The plan for the fourth day
Subject Water weight
Regarding weight and volume, a pint of water weighs a pound. 8 pints to a gallon is 8 pounds per gallon. So 500 pounds of water is 62.5 gallons of water. Remember, though, that you have to also subtract Surin's weight from the total.
From: Karl
Subject Plan
(OOC - sorry for the delay. I was at the hospital all day yesterday while my mom was in surgery.)
Salix listens to the reports with interest, but was clearly anxious to get things moving.
"I hate these delays," Salix says to the group. He was used to moving boldly with the forces of nature and the authority of Obad-Hai. This sneaking was taking its toll on his confidence. "But once we find my people, we will likely have to make a quick retreat. I don't see how we can take on this Mayor and his forces ourselves. Ally, you should see what your familiar can find out and let us know. Harp, can you see a way for us to be ready to enter the basement and effect an escape if Ally's friend finds my people captive there?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok I am going to write up a turn this evening about the party spending the night and then tomorrow I will write up what Allys familiar finds out.
From: Mark
Subject Rope tricks and bags of holding
I just checked this.
Under the spell description for Portable hole there is a note.
It is hazardous to create an extradimenional space with in an existing extradimentional space or to take an extradimentional space into an existing one.
I would take that to mean that there may be problems with bringing the bag into the rope trick. Or at least with opening the bag within the rope trick.
I guess what I am trying to say, you might be allowed to bring the bag in but you would not be able to open it.
From: Mark
Subject The plan for the fourth day
Dinner drags on for hours as the eight discuss their day, what they found out and what they want to do the following day. Salix is even more anxious to get into the basement to see if he can find the Stormfather but Harp is able to convince him to wait one more day. "Salix" the half orc says "we now have two, maybe three, people partly on the inside of the Mayor's house. Surin here could probably get in easily enough. The rest of us could make it in quickly enough, between your control of nature and what Ragnar can do. Ally's idea of having Sysyphys go around and investigate is genius. Who would look twice at a little snake? That could give us a real insight into what we should expect."
Salix knows he is right. Charging in would like get themselves and Acer killed. "Here is my decision. We wait one more day. Allistair, you have your familiar look around while you are at the house tomorrow. I know the type of snake you have and it is not a night time creature. The daytime is better for him. Harp, you and Ran report back and do what they tell you to do. The rest of us need to get on a night time schedule. I think that it would be best if we strike at night, so I want the rest of us to stay up tonight, see if we can find anything out down in the bar of this place. Stay up as late as you like and then sleep during the day tomorrow. We may be going in tomorrow night, but more likely the night after. That way Ranthir here can get us a better idea of how the guards run things at night."
The druid looks around at them, staring each one in the eye. "The most important thing we have to do is rescue the Stormfather. Remember that." He points to Ranthir, Kal, Harp and Ragnar. "He knows where the next gem for the Crown is, so no matter how much you want to clean up this cesspool of a town remember this: If he dies, your chance of getting the gem falls to almost nothing and the world falls to darkness." Those four look at each other, remembering what their actual mission is. Each nod at the druid confirming their mission. "Ok Ally you head off to bed and discuss with Sysyphys what you want him to do tomorrow. The rest of us are heading downstairs."
Ally is woken early the next morning by the ruckus of the others returning to the room. Soon the heavy snoring from Ragnar and Harp is almost rattling his bed so he rises and cleans up for the day. He has a quick breakfast and is out the door as light starts shinning over the eastern horizon. He arrives at the employees gate, mixing in the small crowd of other scribes that are heading in for a long day at the copying table. He hangs back a bit, trying to be the last one in line, and as he approaches the servants entrance he steps off the path a bit and feels Sysyphys slide off of his leg and into the grass. "Stay safe my friend" he whispers and he barely hears the hiss from the snake as the creature moves off on his mission.
OODM: I will write more about Sysyphys's mission tomorrow. I will also send messages to any one who found out anything new.
The snake
Subject The snake
Ally's mind almost divides in two as he moves to his desk and starts his copying for the day. He sets part of his mind on autopilot; the part that is doing the copying. The other part he keeps in contact with Sysyphys. Although he could not talk with the snake through their mental connection, they had been able to communicate more and more information as Ally had progressed in power and the longer the two were connected. Ally could sense Sysyphys's enjoyment of the fresh morning air and the chill dew on the grass. The snake had spent too much time cooped up in his robes or in his backpack or in the room at the inn. He was glad to stretch his muscles and take a slither around the grounds.
The first hour or so all the snake sent back was his tasting familiar taste: squirrel, snake, chipmunk, beetle, mouse, rat. All of the common small creatures and insects. The taste of dog was also strong in many places and Sysyphys would have to keep his tongue out for those. Once he had gotten the taste of the land Sysyphys headed out for the part of the house his master had instructed him to investigate. The next hour was spent searching for a way in to the basement that was known to be there. Surprisingly Sysyphys is unable to find any man made entrances. No doors, no cracks in the foundation, at least none on the surface, and no windows to let air in. "Now what, Master?" the snake thinks the Ally. The mage thinks for a few minutes and then gives a suggestion. "See if the other snakes know of any way in." Sysyphys give a mental nod and slithers off to find the local legless wonders.
A half hour later the snake has found out what he was looking for. Another snake tells him in simple terms that the rats of the house have a way into the basement on the side away from the servants. The rats, the other snake says, are mean and cruel and vicious. They will gladly eat a snake. He gives Sysyphys the directions for the location of one of the rat holes in the yard. Sysyphys thanks his relative and heads off in the proper direction. Minutes later he is in the right area. He can taste the rats on the grass, a foul, putrid taste. Snakes liked to eat live kills, they were fresher and cleaner. Rats had no such compunction. They would eat almost anything, living or dead. Sysyphys sends the image of a nice roast chicken to Ally and the image of Sysyphys swallowing the hole thing and then sleeping for a very long time. Ally stifles a chuckle at the image and sends one of a nice warm fireplace back.
In the dark tunnel Sysyphys moves slowly, tasting the air continually. The taste of rat is almost overpowering, but so is the taste of death. Dead squirrels, dead chipmunks dead birds; the scent of death permeates the ground. For the next hour the snake works his way around the maze that is this rat warren. Every now and then he runs into a rat, but a single hiss is enough to drive them off. Eventually Sysyphys figures out the pattern and where the main nest should be. He moves with purpose, sending an image to Ally of him killing any of the rats he has seen. A few minutes later he senses the tunnel widening out into a larger chamber. It seems to be about 10 feet by 15 feet and maybe 5 feet high. He can taste the tree roots in the walls and the rat dung that fills up the nest. He smells that there are a lot of rats in here but he must go on.
Hissing to move the rats out of the way, Sysyphys slides into the chamber. He keeps to one side, trying to make sure that he is not surrounded. The rats hang back until there is a chitter from the dark corner at the other end of the chamber. It has the sound of a command and at it's sound, 10 rats rush forward, teeth barred. (Init Sysyphys15, rats 4).
Knowing that it is better to go on offense then to be overwhelmed, Sysyphys strikes first. He strikes with the speed that his species is known for but his target jumps back at the last second. The rats surround Sysyphys on three sides and attack.
A flurry of bites and one scratches the scales on the snakes side (1HP). Sysyphys turns almost back on himself and lands his fangs in the things back, the sharp teeth puncturing the rats hear (AC14, 8+6=14, hit, damage 1). The snake throws the body away as the others strike again. Again one of the rats is able to scratch Sysyphys on the side (1HP). The little snake writhes and strikes with lightening speed (AC14, 14+6=20, hit, damage 1). Another rat falls, poison coursing through its body. The rat pack attack again, another furry flurry of teeth and claws. Two more of the rats are able to claw at his scales but the snake is able to avoid most of the damage (2HP damage). Again the snake attacks, catching the closest rat in the eyes with his fangs (AC14, 18+6=24,hit, damage 1). Twisting around to keep the other rats to his front, Sysyphys draws back when six of the remaining rats try and rush him. As one runs by, he snaps again (AC14, 18+6=24, hit, damage 1HP) and breaks it's spine as it rushes past.
The little snake coils itself up again, preparing for the next rush. Again and again its reflexes save it from bites from angry rats. Sysyphys lashes out again in the dark and feels his fangs go deep into the body of another rat (AC14, 11+6=18, hit, damage 1). He feels his poison sack contract and inject the rat with the lethal mixture.
The other rats seem to hesitate but another chitter from the corner and they renew their assault. Like a whirling string, Sysyphys bobs and weaves, evading the stinking teeth and fetid claws of the rats. Now that half of them are gone, the snake is feeling a bit more confident. He bites again and rips out the throat of another rat (AC14, 18+6=24, hit, damage 1). The four remaining dash in again but Sysyphys finds it much easier to evade them now that he has more room. Four a 7th time his head moves like lightening and his fangs sink into rat flesh (AC14,13+6=19,hit, damage 1). The chittering sound from the corner comes again and the remaining three rats retreat. From the corner Sysyphys can taste another creature slowly walking forward. It taste like rat but different. It taste more wild, fiercer, wilder.
OODM: I have to go have dinner. I will write more later tonight.
From: Mark
Subject The snake cont.
Ally, still using half his mind to work on the project before him, screams in his mind. Sysyphys, get out of there! He gets an image back of a rat dragging a snake out of a hole tail first and crushing the snakes spine. Ally then gets an image of a snake swallowing a large rat. Ally gets the idea but is still distressed by what Sysyphys plans on doing. Through their connection he senses what is happening.
The snakes tongue flicks out faster and faster, tasting the chamber, getting a feel for its size and where things are. It tastes like the other rats are letting the big rat take him on its own. It was larger than he was, a good four feet long and it tasted like it was the size of one of those dogs hanging around the inn they were staying at. If he could kill the leader the rest should leave him alone, at least for a while. Deciding to take the offensive, Sysyphys slithers up and lunges at the big rat. (Init:Sysyphys 17, rat 13).
Sysyphys moves his body to the side but darts his head in at the things haunches (AC15, 14+6=20, hit, damage 1). Too late the rat realizes what the snake is doing and the fangs lodge deep in the rats rear left leg. The rat whips its head around and tries to chomp down on the scaly head attached to his leg but Sysyphys lets go at the last moment (AC21, 16+4=20, miss) and the teeth catch nothing but air. Sysyphys slithers around to the front of the rat and strikes again, this time burying his fangs in the things throat (AC15, 9+6=15, hit, damage 1). The rat claws at the snake, pulling him free and biting at the snake again as he does. For a second time Sysyphys is able to whip is body away from the vicious bite (AC21, 16+4=20, miss) and twirling himself away from the wounded rat. Circling the bleeding rat, Sysyphys makes another lightening strike but the rat senses it coming and pulls away at the last moment (AC15, 4+6=10, miss).
The rat makes a half hearted bite at the snake and miss by a wide margin. This throws the rat off balance enough for Sysyphys to strike again (AC15, 16+6=22, hit damage 1). For a third time the snakes fangs bury themselves deep in the flesh of the rat, puncturing vital organs. The rat almost bends itself in two trying to get at its tormentor (AC21, 10+4=14, miss) but Sysyphys slides his body around the back of the rat and comes up the other side biting again (AC15, 19+6=25, hit damage 1), drawing more blood. Sysyphys wonders if this animal will ever realize how out classed it is. The creature may not know it is outclassed but it does know when it is beat. It tries to move away from Sysyphys and in the instant it turns it back the snake strikes again (AC15, 12+6=18,hit, damage 1). On this strike, Sysyphys injects his poison and feels the rat stiffen even before it stops breathing.
His tongue flicking about and a loud hissing issuing from his mouth, Sysyphys tries to intimidate the other rats (DC 15, 14+1+2=17, success). The other rats pull back from the body of their dead leader, leaving Sysyphys a chance to take another taste of the chamber. It takes him a minute but he finally tastes what he was looking for. One of the paths out of the chamber has a different scent to it, a faint metallic flavor. Slithering towards that opening the rats fall all over themselves getting out of the snakes way. Sysyphys travels for another 15 minutes or so and then, from ahead, he can tell that the path ends.
He can see a dim light up ahead so he slows down. He edges himself to where the light is and he can see that the tunnel comes out in the corner of a long hallway. The hallway is made of stone but it looks very dank and slimy. There is a small torch on the wall that burns with out making any smoke. Sysyphys uses his tongue to check for any humans. Their scent is strong but not recent. He decides to wait. "I think I should go on now master? What say you?"
OODM: I will let Derek decide if Sysyphys should go on.
From: Kevin
Subject The snake
OOC: Go Sysphys!!!!
You showed that rat. I wish Harp got those type of rolls.
From: Josh
Subject The snake
Thats one bad snake.
From: Derek
Subject The snake
OOC: Great writing, Mark. That was really well done. Question: Can Allistair deliver touch spells through Sysyphys while they are separated like this? If I understand correctly, if Allistair casts a touch spell while in contact with Sysyphys, he can then have the snake deliver the touch, right? I guess it's moot right now since Allistair didn't cast anything on Sysyphys beforehand, but if we have to go back there to rescue someone we could make really good use of a polymorph or gaseous form spell to get someone out of there.
IC: Allistair is really impressed with his familiar's abilities. If he gets out of this alive, Allistair makes a mental note to give him more free time. As to whether to proceed or not, Sysyphys has done more than well already, but they haven't actually learned anything useful yet. Allistair instructs Sysyphys to go ahead, but of course to be careful. Avoid any humans out and walking around, but try and find out if anyone is being held there.
The cells
Subject Turn
I will try and get more out on Super Snake this afternoon.
From: Ashley
Subject out of town
I'm going to Arizona tonight, and won't be able to go online until next monday. Someone can cover for Surin in the meantime.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
With SuperSnake on the case, we may not need Surin. Or the Mockers. Or any of us.
*Harp sits back grumbling about not getting to kill any rats*
From: Mark
Subject The cells
At Allistair's request, Sysyphys moves slowly out of the hidden hole. The stone work beneath his scales is cold and dank, tasting of moss, mildew and blood. The torches are placed far enough apart that there is plenty of shadows to keep to. At first Sysyphys moves to the left from the hole he has come out of. After a short period of time he comes to a door on the other wall. Glancing both ways and not seeing anyone, he quickly slithers to the other side and plasters himself into the crack between the wall and the floor. Undulating a bit forward, just until his head is even with the door, Sysyphys flicks his tongue out, getting a taste for what the door is.
This door is wooden and fairly old. Not well built or maintained, he is able to taste some of what is in the next room. Wet earth, wood soaked in creosote and stone fill the air, as well as a bit fresher taste of clean air. The snake squeezes his head just under the door and sees a set of wooden stairs heading up, into the gloom. Sysyphys backs up into the hallway and continues down further down. He soon finds the end of the hallway, the stone passage ending abruptly. The snake then heads back down the passage way, passing his escape tunnel as he goes. Several more feet down there is another door, this one made of wood bound in iron.
It is a struggle but Sysyphys is able to squeeze himself under the door, using the small gap between to flagstones in the floor. The snake spends the next hour slithering around carefully, making sure not to be seen. He sees and tastes three living guards and there is something else. There are 4 forms, tucked away in alcoves. They look a little like humans but they taste like death. Their odor permeates the air where they are found. And almost sickens the snake. Sysyphys does find another door, this one made of iron. Looking around, making sure that he is not being watched, the little snake starts to work his way under the door.
This fit is even tighter and takes even longer. He just gets his head under the door when he feels vibrations in the floor. Someone is coming! He moves as fast as he can, scraping scales off the top of his back (2HP damage) as he forces his way under the door and into the hall. As soon as the rest of him is through, he slides over to the wall where the door will hopefully open. Luck is with him. The edge of the door slams into the stone wall just in front of his face, but the rest of him is hidden by the bulk of the door. He hears several voices and the sound of several feet tromping into the room.
It seems like hours but it probably only minutes when the people leave the room. Sysyphys waits for what seems an eternity, making sure that they are not coming back, before he cautiously moves out again. This room is a long hallway with several iron doors. The whole place tastes of death and decay. He passes 4 doors on his left, and they all have the same taste, humans on the brink of death and starvation. He can taste the smell of despair and forlorn abandonment that these wretches suffer. When he gets to the end of the hall he moves to the other side and start working his way back. At the door on that side, the one furthest from the entrance, he tastes something different.
All the other tastes are there, but there is something more, a taste that takes Sysyphys a second to place. Pine. There is the faintest taste of pine coming from this cell. The snake starts to go under the door but realizes that he can not. The fit of the door is too tight. His tongue flicks under the door and more smells assault him. Burned flesh, human waste, dried blood. And pine. The snake sends an image of a snake shrugging it shoulders to Ally with the unspoken question: What now?"
OODM: What now?
From: Kevin
Subject The cells
Mark, another great write up. Who would have thought that a small snake would have been so much fun to read about.
From: Mark
Subject Touch spells
Here is the SRD on "Deliver Touch spell"
Deliver Touch Spells (Su): If the master is 3rd level or higher, a familiar can deliver touch spells for him. If the master and the familiar are in contact at the time the master casts a touch spell, he can designate his familiar as the "toucher." The familiar can then deliver the touch spell just as the master could. As usual, if the master casts another spell before the touch is delivered, the touch spell dissipates.
So you may be able to cast a spell that the snake can deliver, but it must be a touch spell, not a ranged touch, and you can not cast any other spell in the mean time or that spell goes away.
From: Karl
Subject The cells
Nice writeup, Mark.
From: Derek
Subject the cells
Allistiar asks Sysyphys if there is any kind of correlation between this 'pine' smell and the smell of Salix? Then he will ask Sysyphys to try hissing 'Hello?' into the crack at the bottom of the door, and see if he gets a answer he can understand. If he does, then find out what he can from him and let him know help is on the way. If not, then remember the smell and make his way back to the original hole to the dungeon. If he can, wait around in a well-concealed place until an hour or so before Allistair finishes work to try and find out how often someone comes down into the dungeon. Otherwise, just come back outside and wait for Allistiar until he gets off of work.
Allistair isn't sure what he can do for Sysyphys as a reward for a job well done for now, but he sends his snake a few images of nice fat hamsters and female vipers when they get the opportunity.
Back at the Eel
Subject More on the cells
I will write this up later, but Sysyphys can only talk to Ally, not to any one else. If this person is a druid, it would normally be possible for the druid to cast speak with animals and be able to understand.
Here is the SRD on speaking:
Speak with Master (Ex): If the master is 5th level or higher, a familiar and the master can communicate verbally as if they were using a common language. Other creatures do not understand the communication without magical help.
From: Kevin
Subject More on the cells
Mark, your descriptions so far have been pretty detailed - that little guy has great senses.
Has he been able to sense what type of material the door is made of? Wood, metal, stone??
If he does not know (or has not sent back that impression) so be it.
From: Mark
Subject More on the cells
The door going into the hallway with the cells is iron and so are the doors going into the cells themselves. In fact, the cell doors themselves actually have iron frames that are built into the walls. That is why the fit is so tight.
From: Mark
Subject Back at the Eel
Sysyphys sends back a picture of a landshark trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle and then send Ally of picture of the mage with his head in a postion that Ally is sure even a contortionist could not reach. The image brings a little laugh to the mage's lips, but he stifles it and tells the snake to hang around and get an idea of how many people come and go from the cells. He also gives an image of looking at the rest of the cellar area. The snake give a mental sigh and heads off on the rest of his mission.
The rest of the day goes quickly. Sysyphys checks in every few minutes and before long he is heading back out of the cellar. He passes by the rats nest and tastes that the rats are gorging on the body of the fallen leader. They chitter and hiss at him as he enters, but one loud hiss from the snake is enough to make them back down. Sysyphys is glad for this because there is now over 50 rats in the chamber and he is not sure if he could out last them all.
When Ally gets off work he heads down the path towards the gate he is supposed to use. At one point he steps a few feet off of the path, looking like he is adjusting his boot. As the sleeve of his robe lies on the ground, he feels Sysyphys slither up his arm. The snakes cool skin soothing against his arm. Ally stands again and heads back to the Eel.
OODM: Derek you and the others can discuss what Sysyphys found out at dinner. Ran will have a few minutes before he has to leave for his shift.
From: Kevin
Subject More on the cells
Just wanted to know. Thanks.
From: Derek
Subject More on the cells
That was more or less the idea, that he would hiss under the door and 1) if there is a druid in there and 2) if he can use his magic, then he could communicate with him. The 'hello' hiss was just to get his attention and let him know there is an intelligent animal down there trying to communicate with him.
Also, what of the pine smell? Any similarity to Salix's smell?
From: Derek
Subject Back at the Eel
Allistair explains everything that he found out from Sysyphys's adventure during the day. "He wasn't able to get any closer than the door, but despite all the dried blood, filth, and human waste, he was able to detect a pine-like smell that reminded him of Salix's smell. I think that's about as good of proof as we need to know that at least one of the druids is being held there. Whether its the Stormfather or not is still anyone's guess."
"So how do we want to do this? Sneak in as much as possible and then use the mocker's diversion to try and escape? That's probably our best bet, but where to hide after we get away from the Mayor's home could be a problem."
From: Kevin
Subject Back at the Eel
Harp says to the others "I don't know what to think now. I ended up getting switched to different duty today - hauling bodies out of the Mayors house here in town and taking them out to the estate. They did not smell or feel like dead bodies - just like someone who was not awake. And, we did not pick them up from the main house - we got them from one of the out buildings. Don't know if we should be worried about that or not."
From: Randy
Subject Back at the Eel
Ranthir arrives for guard duty and finds himself positioned at the gate at the rear of the house on the family side. He joins a group of 3 men, one a corporal who looks to have some minor experience with the sword, at least enough to avoid hurting himself. The same could not be said of the other two.
Ranthir makes small talk with the guards, getting a feel of their loyalty to the mayor and the possibility of getting them to take a bribe and turn the other way. He does not sense that they would be likely to risk their job and the perks that they enjoy from it. Discussion of these perks are nearly enough to make Ran blow his cover as they discuss the things they are allowed to do to any female servant who enters the grounds. He grits his teeth, not wanting to ruin the plans that were being laid. Justice would more than likely fall on these guards when the plan went into motion and Ranthir would not hesitate to administer that justice with his sword.
Through the night Ranthir observes that there are 4 guards at each gate and two wandering patrols of 3 guards each. He tries to time the wandering patrols as best he can to get an idea of the best time to strike. On top of the posted and wandering guards there are also at least two officers on duty who spend their time in the barracks unless they are doing rounds. There are a total of 5 officers on staff and those not on duty sleep in the barracks with about 20 daytime guards.
All of the guards other than the officers are pretty inexperienced and do not pose any real threat. It seems to Ranthir that the mayor keeps his home secure more through intimidation than an actual skilled guard.
Ranthir also learns that the mayor is gone to his estate for the next several days and the guard seems to be more relaxed than he had seen them up until now.
As morning comes, so does the change of the guard. The set up during the day seems to be about the same as at night. Ranthir leaves the grounds as most of the others hea to the barracks. He makes his way back to the inn and joins the others for breakfast. After relaying the information he was able to acquire in the night he adds his ideas of what they should do.
"I think that we should make our move tonight. Get the mockers to set up the distraction at the front entrance. That should draw the patroling guards to the front and hopefully the officers and any guards awoken from the barracks. If we're lucky some of the men at the rear gates will go too. I'll let you guys in the gate at the back and we can make our way into the house by force if I can't find a way to get the keys from one of the officers
"I haven't thought this through fully yet but here is what I have so far. Stage one - Once I am on duty, Surin approaches the rear gate invisibly and makes some noise, nothing major, but enough to get someone sent out to check it out. While the gate is open, he sneaks in and finds one of the officers to steal the keys from. Once he has the keys, he will hide out somewhere near my post until the next stage of the plan. Stage two - The mockers set up the distraction at the front entrance. That should draw the patroling guards to the front and hopefully the officers and any guards awoken from the barracks. If we're lucky some of the men at the rear gates will go too. Surin and I will take care of the guards at the rear gate and open it up to let you guys in. Ally should have something big ready in case any guards have noticed what we are doing here." Ranthir stops here to take a drink.
"Stage three - We enter the house and head to the basement. I don't know anything about what might be happening in the house at night but I imagine that any guard inside the house are of a much higher caliber than those posted outside. I did not see anybody come out of the house throughout the night. I hope that any significant people have gone with the mayor and will not be around anyway. Stage four - We get out. This may be more difficult but I do have an idea. If we can get back outside and near one of the walls then perhaps the rope trick spell might give us the chance to get over the wall. We could hide in the portal and wait for an opportunity to slip out unseen."
Ranthir laughs bitterly and adds "That is of course not all going to work out like that but we need some sort of plan. What do you guys think?"
From: Derek
Subject Back at the Eel
"I think the plan is workable," Allistair says, "but I want to know what the others think. I'm a little concerned about the possible lack of keys. That final door the druid was in was well-made and very strong, and I assume the lock is just as good of a quality. Even if Surin could pick the others, I doubt we can get in that last door without a key."
OOC: I think the idea of hiding in the rope trick is potentially very powerful. Even if we can't escape immediately, if we can get inside a rope trick unseen we can virtually disappear for seven hours - and that is a VERY long time game-wise. Plus we could use it to get over the wall as Ran suggested, which is also useful.
Ran's plan
Subject Ran's plan
"That's not a bad idea Ran. But, wouldn't it be great if we could all sneak in like Allistair little snake? We could come at them from inside the prison when they weren't looking. Couldn't we get a couple of us on the inside somehow?? I don't know how, maybe teleport one or two of us like the druids did to get us here, or turn one of us into a worm, or maybe a snake like little Sysphys here, or maybe a rat -no one would notice a rat or two crawling their way aournd down there."
From: Jason
Subject Ran's plan
"I agree that it would be ideal if we could enter in undetected. Remember that if the Stormfather is not being kept here, but rather at the estate, we'll have tipped our hand if we go in in force. Ideally we would want to sneak in. Of course, if that's not possible I'm not averse to fighting our way in, preferably while the Mayor himself is gone."
From: Kevin
Subject Ran's plan
OOC: Mark, would Allistair snake be able to give us a basic map/description/layout? I understand that he idea of size will come from a differnent point of view, but I hope he would be able to give us general ideas. He did spend a number of hours looking around.
Also, can we determine where his entrance hole is in relation to the main house?
From: Mark
Subject Ran's plan
His ability to match the underground layout with the upstairs outside layout. Sorry he is just a snake. You can get a very general idea from the write up.
From: Jason
Subjet: Ran's plan
Just out of curiosity, how many of the people in our party would have met or even recognize Stormfather Acer besides Salix?
From: Mark
Subject Ran's plan
None. Of the eight people in the party only Salix has ever met him. If I remember correctly.
I will have to check the archives and Karl might also have an idea.
The only time it might have been possible is before the party went on the mission to the Testing Grounds. At that time Salix went from 4th level to 5th level and Karl wrote up a very nice scene covering it. I do not think, however, that the Stormfather met any one else in the party.
From: Mark
Subject Ran's plan
Sorry my home connection is giving me problems.
The snake has limited ability to match upstairs with the underground layout. You can put together a basic layout from the description. It will not be perfect. I am trying to tred a fine line between what the Players HB says familiars can do and what I think they should be able to do as they and their masters get more powerful. I am going to offset that some by this.
From: Kevin
Subject Ran's plan
OOC: I understand about the internal map. Can he give us a general idea of where the entrance is to where Allistair dropped him off (he did have to get back to where he met Allistair). Also, can he estimate the time it would take him to make a direct trip (not stopping to kick some more rat ass).
From: Mark
Subject Ran's plan
The entrance to the rats warren is several hundred feet from the house. He figures it would take 5- 10 minutes to get back now that he knows the way. That is assuming nothing gets in his way.
From: Kevi
Subject Ran's plan
But it is inside the walls of the compound? I got that impression from the write up, but just wanted to confirm it.
From: Mark
Subject Ran's plan
He thinks it is.
Ideas
Subject Turn
I am waiting for Karl/Josh/Porter to check in and see if they want to add anything to the discussion.
From: Karl
Subject Ideas?
Salix listens to the various suggestions. "It sounds like there is definitely a druid in the cell that Ally's snake found in the cellar. I couldn't say whether it is the Stormfather or not. Was there only one occupied cell?" Salix turns his gaze to the corner, his hand on his chin, thinking. "I agree we should not tip our hand if we can avoid it. If the druid prisoner isn't the Stormfather, we will need to check out the estate outside of town next. Stealth is our best ally. That doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't use the Mocker's distraction."
"I could take the shape of a snake or even a largish rat, and then reduce myself a size, and follow Syssiphus back through the warren and into the cellar. I could probably shape the stone around the door enough to get it open, but then we have the problem of getting the Stormfather (or whoever) out."
"Does anyone else have any ideas?"
From: Karl
Subject Ideas
"You did say the doors were metal, right?" Salix confirms. "Rather than shaping the stone around the door, I could perhaps more successfully corrode the door itself and break in."
From: Porter
Subject Ideas
Mund says "I don't have any ideas that haven't already been discussed. I ain't never been much of a tactictizer. You let me know how I can help, and I'll do it."
From: Porter
Subject Ideas
Mund continues "Remember, I'm really good at climbing, and can sneak about pretty good too."
Making plans, polymorph, divination
Subject Making plans
Surin pipes up "Ok so do we want the diversion to help us escape? How do we let the Mockers know when we want it? Do you need me to do anything else?"
From: Mark
Subject Doors
There were three types of doors. The door that was near the stairs was an old wooden door.
The second door the snake found was a more solid wooden door bound with iron.
The last two doors, the one leading into the cell area and the cell doors themselves are iron with iron frames.
From: Kevin
Subject Doors
Mark, if this is asking for too much detail, just say so.
Does the iron frame go around all 4 sides of the doors, or just the uprights and top? Is the threshold metal or stone? The viper might know since he tried to crawl over one when they almost opened the door on him.
From: Kevin
Subject Making plans
"Salix, would it make any sense for you to change into a snake and go take a look with Sysiphys? You know, go scout the jail, make sure the stormfather is there, figure out where the rat hole is, that type of thing? I would hate to make a rush on the house and then find out the cells are actually in a building we haven't even been in yet."
From: Karl
Subject Making plans
"That is a good idea. Ally, do you have any protective spells that might help if I end up having to fight my way out?"
From: Jason
Subject Making plans
"I'm not so sure that is a good idea. The only thing we know for sure about what we're up against is that it seems capable of capturing or killing druids far more powerful than any of us. Perhaps someone else could go if Allistair can change them into a snake to follow Sysiphys?"
From: Mark
Subject Doors
The snake is not sure if it goes all the way around. It was on the bottom and both sides, at least.
From: Randy
Subject Making plans
"With all due respect, I don't think we want to waste another night scouting things out. The mayor could be back in a day or two and we want to be out of there before he gets back. I have been holding back already and I don't think I can do much more guard duty before some of the comments and actions of the guards cause me to commit violence against them anyway. I say we commit to going tonight. I don't care how we get in there, but we need to do it now! I don't care who is in the cell there, they are suffering and we need to free them. If it is not the Stormfather, we move on the estate next."
Ranthir's face is turning a darker shade of red and his brow is furrowed in anger.
"I will go along with whatever plan you choose but if we don't move tonight I cannot promise that my sword will not taste the blood of the guards anyway."
From: Mark
Subject Making plans
I love it when he gets all manly. :)
From: Karl
Subject Making plans
"Then let's hear a good plan from you!" Salix snapps, then looks away, immediately regretful. "Listen, if we have a plan that relies solely on stealth and divine/arcane power, we will fail if there is indeed a force that dampens or prevents such use. On the other hand, a forceful entry will probably kill any chance of infiltrating the estate, if we find that the Stormfather isn't in the cellar of the mansion. So either way we are taking a chance. I don't need you to say 'Do something now, but don't do *that*'. But if you have a better plan, I'm ready to hear it. We need a way to get the strongest force with the most varied talents inside as quietly and surreptitiously as possible.
As for being a druid, I'm not sure we've been singled out by this mayor except insofar as we are the closest threat. I've been here for
From: Randy
Subject Making plans
Ran takes a breath.
"Forgive me Salix. There are enough problems here that I don't need to be adding to them."
He pauses, and then adds
"Perhaps we combine the two plans. I go on guard duty as planned. However many of us as is possible to shrink down to snake size come in with me as syssyphus (sp.) did with Allistair. The miniturized people enter the house with our snake friend and do what they can on the inside. The Mockers stand by waiting for a signal so that we can make our escape when those on the inside have found their way out."
A further idea entering his head he asks,
"Allistair, can that whisper spell you cast keep us communicating with some on the inside and some on the outside? If so, those on the inside can let me know if there are problems and we can improvise from there."
Ranthir looks to Salix and adds calmly but with confidence,
"There is going to be a risk of blowing our cover regardless of what we do. I believe that if the Stormfather is alive then he is most likely in the cell that we know about and that it is worth the risk for us to do this."
From: Randy
Subject Making plans
"Salix, I also did not mean to imply that you should not be using your powers to help. I am starting to believe that the only reason the druids have been the ones to go missing is because they are the only ones who cared enough to try to end the depravity in this gods forsaken town. I may not be full of wisdom but in my opinion you are not in any more danger because of who you are than any of us are."
From: Jason
Subject Divinations
Is anyone else unable to log into sakeriver? I can log in, but then when I go to the next page I'm logged out again. I wanted to update my character sheet but haven't been able to.
IC: "I'm not sure I entirely agree that the druids have only been singled out because they were the only ones nearby taking an interest. Or rather, I'm not sure that it makes any difference to us; whatever the reasons, it is clear that Salix of all of us would be the most vulnerable if caught in the mayor's house."
OOC: Mark, I've been wondering about the divination spell recently. The way its worded, it doesn't seem that its object would be Acer specifically. That is, it seems Ragnar could ask "If we enter the mayor's mansion, will we find Stormfather Acer there," and have a reasonable expectation of it being answered even if something stops people from scrying on the dungeon. Would Ragnar know better, or would that be his impression too?
From: Mark
Subject Divinations
You have to logon twice from the character sheet page.
Since Ragnar just got access to the Divination spell he does not have any real experience with it. It looks like it might be useful in this situation. :)
From: Derek
Subject Polymorph
OOC: Can Ally can polymorph people small enough to get through the hole?
From Polymorph spell description: This spell functions like alter self, except that you change the willing subject into another form of living creature. The new form may be of the same type as the subject or any of the following types: aberration, animal, dragon, fey, giant, humanoid, magical beast, monstrous humanoid, ooze, plant, or vermin. The assumed form can't have more Hit Dice than your caster level (or the subject's HD, whichever is lower), to a maximum of 15 HD at 15th level. You can't cause a subject to assume a form smaller than Fine, nor can you cause a subject to assume an incorporeal or gaseous form. The subject's creature type and subtype (if any) change to match the new form.
So does this mean Ally can polymorph people down to size Fine? According to this chart, that's 6 in. or less, so Ally's polymorph could easily make people small enough. However, it also says it functions like alter self, which limits size changes to one smaller or larger. Which is it, Mark?
Ally only has two 4th level spells, so he could cast polymorph on two people only. The duration of the spell is 1 min/level, so they would have 7 minutes to get through the hole into the basement. However, Ally also has Gaseous Form, which could get other people inside. Gaseous Form limits you to a movement of 10, but it lasts for 2 min/level, so hopefully that would be enough to get inside. That is a level 3 spell, however, and we might want a couple of Fly spells left over for the Stormfather and one other to fly out of the city as soon as we get him outside.
Ally also has Invisibility, of course, and Rope Trick at level 2.
Does Kal have any spells that can help with a stealthy entrance?
From: Mark
Subject Polymorph
Well the snake is a tiny creature and he fit just fine. You also trade off speed with size. A fine creature moves very slowly on the ground compared to a Medium size creature.
The snake said it would take about 15 minutes for him to go from the entrance to the rat warren to the entrance into the cells, and that is without any rats getting in the way.
I will look at the polymorph spell and see what I come up with.
From: Kevin
Subject Making plans
Derek, what was the spell Allistair used to talk to all of us when we first showed up in the forest when we arrived here?
From: Derek
Subject Making plans
That was 0th level Message. The spell description is here:
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/message.htm
From: Mark
Subject Message
I am almost positive that the Message spell need line of site. That was why Surin was not affected by it since Ally could not see him.
From: Kevin
Subjed: Making plans
Oh well, that won't really help us.
IC: Harp listens to everyone arguing and trying to come up with a plan. " If I can put my two cents worth in, I think trying to combine the two plans is a good idea. I like the idea of having someone on the inside when we do this. But, we have to allow us time to get ourselves prepared - Allistair and Salix may not have what we need prepared. Lets try to work out a way that we can have Salix go with Sysiphys into the cells, and then Mund, Kal, Ragnar and the rest of us can work out a way to get into the complex so we can help out if needed."
From: Porter
Subject Making plans
"How long has the stormfather been out of contact? It's been a long time. I don't think one more day of lookin' round is gonna make much of a difference for him, but it sure could keep us from gettin' killed."
"Personally, I like not dying. I've done it every day of my life so far. I don't wanna break my streak."
From: Randy
Subject Message
OOC: I think so too, but Ran doesn't know that.
From: Porter
Subject Making plans
If we're trying to magick everybody into the mansion tonight, you might want to consider using invisibility, a relatively low-level spell, on Mund. Despite what the character sheet says (It keeps messing up Mund's skills), he's got good climb and move silently skills.
Unfortunately, Surin doesn't have good climb skills, or I'd suggest doing the same thing for Surin.
From: Jason
Subject Making plans
"I can truly sympathize with the difficulties Ranthir is having associating with the other guards, but I agree with Mund. We simply don't have enough time to make a plan before Ranthir has to report back for duty.
"I am able to ask Heironeous for small, specific pieces of advice. I've never attempted to do so in the past, and it takes some preparation, but if we are willing to wait until tomorrow night, I could ask if Stormfather Acer is in the mayor's house. We could take the day tomorrow to make an actual plan, as well as getting some extra rest so that we'll be alert during the night."
From: Porter
Subject Making plans
"Let's talk about the plan. So far, we've come up with several ways of getting us inside. That's good. We're inside, we kick some butt, find the Stormfather."
"Then the mockers make a distraction for us. That allows us to escape."
"But even with that distraction, I reckon there's a good chance that somebody will be following us when we leave. How do we get away not just with our lives, but hidden again?"
From: Derek
Subject Message
It was my understanding that Message only needs line-of-sight to target the individuals when the spell is cast, and that afterwards it doesn't need line-of-sight, it only needs an unblocked path between the individuals and have those individuals be within range. (The rat-hole would be enough of an unblocked path, but the length might go out of range of the spell, not sure)
It didn't work with Surin before because he was already invisible when Ally cast Message, so there was no way to target him. If Message had been cast first and then Surin made invisible, it should have still worked.
From: Derek
Subject Making plans
Allistair nods. "That's a big worry of mine, too. Once we get the Stormfather outside, do we just go back to the inn and hope no one identified us? We can't just run out of the city since the gates will be closed. If no one's following us we might make it back to the inn, but suddenly appearing at the inn in the middle of the night will be more than suspicious, since no one goes out at night here."
OOC: Does the room we're staying in have an outside window? Could we enter and leave by that window so that no one will know we ever left?
IC: Allistair continues, "If we can get out of sight for a few minutes, we could climb inside a rope trick and hide for hours. However, if we can get out of sight for a few minutes, we might as well run away. I think hiding in the rope trick would be a good last resort if we get barricaded into a room or cell."
From: Porter
Subject Making plans
"Maybe we could run around the corner and then jump up in your tricky rope, then come down when it's day again."
From: Derek
Subject Making plans
"Like I said though, we can't just jump in it. We have to climb in one at a time, so we need a minute or so being out of sight for us to 'disappear' by using it."
From: Kevin
Subject Making plans
Harp asks "can you cast spells while in the rope trick thing? Couldn't you make yourself and the stormfather fly somewher or something as you leave there?"
More plans
Subject More plans
Allistair nods. "I believe I can do that without a problem. I could make the stormfather and myself fly and be invisible. Or if he can change himself into a small animal, he could just ride on someone while they do the same. But if he could freely use his powers, he wouldn't be in this mess, would he?"
From: Kevin
Subject More plans
"Oh, right. I forgot about that" Harp says slightly ashamed. "Well, I could carry him if I was with him. He probably doesn't weigh much more than Salix and i could carry him all day."
Windows and spells
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get anything done over the weekend. My youngest had his birthday and we spent many hours playing the OOTS board game.
I will work on a turn this afternoon. Any more discussion on what the party wants to do?
From: Jason
Subject OOTS game
That game takes entirely too long. And yet, I played it again just a couple days after the first time. I just have to say, Roy rocks.
From: Derek
Subject Window
As far as I can tell, we haven't really decided what to do yet.
What about my question on the window to our room in the inn? Can we get in and out through the window? Would that be a viable way to get to the street for our night raid?
From: Mark
Subject Window
It would be viable for anyone not wearing armor. The window of the room backs up to an alley way, but the room is on the second floor.
From: Porter
Subject Window
In this case, does light armor count as no armor?
From: Mark
Subject Window
Well I would check the armor check penalties for moving silent. The DC may not be very high, so Mund, with his 11?move silent and the special armor he has would probably be ok.
However, Rangar will be Durkon.
From: Jason
Subject Window
Ragnar may look like Durkon, but Ragnar also prepares the silence spell every day, and is more than capable of casting it on himself if need be :) That would help Harp and everyone else get up there silently as well.
From: Derek
Subject Window
Surely even with armor it should be possible with a rope, right?
From: Derek
Subject Window
Ahh... OK.
From: Derek
Subject Spells
Allistair needs to know exactly what spells he needs to get memorized for the raid. I think he has enough to pull this off, but just barely. Here's what I'm thinking of having him memorize:
1st) MM, Obscuring Mist, Expedient Retreat, Sleep, Reduce
2nd) Invisibility x2, Rope Trick x2, Web (might be useful for shaking pursuers)
3rd) Fly x2, Gaseous Form x2
4th) Polymorph, Summon IV
I'm not too sure about the polymorph, since a tiny creature won't be able to move quickly enough to get through the rat tunnels in time. I think we can get through with Gaseous Form though (right, Mark?) If nothing else, as long as we can get the stormfather away we can have Harp pick him up, have me turn him insivible and flying and have him fly out of the city. (or at least back to our room) Then the rest of us can hopefully make it back safely.
Can Salix animal-shape into a small enough animal to make it through the tunnels? With a reduce spell? In that case, at least Salix and 2 others (Gaseous Form x2) can make it through the rat tunnels to the dungeon. I'm thinking Surin and a Meat-shield (Harp or Mund) to either extract the Stormfather or open the door for the rest of us to go down in force. Then we use the Mocker's diversion to high-tail it away, with the last resort of someone carrying the stormfather away while flying and invisible, and the rest of us hiding in a rope trick.
From: Jason
Subject spells
Just so you know, Ragnar and Harp can both cast Obscuring mist, so if there's another spell you want to prepare, we can cover that one.
Right now I'm thinking for Ragnar,
0)Light, Read Magic, Mending, Guidance, Detect Magic x2
1)Protection from Evil, comprehend languages, hide from undead, sanctuary, shield of faith, command
2)Aid, Shield Other, Status, Silence, Shatter
3)Helping Hand, Stone Shape, Magic Circle/Evil, Dispel Magic
4)Divination, Holy Smite, Summon IV
I welcome suggestions. I'm also sending this because I can't update my spell list on sakeriver for some reason, so Mark needs to know what Ragnar has prepared.
From: Porter
Subject Spells
Do we have anything to protect us against scrying? 'Cuz even if we escape back to the hotel room, I don't want them to just follow us there with their Tivoed crystal ball.
From: Jason
Subject Spells
I can cast obscure object, which would obscure one "object" from being scryed on (presumably I would cast this on Acer.) It lasts 8 hours, and even if they scryed on one of us, they wouldn't see Acer. I don't know if a person counts as an object for purposes of this spell?
From: Jason
Subject Spells
Also, I'd like to mention that Ragnar will go looking for the material components for divination. It requires incense and a sacrifice appropriate to Heironeous worth 25 gp all together. I have no idea what an appropriate sacrifice would be, but presumably Ragnar would.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
Derek, if we have 2 people go in with Salix, how do we get the Stormfather out? fight our way out while the others fight their way in?
Harp will have the following selection of prayers ready - Bless, Hide from Undead, Shield of Faith, Prot. from evil, Bulls Strength and Spiritual Weapon.
If we want to use 1 gas form to get Harp in with Salix, and then have the viper touch the Acer to turn him and let him leave with Salix, Harp will gladly stay behind. He can take the 2-3 gaurds that are there, and then use his Hide from Undead to just walk his way out.
A possible scenario - Salix wildshapes into a small viper. He then reduces animal on himself (Natural Spell) to become a tiny viper. Allistair throws mage armor on him (+4 A/C). Surin forges orders for Allistair to be on the grounds at night with Harp as his "escort". Harp and Allistair head onto the grounds, let the vipers head for the hole.
When they get there, Allistair gas forms Harp, and Harp and the snakes move out full speed to the dungeon. Harp can gas through any holes or cracks so once they get to the dungeon area he should be able to find Acer's cell. Salix and Sysiphys slilther their way there, using stone shape as needed where the spacing around the door is too tight for them to fit. Once they reach the cell, Salix turns human talks to Acer, Sysiphys touches Acer, Salix wildshapes back, and they boogey out of the cell back the way they came. Harp waits for the guards to come, takes them out, does his hide from undead, and works his way out. When Salix and the others get out of the snake hole, Allistair can invisible he and the stormfather and fly themselves out of range. Ran and the others can create/use the diversion to keep attention away from Salix and Allistair.
What we need to know is where is the rat hole the snakes are going to use and what type of cover is there around there for Allistair. Harp will suggest one more day/night of in depth recon.
But if the rest of the group wants to go tonight, he will go.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
I just read the Hide from Undead spell. It covers 1 person per level and lasts 10 min/level. For Harp, he could make 3 people invisible to undead for 30 minutes. Harp, Salix and the Storm Father could just walk out. If they encounter any guards, Harp can take them out.
It saves us having to get back through the maze. Harp does not even have to get into the cell. Just Salix and the viper.
I know, what I've written is confusing and poorly thought out. Just trying to throw out some ideas.
I may say too much, but Harp will go with what ever plans Salix decides on.
From: Jason
Subject Spells
Did we determine that the prison was guarded by undead? I'm preparing hide from undead based on the rumors of a priest of Nerull, but I don't think its safe to say that one could simply walk out of the cell with that.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
the write up from the vipers inspection described 4 creaturs in niches on the way toward the cells that smelled of death. They were separate from the guards. Given the death cults presence, would not be reach to have undead guards.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
I think it is time for Salix to mash up a plan from all the options he has been given.
Speak to us fealess leader. Your minions hunger for your guidance.
From: Jason
Subject Spells
Gotcha. I was thinking of something on the verge of death, not something undead, but you could be right.
Incidentally, Ragnar is preparing the helping hand prayer... when he casts it, it will find the person he specifies, appear to them (and only them) and lead them to Ragnar by the most direct feasible route.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Salix asks, "In the event that there is an anti-magic field present, what alternative do we have for opening a metal door in a metal frame?"
"Aside from that concern, I like Harp's, er, Hack's suggestion best. He and I go into the cellar by way of the rat warren, get the Stormfather, and leave through the door, if possible. We can take out any guards on the way as we encounter them. Once out, Ally and whoever else he can manage, flies out with the Stormfather. I can wildshape and fly out on my own."
From: Porter
Subject Spells
"Without magic, there's two ways to open a door. Either you have a key, which we don't have, you pick the lock, which means Surin, or you bash it down, which means Hack or me."
"I like your plan, but I'm a-thinkin' we need to plan for backup in case it's needed. I'd like to jump over the fence and wait in case you need help, but Alley's invisibility spell only lasts a few minutes."
Plans, spells, wildshape and polymorph
Subject turn
Sorry I did not write anything up last night, but you guys were having such a good time planning I wanted to wait to see what you all decided.
From: Kevin
Subject Today or tomorrow
"The big question is if there is a way that they have kept magic from being used in the cell.
Salix, I know you want to get in there ASAP, but I really think one more day of getting better information is the thing to do. You could go search around with Sysiphys to get an idea of where the rat hole is on the grounds, you can get into the cell area and see if magic will work down there, we can try to detect you and Sysiphys while you are in there to see if the cells are where we think they are, Ran, Ragnar and the others can finish the plan to get us out of the compound once we have the Stormfather free. Surin can work on forging the orders we need to get us around the grounds (or he can steal the keys in case we need them). There is still a lot to work out so we can succeed."
From: Mark
Subject Questions
There have been so many e-mails on Friday and yesterday I think I might have forgotten to answer some questions put to me.
Please, if there is any question about a spell or something you need answered let me know.
Here is one I remember. The message spell is line of sight to start, but Derek is right, it need an unobstructed path after that , upto the range of the spell.
Salix wildshape can only get him to small size, so he can become a small snake(5 feet long) instead of a tiny snake (2-1/2 feet long). He might very well be able to fit in the rat tunnels, but is unlikely to be able to fit under the doors into the cells.
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Would Salix, if he has the Natural Spell feat, be able to cast Reduce Animal on himself to make him a tiny viper?
From: Mark
Subject Wildshape and natural spell
By RAW yes. But I am not a big fan of the natural spell feat, as I have heard of several instances where it really over powers the druid.
I think I have talked to Karl about this. For example, the Reduce animal spell has verbal and somantic components. How does a snake do the hand gestures?
Salix does have the natural spell feat and I will allow it at this time. However, I reserve the right to put some limitations on the feat in the future. For example, I may limit the spell level it can be used with. Something like, natural spell can only be used on 1/2 your normal spell level, so he could use it for level 1 and level 2 spells, but not level 3 or 4 right now. When Salix got more powerful then he could use some higher level ones.
This is a discussion I will have with Karl, but for now, he can do Reduce Animal(Level 2 druid spell) when he is in wildshape.
From: Kevin
Subject Wildshape and natural spell
Thank you.
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
"Well, while I am in the gas form, I can slip through the door if needed. You can return to regular shape, either rust the door off the hinges or rust out the lock or shape the stone around the frame such that I can push it out of the wall. If worse comes to worse, we can wait for the guards to come, you and I can take them out, and then we use the keys. If Surin can steal the keys, so much the better. But, I want to make sure we know where the rat hole is in the compound and try to make sure the cells are under the main house. Ragnar should be able to help us do that.
Once we get the Stormfather out of his main cell, I can hide us from what I are undead creatures that are also guarding the dungeon. Again, this is something you could check if you were to go in with Sysiphys tomorrow and scout around some more. But if you want, we can go tonight."
From: Mark
Subject Wildshape/polymorph
Ok it seems that WOTC has made some changes to the polymorph/wildshape ability.
First the updated Wildshape ability of the druid:
At 5th level, a druid gains the ability to turn herself into any Small or Medium animal and back again once per day. Her options for new forms include all creatures with the animal type. This ability functions like the alternate form special ability, except as noted here.
Then the description of wildshape:
A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume one or more specific alternate forms. A true seeing spell or ability reveals the creature's natural form. A creature using alternate form reverts to its natural form when killed, but separated body parts retain their shape. A creature cannot use alternate form to take the form of a creature with a template. Assuming an alternate form results in the following changes to the creature:
The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form. If the new form has the aquatic subtype, the creature gains that subtype as well.
So by the rules as they are now, if Salix took the form of a small snake, Ally could throw a Reduce person on him and make him tiny. Salix would not need to have Reduce animal.
I hope this is clear.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
OOC: The only problem with the reduce person is it is only 1 min/level, where reduce animal is 1 hour/level.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells and plans
OOC: Given Mark's recent determinations (on Wildshape and Natural Spell), I would like to propose the following plan:
The group spend one more day making preparations for the rescue and escape. During the next day, Salix should Wildshape into a small viper and then reduce animal on himself into a tiny viper. Allistair can cast Mage Armor on him to help protect him and Harp could cast Status on them so he can sense where they are during the day. Salix and Sysiphys should slither up with Allistair and the two snakes can drop off when he gets to work just like Sysiphys did the day before. Salix will be looking for refences in the compound so they can figure out where the rat entrance is. He and Sysiphys can then spend most of the day looking around the jail, and seeing if magic works in the cell block area, etc. He and Sysiphys exit the same way they came in (Sysiphys can kill some of the rats if he wants just to whittle down the number).
Ran, Kal, and Ragnar could work out a plan to enter the grounds with Mund and Allistair, while Surin works with the Mockers to create a diversion AFTER we have Acer out and forge the orders for Harp to attend Allistair.
The night of the escape, Salix does his Wildshape and reduction, and they slither up Allistair sleeve. Harp joins Ally into the grounds, they get to where the rat hole is. Allistair casts gaseous form on Harp (and he imbues it on Sysiphys as a touch spell). Harp floats along as he follows the two snakes into the cell area. Harp will float into the cell with the Stormfather. Salix shapes back to normal, uses Rusting Grasp and/or Stone shape on the cell door, hinges and/or lock, with Harp helping from the inside. Once open, they pull the Stormfather out, gaseous form him. We then have two options - we can all fight our way out (using Hide from Undead) or Salix and wildshape and reduce back to a tiny viper and he, Sysiphys and Acer can leave the way the group came in and leave it to Harp to fight his way out. Harp will have surprise and he is pretty sure he can take out the guards. It is up to Salix.
Once outside, they hook up with Allistair. Mund or Harp can carry Acer. Allistair casts invisibility and fly on both himself and whoever is carrying Acer. They fly about 1/2 mile (assuming 40 ft/round since whoever has Acer probably has a heavy load) and land, Ally does his rope trick, and they climb up and hide for the next many hours.
The rest of the group can make/use the diverson on the other side of the compound to give the guys plenty of time, assuming we know where the cell block exits or where the rat hole is.
Enough from me. Take this an do with it what you like. I always over plan, much to the dismay of my brother and fellow gamers.
I really need to do some realy work now.
From: Mark
Subject plans
I guess you did not read what I wrote. The Salix still has the Human type, not animal, so he can not use Reduce animal. He has to use reduce person.
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
Sorry, I total spaced on that.
OK, Karl, I will leave this up to you. I gues we could have Allistair put Reduce Animal on Sysiphys as a touch spell and have the viper touch you when we get close to the cell area?
Any one want to pipe up, or are you all bored of this and just want to do something?
From: Derek
Subject spells
As long as Salix and Harp can get through the rat tunnels to the basement, it isn't really so critical that Salix be able to slip under the first few doors, is it? Harp can materialize and Salix return to normal size, and you can bash the guards, get the keys, go get the Stormfather, and get back out. If undead show up Harp can take care of them with his spell, and Sysyphys will still be along for a gaseous form on the stormfather if needed.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells and plans
Agreed.
Lets see what Salix wants to do.
From: Ashley
Subject Plans
Hi all, I'm back from my camping-imposed exile. Surin will follow Salix's lead and is willing to do whatever is needed, even if it means turning into a swirling ball of gas.
From: Karl
Subject Plans
Except if he wants to get back out and ally isn't there to reduce him again.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
How will Salix get re-reduced to get back out again?
From: Karl
Subject Spells
OOC - I'm talking about for the scouting tonight (assuming we do that). We can't bash guards and stuff if we're just scouting.
On the other hand, that's a good arguement for doing it all tonight rather than scouting another night.
IC - Salix says to Harp, "I'm not sure of the value of scouting again. Does it really make a difference where the cell is? Also, either there is or isn't an anti-magic field active. Either way we should go prepared with the possibility that there is."
From: Porter
Subject Plans
"I'm still concerned about having so few of y'all in there in case it goes bad, but I don't have a better idea."
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
You have a very good point. Set it up the way you want and we will go with that.