More on Detect Evil
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Do I think I can get close enough to cast it without being noticed by the people in the tower? I know you're warning me that I might not get anything, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Actually, as I understood Ty's point, he was telling you that you probably WOULD get something -- but that you'd probably get quite a few "evil" hits just walking through your average town. In other words, using "detect evil" to determine whether or not you're justified in killing someone is pretty morally reprehensible, since D&D's definition of "evil" would include almost all shopkeepers, moneylenders, and the like.
Tom
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Let me put it this way. I once took a class in inventory loss prevention. One of the statistics that was discussed was who steals, and who doesn't. the numbers broke down this way:
Some will never steal, no matter what.
Some will steal if they think they are justified, and will never get caught.
Some will always try to steal.
I can't remember the exact percentages for each category, but that is sort of my philosophical basis for how alignments fall in my game world. I do a 25%, 50%, 25% split of those three types listed above. In my world, if you are a lender who always tries to screw your client over, you are evil. Maybe not baby murdering evil, but selfish and dishonest evil. If you only screw someone over now and then, when you 'think they have it coming' you are probably neutral. I believe in a wide range within each alignment type.
So, that is how I justify my alignment spreads among NPC's. I know a lot of people are more black and white than I am, IE evil = baby murderer, but I think that takes away from the realism.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
OOC -- Actually, what I was looking for was a degree of "tingle" as it were. Considering how close we think we are to the black tower I think it's entirely possible that there's some uber-evil in the tower. If there isn't, I'll feel better about it. Obviously my character knows that the presence of some minor evil means I should keep my purse in my boot when I next talk to them and doesn't necessarily mean they need to be smote.
Cadfael in Trouble!
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
OOC:
So. . . you're going to go ahead and cast Detect Evil?
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; sneaking and peeking
After a brief discussion, Cadfael decides to go ahead and try his luck with a detect evil spell. There is little chance of him moving around in the dark with any degree of stealth, so he moves as far back into the forest as he can, while still keeping the tower in sight, then beings to circle it, trying to get out of view of the front door. After a few minutes of crunching through the brush, he can no longer see the firelight though the doorway, though some small amount of light comes through cracks in the tower itself.
In this dark location, Cadfael steps out of the forest into the clearing, and moves about fifteen feet closer to the tower, trying to walk as quietly as possible. He casts a detect evil orison, and begins concentrating on the tower. There is a tingle of evil there, nothing like the blast of evil Anileth gave off, but a tingle none the less. He begins concentrating, hoping to gather more information. Whatever the cause, he never hears a thing before there is a sharp pain in his neck, and his limbs instantly deaden. He tries to yell out, but his mouth no longer moves at his command. He begins to fall over when a pair of arms catches him, and lowers him almost gently to the ground. He sees a dark shape move off toward the tower. [Move silently 21; Listen 1; Fort Save versus paralysis 9; Paralyzed]
The party sees and hears nothing. And sits waiting Cadfael's return.
[I need responses from Tom and Matt before I can write up any more stuff]
Planning the Assault
Subject: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Cadfael crunches off through the underbrush, circling the tower. The rest of the group waits, keeping an eye on the tower itself. Mission keeps his crossbow trained on the tower doorway without wavering.
Everyone is trying to stay quiet, but finally Farron says in a low whisper, "Should it take him this long? It seems like he's been gone a long time."
Sa'id is just getting ready to answer when there is a low hoot from the side of the tower. It is clearly Rennik hooting, but what this particular hoot means is anyone's guess. A moment later, the doorway turns dark again. Mission strains to see what is happening, and it looks for a second like someone is dragging something heavy through the doorway [spot 23]. Then the doorway lights up again, as whoever was blocking it moves away.
Then there is silence again, and the tower looks exactly like before. But Cadfael does not return.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Farron again whispers, "Someone should find out what Rennik wants. It does not bode well that he is signaling rather than returning, especially since Cadfael has not returned. Do you think he could have gotten to Rennik without raising an alarm in all that armor?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
"I want to kick myself," Sa'id whispers to Farron, "for sending Brother Cadfael off alone. I clearly wasn't thinking." He pauses. "I'm not sure that we can avoid a confrontation anymore, but we shall see."
Stepping back, Sa'id mutters off a quick incantation, and a low hoot identical to Rennik's sounds from roughly where Cadfael moved to [Prestidigitation].
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Garyth whispers, "We need to know what Rennik is calling about, and given how long Cadfael's been gone, it can't be good." He thinks a moment. "Mission, you are the stealthiest among us; you'd have the best chance of getting to Rennik. But if something has happened to Cadfael, it could happen to you as well. We can't afford to split the party..."
He surveys the clearing briefly. "If we circle around to the back side of the tower, where Rennik is, before you head out, we can keep you covered on your approach. Then you can either return, or tell Rennik to signal the rest of us ahead."
He looks to the party. "What do you say?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Mission nods. "There were four people within the tower when Rennick saw them; two when you and Cadfael approached. Since we saw one, now, reentering the tower, there is still one unaccounted for."
He shrugs. "Keep your eyes open. And your ears."
He will then stealthily circle around the tower, following as best he can the path Rennick took-- the path that avoided the wizard's alarm. He will put away his crossbow for now to keep his hands free.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
OOC: We're all circling, right? Garyth will take up his bow and nock an arrow when they reach the stopping point.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
I would like raja and karl to check in and let me know if they are circling too.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Yes, I'll circle too.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Farron interjects, "We do not know that the one entering the tower is one that was seen before, do we? Isn't it possible in fact that the group in the tower could have any number of friends keeping watch in these woods?" Farron begins to scan the trees behind and above him. "We need to get to Rennik as quickly as we can."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; thump in the night
Farron will stay with the party. If we're circling (which he thinks is a good idea) he will circle with them.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; sneaking around
The party agrees that getting to Rennik seems like a good idea. Everyone moves single file around the tower, staying well back in the forest. It is not the finest example of sneaking. It is still pitch black. Keeping out of the clearing means that almost no light from the tower illuminates the path. Much of the trip consists of people stepping on the back of someone else's foot, or running into branches. Fortunately, it appears that no one is watching, as no cry of alarm is raised.
After several minutes of this, Mission stops the group. "That hole is where Rennik went. I will go get him."
Mission takes only a single step when something moves in the dark next to the hole. There is a brief moment of alarm, but the shape and size of the person outside the hole is clearly the halfling. Mission moves over to his side and Rennik whispers, "What are you doing here? I am just getting ready to climb up the side of the tower. Look for another way in higher up. Who got captured? I heard them talking about a captive."
[Matt, feel free to add any other info you want. I'll wait until you check in before we move any further.]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
"Cadfael," Sa'id whispers. "Like fools we sent him off into the dark to try a Detect Evil charm. He did not return." His voice is quiet, but his ire is clearly growing.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Cadfael, of all people. They choose to send the shiniest, clankiest one off alone into the dark forest. Rennik feels like a parent who turns his back for just five minutes to return and find his children leapfrogging the firepit. Part of his mind sympathizes for his poor father.
His voice quiet, he responds to Sa'id.
"He is inside, and I think he may be poisoned. Regardless, he is bound and kept at the farthest side of the tower away from the door. The spellweaver has gone to a higher floor for a commanding view, and has instructed his men to clear out if he yells, as he will be casting powerful magics."
"They do not know of my presence. I don't think they know there is a door on the other side of the large sled leaned against the wall, which makes me think they know nothing of Manut's imprisonment."
"They were cautious of our approach and didn't think Cadfael or Garyth had left. They sent out a scout, and he came back with Cadfael's body, saying something I couldn't really hear about a poisoned dagger."
"They know there are more voices in the woods and have shored up their defences, putting two against the door, one with Cadfael and the mage up top. They expect us to come and plan to hit us hard."
He pauses, almost in thought, then continues.
"My plan had been to burst through the barrier inside, give Cadfael my vial of antitoxin, then set the staircase ablaze to worry the wizard. That is impossible with three combatants on the ground floor, but they can be distracted."
"Garyth, could you and Mission sneak around the walls of the tower, being careful not to pass in front of cracked openings, to either side of the door in front? Mission, would it be possible to tumble in through the doorway, then fire your crossbow back at the men on either side of the door? If you could shoot at one and have him come at you, his back would be to the door. That could allow Garyth to attack him while you focus on his companion."
"Farron and Sa'id, is there anything you can do about the wizard upstairs? If Garyth can shout as he comes through the door, I will crash into the room from behind the sled, and focus my attentions on restoring Cadfael. I will give it a moment so your attack will draw off the man guarding him."
"My only fear is that cursed wizard. If these were only fighters, this fight would be over before it began. I only hope you can do something to stop him, or we could all be dead before dawn."
"What say you?"
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Pausing for answers, Rennik again cuts in just as someone was about to speak.
"Though that way is risky, and gives them the high ground advantage."
Then, after another brief pause.
"I had thought to climb the tower to get a better look a moment ago, but now I think it may prove an archer's aerie, where I could provide cover fire and meet the spellweaver on his own ground. If you give me some moments to get into position, I could again make the hoopowl call to signal the attack."
Rennik seems torn, his cautious woodsman mind clashing with the impulses of the rage in his blood wanting to bloody his axe.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Poison. Chaos and magery. Mission tightens the dark cloth that hides his hair and grimaces. "I suppose apologising to them outright for our lack of trust is out of the question, isn't it."
He shakes his head. "I don't think I can tumble through two armed men and hold onto a loaded crossbow, Rennick. In any case, the wizard's alarm will catch me before I get close enough to suprise them."
He nods at Rennick's second suggestion. "Climbing the tower might be a better idea-- I was about to suggest it, myself. If you can remove the wizard from the battle quickly, this will go much more quickly."
He takes a quick breath. "I will tumble through the doors and try to draw the men there to me. Without my crossbow, unfortunately, methinks. Garyth, you must attack quickly-- I don't have any desire to end up on the wrong end of a pike.
"They don't know our numbers, or abilities." Another grimace as his eyes flick over the mages. "That's our advantage."
Mission will do as outlined above-- sneaking to the sides of the door, then tumbling in. If it's allowed, he'll tumble in with a loaded crossbow, and fire off a bolt at the man with the pike. If not, he'll try to tumble as close as possible to the man guarding Cadfael, and attack him with trip.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Garyth peers up at the tower. "Allowing them to maintain the high ground is undesirable, but it may be unavoidable. Face it, Rennik, the likes of us have no defense against wizardry. No, we must use ourselves where we can do some good--steel against steel--and let magic face magic. If we can bring your first plan off, I think that gives us the best chance. We can only hope that the wizard will not risk harming his own men to get us." He looks to Farron and Sa'id. "Can you give us any protection, or, if not, do anything to distract or disable the wizard?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Sa'id turns to Mission. "What apology would they accept? We are not in the wrong, but I doubt very much they see it that way. If we could trust them to keep him alive 'til daybreak then we could simply wait, but from what Rennik says I'm not sure we can take that change." He pauses and looks to Garyth. "I have no useful protective magics for you, but Farron does know Haste. However, I know a fair amount of combat magic and will focus it on the wizard. If Cadfael was not inside, I would consider using my spell of Fireball again, but with him in the tower it's too risky. Is there a way I can get upstairs?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
OOC: Sarcasm is wasted on mages, apparently.
:)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Just this one in particular :)
Finalizing Plans
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
"Well, if I can get close enough to see the wizard, I can cast a spell to bind him for a short time. This could be fatal to him if he is alone upstairs and we can get someone to him while bound," Farron replies.
"Or, you have seen that I can summon monstrous aid from another realm. I can call forth several dire assistants that might distract our foes on the ground. Or, again if I can get positioned correctly, I might be able to summon them to appear upstairs and thus distract or wizard foe."
"What think you all of this?"
(ooc - Ty, is there any way I can get line-of-sight to the wizard, or can I cast Summon Monster to the second floor without having actually seen the second floor?/ooc)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Mission nods at the mage, but his voice is guarded. "Anything you can do to disable the wizard up there would be . . . welcome." Trusting to magery to defeat its own. . . Mission swallows and looks away.
"Rennick, Garyth-- we must move quickly. If you are not planning on climbing the tower, Rennick, maybe you can sneak into through the hole and suprise them from that angle, while Garyth and I attack from the front."
From: Ty
Subject: crashing the party; plotting strategy
I am going to let you guys plot as long as you like. I will not write up a new turn until everyone checks in with a final "I do this" kind of thing.
Keep in mind though, I am allowing a reasonable amount of game time to pass while you sneak around the tower, and have conversations about what to do. It is possible that those inside the tower could be taking actions during that time.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: crashing the party; plotting strategy
Mission is set on doing what he'd said he'd do last email.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: crashing the party; plotting strategy
I've got my best damsel in distress routine fired up and ready to roll.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
"Here is what I can do," Farron suggests. "Ideally, I could try to climb the tower (ooc- 1 rank in 'climb' /ooc) and try to get a look at the wizard in there. If I'm not detected, and if I can get enough of a foothold to use my hands for casting, I could then cast a spell to bind him for a time. (Hold Person).
"Or, and this idea I like better, I could summon a pack of dire rats and send them into the tower with the instruction to head for the mage above. If the others try to stop them, they will be distracted when the rest of you attack, and if they don't, they will certainly distract the mage."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Sa'id nods. "The rats are a good idea. I suppose I will have to enter from the front, but I can use my ranged magics against the other wizard if Garyth and Mission can protect me from the fighters."
OOC: I'm ready to go.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
(OOC)
So the plan is:
1.) Mission tumbles in and attracts attention by attacking someone.
2.) Garyth follows, attacking one of the fighters who goes after Mission.
3.) At the same time, Rennik will burst in from the back room and administer
the antitoxin to Cadfael, and Farron will send his dire rats up the stairs.
4.) Sa'id will follow Garyth in with magical support.
I'm good with this.
(/OOC)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Rennik's ears perk up at the mention of the pack of rats. Perhaps there is some use for mages after all... other than as targets or bait.
"The rats are a good idea, and a great distraction. With the chaos they will cause, Garyth and Mission will do well in open combat. I will scale the tower and offer cover from above with my bow, trying to harry the mage as much as possible in the process."
"The wall is easily climbed, though fragile in places. I should be able to get into position in a minute or two. I will hoot once I am ready."
If there are no objections, he will begin his climb up the wall.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Garyth watches the halfling begin the ascent with a slight feeling of dread. Splitting the party again seems a bad idea, but at this point, he can only hope for the best. He quietly draws his sword and waits for the signal.
(OOC: Is Farron casting Haste? Or will there not be enough time for him to do that and summon the rats?)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
If there are no objections then Farron will cast Haste on the 5 of the party who are still conscious, then will cast Summon Monster. (Haste only lasts for 5 rounds - FYI). He suggests quickly that the attack start immediate *after* the rats are summoned, then he will Summon Monster (1d4+1 fiendish dire rats - OK, if this only gets us 2 rats, it might not be a pack, but these suckers are 4 feet long and over 50 pounds, so they'll still cause a ruckus.) He'll summon them as close to the front door as possible and direct them to run inside and upstairs to attack the mage. He will then follow Sa'id around the tower and into the attack, staying 20-30 feet away from him so that the two mages won't make a convenient common target.
NOTE 1: If Rennik is scaling the tower, he's probably not also breaking in from the back room to un-poison Cadfael.
NOTE 2: I'm outta the office after this email so this is what Farron plans to do unless someone stops him.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Just a reminder to Ty, waaaay back when we were first approaching the tower I cast Bull Strength and Rennik and Garyth. I'm sure it hasn't been 5 hours since then, so they both have suped up strength right now.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
Here is what I have so far:
-Farron casts haste
-Rennik climbs the tower (matt, what are you looking for? Climbing up to the roof, then coming down through the trapdoor? It would be almost impossible to fire a bow while hanging on the side of the tower, even if there was a useful hole to fire into. Also, climbing the tower is DC15, but trying to climb up the tower, then into a hole in its, side will be more difficult. I assumed you were going to the roof, and then down, but let me know if that's not the case.)
-Farron casts summon monster, and sends some rats in to distract the bad guys.
-Mission and Garyth wait by the front door for the rats to enter, then Mission enters while tumbling (BTW, tumbling prevents AOO's, but does not prevent attacks from those who are waiting in 'attack on approach' mode), and Garyth follows him.
-Once Mission and Garyth are engaged inside, Sa'id follows them in?
-Rennik is on the roof firing arrows into the tower?
-Farron? I mean, after the haste and rats?
Do I have the series of events properly listed? Please let me know.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; sneaking around
Thanks for the reminder!
Garyth has +4
Rennik has +2
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
I don't have a good handle on what Rennik is doing, but the rest sounds right.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
Just for clarification purposes.
The barging in through the back door idea was rescinded by Rennik because he felt it would give the mage too much of an upper hand, having the higher ground and visual ownership of the entire battle. He has decided to scale the walls, which are deteriorated enough to have plenty of handholds, to put himself in the crow's nest, if you will, along with the mage.
The plan is to offer covering fire (two arrows per round) for those on the floor, while also trying to get a shot in at the mage to disrupt his concentration and take him out of the action. While the fight is going on downstairs, Rennik will be the eye in the sky, raining arrows on our enemies and calling out warnings when he sees something others can't.
Now, as Ty had originally described it, the top of this tower is in a bad state of disrepair and there were lots of openings where smoke from their campfire has been exiting the tower. Rennik had originally thought to find a large enough hole (he ain't that big) and squeeze through, putting him on the inside of the tower higher up. If he can't find a suitable spot, he'll go all the way to the rooftop and try to find a way down.
Ideally, he's looking for a spot where he can set up shop with his bow and arrows, that offers some cover from the ground and some cover from the mage - but within sight of both. Since this may take a minute or so, he will signal using the same hooting call as before when he is in position - which would be a good time to start the night's festivities. :)
And Ty, remember his added strength bonus to his Climb rolls. :)
Does anyone else have an antitoxin to give to Cadfael once inside? If no one does, I can give them mine.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
One final note:
"If we find ourselves completely outclassed, RUN AWAY. Surviving is more important than winning. Remember that we are here to rescue Cadfael, and not to kill everything that moves."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
OOC: But what fun would that be?
More Planning
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
OOC: The antitoxin Cadfael handed out is supposed to be taken pre-battle-- according to Cadfael, it would only protect from poison, not cure someone already affected.
>>>>
From the Archives, 7/28/03:
"I too bring good news, brothers! It is clear Pelor smiles on our quest and has seen fit to bless us with his aid before our journey has even begun in full! The good priests of this city were kind enough to give me 3 vials of an antitoxin. Sadly they will not cure a poison if you are already afflicted, but it does work to counter any agent that would otherwise do you harm. It lasts for roughly an hour in your blood before degrading and becoming useless, so I suggest it be taken before entering combat."
>>>>>
Sorry to rain on y'all's parade. :( Cadfael's a goner.
Good luck, everyone.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
Farron will do as you listed below, then wait for an update to see how well things are going. His goal is to try and get sight of the mage to cast Hold Person, though if other needs or opportunities to assist the others appear, he's ready to change plans on a dime.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
Anything happening today?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
I believe that everyone has checked in and we're just waiting on Ty to write up the next turn.
No Action Until Monday
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; finalizing plans
I was out of town the last two days, so it might be tough for me to get the turn written up today, but I will try.
If not today, then definitely Monday.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; final prep
Ok guys, I need one last thing.
I need to know EXACTLY where everyone is during the actions leading up to starting the attack. I am sending an incomplete map of the tower, please note where you will be on this map while the prep is happening, ie the haste spell and summoning spell.
I have put labels on the map for each of you, please just move your label to where you would be, and send it back to me. The stuff you see on the inside of the tower is was have been seen from the outside. Most of the inside is a mystery to you at this point.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; final prep
Clearly, the long years of heroin use have begun to take their toll. "The stuff you see on the inside of the tower is was have been seen from the outside." Holy crap, what does that even mean? Try:
The stuff you see on the inside of the tower on the map is what has already been seen from outside.
Rennik's Recon
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; final prep
Mission will stay where you have him marked until after Farron's rats attack.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; final prep
Well, Farron would be trying to get to a place where he can't be seen, but can see the front door well enough to direct the rat attack. If the place you marked him fits that, then he can stay there.
Personally, I was under the impression that Rennik's hole was at the rear of the tower, so I was wondering how I'd be able to see the front. But since I was clearly mistaken, that doesn't look like it's a problem.
So, Farron can stay where you marked him, too.
From: Ty
Subject: just a few more details to take care of
But the first round should go out today.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
[Initiative order: Garyth, Spurt, Finlan, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Mission, Cale, Rennik, Garth]
[There are several private exchanges included in this round, so this isn't just me deciding for the party :) ]
In the faint light coming from the ancient tower, the party stands silent for a moment. There is nothing left to say; now all will be decided by action. Rennik gets a grip on the tower, moving up the wall a foot or two in exploratory fashion, then nods once to Farron.
Farron begins quietly uttering the Haste spell. As he speaks, and moves his hands in complicated circular gestures, the air around the group takes on a dim glow. Then the glow disappears, and he stops. It appears as though nothing has happened, until Mission points at the flicker of the reflected firelight. It moves very slowly, about half as fast as before. The party is now moving at near twice their normal speed, but to them, it appears as though the world has slowed down around them.
Rennik moves quickly up the tower [Climb roll 21 vs DC 15]. He continues climbing until he is about half way up the tower, then stops to look inside. He sees the mage, about five feet below him, standing on the wall opposite the doorway. The mage is standing horizontally on the wall, clearly using some sort of magic to stand on the wall like it was the floor. He is holding a wand and looking at the doorway intently. He does not see Rennik [Spot roll 5 vs DC 15].
The tower itself is not as the group had imagined it. It is basically just a hollow shell. After the ground floor, it is wide open all the way to the top. All the floors have long before rotted away and fallen down. The ground floor appears to be mostly rubble, but Rennik has difficulty seeing much down there, as the thickness of the wall prevents much vertical viewing.
Rennik pauses for a moment, then makes a decision. He climbs back down, the party appearing much surprised by his return. "I have seen the mage. He is using some sort of magic to stand on the wall opposite the doorway." Rennik also describes the internal layout, and talks about the fact that there are no floors to stand on to attack the mage from.
He then turns to Sa'id, "You mentioned a magic you have for dispelling other mageries. Can you use this magic to make the other wizard fall? Also, Farron, it would be best if we gave your rats another target. They will not be able to reach the mage in any event. Perhaps they should distract the warrior with the halberd? Once we have decided, I am going to climb back up the tower, and use the trapdoor at the top to fire down into the room, attacking with my bow from above. The shots will be more difficult, but there will be no way for them to take cover. I will see the entire floor from my vantage."
He then waits for the party to respond.
[1 round going up, 1 round coming down, 1 round talking, 2 rounds left on the haste spell]
From: Ty
Subject: updated map thingy
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
Sa'id nods at Rennik. "Yes, I have memorized Dispel Magic. Provided that this other wizard is not significantly more powerful than I, it should be possible to bring him to the ground. If that doesn't work, my fire magic will."
Tower Battle Rounds 2 and 3, Mission and Garyth in Trouble
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
"Well, that figures," Farron says, then continues, "I would have thought it better to distract as many different people as possible, but I will defer to your judgment and send the rats after the man with the halberd."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
OOC: How in the world did Rennick and I wind up at the bottom of the Initiative list? BAD DIE! No Yahtzee!
"How are you going to get close enough to cast your spell, Sa'id?" Mission bites his lip. It was too late now to turn away from attacking the tower, but he is having increasing doubts about the justness of their cause.
He feels Farron's spell on him like an itch in his eyes. Unnatural. And yet, Stone help him, he feels. . .intoxicated. Just a few words and gestures, and Farron had made him quicker than he had dreamed possible.
Stone help him, he understands Penance's attraction to magic now.
"Call your rats, Farron," Mission urges fiercely. "Let's end this."
Before I grow to like the feel of magic in my blood.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
"My spell has a fairly long range. If I can see the wizard through the door from outside, I may be able to surprise him."
Sa'id fidgets nervously. His anger starts to fade, and suddenly he doesn't relish the thought of another battle quite so much. And it's not as though the priest has been of much use... Sa'id is quick to admonish himself for that stray thought. He closes his eyes and runs through a quick mental prayer to Pelor.
"I'm ready. I'll cast my spell after the rats have entered."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
OOC: Will dispel magic affect the Rats?
From: Scott
Subject: Dispel Magic-- I answer my own question
Dispel Magic
Abjuration
Level: Brd 3, Clr 3, Drd 4, Magic 3, Pal 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target or Area: One spellcaster, creature, or object; or 30-ft.-radius burst
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
The character can use dispel magic to end ongoing spells that have been cast on a creature or object, to temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, to end ongoing spells (or at least their effects) within an area, or to counter another spellcaster's spell. A dispelled spell ends as if its duration had expired. Some spells, as detailed in their descriptions, can't be defeated by dispel magic. Dispel magic can dispel (but not counter) the ongoing effects of supernatural abilities as well as spells. Dispel magic affects spell-like effects just as it affects spells.
Note: The effects of spells with instantaneous duration can't be dispelled, because the magic effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect.
The character choose to use dispel magic in one of three ways: a targeted dispel, an area dispel, or a counterspell:
Targeted Dispel: One object, creature, or spell is the target of the spell. The character makes a dispel check against the spell or against each ongoing spell currently in effect on the object or creature. A dispel check is 1d20 +1 per caster level (maximum +10) against a DC of 11 + the spell's caster level.
If the spellcaster targets an object or creature who is the effect of an ongoing spell (such as a monster summoned by monster summoning), she makes a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature.
If the object that the character targets is a magic item, the character makes a dispel check against the item's caster level. If the character succeeds, all the item's magical properties are suppressed for 1d4 rounds, after which the item recovers on its own. A suppressed item becomes nonmagical for the duration of the effect. An interdimensional interface is temporarily closed. Remember that a magic item's physical properties are unchanged. Artifacts and creatures of demigod or higher status are unaffected by mortal magic such as this.
The character automatically succeeds at the dispel check against any spell that the character cast.
Area Dispel: The spell affects everything within a 30-foot radius.
For each creature who is the target of one or more spells, the character makes a dispel check against the spell with the highest caster level. If that fails, the character makes dispel checks against progressively weaker spells until the character dispels one spell (which discharges the dispel so far as that target is concerned) or fail all the character's checks. The creature's magic items are not affected.
For each object that is the target of one or more spells, the character makes dispel checks as with creatures. Magic items are not affected by area dispels.
For each ongoing area or effect spell centered within the dispel magic's area, the character makes a dispel check to dispel the spell.
For each ongoing spell whose area overlaps that of the dispel, the character makes a dispel check to end the effect, but only within the area of the dispel magic.
If an object or creature who is the effect of an ongoing spell, such as a monster summoned by monster summoning, is in the area, the character makes a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature (returning it whence it came) in addition to attempting to dispel spells targeting the creature or object.
The character may choose to automatically succeed at dispel checks against any spell that the character cast.
Counterspell: The spell targets a spellcaster and is cast as a counterspell. Unlike a true counterspell, however, dispel magic may not work. The character must make a dispel check to counter the other spellcaster's spell.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
No, I can do a targeted dispel at only the wizard. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
Garyth says nothing, but nods to the idea of making the wizard fall. He takes advantage of the pause to drink his anti-venom potion.
From: Ty
Subject: are we ready to go?
I am going to write up the next turn at noon my time, so if anyone has anything to say, get it to me in the next two hours or you're out of luck.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
I'm good.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
Andiamo, bambini!
From: Raja
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
Allons-y!
Ye'llah!
Yes, I'm ready.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
After a brief discussion the plan is affirmed. Rennik turns back to the tower, and once again quickly climbs its face. This time he does not pause half way up, and within just a few more seconds he reaches the top of the tower safely [Rennik Move silently 27, Finlan listen check 0]. [2 rounds to climb, haste spell ends]
The party feels a strange queasiness, then suddenly the light flickering snaps back up to its normal speed. Farron grimaces as his haste spell ends before they can even get inside the tower. Ah well, it is not a waste, since it allowed Rennik to climb the tower twice, very quickly, and bring them invaluable intelligence on the inside layout.
From above there comes the hooting sound, and those on the ground brace for action. Farron begins casting his summoning spell, while Sa'id grips his material components and mentally prepares himself for a battle of wizardry with the mage above. Mission sets his crossbow and staff aside, and drops into a crouch, ready to burst forward and fling himself through the entrance in less than a second. Garyth stands behind him, one hand on Mission's shoulder, and his longsword in the other. He is ready to move as soon as he feels Mission leap. Mentally, he tries to force down the fear he feels. This time it is not mindless halflings, or even brittle and awkward undead. This time it is men. Men like him. Men who will fight just as hard to stay alive as he would in this situation. Someone is going to die, of that there is no doubt. Garyth makes a silent vow that he will not allow it to be his companions.
On the tower roof above, Rennik is prowling over to the trap door. The roof itself is remarkably well preserved. It must have some sort of enchantment on it so prevent it from damage. It makes sense. In most stone towers like this, the wood of the roof is often the weakest point. This roof must be enchanted to resist fire and other destructive forces. The trapdoor, however, must not have been. Once Rennik gets close to it, he can see that it is totally rotted through. It is held in place by hinges that must be rusted clear through to the core. The smallest nudge will probably send this entire door crashing down into the tower in pieces.
Rennik smiles. Good, let them look up in surprise when it comes smashing down. He unlimbers his bow and nocks an arrow. Let them look up, and this will be the last thing they ever see. Below, he hears a squeal, as Farron's spell finishes.
Farron stops casting, and points his candle at the tower door. In front of the tower doorway, four enormous rats appear. They are several feet long, with nasty incisors and glowing red eyes. Farron says, "Attack," and they rush into the room.
[New initiative order: Garyth, Rat, Spurt, Finlan, Rat, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Mission, Cale, Rat, Rennik, Rat, Garth]
[Augmented Summoning [+4 str and con] Dire Rats:
| AC | INIT | ATT | HP | Damage | Initiative roll | |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 11 | 1d4+2 | 23 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 8 | 1d4+2 | 18 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 7 | 1d4+2 | 11 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 11 | 1d4+2 | 10 ] |
[End of round 2]
[Begin round 3]
Garyth waits, his hand on Mission's shoulder, ready to move as soon as the Monk does.
One of the rats, the largest one in fact, charges into the room. He sees the halberd carrying warrior, and with a vicious squeal launches himself at the big fighter. The warrior is smirking at the rodent, and makes a half hearted attempt to swat it with the butt of his polearm, when suddenly the creature makes a lightning fast dodge past his defenses and locks his teeth around one ankle [Attack 25; Damage 4]. The big man yells, "Son of a BITCH!" And starts trying to shake the nasty thing off his leg.
The next rat runs into the room, and seeing its brother hanging from the fighter's leg, charges him also. [Attack 21; Damage 4] It launches itself at the other thigh, and finds a gap in his armor. The second bite strikes home, drawing a spurt of blood down the warrior's leg.
Sa'id, careful not to get in the way of the fighters, moves around to the doorway, hoping for a glimpse of the enemy mage. Unfortunately, the mage chose his position well, and Sa'id knows he will need to be inside the doorway to see him. He pauses, to wait for the fighters to act first. He does not want to be blocking the doorway when they try to get in.
Farron moves over next to Sa'id. He can see the rats attacking the warrior inside, and is surprised at how well they seem to be doing. Always something of an opportunist, he points one finger at the struggling man and utters a magic missile charm. Three quick bolts of energy streak into the room and slam into the man's chest [Damage 5, 4, 3].
Cadfael watches the fight rage around him with wide eyes. Though he is bound and gagged, he says a prayer to Pelor that these men, his companions, not be killed while trying to save him.
Mission was caught off guard by the appearance and ferocity of the rats. More sand taken magery. The fact that he actually enjoyed the feeling of the haste spell makes him feel dirty inside. He suppresses a shudder as both of the mages run over to the doorway. His surprise has cost him speed, and he utters a curse as he leaps up and runs to the doorway, and tumbles through. As soon as he enters, the big man with the halberd says, "There you are, gods damn you," and swings his halberd in a vicious arc at Mission's head. The man must be distracted by the rats gnawing on his leg, because the blow is clumsy and wide [Attack natural 1, automatic miss].
However, Mission never even sees the two that attack him from the sides. The two men in leather leap out from hiding on both sides of the doorway, and stab into the Monk's sides with their short swords. [Attacks 20, 22; Damage 3, 6, 3, 6, 6, 1 = 25] The two swords slam home, one ripping open Mission's right side, and the other slashing his stomach and nearly disemboweling him. The two men then leap back into defensive positions, while Mission fights not to lose his balance and pass out. He is able to shake off the feeling, and kick out twice at the thief closest to him. [Attacks 20, and natural 1; Damage 7] One of the two kicks hits the thief in the face and smashes his nose. He staggers back while muttering, "Bastard!"
Above, the gray clad mage on the wall aims his wand at the staggering monk, and says a word of power. Suddenly, Mission feels an all too familiar clenching of his muscles. "No!" he yells, as he fights the paralyzing numbness. [Will save 27] "No, not again," the monk pants, as he fights through it. This time, the power fades away, and he retains control of himself. This time the path was stronger than magery.
Right behind the monk comes Garyth, who had been following him closely. He leaps into the room, and is immediately set upon by the halberd and by one of the two thieves. [fighter AOO Attack 22; Damage 13; fort save 10; 1 point Con damage] The halberd is thrust into his side as he faces the thief, and he feels a vicious wound opened there. When the spike is pulled out, a disturbing stream of blood follows it. The thief uses this chance to thrust at him as well [Thief AOO Attack 11, miss] but Garyth is able to parry the blow with his sword. Garyth ripostes at the thief [Attack 13, miss] but is unable to strike the nimble man.
Another rat runs into the room, also attacking the fighter. [Attack 10, miss] This time the man's heavy armor stops the vicious teeth, and he is able to kick the rat away.
From above comes a smashing sound followed by a halfling war cry. Everyone looks up for a second, and they see a 3x3 wooden door come crashing down in pieces. The mage actually has to dodge to the side a bit on the wall to avoid falling debris.
Rennik kneels at the opening, his bow in his hand, and yells, "Die!" at the wizard while launching two arrows at him. [Attacks natural 20, critical threat, roll 27, critical, second attack 28, hit; Damage 9, 5, 7, 4 = 25] The two arrows take the mage completely by surprise, the first passing through his throat and continuing on to strike the rubble below, the second slamming into his shoulder and flinging him off the wall. He falls the 25 feet to the rubble below and lands with a sickening crunch.
The two thieves pause for a second, and give each other an "oh shit" look. The big fighter never even slows down.
The last rat bursts into the room and charges at the fighter. This time, the fighter swings his halberd at it before it gets in range [Last AOO, Attack 29, hit; damage 11]. The weapon passes right through the rat as it leaps from the floor, and the warrior lets out a yell as he continues through the swing and tries to hit Garyth again [Cleave attempt, Attack 25, hit; damage 12, fort save 18]. The blade of the halberd, still streaming dire rat blood behind it, slams into Garyths back and knocks him down.
[End of round 3. Garyth and Mission are both hammered 13 and 7 HP respectively. You still face the big fighter, who looks like he isn't in too bad of shape, and the two thieves, only one of whom is wounded. The mage just fell off the wall with arrows in him, and looks to be out of the fight. Three dire rats remain, though with cleaves, the halberd dude can probably mop them up pretty quick. The two mages are still outside, and if they enter, they will get AOO'd by the halberd. Rennik can still fire arrows from his position.
Check in with actions before round 4, please]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
His target gone, Sa'id quickly reevaluates the situation. Mission and Garyth are in serious trouble, and if he enters the tower he will likely be killed before taking a single step. Switching mental gears, he readies an offensive spell to help them [Scorching Ray targeting the halberdier]. He will try to do this without stepping inside -- he's no good to them dead. If he can't hit the halberdier, he will instead target whichever thief is in a more dangerous position with respect to Garyth and Mission.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Barely pausing in his firing motion, Rennik looses two more arrows into the halberdier before he even sees the mage's body hit the ground. The threat of the polearm is great, and it is Rennik's goal to fill the fighter's body with arrows until the weapon falls.
(OOC: I know Rennik's low on the Initiative order (again damnit!), so if his target falls in the meantime, he'll focus on the thief who had already been hit)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Garyth gasps, feeling the blood flowing out of him. One more hit from that halberd, and he's finished. The man is good. Even with Death staring him in the face, Garyth has to admire the halbardier's skill. He can only hope that his own skill is enough for the task; he must take out his opponent now. There will be no other chance.
Garyth's left hand moves so fast as he takes up the mace at his side that it seems to blur [Quick Draw]. Saying a silent prayer, he commits every ounce of skill and strength to his attack [Use Fate Point for off-hand attack, other attack is -4].
Cadfael Breaks Free, Rules Questions, Ty Out of Office
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Mission will not attack this round, concentrating instead on total defense. (+4 bonus to AC-- I'm not even sure this action is open to him. The open source didn't say it was restricted, or that there were feats associated with it, so . . .)
"Lay down your weapons!" Mission cries. "Your mage is dead, and we outnumber you 2 to 1! I swear, no harm will come to you if you will surrender now and tell us true why you are in this tower!" (OOC: I don't know if this falls under Diplomacy, Bluff, or Intimidate. I'm trying for Diplomatic. . . you know, gunboat diplomacy.)
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Out of interest, does Rennik have the Quick Draw feat?
Tom
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
I'd get a lawyer before answering that question.
:eyes Tom suspiciously:
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Well, y'know, he HAS fired four arrows without penalty over two turns, which requires two uses of the full-attack action, and still managed to not only reload three times but knock a trap door off its hinges. :)
Tom
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Cadfael sits with his head bent in prayer as the first rat throws itself through the doorway. At the first cry of pain his head rises and he feels a surge of hope, Pelor's light has brought his companions to him! The hope in his eyes lights up with the flashes of Farron's magic and dies as Mission's blood spills to the floor. That blood, he knows, is on his hands as much as it is his enemies.
The ropes that bind him cut into his wrists as he strains against them, knowing his efforts are futile. The prayers ringing in his head no longer seem to have words but now seem to be simple calls of raging despair. The blood that pours from Garyth's unnatural wounds fills his eyes and in desperation he reaches out to Pelor, past Pelor, to anyone, to anything.
*snap*
The ropes break free (Fate Point for strength check)
With a cry he surges to his feet and plunges into the chaos.
From: Ty
Subject: out of office
I know it's bad timing, but I am at a client site today and tomorrow. I will try to do a turn tonight at the hotel room.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: out of office
OOC: You know, he doesn't have Quick Draw, but does have Rapid Shot. Also, it's not that he's firing at no penalty. He is at a -2 when he uses the Rapid Shot feat, as well as a -2 for the cover offered by the roof. So, a -4 to each shot in total - though those rolls were a little obscene, I admit, and I figure I've blown my d20 load entirely.
As for the kicking the trapdoor in, that was Ty's added flair. I had assumed Rennik would have opened it and got in position before he gave the signal to begin the attack. Though you do get a five foot step with a Full Attack, and the door was rotted through almost entirely. So, a step, I guess, did it in.
As far as drawing arrows, the Open Source says this is a free action. Crossbows have specific rules about needing extra actions to load, which makes sense, but shortbows are draw, pull, release. The draw from the quiver flows right into the pullback on the bowstring. Needing to spend an action to load a bow would negate the effects of Rapid Shot entirely.
Though maybe I'm reading things wrong?
Which Rules?
Subject: Game rules, etc
Are we using 3e or 3.5e rules?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Game rules, etc
We are using 3.5 open source, and I already explained all this to Tom, and he understood. So, no worries guys.
And yeah, knocking the door in was a free action.