sees that the two creatures are surrounded and looking a bit ragged. This shouldn't last much longer. In fact it should be over before he is even able to land a blow, then they would need to search for the key. He picks up the scorpion foot and says a prayer to Obad Hai to bring light. (Casts Light on the foot.)
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
Round 4
Initiative Harp (24), Ragnar (21), Ranthir (20), Mund (19) Surin (11), Allistair (10), Scorpions (10), Kal (6), Salix (6)
These things looked fearsome, and probably were against unarmed and unarmored peasants, however, he is neither, thinks Harp to himself. Taking another swing at the creature (S2) he easily hits it (AC16, 18+12=30, hit, damage 9). The creature rocks back on its many legs and starts to flounder around, its claws and stinger flailing in the air.
Ragnar blocks one of the claws of the snapping at him and tries to make a cut at the head section of the scorpion facing him (S1). However, he has to avert his blow at the last second in order to block the stinger that comes whipping in at his face. (AC16, 3+9=12, miss)
Ran watches Harp's blow stagger the creature. Hoping to finish off the creature (S2) Ran takes another swing at the flailing tail, but this time he aims for lower on the tail, closer to where it attaches to the body. He lands a solid blow (AC16, 17+10=27, hit, damage 4) and the segmented tail section falls to the floor, flopping around. It also seems that the damage was enough to kill the creature as the rest of it collapses to the floor in a twitching pile.
Mund hauls his axe back over his head and crashes it down in the middle of the carapace covering the back of the scorpion (S1) (AC16, 6+11=17, hit, damage 8). The blade crushes through the thick plate and almost cuts the creature in two. The arms stop waving and the stinger falls lifeless to the ground.
As the battle ends Salix enters the room. Looking around he picks up one of the severed feet and whispers a few words. A bright light starts emanating from the foot and soon most of the room is filled with light. "For our human and halfling friends" he says. The rest of the party enters the room and looks around. The room is empty except for a door in the north west portion of the room, on the north wall.
OODM: OK what next?
From: Porter
Subject Round 4
Sick of being mercy to the whim of whoever made this place, Mund pulls out his everburning torch in case the next room is as dark as this one.
From: Karl
Subject clean up
Can we take the DM word for it that this room is truly empty, or does it just appear empty. If the latter, Salix will move through the room, looking for any sign of a key.
From: Mark
Subject Clean up
Well You can take my word that there is nothing obvious in the room. Unlike the last two rooms, there is no key just laying on the ground. That is not to say that there is not something hidden or hard to see, but the cursury observation of 8 pairs of eyes reveals nothing.
From: Kal
Subject Clean up
If there's anything left standing by the time Kal's turn he'll just take a swing at the most opportune creature.
OOC: If that creature just happens to be Mund, well, I'll leave it up to DM's discresion. :-D
From: Jason
Subject Clean up
Ragnar will begin to search the room for anything hidden, unless Harp has them all continue onwards.
From: Karl
Subject Clean up
OK, so Salix is gonna take one pair and non-cursorily observe the room to see what he can find. He's looking for the key, but will note anything that doesn't look exactly as he thinks wall/floor/ceiling/door should. ;)
From: Karl
Subject Kal
Uh, the scorpions are long dead by this turn. Or is Kal giving up all pretense of not being a murderer?
From: Porter
Subject Kal
:-D
From: Mark
Subject Kal
Well since he did make the Mund comment OOC, I am going to assume he was scanning the room for other foes that might have been waiting in the dark to pounce on unsuspecting adventurers.
From: Randy
Subject Clean up
Ranthir will take part in a quick search of the room but will also suggest that Surin check the new door for traps and also take a good listen to see if we can find out what lies beyond it.
From: Porter
Subject Clean up
Mund looks at the door (and under it, etc) to see if he can tell if the next room is dark or not.
From: Kevin
Subject Clean up
Harp looks around the room and, seeing no more threats, starts to feel the blood pumping in his veins return to a normal level. He sees Salix turn one of the feet of the scorpions into a torch and chuckles to himself. An off handed humor his friend the druid had. He also notices Mund take out his torch that never seemed to go out. Poor human, to be so limited in his sight. Harp almost preferred to fight in the dark - no nasty shadows to worry about.
With a moments thought, Harp gets back to work. "Surin, would you and Mund take a look at that door. Don't enter, just look and listen. Ragnar, I understand your kind has a knack for stone. Would you work with Salix and Allistair and make sure we are not overlooking anything that may be hidden in the room. Kal, will you help Ran and I check the scorpions. I guess they could have eaten the key."
Harp will also ask Salix if there is any purpose in saving some of the venom from the stingers of the scorpions.
From: Ashley
Subject Clean up
Surin, thankful that he can see his hand in front of his face once again, begins searching around the edges of the room, and if Harp approves of Ran's suggestion, will check the door for traps and sounds.
From: Porter
Subject Clean up
So, do Mund and Surin discover anything about the door?
From: Mark
Subject Clean up
Harp looks around the room, nudging the dead scorpion in front of him to make sure it is dead. He sees the door in the north wall and decides to split the chores. "Surin, would you and Mund take a look at the door. Don't enter, just look and listen. Ragnar, I understand your kind has a way with stone. Would you work with Allistair and Salix and inspect the room and make sure we are not overlooking anything that may be hidden in the room. Kal, will you help Ranthir and me check the scorpions. It is possible that they have eaten the key."
The party members go about the assigned duties. Mund and Surin are done first, with Ragnar, Allistair and Salix finishing last. Those three found nothing special in the room. Harp, Ranthir and Kal found nothing in the bodies of the scorpions. Surin and Mund report that there seems to be light in the next room but they did not hear anything at the door.
OODM: OK give me actions. Ragnar is down 10 HP I think and Harp is down 11.
From: Mark
Subject Typo
I was just rereading this and I made a typo.
There is no light coming from the next room.
From: Porter
Subject Clean up
Mund suggests that whoever goes in first to investigate this next room does so with his torch.
Room 4 and light
Subject Scorpion venom
(OOC - Mark, what does Salix know about scorpion stinger venom? Is there any reason to save some?)
From: Mark
Subject Scorpion venom
He knows that it is not really that strong of a venom, DC12 Fort save, and that it does not last very long once outside the body.
From: Karl
Subject Scorpion venom
Salix completes his search of the room with the others and reports back to Harp that nothing was found. In response to his question about the venom, Salix responds, "The venom, though painful, isn't really very strong even when delivered naturally. Besides that, it begins losing what effectiveness it had almost immediately upon being extracted. It's not worth it, unless . . ." he pauses until his intellectual honesty overrides his minor distaste for the arcane arts. "Unless it has some value to our mage friend - as a spell component, perhaps?" He passes the question to Allistair with a glance.
From: Mark
Subject Hiatus?
I think I remember Porter saying something somewhere about his being out of town next week. Anyone else going to be unavailable next week? I was just wondering if we should put the game on hold starting Saturday until the Monday after Thanksgiving?
From: Derek
Subject Hiatus
I won't be travelling, and Porter asked me to take over Mund during that time.
From: Jason
Subject Hiatus
I'll still be available if we decide to keep going.
From: Mark
Subject Hiatus
Well it looks like we will be able to, so far. I was worried about the Bassett brothers but it looks like they have it covered.
I know on Friday that Kevin and I will be going to the LOTR museum exhibit in Indianapolis with our families, so not much will happen that day. I can probably get something out early on Thursday before we go to the family feast around noon.
From: Ashley
Subject Hiatus
I'm not sure. I might be bringing my laptop with me for homework purposes, and my aunt and uncle probably have internet, but I imagine it'll be a bit sporatic.
From: Karl
Subject Hiatus
I'll probably not send a turn on T-day itself, but I'm good for the rest of next week.
From: Kevin
Subject Room 4
Harp calls the group over to the door. He and Ragnar are somewhat a bit worse for wear, but that was what he was there for. None of the more highly trained member were hurt, and Harp planned on keeping that way. He is pretty sure that there would come a time when Allistair or Surin's special talents would be needed, and he was damn sure they would be around to help.
"Ok, guys, next door. Mund, you and Ranthir get to go first this time. Ragnar, Kal and I will be the second wave in, with Salix, Surin and Allistair after us.
Ready?"
From: Porter
Subject Room 4
"Ready."
From: Karl
Subject Room 4
Ready
From: Randy
Subject Room 4
"Let's go" Ranthir says, his sword in hand as he reaches to open the door.
From: Porter
Subject Light
Wait" Mund says as he tries and fails to hold both his torch and his shield in the same hand.
"Ran -- are you able to carry this torch? If not, then I won't be able to use my shield."
From: Randy
Subject light
Ran reaches and takes the offered torch from Mund. "Someone else will have to open the door for us" Ran comments as now both of his hands as well as both of Munds are full.
OOC: Ran has a small shield, in my mind that means it is one that is strapped to his forearm and he does not need to use his hand to carry it but if this is not the case, Ran will instead ask that someone else come to the doorway to hold the torch as he and Mund enter the door.
From: Mark
Subject Shields and light
From the open source:
Shield, Light, Wooden or Steel: You strap a shield to your forearm and grip it with your hand. A light shield's weight lets you carry other items in that hand, although you cannot use weapons with it.
Wooden or Steel: Wooden and steel shields offer the same basic protection, though they respond differently to special attacks.
Shield, Heavy, Wooden or Steel: You strap a shield to your forearm and grip it with your hand. A heavy shield is so heavy that you can't use your shield hand for anything else.
Wooden or Steel: Wooden and steel shields offer the same basic protection, though they respond differently to special attacks.
OK so Ran has the torch.
I will send out a starting turn in a little bit. My map is at home, but I do remember what is in the room, I just don't remember how big the room is.
From: Porter
Subject Light
I don't think you can hold it with a small shield either -- only with a buckler.
Does anybody have the D&D equivalent of duct tape so that Mund can strap the torch onto the front of his shield?
From: Porter
Subject Light
Well, I was wrong about the small shield, but it would still be great if I could strap the torch to Mund's shield.
Anybody have a tangleroot bag?
From: Mark
Subject Room 4
The party follows Harps orders and takes their places around and in front of the door. Ran's hand rests lightly on the latch that will unlock the door. Mund moves up into place, fumbling with the torch and his shield. "Here, take this" he says, handing the torch to Ran. Ran grabs the torch with his right hand. The light is now blocked some from his sheild. "Someone else will have to get the door" he says. Harp grunts and places his hand on the latch instead. With a look at the rest of the party, Harp pushes open the door and Mund and Ran enter the room.
OODM: I will have more when I get home tonight.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4
What a tease! :p
From: Ashley
Subject light
Surin can carry the torch if Ran doesn't mind the light source being behind him.
From: Porter
Subject Light
How about attaching Surin to Mund's shield and haivng Surin hold the torch?
From: Kevin
Subject Light
OOC: The problem with the torch, shield and weapon was sort of why I was going to have Harp and Ragnar go through the doors first. They both have darkvision, they both have plate armor. They can peer into the room, get a feel for what is there, and have the best chance of surviving that action. I did not want them to dominate this,though, so that was why I let Mund and Ran go first. Maybe Mund can attach the scorpion foot to his shield?
Mark, confirm, but we are still in a pretty dark room, with a little bit of light coming from the original hallway, right? As we enter the new room, our light will come mainly from torch light (or magical light).
I pity the characters that do not have dark vision.
Any one have any comments on letting the 1/2 orc and dwarf enter the dark rooms first in the future?
From: Kevin
Subject Light
OOC: I am sure there would be a penalty, but maybe we can hook up a harness like in Mad Max - Thunderdome. The one used by Master and Blaster? Surin can ride up on Harp or Mund's back and hold a torch lighting the way.
That would have been an E-ticket ride in its day.
From: Karl
Subject Light
Salix's light spell lasts 10 min per level. Has it been over 50 min since he lit up the foot?
From: Mark
Subject Light
Well Salix's light spell would have gone out after a while, almost 50minutes. It would still have 20-25 minutes left on it. Munds torch is a magical torch of the everburning type, so it never goes out. The range on the light on both of these is 20 feet radius of bright light and another 20 of dim, for a total of 40 feet diameter bright and 80 feet dim light.
The room is dark with out the light.
It is not magical darkness, yet.
From: Mark
Subject Room 4
Ran and Mund quickly enter the room. Ran is glad to see that the wall to his left continues inside the room. As the two enter the room they are able to move about 10 feet in before they hear a strange screeching sound. In the dim light, from the east of the room, they see four strange bird like creatures about the size of a goose or a turkey. The wings are bat shaped and the tails are scaly instead of feathery. The eyes glow with an eerie red light. The bird things howl and start to charge.
OODM: I have to take my son somewhere. Let me know your actions and I will figure initiative and start the combat. Give me two choices, one if you have a high Initiative score and one if you have a low one.
Map attached.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4
Do we have enough time to get out and close the door on the birds?
From: Randy
Subject Room 4
If we do, then Ran will call to Mund, "Fall back!" and seeing that Mund is already doing so, he will get out of the room and shut the door as soon as they are both clear.
If Ran doesn't think there is enough time to get out and close the door, then he will call to the others, "Four bird-like creatures charging! We could use some more light in here!" and trust them to join. He will then prepare to fight defensively against the airborn opponents, waiting for them to approach him first.
From: Jason
Subject Room 4
ooc: If we do get the door closed, might it not be advantageous to draw them out into the room we're already in, placing the lights at advantageous positions? Ragnar wouldn't suggest this, but someone with more combat experience might (if he thought it was a good idea anyways.)
From: Kevin
Subject Room 4
OOC: I know why we want to fall back, but do our characters? Does either Ranthir or Mund recognize the creatures? If not, why would the run away? Would it not be more normal for the next three to enter the room and then attemp to fight these, at least until the first one of us is turned into stone?
However, if Ranthir and Mund want to exit the room and close the door so they can discuss tactics with the others, and maybe ask Salix (who probably has the best chance of knowing what these things are), then that might make sense.
Harp will take his lead from the first two in. If they end up moving forward to attack, Harp will do so. If they exit the room, he will back up to give them space
From: Jason
Subject Room 4
ooc: Well, since I actually didn't recognize what they were until this email, I think its fair to say that turning to stone isn't the reason I suggested falling back. I was thinking of falling back like we did with the ogre, so that we aren't all stuck trying to get in the door, but instead they're stuck trying to get in to fight us. That's only if they close the door though; if they run in and fight, Ragnar will join in fearlessly (ignorance is very similar to courage at times, isn't it?)
Round 1 results, round 2 actions
Subject Room 4
Mund is a smart fighter. He wants to fall back so that everybody can take on these creatures together. Mund was annoyed that more care wasn't taken in the scorpion room.
The first room with the ogre -- that's exactly how Mund likes to fight. Fight dirty, and fight smart.
I have no idea what these creatures are. As far as I (and Mund) are concerned, they are giant birds.
From: Ashley
Subject Room 4
Unless they fall back (which seems pretty likely) Surin will draw his axe and keep within the limits of the light whilst trying to take care of the bird things. Otherwise, he'll wait. At least Harp and the others aren't gonna hog all the xp this time. :pirate:
From: Josh
Subject Room 4
Kal's watching Harp for lead. If Harp attacks Kal's in there next to him.
From: Karl
Subject Room 4
(OOC - How much does Salix know about these creatures? Well, assuming he is told enough about them to determine what they are, or he gets to actually see them. They're basilisks, right?)
For now I have no action for Salix. He will wait for Harp's orders unless the things come into view or the rest of the group enters the room, in which case he will follow.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4
Just to make it clear, it never even entered my mind that these creatures were anything besides giant animals when I decided to have Mund step back.
Part of Mund's philosophy is to avoid a fair fight at all costs.
People keep making hints that these creates have some way of petrifying people, but I *still* don't know what they are. I just haven't played enough D&D to be familiar with all the creatures. :)
And truth to tell, it's fun being as ignorant as my character. :)
From: Randy
Subject Room 4
OOC: This is also why Ranthir wants to retreat. I didn't really think about what the creatures are, only that they were charging.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4
OOC:
Exactly. Why fight them with two of us melee when we can fall back, organize, and hit them with missile and melee from everybody?
From: Mark
Subject Room 4 round 1
Don't worry. Kevin is a bit of a rules freak and like showing his "superior" intellect. ;)
From: Kevin
Subject Room 4 round 1
OOC: Then its agreed - Ranthir and Mund exit the room and close the door. Just so there is no confusion with the DM, right???
From: Mark
Subject Room 4 round 1
Of course like I said it all depends on the initiative roll.
I am going to try and do something at lunch, since tonight I have dinner, cub scout pack meeting and Harry Potter, nothing will happen after 5PM ET today.
From: Derek
Subject Room 4 round 1
Allistair just sees three big warriors pump themselves up, charge through a door, and then immediately charge right back out and close the door behind them.
"Well," says Allistair expectantly. "I guess there's something really big and nasty in the next room? I still have my fireballs handy if they will do any good."
From: Porter
Subject Room 4 round 1
Assuming that Mund is able to:
Mund sees the birds and thinks "Well, I guess this door lead to nothing but a bunch of oversized animals."
But even so, these giant birds could take a good piece out of his hide. There's no point in attacking them with a raiding party of two when they can attack with a party of, um, more.
Mund jumps back into the room with everybody else, and as soon as Ran is through the door, slams it shut.
"We've got some more giant animals in there -- this time they are four birds."
From: Porter
Subject Room 4 round 1
OOC. I didn't realize it required a roll. Make that my reply if they get the door closed behind them.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4 round 1
"Nah. Like I said, they're just four giant birds. It just thought it would be smarter for us to be able to all fight them together. Maybe we can lure them into this room and surround them."
From: Mark
Subject Room 4 round 1
Just a note. The birds are not really giant. They are turkey sized. While that does make them big, for most birds, they are not Roc sized or anything like that. They are actually considered small creatures and they look to weigh in at about 25 lbs.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4 round 1
In that case, replace "giant" with "weird looking". :)
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1
Initiative: Creatures (19), Mund (16), Ran (4)
At the site of the two adventurers the bird like creatures hurtle themselves across the room. With the limited space in the room the birds do not take flight but move with a strange hoping gait, their bat like wings beating the air, almost jumping along. The birds move until they have almost surrounded Mund.
As Munds eyes adjusts to the dim light of the room he hears the loud screeching sounds being made by the birds. By the time he is able to turn towards the noise he is almost surrounded. "Oh Shit. Ran" he shouts, "we are going to need some backup in here and fast." With that the barbarian starts to defend himself. Trying to get his back to a wall, he takes a quick step forward and to his left, and as he pivots to get his back against the wall, he swings his axe at the bird that is there (AC14, 20+9=29, hit, possible critical, critical threat, AC14, 1+9=10, miss, no critical, damage 4) His axe leaves a bleeding gash in the left wing of the beast.
Ran, watches in disbelief as the bird like creatures charge them. He hears Mund' shout for help and echoes it through the door. "Four bird like creatures. We need help in here." He watches Mund move to the wall and chop at the bird in front of him. Figuring to gang up on the things and to make space for the others, Ran takes a quick step towards Mund and attacks the same bird (AC14, 12+8=20, hit, damage, 8). His sword flashes and cuts deeply into the back of the beast.
OODM: Round 2 is next. The next three, Harp, Kal and Ragnar can enter the room this round. Initiative is as follows: Kal (24), Harp (24), Birds (19), Mund (16), Ragnar (8), Ran (4). Salix, Surin and Allistair know something is going on but can not see what yet.
From: Derek
Subject Room 4 round 1
OOC: Well, so much for just torching them all with a fireball.
Allistair hears commotion ahead and moves forward so that he can hopefully get a line-of-sight on whatever they are fighting in the room so that he can zap it.
From: Porter
Subject Room 4 Round 2
OOC: I know I didn't make it clear before, but next time let's have people *look* into rooms before *stepping* into them.
Mund attacks the wounded bird.
From: Mark
Subject Room 4 round 2
Well with the size of the room neither Mund or Ran could see the criters at the other end so they would have entered. The light only extends for 40 feet so Ran's lowlight vision is only good that far.
From: Jason
Subject Room 4 round 2
Ragnar will move in and attack, assuming there is room. He'll attack a wounded bird if possible, and try to make room for others to enter as well.
From: Randy
Subject Room 4 round 2
OOC: Wow, I think that is the lowest initiative Ran has ever had!
Ran will contiue to hack at the birds, flanking with Mund if they can coordinate it. "Let's surround them if at all possible!"
From: Ashley
Subject Room 4 round 2
Surin hears something going on but will stick with Salix, who after all has a light source. If he makes it into the room he'll throw his axe at one of them.
From: Josh
Subject Room 4 round 2
Kal dances in quickly and attacks the birds. The silent clamor of battle is interupted by the loud sounds Kal makes as he swings his sword each time. Each a loud grunt, high pitched in an elven voice.
From: Karl
Subject Room 4 round 2
Salix will move to the doorway to see what's going on.
Harp's round 2 actions
Subject Room 4 round 2
"Damn it" Harp thinks to himself, "Why can; this ever happen as he planned it?" With that, Harp steps into the room, moving as best he can, striking at the creature that will provide the most room for the rest of the group to be able to move in. OOC: Mark, this will depend somewhat on what Kal does, but without a map of which creature is close by, use your *best* judgement.