Moving on
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get a turn out last night. My son is leaving town for a week and needed the computer to download songs onto his I-Pod.
I will get a turn out this morning.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Every one breaths a sigh of relief when nothing blows up as Surin takes the key from the stand on the table. "Ok folks" Harp says "let's take a close look at these walls and see if we have missed any secret doors. According to Allistair and the map he is keep there is a chance there are passage ways behind some of these wall. Take your time. We have all day." The party breaks into pairs: Kal and Surin, Ranthir and Harp, Ragnar and Salix and Mund and Allistair. The search starts.
Over the next two hours nothing is found. At one point Allistair gives up in frustration and asks Surin if he could see the key. Closer inspection shows that it is as intricately designed as the others, but that it also has a gem in the handle. Allistair calls Ragnar over. "You're a dwarf. Any idea of what type of gem this is?" Ragnar puts on a good show of looking at the gem from all angles. After several minutes the dwarf mutters in frustration. "I have no idea of what type of gem it is." Holding up his hands to stave off comments he goes on "I know, I know, dwarves are supposed to know everything about gems and ores and such. But I was taken captive when I was only 6 and never got the traditional dwarven training. You might as well ask Mund what it is." The dwarf stomps off to continue looking for secret doors.
As Allistair sits there Surin wanders by. Seeing Allistair holding the key, Surin pipes up "That's one of the nicest zircons I have every seen. Nice size and a wonderful cut. I almost thought it was a diamond for a while." Allistair sits, stunned, for a few moments before calling the halfling back and finding out all he can about the stone.
The party is a bit down with the lack of success. "Well maybe the access is somewhere else" Harp says. Let's go check the next door. If we hear anything we rest for the night. If not then we open the door and see what's in it." The party nods agreement and they tromp back to the main room. When they get to the next door in the main room, Harp nods and Salix, Surin and Mund head out ahead of the rest. With the rest of the party about 40 feet behind, the three make their way down the long hallway. At the end they stop about 30 feet from the door on the north wall. Surin then takes the lead. He moves forward, slowly and starts to listen at the door.
Harp thinks that Surin is spending an awful amount of time at the door and starts to worry. He starts to move up but stops himself. He has got to trust the others to do their job. So he waits. A few minutes later his patience is rewarded when Surin heads back to the party and signals them to follow him back to the main room. Once there he fills the party in.
"I heard voices, low, rumbling voices. I did not understand the language. Sounded like there were at least three of them, maybe four, not exactly sure. Sorry I could not figure out more."
OODM: Now what?
From: Porter
Subject Moving on
While Mund and his brother are searching for secret doors, Mund starts up a conversation. "Back there when you got hit by all those spikey spikes, I thought you were done for, but you didn't even fall down. I thought that all the magick training made y'all weak and feeble. How did you stay so tough?"
From: Karl
Subject Moving on
Can we assume that Salix took a try to figure out the language? After-all, that's primarily why he went up with Surin in the first place. Or do we have to explicitly state that he goes back up to the door and gives a listen?
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Yes you can assume that Salix took a listen. He did not understand the words or anything, but something about the tone/flow of the language struck him as vaugely familiar. Unfortunately, he is not able to figure out what it is. Yet.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
OOC: it would be nice if Allistair had the component for a clairvoyance spell. If he knows it, that is.
IC: Harp listens to Surin and Salix's report. Multiple creatures, unknow language. What was new. It couldn't be bugbears, could it.
"All right, as these rooms have gotten harder as we have moved on, I don't think we want to try this without our spells and prayers ready to go. I still would like to know what these things are. Lets try this. Mund, you and Ran go down with Salix and Allistair. You and Ran up front, Salix and Allistair in back. As before, open, look, close. We do not want to fight these things today if we can at all help it. I just want to know what they are so we can plan accordingly. We are almost done, and I don't want us getting over anxious. I've made enough mistake this adventure, and I don't want to make any more."
From: Randy
Subject Moving on
Ran nods in agreement and begins moving towards the door, trying to be as quiet as possible.
From: Ashley
Subject moving on
I'm glad Surin passed his knowledge (shiny objects) check. :)
Taking a peek
Subject Moving on
It was an appraise check and Surin rolled well and Ragnar rolled a 1.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving on
I thought your schedule was going to lighten up after school got out and the shows went into reruns. You are as bad as Burlew.
From: Mark
Subject Moving on
Both boys were gone last night so the wife and I went to a movie and dinner.
I will get a turn out tonight.
From: Derek
Subject Fraternal questions
OOC: Really busy yesterday. Sorry for the late reply.
IC: Allistair laughs a little in spite of himself at this comment from Mund. "I'm surprised you of all people would ask that question. Remember that I was your younger long before I've became a wizard. You weren't always as easy to get along with as you are now, and you used to pick a lot of fights, with me and everyone else. Also our hometown, and our people in general, are generally not a peaceful society. In some ways the simple fact that I survived to manhood is an testament to my fortitude."
"You are correct in observing that mages for the most part are not physically strong or tough. That's not because the use of magic training makes you weak and feeble, just that a lot of physical strength and endurance isn't necessary to learn it. Though having it can be helpful, as you noticed when I was attacked by the Manticore."
From: Porter
Subject Fraternal questions
"So, what was it like being a tough guy in an entire school full of wimps?"
From: Mark
Subject Taking a peek
"Ok" Harp says "Salix, Allistair, Ran and Mund will go down to the door. Mund will open it while Salix and Allistair look in and see what they can see. Mund will then close the door as quietly as he can and hopefully whatever is in the room will be none the wiser. We have a good idea of how big the room is, 70 x 50, but we do not know if it is broken up into smaller rooms. If the things attack, you two" he points at the mage and the druid, "make it back here to the main room as fast as you can. Mund and Ran will be the rear guard. You two" he points to the two fighters "retreat as best you can with out opening yourselves up to too much danger. We will try and have an ambush ready here."
The four nod and head off down the hallway. When they get about 40 feet from the door, they slow and try and make their way as quietly as possible. As they get to the door they take up positions. Salix and Allistair look at each other and nod at Mund. The barbarian opens the door (Move Silent, 17+4=21, vs listen check, 5+?=?). The door swings open and the druid and the mage look in.
The room is as big as they thought it would be, 70 x 50. in the middle of the room stand four creatures that are the oddest creatures the two have ever seen. They stand about 5 feet high and 5 feet wide. They have three arms, three legs and three eyes spread about their body. Their skin is green and very rough. On top of the body is a huge mouth full of teeth. The hands end in sharp claws. Allistair motions to Mund to close the door(Knowledge check: Planes, DC 17, 19+6=25, success) and the barbarian tries his best (Move Silent, 8+4=12, Listen check, 14+?=?). As he moves the door it lets out a squeak and the four figures turn their bodies so that at least two eyes of each one is looking at the door.
As Mund closes the door, the four at the door hear a voice call out "Hello the door". The voice is deep and rumbling, almost like an earthquake.
OODM: What do you want to do? I am sending Derek info on what Allistair knows.
From: Derek
Subject Taking a peek
Right as Mund is closing the doors, a light goes on in Allistairs mind. "Flaming arse of Heironius! We need to get away fast!" Allistair swears as he starts running away from the door back to the hallway and very quickly motions everyone to leave the door and follow him. "Don't worry too much about the noise. I think they saw us at the very end. We need to get behind another door as quick as we can before I can take time to explain everything."
OOC: Allistair will go on and explain what he knows AFTER everyone gets away to a safer place.
From: Porter
Subject Taking a peek
"Let's go go go!" Mund yells out, pushing everybody forward in front of him.
Retreat, plan, clubs and a test
Subject Hotmail issues
Would someone resend the main part of the turn. I still have not received it. Hotmail seems to be having issues.
From: Karl
Subject Hotmail issues
I didn't get it either.
From: Kevin
Subject Taking a peek
OOC: Daddy, Daddy, what is it Daddy? Can I keep it as a pet?
From: Karl
Subject Taking a peek
OOC: Well, you better get two so they can keep each other company. /OOC
Can we assume that everyone follows orders and heads for safety, or do we each have to explicitly state so? If so, we're either waiting for Mark's write-up to know if anyone got caught in the door, or Derek's turn where Allistair tells us what he knows, right?
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
Let's assume that we all try to run away. We now need to know if we succeed, and if we did, Allistair needs to let us know what those things were and why he's so scared of them.
From: Mark
Subject Retreat
No the door got shut and the 4 got moved back to the main room.
From: Randy
Subject retreat
OOC: I haven't received the original email either.
Once the door is closed Ranthir starts backing away with the others and when they reach the main room listens attently to Allistair.
From: Derek
Subject Retreat
Allistair says quickly to Harp as he passes him at run. "We need a big open space where they can't sneak up on us. Let's head for the White Dragon's room." Allistair continues to think out loud as he runs. "... place is magical.... don't know if they can walk through these walls.... if they get the keys we'll never get out..."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
"You heard him!" Mund yells out as people don't jump as fast as he thinks they should. "Move it, now!"
From: Mark
Subject Retreat
With Allistair leading the way and Mund bringing up the rear, the mage hurrys the party back to the room where the dragon corpse is starting to rot. Harp is a botherd since normall Allistair is a very calm and rational person and he seems a bit paniced by what he had seen.
"Allistair, what did you see? Salix, what was it? One of you two tell us."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
Mund has his axe out, and is staying close to his brother, watching his back.
From: Derek
Subject Retreat
Allistair pauses for a few seconds to catch his breath. "Sorry for the scare. I felt it was better to get away now and be safe. That room contains a rare magical creature called Xorn. Generally they are peaceful, since they don't eat meat - or any kind of biological material, for that matter. However, the fact that they consume metal of all kinds - the rarer the more delicious to them - could be disasterous for us. Not just because of the armor and magical weapons that we have, but because of the keys. The keys are made of all sorts of precious metals. If they attacked us and ate our keys, we would probably be stuck here forever."
"The other distressing fact is that Xorn can move through stone. They can simply walk right through it as if it weren't there. I don't know what to make of the fact that they were still in the room. Perhaps this place being magical in nature prevents them from using that innate ability of thiers. Or perhaps not. Maybe they were just resting, or had just recently been teleported into the room by the divine powers that manage this place."
"They weren't speaking any known language amongst themselves, but when they heard the door move we clearly hear 'hello door'. So I assume that means we can communicate with them in common."
From: Porter
Subject Retreat
"Maybe some of us should strip off all of our metal and go talk with them, leaving the rest behind here to guard the keys and the rest of our gear."
From: Karl
Subject Retreat
Salix shrugs. "I have no idea what they are, but they have a lot of teeth and don't look like anything I've ever seen."
From: Kevin
Subject Retreat
Harp is surprised to see the group come running back up the hallway, Mund yelling and Allistair saying something about getting back to the white dragons room. Well, whatever they had seen was making Allistair concerned, so better to move now and ask questions later. As he watches Mund run by yelling to follow him, Harp pipes up to the others "MOVE, NOW!!! Follow Mund" With that, he draws his sword and wil take rear guard as they back toward the main room and move toward the white dragons room.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair considers Mund's idea. "I think that might be a good idea. We might be able to keep our weapons and armor, but I'm not sure. These creatures aren't like the dreaded rust monster, where just contact with it's body will cause it to crumble to dust. These creatures are native to the elemental plane of earth, and they eat metal for sustenance like we eat grains and meat. If they've been here a while, they could be starving for metal and might go into a frenzy if they detect our metal."
"We have gotten some gold and such from some of the creatures we have killed, haven't we? Maybe we could bribe/sell it to them in exchange for safe passage."
From: Porter
Subject Plan
"Do you think they've got a hankering for mithril? I don't want to lose this breastplate."
From: Mark
Subject Plan
:evil grin:
From: Porter
Subject Plan
OOC:
Hey, leave that crap back with Griff. I don't fancy the idea of playing in a universe where even the gods have to do what Griff says. :p
From: Mark
Subject Plan
Hey these are intelligent non evil creatures. You should be able to work something out.
From: Porter
Subject Plan
"OK, let's make a pile of metal stuff that we want to make sure they don't eat, including my armor and all the keys," Mund says while removing his breastplate.
"Also, does anybody have anything I could use as a club?"
From: Derek
Subject Plan
"Like I said, the more precious the better. Exotic metals like mithril and adamantium are like the most succulent sweetmeats and richest pastries to them. They also love gold, silver, and platinum like we would a rare steak or a roast duck. They also eat base metals like iron, copper, and lead, but they are just for sustenance like we would live off of barley and gruel if we didn't have a choice."
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
Harp listens to Mund as he formulates a plan. But what if these creatures were chasing after them right now? THe ogre had been able to leave the room, as had the flaming dogs, but the water elemental had not be able to leave. Where did that leave them now? Who knew?
"OK Mund, that's a good idea. Lets keep anything we don't want to loose aside, but lets not be too hasty on this. First, I think we need to find out if these things can leave that room. Mund, you are the fastest of us here, probably moreso without your armor. You can probably use the club the ogre had back in the first room, but I think speed will be your best weapon here.
I hate to suggest it, but someone needs to head back to the room and see if those things are still in there or not. If they are, then someone needs to try to parlay with them, if we can. Our history in this place for working with these things has not been good, but maybe these things are so far out of our world we can work something out."
From: Porter
Subject Plan
After ridding himself of his armor, axe, and favorite knife, Mund says "OK, I'll run down and check on our gear, then I'll go check to see if the metaleaters are still there, then I'll come back and report."
If nobody protests, Mund will go check on the stuff. If it's OK, he'll go back to the door and say through it "hello door?" to see if he can get a response. If he gets a response or not, he'll immediately return and let everybody know the situation.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
OOC: Does anyone have an image of Elan running around with his improved armor class? Too bad Mund does not have an 18 charisma.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
OOC: What gear do we have that isn't with us?
From: Porter
Subject Plan
Mund brought all of his saddlebags in here, but hasn't been carrying them around.
From: Mark
Subject Plan
The way it sounded, the party would have only had the items that they were carrying for advernturing. So bed rolls, camp equipment, etc would still be in the main room.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
OOC: Can anybody think of anything Mund can use as a club, besides that ogre club which will probably be too big?
Or can Mund use that giant club as a 2-handed war club?
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
He can use it. There are minus to attack with out certain feats, which Mund does not have.
So he can use the club, but will take minuses.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
What minuses, and what feats?
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair says to Mund as he gets ready to leave, "As long as we have the keys and our good weapons and armor with us, I don't think there's anything in the main room that is irreplacable or worth fighting over. If you do see the Xorn, don't provoke them. They're generally peaceful, they just might be very hungry, the same way you would be if you had been stuck in a room for several weeks."
He then says to Harp, "Why don't we pool together some of the gold, etc. that we've gotten from some of these creatures, like the ogre and the giant? If they're hungry, I'd bet they're a lot more cooperative after they've had a bite to eat."
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
I will have to check when I get home, but the feats do not really matter since he does not have them and is unlikely to get them soon.
I seem to remember that it is a -4 to hit, but will want to verify.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
I'm just wonder what the -4 is for. War Club is a martial weapon, and Mund is proficient in it.
From: Mark
Subject Test
Porter and Derek
I am going to ask you to hold off any more role play for a while. I want to make sure that everyone is getting the mailing list e-mails.
If you get this e-mail please let me know. I want to wait until every one has checked in before I move this along. I am afraid that some players are not getting what is happening.
Thanks
From: Porter
Subject test
Got it.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
That's right. Back in D&D 2E, you could wield 2-handed a 1-handed weapon for creatures a size larger than you. But not in 3E.
From: Kevin
Subject Test
I got this one. But I still never received the original version of this turn.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
"Good idea Allistair. If any of you have anything that may interest these things, lets toss it in."
With that, Harp looks at the Ring of Sustenance Angelwing had given him. It had benn given to him by his superior, with the knowledge that Harp was not really prepared for this task, and Harp had not really gotten used to having it around. He turns to Allistair "Do these things like magical metal items? I have this ring that has a small enchantment on it - maybe it would be usefu."
Harp aint given up his sword.
From: Derek
Subject Test
I got it too.
From: Randy
Subject Test
Got it.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
Allistair looks at the small ring. "I can't say for sure, but I doubt that a magically infused metal would taste any better to them than a non-magical one. Xorn aren't magical creatures per se, (OOC forget what Allistair first said,that was wrong...) they are simply from the elemental plane of earth and they require metals for sustenance. As long as we don't go flashing things like that mithril breastplate in front of them, I think they would be happy to have gold, silver, and platinum coins and not be too interested in our items made of 'baser' metals such as iron or steel unless they were still starving.
From: Karl
Subject Test
I got this, but I have no idea if it was due to being in the list.
From: Kevin
Subject Plan
OOC: Harp will want Mund to take Salix or Allistair with him - Salix because he has the strongest desire to work this out without causing bloodshed, Allistair because he knows the most about them. Maybe Allistair can talk to Salix about these things, and Salix can use that to his best advantage.
Salix also has a better AC and can keep his non-metallic armor on.
From: Porter
Subject Plan
OOC: Salix is also pretty darn good at either magicking stuff or turning into a bear and being a front-line.
Plan and more clubs
Subject Down the hallway
Salix will do whatever Harp requires. s
From: Jason
Subject Test
Got the message, for some reason I didn't check my email before I left work yesterday, only at lunch... Hope I haven't held things up.
From: Porter
Subject Coins
"I picked up this small bag of coins from the giant we just killed. It ain't much, but it's something, and it should be tasty for them."
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
Here is the section from the PHB about weapon sizes and penalties.
Inappropriately Sized Weapons: A creature can't make optimum use of a weapon that isn't properly sized for it. A cumulative --2 penalty applies on attack rolls for each size category of difference between the size of its intended wielder and the size of its actual wielder. If the creature isn't proficient with the weapon a --4 nonproficiency penalty also applies.
The measure of how much effort it takes to use a weapon (whether the weapon is designated as a light, one-handed, or two-handed weapon for a particular wielder) is altered by one step for each size category of difference between the wielder's size and the size of the creature for which the weapon was designed. If a weapon's designation would be changed to something other than light, one-handed, or two-handed by this alteration, the creature can't wield the weapon at all.
So since the ogres club was sized for a L creature instead of an M creature, Mund would have a -2 to attack with it.
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
Sorry I just checked and the ogre had a greatclub sized for a large creature. A greatclub is a two handed weapon. Mund would not be able to use the weapon at all.
From: Mark
Subject Test
Ok I have heard from Ashley and Jason, but not Josh. I will wait until late tomorrow morning and write up a turn then.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
Is there a dragon bone that Mund can use as a club?
From: Derek
Subject Clubs
What about the table with the key on it? Could you rip off a leg from the table?
From: Mark
Subject Clubs
To get a dragon bone of proper proportions would require a bit of work, as the dragon is not that decomposed yet. Salix would also have to help "Guide" Mund as to where to look.
The table leg might be the better bet.
From: Porter
Subject Clubs
Mund really likes the idea of working with Salix and Allistair, the two members of the party that he gets along with best.
From: Derek
Subject Plan
OOC: We could have Mund, Kal and Harp got together. They've all gotten along together really well so far...
IC: "I'm willing to go and help try to talk to them, see if can reach a peaceful aggreement. Can we get a pile of all the metal that we've acquired here so far? Also, does anyone remember if those Grimlocks had metal weapons or not? There have been so many different kinds of creatures we've encountered, I don't remember any more."
Allistair takes off his sword (as yet unused) and his crossbow and bolts (also unused) and puts them in the pile of weapons and armor that Mund started.
Back to the room
Subject Back to the room
Mund pales a bit when he hears that these things eat metal. "They ain't getting my armor, no siree." The party quickly decides to send Salix, Allistair, Surin and Mund back down to the room where the Xorn are. "Hey, if they eat metal, maybe I should have a club or something first" Mund says. "What about one of those table legs in that room where the giant was?" Surin pipes up, "That table was only a couple of feet high and the legs weren't that sturdy. How about the club the ogre was using? You know from the first room?" Mund nods and starts to go get the ogre's club. "Mund?" Salix says "Did you say you needed a club? I have an extra in my pack. No self respecting druid is ever with out a club and a spare. You can borrow mine extra it you want." Mund accepts the club with joy.
Allistair comes over and talks to Harp and the others. "You know, it is possible that the Xorn's can not tunnel out of that room. If they were able to I would have thought they would have found us by now. Just like that one room with the undead creature who could reach through our armor seemed like it could not leave it's room, or the elemental could not leave it's room. I think part of the enchantment here may be to keep certain things in their rooms. What type of challenge would these Xorn's be if they could just move through the stone and leave the place? So my thinking is that they are trapped in that room. I could be wrong though."
Harp brightens at the thought that they will not be followed but then remembers that this might force them to fight. "It's as good as it will ever be" Mund announces, holding up the club. :OK" Harp says. "You, Allistair and Salix will take the small amount of metal that we have on us and go try and talk our way by these things. Let's hope they can pass through the door. If they can't this may get ugly. Salix, I know I can count on you to do your best to resolve this with out bloodshed, but do not risk our lives. The overall mission must be accomplished. If they have to be killed, I will understand if you do not want to participate, but we will kill them." Salix keeps his council to himself but nods towards the 1/2 orc.
The three make their way back to the main room, followed by the rest of the party. When they get there, the others stop and wait while the three continue on. "We will wait here until we hear from you or you come back" Harp says. "Be safe." The three nod and move down the hall. When they get to the door Salix takes his place in the front and raps the door with his club. The voice from the other side responds almost immediately. Deep and resonate, in halting common it comes "Hello, who are you and why have you brought us here?" Salix had been expecting this question. "We did not bring you here. We are trapped here, just as you are. One of our party recognized you and said that you are Xorn. Is that true?"
"That is the name those not of our plane call us. Our name is " and a long, rumbling sound, filled with tones of the earth and rock, comes from the creature. "But you would not be able to pronounce it, I would expect. In this language I am called 'Deep Delver'. If you did not bring us here, do you know who did?" Salix was afraid that this question would be asked.
OODM: I would like Karl to let me know how Salix will answer this question.
From: Karl
Subject Back to the room
"I'm am not sure. I have been told that this place was constructed by a god or gods, but the god to whom I pledge my allegiance does not reveal any knowledge of this place to me.
"We are seeking our own exit from this place and believe we need to enter your room or perhaps pass through it. We do not intend harm to you if such can possibly be avoided. We know that you find sustenance from what we call 'metal'. Though we need 'metal' for other things than food, we have brought you an offering of what metal we can spare as a token of our good will. May we enter in peace and may we have your pledge of peace as we discuss how we all must proceed?"
Salix waits for their reply and will use all his skills (sense motive, etc) to determine if they seem trustworthy.
From: Kevin
Subject Back to the room
Mark, I got Karl's response (thanks Karl for including the turn) but I have not gotten the original turn. I can make due with the copy Karl included.
From: Mark
Subject Back to the room
"Ah the gods built this place. That would explain why we can not leave. Normally walls such as these mean nothing to us, but we have been unable to leave." There is more conversation is another language, several voices, all sounding similiar to the first voice but with different resonances.
"We would like to talk, but are wary, as we are sure you are wary. Situations like these require caution. The offer of food is welcome, as we are hungry. What is your name? I have given you mine. We are four. How many are you?" To Salix's ears the questions seem in earnest and straight forward.
Questions
Subject Questions
From: Mark
Subject Questions
OOC: Just so there is no mistake, there are 8 total people in our party, right?
IC: Allistair whispers into Salix's ear. "Better be completely honest. 3 people here , and 5 others resting in another room X feet away (OOC: I don't know how many feet there are per square on the map. The white dragon room is 35 squares away.) . Also be sure to point out that we need a metal key, and if they eat it we will probably be trapped here forever."
From: Mark
Subject Questions
On the dungeon map the squares are 10 feet. On the battle map the squares are 5 feet.
This is mainly due to the fact that this dungeon was designed over 20 years ago and in 1st edition everything was done in 10 foot squares. I have to admit though that I like the 5 foot square combat system.
From: Karl
Subject Questions
"My name is Salix, Wealdward of the Druids of the Great Woods. I and my companions are three at your door, and five more tending to our supplies in another part of this construct. We respect and share your desire for caution. May we have your promise to not attack us if we open the door to speak with you? We want to avoid a fight if possible and will not attack you if you pledge to harm none in our party nor take any of our supplies.
In the room, Delver, treasure
Subject Talk at the door
"Let me discuss with the others" comes the reply. For the next several minutes the three at the door hear a heated converstation through the door. While they do not understand the language, there is something familiar about the pattern and the rise and fall of the conversation. When Deep Delver talks in common again it is almost a surprise.
"Some of my companions do not trust you, but I have convinced them that we have no options at this point. If you betray us, it is not our responsiblity, but yours. We will move back some from the door and then you and your companions may enter."
Salix detects no lie in the voice.
From: Karl
Subject Talk at the door
Salix whispers to his companions, "If we enter and close the door, the others might not hear us if we need their aid. If we leave the door open, the Xorn may be able to exit through the open door. Mund, you should enter first, then me, then Allistair. You two remain near the door. I will speak with the creatures after we enter. If there is trouble, we must exit and try to reshut the door and call for the others."
If there are no objections, he will call to the Xorn, "We are coming in. We mean you no harm."
From: Mark
Subject Talk at the door
"We have moved away from the door. You may enter."
Salix looks at the other two and pushes the latch that opens the door. Mund, his club at his side, moves through the open door. Salix and Allistair follow. They see the four creatures about 40 feet away, standing is a group. The one in front makes a gesture towards the three and speaks "Well met, Salix of the Great Woods. My companions are Follows Ore, Rock Head and Metal Master. What are you companions names?" Delves Deeply motions to the other three as he names names. Salix and the other are a bit disconcerted by the way the Xorn are shaped.
Their mouths are on top of thier bodies, with three eyes, arms and legs evenly spaced around the central torso. The design looks very stable and powerful. Mund thinks to himself, "How do you get to the backside of something that has no backside?"
From: Karl
Subject Talk at the door
Salix cannot keep his eyes off the creatures, "Forgive my curiosity. I have never seen beings like you before. My companions here are Mund, and Allistair" Salix replies, motioning to his companions in turn. "You said you were hungry. As we said, we have brought what metal we can spare as a token of our good intent. May we ask how long you have been here and how you came to be here?"
(OOC - Salix is also scanning the room for any other creatures or objects he might see. He especially wants to see if there is another door, indicating the key they are searching for might not be in this room.)
From: Mark
Subject In the room
"Hello, Allistair and Mund" Delver says. He again makes a gesture with one arm/claw. "Time means little to us who do not dwell under the glowing orbs you surface dwellers call suns. We have not been here long, by our reconing, but had been out looking for food when we came here. How we came to be here is something I was hoping you could answer. Your gift is appriciated. If you would toss it over this way, Follows Ore will retrive it."
Trying to not be too obvious about it, Salix looks around the room he sees that it fills the space that they were expecting. He sees no other doors or passageways. He also does not see any tables like they have found in other rooms.
From: Porter
Subject In the room
"Hello guys. Here's a snack." Mund tosses some coins on the ground at their -- feet?
"Have any of y'all found any other doors or passageways in this room, or a small metal key? It will help us all get out of here."
From: Karl
Subject In the room
(OOC - I'm assuming we put all the metal stuff in a bag, perhaps the one we got from the ogre that had other coins in it.)
Salix takes the bag and tosses it towards the creatures lightly. "We do not know how you came to be here, other than it must be the will of the gods who built this place. I know that is small consolation and not much of an answer, but it is all that I know about the workings of this place. We have encountered other creatures here and all of them were hostile and could not be reasoned with. You seem like reasonable beings and I hope that we can avoid conflict.
"We are trying to get out of this place, ourselves. We are looking for a key which we believe to be in this room. Have you found anything in this room, perhaps made of metal, probably about this size" he indicates the general size of the other keys they have found.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
I just realized that I do not think I ever gave the party the exact amount of gold that the ogre had or the hill giant. I will do that when I get home tonight.
The Grimlocks used battle axes, and there were 6 of them, so Salix and party can have those six axes.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
"We have seen no other doors or ways out. If we had we would have used them. What is a 'key'? We have not smelled any metal in this room."
From: Mark
Subject Delver talks
As the Xorn next to Delves Deep moves forward to grab the tossed bag, Delves answers. "We have not sensed any metal in this room, other than that on the door. We can smell metal from short distances and have been all over this room."
From: Porter
Subject Delver talks
"Do you mind if we look around, to see if maybe there is a hidden door somewhere?"
From: Karl
Subject Treasure
In that case, let's say that Salix and party have up the coins, but retained - for the time being - the axes. Can we say at this point that they left three of them outside the room as reserves and each kept one. Salix's intent would be to make a gift of the coins, but would retain some other metal to bargain with in case they needed to.
From: Derek
Subject In the room
Allistair speaks up. "A key is a device used to open a mechanism that otherwise keeps a door from being opened. We have found several so far, including ones made from copper, iron, etc. In the main room of this god's construct, there is a large central door with holes for the keys. We believe we have to gather all the keys before we can open those locks and leave this place."
"Some of the other passageways did not at first appear to have a key, but upon careful inspection we have found keys that were hidden, or cleverly hidden doorways that led to other rooms. I beleive your claim that there is no metal key here, for your acute abilities would have detected it. I might assume there could be a hidden doorway, but certainly you are as capable, if not more so, than us in detecting such a thing. Also from what we have so far mapped out of this place, all four walls of this room have other hallways that we have already visited. Still, it couldn't hurt if you let us also take a look. Perhaps our different sensory organs will enable us to find something that could have been overlooked?"
From: Mark
Subject Delver talks
There is some chattering between Delves and one of the Xorns in the back. "For the moment, we think you should stay were you are. Unless there is some good reason for rushing this. We would like a bit more time before we commit to such an action. Normally I would say that we would know if there are any doors but with the magic of this place you might be right."
As Delve is talking, the Xorn next to him is opening the bag and passing out the coins in it to the others.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
Not a problem. The axes would not be as tempting of quality, but definitly more volume.
From: Karl
Subject In the room
OOC - Do we know that it is metal? I mean, it's conceivable that it's something else right? Or perhaps of a type of material unknown to human or Xorn.)
"A 'key' in our language is an item one needs to pass through a barrier. Doors, such as these, often have locks, or mechanisms to seal them shut. A key would be an item that undoes the lock. Have you found any other objects in this room? It's possible a key might not be metal at all."
From: Karl
Subjectd: IN the room
(OOC-Mark, you can ignore parts of Salix's comments that overlap anything Mund or Allistair have said or done. )
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
Not a problem.
From: Karl
Subject In the room
Salix still would like a response about any "other" object that might have been found by the Xorn in this room. (Long shot, I know. Just covering all the bases.)
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
(OOC - Salix should still be sensing motive, so can I assume he still believes these guys are in earnest? )
"We have been here several days and are anxious to leave. Nevertheless, we will give you some time to talk. We are going to return to our companions and will check back with you shortly." Salix motions for the others to join him and leave and shut the door.
From: Derek
Subject In the room
Allistair nods in agreement. "Of course. Take all the time you need."
After taking a few minutes of looking at the Xorns, Allistair realizes that while thier radial symmetry gives them excellent 360 degree eyesight, their eyes being on the sides of their stiff body probably makes it difficult for them to look up or down.
"If you don't mind me interrupting again, I might point out that due to the shape and configuration of your bodies it would probably be difficult for you to see something that is down low or up high. If at some point you would allow us to search the room, we could concentrate on the floor, ceiling, and edges where it's probably a little difficult for you to see well."
OOC: How high is the ceiling in this room? What does it look like? Does a cursory look at the ceiling reveal anything?
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
The ceiling is the same as the rest of the place, 30-40 feet high. It looks like all the other ceilings. It looks like there might be something in the middle of the room, hanging from the ceiling.
From: Ashley
Subject IN the room
Surin was amazed that for once, they might be able to reason. He gives Salix an encouraging glance, and takes in the sights of the room. Looking at the strange creatures, and hearing them talk, takes the edge off of his fear. "I take it that stuff's pretty tasty there, huh Deep? I could go for a bite to eat myself." He looks through his pockets, finds a forgotten piece of hard tack, and munches on it a bit. "What I wouldn't give for somethin' nice and hot about now."
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
Um, do I need a turn where Salix is startled that Surin followed them there and then they all die horribly in a surprise attack from the Xorn because one again Salix appears to have lied?
From: Porter
Subject In the room
Originally Surin was going to be with the other three, but then it was written up without him. I have no idea why.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
No because Surin did not go to the room with the others. I distinctly remember not writing him in. Did I put Surin in somewhere I shouldn't have?
From: Mark
Subject IN the room
I thought it was decided that only three were going to go. If Surin went I have no problem with Salix telling the Xorn the correct thing, since after the room with the manitcores, it would be a sore subject for him.
Just let me know if you all want Surin there.
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
Well, if it's no problem re-tro adding him, Salix *was* kinda wishing he was there. I certainly couldn't hurt to have a good spotter, de-trapper in the room.
If he *is* there, then let's go with Allistair spotting the thing hanging from the ceiling. I'll let him respond first, since he thought to look up. Maybe we can get the Xorn to let us check it out.
Personally, I'd like a write up of something before I reply again since I'm sorta confused at this point as to who is where and what was said last, etc.
From: Karl
Subject IN the room
And please don't ask me why I hyphenated "retro" and not "retro-adding". It's been a looooong day.
From: Porter
Subject IN the room
"Huh. What's that?" Mund says as he approaches the thing hanging from the ceiling.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
Well since Allistair has not brought it to everyones attention yet, lets hold off on Mund mentioning it. It is over 30 feet in the air.
From: Mark
Subject In the room
I will do a write up tonight.
From: Porter
Subject in the room
I want Mund to look up at the ceilings when his brother mentions them. Does he notice the thing hanging from the ceiling?
From: Mark
Subject In the room
I will check tonight. It is a really small object and Mund's spot roll is not the best. :)
From: Derek
Subject In the room
OOC: Sorry, I've been busy for the past couple of hours.
IC: Allistair taps Salix and Mund's shoulder while they are near the door. "Take a look on the ceiling in the center of the room. It looks like something might be hanging from there, but it's a little hard to make out. Maybe one of you can see it better?"
From: Ashley
Subject in the room
Now I'm just confused. Sorry everyone
From: Mark
Subject in the room
Don't worry Ashley. Just part of the problem with 8 people playing, several days between turns and different expectations.
From: Mark
Subject Retcon
This is a slight retcon of the first discussion. Surin was present. Please just add him in to the scenario.
"My name is Salix, Wealdward of the Druids of the Great Woods. I and my companions are four at your door, and four more tending to our supplies in another part of this construct. We respect and share your desire for caution. May we have your promise to not attack us if we open the door to speak with you? We want to avoid a fight if possible and will not attack you if you pledge to harm none in our party nor take any of our supplies.
"Let me discuss with the others" comes the reply. For the next several minutes the four at the door hear a heated conversation through the door. While they do not understand the language, there is something familiar about the pattern and the rise and fall of the conversation. When Deep Delver talks in common again it is almost a surprise.
"Some of my companions do not trust you, but I have convinced them that we have no options at this point. If you betray us, it is not our responsibility, but yours. We will move back some from the door and then you and your companions may enter."
Salix whispers to his companions, "If we enter and close the door, the others might not hear us if we need their aid. If we leave the door open, the Xorn may be able to exit through the open door. Mund, you should enter first, then me the Surin, then Allistair. You three remain near the door. I will speak with the creatures after we enter. If there is trouble, we must exit and try to reshut the door and call for the others."
The following happens after Allistair realizes that the Xorns may not be able to see up high.
Allistair taps Salix, Surin and Mund's shoulder while they are near the door. "Take a look on the ceiling in the center of the room. It looks like something might be hanging from there, but it's a little hard to make out. Maybe one of you can see it better?"
The four peer up at the ceiling trying to make out what is there. Mund's eyes are not up to the task (Spot check, DC20, 15+3=18, fail). "Theres something there, but I can't make out what it is" he says. Allistair's luck in not much better (Spot check, DC20, 12+3=15, fail) but Salix's half elven eyes can see it easily (DC20, 19+7=26, success). "It is a copper key with some type of jewel in it. It is suspended from the ceiling by something, maybe a fine string or metal wire. It is hard to tell" Surin pipes up "It is a fine, thin twine I think"(DC20, 12+11=23, success).
"Delver. We have found what we are looking for. It is suspended from the ceiling of this room."
OODM: I will let the four players take it from here.
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
Besides the keys the party has found they have found the following.
Ogre, 55 GP
Grimlocks, 6 battle axes
Hill giant, 350 GP, 1 small silver chalice with gems.
From: Porter
Subject Treasure
Your description of what we got from the Hill Giant was:
Dirty pieces of clothing, a pot, a large flint and steel, pieces of food, something that looks like a human leg, probably female, several copper coins and a silver coin. And a small vial of a green liquid.
Which is correct?
If Mund is carrying around that much money from the hill giant (he's carrying the money from him), Mund would have objected a long time ago to giving it all to the Xorn.
Negotiations, the key, turn and elementals
Subject Negotiations
Also, I don't think Salix would have been stupid enough to give it all to them. He's probably have given them around 50 gold pieces since there is only 4 of them, and would not even have mentioned or offered the chalice or battle axes.
I was under the impression that we only had a few coins and most were copper. I'll be glad for the larger estimate, but let me know whatever the decision is. Also, do Xorn eat gems?
From: Mark
Subject Treasure
No problem with how much coinage was given to the Xorn. Also, no mention was made of the chalice or the axes to the Xorn so that is not a problem.
No mention is made of gems, so I would say they do not eat them.
From: Kevin
Subject Negotiations
OOC: Mark, i think the way you ended this - the last line seems to imply that the party has told Delver that what we are looking for is in their room and it is hanging from the ceiling (unsure as to who said it - Salix or Surin). They are probably waiting for a response from Delver.
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
"Alley, do you think one of your magic arrows could break the string that key is hanging from?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I know. I have just been swamped at work this morning.
I hope to get something out at lunch or early this afternoon.
From: Derek
Subject The key
Allistair tries to get a look at the string and key that Salix was able to see so easily. "I'm... don't think so. The specific energies of this spell, while causing damadge to living creatures, don't seem to have any effect on inanimate objects." (OOC: I'm pretty sure that's how MM works, and Allistair would know for sure. Mark will say otherwise if I'm wrong) "I could fly up and get it, but I'd have to rest before so that I could memorize that spell."
Allistair considers another moment. "I think we might be able to get it right now though, if the Xorn don't mind. I have an interesting spell that enchants a rope to rise up in the air and enter a small extra-dimensional space that can be used for hiding or escape. If I can get the rope high enough, than maybe we can reach the key."
OOC: The rope trick spell says up to 30', and Mark said the ceiling is 30' to 40' high, so it's his call whether or not we can get there with Rope Trick.
From: Mark
Subject The key
You can always try. Of course you would have to convice the Xorn to let you cast an unknown spell in their presence.
As far as I am concerned Allistair would have to see the string to target it. Also since It is assumed that MM passes through armor and robes and such, I do not feel that it can be used to sunder items.
From: Karl
Subject The key
Salix replies, "I still have a prayer to produce a flame I can hurl, but the Xorn might mistake that as a weapon. Rather than that, I could summon a small elemental and send it up to get the key for us. An Air elemental should do nicely, I think."
(OOC - I was also thinking a fire elemental would be useful since it could burn through the string. However, I don't know if fire elementals can fly. It doesn't mention they can in the source material I read. I could be wrong though. Mark?)
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
I see no mention that fire elementals can fly. However, my books are at home so I will check tonight and let you know.
From: Karl
Subject Elementals
It's not really an issue if I can use an air elemental. I imagine if the thing has attack capabilities it should be able to either break or untie a string.
Do you want me to roll-play asking the Xorn for permission to summon an air elemental to get it for us or are we still waiting on a write-up?
If you want to just write it up, Salix will ask for permission as stated above, and will offer, if necessary another 100-200 gold coins as needed to complete the bargain.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I can write it up tonight.
From: Porter
Subject Elementals
OOC: Good thinking, Karl.
From: Derek
Subject Elementals
Allistair remembers something at Salix's mention of an elemental.
"I don't know if that would be a good idea or not. Remember that these Xorn are from the plane of earth, and earth and air get along about as well as water and fire do. Although it can't hurt to ask, I suppose."
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
JUst to let you know I did mention that to Karl but not to the group. :)
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Just to let you know I just had an eye appointment and can barely read the books or the computer screen. I am having my wife proof read this so I do not make any mistakes. I plan on doing a turn later tonight, after the eyes return to normal.
To summarize where we are at, Salix, Surin, Mund and Allistair are in the room with the Xorn and negotiating. Salix has given the Xorn some gold to munch on and they have discovered a copper key hanging by a thread or something from the ceiling, 30-40 feet up. Salix is going to try and negotiate for the party to get the key down.
From: Mark
Subject Elementals
The Xorn's, busily munching on the gold coins that Salix had tossed their way, barely hear the conversation between the party members. Salix has to call to Delver to get his attention. "Delver,I think we might have found what we were looking for. There is a small object hanging from the ceiling. We are fairly sure it is the key we seek.
It is hanging from a string in the center of the room 30 feet or so above you. We ask your permission for me to summon an elemental creature that can fly up and retrieve the key for us. This creature will be under my control at all times and you have my word it will not harm you in any way. It is also very small compared to your own size and it will be alone."
Delver talks to the others as they continue eating the gold coins. After some seconds he replies "Friend Salix, you have our permission to do this thing. We will move to one of the corners so that your creature may do your bidding." The Xorn's move off to the corner opposite the door and sort of hunch down, each of them trying to keep at least two eyes on what is happening.
Salix sighs in relief. After all the killing, finally a challenge that did not involve death. At least not yet. Salix moves to the middle of the room, with Allistair and Mund just behind him. Surin stays at the door. When the druid gets to the middle of the room he calls out to Delver again. "I am going to send one of my companions back to the rest of our party to let them know what is going on. They might be getting worried since they have not heard from us. The halfling, Surin will go report to them and come right back. Is this agreeable to you?" Delver nods his body in what looks to be agreement and Salix motions for the halfling to do as he said. Surin hustles as fast as he can and reports back to the others.
He returns just as Salix is ready to summon the elemental. Salix starts the chant of creature summoning and summons a small air elemental. The small cloud appears in his hand and makes a whistling sound, like a fast breeze. Salix makes a whistling sound back and the swirling air leaps from his hand and straight at the string that the key is hanging from. For the next several seconds the cloud swirls around the thin string, small lightning bolt and claps of thunder coming from it. Again and again it attacks the string to no obvious effect. After a little more than half a minute the creature dissipates, like a fog on a windy morning.
Salix hears Delver call to him. "Friend Salix, it looks to me like things did not go the way you expected them to go. What will you do now? Also, you don't happen to have any more of that tasty gold on you, do you?" The voice is almost plaintive.
OODM: Next idea. Just a quick note. Although I did not show the rolls, the elemental was not able to damage the string holding the key. It was making sunder attacks.
From: Porter
Subject Sunder
OOC: How well can Mund see the string? Could he sunder it with an arrow?
What's up Doc?, Rope trick, falling
Subject Whats up Doc
About as well as any one could see a thread from 30-40 feet away.
He could try to sunder it with an arrow.
From: Porter
Subject Whats up doc
Mund pulls out his bow and says loud enough for the Xorn to say "I'm going to try to shoot it down. I ain't gonna hurt no-one, so please don't get upset."
From: Karl
Subject Whats up doc
Salix puts a hand lightly on Mund's arm and gives him a look of caution.
"Friend Delver, may I suggest my friend Mund step between you and the key so that there will be no danger to you from his arrow? I know you are unfamiliar with some of the things in our world so if there is any of this you don't understand, please ask."
If the Xorn don't object, Salix will remove his hand from Mund and nod.
From: Porter
Subject Whats up doc
Mund holds off as Salix asks, and then moves so that his arrow flys away from the Xorn before trying to shoot the key down.
From: Karl
Subject Whats up doc
While Mund is doing this, Salix will take 20 more gold pieces from the bag, leaving the rest with Allistair, and will ask the Xorn if he may approach, showing them the gold in his hand.
(OOC) - Mark, if the Xorn haven't objected to Mund's attempt, this should time out about by the time he's finished and we know the results. Whether or not he fails, Salix intends to give them the 20 gold since it sounds like they're still pretty hungry (there are 4 of them right?). If he does fail, though, Salix wants to ask the Xorn the following. (/OOC)
Friend Delver," Salix says. "We appear to not be making very good progress. I'm very ignorant of your kind, but perhaps you could help. If you were of a mind to retrieve the small copper object above, can you think of a way you would do it? If you could, we would gladly exchange more gold for it." Either way he will leave the 20 gold in 4 stacks of 5 each a few feet in front of the Xorn, idly wondering to himself who in this plane could possibly afford to feed one for any length of time.
(OOC - I'll wait for your writeup before adding anything else.)
From: Derek
Subject Whats up doc
Allistair says, "Mund is free to try, but my guess is you'd really have to be an expert marksmen to hit something that small at this distance. How about we try my magic rope, and if that doesn't work we'll come back later after I've had time to memorize a fly spell?"
From: Porter
Subject Whats up doc
"I'll go ahead and try it anyway. What can it hurt?"
"If it doesn't work, then I'm all for using your ropey spell."
From: Mark
Subject Taking a shot
Salix nods in rueful agreement. "Delver, I am not sure what we will do. Do you have any suggestions? Can you help us in any way?" Delver replies "Normally I might be able to walk through the stone and free the thing you are looking at, but the magic of this place keeps us from moving through the stone, see?" The Xorn walks to the closest wall and it looks like it bumps right into the stone. "It is very upsetting to me and my companions that we are not able to move around like we usually can. By the way did you say you had some more of the delicious gold?"
Salix smiles a bit and starts to fish out some more gold pieces for the Xorns. While he is doing that Mund unslings his longbow and notches an arrow. "Why don't I just shoot it down?" He says, laying an arrow to the string. Salix places a hand on the barbarians shoulder, signaling for him to wait a bit. "Friend Delver," the druid says "may I suggest my friend Mund step between you and the key so that there will be no danger to you from his arrow? I know you are unfamiliar with some of the things in our world so if there is any of this you don't understand, please ask." "We understand what you are trying to do and you may do so" is the reply.
Salix lets go of Mund's shoulder and nods agreement. The barbarian moves a bit to the side so that he has a better shot at the string, aims down the arrow and releases (AC18, 3+9=12, miss). The arrow goes just wide and smashes into the ceiling. Pieces of wood fall to the floor, like a rain shower. Mund curses under his breath and puts another arrow on the bow. He shoots again (AC18, 9+9=18, hit) and this time the arrow hits the string and then the ceiling, smashing itself on the stone. The key swings wildly back and forth but the arrow seems to not be damaged.
Mund looks at the druid. "Want me to keep trying?"
OODM: Do you want to keep shooting at the string?
From: Porter
Subject Taking a shot
"Well, I hit it good, and it didn't break. Wanna try your fancy rope thingie, brother?"
From: Derek
Subject Taking a shot
"Sure. Do you want to climb up? You're probably better then me at climbing. Also, we might need a knife or something to cut that string, since neither the elemental nor your arrow were able to cut it. If that doesn't work either, than I can try and climb up and see if the string is enchanted."
From: Porter
Subject Taking a shot
"Sure. I left my favorite knife back with my good axe, but I've got another one here in my boot."
From: Karl
Subject Taking a shot
"Let me try something else first," Salix replies. "Delver, I'm going to conjure a flame and see if the string holding the key can be burned." If there are no objections, Salix will Produce Flame, and toss flames at the string until either he gets a hit or until he runs out of flames. He will position himself to avoid any appearance of threat to the Xorn. Prior to summoning, he'll motion for Mund to move closer to Allistair (and the door).
(OOC - The idea is that Salix is trying to keep aware of the position of the Xorn and his own party, trying his best to keep an advantage of proximity to the door, but also trying not to be obvious about it. He is earnest in not wanting trouble, but he's also trying not to be caught off guard. Wouldn't want the Xorn to bolt or get a surprise attack if it can be avoided.
From: Karl
Subject Taking a shot
(OOC - Belay Salix's Produce Flame turn until after we try this rope thingy. Or if there is time and need, Salix himself might try climbing the rope and burning the string with PF. The stuff about being cautious stands, though.)
From: Porter
Subject Taking a shot
Mund keeps an eye on the weird Zornies while his friend does the magicks.
From: Derek
Subject Taking a shot
Allistair calls out for Salix and the Xorn's attention. "I'm going to cast a spell that will enchant my rope, causing it to rise up into the air. It won't affect you in any way." He then moves to the center of the room directly beneath the key while talking to Mund. "I don't know if the rope will go all the way to the ceiling or not. If it doesn't just do your best to try and reach the key. There will also be an invisible window with a room at the top of the rope. It is simply an extra-dimensional space that can be used for escape and rest. It doesn't go anywhere, so don't worry about it. You can check it out if you're curious, but it's pretty boring. Anyway, the spell lasts for several hours, so you can take your time. The Xorn seem amiable, and there is no rush."
Allistair takes out his rope and prepares to cast the spell, looking for a nod of approval from Salix first.
From: Ashley
Subject Taking a shot
"That's a good idea with the fire, Salix. I don't have a good feeling with someone trying to effect that string with their own hands."
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
Mund cannot help himself, and must try out the invisible window. Like a child, he plays around with it, sticking different parts of his body out and saying this like "Look at this, fellers!"
After a few minutes of this he tries for the key and the string.
OOC: OK, what Mund does depends on what he finds. Can he reach it from within the extradimensional space? Can he reach it from the rope? Can he cut it down? Can he grab it? Can he make a leap for it?
From: Derek
Subject Rope trick
OOC: I didn't get Karl's mail until after I had sent this. DM can retcon as appropriate.
From: Karl
Subject Rope trick
Mark, if we may, Salix will suggest that Mund wait until Surin goes up and checks for traps and such. If not, then we'll just hope Mund doesn't get blasted into a pile of Xorn.
From: Karl
Subject rope trick
How about we take a pause and let Mark work with what we've got. What *I* would like to see is this:
Ally conjures rope
Surin climbs up and checks for traps. If he doesn't find any he can try cutting the string, if he can reach it, if not he can just report.
Mund climbs and cuts. If we haven't found a trap and Surin couldn't reach the string, or chose not to, Salix will suggest Mund first try to cut the string with one of the axes they brought, (better reach?)
If all that fails, Salix will produce flame and try to burn the string. He'll climb the rope if it will help him get a better shot.
Anyone have any additions or changes?
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
If Mund cannot cut it, but can reach it or will have a decent chance of reaching it with a leap/lunge, he'll rage and grab onto it, hoping that his weight will break the string.
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
Well, he'll not necessarily do it, but he'll think about it and propose it.
From: Ashley
Subject Rope trick
uh, summon pillows? Or are you hoping to grab the rope?
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
What I'm talking about is grabbing onto the string or key, and then landing on his butt when the string breaks.
From: Ashley
Subject Rope trick
Oh ok, just making sure. :)
From: Mark
Subject Rope trick
I agree, alot has gone on. I will write a turn up tonight after dinner at the in-laws.
From: Porter
Subject Falling
OOC: I cannot find the rules for falling damage. How much damage would Mund take from a 30-foot fall?
From: Derek
Subject Falling
What are the 3rd ed. rules for falling damage? Is it still 1d6 per 10 ft. like it was in 2nd ed.?
From: Mark
Subject Falling
I am fairly sure. I will have to check. I do know that if you make a sucessfull tumble check you can reduce the damage by 10 feet.
From: Mark
Subject Rope trick
Allistair and Salix confer for a bit and the druid hands the mage 20 more gold pieces. Allistair then approaches the Xorn's and tosses them the gold pieces as he talks. "Delver, I am going to cast a spell that will let us get closer to the key at the ceiling. This magic poses no danger to you." Delver replies "We have heard this thing you flesh creatures call magic. It will be interesting." It picks up a coin and tosses it in it's mouth and starts chewing. Allistair takes up spot just under the key and pulls out his rope. He measures off 30 feet and starts his casting. When the last words leave his mouth, the rope snakes up towards the ceiling and stops well below the top of the room.
The mage nods at Surin and the halfling grabs the rope and starts to climb. Surprisingly he looks a little clumsy at it. It takes him a while but he finally gets to the top of the rope and then he disappears. There is a sound from the Xorn and they all stand up. Allistair and Salix are quick to mollify them. "That is what is supposed to happen. There is a magic room up there that only the rope can get to." Calling out to Surin he says "Surin, show Delver and his friends that you are ok." A small hand and head pops out of nowhere, and waves at everyone in the room. "Just up here catching my breath. Neat view. Ok, break time is over." The halfling slides down the rope a few feet and wraps his legs around it.
For the next several minutes he hangs there, quiet and still. He then slides down the rope and summons the other three. "Ok here is what I found. The rope is still about 9 feet from the key, and it is a key. A copper key with some type of gem in it. First the good news. I did not see any traps. Of course I was 10 feet away, so it is possible I missed something. Now the bad news. I do not see how we are going to get to the key. It is about 10 feet away from the end of the rope, but you can not stand on the end of the rope. If you are in the magic room, you can not see the key. Also the string holding the rope is made of metal. In fact it looks just like the stuff that Mund's breast plate is made out of. Very thin but very bright up close."
Now here is the weird thing. The other end of the rope is not attached directly to the ceiling. It is attached to some type of fancy hook system. There are no knots to untie, but some sort of pattern that the thread has to move through and then it will just fall off the hook. How someone is going to do that I have no idea."
OODM: Ok what now?
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
"Huh. I didn't expect that."
"Alley, I think that we might need to do that flying thing you were talking about."
OOC: How big was Mund when Allistair cast Enlarge on him?
From: Mark
Subject Rope trick
He would be a large creature.
From: Porter
Subject Rope trick
About how tall was he?
From: Mark
Subject Rope trick
The spell description say height is doubled and weight is multiplied by 8. That would probably go for any gear. There is also a -2 to DEX and a +2 to STR.
Rope trick, rope/string, Kal, Allistair takes a look
Subject Rope trick
Ah. So at double height, reaching a 30 foot target would be like a normal person jumping up and reaching a 15-foot rim.
I don't see that happening.
From: Derek
Subject Up the rope
Allistair considers their options as he talks quietly with the other three. "In the meantime, Salix or Mund can feel free to climb the rope if you like, this spell lasts for about 6 hours so there is plenty of time if you want to take a look yourself. To get the key though, I think we have two decent options. We can either wait for me to memorize a fly spell so that one of us can fly up, or we could try and pile up 10 feet worth of things for me to re-cast the rope spell off of."
"Even if we went and got all the tables, it might be difficult to get a l0 feet high. So the fly spell might be our best bet. However getting the key off of the wire looks to be some kind of a puzzle, and it may not be solved easily. Furthermore it seems to be made of mithril, and most likely will not be cut easily, if at all. The fly spell only lasts for 6 minutes which may not be enough time to solve the puzzle."
"The rope trick spell lasts 6 hours, but you can't use both of your hands while climbing a rope so that could be a handicap, unless we get the rope all the way to the ceiling, whereupon one person in the room could hold another person's legs so they could work at it two-handed."
"Perhaps instead of trying to get a 10 foot high pile of tables, we could just enlarge Mund or Harp and have them hold a table over thier heads, on top of which I cast the rope trick spell."
"Those are some of my ideas. In the meantime I want to climb the rope and get a look at the wire and key myself, and see if either is magical."
Assuming no one is on the rope, Allistair climbs up the rope, takes a look at the key and wire, and casts detect magic to get a better look at both.
From: Karl
Subject The rope/string
(OOC)OK, I'm a little confused. In the lines describing the key setup you mention key, string, thread and rope (not the rope-trick rope). At first I thought the key was tied to the (probably mithrail) "string" which was threaded through the hook system. Is this right? Where does the rope come in? (/OOC)
Salix hears the report from Surin and motions the group back towards the door. "Delver, it seems we need to confer with our companions regarding this key setup. We will leave you for a short time and return when we have figured out our next steps. We will also need to rest and tend to our own food needs. It will be a few hours before we can come back. We'll have more gold for you when we return if you will keep an eye on the key for us and not damage it."
If there are no objections, Salix will lead the group back to Harp and the others and report what they've seen and tried.
From: Kevin
Subject Rope/string
OOC: Up, up and away, in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon.
Mark, if we do decide to rest for the remainder of the day (which I think is likely) Harp will want he and Ragnar to use what remaining grace they have left to heal as much damage on everyone as possible (incuding using those little Cure Minor Wounds). I will go in and update my list later today.
From: Derek
Subject Ideas
OOC: I sent out a mail last night where Allistair talked about his ideas for getting the key, but for some reason no one got it. I'll just re-cap his actions and save the discussion for when everyone is together.
IC: Before leaving the room, Allistair tells Salix that he'd like to climb the rope and have a look a the key itself. Allistair then climbs the rope, and casts detect magic to see if the key or the mithril wire is magic in any way. Once he's satisfied with the layout and he's learned all he can, he'll descend. If no one else wants to climb the rope and have a look, Allistair will cancel the rope trick spell and take the rope back with him as he leaves.
From: Mark
Subject Rope/string
There is the standard rope that Allistair used to cast the rope trick. The "string" that is supporting the key seems to be possibly made of mithral and is not actually attached to the ceiling. It is attached to a complicated hook system that will require the "string" to be manuevered through a complicated pattern until it is released.
Is that any clearer?
From: Kevin
Subject Rope/string
OOC: Mark, I think the confusion came from your write up in where Surin describes the "rope" as going through some hooks or some such thing. We had been thinking "thread" and then saw "rope" and we, as simple minded players, wondered when a string became a rope.
It does not really matter. Somebody will have to fly up and undo it.
Was Surin or Mund or whoever else climbed up there able to determine (guess) approximately how long the mithral string might be? Just thought it might make a nice snack for the nice Xorns.
From: Mark
Subject Rope/string
It does not seem to be more than a foot long.
From: Karl
Subject Rope/string
Yes. I thought that's what it was, but could not be sure from the writeup.
Thanks for the clarification.
From: Karl
Subject Rope/string
Or alternatively, we could have one of the Xorn "fly" up and just take a bite out of the string and give us the key. ;)
From: Porter
Subject Rope/string
As long as we trust the Xorn to not eat the key.
From: Mark
Subject Rope/string
There is a simpler way.
From: Porter
Subject Rope/string
Where's the fun in that?
From: Josh
Subject Kal
OOC: Is Kal anywhere near by? Or does he have no idea what's going on?
From: Porter
Subject Kal
Not yet, but we'll be there soon.
From: Mark
Subject Kal
He would be out in the main room with Harp, Ragnar, and Ranthir.
From: Kevin
Subject Rope/string
Of course, we will not get a hint of that until after we fail in this.
From: Karl
Subject Rope/String
Salix would trust a Xorn not to eat a copper key on the promise of 100 gold pieces in exchange for said key (and the obvious possibility of a bloody death if he DOES eat the key). But he wouldn't make a fuss of it if no one else want to try it that way. Still it IS a possibility if it turns out none of us can unwind the dang thing.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Does Allistair have "Shatter"? He could cast that on the string.
From: Mark
Subject Allistair takes a look
"Well I have several ideas, some of which might actually work" replies Allistair with a grin. "I was thinking enlarging Mund and having him throw you at the key and have you grab it." The halfling looks up, startled, until he sees the grin on the mage's face. "The big lug", Surin smacks Mund on the knee, "would miss and throw me right into the wall. Then I would be as ugly as he is." Mund sputters in protest, not sure to be more upset about the comment about his aim or the one about his looks. "Let me go up and take a look" Allistair says, "it might give me an idea to see it up close."
The mage goes to the rope and looks at it with even more trepidation than Surin did. "Never did like rope climbing day back at the academy on physical activity day" the mage thinks to himself. He grabs the rope and starts to work his way up. Taking his time so that he will not fall, he is exhausted by the time he reaches the space at the top of the rope. "I'm going to rest for a few minutes before I take my look. Don't mind me."
While they are waiting for Allistair to recuperate, Delver signals for Salix to come over. When the druid approaches the Xorn speaks. "Friend Salix, we have met you and your three companions. You mention that there are four others. We have never met creatures from another plane before and we have been discussing it and we would like to meet the others in your group, if that is ok with you?" Salix replies at once "I think that is a wonderful idea, but I will have to ask my leader about it first. However, he is good fellow and I would be surprised if he said no. Let me send Surin back to ask." The druid then tells the halfling what Delver would like and the halfling moves out the door.
Allistair pokes his head out the hidden space at the top of the rope and says "OK I am going to come out now and take a look." The mage works his way onto the rope and holds himself in place where he can see the key. He spends several minutes studying it and then shimmies down the rope. "Where's Surin?" he asks. Salix explains Delver's request and the mage smiles. "Great, anything that does not hurt anyone but keeps them happy. We are going to run out of gold eventually."
About then Harp enters the room. It takes everyone a second to figure out what is wrong with him. He looks naked without his armor on. Salix leads him over to Delver and introduces him. The next half hour is spent on introductions. Eventually, after the Xorns have met everyone Salix and Allistair speak to Delver. "We have been working at getting out of this place for days now and have had several battles before we met you. We are going to go back to our room and rest for a while, so that we may heal our wounds, pray to our gods for blessing and relearn our spells. We would ask you to join us but the area is crowded with the eight of us."
"That is fine friend Salix, we will stay here. However, let me try something first." Delver moves slowly towards the door. When he gets there he gingerly takes a step and crosses the threshold of the room. He makes some sort of weird noise and gesture with his hands and then moves towards the wall of the hallway. When he gets there, Mund and Ragnar are startled when he seems to disappear right into the stone. There is no hole or ripple in the stone. He just seems to fade into the rock. A second later he pops back out, rumbling at an almost earth shattering volume. All of the party members have to cover their ears it is so loud.
The other Xorn all rush towards Delver. Mund grabs his brother and his axe and moves out of the way while the other party members scatter. Salix is sure that all hells is about to break loose when Delver switches over to common. "WE CAN LEAVE." The Xorn rushes over to the druid "Friend Salix, we can move through the walls out in the hallway. We can find our way home. We thank you for your assistance. There is nothing we can do to help you here, and we want to leave before the gods change their mind, but I can do this. I will pass word to the Xorn people. I will tell them about you and your friends. If you ever meet a Xorn or come to our plane, mention my name. You should be greeted as a friend." With that the Xorn holds out a clawed hand. " I know from what I have heard that this is how you say goodbye in your culture. Goodbye, Friend Salix."
As the other Xorns move out of the room and into the wall outside, the druid clasps the claw, feeling the hidden strength within. "Go well and safely, Friend Delver. I hope you make it back to where you came safely." Delver bows once, stiffly, and follows his companions. The party stands for a few seconds in stunned silence before Surin breaks it. "Ok was that a good thing or a bad thing?" The party is unusually silent as it makes its way back to the main room to rest.
OODM: You guys can role play anything you want for the overnight party.