Surin does his thing, what next?
Subject: Surin does his thing
Hey all, I'm in CA and I'll have consistent though not quite as frequent internet access. Thanks for running Ragnar for me.
From: Mark
Subject: Surin does his thing
Wanting to wait until the last moment, so that he might be able to get some help if things go wrong, Surin waits under the table. He almost runs when the man puts the torch on the table the halfling is hiding under. The man then unslings a small wooden buckler from his back and readies it. Damn. The seconds tick by and the sound of splintering wood grow louder and louder. Surin glances up and see that the man has a small bag of some sort in his shield hand. The halfling fingers his ax and decides that he will not be able to throw from this close. He quietly latches the ax back on to his belt and pulls his rapier from its sheath (Move silent, 15+15=30, vs Listen 18+10=28, success). A few seconds later he hears a crash as the door finally breaks into the room and the man raises his hand to throw.
Surprise round: Surin
Surin leans out from under the table and picking his spot, thrusts his rapier between two plates of armor. The small blade finds a gap between the pieces of metal (AC18, 16+12=28, hit, damage 22) and slide up to its hilt, piercing vital organs. He pulls the blade out and prepares for another attack.
Round 1: Init Surin, Man
Almost before the man realizes what has happened, Surin steps out from under the table and strikes again (AC18, 13+12=25, hit, damage 18) and this time he shoves his blade through the man's guts. He watches as the light in the man's eyes goes out and he slumps to the floor, the bag still in his hand. Surin turns just in time to see Harp charge through the shattered remains of the door. "Hey big fella" Surin says "I took care of this one for you. He knew we were here so we had better get going" Harp, speechless, motions the others through the broken door, Surin leading the way.
I need actions. Every one please check in.
From: Bryan
Subject: Surin does his thing
OOC: Wow. For some reason I expected that to be -way- harder.
Surin will grab the keys off the belt of the guy he just killed.
From: Jason
Subject: Surin does his thing
Way to go Surin! Ragnar will continue to carry Acer as he follows Harp or whoever is leading the way.
From: Mark
Subject: Surin does his thing
Well the only real tough part was the to hit and Surin has weapon finess which allows him to use his DEX bonus on Melee attacks. So he is +5 for level, +5 for DEX, +1 for being small and +1 for a masterwork rapier, for a total of +12. With an AC of 18, which is Plate and a buckler and a -1 for a lousy DEX, he only needed a 6 or better to hit. I think people forget how fast 4D6 of sneak attack adds up. And with his DEX bonus and the +4 to INIT for the surprise, he got a total of 8D6 +2D4 of damage. If he had done a critical hit it would have been 8D6 +4D4. Surin should think about taking improved INIT for his next feat. If he gets surprise, he would have a +13 to his INIT rolls, which means he would likely always go first on the first round of combat and get people flat footed.
From: Josh
Subject: Surin does his thing
Dork.
From: Kevin
Subject: Surin does his thing
Surin Rocks!!!
I will write more tomorrow when I am sober.
From: Porter
Subject: Surin does his thing
Mund looks at the halfling standing over the dead man holding his bloody blade. "You've been holding out one us, little one," he says with a smile. "I want you to start being the grunt man while I sneak around."
"You say that he knew that we are here?" Allistair asks. "How did he know? Is there anybody else that knows? Is there anybody that will miss him when he doesn't show up?"
From: Josh
Subject: What next?
"What's the plan here guys? Are we going to try to kill Faldor or are we getting out of here? Now's the time to decide. If we're going after Faldor I suggest we handle these guys coming behind us and then continue through these tunnels. If not, then we should return the way we came."
From: Porter
Subject: What next?
"Why we wanna go pick a fight we don't haveta? That Faldor sounds like a mean summabich, and if I can avoid tangling with him, I'm just as happy," Mund says.
Allistair speaks up "Salix, you did say something about saving the Northern tribes after we rescued the Stormfather, didn't you? Well, now would be the time for us to figure out how we want to try to keep the northern tribes from being murdered."
From: Josh
Subject: What next?
"Best way to save the northern tribes would be to kill the man who's going to hurt them. You're not afraid of a cleric, are you Mund?" Kal says with a smile.
From: Karl
Subject: What next?
OOC - Well, *I'm* up for anything, but it's going to be very hard to get Salix to do anything except leave with the Stormfather. I know Mund wants to save the tribes, but *everyone's* primary mission involves saving the Stormfather first. (Salix for two reasons, everyone else for one.) Plus, I don't think we're ready to defeat Faldor.
From: Karl
Subject: What next?
"I hope by saving the Stormfather, we are disrupting Faldor's plans for the tribes as well." Salix says. "Stormfather Acer is very wise and powerful. If we get him to safety and restore his faculties, he will be able to tell us what to do about Faldor." Salix does not add that he cares little for the fates of humans who would sell themselves to one like Faldor for promises of power. Still, if they can save them from Faldor, it will surely weaken him and perhaps thwart his plans here.
Orders, back the way they came
Subject: What next?
"Am I a-scared of a dark godfolk like Faldor? Hells yes. You gotta be a special kinda stoopid not to be."
From: Josh
Subject: What next?
"Then all the more reason for us to take him down now, who knows what other evils he'll perform on people unable to defend themselves. We've passed the tests of the Gods, we're ready to defeat him. If we weren't, the Gods wouldn't have put us here."
From: Kevin
Subject: Orders
As Harp moves through the door, he is amazed to see Surin standing behind a dead guard, wiping blood off his little blade. The halflling makes a comment about getting going and that snaps Harp back to the here and now. "Right. Ok every one, lets get moving and get out of here. Surin, did you get that pit trap set? If so, show me where. The rest of you, get moving down the tunnel. I'll wait here and spring the traps when those other guys come through."
OOC: Harp will agree with Salix that we need to rescue Acer first. He will also remind Kal that he had been instructed to le I am glad I played that part correctly when I was running Salix a while back.
From: Kevin
Subject: Orders
Harp will remind Kal that he had been instructed to follow the directions of Salix and the group. Any orders from Salix were to be treated as if they come from one of the elven higher ups (Right???)
I was concerned that I had overplayed Salix while Karl was travelling in relation to his concern about the tribes. Given Karl's recent post, I don't think I played Salix too much out of character.
From: Mark
Subject: Orders
Not really. Kal has been assigned to the Order of the Silver Sword, not Salix. Right now the Order's members, Harp and Ragnar, have the same goals as Salix does. That may not always be true.
Kal would not be violating orders by disobeying Salix. He would be if he refused Harp and/or Ragnar.
From: Josh
Subject: orders
If it seems like the rest of the group disagrees with him when he's talking, Kal will just shake his head and smile, and then keep moving.
From: Porter
Subject: Orders
Allistair replies "What are the odds that your Stormfather's faculties will be restored in time to help stop the murder of the Northmen tonight?"
"Also, I know that you have little sympathy for those who would align themselves with Faldor, but we don't know what what they know or what they were promised. It's possible that Faldor tricked them, and it's possible that while the clan leaders made a deal with Faldor, the tribes know nothing about it. We cannot abandon them to whatever fate Faldor has in store for them, especially since that fate is very likely to be turned into more foul undead like we have encountered here so far."
From: Jason
Subject: Order
"You may very well be correct Allistair, but what do you think we can do? Particularly, what can we do without endangering the Stormfather? If you don't have a plan in mind already, I think we should finish the rescue first, and then return if you feel there is some way we can help quickly. Remember, we talked about warning the tribes earlier and decided it wouldn't be a good idea. As far as I know, none of those reasons have changed."
From: Karl
Subject: Orders
Except that I thought everyone was put under Salix's leadership, and that Salix was essentially leading a dual mission: 1. Save the Stormfather under orders from the Druid council, and 2. Retrieve the Stormfather as the only person with knowledge of the location of the second jewel, under orders of Angelwing, et. al.
From: Karl
Subject: Orders
"My personal feelings aside, if we cannot complete both desires, the options we are weighing are the fates of the tribes against the fate of the whole word, not just the fate of one old druid, as many of you seem to think." Here Salix turns to the Stormfather and says in Druidic "I mean no disrespect, Stormfather". He continues in common, "ALL of you have been sent here for the purpose of rescuing our only link to the second gem. THAT is what we much accomplish first. Once we see the Stormfather to safety, I will join with any of you who want to warn the tribes. But *we do not have time to debate this further*! They are already on our tail and we cannot afford delay."
Salix makes to move forward down the corridor toward the tunnels they entered from.
From: Mark
Subject: Orders
I was wondering why they were all talking about what they were going to do next when they are not out of danger yet. I mean the party still has to escape. :evil grin:
From: Mark
Subject: orders
That is basically true, although technically, Salix would have to order Harp who would order Kal. Chain of command thing you know. :)
From: Kevin
Subject: Orders
Harp will do exactly that. "We need to get out of here first. We can't save the tribes underground, and we can't save Acer under ground. Lets get upstairs, and then we can decide what to do next. Lets move, NOW!!!"
Harp will take the keys from Surin, if offered, and hold the door into the rail tunnel while the others head back to the lift.
From: Kevin
Subject: Orders
Harp will follow the others to the door to the rail tunnel, and then lock the door. He will wait until he hears the guards on the other side and then activate the trap from his side and then run to catch up with the others.
If it works that way.
From: Mark
Subject: Orders
It does not. He will have to pull a rope which means the door to the rail tunnel must be open.
He can leave the trap open and close and lock the door. The trap was not meant to actually have anyone fall into it by surprise, since it is likely they all know it is there. It is to slow pursuit down. Just like the web spell and the stone shape around the door frame.
From: Kevin
Subject: Orders
OK, I can live with that. Harp will do that and take up the rear guard.
From: Mark
Subject: Back the way they came
The party hustles into the room, some of them staring at the halfling. Mund makes a joke about Surin being the tough guy in the group while Kal asks if they are leaving "If we are going to try and stop Faldor we should fight these guys following us and then move on. If not we should get back down those tunnels." The elf and Mund get into a small, intense disagreement about if they should stay or go. It takes Salix, who has been trying to see if he can communicate with Acer, a few seconds to realize the party has stopped and why. His anger flares "Both of you be quite, now. We need to get moving. They are aware of us. The whole place is going to be crawling with guards and who knows what else very soon and I mean more than just this temple. The whole estate might be alerted to our presence. Acer is our main concern. We go, now."
Brooking no argument the druid motions for Mund to lead with Ran. Salix stays with Ragnar, who is carrying Acer, Surin and Ally. Harp and Kal bring up the rear. They hustle down the hallway. Mund steps gingerly over the trap, shooting a look at Surin that says "you had better have done this right" before they move on. When Harp gets to the east side of the trap he pulls the rope that Surin had told him about. He watches as the floor opens and the sound of a rope snapping fills the room. Further down the hall, in the direction of the temple room, Harp can hear the sounds of cursing as the men in armor find themselves stuck in the webs across the doorway. Harp smiles and locks the door behind him as he heads into the rail way tunnel.
He and Kal move to catch up with the other party. Kal keeps an eye on the torch in front of him while Harp keeps an eye on the dark behind. The quickly catch up with the 4 in the middle. Surin and Ragnar are just unable to keep up with the others. Ragnar trudges along stolidly, while Surin hustles as best he can, obviously slowing the others down. Surin tries not to notice the impatience of the others, but it hard not to. Ahead, Mund takes a fairly large lead over Ran, but the ½ elf is able to see better in the dim light. He figures that Mund will attract the attention first, and then Ran can charge to his rescue. It seems like it takes forever, but soon they are back at the lift. Mund looks at the lift and then looks up the dark shaft. He turns to the others "So who wants to go up and work the lift?"
OODM: Actions?
From: Kevin
Subject: Back the way they came
Mark, remind us how deep the elevator tunnel was?
Please??
From: Mark
Subject: Back the way they came
Go read the archives. That is why I make them.
40 feet
Mund goes up
Subject: Back the way they came
Mund holsters his axe and grabs the rope that lowered the platform down. "I can climb this no trouble, and I think I can figure out how to lift the rest of y'all up."
OOC: Earlier you said that climbing this rope is a DC 15. I'm assuming that Mund can take 10 on it, right?
Also, I don't know what we were thinking writing up a big conversation about what to do next when clearly the thing to do next is get the heck out of Dodge.
From: Kevin
Subject: Back the way they came
"Go ahead. I'll head back down the tunnel a ways to make sure we don't get surprised. Call me when the lift gets down."
With that, Harp will jog a hundred feet or so back down the tunnel and listen/look for pursuit.
From: Josh
Subject: Back the way they came
"I'll go with you."
From: Karl
Subject: Back the way they came
"Don't go too far," Salix adds. "And be careful!"
From: Kevin
Subject: Back the way they came
"Kal, thanks for offering, but I can see better in the dark than you can, and I'm counin' on those guards to be using torches if they come this way. I'm more worried that there may be someone waiting for us at the top of the lift. Ran has been hurt in some odd way, and Mund may be busy pulling ropes. Go with the others nad make sure they are safe, and I'll see you top side in a little while."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund goes up
Mund shrugs. Latching his ax to his belt and slinging his shield over his shoulder he grabs a hold of the rope and looks at the others "I'll just be a few seconds. Be ready when I pull on the rope." He then starts climbing the rope with practiced ease (DC10, take 10 +12=22, success, 4 rounds of climbing). The parties vision dims as the torch on the shield goes with the barbarian. As Mund climbs Harp moves out a distance from the party, trying to listen and see as best he can down the long dark tunnel.
30 seconds later Mund pulls himself out of the lift pit and into the barn. Night has really settled in the barn is very dark. Mund heads over to the wheel that works the lift mechanism and quickly reviews the controls. This controls the direction. This locks the lift in place. This does the work. Simple enough, even for him. He reaches out and gives a hard pull on the rope. He starts to count to thirty, but when he gets to 10 he realizes that he's not sure what comes next and counts to 10 a couple of more times. Close enough. With a grunt he grabs a hand hold on the wheel and starts turning.
OODM: I need to know how many and who is on the lift.
From: Bryan
Subject: Mund goes up
Surin steps forward as the lift descends. "We should make sure that we don't overload the lift. Too many people and we might all be climbing out of here. Acer should go first - he'll not be much use in a fight at the moment."
OOC: Sorry for the delayed responses. My schedule is changing up a little here.
From: Karl
Subject: Mund goes up
"Agreed. Kal, you go too, and protect the Stormfather in case there is trouble up top."
From: Josh
Subject: Mund goes up
Kal nods and smiles a little in surprise.
From: Mark
Subject: Mund goes up
Just a note, the lift was at the bottom when the party got to the end of the tunnel. It is where they left it when Mund lowered them down a while ago.
So who will be on the lift? Kal, Acer and who else?
From: Karl
Subject: Mund goes up
Kal, Acer and Surin, unless anyone else has a better idea.
From: Jason
Subject: Mund goes up
As soon as Salix asks Kal to go up on the first trip, Ragnar quickly comments "If Acer is going up, I should go up too. If there's trouble I can keep him safe while Kal and Mund are fighting."
From: Jason
Subject: Mund goes up
I think Kal Acer and Ragnar would be better, we'll have every sort of ability covered on both floors this way.
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund goes up
Harp waits down the tunnel, listening for any sounds of pursuit and looking for the signs of a light coming down the tunnel.
From: Porter
Subject: Mund goes up
OOC: "While Kal and Mund are fighting?" I think we can get along for a few minutes. ;)
Turn, up and down
Subject: Turn
The lady I work with is back today so I think I will be able to get something out this afternoon.
From: Randy
Subject: Turn
Surin could go with them as well. He doesn't add much weight and then the rest of the party could probably come up in the second trip.
From: Mark
Subject: up and down
60 feet from the lift, Harp waits in the dark, ears straining. He hears some noise from back where the party is and then the sound of the lift starting to move. Over the ambient noise he hears the clanking of armor in the distance, coming closer.
Back at the lift Salix instructs Ragnar to take Acer onto the lift and for Surin and Kal to accompany him "Remember, his survival is paramount. With out the knowledge he has, the whole world may be lost." The others nod and Kal reaches out and pulls hard on the rope three times.
Mund, his hand on the rope, feels the three quick tugs. About time he thinks to himself. In the distance he can hear a bell ringing and far distant voices shouting. He turns and starts turning the large wheel that raises the lift. Grunting with effort he realizes that it was much easier letting the others down then lifting them up. Round and round the wheel goes and Mund starts to sweat from the exertion. This would be a lot easier, he think to himself, with another person. From his torch that he has stuck into a holder on the lift frame, Mund can see the forms of his companions 20 feet below.
He keeps turning. 15 feet, 10 feet. Then, voices behind him, shouting. "Hanz, Franz? Didn't you motherless dogs hear the alarm bell? Where the hell are you?" Mund turns, hands still on the wheel, and sees 4 figures standing in the door way to the barn, outlined by a torch.
OOMD: There is no way that Mund is going to be able to get the lift to the surface before he is noticed by the new people. Actions?
From: Josh
Subject: Up and down
OOC: OOOh boy
From: Kevin
Subject: Up and down
OOC: Mark, does Harp see anything yet, like a light or a torch coming down the tunnell?
IC: Harp sheathes his sword, and pulls out his bow, nocking an arrow to the string. He sights down the tunnell, waiting for any light to appear.
OOC: Mark, Harp wants to ready an action. This may not be possible since he is not in combat yet. If that is the case, then he is going to prepare to fire down the tunnell when anyone coming from that way is in the third range increment away (I think that will give him a -4 for distance, plus any other negatives for the lighting). This is based on his being able to see their light well before they can see him. He may not be able to see them very clearly, but I am hoping he can see the light and can aim at that.
From: Karl
Subject: Up and down
That's fine. Salix is mainly concerned about getting the Stormfather above ground with enough protection.
From: Karl
Subject: Up and down
Is there a lock on the lift? Can he leave it and fight without dropping the people on the lift?
Also, can Salix or any of the others hear or otherwise note that there is trouble?
From: Mark
Subject: Up and down
Salix, Ally and Ranthir can not hear anything yet. Neither can Harp, since all 4 of them are down in the tunnel.
Ragnar, Surin and Kal, can not really hear anything yet, since they are in the lift still 15 feet from the surface. The noise of the lift has drowned out the voices that caught Mund's attention.
Everything Porter needs to know about the lift has been described.
From: Jason
Subject: Mund and Kal
That was hilarious :)
From: Mark
Subject: UP and down
He can ready an action such as you have said. He does not see a light yet. Sound echos easily in the tunnel. I would say that Harp would start to see things, just the barest glimpse at 100 feet. He has darkvision out to 60 feet and the range of a torch is 40 feet, so he could pick up the edge of the torch when the torch is 100 feet away. I hope that that makes sense. Think of radar detectors. The Radar detectors sense the radar waves, not the machine itself, giving it a longer range.
From: Porter
Subject: Up and down
a) about how far away are these four figures that Mund can see?
b) about how long will it take to get the lift hight enough that people can climb out?
c) exactly who is on the platform?
d) How long would it take for Mund to tie it off/apply a brake to stop the lift where it is?
From: Kevin
Subject: Up and down
OOC: This is one of those places where D&D diverges from reality. In actuality, in a place of total darkness, like an undergound tunnell, any light would be "visible" by an observer from much, much farther away than 100 feet. Not enough for the observer to see by, either where he is standing, or where the torch is, but he would be able to notice it substantially farther away than 100 ft. I would ask that you reconsider the distance at which Harp would notice any light (torch or otherwise) coming down the tunnell. All he is looking to do is slow these guys down - say from a hustle to a walk.
Please consider.
From: Porter
Subject: Up and down
This is true. When things are truly dark, you can see the light from a tiny flashlight from miles away.
From: Porter
Subject: Up and down
A: they are about 40 feet away.
B: It will take at least 6 more rounds to get the lift all the way up.
C: Acer, Kal, Ragnar and Kal
D: It would take a move action to apply the brake. It is right there next to the wheel.
I will try and get a map out tonight.
From: Mark
Subject: Up and down
No.
From: Mark
Subject: Up and down
There are several reasons why Harp can not shoot out to the 300 foot range. The size of the tunnel is one. To get that much range you need arch on the shot and there is not enough arch here for much beyond 100/200 feet. Second, just having a spot of light in the distance is not enough to make an effective attack. Beyond 100 feet Harp can not see enough of his shot to even know if he was long or short or off to one side. The tunnel also curved if you remember.
100 feet stands.
From: Porter
Subject: Up and down
B. The lift is 15 feet from the top, right, so to get it 10 feet from the top would take about 2 rounds, and 5 feet from the top would take about 4 rounds.
Would any of this be sped up if Mund were stronger (enraged)?
From: Mark
Subject: Up and down
Yes, he would go faster if he were raging. He could get it to the top in 4 rounds if he rages.
From: Mark
Subject: Up and down
Please note that if Mund is attacked while working the lift he looses all DEX bonuses to AC and will have a minus to AC for having to stay in place. There are also other draw backs.
From: Mark
Subject: Map
Here is the map. The M is Mund, the W is the wheel mechanism he is using to raise the lift.
Let me know if there are any questions. I am waiting on Mund's actions. Mund can tell that the 4 men are armed with long swords at their sides, crossbows, studded leather armor, bucklers.
turn delayed
Subject: Turn
I am going to be out of the office most of the afternoon, but should be home hopefuly around 4Pm or so. If we have heard from Porter by then I will try and write something up early tonight.
From: Josh
Subject: Turn
Kal doesn't know anything's wrong but that the lift stopped, right?
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
Well from a timing point of view it might have stopped but it has not stopped for long at all. I sort of stopped time when the 4 guys shouted out for Hanz and Franz.
From: Porter
Subject: Turn
Mund begins his rage and keeps bringing the lift up as fast as he can while keeping his back to the four guys "Um, yeah, Hanz and Franz are down there so they called out for help. Wanna gimme a with this lift?"
Whispering, he calls out to those below "Get ready for some action, y'all. I could use some help."
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
Ok I assume that this is going to be a bluff check. I will write it up this afternoon, probably after 4.
From: Josh
Subject: Turn
L O L.
This is gonna be fun.
From: Kevin
Subject: Turn
OOC: Only 4 guys, and just studded leather?? Hell, Mund should be able to do this with one arm, with the other arm being used to raise the lift.
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
Something has come up. I will not be getting a turn out tonight. I will try and get one during the day tomorrow.
Sorry.
From: Josh
Subject: Turn
What a tease.
In a handbasket
Subject: Turn
I am working on the next turn. I have a few NPC to write up and then I will be getting it out.
From: Mark
Subject: In a handbasket
"Ok" Harp says to himself "let's slow them down a bit." He puts his sword in its sheath and pulls his bow. Nocking an arrow, he sites down the dark tunnel as best he can. As soon as he sees what might be the faintest glint of light. He pulls and releases into the dark and quickly pulls and shoots another. He listens in the dark and hears a shout of pain and cursing (AC17, 20+? = auto hit, damage 6). He hears the sound of armor become louder.
Up above Mund does his best to get his allies to the top. The threat of the 4 guards and the risk his friends are in start his blood boiling. 4 on 1 is not great odds. Quickly down the shaft he whispers "We've got company up here. Get ready for some action, I could use some help." Still working the wheel Mund shouts over his shoulder "Hey, give me hand over hear, Hanz and Franz are down there so they called out for help. Wanna give me a hand with this lift?" (Bluff check, 6+4=10)
Three of the guards start forward (Sense motive, 4+1=5, fail), but the fourth holds out his arms (Sense motive, 15+1=16, success) and says "Hold on you three. Orders are not to go down the lift. Hey you, what are they doing down there? As a matter of fact, who the hell are you?" The man sheathes his sword and swings his crossbow up, pointing it at Mund. The other three standby, a bit confused as to what is happening.
OODM: Mund has had one round of lifting while enraged. He needs three more. The crossbow of the one guard is aimed at Mund from the door to the barn. There is plenty of light, since both Mund and the guards have torches.
From: Josh
Subject: In a handbasket
A few questions:
From what Kal remembers, what does the top of the shaft look like? Is there a border around it like well, or is it flush with the ground?
Is the central rope close to the walls? That is, can Kal hold on to the rope and walk/climb up the side of the shaft? Or would he have to just climb the rope?
Does Kal think he has a chance in hell of climbing the rope? I dont know how climb works in game mechanics, but he's got no ranks in it.
From: Karl
Subject: In a hand basket
"What is taking so long?" Salix mutters. "I'm going to help Harp. I can slow these guys, at least."
He will move down the tunnel a few feet and call to Harp, "Harp! Fall back. I can slow them." He will wait until Harp falls back and will then cast "entangle" in the tunnel, as far down as he reasonably can. (Give me a map and I'll pinpoint it for you if I need to.)
From: Mark
Subject: IN a hand basket
Now I have a problem. The spell description does not cover this, but how much root growth is there 40 feet under ground? There are no weeds or vines. :(
From: Mark
Subject: In a hand basket
There is a small wooden frame around the lift at the top. It is mainly there so that people do not fall in by accident. It also supports the lift mechanism.
There are a series of ropes that go up and down as part of the pully system. This can be very dangerous to try and use to climb while the lift is working.
The reason for the amount of time it is taking Mund is three fold. First, the lift was used more for letting things down then bringing them up. Second, Mund is trying to do the work of two fighter types, so even raging he is a bit underpowered to do the lift fully. Third, the only reason he can lift the party is becuase of the pully system. If you remember your pulleys, you get a lift benefit as a trade off for how much you have to pull. So to lift the party 40 feet Mund has to pull enough rope for something like 240 feet.
To climb I decide on a DC for the climb conditions and then you make a climb check. if you fail by more than 5 you actually fall. In this case you would not fall far since the lift fills most of shaft it is in.
From: Porter
Subject: In a handbasket
I'd say that 40 feet underground there is practically none in our universe.
However, there are entire ecosystems in D&D worlds which live on the plants which somehow magically grow underground.
From: Kevin
Subject: In a hand basket
Mark, there could be moss, lichens, any number of unusual plant growths underground. They might not be very big, but they "could" be there.
I agree, this is a dilema.
Does the spell description give any help?
From: Josh
Subject: IN a hand basket
It seems to me to be some sort of probability that there's useful plant life underground. Pick a % chance that there's fungus, moss or roots nearby and roll a die. That seems like the best option to me.
From: Kevin
Subject: In a hand basket
Mark, can Harp estimate about how far away the light is?
If he feels his is safe too, he will take a 5 ft step back and then fire 2 more arrows. After he does this, he will whistle back to the group to let them know that someone is coming.
If he feels that it is no safe to fire again (the people coming down the way are less than 75 feet away) then he will shoulder his bow and draw his sword.
From: Mark
Subject: In a hand basket
They are more than 100 feet away. He rolled a 20 for his shot.
From: Porter
Subject: In a hand basket
Mund continues lifting with his back to the group. "How the hell would I know what they're doing down there? Ask them yourself. If you don't want to help with the lift, fine, then just wait until I'm done."
From: Kevin
Subject: In a hand basket
Like I said, there is a chance, albiet a small one, that he could hit someone. They may think a little bit about how fast they are moving now, and they may not. But, if I had an unseen archer tossing arrows down the tunnel I was in, I might move a little more cautiously (or I might run even faster to get close to him sooner).
From: Mark
Subject: IN a hand basket
I wonder what moving faster would do? Make even more noise? :(
From: Kevin
Subject: In a hand basket
Well, there are two options - go slower and be able to protect yourself more (basic D&D rules) or, you could go faster, if possible, to get to your attacker quicker and stop him from firing at you (basic infantry strategy against archers). There are other options, I am sure, but those 2 would be the most common.
To me, 100 feet is not that much space, especially when a person can more 4 times his normal at a run. For a plate armor guy, that would be 80 ft. How long have then been running??? Who knows. What is thier constitution?? Who knows. If this was our evil game, both Monks could have run up, hit Harp, and run back in 1 turn from 100 ft.
From: Jason
Subject: In a hand basket
In plate armor you can only run 3x your speed, so that's only 60'. Pretty nasty. It also keeps you from doing other important things, like jumping or climbing out of the 10' hole you're in to help wind the lift...
From: Kevin
Subject: In a hand basket
Agreed, Harp is probably still going to pluck at them a turn or two more, while backing up 5 ft each time. Salix's idea to entangle them makes great sense, if Mark decides to allow it.
*rolls dice*
From: Bryan
Subject: In a hand basket
Will Surin be able to reach the cable to climb by jumping?
From: Mark
Subject: In a hand basket
He can reach the cable. The same problem applies to him though. The cables system is moving. It is like a block and tackle system. There is not just one rope that is going up. Also Surin has a lousy climb skill. Climb is also STR based and Surin has only a 10 STR. He has no ranks in it. He might have some type of racial or synergy bonus to it.
Mund has the best climb skill, that is why he went up.
From: Bryan
Subject: In a hand basket
Yeah, it's too bad Mund went up. He could probably have thrown Surin up like a football!
However, I think Surin will be letting other members of the party climb first if it comes to that.
From: Karl
Subject: IN a hand basket
I haven't read ahead, but before you write your decision into a turn, remember that Salix would know the likelihood of the spell being effective, even if *I* don't, or forgot how far down we are. In other words, if the spell isn't going to work at all because of a lack of vegetation, or is going to work very poorly, then Salix should probably know that and shouldn't waste the spell just because his controller is a goof.
From: Mark
Subject: In a hand basket
OK I can go with that. Is there something else you want him to do?
I was going to have the spell have a weakened effect. If the party had been in some type of subterranean location with strange fungal/exotic growth then I would let it work.
From: Karl
Subject: In a hand basket
I still think Salix would step toward Harp, away from the lift area, trying to keep an ear out for the lift's return, and concerned about what's happening with Harp, so have him walk toward Harp cautiously, whispering "Do you see anything?"
From: Josh
Subject: In a hand basket
Kal hears Munds whisper and his heart turns cold. "We're separated and trapped in a lift shaft. They're coming at us from both directions, and there are many more of them than us. If this doesn't resolve quickly, this mission will fail. " Kal thinks to himself. Without hesitation he jumps and tries to climb the ropes to the top.
A shot in the.....
Subject: A shot in the
Harp nods grimly at the shouts from down the tunnel. He must have gotten lucky. Stepping back a few feet he shoots two more arrows down the dark passageway, just as he sees light appear at the furthest reaches of his sight. As his arrows fly he hears a voice yell out "Damn it, they shot again. One just missed me. Move you bastards!"
Up top Mund keeps cranking away at the lift wheel. The lift is just a few feet away from the top and he can see the top of Kal's head. Why did it have to be that damn elf? Where the hell was the orc? Over his shoulder he shouts "How the hell would I know what they're doing down there? Ask them yourself. If you don't want to help with the lift, fine, then just wait until I'm done."
Surprise round
Mund's blood goes cold when he hears a voice behind him say "We'll let the Captain figure it out. Take him boys." Mund hears the thud of a crossbow and almost lets go of the wheel when the bolt strikes his back (AC15, 5+5=10, miss). His breath rushes from his lungs but he does not feel the sharp pain of a bolt through his lungs. Thanks the gods for his armor he thinks. He continues to turn the wheel, telling the others "They didn't buy it. Get ready to fight." Behind him he can hear foot steps approach.
Round 1 Init E1 (29), Kal (14), Mund (14), Surin (7), E2, E3, E4 (6), Ragnar (6)
OODM: Mund needs 2 more rounds to get the lift to the top. Kal has already said that he will spend his round jumping and climbing. I will be doing a combined jump/climb check to see how well he does and that will be his action in round 1. I need actions from the others. Mund does not know where the other three are exactly since he is concentrating so hard on getting the lift up. I need actions
From: Porter
Subject: A shot in the
OOC: OK, who is on the lift right now?
From: Mark
Subject: A shot in the
At the start of this round is Kal, Surin, Ragnar and Acer. Acer is being held up by Ragnar.
the lift is still 7.5 feet from the top.
From: Josh
Subject: A shot in the
"Ragnar, give me a hand." Kal says, pointing near the edge. He'll then try to climb up using Ragnar as a ladder, if it seems that will help.
From: Kevin
Subject: A shot in the
Harp fires one more arrow down the tunnel and heads back to the lift, calling out for Ran. "We've got company comin' down the tunnel. Get ready."
From: Kevin
Subject: A shot in the
OOC: Gentlemen, don't forget any potions you might have. Check your character sheets on Sakeriver to see what you got, if anything. A +2 to A/C from a Shield of Faith, some invisibility, etc. can come in handy.
From: Karl
Subject: A shot in the
Salix will prepare "heat metal" and cast it on the armor of the group approaching as soon as they are in range. (He should be able to affect three people, so he will wait until he sees the first three in armor and cast.
From: Jason
Subject: A shot in the
If Ragnar can see them, and can cast spells, he will cast Holy Smite on the four of them, hoping to blind them. Otherwise he'll just gently lay Acer on the lift.
From: Mark
Subject: A shot in the
He can not see them yet. The lift is still almost 8 feet from its final place and Ragnar is not that tall.
He can set Acer down and still do another standard or move action, such as throw something.
From: Porter
Subject: A shot in the
If Mund lifts for one more turn, how hard will it be for the others to get off the lift next turn?
From: Mark
Subject: A shot in the
It would be fairly easy for Kal and probably fairly easy for Surin. Ragnar might be a bit more of a problem since he is not only short, 4'1" but also wearing full plate armor. I would have to make a jump check. He would still have to jump almost 4 feet up while wearing full plate. That is effecively jumping his own height.
From: Porter
Subject: A shot in the
Is there actually any place in the rules where there is a differentiation between a 4-foot dwarf (medium size) and a 7-foot half orc (medium size)? That is, don't all the rules that take size into account only look at your size category, and not your height?
From: Mark
Subject: A shot in the
No actual rules, as far as I remember, but I will have to check. However, there will be times where physical limitations will take precedence over the rules. Harp has a harder time fitting through small places than Kal does even though both are medium creatures.
From: Porter
Subject: A shot in the
Common sense has no place in D&D.
*stab*
From: Bryan
Subject: A shot in the
Surin will start climbing after Kal is out of the way. There's really no other choices.
From: Josh
Subject: A shot in the
I really think our best plan is to use Ragnar as a ladder. He's big and solid. Shoudl be easy to get up that way.
From: Jason
Subject: A shot in the
If anyone asks for a boost, Ragnar could probably lift them enough to stand on his shoulders.... his strength is pretty good. Of course if you just start climbing on him, he'll probably get out of the way and wonder what's wrong with you.
From: Kevin
Subject: A shot in the
OOC: Mark, I am going to leave to your discretion on whether or not Harp takes a full attack action or a standard and moves. I do not have a good idea in my mind of how far away these guys seem. If Harp thinks he can get off two more arrows and the guys will still be over 80 ft away, the he will do that. If he thinks they are closer than that, then he will shot once and then move 30' back to the group, giving Ran and Salix a warning. He will also string his bow back on his shoulder and draw his sword as he moves (if he cant' do both, he will drop his bow and draw his sword when he gets back closer to the group).
From: Randy
Subject: A shot in the
Ran has his sword drawn and is readying himself for action, not sure which side is more pressing but realizing that he can't expect to get up the lift before this is resolved.
OOC: When do we get to fight some ghosts? Ran got his fancy new sword but has nothing to really test it out on.
I'm sure this comment will come back to haunt me (pun intended).
The barn round 1
Subject: Turn
It has been georgous here today, mid 70's with low humidity and clear skys. Working on the yard as well as other things, but I do plan on getting a turn out tonight.
From: Porter
Subject: turn
Um, OK. Sorry that I haven't gotten in earlier. Allistair is going to hold off doing anything for now, and Mund is going to keep cranking for this turn.
From: Mark
Subject: The barn round 1
Down below Harp lets off another shot at the rapidly approaching light (AC?, 6+9=15, miss) and then moves back towards the others shouting "They'll be here in a few seconds. Ran, you and me in front, Salix stay behind. If you have any of that nature stuff that works down here, this might be a good time. The two ½ elves nod in the dark, the distant torch just starting to make an impression on their vision. However, the loud clanking noise leaves no doubt as to what is charging down the tunnel. Ranthir readies his sword and shield while Harp slings his bow and readies his gear.
Round 1
Init E1 (29), Kal (14), Mund (14), Surin (7), E2, E3, E4 (6), Ragnar (6)
The man with the crossbow loads the weapon and fires at Mund's back again (AC15, 15+5=20, hit, damage 8). Mund grimaces as the bolt slams into his back, driving his breath from his lungs. However his armor holds and the bolt shatters on the armor.
Kal realizes that Mund is almost helpless while he is working the lift. The elf looks at the ledge of the shaft only a few feet above his head. He sheaths his rapier and jumps for the ledge (DC16 Jump check, 19+8=27, success). He grabs on with his hands and starts to pull himself up (DC15 climb check, 9+6=15, success). He scrambles over the lip of the shaft and lays on the ground on his back. He quickly hops to his feet.
Mund turns his head and sees three of the men have almost surrounded him. Damn. He looks down at the others and sees Kal trying to climb out of the pit on his own. He tells Ragnar and Surin "The elf has the right idea. I got uglies up here." With one hand he puts the brake on the lift mechanism and with the other he pulls his ax and turns to face his foes, a feral grin on his face. "Which of you want to be the first to die tonight?"
Surin yells at Ragnar "Give me a boost up!" The dwarf sets Acer gently on the floor and then forms his hands into a stirrup. Surin moves to one of the corners of the lift and Ragnar goes to the other. The halfling takes off towards the dwarf. He steps into Ragnar's hands and the dwarf stands and heaves with all his might (Jump check, DC22, 11+14=25, success). Surin launches into the air and flies up and over the ledge of the pit. He lands and rolls to his feet (Tumble check DC20, 9+13=22, success).
One of the three figures (E2) in armor swings at Mund with his longsword (AC18, 4+7=11, miss) but the barbarian is able to block the blade with his. A second figure (E3) also swings at the barbarian (AC18, 5+7=12, miss). However Mund uses the momentum from his first block to deflect the blow from the second man.
The third man (E4) moves beyond the fight to engage Kal. The man almost trips over a piece of wood on the floor (AC21, 1+7=8, auto miss). He recovers quickly and is back on guard.
Ragnar looks up the shaft trying to see how the battle is going. A few feet away Acer moans and tries to move.
OODM: I need round 2 actions. Map attached
From: Mark
Subject: The barn round 1
sorry too late. Turn has been written. However, I think things turned out well for the party.
Ragnar gave Surin quite a boost. I gave Surin a +2 for every multiple of 50 that Ragnar could lift at heavy load. That was a +8 to Surins' Jump. Basically Rangar threw Surin out of the lift.
From: Jason
Subject: The barn round 1
How far down is the lift now? More importantly, how high would Ragnar have to jump to get out?
From: Mark
Subject: The barn round 1
since Mund stopped lifting it is still 7.5 feet down. Since Ragnar has almost no climb or jump skills he would need to jump almost 4 feet just to grab the edge and then pull himself up. He might be out of the fight for now.
From: Porter
Subject: The barn round 1
How far a jump is it for him to go down?
From: Karl
Subject: The barn round 1
Salix will watch for the best opportunity and will cast Heat Metal on the first three armored guys to appear.
From: Jason
Subject: The barn round 1
I think that the lift pretty much fills up the entire whole. Ragnar is going to try to climb however he can (+3 str, -6 armor penalty), leaving his shield so he can use both hands. He will, however, make sure to climb somewhere where if he falls, he doesn't land on Acer.
From: Mark
Subject: The barn round 1
Jason has it about right. The lift fills most of the hole.
It is actually a bit easier to climb now that Mund has stopped lifting. However, dwarves in full plate do not climb well.
Round 2 actions, turn, training
Subject: Round 2 actions
Harp says to Ran "Lets step up a few feet to put some room between Salix and these guys.
Harp will take a 5 ft step forward and ready to attack the first enemy that gets within range (ready a standard action).
From: Josh
Subject: Round 2 actions
OOC: Who's "W"?
From: Josh
Subject: Round 2 actions
Kal draws his rapier and attacks e4.
OOC: Kal draws as a free action! First time that ability's been used! WOOOHOOO
From: Mark
Subject: Round 2 actions
W is the wheel mechanism that works the lift. It is why Mund was standing next to it.
From: Bryan
Subject: round 2 actions
Surin will move forward and attempt to flank E2 (assuming his concentration is on the larger opponents)
From: Mark
Subject: turn
I still need to know if Mund is going to attack or what?
Thanks. I will see if I can get a turn at work tomorrow.
From: Karl
Subject: Round 2 actions
Salix will whisper, "Don't get too close and don't touch their armor. I'm about to make them *very* uncomfortable, at least the ones in the lead."
From: Karl
Subject: Training
Chris and I are going to be training for the next three weeks and I won't have access to the internet except in the evenings. I'll try to give enough of an idea of what Salix is doing so I won't slow things down. Salix intends to help Mund and Ran fend these guys off until the lift returns (after he casts Heat Metal on the first three). Kevin can make any command decisions for Salix if it's going to slow things down to wait for me.
From: Kevin
Subject: Training
Harp and Ran will do their best to protect Salix. Mund has his hands full upstairs.
Actually, Mund should cut those guys to pieces. They have studded leather so they should not be that hard to hit. Harp and Ran probably get to deal with full plate (but that stuffs goin' to get hot).
Round 2 actions, round 2
Subject: Turn
It will probably be tonight before I get a turn out, after about 7:30.
Kevin and I have to go to a birthday dinner my parents are having for us.
From: Porter
Subject: Round 2 actions
OOC: Applying the brake was a move-equivalent action, right? Why didn't Mund get an attack last turn? Is it because he was busy drawing his axe?
IC: Mund sees Surin try to get behind E2, so he tries to keep that man's attention. "I tried to tell you I was busy, but no, you just wouldn't listen. Now, you hafta die." he says as he attacks.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 2 actions
Correct. As far as I know Mund does not have the quick draw feat, which means drawing(readying) his ax is a move action. Applying the brake was a move eq. action as well, so that was his two actions.
So I take it Mund is going to full attack the guys around him. That is what I needed to know.
From: Porter
Subject: Round 2 actions
That is correct.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 2
Round 2
Init E1 (29), Kal (14), Mund (14), Surin (7), E2, E3, E4 (6), Ragnar (6)
"Arnen" shouts the man with the crossbow (E1) "Look out for the squeak to your left" as he reloads his weapon. Surin (AC20, 5+5=11, miss) hops to the side as a bolt buries itself in the dirt at his feet. "Take these guys" the man yells "and Faldor will reward us."
The man in front of Kal (E4) gives the elf a broken tooth smile. "Well elf, I'm going to have fun cutting you into little pieces. Unarmed enemies are my favorite types." With a movement that is almost too fast to see Kal has his weapon out and buried in the man's shoulder (AC16, 16+12=28, hit, damage 5). "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not unarmed" is the elf's reply.
"I tried to tell you I was busy" says Mund as he grips his ax and lashes out with it "but no, you just wouldn't listen. Now you hafta die." Wanting to take them down quickly, Mund forgoes his shield and, gripping his ax in both hands and whispering "cold death" under his breath, swings a powerful over head blow to the man just in front (E2). The ax, ice forming on its blade, crashes into the man's shoulder and cuts a deep gash in flesh, blood spurting in Mund's face (AC16, 12+12=24, hit, damage 17). The barbarian pulls the freezing ax from the gaping wound and aims another blow at the man's neck (AC16, 19+7=26, hit, damage 11). The man drops his sword as he falls to the ground, his head attached to his neck by the few muscles that Mund has not severed.
Surin decides that Mund is taking pretty good care of the guys he is fighting and turns to give the guy in the door something to worry about. Pulling his ax from his belt he moves forward and, using his bodies momentum, hurls the ax at the man. The blade gleams in the pale torch light, it's balance and magic giving it added range (AC18, 5+13=18, hit, damage 2). The small blade hits the man and gets his attention, but does very little apparent damage. Oh shit, Surin thinks, why did I do that? "Mund" he yells over his back "I'm going to need a hand here in a bit."
Mund's foe swings his sword (AC18, 3+7=10, miss) and Mund dodges out of the way with ease. "Is that all you've got? You're gonna join your buddy here in a few seconds" the barbarian says.
Kal dances around his opponent, his rapier weaving an intricate pattern. The man makes a thrust and Kal blocks it. The man tries again and again the elf deflects the blow (AC21, 12+7=19, miss).
Down on the lift Ragnar checks to make sure Acer is still ok. He whispers to the old man "Don't worry, Nature father, Salix is our friend and we have sworn to save you. You do your bit and come back to us." Acer's eyes flutter a bit at this and open for a few seconds. In the dim light of the shaft Ragnar can briefly see a spark of life in the man's eyes, but then it goes away again.
In the tunnel Harp issues his commands"Salix and Ran, if they are human, we should be able to see them before they see us. We need to take advantage of that. We should be able to make use of this dark and attack them from the dark. Follow my lead. When I say go, charge them. Salix you follow and use your blessing while Ran and I attack. Ready? " Harp sees the other two nod. The ½ orc turns his face back down the tunnel, working out the speed of the others coming at them. One, two, three. "Now".
OODM: End round 2. I need round 3 actions. Harp, Mund, and Salix have the following Inits for round 3, Ranthir 23, Harp 17, Salix 10. This includes the +4 for Surprise. I did not have the two fighters charge in the surprise round because they have to move a certain amount to do a charge and a charge is a full round action. You can only do a standard action or a move action in a surprise round. Ally is actually very useless right now, since he is right near the lift and barely has any light. The guys coming down the tunnel are over 40 feet away and Mund's torch is up top. So he can not target people with spells.