Kalitharsis, Walking in the Wastelands

[Jair Barik]

Xerxes looks at you confused.
"Don't think what now? I'm sorry you've lost me completely there."

[Emperor Ing]

This appears to be a perfect site for a shade, I mean ambush.

[Jair Barik]

Everyone looks at you curiously.

"Delik says are you feeling all right. You sound odd."

[Emperor Ing]

I...do not think my mind is my own at the moment.
((There's a term in psychology for saying the wrong word in a sentence, unfortunately google proved useless. :smallfrown:))

[Jair Barik]

Xerxes heals you removing the subdual damage.

"Feeling better now? Okay so what is it you were trying to say?"

[Emperor Ing]

I said it looks like a good site for an ambush, and I do not mean by the undead.

[Jair Barik]

"By who then? Do you mean to say we should detour round this entire area? That could add days to the journey depending upon how large it is!"

[Emperor Ing]

I would prefer to not, I am simply pointing out that this could be too good to be true.

[Jair Barik]

"Fair enough. No major settlements this far east but its still possible that there might be raiders, bandits, slavers or other such things. Best be on the look out for insect colonies as well. They might just be big ant hives but they could equally turn out to be a nest of Formians."

[Emperor Ing]

Knowledge (Umm....dungeoneering?) check to remember information on Formians
[roll0]
So do we risk moving through or attempt to circumvent this?

[Jair Barik]

"I'd vote move through. Most creatures are pretty likely to attack even out on the desert proper so I'd say we are just as likely to come under attack taking the long route round as we are the short route through."

(OOC: Formians are a species of ant people about as large as humans.)

[Emperor Ing]

Risky but logical, and I do not believe I need to tell you to be alert. Let us go.
Stiekel will go across the rocks through the irregular path.

[Jair Barik]

Picking your way across the first hill you tthink you see another hill in the distance scuttle off, literally pulling itself offf of the ground and moving away in another direction.

[Emperor Ing]

Hahahaha, marvelous.
Stiekel slightly shifts direction away from the path of the...hill.

[Jair Barik]

Thankfully the 'hill' doesn't appear to have been moving in your direction. The one you are currently on is sitting well rooted in the ground and appears to be showing no signs of moving.

[Emperor Ing]

((I assumed it moving perpendicular-esque to me, so if it was crawling left Stiekel turned slightly right.))
Stiekel continues.

[Jair Barik]

By nightfall you are still within the rocky hills, the cold is starting to come in now though and strong desert winds appear to be blowing up a storm.

[Emperor Ing]

The cold feels more welcoming than harsh. Stiekel will then go to a rock with a wall next to it opposite the wind to sleep on.

[Jair Barik]

The watches run the same as the night before and when you awake it is morning,no disturbances coming in the night. As you are rising you notice Xerxes attatching a pair of darkened goggles to his face.

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, where can Stiekel get a pair of those? Nevertheless, now isn't the time to worry about that. She continues west.

[Jair Barik]

Despite sleeping in a comfier place the sunlight still continues to effect you. As you travel you occassionally spy a moving hill on the horizon and gradually become aware of dark shapes circling above you all.

[Emperor Ing]

Oh no, scavengers? Are we that close to dying?
Stiekel keeps going, steering clear of the moving hills in subtle ways.

[Jair Barik]

The hills are impossible to differentiate between. Wether or not they all have the capability to move or not is unclear and any movements you do spot seem far away and very sudden.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel continues on

[Jair Barik]

By now there are at least three of the large dark shapes circling above you in a wide ring.

[Emperor Ing]

Get out of here!
Pre-emptive fireball on the dark figures above
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

Amid much angry squawking the shapes scatter but after comparing the size of the explosion to the shapes (you could only hit one) you determine that whatever they are they are pretty big compared to you.

[Emperor Ing]

Right. Let us continue then.
Which Stiekel does.

[Jair Barik]

It is past halfway through the day now and the sun is really scorching you (13 points of nonlethal damage). The dark shapes overhead are yet to reappear and the hills are starting to thin out now.

[Emperor Ing]

Oh, fun. There goes our cover.
Stiekel looks around for any of the moving hills or featured irregularities that could provide cover on sundown.

[Jair Barik]

The hills are still around though none seem to be on the move and they continue on for a bit further at the very least but after they thin out the desert reverts back to a flat and featureless wasteland.

[Emperor Ing]

And the Baking in the Sun whirlwind tour of the desert continues westward.

[Jair Barik]

(OOC:So just to be sure your'e leaving the cover of the hills now before resting?)

[Emperor Ing]

((depends, how much time is left in the day?))

[Jair Barik]

(About a quarter of the day left. Also I noticed a change in your sig. Is that a reference to RL or to the subdual damage?)

[Emperor Ing]

((IRL, ITS REALLY FRIGGIN' HOT UP HERE!!! :smallfrown:))
Stiekel looks out at the vast expanse of flat desert. So, do you want to wing try it or should we camp here?

[Jair Barik]

Taniya looks out across the desert.
"Depends. We aren't likely to find shade out there before the days up so we'd be vulnerable to any predators that might spot us, and we know for a fact there's something up in the air. If we stay here though we aren't making as much distance and we know there is something living around here at the very least but not wether its hostile or not."

[Emperor Ing]

It is also harder to hide out in the open desert, as well as easier to see what is coming. Should we vote?

[Jair Barik]

"As I understood you were meant to be the leader of this expedition."

"Delik says we are in trouble either way so he don't really care for one death or the other."

[Emperor Ing]

Very well, let us continue until after the sun takes its rest.
Which is what she does.

[Jair Barik]

By the end of the day you are clear of the rocky hills but there is no sign of any cover on the horizon.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel rests for the night.

[Jair Barik]

You are awoken in the night by the sound of Taniya screaming to wake you all.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel gets up and quickly looks around.

[Jair Barik]

Three very large birds have descended upon your camp. They have black feathers and bald heads and necks with razor sharp looking claws and beaks. All three are amongst you but Taniya appears to be bearing their attack as Delik, Xerxes and the two brothers wake up

[Emperor Ing]

Initiative
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

(you win initiative)

[Emperor Ing]

Two scorching rays at two different bird things

How many ones will I roll today?

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Jair Barik]

(OOC:As the birds are engaged in close combat if you don't opt to take a penalty there is a chance you may hit an ally. You still going to fire at your full modifier?)

[Emperor Ing]

((Just apply the penalties to each roll, one of them I definitely missed with and the other one I definitely hit with anyway. ))

[Jair Barik]

The first rays strikes the creature setting it abalze whilst the second misses. Taniya thrusts her sword up through the neck of the wounded beast finishing it off whilst Delik and co pull out their weapons. One of the birds bites feebly at Taniya but the other lashes out with lethal accuracy at you cutting into your flesh (6 damage).

Your turn


[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel takes a 5 foot step backwards and fires a kamehameha pair of scorching rays at the creature
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Jair Barik]

With the help of the two big guys clubs the rays are more than enough to finish off the bird creature. the remaining one opts to fly for it rather than continue to fight.

[Emperor Ing]

Augh, so, is everybody okay?

[Jair Barik]

Taniya nods.

"Yes, I think so. Bloody vultures..."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel brushes herself off and glances at the "vultures."
Hmm, edible?

[Jair Barik]

"I wouldn't risk it."

Just the smell of the birds is enough to make you consider the nutritional value of other things, rocks for example. (note you are nauseated whilst close to the bodies)

[Emperor Ing]

Makes sense, I do not plan for sickness.
Stiekel will continue onward.

[Jair Barik]

Delik looks at you and pokes one of his friends.

"Delik wants know where you think your going. We leaving already?"

[Emperor Ing]

I prefer to think of it as removing myself from the stench. Could be 5 feet, could be 50 feet.

[Jair Barik]

The group unanimously agrees and moves off far enough to avoid the stench before camping down for the night.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel follows suit for the night.

[Jair Barik]

There is no further disturbance over the course of the night and you awake to yet another bright desert morning.

[Emperor Ing]

Augh, that never...ugh. Would it kill the sky to once in a while get a...oh what are those...things called...clods...to block out the sun?
Nevertheless, she gets up and starts going westward.

[Jair Barik]

The rocky hills are now left behind completely and for the time being there don't seem to be any scavengers in the sky (though you note that a black cloud of creatures seems to descend from the sky upon last nights kill as you leave). It is about a quarter of the way through the day when you spy something strange to the north. Upon first galce it seems to be a great city of some sorts but looking again you cannot see anything.

[Emperor Ing]

Continuing west, but looking northward: Hey did anyone else see that?

[Jair Barik]

"See what?"

Everyone begins scanning the horizon for anything unusual that you may have noticed.

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, nevermind then.
And Stiekel continues westward, occasionally scanning the northern horizon for signs of the phantom city.

[Jair Barik]

It is not long before you spy it again and this time as you were looking out for it you catch a better view before it seems to vanish from sight. Great brass coloured towers and domes seem to imply a sense of richness and grandeur whilst white walls seem to reflect light at you from the distance.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel suddenly stops Ha, there it is again! The same city I saw from before. One of splendid grandeur and richness that vanishes from view as suddenly as it appears.

((Test))

[Jair Barik]

"Where?"
"I don't see?"

Everyone begins looking again.

(What do you mean test?)

[Emperor Ing]

((A while ago, someone noticed that you can change text color in the forum coding. You can type in Hex code to where "red" usually is, or a word for a random color. I tried putting "stiekel" in there to see what happens. :smalltongue: ))

On the north. I know what I see, keep your attention to the north, you may see it as I did.

[Jair Barik]

"Hang on a minute, see what?"

[Emperor Ing]

There is a city that vanishes in and out of my sight off in the great distance.

[Jair Barik]

"Have you ever even looked at a map? There's no cities out here till we get back home, and even if we've been making good time that shouldn't be yet."

[Emperor Ing]

I know what I saw. As obvious as the endless expanse of sand itself.

[Jair Barik]

"Indeed, and an 'endless' expanse of sand implies that there is nothing to see on it. So where is this city then?"

[Emperor Ing]

Were you not listening? I said it vanishes as rapidly as it appears.

[Jair Barik]

"Then how do you even know its real? Could be a mirage for all we know, in fact its pretty much guaranteed to be one."

[Emperor Ing]

Because mirages do not work that way unless there truly is a city off in the greater distance in that direction.

[Jair Barik]

"Then perhaps you are simply suffering heat stroke or delusions caused by some disease or ailment picked up in Gecis. Because I can safely say there is no cities out here, especially not one like that which you described."

[Emperor Ing]

The fact that its shape was remarkably consistent amongst both instances of the city appearing in my view tells me that this is more than just a natural illusion or a hallucination.

[Jair Barik]

"Fine then, a magical illusion. What does it really matter? Unless you think we should start headed north I fail to see what importance it could have. If we leave it well enough alone it'll leave us alone too."

[Emperor Ing]

Fine then, just keep an eye to the north. If I see it a third time I will not hesitate to point it out.
Stiekel will continue west, keeping an eye north.

[Jair Barik]

After a little more travel you pass a rocky outcrop in one of the sand dunes. It isn't very large yet as you pass it you see a humanoid figure with long pointed ears and a green skin tone lounging on it. He is thinly dressed and incredibly handsome flashing you a devilish wink as you pass.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel notes the unusual humanoid, his stance, shape, manner, clothes, body, skin, what does mammal skin feel like? How can someone like that be all the way out...oh crap. Once Stiekel's mind snaps back into reality, she prepares an action to cast Scorching Ray on the stranger.
Name, allegiance, and point of origin now.

[Jair Barik]

"What?" Taniya, Xerxes and the two lizard brothers all simultaneously pose the same question, Delik looks at you confused and mouths the words. Looking up at the rock you notice there is no figure there.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel blinks, and the creature is gone, to Stiekel's consternation.
Oh COME on!!

[Jair Barik]

Everyone looks at each other nervously, unsure of what is going on.

[Emperor Ing]

Now I have reason to believe someone is simply messing with me.
She casts Blindsight and looks around.

[Jair Barik]

You can tell that there is a humanoid shaped creature standing up on the rock that you can't see.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel prepares once again to cast Scorching Ray on the figure.
I can see you, start talking. Now.

[Jair Barik]

"Oh, fu-"

You hear a sweet musical voice briefly then with a loud cracking noise the figure seems to vanish.

Your not sure how much the others heard but they all quickly draw weapons.

[Emperor Ing]

Well it is good to know I am not hallucinating at this time. It is gone now.

[Jair Barik]

"I heard a cracking noise, what was that? Anything dangerous mearby?"

[Emperor Ing]

Just our favorite psions checking up on us.

[Jair Barik]

"You sure about that? Recognise them or not?"

[Emperor Ing]

It sounded like one of them. I could not make them out.

[Jair Barik]

"How did you know they were there if you couldn't make them out? More importantly, are they still here?"

[Emperor Ing]

One of my many abilities is to see the unseen within several feet of me. Unfortunately it is not perfect. It dissapeared as soon as I told him he was discovered. He left in the message of "Oh fuh."

[Jair Barik]

"So you saw his face then? Which one was it?"

[Emperor Ing]

I could not make it out. All I saw was his figure and heard his voice. He teleported out.

[Jair Barik]

"Great. Just great. Well no sense in hanging around any longer, though I'm surprised they are here. I mean, what else could they want?"

[Emperor Ing]

At the moment I just think they want to make our return difficult. Stiekel continues west.

[Jair Barik]

"By watching us without us being able to see them?"

[Emperor Ing]

Let me paraphrase: By "difficult" I meant "annoying." He made me see the image of some..handsome greenish humanoid.

[Jair Barik]

"How odd.... Ah well, shall we continue on or search around for them?"

[Emperor Ing]

He could either be several feet to our left or on the other side of the planet. Either way we should continue onward, and please do not hesitate to point out any oddities.
Stiekel goes west.

[Jair Barik]

There is no further interruptions as you make your way west and it reaches nightfall safely.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks around for any sort of shelter.
Anyone see anything unusual?

[Jair Barik]

"Delik says he no see anything round here."

The immediate area is barren and devoid of cover.

[Emperor Ing]

So we rest here for the night.
Stiekel will attempt to sleep for the night.

[Jair Barik]

Around midnight you are woken up by somebody lightly kicking you in the stomach.

"Oy. Wake up little miss Wizzzard."

It is not a familiar voice.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel squirms under the kick. It's not enough to cause damage, but it's still not pleasant.
augh, whadaya want?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh come on, wake up sleepy head. Haven't much time as it is an now is as good as any. Golden gates and jewelled palaces are a waitin missy."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel gets up slowly but surely.
*ahem* what are you talking about?
She tries to get a look at the stranger.

[Jair Barik]

Looking up you see the tall green man standing over you with a smile on his face. It appears that Taniya and the Lizards are all asleep with nobody on guard.

"Well theres so much more ta life than death an iffen ya don't mind me sayin yours would be a terrible life ta waste. I doubt you will find water before you run out an theres not a mortal civilisation round these parts fer you to buy from. Sooner or later you an ya friends are dead one way or t'other."

[Emperor Ing]

Very enlightening.
Stiekel folds her arms.
So what does Mister Tentacles alsoknownas Flth want now?
((I REALLY wanna say "squid face" but Stiekel would have no reason to know what a squid is. =\ ))

[Jair Barik]

The man bursts into giddy laughter then his face quickly turns serious. "Seriously what? I think ye be gettin me all mixed up with somebody elsen madam cause I have no idea what anything you just said meant. Perhaps it would be better if we go inside to discuss this."

[Emperor Ing]

Inside where? And what of them?
Stiekel gestures to the rest of her group.

[Jair Barik]

"Inside there."
The man points directly behind you. Turning your head you notice that a few feet away is the city of strange colours and metals that you kept seeing, its gates now wide open into a courtyard of pebbled stones, with various shop fronts circled about a well.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel feels herself being a little unconsciously hypnotized as she walks into the gates of the city.

[Jair Barik]

The green man follows you in and goes to sit upon the well gesturing for you to follow.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel follows, but cautious to keep at least 5 feet away from the well.
What is this about?

[Jair Barik]

"About? This is about nothing. You have simply come across the city of brass. The most splendid place in all the wastes. Do not worry we are quite safe in here, it is a wonderous place full of wonderous people and the outside world is of little consequence to us."

[Emperor Ing]

And what of my companions?

[Jair Barik]

"What of who? Well if you so desire we can go find some servants to bring them in for you but they are in a very deep sleep at the moment so neither you nor I can wake them till morning."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel nods.
Please bring them in.

[Jair Barik]

"Quite, now lets go find some servants eh?" springing down from his perch upon the well your new friend heads towards one of the great dome topped brass buildings, its great doors wide open."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel follows, watching the scene take place.

[Jair Barik]

The man leads you though empty passages made of a mixture of metals and stones. Various tapestries and carpets fill the building and numerous doors lead off from the passage to places unkown.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel continues to follow the man, distracted by the incredible splendor of the palace she is walking through. A thought runs through her mind however.
Was that you I...encountered in the desert yesterday?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh yes of course. Who else did you think it might have been?"

[Emperor Ing]

Geh, long story there, I just am kind of glad now I did not fry you there. Now where are the servants?

[Jair Barik]

"I'm sure they are around here somewh-... oh dear." A loud ringing echoes through the halls as a presumably very large bell booms out tolling five great times. As the fifth toll dies down all the doors of the passage burst open and dog headed looking men each armed with a scythe burst out and begin sniffing across the passage. "This will only take a few minutes."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks around.
What's going on?

[Jair Barik]

"Demon in the city so the guards are going to root it out and kill it. Pretty much a daily occurrence no need to worry about it."

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, very well.
Stiekel stands with the jolly green giant (She's a kobold!) and watches from the vantage point as the drama unfolds.

[Jair Barik]

Soon enought the dog men have moved off to other parts of the building and your friend starts walking again.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel turns to Plant Man. So what is it you need me for?

[Jair Barik]

"Whatever do you mean by that?"

[Emperor Ing]

You have obviously done your homework else you would not have identified me as a "wizard."

[Jair Barik]

"Oh don't be silly. I can just smell the magic on you is all. And see it if I look at you really hard."

[Emperor Ing]

And so I am just wondering. I am aware that there are few if any arcanists in the world, I just want to know why you have brought me here.

[Jair Barik]

"Oh I thought you might be able to help King Taderan with a small problem thats troubling us all. All the fairfolk have innate magical ties but we just aren't suited to the precise problem we are suffering."

[Emperor Ing]

Well what can you tell me about this "problem?"

[Jair Barik]

"Oh don't worry its very very simple. Long ago our mighty society was cursed and whenever the great bell tollsone of those living here becomes a demon. To break the curse we need to have three wishes granted by the genie that lives here. All you need to do is ask a wish and then you can be on your way."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel snaps into attention at the mention of the wish.
I can wish for anything? Is it that simple?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh yes, quite. The first two wishes have been made all that we need now is for the third wish to be made."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel's mind races with the prospect, it's like a dream come true. Many ideas for wishes race through her head, but one in particular stands out.
Is there a catch?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh no no no no no. No such thing. Just a single wish. Only one mind you though."

[Emperor Ing]

A surge of exitement runs through her and out the tip of her tail. She is reminded then that her tail spazzing back and forth behind her is easily giving away the feeling of exitement.
And what of my companions?

[Jair Barik]

"I said we will get the servants for them now lets go see the king eh?"

[Emperor Ing]

Certainly, but afterwards I need assurance of their safety. Is that acceptable?

[Jair Barik]

"Quite safe, you have my word."

[Emperor Ing]

Very well. What is your name anyhow?

[Jair Barik]

"Enzathuan. And yours?"

[Emperor Ing]

I am Stiekel.

[Jair Barik]

"Well it is a pleasure to meet you Stiekel. I hope you enjoy your time here."

[Emperor Ing]

I thank you for your kindness, however I still have questions about this city.

[Jair Barik]

"Well then ask away and I shall answer to the best of my ability."

[Emperor Ing]

Where did this city come from? How is it that it exists how even though the rest of the world is little more than sand and stone?

[Jair Barik]

Enzathuan laughs heartily.
"We are the fair folk and this is one of our cities. Why it is foolishness to question that our city exists without questioning our existance."

[Emperor Ing]

I do not question it exists, I just wonder how it survived the Scourging.

[Jair Barik]

Enzathuan lightly taps his nose with a smirk. "If I told you that I may very well have to kill you."

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, very well. Now then, what can you tell me about the demonic transformations?

[Jair Barik]

"Well not much too it really. Each time the bell rings out one of the residents here in the city undergoes a vviolent transformation and begins attacking those who they were once friends with."

[Emperor Ing]

The bell tolls on its own devices or under the influence of an unknown force I presume?

[Jair Barik]

"That is our assumption yes. We have no control over its tolling. It is like any other bell in appearance but all attempts to stifle it have been failures. The clapper was encased in magic ice but the ice shattered. The rafters it hangs upon were severed but they repaired themselves with unfathomable speed. Chains were forged of Orichalcum to keep it in place but they were simply torn in two."

[Emperor Ing]

What happens to the-ah-transformed?

[Jair Barik]

"They are found, and they are dealt with. Swiftly, very swiftly."

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, sounds like fun. Nevertheless, once your king has granted me an audience, may I see my companions?

[Jair Barik]

"Well that all depends upon what the King has to say really doesn't it?"

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel nods. I hope you can understand my concern. How far is the royal court from here?

[Jair Barik]

"Through the great doors at the end of this passage. Then the bellroom is next on from the court."

[Emperor Ing]

Very well.
Stiekel will follow these directions.

[Jair Barik]

Headed down the passage you eventually come to a grand pair of solid gold doors many timesyour height and intricatly carved with flowing patterns and iconography.

[Emperor Ing]

After looking at the ornate door for several moments, Stiekel opens them and proceeds through.

[Jair Barik]

The doors are much too heavy to open but your companion waves his hand and they swing wide opening into a vast yet empty chamber, its floor studded with gems and precious metals. The only people present are a large corpulent figure who sits in a platinum throne flanked by two tall statues of minotaurs made of some shiny metal. The figure has a pair of long curved tusks and massive flocks of jet black hair.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel slowly approaches the figure. ((A floor embedded with jewels, that's gotta be uncomfortable to walk on. :smalltongue: ))

[Jair Barik]

The figure stirs and rises slightly in its seat looking down at the diminutive figure of the kobold that approaches it. With a snap of its fingers a gold basket of graps appears floating in the air beside it from which it begins to eat.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks up at the figure.
Your majesty?

[Jair Barik]

"Who is this who you have brought before me? I do not recognise them as one of our kin. Have you found us somebody to break this curse at last?"

[Emperor Ing]

If this is addressed at Enzathuan, Stiekel will wait a response. If not...
It is what I have been told, yes. I am the one.

[Jair Barik]

"Indeed, shes is a wizardess none the less."

"Oh. How droll. So you are willing to perform this task for us then?"

[Emperor Ing]

((Could you make all NPCs not have the same color text? :smalltongue:))

I am willing to perform this humble task, if you do not mind, however, I have a few questions as you may know more than what my companion would have been able to tell me.

[Jair Barik]

"Hmmmm? Very well then. Ask away."

(Apologies, that last one was a mistake. As it is though I have to reuse colours because there is a limit to how many exist and want to avoid reusing really important ones, like say purple, too much and am loathe to have to use colours such as white, yellow and silver.)

[Emperor Ing]

((What I do is mimic the name of hurricanes, in that get a list of all the colors, remove all the PC colors, white, yellow, and silver, randomize them preferrably, then go down the list of colors when a new NPC is encountered. By the time the list starts again players won't remember who or what used that first color text in the first place.

Not to mention you're avoiding having NPCs use the same color text by having half of them use the same color text. :smalltongue: ))

So I have been told my task is simply to wish for something from a genie. Is there anything else you can tell me? Because I feel I should mention I am actually a sorceress.

[Jair Barik]

"No...A single wish will suffice and then you may be upon your way."

[Emperor Ing]

And is it true that there is no catch?

[Jair Barik]

"Why should there be a catch? Don't be absurd. At worst there may be a few lesser demons in the bell room but that is all."

[Emperor Ing]

I beg your pardon, I simply have concerns. Furthermore, will I be able to see my companions afterwards?

[Jair Barik]

"Presumably. That all depends, I suppose, upon what you wish for doesn't it?"

[Emperor Ing]

What do you mean?

[Jair Barik]

"Well if you were to wish your companions away from this place without you it would hardly be in my power to allow you to see them on your departure would it? If you wished yourself blind, or to the plane of shadows or to some other object or destination it wouldn't be within my realm of authority to promise that you could see your companions again now would it? I cannot control what you wish for and so I make no promise as to wether you see your friends again."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel chuckles slightly at what she interprets as a joke. Are you able to tell me where they are at least?

[Jair Barik]

"No. I only just found out you existed when we met right now. Why should I have some knowledge of where your friends are? You think me omniscient? If you wish to wish you knew where they are then so be it, it is not my place to judge what you ask for."

[Emperor Ing]

...ah...*sigh* very well, where is the genie?

[Jair Barik]

"Beneath the bell in the room beyond this hall."

[Emperor Ing]

And Stiekel will go there. She seems distracted though, her mind ablaze with what to wish for.

[Jair Barik]

The rear door of the chamber opens into a small antechamber. Once you enter it the door closes behind you and the next door opens revealing a wide high roofed chamber full of pillars with a long bell pull at the far end. On a plinth beneath the bell pull is an old brass lamp and high above nrests a great bell.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel, looking at the strange room, approaches the lamp and examines the lamp, which involves gingerly touching it.

[Jair Barik]

As you approach the lamp you hear the sound of the metal of the bell creaking above you. Touching the lamp you feel a slight tingle go through your body and a slight wind blows sand across the floor behind you though there is no apparent windows to the room.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks up at the bell, then at the lamp, still touching it.
Hello?

[Jair Barik]

There is a grating sound from behind you somewhere in the forest of pillars. The sharp earsplitting screech of metal upon a stone.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel instinctively puts her hands over her kobold equivalent of ears.
Damn it, do you have a voice?

[Jair Barik]

"SKREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

From out of the pillars a red sleshed yet gaunt figure begins running at you with sand flowing in its wake and twin scimitars hanging from its hands.

[Emperor Ing]

That's not good.
Even if it's harmess which it probably is, Stiekel won't take any chances and will attempt to dodge it.

[Jair Barik]

(OOC: So what are you doing mechanically? Running away, adopting a total defence?)

[Emperor Ing]

((The latter, adopting defensive stance.))

[Jair Barik]

The creature is quickly closing with you, know only 30ft away.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel casts Scorching Ray on the being.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Do I win?

[Jair Barik]

Your rays engulf the creature but seem to have no effect upon it and through the fire and the flames it carries on slashing you across the chest with one blade (4 damage).


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Emperor Ing]

((Damn. :smallfrown:))
Magic missile spam it is then
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

The creature is struck and visibly wounded by your magic but instead of fighting on it runs quickly to the left then disappears from sight amidst the forest of pillars.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel casts Polymorph on herself to turn into a Very Young green dragon.
Hello?

[Jair Barik]

Somewhere over towards your left you can hear the grating of metal upon stone as the creature runs its blades over pillar after pillar.

[Emperor Ing]

((Fun fact: My AC increased by 1. :smalltongue: ))
Stiekel then casts Mage Armor on herself, watching intently her left.

[Jair Barik]

The creature continues to grate its blades for the time being.

[Emperor Ing]

Answer me, creature. I know you can hear me.

[Jair Barik]

The scraping stops.

[Emperor Ing]

......hello?

[Jair Barik]

The creature springs out of hiding barrelling into you swinging both blades and landing two blows that penetrate your new green scales (12 damage). Its own wounds appear to have healed completely.


[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[Emperor Ing]

Magic Missile Spam!
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

The creatures is struck by your missiles but then darts off back into the pillars and out of sight.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel casts Blindsight and gives chase to the creature.

[Jair Barik]

The creature runs further into the pillars and outside of your blindsense. When you last sensed it though it was over towards your right.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel flies towards her right.

[Jair Barik]

roll]1d20+12[/roll]
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

rerolling failed roll
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

Pursuing and closing with the creature it suddenly darts backwards and rounds the corner coming in with another sword swing at your face (7 damage).


..... this is kind of annoying now
[roll0]

[Emperor Ing]

Magic missal
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

The creature is wounded by your magics but already some of the cuts are starting to heal over. Taking another two swipes at you with its swords it lands another two blows (15 damage).

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[Emperor Ing]

Magic missle spam since rolling 2 20s with 2 scorching rays doesn't hurt it.
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

(OOC:Whats your current HP out of curiosity?)

[Emperor Ing]

((38 damage taken, current draconic form gives me 68 hp. ))

[Jair Barik]

(ummmm thats not how polymorph works. You gain the creatures strength, dexterity and constitution but not its hit dice. So whereas a very young green dragon has 8d12+16 hp you have 8d4+12 hp in your polymorphed form so by my calculations you have around 38 hit points max which puts you at 0 HP with a strenuous action knocking you down to -1)

[Emperor Ing]

((Crap. :smallsigh:))

[Jair Barik]

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9040052#post9040052
as we are on page 50 new thread is here. Please post an updated sheet there for future refrence.