Spell ruling, divination and final plans?
Subject Spell ruling
Ok I did some research last night on the Polymorph/wildshape/reduce person/reduce animal.
I see no reason to change the polymorph/wildshape spell as it is written in the book.
So, the polymorph/wildshape does change your type. In the case of the wildshape, Salix takes the type of an animal while in that shape. He can cast reduce animal on himself while in that shape since it is only a second level spell.
I need someone to give me a final answer as to what the party is going to do. Since Salix is the leader, I will let Karl make the final decision.
As a note to all the other players, I do have plans in the future, to tailor adventures to each player and have them be the leader for that adventure. It might be a few years until we get to your character, but it will happen if you stay with me. Harp has already had his turn and this is Salix's turn.
From: Mark
Subject spell ruling
Ragnar can find incense in town easily enough. The sacrificial item might have to be some personal religious item he is carrying, maybe some small blessed item. I will alot him two such items at this time. Take the gold piece value off of what he is carrying in gold.
Let me know if that does not make sense.
From: Kevin
Subject Spell ruling
The small finger on his left hand should do the trick. It would sort of limit you to 4-5 divinations before you have regeneration cast on yourself. lol.
From: Karl
Subject Final plan?
Unless someone has a serious objection, then Salix will decide to attempt the rescue tonight. He and Sysiphus will sneak through the rat warren with Harp in gasseous form. If possible, he'd like to take Surin with them (but I don't know if there is a way to get him in as well).
Salix will wildshape and reduce animal to get inside. He will try to rust through the door, unless they have had to take out guards on the way who happen to have keys.
The Mockers should be ready with their diversion. Ally will fly the StFthr out as described in Kevin's writeup, Salix will wildshape into a bird and fly out with them. The others will leave the city as quickly as they are able and meet at a predetermined spot the next day.
Is everyone OK with this? Am I forgetting anything?
From: Jason
Subject Final plan?
Three questions come to mind-
1) "Tonight" is in just a couple of hours right? IIRC, its evening right now and Ran is supposed to go on duty shortly.
2) When you say a predetermined spot, how far away are you thinking? Just a general idea. The rest of us will probably not be able to get out of the city at night, because they probably close the gates.
3) If Harp is caught on his way out of the house and can't bluff his way out, where will he run to?
The only other thing is that Ragnar will cast Status on Harp before he goes so that he knows if they need to run in and rescue him.
From: Kevin
Subject Final plan?
In the words of Judge Mills Lane in Celebrity Death Match, Lets Get It On.
From: Jason
Subject Final plan?
Actually I just saw that Ragnar can cast it on two subjects, so he'll cast status on both Harp and Salix.
From: Porter
Subject Final plan?
Brilliant!
From: Kevin
Subject Final plan?
Cool. You can track where we are as well.
Mark, I have updated Harp's spell list as well
From: Randy
Subject Final plan?
"The only thing I think is missing from what you stated is having that message spell cast before you guys go in. It might not last long enough and you may get out of range but if not it may be a good way to let us know if you need help or want us to signal the diversion. Or am I misremembering that spell? Is it one way communication only?"
"Oh, and where will Kal, Mund, Ally, and Ragnar be waiting? I think that they should be near the entrance that I am guarding as that is the most likely exit for those on the inside since it seems like you won't be able to leave through the rat warren. Or am I missing something? I'm starting to feel pretty tired and I'm not keeping everything you guys are saying straight."
Ranthir listens as the plan is finalized and then stands up, rubbing his eyes as he does.
"I need to get some sleep before my shift tonight. Wake me if there are any changes to the plans that I need to know about."
OOC: I think that this conversation is happening over breakfast. Ranthir joined the party after his last stint at guard duty and hasn't slept yet.
Mark is this right?
From: Mark
Subject Final plan
That is correct. The snake went in yesterday, then Ally went to the inn. Ran spent the night on duty and reported in before Ally went to work the next morning. It is now morning and Ally has to go to work soon.
Luckily the house employees are not on the same shift schedule as the guards.
From: Kevin
Subject Final plan?
So, Salix could change into a tiny viper and go wiht Sysiphys to find out where the rat hole is, etc?
Maybe Allistair can follow the snake when Ally goes on his lunch break.
From: Derek
Subject Final plan?
Mark, has Ally had time to memorize all the spells he needs for the caper?
From: Mark
Subject Final plan?
I will say yes, by the time the caper happens. He got a full nights rest. He has not had time to change any spells but he can spend some time tonight before the party goes on the mission. I assume that the party wants to wait until well after dark?
Now that this is brought up, when does the party want this to happen?
From: Jason
Subject Final plan?
Oh good, I misunderstood what time of day it was currently. In that case Ragnar wouldn't have even suggested waiting until tomorrow night, since he can cast Divination during the day.
After Ally goes to work and Ran goes to bed, Ragnar will go out and buy that incense. Then he'll come back, retire to his room, and use his Divination prayer. The text of the spell is below, I'm thinking that Ragnar will ask "If we search the Mayor's house here in Bodentown, will we find Stormfather Acer?" I'm open to suggestions on the wording. Then he'll take a long nap in the afternoon so that he can stay awake during the nighttime.
Similar to augury but more powerful, a divination spell can provide you with a useful piece of advice in reply to a question concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within one week. The advice can be as simple as a short phrase, or it might take the form of a cryptic rhyme or omen. If your party doesn't act on the information, the conditions may change so that the information is no longer useful. The base chance for a correct divination is 70% + 1% per caster level, to a maximum of 90%. If the dice roll fails, you know the spell failed, unless specific magic yielding false information is at work.
As with augury, multiple divinations about the same topic by the same caster use the same dice result as the first divination spell and yield the same answer each time.
Material Component: Incense and a sacrificial offering appropriate to your religion, together worth at least 25 gp.
From: Kevin
Subject Final plan?
OOC: Mark, Harp will ask Salix what the Stormfather looks like. He will also let Salix know that since Harp will only have a limited amout of time in the gas form, when they get to the cell block area, Harp will go ahead of the snake and wisp into the cell they believe Acer is in so Harp can see if he is actually in there. If something wrong happens, Harp will just wait in the cell until the guards make their normal stop and then Harp will attack the guards when they open the cell. Salix can respond how he wishes if we get to the point guards are around.
From: Derek
Subject Final plan?
Come to think of it, Ally could just gaseous form into the cell, materialize, pick up the Stormfather, cast gaseous form again, and come back out. Of course if anything goes wrong Ally would be in a real pinch...
From: Mark
Subject Final plan?
Ally would need three gaseous forms then. One for him to get in and two to get him and the stormfather out. The spell allows gear to change form, but I will not let you carry another whole person. I consider that a violation of the spirit of the spell.
Otherwise Ally could pick up a couple of people and then turn them all in to gas.
Remember, the spell only works for 2 minutes per level and the person can only move at 10 feet. You can take a double move but you can not run, so the max you can do per round is 20 feet. So the max distance you can go in 14 minutes is 2,800 feet.
From: Kevin
Subject Final plan?
I don't think the spell will let you gas form that much additional material. You could gas form the StormFather in addition to yourself, but now you would need to throw it 3 times. And if there is some type of antimagic in there, you would be SOL.
From: Derek
Subject Final plan?
Alright. From the information I got from Sysyphys's adventure, does Ally think that 2,800 feet is enough to get into where the cell was, or at least get out of the rat holes?
From: Derek
Subject Final plan?
According to the spell description for Rope Trick: "Creatures in the extradimensional space are hidden, beyond the reach of spells (including divinations), unless those spells work across planes." So we could also put the Stormfather in a rope trick for a few hours after the raid, and scrying and such would not be able to detect him.
Mark, is there an official ruling on whether the edge of the invisible window of the Rope Trick spell is 'sharp'? i.e. since the dimensional window is infinitely thin when looked at edge-on could it be used as an invisible blade that would cut someone if they walked into it? Although it makes sense according to the spell, I could see why it would be disallowed as making a 2nd level spell too powerful. I'm not necessarily thinking of an immediate use, but if allowed it could be useful in the future.
From: Mark
Subjet: Spell ruling
Probably it is enough. Distances seem longer when you are smaller, but the snake spent alot of time searching around and taking his time. If he speeds through the path he knows he can probably make it faster than the 10-15 minutes. However, there is a chance he could be ambushed if some rats got up the courage.
Anyone in gaseous form though would only move at 20 max, so the snake not be able to go at full speed. The snakes normal speed is 15, double move of 30 and run of 60.
From: Mark
Subject Spell ruling
No the edge is not a weapon, it is not sharp. There is no solid edge. The people would just walk by it.
From: Jason
Subject Divination
Returning to his room, Ragnar prepares himself and his room for the prayer. Finding the room to be suitably arranged, he kneels down, closes his eyes, and begins to meditate on the circumstances in which he and his companions find themselves. They are directly in the service of Heironeous, Ragnar reminds himself, even if some of his companions have other motivations. That was important. He thinks through the plan they had put together for rescuing the druid. All of it was contingent upon whether or not the StormFather was actually there. And that was something they would not be able to discover without tipping their hand, unless they had divine help.
Finally satisfied that he has the plan straight in his mind and that it is the best that they could do, he settles down on the floor in the proper position and begins the chant, incense wafting through the air. In a small circle in front of him lies a small prayer chain that had been given to him by the first cleric to declare his support for Ragnar's desire to become an official cleric of the temple at Gorn. It was not worth much but it did have some sentimental value.
Time seems to fade as his chanting continues and he hears a strange voice echoing his own. Soon the two chants are coming in unison and then the other voice stops. Ragnar stops as well. "Ask the question." comes a voice from beyond. Ragnar isn't completely sure who the voice belongs to, but he has no trouble keeping his tone humble and respectful as he asks "If we search the Mayor's house here in Bodentown, will we find Stormfather Acer?"
The voice replies immediately. "The path to the Stormfather leads through the cellars of the Mayor's house."
"Through the cellars? Does that mean that..." but the vioce is already fading away. Feeling the presence fade, Ragnar opens his eyes. The prayer chain has vanished, but the rest of the room remains unchanged. It seemed that not too much time had passed since he had begun.
***
A little while later, Ragnar relates what he had learned to Salix (and whoever else is with him at the time.) "I think we need to prepare for the possibility that the Stormfather may not be immediately behind that door. If the cellar is only the beginning of the journey, then perhaps we should all go in together, for we have no idea what will be found underneath. It should be possible for you to return as you had planned, only bringing Harp out if there is no druid to be found. In that case, I would suggest going in in force tomorrow night, using the Mocker's diversion to get in together."
OOC: That assumes the Mockers are willing to be prepared two nights in a row; Ragnar could accompany Surin to meet the Mockers, and since he can feel the movements of Salix and Harp through the status spell, he would know if they want the diversion tonight (if Harp is left behind) or tomorrow (if Harp comes back with them.)
From: Ashley
Subject Final plan?
I'm thinking they wouldn't mind, they'd just want to get paid extra.
From: Karl
Subject Final plan?
Based on this new information, and what it might imply, Salix thinks it might be a good idea for them to go in force. If there is any chance at this point to arrange that tonight, he will want to. If not, and it has to be tomorrow night, Salix will suggest that he and Sysiphus go alone on another scouting expedition. In the second case, he will have Ally set up Sysiphus with the spell to turn someone into mist and cast that on Salix when they get to the door they think the Sfather is in. He will propose this to the group, if this takes place before anyone leaves. If not, he will discuss this with Harp and whoever else is around.
OOC - I guess at this point I need to know when this new news is given, and if there is time to change their plans.
From: Jason
Subject Final plan?
This news would have been given mid-morning. We could probably come up with a plan for going in in force, but most of the spellcasters have prepared their spell lists with this plan in mind.
Mark, what are the rules on changing spells? Is it possible to swap out spells if you spend some time midday, or do you have to wait the full 24 hours, or what?
From: Mark
Subject Final plans?
You can spend time changing spells as long as you have not used them. For example, you have used the divination for the day, so you can not replace that one.
From: Karl
Subject Final plans?
Would anyone significantly change their spells? To the point where they couldn't go in force if we chose to "tonight"?
What do you guys think about another night of casing the place and "in force" tomorrow night? Salix is eager to go tonight, but he would listen to reason.
From: Jason
Subject Final plans?
Given what Mark just wrote, which I suspect you didn't see, that's not really an issue. We have all afternoon to change our spell list if we desire. Ragnar probably will make a few changes.
More scouting? and broken internet
Subject Final plans?
Harp will keep his list the same and will go along with whatever Salix decides to do. He is not worried about going at night, since he can see just fine in the dark.
OOC: It is too bad that the only two that can see in the dark are the two who will make the most noise (Harp and Ragnar). Oh well.
From: Derek
Subject What spells?
So should Ally go with the spells I suggested before? (minus obscuring mist, I suppose) How many gaseous forms vs. fly do we need? How many invisibility vs rope trick? Improved invisibility vs. polymorph?
From: Jason
Subject What spells
It seems to me that if we're going in in force, we won't really want to send anyone in via gaseous form at all, would we? Or do we want to have teams working in from both ends? That would make a little sense actually, because the inside team could make sure that no guards go down to move the prisoners from wherever they're held, and they would probably also be able to help the outside team find their way down. Considering that the only way we *know* goes down to the prison is the rat hole.
So it basically depends on how Salix wants us to go in I think.
From: Karl
Subject More scouting
Mark, is it OK for your purposes if I just say that Salix will decide to do one more scouting tonight with himself and Sysiphus. He'd like to take one other person, probably either Surin or Harp, but only if they can come up with a way to get that other person in and out without tipping their hat. The problem I see with that is that either Ally will have to cast something to get them through the rat hole and have Sysiphus cast something to get them back through, or that person has to have casting ability themselves. (Maybe it would be good to take Ally, himself, instead ??)
Based on things that have been implied by the divination and our illustrious DM, I'm thinking another scouting tonight and full force tomorrow. We would only need the mocker's distraction tomorrow night. We should go in tonight after dark. Salix, sysiphus, and Ally, if he's willing, (or Surin, or Harp, if we can come up with a feasible way to get someone in and out secretly. (i.e. no guard killing or alerting)
I'm offline except for briefly tomorrow morning. Kevin can speak for Salix based on the above if there are more questions that have to be answered.
Sorry for the delays. Been extremely busy with my mom lately.
From: Mark
Subject More scouting
It is perfectly ok for Salix to say he wants to eye ball the cellars up close and personal. Salix and the snake are the easy ones. Gaseous cloud would be a second way in but you would need one to get in and one to get out.
From: Kevin
Subject More scouting
Mark, we can have Allistair "imbue" Sysiphys with a touch spell (gaseous form). After they get inside, whoever joins Salix can turn back to normal, look around, and have the viper touch him for the way out.
Karl, remember, it is going to be dark out, and the snakes do not have darkvision. Mark, can Sysiphys find his way back in the dark using scent (even though it does not show up as class feat?).
From: Kevin
Subject More scouting
Mark, if I am being to cheesy on this request, just say so.
If Harp was carrying a small viper on his person (sort of like Allistair carries Sysiphys) would that creature turn gaseous if gaseous form was cast on Harp?
From: Mark
Subject More scouting
Scent is a feat for snakes.
From: Mark
Subject More scouting
If it were a normal small or tiny viper animal I might allow it. But Sysyphys and any wildshaped or polymorphed is actually a special creature, and so I would not allow it.
From: Kevin
Subject More scouting
No problem.
Ok, with Karl's permission, Salix will pray for Reduce Animal (at least 2 times) stoneshape and rusting grasp. He will ask Ally to imbue Sysiphys with Gaseous form.
Salix will wildshape just before they leave the inn and head for work. Salix can be on Harp or Allistair. When they get inside the compound, Allistair can let Sysiphys down and follow him to where the rat hole is - if he gets stopped, he can just say he heard something and was trying to see what it was. Once they are alone, Salix can reduce animal on himself, Allistair can cast Mage armor on Salix and then cast gaseous form on Harp. Ally, Salix and Harp should now have a good idea of where the rat hole is in relation to the house. Harp follows the two snakes as they make their way to the cell block. When they get to the cell hallway, Harp will gas into the cell to see who is there, and then gas back out to talk to Salix. We can wait to see if they get that far before I go any farther.
Ok???
From: Mark
Subject More scouting
It will be a while before I can get to this.
From: Kevin
Subject More scouting
Tonight sometime???
From: Porter
Subject Broken internet
I'm sorry I haven't been around. My internet broke yesterday afternoon, and I just got back online. I'll read through the 31 Kalevan messages and respond ASAP.
From: Kevin
Subject Broken internet
So, your'e the one who broke it. Shame on you. Don't you know how to take care of your toys???
ha, ha.
Two snakes and a gas
Subject Update
Sorry I have not gotten the update out. The lady who works with me called in sick today so I have to do her stuff today as well. I have started the re-write of Salix and Harp and the snake, but have not finished it yet.
From: Mark
Subject two snakes and a gas
Ally curses a bit, knowing that he will be late to work, but there is no way around it. Salix needs time to meditate and ask for the blessing they will need for the day. Ally spends his time telling Sysyphys what to expect and imbuing the snake with the gaseous form spell. The snake hisses back, letting his master know that he can handle it. The little snake was looking forward to working with the nature priest. All animals held druids in high regard, even those in the service of mages. Soon Salix is done and he lies down on his bed. As Ally and Harp watch his form shimmers and melts into that of a 5 foot long snake. A few seconds later the snake moves, its tongue flicking out. The tongue touches the top of its head and the snake starts shrinking. Soon there are two tiny snakes in the room. Ally reaches down, casts the mage armor spell on Salix and the two snakes climb up his arms and under his robes. The mage nods at Harp and the two head out to the Mayor's house.
The two pass through the employee's gate 15 minutes later. Harp starts the act they had planned and pushes the mage to the ground, like they are having an argument. When Ally falls, the two snakes slither off. The mage picks himself up and he and Harp start having a bit of an argument. The two work themselves around the side of a large bush, one that blocks the view from the house and the others on the grounds. Ally quickly chants the spell for gaseous form and touches the 1/2 orc. Harp seems to dissolve in front of him, leaving only a slight mist. The mage whispers "Hurry, you only have 14 minutes. Find the other two and move like the wind." The haze, much like the morning fog, drifts off towards the yard where the snakes had been dropped off. Ally hurries to his office, ready to get in trouble for his tardiness.
Luckily for Harp, it is a still morning. He drifts across the yard, a bit bewildered by the sensations. How can he see when he has no eyes? How does he breathe? How does he hear? He is so immersed in his thoughts that he almost misses the two snakes weaving and bobbing in the yard. Finally they catch his attention and he drifts over to them. Salix hisses at Sysyphys to lead the way and the three head down the tunnel. Harp finds it odd to not be able to see in the dark. He follows the hissing of the snakes and they move as fast as they can. It is fairly easy at first, really, since there is only one way for him to go. He is also able to tell when another tunnel has joined since he can feel a part of him want to drift off and fill the new open area. However, he follows along and they are soon at the large nest where Sysyphys had beaten the head rat the day before. There are many rats here again today, but when they sense two snakes the rats back off and leave plenty of room.
Harp has been trying to keep count of the seconds, since he knows that to return to his normal form now would mean instant death. From ahead he hears a hiss and he soon finds himself in a stone hallway.
Harp looks around and to his left, about 20 feet away, is the door he was expecting. To his right about 25 feet away is the other door. Harp floats over to the door and passes under the sill with ease.
The next room is about 40 x 40 with openings in the east and west walls near the north side. There is a large table with several chairs here along with a few desks and cabinets. There are also 4 alcoves with odd creatures in them. They are about 6 feet tall with a massive build. The skin is blood red, with distended veins spread across its livid skin. The eyes are empty of intelligence but there is an evil light to them. They stand at attention in the alcoves, covered only in torn loin clothes.
Harp tears his attention from the forms and heads to the far wall. He looks down both openings. The one to the east has a solid metal door so he floats over that way and through the cracks around the door. He waits for a few seconds as Salix and Sysyphys squeeze themselves between the floor and the iron door. Soon they are through, short a few back scales, and the two snakes and the mist head down the hallway.
Sounds of suffering can be heard through the cells doors they pass. These doors are much better made then the first door. Metal frames surround the opening and the doors themselves are solid iron. Harp watches as Salix and Sysyphys slither up to the door and taste the air coming from it. Salix's head bobs up and down and Harp takes this as his signal to enter. Even though the space is very tight, Harp finds it very easy to make his misty form flow through the gap between the door and the frame. He is quickly in the room. There is a form there, covered in torn and battered robes.
The form is missing its hands, feet and eyes. The hand and feet have been amputated and cauterized while the eyes have been obviously burnt out with hot irons. The wounds are just now starting to heal, but they are red and angry. The chains are pinned through the forearms and the shins of the creature. Harp moves his form down close to the face of the person, trying to make out who it is.
OODM: I will let Kevin take it from here.
From: Derek
Subject Two snakes and a gas
Now we're getting somewhere. I guess being in that state would make it a little hard to use spells, wouldn't it?
From: Porter
Subject Two snakes and a gas
To the pain!
From: Kevin
Subject Two snakes and a gas
I will write up a response when I get home tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject Map
Mark, can I get a map of what we have seen of the dungeon area? Harp knows (and I need to know) the layout and how likely sound is to travel and what doors and how much space there is in the area.
I have to go eat dinner, run some errands, take Pat to his overnight, and then I will write up something later on
From: Mark
Subject Map
Here is the map of the cellars. The red doors are the iron ones. The one cell that is show complete is the one where Harp and the prisoner is. The strange creatures are the large "A"'s on the map.
let me know if you can not read the map.
I am going to a movie tonight so there will not be anything else from me tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject Map
Mark, is the green square the rat hole we came out of?
From: Mark
Subject Map
It is actually not the whole square, but I do not know how to get the graphic I want to show up. However, the rat hole is at the juncture of the wall and the floor in that square.
The prisoner
Subject The prisoner
Harp breath catches in his throat. Was this the StormFather? Had they really found him? Harp will his misty form around the body on the floor. No!!! this wasn't him!!! Who was this then?? Younger, brown hair, she was obviously not the StormFather. Just then, Harp mind recognized the violation that has been done to her body. She was not just chained up, her hands and feet had been brutally cut from her body, her eyes burned out, gods know what else had been done to her. But, he did not have time to think about that.
What should he do? He could wait until he becam solid agin, and then heal her and try to talk to Salix through the door. But once he did that, he was probably stuck here. Or he could leave the woman and return to normal out in the hallway and talk to Salix there. Would Salix want to take her with them? Ragnar's divination had said that the way to the Stormfather lay through this dungeon, but what did this mean? Was one of the other cells where the Stormfather lay? The little viper had picked this room out because of the special smell, so this person must be a druid like Salix. Harp's heart tears apart at the thought of leaving her there in the condition she is in, but they had a bigger purpose. Steeling himself, Harp floats back under the door and into the hallway and waits for his body to transform back into its normal self.
OOC: Mark, once Harp is back to normal form, he will try to signal Salix to resume normal human form so they can whisper about what to do.
Who is in the cell?
No she would not be able to see. All the senses she is missing in her normal body would transfer to the new body. However, if she took the form of a snake, she would get the scent ability, which she could use since her sense of smell has not been taken from her.
If she changed into a from with hands and feet she would be the form with out hands or feet.
Sephira and Salix's spells
Subject Sephira
No she would not be able to see. All the senses she is missing in her normal body would transfer to the new body. However, if she took the form of a snake, she would get the scent ability, which she could use since her sense of smell has not been taken from her.
If she changed into a from with hands and feet she would be the form with out hands or feet.
From: Mark
Subject Wildshape
I think I was not clear on the wildshape.
Salix knows that druids wildshape at a mental command. There are no words spoken, no hand gestures, they just will it. A druid with no hands, no eyes, no tongue, etc. should still be able to wild shape. The new shape may have some limitations due to the condition of the druid before the change, as I said earlier, but there are many forms she could probably take that might allow her to escape. He does not know her skill, but he knows it is better than his.
From: Kevin
Subject Sephira
Harp listens to Salix's idea of rusting a hole in the door for them to get through. But what if they did not take the prisoner with them? A door with a hole in it would be obvious someone had messed with the door. "Salix, if you can affect the metal, could you instead affect the stone around the cell? Maybe make a small tunnell from this wall thorugh to the wall of the cell, but make it close to the ground where you could slither through it? That way, if after you talk to the woman in there you decide that it is better off to leave her here, there would be almost no sign that you had entered the cell.
Salix, don't worry about me if you decide you want to take her with you. I can just wait for the guards to come down here and I am pretty sure I can take them out. Then all I have to do is get by those things in the ante room, and my guess is the guards will have some type of pass like the ones I was given when I got on the staff here. When you leave, have Sysyphys tell Allistair to meet you outside - you won't be able to move her by yourself once she turns back to normal."
From: Mark
Subject Salix's spells
I just noticed that on your character sheet you show only the standard number of spells per day for a 7th level druid. I thought that Salix would have a bonus spell per day for levels 1-3 becuase of his wisdom.
From: Karl
Subject Sephira
Salix thinks for a minute. "Yes," he says. "I should be able to make a hole in an inconspicuous spot. I think we need to get her out. Ragnar's god said the say to the Stormfather is through this cellar. He could mean that she is the key to us finding him. We have to talk with her and that will be difficult with her in this condition. We have to rescue her and get her healed and find out what she knows. She should be able to wildshape, but she'll still be blind.
If she can take the form of a tiny viper, she can follow me and Sysiphus back out to ally, and Sysiphus can turn you back into vapor and we can all leave without alerting the guard. These people around here don't seem very conscientious about their work. Maybe the guard will not even check on Sephira today. Maybe I can rust the lock so even if they try they won't think it's worth the effort. What do they care about a prisoner, anyway? If the mayor is out of the house, I wouldn't be surprised if the prisoners don't even get fed around here."
If Harp doesn't disagree, Salix will shape stone to make a tunnel under the door for himself and Sysiphus to crawl through. He will tell Sephira to take the form of a snake and follow him and Sysiphus back through the tunnel. They will all hide in Ally's robes until he can go back to the inn. Sysiphus can re-nebulize Harp and he can exit without alerting anyone. If this plan will work, Salix will also use his power to rust metal to try and corrupt the lock. He hopes that no guards will even bother checking on Sephira for a while, but if the lock is broken they may decide not to bother with her even if they do come through with regular checks. Once back in the inn, hopefully Ragnar or one of the others can restore her sight and speech.
From: Karl
Subject Salix's spells
OK, I can update that. I forgot the bonus when I was calculating spells per day for 7th level. (No bonus for level 4??) :-(
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok I will write something up this afternoon.
From: Karl
Subject Sephira
Two clarifications on this;
1. Harp should know if this is sister sephira, right? He met her at the start of this journey. It *is* her, isn't it?
2. Did Sysiphus check the other cells or just stop at the first one that smelled like druid?
If this isn't sephira, or if there are likely other druids held here (and one of them might be the stormfather), then that might change what Salix wants to do.
From: Mark
Subject Sephira
Oh the snake has checked all of the cells. The others ones have normal tasting, dying humans in them. This cell is the only one that caught the snakes tongue. :)
From: Mark
Subject Sephira
Well Harp only met her for a little bit and this person is in very bad shape. However, there is alot of circumstantial evidence. Harp, and the others, know that Sephira went after Acer. He knows that this figure is a woman.
Being that Harp is/was in gaseous form, he was not able to move her or change her position to get a better look. So he is not 100% positive, I would say, but is fairly sure.
From: Kevin
Subject Sephira
"All right" Harp says,"but if for some reason she can't change form, then go ahead and have Sysyphys gas form her. I can get myself out."
From: Mark
Subject Sephira
Harp's gauzy form backs away from the figure on the ground. Harp's mind races with what he has seen. It is not the Stormfather. This person was female. Not sure what to do, he wafts his way back to the hallway outside the cell. There, he waits until the spells duration runs out and the 1/2 orc finds him self standing in the dimly lit hallway. One of the snakes starts to change and soon both Harp and Salix are standing outside of the cell door. Harp quickly explains what he saw. "I think it might be that druid lady who ordered us here, Sephira." Salix is caught between a mix of sorrow and elation. They had not found Acer. Where was he? But they might have found Sephira. She might know something. Why hadn't she changed form and escape? The damage Harp had mentioned was horrible, but she should still have been able to change forms.
"I am going to rust a hole in the door so we can get her out" Salix says. As the druid moves to work on the door Harp asks "Is that the best thing to do?" Salix whirls on the 1/2 orc. "What do you mean? Would you leave her there?" Harp's reply is quick "No, of course not. But if you put a big hole in the door, the next guard that walks by will know she is gone and then they would be looking for her. I have seen you shape stone before. Can you do something with the walls that you can put back? The longer it takes for them to know she is gone the better for all of us." Salix, his fury at the druid's captivity almost boiling over, reins in his impulses. "You're right. Let's try subtlety for now."
The druid kneels down next to door, towards the back of the hallway. He starts chanting and Harp puts his hand on his sword in case the noise draws attention from the guards, but that seems unlikely with all of the other noises coming from the other cells. Seconds later Salix stands and turns to Harp. "Stay here. I have made a tunnel in the stone so that I can get into the cell. There is a small sliding grate on the door. Open that and we can talk once I am inside." With that Salix lays down on the floor and again changes shape into a snake again. This time though he does not make him self smaller, but he is still able to fit through the hole he has made. He slithers through the 4 feet of stone and into the cell.
He takes his normal form once in the cell and hears Harp slide open the grating in the door. The 1/2 elf moves through the muck and grime to the figure chained to the floor. The obvious violation to her body sickens him. Bloody gaping wounds were cauterized when a simple healing prayer would have worked. Salix kneels next to the body and gently reaches out and rolls her over.
If he had not been through the ritual with her he would not have recognized her. However, that experience had left a bond of sorts between them that went deeper than the physical. In the brutalized form he sees the soul of the woman who had shown him a different aspect of nature just a few short weeks ago. Tears in his eyes, his words escape his mouth "Sephira, what have they done to you?" Not really expecting a response, Salix is startled when her head moves and she tries to speak. Her word fall silent, her throat parched and her lips cracked. Salix grabs at his water skin and drops a little water into Sephira's mouth. Her mouth opens and closes like a fish as the moisture works its magic. Salix too works a bit of magic.
Holding the other druid with one hand and touching the oak and holly leaves embossed on his armor, he chants the one healing prayer he had asked for today. He feels Obad-Hai's healing force flow from him into the almost unconscious form. The worst of the bruises and cuts close over and the skin returns to a more normal color. The angry red of her stumps and eyes lessens some. However, her hands, feet and eyes do reform. Salix is sure that Acer could heal her but this much damage was beyond his ken. Salix drips some more water into Sephira's mouth and this time she takes a good swallow. A few seconds later she finally finds her voice. "Who is there? What do you want? Have you come to torture me more?"
OODM: I will let Karl play this out.
From: Karl
Subject Sephira
"No, Sister," Salix replies quietly. "It's me, Salix. I don't know how much time we have here, but we must find Stormfather Acer. Can you wildshape? I got in here in the form of a tiny viper, following my mage friend's familiar. If you can follow us out, we can get you to safety and hopefully healing."
(OOC - Salix of course wants to find out what Sister Sephira knows about the Stormfather, and where he might be. However, he can't bear the thought of Sephira remaining in the cell any longer than absolutely necessary, so unless she can't get free, that is his first priority. They can compare notes in their room in the inn once she is safe.)
From: Mark
Subject Sephira
"Wealward?" The astonishment in her voice even through her parched throat. "How did you..? Where are the ....? What...?'" Her confusion is clear and Salix gives her another drink of water. This seems to help a bit. "Wildshape? Would that I could. They have been giving me some foul potion. It keeps me from concentrating enough to change form. But I must if we are to save Acer." She starts to get to her feet when her damage reasserts itself over her. She collapses again, sobbing, unable to shed tears from her hollow sockets.
All of a sudden her head jerks up. "Wealward, what day is it?" Salix responds "Two days before the new moon of midsummer." "Oh Obad-Hai, it is not too late" is her reply. As she talks to herself, Salix inspects the chains that keep her pinned to the floor. When she hears what he is doing she responds with ferocious passion. Her voice still weak, she speaks "Hear me, Salix Wealward. You must not free me. You must rescue the Stormfather. When they took him from this cell two days ago, I overheard my captors mention that he was needed elsewhere for a ceremony. This ceremony, they said, was to happen at midnight on the middle night of the new moon. Acer is to be used in some type of sacrifice."
From: Karl
Subject Sephira
"We will stop them. There is yet time. But I cannot leave you to this fate, especially if you are unable to free yourself." Sephira starts to protest. "I will leave you here for now, but we will have to include a return for you in our plans. No, this is not foolishness. It would do no good to rob them of one sacrifice only to leave them with another."
From: Mark
Subject Sephira
Her anguish at his comments is palpable. "Wealward, do you not understand what some creatures would do for the soul of a StormFather? I am nothing to them, other than a source of amusement, but the Stormfather? Who knows what type of evil pacts they could seal with the promise of his soul? If you wish to free me of my suffering, strangle me now and go, but you must rescue Acer."
From: Karl
Subject Sephira
Salix starts to protest, but stops himself. "I will be back to set you free, after the Stormfather has been freed."
Salix will let Harp know through the door that they are leaving and that harp will be nebulized again. They are leaving the MountainSister here for now. Harp, Salix and Sysiphus should leave as planned doing nothing to alert the guards. Salix will ask Harp to kick dirt into the hole after he leaves the cell or otherwise disguise the hole somehow so that the guards don't notice anything amiss, if this is necessary.
Escape and the next step
Subject Escape
As Salix tells Harp what he has in mind through the grate in the door, Harp will ask if Salix thinks he can lift Sephira up close to the grate. If he can Harp will sacrafice Bulls Strength for a CMW and sacrafice Bless for a CLW. He will also ask if Sephira knows where they took the Stormfather, even though he is pretty sure it is the Mayors estate outside of town.
From: Karl
Subject Escape
Salix will try to do as Harp asks.
(He can at least relay the question, I'm sure.)
From: Mark
Subject Escape
"It is good of you to say so, and I will hold to that hope, but if the decision must be made, leave me. I pray to Obad Hai that you and your companions will be able to defeat this evil." Salix moves to the small window in the cell door and tells Harp what has happened. The 1/2 orc is stunned by the revelation. "Bring her to me Salix; let me heal some of her wounds." The druid starts to do as Harp requested but the chains prevent it. "Leave now" Sephira says "and use as little power as you can. I do not know how sensitive these foul things are but do not draw attention to yourselves until you are ready to make your move. Now go!" "Does she know where they took Acer?" Harp asks. Sephira's exhaustion is almost too much for her but she still answers "They only said that the temple at the estate had been prepared for him." She then collapses, unconscious.
Salix, anguish in his eyes, shifts back into the form of a snake and makes his form even smaller. He slithers back into the hallway and tells Sysyphys that it is time for them to go and to go touch Harp and turn him gaseous. The tiny snake agrees, and slithers over to the 1/2 orc. Harp puts his hand down and Sysyphys touches his skin with his tongue. Harp starts to fade and become the mist he was just a few minutes ago. Salix hisses and leads the way. They head back to the door to the cell block, Salix in the lead, Sysyphys following with Harp around both of them, a haze in the dim light. As they approach the door both of the snakes can feel something from the other room.
Harp, not noticing the snakes stopping, flows through the gap between the door and its frame. His misty form stops as he notices two figures now sitting at the table in the room. They are wearing leather and carry short swords. They seem to be paying little attention around them, seemingly involved in an intense card game. Hoping that the two snakes would be able to get by unnoticed, Harp hangs around for a few minutes, making sure that there is no problem. First Salix, and then Sysyphys, squeeze under the door and quickly slither to the edge of the room behind the desk. There they make their way to the wall where the door out is located. They move slowly to this door and, with Sysyphys in the lead this time, slither under.
Harp would have breathed a sigh of relief if he had any lungs. Figuring he has a little time to spare he decides to explore a bit more. He seeps around the door and into the first hallway, making a straight line for the door that should have the stairs behind it. He quickly passes by the gaping frame and up the stair case. 40 feet or so up he comes to a landing with another heavy door. In seconds he is past this door and in a small room with a door and more stairs going up. Harp passes through this door and finds himself in a bright hallway. He sees that he is looking out over the garden in the back of the house, on the family side of the house.
Figuring it is about time for him to get away; he floats to the back door and through the lock mechanism. Once outside he moves as best he can to the secluded spot where Ally had first enchanted him earlier that morning. There he waits until the spell wears off. Salix and Sysyphys show up minutes later and he bends down so that they can hide themselves on his body. His skin crawls a bit at their cool touch, but he stands and heads for the gates and a retreat to the inn.
Ally is surprised when no comment is made at his tardiness. His morning is a jumble of odd feelings and images from Sysyphys but he does know that the three have been successful. That makes the rest of the day go faster. When the workday is done and he goes to the paymaster to get his pay, there is a note in his packet. It says to report to the Head Scrivener. Ally's heart leaps to his throat. He moves deliberately through the hallways, until he is at the office of the Head Scrivener. He knocks at the door and a second later a voice tells him to enter.
Ally's enters the room. The walls are lined with bookshelves, the floor covered in rich throw rugs. The man behind the desk is older, maybe 60, but still strong looking, not bookish by any means. He points to a chair in front of his desk with out saying a word. Ally studies the man's face and his skin crawls. The man's eyes, black as midnight, look right at him and the mage almost quails. The Scrivener speaks with a deep, resonant voice. "You were late for work today. That is unacceptable. You are docked 1 days pay. If you are late a second time you will be flogged. You do not want to know what the punishment is for being late a third time. You may go." The dismal is final and the man goes back to his work. Ally stands and leaves the room. He hurries back to collect his supplies and return to the inn to see what happened with Salix and Sysyphys.
OODM: OK it is now about 5:30PM. Ran has slept all day, as have most of the others, except Harp, Salix and Ally. Ran is due to report in 1-1/2 hours. The party has this time to talk and discuss. Also let me know if there are any questions.
From: Karl
Subject The next step
Salix will relate all that happened and ask the group for suggestions on how they should infiltrate the estate. (is it tomorrow night for the sacrifice, or the night after that?)
From: Mark
Subject The next step
The night after. There are technically three nights that count as the new moon, but the middle night is usually considered the day to do things.
From: Mark
Subject The next step
Ok as Karl pointed out, this is the time for everyone to chime in on what they think should be done.
I will hold off until every one has checked in and/or the party has come to an agreement on what they will do.
From: Derek
Subject The next step
Allistair speaks up. "It looks like know we don't have time to sneak about and take our time gathering information. We need to get onto the Mayor's estate quickly before this sacrifice takes place. I have at least one idea. I've been working on the paperwork for the city government here, and they are amassing lots of supplies at the Mayor's estate outside of town. Between my knowledge of the bureacracy here and Surin's 'skillful' handwriting, I think we could forge some documents to get us into the estate. We also have Ran's rank to help us, and I could also be under the guise of delivering paperwork."
"Unfortunately though, we know little of the layout there or where the Stormfather may be held captive. Some of you that have been there will have to use your judgement on this. I seem to remember one of the guys we talked with at the bar had seen a temple with the sickle symbol on it. Did we find out exactly where that temple was?"
OOC: Mark, is Allistair's proposition of working with Surin to forge documentation workable? Did we hear from that guy where this evil temple is in the compound?
From: Mark
Subject The next step
Well Surin's forgery skill is not all that great. However, nothing says that it has to be Surin that does the work.
And no, the guy did not give any real idea of where the building was. He did not even identify it as a temple.
From: Josh
Subject The next step
"The mockers could probably help us forge the necessary paperwork. They've probably got people more skilled than any of us."
From: Kevin
Subject The next step
Harp will add little except to mention the fact that he had been taking people (nto bodies... yet) out to the estate.
Mark, did Harp get any idea of the layout or did he just deilver the wagon and then someone else took over?
From: Randy
Subject The next step
Ranthir doesn't speak much but does acknowledge that he was too brash earlier.
"Salix, it looks like you were right to get some scouting done before we rushed in there. I will go along with whatever plan you choose."
At the comment of using his rank to help get to the mayors estate he adds,
"I don't think that I really have any rank with these people. I am pretty much a house guard. I may be more skilled but I don't think I have been around long enough to be more trusted than the seargents on staff. That'll be especially true when I don't show up for a shift tonight or tomorrow."
From: Kevin
Subject The next step
OOC: It would have been nice if Salix had not had to use all 3 of his wildshapes for the day. He could have flown over the estate and at least gotten a birds eye view of the place.
From: Derek
Subject The next step
Salix has a crow he could call upon once we leave the city.
From: Mark
Subject The next step
He does?
From: Derek
Subject The next step
Doesn't he have a crow pet/friend/companion/whatever-the-relationship-is-between-druids-and-thier-animals-is-called that he left in the forest before we came into the city?
From: Mark
Subject The next step
He has an animal companion, Noctis, who is a great Horned Owl, or some type of owl. However, the owl stayed back with the druids, several hundred miles away.
From: Derek
Subject The next step
Oh, that's probably what I was thinking of. Never mind.
From: Kevin
Subject The next step
Even if Noctis had been here, he is no more intelligent than a normal owl and would not be terribly effective in scouting/mapping the estate. Salix in an avian wildshape would have the intellgence to recognize and remember the layout when he returned.
If we were to wait, he could do so the following day, but I think it is unlikely that he will want to wait.
From: Karl
Subject The next step
"Take your shift tonight" Salix says hurriedly. "If anything, this venture into the cellar has taught me that we need to scout things out before making a move, and you may be more useful if you haven't burned any bridges with these people just yet."
"It might be good if some of us can get work hauling stuff out to the estate tomorrow. I could stow away as a viper or rat or something as I did today, and check out the estate in animal form tomorrow, and try to see if I can locate the Stormfather before we attempt a rescue tomorrow night. What do you guys think?"
From: Porter
Subject The next step
"That sounds like a good idea. And if you ask real nice, I'll even make sure I don't kill nobody while I'm there," Mund says, trying to get Salix to smile at least a little bit.
New plan
Subject New plan
Ragnar doesn't have anything in particular to add, but he'll speak up in favor of any plan that ends with us invading the estate in force.
From: Josh
Subject New plan
Kal agrees with Ragnar. He's sick of all this sneaking around. He wants to kill these bastards and be done with it.
From: Karl
Subject New plan
"I think an attack at night might be better, and more reconnaissance would definitely be an asset. I don't want to expend a lot of power, especially if we will be attacking tomorrow night. However, I also think it might be better to attack tomorrow night than on the following night, when they will be set up for the ceremony, and might have more people there."
"Surin, could you return to the Mockers and ask them if they can provide their distraction for tomorrow night, and if they can do it near enough to the estate to maybe draw out some of their forces? Also, if they have any information about the layout of the estate or any weak points where we might sneak in unaware, that would be helpful."
"Ally, could Mund drop Sysiphus off at the estate to do some scouting? Would you be able to sense what he finds out from that distance? We could pick him up again in the evening when we make our attack. Alternatively, I could go with Mund, shaped as something small and hopefully inconspicuous, but it would like to conserve power as much as possible for the rescue."
Turn and more of the new plan
Subject Turn
I think we have a plan for at least the next day. I will try and get something out this afternoon or tonight after 9.
From: Derek
Subject New plan
Allistair is fine with having Sysyphys go with Mund or someone else for the day. He tells his snake to look around the compound, and see if he can find out 1) where prisoners are being held, and 2) where the evil temple is.
Also, at work the next day Ally will try and find out if scribes sometimes have to make trips to the estate outside of town, or if there are scribes working there. (If he doesn't already know this information)
From: Porter
Subject New plan
Mund's perfectly OK with it as well, but he'll discretely ask Alley to make it sure he behaves.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get anything out tonight. For some reason my high speed crapped out when my son was down loading a patch for a game. I just got the thing working again and am bushed.
I will try and do something tomorrow.
Turn, new plan
Subject Turn
Ok I was hoping to hear from Ashley before I wrote up the next turn but I can work with it.
I am going to be writing a small turn. I have a real life game tonight so it will be tomorrow before I do anything more.
Also, I am going to be out of town next Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The wife and I are going to Balitmore to see Karl and Chris as well as Dagonee from Ornery/Sakeriver/Hatrack.
From: Porter
Subject Turn
*jealous*
From: Mark
Subject The new plan
As dinner comes to an end Ran makes his exit. "I'll see what I can find out about the Estate tonight. I'll also see what I can find out about the cellars. Wish me luck and see you all in the morning." With that the 1/2 elf heads out the door, off to work before it gets dark. Surin pipes up "I'm going to head out now and see if I can meet up with the Mockers. I know we've talked about forging some papers. While I have a steady hand, forging is something I've never done. Don't expect me back tonight, I won't risk the streets. I'll spend it with the Mockers. See you in the morning, bright and early." As the halfling heads out the door Mund stops him. "Be careful little one. I know you trust the Upright Man but remember he has his own agenda." Surin smiles at Mund and nods before he heads out the door.
The rest of the party heads upstairs for an early nights sleep. Several of them have to be out looking for work that will get them out to the estate early the next morning and Ally has to make sure that he is early to work. The night goes quickly and quietly and the next morning everyone is downstairs for breakfast. Surin soon shows up as does Ran.
OODM: I am going to send info to Ashley and Randy about what they found out/did over night.
From: Kevin
Subject The new plan
Harp is going to try and hook up with Thanga if he can. You know, a last fling before he leaves. He will not tell her that, but... he does not need as much sleep as he used to and he can see in the dark and he looks pretty dangerous just walking around - he has one of the guards pendants anyway.
From: Porter
Subject The new plan
Mund: What does she see in him? What does Harp have that I don't?
Allistair: How about sincerity?
Mund: Sincerity -- I can fake that.
From: Jason
Subject The new plan
Lol, nice one :)