Expedition to the Demonweb Pits (IC)

[Jair Barik]

Expedition to the DemonWeb Pits

OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185462)

Winter is fast approaching. Food has been stored away for the coming months of cold and hardship. Paladins and noble knights patrol the lands up and down those roads deemed most important and venture into the forests and hills close to towns in their efforts to protect the weak and the innocent from monsters that would prey upon their livestock and raid their food stores. Many of those common pests that would plague the countryside have gone for the year, migrating to warmer climates or burrowing underground for the cold season. The harvest was good this year and raids from kobolds and goblinfolk were less frequent than normal. Yet despite all this the winter months seem set to bring misery and hardship.

In the past week, all across the Country, raids by the drow have been rapidly increasing in frequency. Attacks upon travellers, adventurers, villages and even larger cities have been occuring again and again with no apparent reason or motive. Worse still rumours from abroard tell a story much the same. All across the world the Drow are rising up from their underground fortresses and hidden cabals to attack all that you hold dear. In the frontier town of Melsan farms have been set to the torch, entire grain solos burnt, cattle slaughtered and farmers vicously murdered, in some cases tortured to death, with no understandable cause. No food, money or posessions are taken and shockingly few are taken alive to become slaves to the drow. Wherever the drow attack is destroyed, set aflame to burn through the night. Flames on the horizon are becoming a common sight during the midnight hours, and not a welcome one.

And so you travel towards the hills to the east of town, for that is where the drow attacks seem to have been coming from, and it is to the east that survivors report they are seen stealing away to in the aftermath of the slaughter. Your little company consists of a stunningly handsome platemail clad elf with raven black hair bearing the holy symbol of a deity, a fairly unremarkable looking man in a breastplate and a tattered old travelling cloak, a weary looking man with sunken eyes and a pale complexion who wears a chain shirt beneath his dark cloaks, a very tall man whose bald head has strange symbols floating around its peak and finally (and perhaps most unusually) a kobold who bears a wicked looking pair of punching daggers. You having been travelling a few hours now in silence and as it nears dusk you spy a building that would be a suitable place to pitch camp. It looks maintained but unoccupied, a sign bearing the words Travelers Rest hanging from the front of the building, creaking back and forth in the evening wind. It is a small wooden shelter, about 30ft wide by 30ft deep with only a single floor. It has two doors, the first opening south onto the road, the second on the western face that appears likely to lead to the privy. A stack of logs lies next to the wall and there appears to be a small fenced-off area at the front, currently empty but likely useful for leaving animals in over night.

@Ernir

You are perhaps nervous about the others in your group, all of them being quite human like in appearance in stark contrast to your own physique, or perhaps not. Your reason for being here is simple. The drow attacks have not just been effecting the human civilisations but your own people as well. Whilst the drow seem intent on hitting larger targets, such as human cities and dwarf strongholds they are more than happy to butcher any tribes or kobold patrols that they encounter on their way, malicously causing cave-ins flooding entire mines and lairs or simply putting adults, elders and hatchlings alike to the sword. The drows contempt of life knows no bounds, whatever the cause of the sudden surge in violence it is clear that if they are not stopped then all those who live in the world are in mortal danger.

@CockroachTeaParty

Shortly after the drow attacks began you were contacted by the high priest of Corellon Larethian. The priesthood are greatly disturbed by recent events and fear that the Drow attacks may be a syptom of some much wider threat that could engulf all elf kind if left unchecked. You and many of your fellow priests have been dispatched across the land and over the seas to seek out the cause of this danger and put an end to it, by whatever means necessary.

Approaching the building you suspect that is likely one of the hospices erected and maintained by the worshippers of Fharlanghn, diety of roads. Though it is likely to be uninhabited it probably contains beds for the night and a cache of supplies from which travellers are free to take whatever they need (though they are expected to place something back in the cache for other who may come to use it).

@DMofDarkness

Whatever noble sentiments and ideals drive your companions to fight the drow are likely not shared by you. To you the drow invasion is a chance for adventure, excitement and the stuff of legends. So far it has yet to fulfill these promises though as the weather is poor and the countryside devoid of mysterious ruins or grandiose castles. The only things preserving the sense of adventure so far are your strange group of travelling companions and the promise that sooner or later you will come face to face with the drow in battle.

@Malachei

Driven on by your own sense of rightousness and desire for justice you travel with this little group in the hunt of the drow. Wild beasts and hostile tribes of creatures are perhaps tolerable to you, they must hunt and fight in order to survive, but the actions of the drow abhor you. They do not hunt for food or for their living, rather than taking what they capture they burn it so that none may benefit from it. The drow are preying on the weak and the poor, and so you shall hunt them, for it is the right thing to do.

@Keld Denar

Your reasons for joining the hunt are your own. For the sake of all that is good? For the sense of mystery which surrounds these attacks? Or maybe...just maybe it is because you feel this journey might take you to those places that you so long to explore, to the planes and beyond. Half a week ago you crossed paths with one of your fellow Illumians, a Planeswalker to be precise and he brought with him and interesting tale. It seems that it is not just this world that the drow attacks have heightened in, but many worlds across the prime materia. Something strange is happening, a mystery that is worthy of your attention.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Despite the chill in the air, the heavily armored elf seems utterly unfazed by it. Indeed, he walked in comfort, knowing the love of his creator would shield him from the elements. Orliander betrayed little emotion, and he had said little more than pleasant greetings to you all as you traveled. Like most elves, on the surface he appeared as calm and still as a placid lake. Yet beneath the surface, his emotions boiled. Outrage and disgust seethed within his gut like a nest of angry snakes. How dare the accursed drow make such brazen attacks on the lands of light and life? For what foul purpose did they risk to leave their apostate hives of corruption and debauchery?
Although many believed that the oldest, deepest-running hatred for the elven race was reserved for orcs, true scholars of the Seldarune knew that it was Llolth's betrayal that scarred Corellon the worst, perhaps even more than when Gruumsh lost his eye. Llolth's forsaken children were thus even more reviled than orcs, hobgoblins, or even Tiamat's spawn.
Orliander contemplated these things as he walked, well aware that the arrows in his quiver were destined to find the flesh of his own kin. If it were not for his righteous indignation, he would surely be overcome with a certain sadness. Not even the kobold's presence was enough to shake him from his brooding anger.
As the group approached the wayshrine, Orliander closed his eyes and knelt before the threshold. He gave thanks to Fharlanghn, sincerely. Though he was more a human deity, he was a friend to all who traveled, and it was a relief to see such a place, humble though it was, not defiled by the drow.
"A welcome respite. Should we choose to rest here, I'll take first and second watch."
The elf's Common was excellent, his accent crisp with a worldly wisdom. Like many elves, the road seemed not to soil him; his armor, cloak, skin, and hair remained impeccable. It would be enough to envy, were it not for the otherworldly beauty and calmness that seemed to radiate from him. Though he seemed to lack the typical grace of his kin, one still got the sense that Orliander knew how to handle the finely crafted darkwood longbow slung across his back.

[Fable Wright]

This... this is a chance for a grand adventure. A scourge, rising from the depths of the world, killing all within it's wake. Only to be stopped by noble adventurers, the saviors of the world. There was no doubt that this would become a story of legend, even if Seriat had to compose it himself. And this was a great time for it to happen. Just after the huge haul from the dragon, there was a chance to put his loot to use. It was a bit of a shame not getting to loot the tomb in the mountains, but beggars can't be choosers, after all. There was just one thing bothering him...
Just curious... why are we going this way, along this road? What's up ahead that we're trying to find? Are we just traveling in a random direction, hoping for something to pop up? Not that I'm complaining. A reason would be nice. He says, more to himself than to anyone else.

A but further down the path, when he sees the abandoned place, he just stops. Erm... who put this here? And why? And why is it abandoned? It's like it just came out of nowhere to accommodate us. Does this smell like a trap to anyone else?

Thinking about this, things seemed more and more out of place... he finds an adventuring group right when he needs one, wandering along a random road without a reason, with a mysterious rest house seemingly made just for them, abandoned with no rent needed. Going back through his encyclopedic memory, he tries to think of why this might actually be here...

Knowledge checks:
Nature: [roll0]+15
Arcana: [roll1]+15
The Planes: [roll2]+15
Local: [roll3]+15
Religion: [roll4]+15

Turning to Orliander, Seriat says, I'll join you for first watch. It's usually best to have two people out per shift.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek considers Seriet's words about a trap silently. The sigils above his head whirl faster, almost as a physical manifestation of the churning of the gears within his own head. Silently, he just nods, hefting his black metal 6-bladed mace.

We should check out the perimeter first. That would be the logical thing to do. Orliander?

[CockroachTeaParty]

The elf stood, regarding the scene with his deep green eyes.
"It would be a dark day indeed when a wayshrine of the Wanderer is not safe for travelers to camp within. That said, these are nothing if not dark times. Take whatever precautions you feel necessary."
Orliander considered drawing his blade before entering, but the thought of violating the sanctity of such a place with naked steel disgusted him. Trusting in his faith, he approached the front entrance, and rapped on the door with the back of a gauntleted hand.

(If no one answers, he'll try the door and enter.)

[Jair Barik]

After no answer Orliander can take a quick look inside the building and finds it is dark and empty. It contains three bunkbeds, a table with chairs, a fireplace and what appear to be a relatively complete set of cooking utensils. Orliander also notices a chest of sorts that has been slid beneath the table. It is hardly luxury but the word cosy comes to mind when looking at the inside of the building, Orliander cannot tell wether or not it has been inhabited recently. From inside (and from having approached the building) the party can now tell that there is in fact a well tucked into the corner of the fenced off animal pen, as well as a second door out of the building into the pen. In total the hut has four windows, one opening out over the wood stack to the west, the others on the north, east and south walls of the building, they are quite small and don't appear to have any mechanism for opening them. To the south of the road is a small hill but otherwise the land is relatively flat around here. A small glade of trees surround the hut but those to the west of the hut have been cut down for firewood and so only stumps remain of them.

@DM of darkness

Approaching the building you suspect that is likely one of the hospices erected and maintained by the worshippers of Fharlanghn, diety of roads. Though it is likely to be uninhabited it probably contains beds for the night and a cache of supplies from which travellers are free to take whatever they need (though they are expected to place something back in the cache for other who may come to use it).


Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/rect6464-1.png
Grey squares are a 5ft incline that represent the hill, blue is windows, white small squares are doors. The small brown line represents the fence of the animal hold, you cannot move through the fence freely but it doesn't obstruct sight.

[Malachei]

Aden had been quiet for most of the journey. He had chosen his path to the front or to the side of the small band, and took to walking behind the kobold from time to time. In fact, the blue-cloaked man with the weathered face and weary look had spoken only when necessary, watching the surroundings instead. He had seemed unfeeling to the others at first, but at the campside, when he had freed his cat from the backpack she had been hidden in, his voice was affectionate, “Here, Lai, have some milk,“ he had said warmly, as he had poured the white liquid from his worn brown waterskin into a small bowl he had carefully rubbed clean before. As the cat had sipped the milk, he had gently fondled her back. It was custom that men fed first, and beast thereafter, but he had taken care of the cat before he had stilled his own appetite, and even before he had tended to his leg.

Because of his leg, the cold troubled him more than the others. It felt stiff in the mornings and was slightly limping on occasion, and he changed the wrapping of bandage on every rest they hed. But he did not slow his step or ask for a break. Instead, he pressed on. I will find you, he thought, and his eyes burned with a dark fire, I will find you.

Aden Hawk, the one they called the ghost, had come a long way. He had faced many evils, but they, they meant malice of another magnitude. For years, he had tracked them, and all the while they had been warned, and had spied on him. When he had found out, it had been too late. He had lost everything he loved, and his faith, and some say his mind, as well. Now, he had nothing to lose. Now, it was my turn.


* * *

“Aye,“ Aden agrees with the elf, “and I shall take the middle and last watch.“ He looks around and chooses a bed, dropping his large backpack on it. Then he inspects the rooms, and taps the floor and walls for hollow sounds, walks around the building, and finally climbs the roof. As usual, the quiet man’s need for security required a peculiar level of scrutiny, a habit the others slowly got accustomed to. After the quick search of the hut, he grabs his crossbow, looks at the others and asks, “Who wants to come and check the hill?“

[Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 62/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Hearing the Air
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander strings his bow and nods at Aden.
"I'll join you on a perimeter sweep, sir."
As they make their way toward the hill, the elf speaks softly to the man.
"I hope you do not mind my prying, Aden, but I couldn't help but notice on the road your leg is giving you trouble. It may be within my power to heal it; we should all be in the best shape possible should we come across any danger."

[Malachei]

Aden looks at the elf for a moment, then gives a thin-lipped smile, ”Never mind the leg, master priest. Can you mend the rest, first?” he asks cynically, but not without sympathy. Clenching his teeth, he walks up the hill, dragging his leg more often than not. He shakes his head and mutters ”Rhach i naghelch”1 in the elven tongue. His accent may be a pain in the elf’s ears, but nonetheless, his pronunciation is correct. As he often did, Aden closes his eyes for long moments, but does not halt or stop in his path. When he opens his eyes again and sees the elf’s look, he nods and gives a hoarse laugh, ”The eyes ain’t too good, either…” As they approach the upper part of the hill, Aden motions Orliander to follow him at a small distance. Between the seasoned warriors of the band, little talk was necessary. All of them had quickly adjusted their signals and tactics to the various abilities of the group. Now let us be on the right track…

OOC:

Hearing the Air active.
Hide [roll0]


1 Elven

“Curse the coldbite!”


Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 62/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Hearing the Air
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek follows Aden, back and slightly inside, as the group sweeps the perimeter. Reason remains clutched in both of Byerek's hands, its black metal blades glinting in the setting sunlight.

[Jair Barik]

Aden finds no hollow cavities in the walls or floors, the roof seems in relatively good shape too. In his searching he will likely open up the chest under the table. You find inside of it two coils of 50ft hemp rope, twenty torches, two waterskins, two sets of flint and steel, three flasks of acid and two vials of alchemists fire. The perimeter sweep to the hill reveals no sign of enemies in the immediate vicinity. Looking out eastward though Orliander, Aden and Byerek will all note that the hills are starting to get larger and rockier, eventually becoming fully fledged mountains that squat upon the horizon, their cold rocky peaks piercing the sky like monstrous fangs. The night is getting colder and none of you have likely eaten since midday, perhaps even breakfast.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

It would be wise of us to go inside and eat. We will need our strength when we finally come across drow to battle. Byerek remarks frankly.

[Fable Wright]

Agreed. Seriat says, entering the hut. Should you cook, or shall I?

OOC:
Question: Does well-cooked food give stat bonuses/bonus healing/something? If so, boosted Profession (Chef) check for the meal: [roll0]+10

[Jair Barik]

Seriat cooks up a fine meal that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Yet as night begins to come and dusk fades into the recent past you hear the clanking of armour and weapons replace the quiet sounds of the countryside at dusk.

(Evryone is awake, nobody has removed their armour or weapons yet).

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Reason snaps up to a readied position while Byerek strains his ears searching for the sound. The sigils over his brow whirl furiously, even as his eyes focus straight ahead in a near medatitive calm.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander had found the meal exquisite, and was looking forward to perhaps sharing a campside tale when the noises disturbed them. Standing, he reached out and produced his silver holy symbol: a crescent moon on a delicate platinum chain. The elf closes his eyes, concentrating.
<Elven: "Protector and Preserver of All Life, cast your light into the darkness. Let your servant see past uncertainty.">

(Casting Detect Evil, which can penetrate wooden barriers less than 3 feet thick; enough to conceivably detect what's lurking outside the shelter. Concentrating as long as needed.)

[Jair Barik]

Orliander can detect evil close at hand, but before he detects anything more you will have noticed the approach of what appear to be Ogres or some other large goblinoid lurching through the darkness towards the building. You can count four of them through the window of the door and whatever they are they seem to have got the drop on you.

Initiative order
-Paty goes first (group initiative) no need to roll.
-Ogres go second.

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/rect6464-2.png

[Fable Wright]

Seriat, after hearing the noises, scrambled to get his combat equipment. Namely, his shield, sword, bow, chain shirt, and, as an afterthought, Pelor's holy symbol. Seeing the dark figures lurching out of the night, he squints into the darkness to see what they are.
Spot check as I get a good view of them: [roll0]+10
Moving to get out of the front door, into J15. Opening the door as a standard action.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander draws his bow, his eyes narrowing.
"Evil is upon us. Ogres, by the looks of it."
Still holding his holy symbol, he whispers softly to it before letting it go.
<Elven: "Guide my arrows, Father.">

(Casting Divine Favor, granting Orliander a +3 luck bonus to attack rolls and weapon damage rolls for 1 minute.)

[Ernir]

Rubikk

The little, dark-clad kobold had been so quiet up until now that those who didn't have a particular racial enmity against him had slowly been finding him slip out of his mind. Even during dinner, he had been unobtrusive, his small needs barely making a dent in the food available.

And why would he? He's not here to talk, or to make friends. But joining up with those big mammals are his best bet to make sure half of his kind doesn't meet the pointy end of a drow's rapier.

As the trolls (ogres? Giants? Those damn things all look the same!) approach, he leaps to his feet, tiny dagger in each hand. He doesn't say a word, but he emits some kind of low-pitched hum as he sneaks up to the door.

Move action: Move to G14, draw daggers.
Standard action: Manifest Force Screen, 1PP.

Power points: 33/34
Hit points: 52/52

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Gripping Reason in one hand, Byerek mutters something in a foreign language, the sigils over his brow flashing once, then twice, before again slowing. His skin glows a faint ruddy red before returning to its near opalescent white.

OOC (DC 16 Spellcraft if anyone REALLY cares)
Casting Resist Energy (Fire) before moving to I14.


Edited location.

[Malachei]

Aden nods at the others and mutters, "I'll have the roof." Quickly, dragging his leg only a little, he takes the door to the animal pen. As he leaves, Lai stares wide-eyed and meows. Aden turns and starts to climb the hut. As he reaches the roof, he rolls onto it, and cowers. In the moment of an imminent battle, he conjures a spiritual image, and an assuring warmth runs through his body. He exhales.


OOC:


Moving out of the house. Climbing the roof. Moving to I-12. Activating Child of Shadow.

Climb [roll1]



Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 62/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Child of Shadow
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)



EDIT: As my action was changed, I edited the complete post and deleted the Jump check.

[Jair Barik]

Aden manages to climb up onto the roof of the building and doesn't detect anything amiss. However as the Ogres begin to move for the building both Aden and Seriat feel a sense of dread that they cannot describe (-1 penalty to all attack rolls, skill checks and saving throws) out of nowhere a strange creature, wolf like in appearance but the size of a horse, with long quills extending in a mane from its head materialises in front of the front door to the hut cutting off his route back to the rest of the party. The front two Ogres then lurch towards him in a charge like motion the first clobbering him with its mighty rancid smelling club (26 damage) and the second missing, its blow bashing the hut harmlessly instead. The quilled beast emits a dreadful howl that fills the night then lunges into Seriat. Seriat can fend off the creatures bite with his shield but one of its quills stabs him in the chest and sinks deep into his flesh (9 damage plus he must make a DC16 reflex save or have the quill embed itself in his flesh, a further -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves). The other two Ogres lurch onwards towards the building but seem to lack the brains to try and flank the party, instead waiting for their companions to move out the way.

Aden can sit comfortably in his shadowy defense but as he watches the unfolding events below a violet glow envelops the area around him and sits upon his skin outlining him in a purple aura.

Initiative order
-Players
-Ogres+other monster

[roll0]

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101.png

[Malachei]

No! Aden runs to help Seriat, his face grim and dark. With a swift motion, he jumps from the roof in a salto motion, drawing one of his long, curved, slender black daggers in the air. As he whirls through the air, his blade slices into the quilled beast's neck, and a dark fountain of blood spills the air. As he lands, he shouts "Come and dance..."

OOC:


Activate Assassin's Stance. Move ten feet south. Attack the quilled creature with Death from Above. The jump-check is an auto-success.

Attack: [roll0] (including +1 for attacking from higher ground). Target is considered flat-footed against this attack.
Damage: [roll1] plus [roll2] from Death from Above plus [roll3] sneak damage.

Land at G-15.



Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 62/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Assassin’s Stance
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Jair Barik]

Aden sails through the air his blade whistling with the wind as he strikes the creature straight across the neck. As he moves Aden finds the purple glows follows him, gripping to his body.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

All right, time to show the thugs how it's done, Rubikk thinks to himself rather more smugly than he has a right to.

The dim humming continues as he darts out the door and between the legs of the quilled monster, stabbing once at its tendons as he flies past.

Move action: Move to G16. Don't provoke for moving through Q's space, automatically succeed on the Tumble DC to not provoke from O1.
Standard action: Attack Q. [roll0] for [roll1] + [roll2] Sneak Attack. (Attack roll includes +2 for flanking with Seriat)

Power points: 33/34
Hit points: 52/52

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Leaping and diving, Byerek ninjas through the door, moving to F15.


Tumble to avoid AoO [roll0] vs DC25 of Q, then defensively cast Whirling Blade as needed [roll1] vs DC17.

60' line from the upper right corner of F15 to the lower right corner of P17 will hit all targets (large squares are SO easy to hit! :smallbiggrin:)
[roll2] [roll3] vs Touch AC
[roll4] [roll5] vs Touch AC
[roll6] [roll7] vs Touch AC
[roll8] [roll9] vs Touch AC
[roll10] [roll11] vs Touch AC
Note that the bolded number above it the die ROLL, not the total attack bonus due to the rollv function. All attacks made vs touch AC due to Wraithstrike.

[Fable Wright]

Reflex save is still necessary: [roll0]+7
Inspiration points left: 14/15

Drawing out the holy symbol and clutching it in his hand, he thrusts it out in front of him, crying "Foul undead! Face the Wrath of Pelor!" as a wave of holy energy emanates from the symbol. With a deft action, channeling some of the remaining holy energy and his own magic, he snags one of the undead strong enough to resist Pelor's wrath and bend it to his will by means of arcane magics, before shouting at it, Kill the beast!

Actions: Move action to draw holy symbol, 5-ft step into K15.Using Opportunistic Piety to turn some of the undead for now. Turning check and damage check: [roll1], [roll2]+9. Can turn them if they are 7HD or less.

Regardless, cunning surge to cast a prepared Control Undead spell on the ogre nearest to the creature that has not been turned. Boosted concentration check: [roll3]+11, and spending an inspiration point to deter attacks (+6 to AC again) against the two adjacent ogres.

Knowledge checks to determine what the new beast is:
Nature: [roll4]+15
The Planes: [roll5]+15
Arcana: [roll6]+15

Knowledge devotion check forthcoming, depending on results.

Inspiration points left: 6/15 (+1 if none of them hit) :smalleek:

[Jair Barik]

Rubikk and Byrek both feel the same sense of dread as they leave the building (-1 to attack rolls, saves, skill checks, damage rolls) but in spite of this they can nimbly avoid the quill beast. Rubikk stabs at its vulnerable underbelly but its hide is too thick for his weapon to penetrate. Byrek's blade flies true slicing through all of the Ogres and dealing heavy damage to each the only one it doesn't manage to hit is the quill beast which nimbly dodges beneath the blade as it passes overhead.

Readying himself against the undead Seriat thankfully manages to avoid the creatures quill breaking off and sticking in his flesh. His calls for Pelor's aid seem to go unanswered though as the Ogres hold firm, perhaps this time the sun God has seen through his piety. Where the divine fails him though the arcane prevails and the Ogre is powerless to resist his spell, readying itself to attack the quill beast at its next opportunity.

@DarkDM

The 'Quill beast' is in fact a Howler, not a fully fledged demon or devil but a denizen of the lower planes none the less. Prolonged exposure to the howlers howl is known to drive a man insane and its quills require careful medical care when being removed or they can cause further injury to the victim.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander sees the quilled monstrosity just outside the door to the wayshrine. The presence of such a beast befouling the sanctity of this humble holy place fills the elf with indignation. On behalf of the gods, he looses a volley of arrows at the monster...


Knowledge (the planes) check to see if Orliander knows what the howler is: [roll0]

Regardless, he will full attack from his current position, using Rapid Shot. Point Blank Shot also kicks in. The howler likely has cover though, since he's shooting at a target outside the door frame from within. Orliander will fire as many times as needed to bring the creature down, saving any unneeded arrows.

Fire 1: [roll1] Damage: [roll2]
Fire 2: [roll3] Damage: [roll4]
Fire 3: [roll5] Damage: [roll6]

9 rounds remain of Divine Favor.

[Jair Barik]

Orlianders first arrow cuts down the Howler. Letting out one last how into the night sky it vanishes, leaving no body. The back two Ogres still incapable of reaching anything with their clubs instead draw javelins which they hurl at the kobold who they have just noticed, both of these miss and the Ogres continue to amble around. The commanded Ogre stares blankly into space waiting further instruction and the final Ogre swings its greatclub at Seriat who, despite performing an excellent dodge, is unable to avoid the sheer bulk of the weapon (17 damage). Before any further action can be taken against the Ogres a new threat appears in the place where the Howler was standing. This one comes in the form of a large ape with red fur and a pair of horns protruding from its skull. Bellowing in fury it swings both of its claws at Aden, with the first one wreathed in a noxious black glow. Both tear into him but before the beast can deliver a bite with its oversized fangs Aden manages to push it off and block its advances with his dagger (Aden suffers 14 damage from the glowing attack and 11 from the second claw).


Initiative
-Party
-Ogres+Ape

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-1.png

[Malachei]

Aden gasps as the ape's sudden appearance catches him off guard. He tries to avoid the creature's blows, but cries in pain as the ape's claws rip his side. In return to the wild animal's brutal assault, the martial adept moves with swift yet deadly elegance. He spreads his arms wide and raises his long slender daggers, as he runs into the feral creature. As he ducks underneath the ape's long arms, his weapons slash out at the creature's belly. He shouts as his blades tear the beast's flesh. Red blood bursts from the ape's wounds, and the swordsage raises his weapons again, ready to strike in a finishing move. "Summoned beasts!" he shouts, "Conjurer, somewhere!" Then he whirls in a circular motion, his daggers slashing the ape's throat.

OOC:


TWF Attack, flanking:

1st Attack: [roll0], damage: [roll1] plus [roll2] sneak.
2nd Attack: [roll3], damage: [roll4] plus [roll5] sneak.
3rd Attack: [roll6], damage: [roll7] plus [roll8] sneak.
4th Attack: [roll9], damage: [roll10] plus [roll11] sneak.

If still alive, activate Dancing Mongoose

1st Attack: [roll12], damage: [roll13] plus [roll14] sneak.
3rd Attack: [roll15], damage: [roll16] plus [roll17] sneak.

I'll edit the rest of my action according to the results.

Can I make a Listen check to determine if I have heard the familiar chant of spellcasting?

EDIT: See Listen check in OOC.



Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 37/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Assassin’s Stance
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Hearing Aden's words, Byerek focuses on his headband, gaining True Sight and immediately scans the surounding area. Seeing trouble, Byerek moves away from the ogre's slightly to D16.

OOC @ Jair

I still have a move action, I'd like to know what I see before I take it.

Seriat! Invisible drow 15' above the ground to your left (assuming you are facing south).

[CockroachTeaParty]

The elven cleric moves to the entrance to the wayshrine, taking cover at the doorframe. His suspicions that an enemy spellcaster was nearby were all but confirmed, but before he could deal with that, Orliander first decides to try and earn his companions some breathing room. He holds aloft his crescent moon holy symbol, and a silver radiance glows from it as he wills the undead to disperse.
<Elven: "Leave this sacred place now! The Seldarune command it!">


Moving to G14 and taking cover.
Attempting to turn the undead ogres.
Turning check: [roll0] Undead of up to 13 HD are turned.
Turning Damage: [roll1]

8 rounds of Divine Favor left.

[Jair Barik]

Aden's sword blows cut through the ape though two of them miss and those made with his regular dagger seem highly ineffective. The light of the elf God shines upon the Ogres and the closest one shrinks back, preparing to flee from the display of holy power.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

This could be going more smoothly..., Rubikk thinks to himself as he dodges between the legs of the ogres, who can't seem to be able to do a thing to stop him.

Move action: Accelerated tumble to L15, using Underfoot Combat to move into the square of Ogre 4. [roll0] (DC 17, I believe.)
Other action already spent on reattempting the Spot (rolled in OoC thread).

Power points: 33/34
Hit points: 52/52

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural) + 4 (cover from Underfoot Combat))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Fable Wright]

Seriat

After getting a location of the invisible enemy, Seriat grins. This was something he could do something about. Pick my up and hold me above your head, and attack anyone who attempts to attack me! He commands his ogre, whilem shuffling closer to the other one and again praying to Pelor. Yea Pelor, my God, I am your servant. Help me in this time of need, oh radiant master!
[Turn Undead rolls in the OOC thread]
and, above the battle and out of the range of the disruptive attackers and making a meatshield for himself, he scans the battlefield. Aiming at the spot where the elf had designated, he mumbles A'kar, seria, muldon! and points his finger at the point, causing the air to explode into a haze of rainbow-colored pigments.

Spending an inspiration point to cast glitterdust at the point I was directed to, move action to command the ogre.
Inspiration points left: 5/15
HP left: 36

[Jair Barik]

Seriat turns the ogre closest to him.

[Jair Barik]

Two of the Ogres break for it, the light of the Gods instilling them with fear (O1 and O4 are running away from the battle, Rubikk and Seriat may make an AoO but doing so will break the turning)

The remaining two Ogres turn their attention to the small kobold trying to flatten him with their clubs but he is quick and small and narrowly evades both blows.
Everyone but Rubikk feels the strange dread that had come upon them lift (no more -1 penalty) and it as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

@Keld Denar
The drow priestess moves to approximately M12 and then disappears from your sight behind the building having descended to match its cover as she moved.

Initiative order
-Party
-Ogres

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-2.png

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Gripping Reason in both hands, the illumian man rushes at one of the remaining ogres.


Charge to M16, tumbling the remaining 3 squares (60 total effective movement). Tumble checks vs O2 and O3.
[roll0] vs DC15
[roll1] vs DC17

Full Power Attack on O3
[roll2] [roll3] vs touch AC


After landing the hit, Byerek looks to the left for the flying drow.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander steps out of the wayshrine, still holding his holy symbol aloft. Quickly, he shouts to his companions, "There's a drow spellcaster? Where are they?"
Once more, the silver light shines from his crescent moon pendant, as he tries to will the remaining undead to flee.
<Elven: "Cower before the light of life and reason!">


Moving to H15, then trying to turn the remaining undead.
Turning check: [roll0] Undead of up to 13 HD are turned.
Turning damage: [roll1]

7 rounds of Divine Favor remain.

[Jair Barik]

Byerek cuts down the Ogre with his blade and the final one flees before Orliander's radiant symbol.

@Keld

You cannot see the drow priestess at the moment.

[Malachei]

Aware of an invisible conjurer somewhere, Aden's mind races Must be here, nearby... I cannot wait to get them... He forces himself to interrupt his thoughts. Eagerness is not your friend. Anger will not lead you on. The void will. He closes his eyes, he focuses inward and reaches an inner calm, a state of pure mental awareness. He exhales. Then he continues, walking around the house.

OOC:


Activate Hearing the Air. Take a move action to L-15. If I don't locate anyone, move onward via M-14 -- O-13 (this is where my single move would end -- if still nobody detected, continue to O-7).



Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 37/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Hearing the Air
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Jair Barik]

@Aden
Upon reaching O13 you sense the presence of a humanoid shape at T11 amongst the cover of the trees.

[Malachei]

Suddenly, Aden stops. "Invisible threat between the two southern trees, in the middle!", he shouts.

[Fable Wright]

Thinking quickly, Seriat spots some incongruities. How'd the summoner get over there so quickly? Byerek, can you confirm if this is the summoner? He calls, getting into a good position to see the field and readying a spell to negate some of the illusion.

Moving to N19a. Readying an action for casting a glitterdust, to be cast after I get a good reply.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Hmm. I'd be paste right now if it weren't for these people, wouldn't I?, Rubikk thinks as he rushes over to help. Those who watch closely see him shimmer briefly with some kind of supernatural power that washes over him.

Move action: Move to Q12, full speed tumble: [roll0] (DC 17)
Standard action: Manifest Wall Walker. Trying to do so without the display: [roll1] (DC 17)

Power points: 30/34
Hit points: 52/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 5/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4 (-1 not written in)

[Jair Barik]

Seriat needn't bother casting his glitterdust as the drow priestess flies into view from behind the building casting a spell upon Byerek as she moves towards the trees draining some of his magics from him (true seeing is gone). The drow woman wears an incredibly stylish and well made shirt of metal, made from what appear to be long black threads it forms an elegant spider pattern that decorates her body in contrast to her long flowing white hair. She currently hovers amongst the trees at about 20ft in the air.

She is not alone though as two male drow come screaming out of the trees charging into Aden and Rubikk with mighty greataxes. Rubikk easily dodges the chargeas does Aden so their efforts are for nought.

Initiative order
-Party
-Drow

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-3.png

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander heads towards the sound of the fighting. There were times, like this, when he cursed his reliance on heavy, cumbersome armor, as it slowed him down. Reaching the corner of the wayshrine, he saw the drow making there attack. Clutching his holy symbol, he raised it aloft. He had asked Corellon earlier in the day for this spell, for just such an occasion. Few things were as anathema to the drow as the sun's sweet kiss.
<Elven: "Children of Lolth! The Seldarune cast their judgment!">
Suddenly, a blast of golden light explodes from the elf's hand, lighting up the battlefield as if it were high noon. The drow recoil, their retinas burned by the power of the light.


Moving to L15, and casting Daylight, illuminating a 60 ft. radius circle with bright illumination, and a 120 ft. radius circle with shadowy illumination. If these are indeed drow, they will be blinded for 1 round, no save, no SR, and remain dazzled for as long as they remain within the spell's radius.

6 rounds remain for Divine Favor, 9 for the turning.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

The kobold squeals softly as the light hits, but not as loudly as the drow.

And here's to making them squeal more!

Attacking the drow at R12:
[roll0] for [roll1] + [roll2] SA damage
[roll3] for [roll4] + [roll5] SA damage
[roll6] for [roll7] + [roll8] SA damage
[roll9] for [roll10] + [roll11] SA damage
Then a 5' step to P11.

That's assuming the drow are currently holding their eyes in pain, if they don't look bothered by the light, I Hustle to O11 and full attack the other drow.



Power points: 30/34
Hit points: 52/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 5/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Fable Wright]

Relieved that his foes were no longer attacking him, Seriat knocks an arrow and lines up a shot at the enemy (what he assumed to be a priestess, according to drow lore), waiting to disrupt her and prevent her from channeling the spells of Lolth.

Move action to knock arrow, readying a standard action to fire and disrupt. I will use an inspiration point on the attack. Also, on the knowledge devotion roll.

Attack: [roll0]+13
Damage: [roll1]+13
Knowledge (Local): [roll2]+24

[Jair Barik]

The spell shocks the drow and they all cover their eyes in response to the sudden burst of illumination. Despite this Rubikk's attack is ineffective, only one of his strikes managing to penetrate the warriors breastplate. Seriat can happily notch an arrow in preperation for the casters next spell.

[Malachei]

"Too bright?" Aden mocks the drow, as Orliander's daylight blinds their eyes. He, however, opens his eyes again, his stance poised, one weapon pointing before him, the other raised high above. As he lashes out at the drow, he beckons, "Come into the shadow and meet your ghost."

OOC:


Change into Assassin's Stance.

TWF Attack:
(EDIT: Does NOT include +2 attack bonus versus blind enemy)

1st [roll0], damage [roll1] plus [roll2] bane plus [roll3] sneak attack.
2nd [roll4], damage [roll5] plus [roll6] bane plus [roll7] sneak attack.
3rd [roll8], damage: [roll9] plus [roll10] sneak.
4th [roll11], damage: [roll12] plus [roll13] sneak.




Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 37/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Assassin’s Stance
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek moves to N10, avoiding the drow near Aden. With another flick of his wrist, his bladed mace flies toward the drow priestess before returning to his hands.


Whirling Blade, PA for 2.
[roll0] [roll1] vs touch AC.

If this hits, she will be rendered visible for 1 round, even if she turns invisible.

[Jair Barik]

Aden cuts down his blinded foe with ease, dropping him to the ground in a bloody mess. The other drow steps back away from his foe though and feels around on his belt grabbing a potion and drinking it down, his wounds all healing up.
The drow priestess is struck by Byerek's sword and yells in pain. But she still flies and begins casting another spell. Seriat takes this as his cue to fire and hits the priestess mid casting but she still manages to get the spell off (Will saves for Byerek, Rubikk, Orliander and Aden please) then flies to a position of greater safety behind the tree.

Initiative
-Party
-Drow

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-4.png
Orliander is in L15, forgot to move him before doing the map

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Malachei]

As he feels a wave of dark magic rushing towards him, he braces against the storm. He crosses his arms in front of his face and closes his eyes, reaching for the inner tranquility that has been his refuge and his savior countless times. All light bundles into a single gleaming star, and then the clarity of a diamond shines in his mind. His faith was lost, his heart torn apart. But his spirit was unbroken, a fortress of pure force, harder than steel and ready to form into a wall or a blade, as he desired. Invictus.

[Jair Barik]

@CTP

You feel the spell grip your mind, your natural elven resistance aids in your defence but ultimately the dark magic wins. This round Orliander will stand where he is and babble incoherently making no other actions.

@Malachei

You feel the dark magic of the drow grip at your mind but shrug it off.

@keld denar

You feel the dark magic of the drow grip at your mind but shrug it off.

@Ernir

You feel the dark magic of the drow grip at your mind but you retain control of yourself and it seems you are unaffected.

[roll0]

[CockroachTeaParty]

"Aggle shibbible, cagdaggle dingle dangle dongle. Foop!"


Spellcraft check to identify the spell as it was cast, retroactively:
[roll0]

5 rounds remain of Divine Favor.

[Fable Wright]

Seeing how the drow priestess shrugged off an arrow so easily, and got out of the range of his arrows, he decides for a more... unconventional means of attack. Standing atop the bluff, he readies a small, hard ball made of sulfur and bat guano, tensing, and waiting to give that priestess a bit of his mind.

Move action to get to P21, readying an action to disrupt her spellcasting with a fireball. Exact location to be determined at the time of casting.
Damage: [roll0]
After casting, 2/15 inspiration points left.
Make this concentration check, Witch!

[Ernir]

Rubikk

My mind? My mind! Getoutgetoutgetout, you black-skinned daughter of a creepy crawler!, Rubikk thinks in a panic, afraid of his only safe place in the world being attacked by the drow's magic.
I'll get you for that... he thinks, and bounds after the drow spellcaster.

Move action: Move to S8, look up. Spot [roll0] - do I see a spell component pouch?
IF I see a spell component pouch, I manifest Hustle, move 20' up the tree with my extra move action (using Wall Walker and tumble) and attempt to relieve her of it with Sleight of Hand [roll1] as a standard action.
ELSE (I see no spell component pouch), I ready a move action to tumble 20' up the tree if I get approached in melee.

Power points: 30/34 (not accounting for possible Hustling.)
Hit points: 52/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 5/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek charges to R11, bringing Reason swinging around in an overhand blow.


PA for 8
[roll0] [roll1]
vs Touch AC, or +2 vs FF Touch AC if they are still blinded (are they?).

Statblock
Byerek Runeweaver (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=141950)
M LG Illumian (NaenHoon) Paladin4/Dusk2/Suel1/AC2, Level 9, Init +1, HP 72/72, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort +15, Ref +10, Will +15, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1 Adamantine Reason - Executioner's Mace +13/+8 (2d6+7, 19-20 x3)
PA for 2 +11/+6 (2d6+13, )
PA for 8 +5/-1 (2d6+25, )
Padded Leather (+1 Armor, +6 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 20
Condition None
Spell Effects Wraithstrike (CL13), Shield (CL13) Resist Fire (CL12)

[Jair Barik]

Rubikk cannot spot a spellcasting pouch on the drow so he remains where he is and awaits the enemies response. The drow male steps back away from Byerek after he lands a succesful blow (5ft step to T14) and pulls out another potion, drinking it to heal the worst of his injuries. The priestess acts in a similar manner pulling out a wand and tapping her skin with it to heal the worst of her wounds. At this point Seriat lets off an explosion of fire wreathing the tree and the priestess in flames, but infuriatingly these seem to simply curl off of her skin to no effect.

@CTP

Orliander identifies the spell as confusion. He cannot relay this information to his allies though as he continues to spend this round babbling nonsense.

@Ernir

Rubikk suddenly lapses into babbling uncontrollaby. He can take no actions this turn other than spewing nonsensical gobbledygook.

Initiative order
-Party
-Drow


[roll0]
[roll1]

Map
*To be posted when I am back at my laptop*

[Malachei]

Aden smiles as the drow turns to take cover near the tree. "This will not save you," he whispers, "Nothing will." Swiftly, he moves closer, ducking as he approaches the enemy. Almost at arm's reach, he leaps into the air and lands behind the drow. As his enemy turns to face Aden, blood is flowing down over the drow's clavicle. Aden nods at his foe, "You don't have much time left."


OOC:


This is assuming that the Drow is at T-14. Aden moves to S-14 and initiates Death from Above again. Jump check is an auto-success.

[roll0] vs. flat-footed AC. Damage: [roll1] plus [roll2] from Death from Above plus [roll3] bane plus [roll4] sneak.

EDIT: 46 damage in total. Aden will then land at T-15 so his ally can move into a flanking position more easily.

[CockroachTeaParty]

"Aggle aggle aggle hep hep hep WOONK!"


4 rounds remain of Divine Favor, 7 for the turning.

[Jair Barik]

Malachie moves in on the kill and strikes, jumping through the air (not from T14 as that is where the tree trunk is but from one of the other applicable squares) and slicing the drow across the neck. As he lands on the other side of his opponent the foes head falls from his neck and hits the ground, the body collapsing after it.

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-5.png

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk stares at the drow spellcaster, and says something in a voice that sounds, if anything, like an old hinge.

"Ooorokkovookoo! Hovooorookkoshoggooooovvoooo..."

[Fable Wright]

Grinding his teeth, Seriat picks up his bow and once again readies it to disrupt the spellcasting, his right arm still tingling after the magical backlash of the spell...

Spending an inspiration point on damage roll against priestess, reading attack to disrupt casting.

[roll0]+13
[roll1]+13

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Leveling Reason across his field of vision, Byerek calls out to the drow priestess in common. I thought drow priestess were supposed to be superior to males in every way? Why do you hide behind your flight to keep you safe like a coward? Like a male? If you are really superior, fly down here and flay my flesh with your snake whip. Show me the glory of Llolth! With that, Byerek spits.


Readied action to attack with Whirling Blade if she casts another spell. PA for 2.
[roll0] [roll1] vs touch AC


Statblock
Byerek Runeweaver (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=141950)
M LG Illumian (NaenHoon) Paladin4/Dusk2/Suel1/AC2, Level 9, Init +1, HP 72/72, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort +15, Ref +10, Will +15, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1 Adamantine Reason - Executioner's Mace +13/+8 (2d6+7, 19-20 x3)
PA for 2 +11/+6 (2d6+13, )
PA for 8 +5/-1 (2d6+25, )
Padded Leather (+1 Armor, +6 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 20
Condition None
Spell Effects Wraithstrike (CL13), Shield (CL13) Resist Fire (CL12)

[Jair Barik]

The priestess floats behind the tree and out of Byerek's sight. She begins casting another spell and Seriat just about has enough vision to make a shot but it is to hard and the arrow misses completely. As the spell reaches its conclusion a magical sword of purple energy appears in front of Aden and strikes him twice across the chest, its force wounding him greatly and leaving a pair of bloody gashes (13 damage total).

@CTP

Orliander must flee from the drow as fast as he can, instilled with an unerathly fear.

@Ernir

Babbling like a loon worked out so well last time that you think you will continue to do it now.

Initiative
-Party
-Drow

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-6.png

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"Hoombaroombaraboom-ba, bomm-ba, bomm-ba, bomm-ba, bomm-bah!"

Power points: 30/34
Hit points: 52/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 5/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Behind the tree, Byerek begins chanting in a strange, musical language.

OOC
To anyone who speaks Illumian, it sounds like: ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON ENLARGE PERSON

Its a 1 round cast time, so it'll complete by the start of my next turn.

[CockroachTeaParty]

"AIIIIIGGGGH!!!"

Orliander sprints away from the battle as fast as his heavily encumbered legs will take him, taking the light of the Daylight spell with him...


A Run action will take me 60 ft., roughly to C23.
3 rounds for Divine Favor, 6 for turning.

[Fable Wright]

Cursing under his breath, Seriat swiftly moves up, bow in hand, readying another shot at the priestess, trying to control the magic welling up in his arm from his anger...
Since the inspiration damage is done as the damage is resolved (I think; AFB right now), I still have it... and I'm using it again.
[roll0]+13
[roll1]+13
1/15 left if I make this hit. Or 0 left if I used the inspiration point before.

[Malachei]

With a curse, Aden responds to the drow's witchery. I cannot do much against this witchblade... The martial adept realizes this fight is one of witchcraft, not of blade magic. To his comrades, he calls out "Banish her witchcraft!" and with a swift gesture, he draws his cloak over his face. A moment later, he has vanished in the shadows.

OOC:


Activate Child of Shadow stance. Use Shadow Jaunt maneuver, teleport to W-5 as a standard action. Move to V-5 and Hide behind tree [roll0].



Aden Hawk

Aden Hawk aka The Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138) (Picture) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/Avatarist/Aden.jpg)
Male Chaotic Good Human Swordsage 9 Level 9 Init +8 HP 24/62 Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 17 Flat-footed 16 Fort +5 Ref +11 Will +8 Base Attack Bonus +6
Melee: (Shadow Blade:) Dagger +13 / +8 (1d4+9, 19-20/x2) or two daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9, 1d4+7) -- assumes Shadow Hand stance -- +2 damage if using Tiger Claw maneuver -- without Shadow Blade damage is 1d4+3, 1d4+1 Ranged: Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
AC: Mithral Shirt, Wisdom to AC (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Misc)
Saves: +2 if in Shadow Hand stance.
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18 (20), Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14 , Cha 12
Conditions: None
Active Stance: Child of Shadow
Readied Maneuvers: See character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)

[Jair Barik]

As Seriat takes aim Aden disappears into hiding. Annoyingly it seems his shadows are still rendered useless by the gripping purple light that hangs with him but for the time being he is safe. The drow flies out from behind her tree and points at the chanting figure of Byerek, the floating blade flitting through the air and striking him clean across the head (17 damage, critical hit. Concentration check) she then begins chanting a spell of her own when Seriat's arrow flies truthfully across the battlefield and into her chest, she bares her teeth in pain but manages to complete her incantation and an explosion of sound erupts across the battlefield striking both Rubikk and Byerek (Rubikk takes 2 damage, Byerek takes 5, DC 19 fort save v being stunned).

@Rubikk

Having been attacked by the drow Rubikk is now urged to attack her back. Attack the drow...assuming you ass your fort save.

@Orliander

Orliander flies into a fit of murderous rage. He must to the best of his ability attack the closest person to him (excluding himself), likely Seriat.

[roll0]

Initiative
-Party
-Drow

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/path3101-7.png

[CockroachTeaParty]

His eyes glazed over, his jaw somewhat slack, a thin line of drool leaks from the elf's lips as Orliander fires a small salvo of arrows at the hapless Seriat, his own divine magic being inadvertently turned against him and his newfound allies...


5 foot step to E 22

Fire 1: [roll0] Damage 1: [roll1]
Fire 2: [roll2] Damage 2: [roll3]
Fire 3: [roll4] Damage 3: [roll5]

2 rounds remain of Divine Favor
5 rounds remain of turning.

[Fable Wright]

Once again frustrated at his lack of ability to hurt the priestess, he began to aim another shot... when he felt an impact on his left shoulder. Looking over there, he sees his new companion, staring at him with a class-eyed look, knocking another arrow at him. Putting two and two together, his hand dives for his holy symbol, and holding it up in front of him like a lifeline, he cries out above, Radiant master in heaven! Prevent me from dying at the hand of my ally, one who brings light to the world! Heal me, oh Pelor! And, feeling gratitude and relief as the sky turns into a shining aura, his life restored, and he stumbles off the edge of the bluff, landing out of range of any further attacks from the possessed ally.

Last inspiration point to use Opportunistic Piety to heal 18 hp. I'm at 17 now, and using the following move action to get to Q19.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Expanding up to a massive 12' size, Byerek reaches with his offhand toward the drow priestess. I'm about done messing with you. Sit down and shut up!


Enlarge to take up Q/R 10/11, then 5' step to P/Q 9/10.

2 touch attacks to make a grapple.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]
[roll3] [roll4] [roll5]

Both are touch attacks, and won't provoke AoOs because she is out of range to attack me back. I'm 10' tall with a 10' reach, so I should be able to grab her at 20' up with no problem. If the first grapple is successful, treat the 2nd attack as a grapple attempt to pin (ignore the damage), and I want to clamp that bitches mouth shut.

If I'm successful, I'd actually move into her square, but given the fact that my 1296 lb self outweighs her carrying capacity, I'm guessing that we'll both sink down to the ground where Aden can turn her spleen into a pin cushion.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

For a moment, a murderous glare flares up in Rubikk's lizard-eyes, and he takes a single step towards the drow's vulnerable back as she is grabbed by Byerek. For a moment, it looks as if her doom is sealed... but then Rubikk's eyes gloss over, and he drops both weapons to the ground as if someone had let the air out of him.

Fort save: [roll0]

EDIT: I'm a few feet away... my confusion is telling me to attack... she's flat-footed... and I'm stunned. FML.

[Malachei]

As the drow is grabbed and pulled down by the massive form of Byerek, Aden sees his chance. Teamwork has its benefits. Aggressively, he jumps from his hiding place and lunges at the enemy, jumping into the air as the priestess comes down. He dives with both arms stretched out, daggers in his hands, his form like a spear, ready to strike into his foe. His weapon glows as it pierces the drow's shoulder, and, as the swordsage lands near the enemy, readying his weapons to face the evil priestess, his face is full of anger. "I will kill you swiftly," he teases.

OOC:


This assumes Byerek can drag down the drow.

Activate Assassin's Stance. Move to the drow (R-7). Initiate Death from Above (yet again!). Jump check is an auto-success.

[roll0] vs. flat-footed AC. Damage [roll1], plus [roll2] Death from Above, plus [roll3] bane, plus [roll4] sneak. EDIT: 47 damage in total.

Then land at Q-6, or another square that flanks the drow.

[Jair Barik]

Byerek easily grabs the drow and begins squeezing her to death. Aden moves in and strikes her (having to jump to actually reach her properly) dealing what appears to be a lethal blow as she goes limp in Byerek's arms. As she does so the floating sword disappears and both Orliander and Rubikk regain their senses. A silence falls over the battlefield as the sounds of battle come to an end. The dead bodies of the enemy lying scattered about, your only bodys greviously injured.

(End of Combat 1170xp each)

[CockroachTeaParty]

Finding himself lucid once more, Orliander at first starts off baffled as to how he got so far away from the battle, and why he had practically no memory of the last several seconds. Slowly, he walks back to the others, recalling the incantations of the Confusion spell before he lost control of his mind. The accursed priestess had clouded his judgment with her dark patron's trickery, and he felt violated and ashamed.
As he got closer, he recognized the fletching on the arrows protruding from some of Seriat's wounds, and winced with guilt. He approached the man, returning his bow to his quiver.
"Seriat... My apologies. I was not in full control of my actions. Allow me to try and undo the damage I inflicted upon you."
He places a gauntleted hand upon the man's shoulder, channeling a stream of positive energy into his body, knitting the ravaged flesh back together.
"It is within my power to heal your wounds, everyone. You fought bravely, and Corellon Larethian rewards those who would face the children of Llolth with courage in their hearts."


Channeling Freedom of Movement into a Cure Critical Wounds on Seriat.
[roll0]
How much does everyone else need to be healed?

[Jair Barik]

Orliander can go about healing up the wounded of the battle without interruption. It is getting on towards nightfall and there don't appear to be any further foes in sight. None of the drow raiding party appear to have beeen rendered unconscious, all of them were either outright killed or have bled to death from the severity of their injuries, with the exception of the priestess it is hard to tell wether or not they bled to death.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek carefully strips the 3 drow of all of their possessions. Drawings a small circular piece of glass from his pack, he fits it over his eye before examining each piece of equipment.

OOC
Using Artificer's Monacle to convert Detect Magic into Identify. I can only ID 3 items, so I'll start with any obviously magical gear the priestess has, first and foremost being her armor.

Having expended part of his magic, Byerek turns to the others. If any of you are able to detect magic, this glass will give you the exact properties of any piece of magical equipment you look at. I believe it would be to our advantage to turn the tools of our foes against them, if possible.

[Fable Wright]

Accepting the healing with a mumbled Thanks, Seriat wanders back into the room for the night, cursing his stupidity during the battle. He should have known better than charging into a bunch of zombies and expecting them to just flee! But at least he lived. That was the important thing. Orliander's healing cured the worst of the zombie's blows, but he needed to be in top shape for the next day. Channeling the last energy that he dared that day, ready to head inside, he remembered something important. Wait... we forgot the most important thing. Recompensation for our wounds and trouble. We could have some use for their equipment. Let's see what they have. he says, walking over to the corpses, ready to pilfering what he could find from their sacks, as well as their equipment. As he passes over the priestess... the chain shirt catches his eye. He leans over and examines it closely...
Boosted search and appraise checks:
[roll0]+21
[roll1]+15

[Jair Barik]

The priestess has a number of belongings upon her. Easily the most interesting of these are her mithril shirt (well detailed it is of exceptional quality and appears to have had black silk threads interwoven amongst the chain links) a journal and a scroll case with a single document inside of it. She also has...
-3 bottles of an unkown liquid
-a dagger of exceptional quality
-an ornate pointed stick carved of a silvery wood (likely a wand)
-a light steel shield of exceptional quality
-a light mace
-a pair of fine black silk gloves
-a necklace adorned with a spider and decorated with ruby inlays
-a ring of similar design (the clasp consisting of eight spider legs that curl round the finger and meet underneath, forming the ring.
-a handful of onyx stones
and a symbol depicting what you believe to be the holy symbol of the spider God Lolth.

Between them the two drow men have
-2 well made breastplates
-2 well made great axes
-2 well made composite longbows
-8 arrows with adamantine heads
-8 arrows with cold iron heads
-8 arrows with with silvered heads
-[roll0] silver pieces
-6 more bottles of coloured liquid. Each of these bears a rune on it in a language you don't recognise, there are two different runes, 2 of the bottles have one, 4 of the bottles have the other.

The ogres are already well into necrosis and are starting to stink the place up. Each of them has a greatclub and a javelin but these are of a poor quality and too big for any of you to actually use.

@Keld

The chain shirt appears to be a magical shirt of mithril armour (+1 mithril shirt). The ring is a ring of protection (+1) and the wand a partially used healing wand (32 charges remaining).

@DMofDarkness

You would estimate the shirt would value around 2000 gp or more. It is made of fine mithril and is likely magical. The general appearance and quality of it however imply that there is the possibility there is more to it than meets the eye. Perhaps it is some rare collectors item or such. If so it is likely more valuable to the right person, if not it is still a fine shirt of armour.

[Fable Wright]

Serait turns to Orliander. Do you think this shirt is magical? If so, how strong is it's aura? While Orliander responds, Seriat ponders who, specifically, might want such a shirt, and why...
Knowledge (History): [roll0]+15
Knowledge (Local): [roll1]+15
Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty): [roll2]+24
Knowledge (The Planes): [roll3]+24
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll4]+24
Knowledge (Religion): [roll5]+15

[Malachei]

"Thank you, master priest," Aden sounds relieved as his wounds are healed. Then he limps off towards the building to look for Lai. He finds the cat hiding under the bed, and takes her up. As the fierce martial adept walks back towards the site of the battle, he carries the cat in his arms.

After gathering his equipment, he takes a look at the weapons. Raising each blade, he examines the blades and, from time to time, even takes a few swings.

OOC:


Identifying the properties of a magic weapon or armor takes 10 minutes and a check vs. the caster level of the item. Some of the weapons found will be masterwork only, I guess, but here are a few checks, just in case:

[roll0] vs. caster level
[roll1] vs. caster level
[roll2] vs. caster level
[roll3] vs. caster level
[roll4] vs. caster level
[roll5] vs. caster level

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Looking up from his monacle still fixed to his eye, Byerek responds. The chain shirt is magical. Its enchanted with minor protective abjurations. The ring also has minor deflection properties. The wand, it appears, is curative with a moderate number of charges remaining. If anyone else can detect magic, you are welcome to borrow my monacle. It allows one to identify the properties of a magical item simply by channeling a cantrip detection ability through it.

As far as who takes what, I would put the drow priestess' armor to good use. I feel embarased, but my last suit of armor was eaten by a rust monster, which is why I'm wearing this simple woodsman's outfit. Such magnificent armor would be a tremendous boon for me.

[Jair Barik]

@dmofdarkness

You thought there was something interesting about the shirt and applying your knowledge you confirm this recalling the legend of Spidersilk

Spidersilk was originally the armour of the legendary drow wizard Valenet. About four hundred years ago, he recieved it as a gift from Dierdra, his house matriarch, for slaying a mindflayer that had held her in thrall. The matriarch lavished training and resources upon the young male drow, educating him in the care and riding of spiders as well as the wuzardly arts.

No other male was as pampered or as powerful as the matriarch's young savior, and Valenet enjoyed his privileged status. But among the drow, jealousy is easily aroused and quickly manifests in violence. After another drow nearly killed Valenet in a duel, Dierdra forbade anyone to challenge him. Valenet subsequently survived several assassination attempts, thanks largely to Spidersilk. Eventually, however, he died from drinking a cup of wine poisoned with spider venom. Dierdra buried Valenet dressed in this armour.

The odds that the grave of one so envied and hated by other drow would lie undisturbed were slenderer than the finest spider silk. In fact, grave robbers opened Valenet's tomb and made off with Spidersilk mere hours after the stone masons had sealed it. Many unverified accounts of the armor indicate a profusion of owners during the next three hundred years. Legend holds that it was worn by surface dwellers such as Yew, a cleric of Obad-Hai, who was credited with ridding the Yellow Wood of spiders. Occasionally, however, it was brought back to the Underdark and sold back to the drow as finely crafted armour. Most who wore the armour remained ignorant of its true capabilities.

To unlock the most basic of its true potential would require espansion of ones knowledge of spiders and other such creatures.
(OOC: Spidersilk is a legacy item. To unlock its least legacy powers the wearer must perform a ritual spending 1,500gp and must gain 2 ranks in knowledge nature, the ranks must be gained after gaining posession of Spidersilk)

@Malachei

The breastplates are indeed magical as are the great axes (+1 enhancement bonus on each). The dagger is as far as you can tell simply of a good quality (MW) but the shield bears some magic in the same manner as the other items (+1).

[Fable Wright]

Still wracking his brains for anything that might pertain to the shirt, Seriat says, Indeed? Then you can have my armor. I found it in a dragon's hoard, and thought it would help me out in combat. However, it's not quite as good as I thought. However, it's mithral, and so it's about as heavy as that, and much tougher. I should probably stay away from the heavy combat for the most part, and it seems that you could use my breastplate more than I could.

[CockroachTeaParty]

"Let us take these items inside, so that we may scrutinize them in relative comfort."
He helps bring the items inside, where he accepts the magic monocle, and channels a small amount of energy through it.
He also scrutinizes the vials of liquid, calling on his patron's aid to help identify one of them through knowledge alone.


Using the Artificer's Monocle, casting Detect Magic, gives me 9 minutes of identification, which I believe equates to 9 items. So that's the gloves, the amulet, and anything else that had a magic aura, saving the potions for last, obviously.
One of the potion's I'll try to ID with a Divine Insight boosted Spellcraft check, DC 25:
Spellcraft: [roll0]

For the remaining 8, let's hope I roll a nat. 20:
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

What other healing do folks need? I'll probably roll that noise in the OOC.

[Jair Barik]

@CTP

Each use of detect magic identifies a single item.
You identify the potion type which the party has 4 of (the runed ones found on the drow men) as a potion of lesser restoration. This leaves two potions with the other rune which were found on the drow men and the three unlabelled potions found on the priestess.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk blinks repeatedly as the magic of the drow wears off. "That witch got inside my head! Never again..." he thinks to himself. "And who would have thought, the mammals saved the day. I'd be dead or worse if it weren't for them."

He gathers his weapons, and addresses the others, speaking hesitantly. "You are very capable fighterzh.", he says, while using a finger glowing with healing magic to stop the blood streaming from one of his nostrils. As an afterthought, he adds "Doezh any one of you need healing? I have little, but I am mozhtly unzhcathed myzhelf."

Apologies for the "lizard accent". :smalltongue:

I use one charge of my healing belt to restore myself to full HP.


Power points: 30/34
Hit points: 52/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 5/5
Healing Belt: 2/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 5 (dex) + 4 (Force Screen) + 1 (size) + 1 (natural))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Fable Wright]

Seriat turns and tosses the shirt to Byerek. It's called Spidersilk. It has unknown magical properties that can only be unlocked by studying one of the things used to make it special- spiders. That and a couple of rare herbs and incenses. It would take about a hundred and fifty platinum to get the herbs from the right person. While not cheap, it's powers are still most likely amazing. He turns from the party and walks away from the party. Have fun on your adventure. This just isn't my type of adventure. Getting attacked by a nearly invincible drow priestess whose name isn't legendary, who nearly kills us single-handedly... I'm in over my head. See you... well, maybe never. Seriat walks away from the party, out the path he came from, back to the town.

[Jair Barik]

Amongst the drows posessions Rubikk finds something the others missed on the priestess. It shows no sign of being the least bit magical and would have been skipped over by the others as a useless piece of junk. It is a pair of darkened goggles the priestess had been wearing. If Rubikk were to wear these he would likely have no difficulty with the sunlight (Sundark goggles, removes penalties for operating in bright light, +2 circumstance bonus on saves v gaze attacks, -2 on spot and search checks if the wearer lacks dark/low light vision)

[CockroachTeaParty]

While the rest of the group examined the recovered treasures, Orliander kept his distance. They were valuable, yes, perhaps even helpful to their cause, but the fact that they were owned by the drow made even handling such items distasteful to the elf. Instead, he made his way back outside. The bodies of the fallen drow were sprawled on the ground, stripped of valuables, bloody and beaten. With a sigh, Orliander began to gather stones.

It was long, slow work, but the elf did not need sleep like most races understood it. It gave him something to do during his shift of the watch, at any rate. After a few hours, he had built three small cairns around the bodies, positioned in a row under a tree out of sight of the wayshrine.

He had not the time, nor the energy to remove his armor and don his priestly raiment, but Orliander nevertheless took out his holy symbol and began to quietly speak soft prayers in his native tongue. They were drow, yes. They had forsaken the Seldarune, and lived lives of debauchery and evil. But they were also elves, and there were precious few of them in this world to not at least mark their passing with a prayer. He asked Corellon Larethian to forgive him and his companions, and to understand their grim work. He prayed that the souls of the slain drow would perhaps someday see the light that they so despised, and perhaps rejoin the fold in a new life or incarnation.

As the night grew old, Orliander returned to the wayshrine to trance. He had a suspicion in his gut that there would be precious little time to see such rites performed in the coming days.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Noticing the priest taking leave, the bald Illumian man steps outside. Curiously, the man observes the elf as he erects the cairn and listens very closely to the words spoken, even though he doesn't recognize the language. Deep down, he commits those words to heart, like every other odd bit of information the Illumian has ever come to learn.

Returning inside, he picks up the priestess' armor. He admires its light weight and suppleness.

As I mentioned earlier, my old armor was destroyed by rust monsters not long ago. I have not found a suitable replacement. It would be a great honor to wear this in defiance of the drow who bore it before. If there is any who would better do it service, I would gladly offer it up, but I feel like this armor will best compliment my chosen combat style. Are there any objections?

Also, there is the matter of the lesser protective items. Perhaps Rubrikk would be well served by the ring or necklace to protect him from harm? Unfortunately, while it would be good to diversify possession of the healing gear, I can not use the wand. If any other than the noble priest can activate it, perhaps they would be a good keeper for the time being? We should also all take a healing potion, in the event it is needed to heal the elf.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Turning the drow priestess' armor over in his hands, Byerek notices the scroll case and travel book tucked in a belt pouch. Running his hands over the case, he looks for the clasp. Stopping suddenly, he nearly drops the container, catching it before it hits the ground.

Drow items generally contain insidious magics to keep non-drow out. Aden, could you look over this container and make sure there are no runes that could detinate if the container is not carefully opened?

Assuming that is done...
Orliander, my elvish isn't quite what it used to be. As much as I know it must offend you to read in the drow dialect, I would ask you to put your sensabilities aside for a moment and help us determine the who or what sent the drow here. Perhaps if we can find and dispatch them, the risk to the surounding population will be reduced? Byerek hands the journal and scroll tube to the elf.

[Jair Barik]

The scroll case is thankfully not trapped, its contents are a single letter. Both can be read by lamp light by any who care to do so as they are written in the common tongue as opposed to Elven or even Undercommon.

The letter reads as follows.

The letter is headed with four stamps. Three of these overlap one another and are yellow red and black, they appear to bare the same image but it is unrecognisable as anything in particular. The fourth wax stamp is green and bares the image of a cowled figure rowing a boat.
The letter reads as follows.
Styx Oarsman
It is as you expected. A source here confirms that the goddess is on the move. Attack and kill her enemies without pause or mercy.

I've learned the location of a portal for you. It leads from the marketplace of this great city into a set of caverns situated in an underpopulated area of the Material Plane. I do not know if it works both ways.
(here a side note interjects in the border of the main letter) A bent piece of iron works-a horse shoe or a lizards bridle. (the letter then continues)
I shall continue to find out more information and leave it for you at the Oarsman. Have your messenger present this letter.
The letter is unsigned.

Reading the journal gleams a few interesting pieces of information. In general it simply describes the drows life. From it you learn her name was Lithara but there is very little that is of use, most of the diary describing the worship of Lolth and other such things. The last entry however has an interesting note in the margin.

Rule-Of-Three of Sigil intrigues me as few others have. As he would say: a riddle, an enigma, a puzzle. Regardless of his ultimate loyalty (impossible to determine), he would make a fine sacrifice to honor the Spider Queen.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander scrutinizes the letter and journal, his puzzlement increasing.
"They mention the River Styx... that is the infamous river that flows through all of the lower planes. The stamp depicted here might be that of one of the Styx's ferry men, or perhaps Charon himself, who could say? The discussion of the Spider Queen's activity makes me suspect that this letter is describing a portal to the Abyss... perhaps even to the Demonweb Pits themselves, Llolth's wretched domain. Disconcerting...
If there is any chance a portal to the Abyss is nearby, and active on the Material Plane, it is our duty to seek it out and seal it. Such an abomination can not abide in the natural realm."

(Assuming this is relatively common knowledge, especially to someone with 5 ranks in Knowledge [religion]. If I'm mistaken, feel free to throw bricks at me.)

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

I'm also concerned about the mention of Sigil. When I was on the Plane of Shadows, I heard talk of this place. A city that would make any on the Prime look like a hamlet by comparison. The portal could lead there?

I suggest we track the ogres. Drow are normally hard to trail, but ogres, ESPECIALLY zombie ogres shouldn't be very hard at all...

[Malachei]

Aden had been looking at the priestess in disgust. A mockery of beauty, so much grace, but so full of evil. He grabbed the fallen enemy's hair firmly, and used his weapon to cut off her head. Acharn had become a trusted friend, his slender, curved black blade carrying as much hatred and anger as Aden himself did. He could feel a hint of satisfaction inside, but it vanished as quickly as it came.

This night, Aden was unable to sleep much. A trail, at last. He was eager to follow it, and thirsty for more bloodshed. As one of them decided to leave, he was wary. He knew the dangers of fighting drow better than anyone, and understood that some may just lack the reason to bear the risk. Bear the sacrifice. Aina, you know me better than I do. You know I would have walked away, I would undo everything, just to save you. He understood, but he was wary. Would they capture him? Would he talk? The enemy must not know that they are on their tracks, and they would need to make haste to maintain their advantage.

Aden looked at the drow priestess' armor for a long time. Gently, he touched the delicate chain links, his hand running over it, following the craftsman's hands as it had been constructed. He had a native understanding of blades, but also of armor: He could attune himself with a weapon, and it would reveal its purpose. But this was different, it was foreign, alien even. Made from the dark magic of the drow, touching it filled Aden with an eerie feeling, echoes of a distant darkness running through him. He dropped the shirt, and said "Byerek, this may be of use for you. It is not of use for me." Examining the other items, he shrugged, "I cannot use them, either, the heavy breastplates would slow me down."


* * *

As the party talks about the letter, Aden is excited. He tries help Rubikk to memorize the priestess' writing style, "Maybe we can create some more letters, later on." Then he wonders, "Coming from another plane, they must have a strategic objective. Something they want to achieve. Not mere plundering. We should go there and find out," and agrees to tracking the ogres. After a moment's thought, he suggests "Who has the power to impersonate the drow? To use a disguise to appear as her?"

Finally, as he packs his belongings and gently puts Lai in her pouch, he wonders, "Styx? The river the dead must cross?" and, with a painful laugh, calls out, "Let us start. I have business with the ferryman, anyway!"

[Jair Barik]

The next morning Byerek can begin to identify further items. The mace is of no significance, it is not magical and of poor worksmanship (non MW). The gloves on the other hand are and would make the wearer more dexterous (+2 gloves of dexterity) whilst the necklace beyond being an item of beauty would make the wearer more wise (periapet of wisdom+2).

Looking at the trail left by the Ogres there is a clear set of tracks that head here from the east. There is also however a pair of tracks the diverge from the main trail further along the road that spiral off from the path and head away into the wilderness (likely those of the Ogres that survived last night). Even the drow made no effort to cover their tracks it seems and their tracks (like those of the Ogres) originate from the east, in the direction of the mountains and hills.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

As I assumed, following the ogre trail is a simple matter. Does anyone have any concerns before we set out?

[Malachei]

Aden had taken care to cut off the heads and limbs of the drow last night, and explained, "I don't want to meet them again, as restless, mindless bodies, raised by an evil necromancer's art."

When they had breakfast, he was quiet as ever, caring for Lai and offering her of the little milk that was left. He looked at the letter again, and shrugged, "This Rule-of-Three is that a title, like a lord's? Would Sigil then be a place you have heard of?" he asked the others.

Now, as they are about to leave, he simply nods, and is ready to go, eager even. As the group walks through the forested area, he occasionally sneaks ahead to stop and listen for any signs of an ambush, an enemy or a wild beast.

OOC:


Activate Hearing the Air. Using move silently and hide to scout ahead and listen and hearing the air to detect enemies etc.

[Jair Barik]

The forested area isn't very dense. It is a sparsley wooded patch that sourrounds the little rest cabin. The surrounding areas are flatlands like those you have encountered already that then give way to the hills in the distance.
(Which path are you following? The path the retreating ogres made or the path the Ogres made on their way here?)

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"Conzhernzh? Yezh, you might make enough noizhe to wake more of the dead.", Rubikk says with a sneer that not even the reptilian features or the darkened goggles he now wears manage to hide.

"I will go firzht, yezh? I have better eyezh than you. If thezhe curzhed Drow have a zhurprizhe for uzh, I am leazht likely to get uzh all on the wrong zhide of an ambuzh."

Unless there are objections, I intend to stay about 50' ahead of the rest of the party, taking 10 on Hide (30, including -5 for not moving at half speed), Move Silently (22, including -5 for not moving at half speed), Spot (22) and Listen (16) checks as we go.

[Jair Barik]

You slowly make your way across the plains and by mid afternoon you have reached the foothills. The tracks of the drow haven't even attempted to be hidden and are easy to follow through the lower parts of the mountains. After a little longer you follow the tracks to their point of origin, a cave entrance that opens out of one of the side of one of the mountains.

[CockroachTeaParty]

At the threshold of the cave, Orliander stops a moment. He takes out his holy symbol, and beckons everyone closer to him.
"Before we proceed, allow me to grant us the conviction needed to succeed at whatever tasks await us."
He closes his eyes, and everyone can feel a sense of inner strength and determination within their hearts. With that, he takes out a sprinkling of silver dust and tosses it around his feet in a rough circle. A pale radiance emanates briefly from the elf, then is gone.
He strings his bow, then approaches the mouth of the cavern.


After casting my normal buffs in the morning, Orliander will cast Mass Conviction and Magic Circle Against Evil.
Everyone gets a +3 morale bonus on all saving throws for 90 minutes.
Also, for 90 minutes, no evil summoned creature may approach within 10 ft. of me, and everyone within 10 ft. of Orliander gets a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves against attacks from evil creatures. Finally, any form of mind control or possession is suppressed within this area. This lasts for 90 minutes as well.

[Jair Barik]

The cavern is dark and unlight. The opening is 10ft wide and you can all see about 15ft into it but beyond that it is completely dark. Those of you with darkvision or low ligh vision can see that it goes on another 10ft before ending in a wall and branching right, the branch appears to remain 10ft wide so you will have to march in either single file or two people abreast.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander smiles, glancing at the kobold.
"Rubikk, are those goggles secured tightly? Good. Darkness, begone!"
The same brilliant radiance from the previous night's battle illuminates the cavern for all to see within.


Casting Daylight again, 90 minutes of stupid-bright illumination.

[Jair Barik]

As Orliander completes his spell a small hail of pebbles slides down upon you from above, disloged by careless movements of a human figure on the side of the mountain about thirty feet up. He is not a drow (in fact he appears human) but he appears slightly surprised to see people here.

@Mootoall

Winter is fast approaching. Food has been stored away for the coming months of cold and hardship. Paladins and noble knights patrol the lands up and down those roads deemed most important and venture into the forests and hills close to towns in their efforts to protect the weak and the innocent from monsters that would prey upon their livestock and raid their food stores. Many of those common pests that would plague the countryside have gone for the year, migrating to warmer climates or burrowing underground for the cold season. The harvest was good this year and raids from kobolds and goblinfolk were less frequent than normal. Yet despite all this the winter months seem set to bring misery and hardship.

In the past week, all across the Country, raids by the drow have been rapidly increasing in frequency. Attacks upon travellers, adventurers, villages and even larger cities have been occuring again and again with no apparent reason or motive. Worse still rumours from abroard tell a story much the same. All across the world the Drow are rising up from their underground fortresses and hidden cabals to attack all that you hold dear. In the frontier town of Melsan farms have been set to the torch, entire grain solos burnt, cattle slaughtered and farmers vicously murdered, in some cases tortured to death, with no understandable cause. No food, money or posessions are taken and shockingly few are taken alive to become slaves to the drow. Wherever the drow attack is destroyed, set aflame to burn through the night. Flames on the horizon are becoming a common sight during the midnight hours, and not a welcome one.

Of course this is all of little concern to you. The fires if anything are a welcome sight on the horizon, one that only a skilled advocate of chaos such as yourself can truly appreciate. But the drow have of a late become something of a nuisance to you, the priestess in particular chasing you off from their cave whenever she sees you. You aren't sure how many drow are inside but they have been preventing you entering inside. Rumour has it that there is a gate within the mountain cave that leads off into the other planes, potentialy Limbo or even better the elemental plane of fire. Upon hearing some noise nearby you have gone to investigate and much to your surprise it appears that the group standing outside the cave entrance today is not the drow, but a group consisting of three human type folk (one of which is definitely an elf) and a Kobold. The Elf has just cast what appears to be a daylight spell and in your surprise you knock loose a few stones from your position on the cliff face, alerting the newcomers to your presence.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"Ah, perfect! A proper cave. You may want to zhtay clozhe to me now, your eyezh will be uzhelezzhh..", the kobold starts muttering into the darkness beyond, just before being interrupted by Orliander.
"The gogglezh? Yezh, I have... ARGH!" he squeals as the light goes up. He hastily adjusts his goggles again, just to be safe, while emitting a sound that reminds you, if anything, of an angry puppy. His brooding, too, is interrupted when the newcomer slides in. Rubikk whips out his daggers, and stares at him intently, waiting for the pink creature to speak.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek levels Reason across his chest, his muscles quivering like coiled springs. You are not drow, yet you would be wise to identify yourself with haste.

[Malachei]

Aden slides into what little shadow the light has left. He draws his dagger, ready to jump at an enemy. We might be able to catch him alive... Although the figure appears human, he is wary, and keeps hidden until it has become clear that the stranger means no harm.


OOC:


Activating Child of Shadows stance.

Hide: [roll0] -- my hide is appr. +17

Unfortunately, Myth-Weavers is down, so I can't access my sheet. Will make an offline copy next time.

[Jair Barik]

Suddenly there is a rock slide that crushes the stranger to death and buries him deep beneath it. It is unlikely that you will be able to get him out of it, any useful gear he had has no doubt been destroyed and his body is not likely to be in a suitable condition for any magic to work upon him. The rockslide in now way hinders you as a group though, the cave mouth remaining perfectly accessible.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

The kobold moves up to the rock slide and sniffs for a moment. "Definitely dead. If thizh happened at home, we'd be arranging the funeral already."

"Which izh perfect. He wazh probably a drow in dizhguizhe anyway."

Moving away from the rocks and toward the cave entrance again, he takes up professional-looking tools in place of his daggers, and crouches low.

"Be careful, thezhe creaturezh have probably trapped even their trap zhwitchezh." he says, and starts moving in.

Moving in! Taking 10 on search checks for traps as we go, for a result of 30. Can anyone give Aid Another here?

[Jair Barik]

As Rubikk and Aden venture into the cave (with Orliander and Byerek bringing up the rear) they find it curves round to the south before opening into what is presumably a larger cavern that seems to run eastward. Despite his darkvision Rubikk's view of the cave is hindered by its walls and a rise in the floor that blocks out sight of what lies further inside. More strange though is that there appear to be two areas of the cave that are shrouded in a darkness he cannot see through (NE and SE where his vision is not blocked by the walls). Aden does not notice this yet as his own sight is limited in the dark as the pair stealthily advance searching for hidden snares or traps. Before Rubikk can react to what he sees a pair of arrows issue forth from the darkness, one striking him in his scaly flesh (7 damage) the other missing. A voice echoes through the cave alerting both Orliander and Byerek that something has gone wrong "Death to the sun dwellers!"
A purple glow grips to both Rubikk and Aden outlining them in the dark as easy targets.

Initiative order
-party
-???

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169.png
Map notes.
-Dark grey is walls
-Light grey is level floor
-Brown is an incline leading up to a section of loor 20ft above the ground (approximately 10ft incline per square costs 10 ft movement per square)

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander readies his bow and makes his way closer to his companions under attack, bringing with him the brightness of daylight and the circle of protective magic against the forces of evil.


Double move to B11, taking cover against the wall.

[Jair Barik]

Orlianders arrival brings with it the light of day. banishing the shadows from the western area of the cave the magical darkness is dispersed giving way to the regular darkness of the cavern.

@Rubikk

You can now make out that there is a large Lizard creature ridden by a drow in the centre of the magical darkness (h18/I19, large creature). the drow appears to be wielding a spiked chain of sorts and has a longbow rested upon the back of his mounts bridle. The creature is pressed up against the wall with the cavern not advancing any further south but stretching away to the east.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk hisses like a snake when wounded by the arrow, but his main reaction is one of outrage. "Zhun dweller?! Are you BLIND or are you ZHTUPID?!"
As soon as he has recovered, he shouts a warning to his companions. "Careful, large lizard to the zhoutheeazht, hiding in the darknezzhh!" and shrinks down to the size of a rat.

Standard action: Augmented Compression (down to diminutive), expending psionic focus to link it to Force Screen. Torc of Power Preservation to save 1 PP.
Move action: Move to A13, draw daggers as part of the action. (Drop thieves' tools if necessary).

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 45/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 26 (10 + 5 (armor) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Stepping quickly forward and chanting, Byerek slips into spellcasting.


5' step to D6, then start casting Enlarge Person.

[Malachei]

Aden presses against the wall and hisses "Where? I can't see it." He curses himself for not bringing a magical light source the drow, curse them all, will have an advantage in the dark, but then let us see what happens if we light them with fire, he thought. Carefully, he draws his weapons.

OOC:


Hide [roll0] at A-10.

[Jair Barik]

The party withdraws slightly and Byerek manages to get his spell off expanding in size. The darkness rushes towards you all covering everyone but Byerek. There is a few clanking noises, followed by a loud thud and more clanking.

Initiative order
-Party
-???

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7255.png

@Orliander

As the darkness covers you, you are aware of a large shape moving up to you to the south. Despite your cover the shape whips out a long lash of some kind grabbing you by the leg and pulling you to the ground. This tendril or appendage or whatever it is then lashes out at you another two times but clanks metalicly off of your armour. (these are the noises the others can hear)

@Rubikk

The drow lizard rider approaches and stops short in apparent readiness. A second rider then moves in from the north also bringing darkness with him, and uses his chain to grab Orliander by the leg and trip him over. He then makes another two attempts to injury him but both of these bounce harmlessly off of his armour.
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169-2.png

[Malachei]

Aden closes his eyes, as they are of no use. He focuses his mind, until it is as sharp as his blade. He can feel dangweth in his hand, wanting to strike out at a foe unseen. He can feel his comrades, their bodies ghostly forms in his mind. Then he feels the enemy's shape.

OOC:


Change stance to Hearing the Air. Rest of action depending on what I "see".


Aden Hawk aka the Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)
Male CG Human Swordsage, Level 9, Init +7, HP 62/62, Speed 40
AC 22, Touch 18, Flat-footed 17, Fort +5, Ref +11, Will +9, Base Attack Bonus 6
Dagger +1 +13 / +8 (1d4+9, x2)
Two Daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9 and 1d4+7, x2)
Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, x2)
(+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +3 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 12
Condition None
Active Stance: Hearing the Air

[Jair Barik]

@Aden

Aden can sense two large forms not too far down the passage. Based on the approximate shapes he can safely assume they are a pair of squat quadrapeds with a lump rising out of each ones back (likely a rider).

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169-2.png

[Malachei]

"Hold the tunnel for better position," Aden calls out.

OOC.


Not good. I will delay my action. No use tumbling near these creatures for a single attack.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Finding himself prone on the cold hard floor, Orliander decides to try and remedy the illumination situation. Reaching into his bag, he grabs a glass sphere and clutches it to his chest. With a thought, he wills the magic within to take on maximum brightness.


Move action: take out the Glowing Orb from me haversack.
Standard action: will the orb to maximum brightness: 60 ft. bright, 120 ft. shadowy.
Orliander remains prone, but neither of those actions should provoke AoO's.

[Jair Barik]

The orb illuminates the area revealing a pair of male drow riding upon the backs of giant lizard creatures. The drow flinch in the sunlight.

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169-2.png

[Malachei]

Aden concentrates and then dives into the shadow and disappears.

OOC:


Shadow Jaunt to D-16 (I assume that this allows Rubikk to flank from positions B-14 or B-13).

Aden Hawk aka the Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)
Male CG Human Swordsage, Level 9, Init +7, HP 62/62, Speed 40
AC 22, Touch 18, Flat-footed 17, Fort +5, Ref +11, Will +9, Base Attack Bonus 6
Dagger +1 +13 / +8 (1d4+9, x2)
Two Daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+9 and 1d4+7, x2)
Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, x2)
(+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +3 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 12
Condition None
Active Stance: Hearing the Air

[Jair Barik]

As Aden appears beside the lizard the drow atop it swings his chain round at his legs but misses horribly.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

The kobold seems to shimmer for a moment as he springs into action, daggers that are now the size of needles aiming for all the vulnerable spots.

Force Screen goes up.

5' step to B14. Full attack on the southern Lizard:
Dagger 1: [roll0] for 1+[roll1]
Dagger 2: [roll2] for 1+[roll3]
Dagger 1 iterative 2: [roll4] for 1+[roll5]

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 45/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 4 (force screen) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection))
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Tumbling into the space vacated by Rubikk, Byerek brings Reason swinging high. Reversing his momentum sudden, he spins tucking low to bring the bladed mace crashing into the lizard that Rubikk had previously stabbed.


Power Attack for 8.
[roll0] [roll1] Touch Attack
A 1? WTF? Blah...

[Jair Barik]

Rubikk's 'sting' only manages to land one blow upon the hide of the lizard and Byerek misses completely putting far too much power into his blow. Though still reeling from the sunlight the drow find Byerek's large form an easy target and between them they make four swings at his hulking form, three of which slice through his flesh, the blades upon their chains grating vicously upon his skin (29 damage total). The lizards then turn tail and run back towards the centre of the cavern, evading most of you but ultimately both cannot avoid the reach of Byerek (you may make an AoO on one drow or Lizard). Once they are back out of the groups way a cacophony of screeching cawing echoes about the room as eight giant purple birds descend from the rooftop of the larger cavern, having until now been concealed by your hindered vision. The birds launch a savage volley of blows at Byerek, Rubikk and Aden, each swiping out with one claw and one of the attacks savagely rips into Aden's flesh (19 damage). The air about the group begins to thicken with a strange kind of musky scent and a horrible itching effects the skin of Byerek, Aden and also Rubikk's scales (Byerek and Aden take a further 8 damage, Rubikk takes 7).

Initiative Order
-Party
-Drow, Lizards and birds

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7255-1.png

[Malachei]

Aden gives a painful cry as he is wounded, "Orliander, can you come and heal me?" he calls out. Then he jumps into the air, meets the bird head-on, slices its wing and lands on the other side.

OOC:


Activate Assassin's Stance. 5-ft.-step south to D-17, initiate Death from Above (jump check is an auto-success), land opposite side of the bird (Bird D-18/E-19).

Attack the bird in mid-air [roll0] vs. flat-footed AC, damage [roll1], plus [roll2] maneuver and [roll3] sneak. --> 43 points of damage.

He'll try to land at C-20 or, if not possible D-20.


Aden Hawk aka the Ghost (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=271138)
Male CG Human Swordsage, Level 9, Init +7, HP 35/62, Speed 40
AC 22, Touch 18, Flat-footed 17, Fort +5, Ref +11, Will +9, Base Attack Bonus 6
Dagger +1 +13 / +8 (1d4+8, x2)
Two Daggers +11 / +6 / +10 / +5 (1d4+8 and 1d4+6, x2)
Light Crossbow +11 (1d8, x2)
(+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +3 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 12
Condition None
Active Stance: Assassin's Stance

[CockroachTeaParty]

Still clutching the glowing orb, Orliander decides to risk standing up, putting a little distance between himself and the flock of strange birds. He calls out in Elven, his silver holy symbol blazing with orange light.
"Corellon! Clear the way for your servant!"
A column of golden fire envelops several of the birds, filling the cavern with holy light.


Move action: stand up from prone. (possibly provoking an AoO)
Five foot step to A-10.

Standard action: casting Flame Strike, a 10 ft. radius, 40 ft. high column of divine fire envelops the four northernmost birds. Ref. DC 20 for half damage. Half the damage is fire, and half is divine energy.
Damage: [roll0]
Spell resistance?: [roll1]

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Incanting quickly, Byerek hurls his blade, scything through a large number of birds.


AoO on the lizard that Rubikk hurt
[roll0] [roll1] Touch attack

Whirling Blade starting from the upper right corner of Byerek's square and drawings a straight line to the intersection of H/I 16/17. That should hit all of them but the upper right and the lower left (E/F 12/13 and D/E 18/19 respectively)
[roll2] vs DC 17

Rolls from closest to furthest
[roll3] [roll4]
[roll5] [roll6]
[roll7] [roll8]
[roll9] [roll10]
[roll11] [roll12]
[roll13] [roll14]
All touch attacks

Just curious, what are you using for Byerek's AC? Its currently 20, assuming Spidersilk is treated as +1 Mithril Chain, and including the effective -2 penalty for size.

[Jair Barik]

Byerek's attack at the Lizard is easily dodged as the Drow yanks on the bridle. Aden jumps soaring over his foe and as his blade slices through it it disappears into the aether. Orlianders holy fire explodes into the four birds but they dodge the worst of it and are only marginally singed. Byerek's sword flies through the birds hitting all of them but that standing next to Rubikk (C/D 14/15) and each vanishes into nothingness leaving only two remaining.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"Damn birdzh...", the currently chicken-sized kobold squeaks, and hurries over to what seem to be the more important targets, picking once at the bird as he flies past.

Tumble through the bird's space to [roll0] E14.
Acrobatic backstab on the bird: [roll1] for [roll2] damage. If the tumble check fails, no sneak attack, so that's a mighty one point of damage.

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 45/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5
Healing Belt: 3/3

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 4 (force screen) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection)) or 34 when I'm in another's space.
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Jair Barik]

Rubikk finds himself unable to dart through the enemies legs, his dagger plinks harmlessly off of the bird. Rubikk, Byerek and Aden all fill a horrid sensation as though something is growing just under their skin/scales (1 damage each) it is very unpleasent. The birds looking at their suddenly diminished numbers glare at Byerek flickering slightly with both ending up somewhere different to where they started (no AoO). They then proceed to lay into Byerek in a flurry of claws talons and hooked beaks, three solid blows landing on the brave Illumian one of which rips a jagged gash across his necks spilling lots of blood across the ground (36 damage total). The drow lizard riders (still dazed but no longer blinded) move back in towards the party. One takes two swings at Aden and the other takes two swings at Rubikk but in their dazed states they are completely inaccurate and fail to land any blows succesfully.

Initiative order
-Party
-Drow lizard riders+bird

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7255-2.png

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander takes his position against the wall once more, his bow at the ready. He quickly drops the glowing orb at his feet, and looses several arrows at the closer of the drow lizard riders.


5 foot step back to B-11
Full attack at the nearest drow, Point Blank Shot kicking in.
Fire 1: [roll0] Damage 1: [roll1]
Fire 2: [roll2] Damage 2: [roll3]
Fire 3: [roll4] Damage 3: [roll5]

[CockroachTeaParty]

The second arrow fired streaks dangerously toward a vulnerable chink in the drow's armor...


Crit. confirmation roll on the second arrow: [roll0]
Extra damage: [roll1]

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

His wounds too great, Byerek slumps over, Reason falling to the ground.
See below.

Unconsious and bleeding.
[roll0] looking for 1-10.

And bleeding round.
[roll1] looking for 1-10.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk narrowly evades Byerek's body as he comes crashing to the ground next to him. Looking once at his wounds and once at the monsters next to himself, he decides that keeping the giant up is the best method he has to put his enemies down, and infuses him with healing.

"Try dodging next time! I don't care how big you are, blocking blows with your chezht izh a zhtupid idea!"

2 Healing Belt charges on Byerek. [roll0] HP restored.
Move to D15. No tumble, but Underfoot Combat should apply to the AoOs.

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 44/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5 remaining
Healing Belt: 1/3 remaining

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 4 (force screen) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection)) or 34 when I'm in another's space.
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Coming back to, Byerek grabs Reason from the ground and, still prone, hurls Reason across the room.


Casting Whirling Blade (automake concentration roll of 17 with my +18). Line comes from my upper right square and passes through H/I 20/21 which should hit everyone.

Power Attack for 4.

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]
[roll6] [roll7]
[roll8] [roll9]
[roll10] [roll11]
Still all touch attacks.

Statblock
Byerek Runeweaver (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=141950)
M LG Illumian (NaenHoon) Paladin4/Dusk2/Suel1/AC2, Level 9, Init +1, HP 10/72, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 9, Flat-footed 19, Fort +15, Ref +9, Will +15, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1 Adamantine Reason - Executioner's Mace +13/+8 (2d6+7, 19-20 x3)
Spidersilk (+5 Armor, +6 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 20
Condition Enlarge Person, Wraithstrike, Shield

[Keld Denar]

Crit confirms

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

[Jair Barik]

As the blade moves through the first of the bird creatures it pops out of existance. It then continues on slicing a huge gash through the second as it warbles in pain, as it reaches the drow it misses completely with the drow dodging and pulling the reins of his mount to move ot out the way, in doing this though the drow moves himself into the path of two of Orliander's arrows both striking him moderate wounds. The second drow is not so lucky and the sword slices through both him and his mount wounding both but failing to kill either.

[Malachei]

Aden steps forward and attacks the drow. As he raises his weapons, they are sheathed in fire. "Curse you and all of your kin!" he calls out as he drives his blades into the drow. Seeing that Byerek's sword had almost destroyed the bird-like creatures, he shouts "Surrender or die!"

OOC:


5-ft.-step to E-20.

Initiate Searing Blade.

1st attack [roll0], damage [roll1] plus [roll2] fire (Su = no SR) plus [roll]2d6[/b] bane (bane roll in OOC for 5, but this attack probably does not hit anyway)

2nd attack [roll3], damage [roll4] plus [roll5] fire (Su = no SR) plus [roll]2d6[/b] bane (4 bane roll in OOC) and crit confirm (in OOC) adds 12 damage for a total of 37.

3rd attack [roll6], damage [roll7] plus [roll8] fire (Su = no SR) (if this hits, it should cause 25 points of damage (not 27).

4th attack [roll9], damage [roll10] plus [roll11] fire (Su = no SR)

--> Should the drow die during one of the attacks, the next will be directed at the lizard instead.

[Jair Barik]

Aden cuts down the drow and then moves on to the lizard, killing both with ease. The lizard patheticly mewls its last, its life snuffed out by a flaming sword. The growths continue to grow (Aden and Rubikk take 4 damage. Byerek takes one) and the remaining drow lashes out at Aden from atop his mount, attacking twice but only hitting once (7 damage). The bird creature shifts position slightly and aggrivated by Byerek's further attacks swings at him again dropping him with the first blow (11 damage) and continuing his attack swinging round to Rubikk, cleaving into him with the momentum of his attack on Byerek and then launching another volley of attacks with his remaining limbs (35 more damage).

Initiative order
-You guys
-Everyone else

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7255-4.png

[Malachei]

Heavily wounded, Aden moves towards the other drow, his weapons cutting into the enemy. "Blood for blood!" he growls. He is in a killing frenzy now, the drow's blood staining his face, his eyes wide open and his mouth twisted from hate. Die, die, die...

OOC


Move to E-19. Initiate Cloak of Deception. Thus, he is invisible (+2 to hit (included below), no Dex for defender)

1st attack [roll0], damage [roll1] plus [roll2] bane plus [roll3] sneak --> plus 2 additional bane = 32, plus additional 13 if crit confirmed = 45

2nd attack [roll4], damage [roll5] plus [roll6] bane plus [roll7] sneak plus 2 additional bane.

3rd attack [roll8], damage [roll9] plus [roll10] sneak

3rd attack [roll11], damage [roll12] plus [roll13] sneak

Again, should the drow be killed, he switches to the lizard.

[Jair Barik]

As Aden turns invisible he is aware that the Drow still knows where he is, the purple glow placed upon him earlier still clinging to his form. Despite this his first blow is still accurate enough to hit and the drow (already weakened by orliander's arrows) falls dead off of his mount. Aden then launches three succesful hits on the riders defenceless mount killing it.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Having practiced the technique earlier, Byerek bleeds.


Autostabilize [roll0] need a 1-10.

And if that doesn't work...bleeding [roll1] need a 1-10.

Yay! Stabilized!

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander kneels next to Byerek's massive form, channeling positive energy in an attempt to heal the worst of his wounds.


5 foot step 1 square south,

Burning Freedom of Movement for a Cure Critical Wounds on Byerek.

[roll0]

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Coming to yet again, Byerek reachs for Reason and twisting around on his back, swings the heavy bladed mace toward the creature's legs.


Power Attack for 2, including the -4 for attacking from prone.
[roll0] [roll1] Touch attack

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"... izh a zhtupid idea!", he finishes, right before being struck again within an inch of his life. He uses the blood he has left well, and leaps around to retaliate.

Tumble to E14, not going through the demon's space this time. [roll0]
[roll1] for 1+[roll2]

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 2/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5 remaining
Healing Belt: 1/3 remaining

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 4 (force screen) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection)) or 34 when I'm in another's space.
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Jair Barik]

Byerek and Rubikk both hit the bird beast wounding it further but despite its gashes it carries on. The skin sores are getting worse and strange viny growths are beggining to sprout from your skin (Aden And Rubikk take 1 damage each, Byerek takes 3). Shifting its position slightly and acknowledging that so far Byerek is hurting it more than anything else Swings at him with both claws (another 25 which I believe reduces you to -5). This time the monster cleaves into the as of yet uninjured Orliander slicing him across the chest and then following up with an additional three more slices from its beak and talons (32 damage total)

Initiative order
-Party
-Bird

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7255-5.png

[Malachei]

Aden curses himself and tumbles towards the demon. Like a whirlwind, he drives his weapons into the alien creature, hoping to kill it swiftly.

OOC:


Tumble to E-13 [roll0] DC should be 15+terrain modifier.

Initiate Dancing Mongoose.

1st attack: [roll1] (flanking), damage [roll2] (TC maneuver) plus [roll3] sneak --> with confirmed crit 31 damage

2nd attack (due to maneuver): [roll4] (flanking), damage [roll5] (TC maneuver) plus [roll6] sneak --> 26 damage if it hits

[Jair Barik]

Aden rolls in and jabs the bird once with his blade. Though heavily wounded it is still alive for now and blocks the second strike with its wings (even if you had flank bonus second attack won't hit I am applying sneak attack damage on the basis that Byerek or Orliander will threaten at some point in this turn).

[CockroachTeaParty]

Seeing his healing efforts doing little to stop the rampaging bird-creature, Orliander ignores the pain from his wounds, drops his bow, and draws his fine longsword.
"Have at you, creature!"


I don't know about its DR IC! Wee!

Free action: drop bow.
Move action: draw longsword.
5-foot step to B-11 for Flank Action.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk is on the last of his strength, but when the bird-monster turns around to face Orliander, he can not resist trying to attack one last time.
Full attack on purplybird.
Dagger 1: [roll0] for 1+[roll1]
Dagger 2: [roll2] for 1+[roll3]
Dagger 1 iterative 2: [roll4] for 1+[roll5]

Power points: 27/34
Hit points: 1/52

Torc of Power Preservation: 4/5 remaining
Healing Belt: 1/3 remaining

Current AC: 30 (10 + 5 (armor) + 4 (force screen) + 6 (dex) + 3 (size) + 1 (natural) + 1 (deflection)) or 34 when I'm in another's space.
F/R/W: +6/+12/+4

[Jair Barik]

The bird efortlessly dodges Orliander's sword but his positioning gives Rubikk the opportunity he needs and all three of his strikes cut into the birds flesh at vital areas. Howling in pain it collapses to the ground, dead. The spores do not stop growing though now starting to sprout from the skin and Rubikk collapses to the ground (3 damage to Rubikk, 4 to Byerek and 1 to Aden, you are now out of combat initiative but spell initiative continues as people are in danger of dying before they are healed).


B[roll0][roll1][roll2][roll3][roll4][roll5][roll6]
A[roll7][roll8][roll9][roll10][roll11][roll12][roll13]
R[roll14][roll15][roll16][roll17][roll18][roll19][roll20]

[CockroachTeaParty]

The danger passed, Orliander draws an oaken wand from his belt and immediately attends the injured and dying, starting with Byerek. The spell contained within the wand steadily knits back the savaged flesh.


Everyone will receive however many charges of Lesser Vigor they need. Each charge heals 11 hp; let me know how many you want, and I'll note them on my sheet.

[Jair Barik]

As Orliander goes about healing everyone up the spores gow into vines that cover the skin of those who are effected. After they finish growing they stop hurting but don't fall away.

Going about searching the bodies of the fallen whilst you await the healing to take effect you find the following.

On the drow
-2 spiked chains of high quality
-6 bottles each labelled with the same rune as one another
-A fine pair of gloves upon each drow
-A chain shirt
-A longbow
-38 arrows
-30gp
The lizards have no gear but each has a sadle and a bridle.

Looting the body of the bird creature you find that some leather straps wrapped about its talons form a kind of sandal inscribed with runes of some form. Also a magnificent cloak of feathers (initially mistaken to be a part of the creature) is hang down its back.

[Malachei]

"Thank you," Aden nods towards Orliander, "This was a tough fight, and your healing powers are most welcome." Quickly, the party divides the items they found, and Aden starts to search the environment.

[Jair Barik]

Exploring the area more thoroughly Aden finds that a chasm into a seemingly endless darkness splits the room. The jump would be possible though the fact that the ledge the otherside is elevated would make it much more difficult. Another way to the far side of the cave exists though in a slope that rises up about 5ft to the higher floor of the eastern caverns. Even further exploration eastward finds another large cavern connected to the one you were currently in by two tunnels each 15ft wide. Inside of this cavern is a series of carved stone steps that lead up to a glowing archway of grey stone about twenty feet wide. Looking through the archway you can see the cave wall behind it, only the archway itself glows the space beneath it appearing completely normal.

Map

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169-7.png
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc97/dragonhunter55/text7169-8.png

[CockroachTeaParty]

Silently, Orliander approaches the stone archway. A feeling of dread settles in his stomach. Gingerly, he looses an arrow through the arch, to observe what might happen.

[Jair Barik]

The arrow flies through the archway and hits the cavern wall.

Byerek recognises the portal for what it is but the precise manner with which it functions eludes him, each portal generally having its own nuances and quirks.

[CockroachTeaParty]

The elf kneels, staring at the archway for a long moment.
"This must be the portal hinted at in the priestess' letter. Does it indeed lead to the Abyss? Such a thing should not exist in this world."
Orliander maintains a distance of several yards from the structure, his eyes and ears ever alert for danger.
"Can it be destroyed?"

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Let me see that letter again. Byerek glances over the letter for a minute. Walking over to one of the the slain lizards, he pulls his knife and cuts the leather around one of the bridle ringlets. Holding the bit of iron up willfully, Byerek approaches the portal slowly.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander takes a tentative step toward Byerek, his eyes wary.
"What are you planning on doing there, Byerek? By the grace of the Seldarune, I just barely managed to keep you alive a few minutes ago. Should the full fury of the Abyss open before us, I can not guarantee even my connection to Corellon will defend us."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Pausing momentarily, the whirling runes above the bald headed man whirl furiously, reflecting inner thoughts. I suppose you are right. Would you propose a rest here? I estimate that it won't be long before the drow we've slain fail to report in and an investigational force is sent out to look for them. Plus, if what I've read is correct, this gate does not go to the abyss, rather to Sigil. I have not been to Sigil, but I heard about it when I was on the Plane of Shadows not long ago. It seems to be a place we could definitely go for more information.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander furrows his brow, drumming his fingers against lobstered steel.
"Sigil? The City of Doors? We would likely be safe enough there... I am not as knowledgeable in the lore of the planes as I'd like to be. I suppose I'll leave the decision to those better informed. I still have some magic left to me, and we are otherwise in good shape, all things considered. Those unsightly growths covering you concern me, but there's little I can do until tomorrow morning. They are not causing you any further pain?"

[Jair Barik]

The portal is yet to respond to any of the actions the party has taken. It seems to remain inactive.

[Malachei]

Aden takes a moment to refocus his thoughts. He looks at the others and says, "It might be going to Sigil. Or it might be not." Looking around, he shrugs and mutters, "But this is not my preferred bed and breakfast." Stepping closer to the portal, he suggests, "We should not rest here. Can we find out more about the portal with your magic?" His question is directed both at Orliander and Byerek. "If not, resting makes sense only if that can be helped tomorrow. Otherwise, we should step in."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Unfortunately, my magic is limited and focused. I am a warrior, not a sage. I would suggest that we step through today, assuming we can figure it out.

[Malachei]

Aden nods, and gives a rough cough, the most similar to a laugh the bitter man can produce, "Yes, and let us hope it is two-way." He readies his weapons and waits for the others to agree, or raise their concerns.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"Did it not occur to you that thizh gate might zhimply be a trap, ready to collapzhe the moment zhome foolizhh adventurer decides that everything arched izh meant to be walked through? It izh precizhely what I would do.", Rubikk protests, and starts scrutinizing every inch of the gateway for signs of malicious intent.

"And of courzhe, thizh not being what it lookzh like would mean there'zh a zhecret door around here zhomewhere."

Taking 20 on searching the gateway for signs of traps, for a total of 40.

Regardless of the outcome, taking 10 on searching the surroundings for secret doors, for a total of 30.

[Jair Barik]

You find no traps.

(Was there ever a phrase with moreconnotations for building player paranoia?:smallamused:)

[Ernir]

Rubikk

After carefully scouring the archway for what seems to be a completely unreasonably long while, Rubikk reluctantly agrees that the arch is safe.

"After you, big guy..."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander remains silent, holding his holy symbol close, trying to decipher any latent auras around the gate that might provide a clue...


Orliander will cast Detect Evil while the searching is going on, focused on the gate.

[Jair Barik]

Byerek approaches the arch with the bridle in hand. Nothing happens until the metal has actually passed through the arch itself at which point it disappears from his hand and the archway is filled with an opaque glowing white light. It appears to be asolid barrier but it ripples (occasionally with colour) and those who have encountered portals before will recognise it as such.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Well, that was...easy. The Illumian man states slowly. I guess its time to get to the bottom of this? We should all probably be touching. My portal experience is limited, but my understanding is that these things go better if all voyagers are in contact. And quickly, it is unknown how long the portal will remain open, or how long it'll take to reactivate it if it closes.

[CockroachTeaParty]

"I do not sense anything inherently evil about this gate. I suppose if we must take the plunge, I am ready."
Orliander kisses his holy symbol for luck, before approaching the strange gateway.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk gives his weapons a final check, draws them, and follows his less vertically challenged comrades through the gate.

Emphasis on following. :smalltongue:

[Jair Barik]

You step through the portal. It is a strange experience and even those of you who have travelled the planes before will not be used to it. Your bodies detatch from the plane they call home and are flung far off to somewhere else. You are enveloped by white light and feel dizzy, spinning.

Despite this when you step out of the gate you do so as though you had simply been walking down a road, there is no nausea and you are in no way stunned. The gate exits into an alley way somewhere. Behind you stands the 'gate' already closing much too fast for any to attempt to go back through. The gate here is significantly less impressive, a wooden beam that hangs across an alley forming a square.

The alley is dirty and appears to open out into a market place of sorts. Various wares are being peddled here, strange foods, plants and animals the likes of which you have never seen before, weapons in shapes and sizes different to the norm, bottles of multicoloured light are sold at one stall and a man sells small pieces of paper at another. Perhaps stranger than the merchandise itself are those buying and selling it. Yes there are humans, elves, dwarves and halflings but there are also other races not immidiately obvious as to what they are. A centaur with horns, a man whose skin is covered in metallic looking blades, goblionoids, lizardfolk, a black scaled dragon like creature that stands like a human (but lacks the tell tale horns of a black dragon), a beautiful man with angelic wings and great dog headed creature tall as an ogre with many arms.

As you take in these sights your eyes are drawn to the sky. Some of you may almost vomit with nausea at what you see when you notice there isn't one. It is apparently mid day (at least the light implies it) but there is no sun. In fact rather than an empty sky that appears to stretch endlessly beyond the sky appears to continue upside down buildings hanging to streets far above you. Those who look hard enough can just about make down little upside down people walking along them.

Back amongst your own streets a young man walks by yelling the word 'tout' at the top of his voice. A strange green skinned figure with tall whispy white hair dressed in splendid purple robes floats past you into the alley with a hammer and begins hammering at the walls.

@MammonAzarel

Across the street you notice four people emerge from the alley. A kobold, and three humanoids.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Relaxing in easy contentment against the wall of a...tailor?...the small halfling takes a large bite out of an interesting new meatpie. What did the vendor say was in this one again? Hmm, I think I'll need to go back and ask him. Whatever it is, its darn tasty! Wiping his greasy fingers surreptitiously on the edge of a sack next to him, he raises his eyes back to the ally and nearly drops his lunch in surprise. Four creatures were standing in it, clearly new (you could always tell the new ones when they looked up). And for once none of them were black, pointy-eared spider-worshipers. Well, he corrected himself thoughtfully, at least none of them are black or pointy-eared, and that's good enough!

He hastily consumed the remainder of his lunch in a few large bites while the newcomers were still coming to grips with the interesting topography, cleaned his hands of grease on the sack, and walked over to the alley. Studying them swiftly as he approached, He decided it was past time to have a bit of fun, this watching gig had been easy, but lacking in much interaction.

Stopping in front of the four, Calothea nods briskly to them, in a familiar manner, his voice mixing equal parts weariness at waiting and haste. "Good, good, you're finally here. We've been waiting for you. Of course you had to get here during lunch, but at least you're about on time. Do you have everything ready? Yes? I hope so, since you aren't going back any time soon!" The short, brightly dressed halfing chuckles to himself at the joke. "Well come on then, we don't have all day to wait for your tummies to get used to things, they'll adjust fast enough. Now lets go. He should be waiting at The Styx Oarsman, and I suspect he'll want to see you even in the middle of lunch." His eyes lose focus for a moment, as he is clearly thinking about something else. I really do need to remember to come back and ask about that meatpie...Oh, it looks like their finally getting themselves under control, good.

Shaking himself out of his reverie and nodding to them seriously, he turns and starts to move slowly towards the lower ward of the city, a grin creeping onto his face in amusement. Wiping the playful expression from his face, he glances back after a few feet to make sure the mysterious newcomers are following, though his eyes still danced with a gleeful light.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Slightly dizzy from plane-hopping, the Illumian man brings Reason around in front of him protectively. Looking both ways for the source of the voice, he finally looks down, noticing the halfling for the first time. Lowering his weapon, he responds to the halfling's tirade. Who...are you?

[Ernir]

Rubikk

"And who izh thizh we?" I wazh not aware I had arranged to meet zhomeone before entering through thizh gate..."

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

The energetic tiny man turns and grins at tall man's puzzlement. His expression sours slightly as the kobold speaks, and his gaze flits to the reptilian creature only briefly, before returning to the confused warrior with the floating runes. "Well I'm Calothea, of course!" he exclaims, as if his name were all the explanation in the world. "And," he looks over at the kobold, the playful grin drooping slightly as his face takes on a more serious cast, "My employer has been waiting for your arrival. If you don't know about it, then I can't help you as I am simply your liaison. But I would think twice before ignoring his desire to meet with you. Sigil can be...eventful...for newcomers. So I recommend you follow me, and try not to do anything foolish while you're here. The powers that patrol this place can be rather unpleasant with disturbances."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek looks at the little kobold. I've done enough planar travel to know that the words he speaks of Sigil are true. This is not a place to wander unassuming. A cold gutter is where you'll end up if you do such. Byerek slings Reason over his shoulder and follows the little halfling.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander says nothing, but follows, his eyes and ears alert for a trap. No doubt certain forces were at work here; whether they were benign or hostile was yet to be seen.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Oh, great. We're going to follow this one around, in a city not one of us knows, with nothing but cute words to make sure we're not walking into a trap?

Why couldn't there just be an abyssal horde or something waiting for us? At least those can be dealt with the old-fashioned way., Rubikk keeps thinking to himself with a frown on his face while motioning to move.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

With a firm nod of approval at Byerek's words, the halfling turns once more, "Well now that that is settled, lets go!" Marching out of the market square, he guides the newcomers down into the lower wards, towards The Styx Oarsman.

As they move into the slums of Sigil, he makes a warning note. "Now be careful down here. Its one of the roughest parts of the city, and I don't want you to go and piss off some daemon and lose your head before we make it to my employer!"

[Malachei]

The blue-robed figure had vanished into the shadow of a nearby corner as soon as the newcomers had arrived. There, he had waited, his hands gently touching his long curved blades, waited to gain more information, to decide whether to strike or not. Only after a while, when it became clear the small figure meant no harm, the man had stepped out of the shadow, and into the light of this strange place. He was visibly uncomfortable.

"What have you been told about us?" he asks bluntly, not waiting for introductions and obviously not happy with being expected. I'm never expected. The surprise is mine, that is how it is supposed to be, he thinks. "Could be a trap. But why so open? We could take him hostage." he whispers to Orliander, and concluded "if it is a trap, then the little one is of no value to the employer."

As they leave the gate's area, the man keeps slightly behind the group, and looks here and there, often turning around to where they came from.


OOC:


Hide [roll0]

Aden tries to note major milestones that will allow him to remember the way back, but most importantly, he looks for signs of a trap, or people following them.

[Jair Barik]

Calothea leads you all on towards the lower ward. You notice that the nearer you get the more often you see demonic and devilish creatures and other beings from the lower planes. In addition the acrid scent of sulpher fills the air, clouds of smoke and noxious gas hanging overhead.

As you traverss the streets of Sigil you find your way blocked by a Religious procession of some kind that completely blocks of the street in a thick mass of people. Ducking into an alley littered with dirt and filled with scurrying black rats you manage to avoid the religous 'fanatics' who appear to be proclaiming the imminent doom of creation and continue on your way. Bits of rooting cloth, sewage and rubbish give the alley a pungent reek (more so than the rest of the lower ward).
You're about halfway down the alley when you hear the voices: hundreds of tiny voices, like children, all speaking together.
"You must listen to us. Listening? Yes? Scuttle very carefully through this sewer. Demons are triple liars, but angels are eager to make you martyrs. Go, and trust neither heaven nor hell. We mean victory for you and defeat for the Spider-Queen."
There's no sound; the voices are entirely in your heads, and they aren't leaving.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Thinking out loud, Byerek responds: If we are to trust neither heaven nor hell, who says we can trust you?

Turning to Calothea, he then says: Are these the friends you ment to bring us to? If so, I think you have some explaining to do...

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Confusion and curiosity flash across the little man's face, as he stops abruptly and turns to face the people he has been escorting. "My friends? Does this really look like the sort of place one has a business meeting? I have no idea what that was, and I'm not sure I want to. And these fanatics are making things just too difficult to navigate properly. I can't exactly see over their heads you know!"

With a mild glare for Byerek, Calothea turns and scans the crowd, taking the moment to compose himself. Just what was that? he wonders. Just what has Rule-of-Three gotten me into here? That book better be worth it.

With a rather energetic wave of his hands, he catches the attention of a passing creature, one who had been walking through the crowd claiming knowledge of the local area. Silver flashes through the air towards it as Calothea tells it "We need to be taken to The Styx Oarsman. You'll get the same again upon arrival." Looking back at the rest of the group, he explains, "This fellow will guide us to the inn, and hopefully you will all look less out of place with him leading. I've already seen two demons stare at you all consideringly, and I don't fancy a tussle. And I swear, you big people barely know how to move through a crowd."

[Jair Barik]

The voices don't reply to Byerek's response. Calothea leaves the alley and can happily pay off a passing young man with a pair of horns protruding from his small tufts of brown hair.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Voices? In my head? Again? Arrrggh, this isn't worth it..., Rubikk thinks to himself, looking flighty.
"Get uzh out of here! Fazht!", he growls at the newfound guide.

[Jair Barik]

"Thissss way."

The young man leads you through the streets of the lower ward eventually coming to a stop in front of a tavern. A single door hangs open in the street leading inside the establishment, a sign depicting a hooded figure on a boat hanging from the wall and proclaiming the establishment to be The Styx Oarsman.

The building is comprised of what appears to be walls built up around a large ship, a mast protruding from the roof and the fore of the vessel sticking out from the front of the building, a worn and faded figure head just visible in the woodwork.

From inside you can hear much noise and joval conversation.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

The tall Illumian man wanders into the bar, giving it a quick glance over, and then finding a seat near a wall if possible.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Nodding to their tout, the halfling tosses him another flash of silver and thanks him before turning back to the tavern. Just in time to watch the tall man with the curious runes about his head walk in.

Scrambling behind him, Calothea makes his way into the tavern, his eyes peeled for Rule-of-Three.

@ DM
I don't know if RoT will recognize Calothea or not. If he is there and does, then I'm sure something will happen. If nothing does happen, then Calothea will make his way to the bar, gesturing for the others to follow him, and ask about RoT's whereabouts there.

[Jair Barik]

The tavern is an interesting affair. There are several tables with chairs of varying sizes and a few curtained off booths as well as a spiral staircase to the upper floor. At the bar a large snake like woman with three pairs of arms serves drinks with a great mirror and shelves of liquids behind her. Three humans (two men and one woman) move about the establishment serving drinks. The other patrons are of varied race. A pair of half-orcs with horns and hooves sit near the bar, in one corner a white scaled bug eyed creature sits alone with many, many empty glasses in front of him, a spear strapped to his back and a long tail coiled round his chair. A human man with a number of battles upon his skin and a bow on his back sits a table laughing with a red skinned dog headed figure and a strange cube like construct with two sets of arms and a face. Elsewhere two tall thin pale skinned humanoids glare across the bar at a similar looking pair who glare back meaningfully. In one of the larger chairs a towering metallic man with a horned helmet sits, he appears to be a construct that is inexplicably drunk. A group of vile looking human like figures each about 4ft tall with demonic features sit singing dirty war songs accompanied by a frog like man. A black skinned figure whose skin appears to be comprised of blades sits talking to a centaur like creature who wears heavy armour at the bar.

@Mammon

You don't recognise anyone here and nobody steps out to greet you.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

That guide's accent was awful. Don't they teach Common here? And what's with the critters? At least you can be sure of where a drow's kidneys are. And a ship? Really? Is this some kind of marketing stunt?, the kobold broods to himself, trying to not do anything to attract attention.

"Zho, halfling, were we zhuppozhed to meet zhomeone here, or what? I don't know if you've noticed, but we were kind of in the middle of zhomething..."

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Scanning the creatures scattered throughout the tavern, the halfling tries to hide his disappointment that no one takes any particular interesting in them. Turning back to the kobold, he smiles. "Of course we're meeting someone here. You don't think they'd just jump out of their seat when I brought you all in, did you? Why don't you all go a choose a table; I need to go talk to the bartender. And I didn't notice you in the middle of anything, except maybe that alley looking lost and confused." Smiling encouragingly to group, the small man makes his way through the tavern and to a barstool.

[Jair Barik]

The barman ignores Calothea for now instead going about serving another group waiting at the bar using its multiple arms to quickly pour drinks several at a time. Tumbling down the stairs come a trio of Vrocks squawking at one another and making their way towards the door, two carrying the barely standing form of their companion. Following close behind them is a human shaped creature whose skin is covered in razored barbs, it carries a deck of cards in one hand and a bag of coins in the other, it is accompanoied by a half dozen humanoids of varying appearance, all of whom look to have a touch of planar blood in their veins given the strange variety of physical characteristics that make their exact race hard to pin.

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk gnaws idly at the vines growing on his body, ignoring any looks the others may give him for it.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Byerek glances around occasionally, but mostly stares forward at his hands crossed in front of him.

[Malachei]

"I already hate this place," Aden mutters for his companions to hear as they enter the tavern. As they choose a table, he remarks, "The name at last means that we don't have to take the real ferryman down Hades road. So if I had choose between this place, and the Styx river, I must say, the choice would be an easy one, albeit disgusting either way." He eyes the other guests and tries to find out who might be the most dangerous. As the Vrocks appear, he can't hide his anger, "Cursed they be and all their kin," he says.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Climbing onto a bar stool for height, Calothea waves a hand of the creature tending the bar, catching her attention. When she finishes with the other patrons and turns her attention to him, he smiles and nods in polite greeting, "Do you have any light halfling brew back there? It's been a while and I'd like a taste of home." Laying several coins on the bar, and without really stopping the flow of talking, he glances around and lowers his voice slightly, to a pitch that doesn't carry, but isn't terribly conspicuous either. "Also, I was hoping you could help me out. I'm looking for...Rule-of-Three, I believe he goes by. Do you know if he is in at the moment? I have some business with him."

[Jair Barik]

After serving you the barman moves elsewhere instantly and so your comment goes without any apparent audience a nearby man with horns seems to think it was addressed at him and glares at the little halfling as though he has been offended.
"Do I look like your personal guide? No? then stop treating me like one before I eat your entrails!"
the man is obviously very drunk
"Oarsman is for private business: no law, no rule-of-three answers, shut up your trap and get out!"
The entire place gets very quiet, and every demon, devil and Yugolot, and every other unsavoury character in the bar turns to look at Calothea.

At this point a Githzerai scholar parts the wall of spiky and deadly creatures with a wave of his hand.
"Did someone mention my name, call me out and summon me? They call me, I call myself, the world knows I am Rule-Of-Three" he scatters coins to the offended devils and yugoloths, hestures at the bar and things carry on as if the shouting never happenned. Cards are dealt, ale is poured and the noise returns to deafening levels.

"New in town?" asks the elderly githzerai, stroking his wispy beard and watching you all carefully. "Your type, your disposition, your shining characters don't generally come to the Lower Ward, the wrong side of Sigil, the Styx Oarsman. I like the cheap beer, rough company and rampant rumour mongering. What brings you here?"

[Malachei]

Aden's lips form to resemble a smile, as he answers, "Questions, riddles and puzzles," and, after a small pause, "We seek answers, advice and counsel." he folds his hands and seems to wait, patiently.

[Jair Barik]

The Githzerai moves back to his chair by a table in one of the corners. The table in question is one of the curtained booths that (if need be) can be closed off for added privacy.

"Do not mock me, copy me, parody my method of speach unless you are sincere in your beliefs. A word of warning to you that people have died, been killed, murdered for lesser slights within Sigil and your are lucky I am not one prone to violence, anger and irrational conflict." he meets Aden's smile and his words have a sense of calm kindness to them, no threat or anger, just a polite warning (one that seems appropraite considering many of the clientel at the oarsman could likely rip a mans arms off with relative ease).

[Malachei]

Aden replies to the threat with the cool smile of someone who has dealt with criminals all his life, treating them equally, no matter how big their ego. "I was not aware you see this as your privilege, prerogative, or claim. Perhaps you need to advertise more, for we had not heard of you or your method before. But speech is free, as is thought." He remained calm, as he continued, "But you probably are a man of precious time, and I must say that we, too, have little reason to delay our matters in charades."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Rune sigils whirl slowly as the bald man speaks. We have intercepted the journal of one Lithara. It seems she had aims to plunge a dagger into your heart on the alter of her 8-legged goddess. I trust she wan't a terribly good friend of yours?

If Rule-of-Three doesn't answer right away, Byerek continues in a VERY low tone. We are under the impression that the demon queen of spiders is on the move. Her servants are conducting more and more daring raids on the surface of the Prime. This is not acceptable. We are seeking more information as to why, how, and to what end.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

The small man's eyes widen slightly while the obviously drunken man goes off. Before he can do much of anything else the githzerai speaks, identifying himself and releaving the tension. Thankful all eyes are no longer focused on him, Calothea hops off the stool and makes his way towards the people he brought to the Oarsman, completely forgetting about his drink.

Moving up to join the conversation already in progress, he nods to who is apparently Rule-of-Three. "Thanks for the save. That guy has clearly had enough to drink!" Glancing back towards the bar, he shakes his head. "Sorry, where are my manners? These are the fellows you wanted to meet, they came in through that spider-infested alley. At least, I trust these are the fellows you were looking for!"

Its only once he has spoke that he realizes what the others have said, or indeed were speaking at all. With a quickly reddening face, he mumbles an apology while trying not to show too much interest in the curious topic of conversation.

[Jair Barik]

Rule-OF-Three smiles in a relieved manner.

"I am glad she is no more, that she is dead, deceased. She was no friend of mine. You have done right to bring them to me Calothea, their gate to the material may work only one way but I know of others back. You see I can get you home, and I can get the drow to stop rampaging through your plane. But it wont be easy: the drow are stirred up everywhere, on the Material Plane, here in Sigil, and in the Demonweb where Lolth spins her plots. Three things I will require in return, three errands, three small tasks. The first is simple: Go to the Tower of the Prophet here in Sigil, open the eye there and ask how to blind the Spider Queen."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander, arms crossed, finally speaks after a long silence, seemingly too disgusted with the evil creatures about to comment until now.
"Why do you find yourself an enemy of the Spider Queen, Rule-of-Three? I am hesitant to go gallivanting off on vague tasks for a total stranger, especially one met in such an unsavory place. Given a more concrete example of where your allegiances lay, I would be more than willing to help you, especially if the threat we face is as dire as I fear."

[Jair Barik]

Rule-Of-Three makes a hand gesture, waving his fingers at the bar and at all outside of the bar also.

"Sigil is safe, a cage, a sanctuary from the Spider Queen. Within this city it is unlikely the Spider Queen's presence will ever reach for fear of crossing with her. However all else it seems is fair game. There is a balance, a status quo a sense of order to the planes at the moment tilted neither to law nor chaos, good nor evil, Lolth's followers nor those who oppose her, but of late the Drow have become more active, not just within your plane but throughout all planes. Why? I cannot say, do not truly know, am uncertain but whatever it is that Lolth plans within her web I am certain it is not for the good of any. Should I ever desire to leave, to abandon to exit this cage it would ease my heart greatly knwoing that the planes were not in the hands of the Spider cult."

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Feeling like he is in a near constant state of shock and confusion now, Calothea presses against his eyes with the palms of his hands, trying to make sense of everything. "Wait a minute here. I know you wanted me to keep a watch on drow movements through that alley. And as they generally don't bother me too much, given their superiority complex, I was cool with that. But what is all this about moving against Lolth now?! Since when did a psychotic goddess get involved? And she's trying to kill you? Do...do I even want to know what is going on? And apparently now there is some plot of hers that you all are on some kind of quest to foil or something?" His voice gets progressively higher-pitched and faster as he goes along, certain that none of this was what he had signed up for.

With a great deflating sigh, he looks over the group and then at Rule-Of-Three, "And I'm guessing you want me to go with them now, don't you? Aunt Gilly always said I'd find a safer road if I just trusted my feet instead of messing with magic, but I always just thought she was being silly."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

I don't think the spider queen herself had slated Rule-of-Three for death, just the drow priestess formerly known as Lithara. Then again, one generally indicates the other, where she's involved...

We would be honored if you would accompany us. We are short a companion since an unfortunate disagreement forced us to part company with one of our initial companions. I trust you are a much more team-oriented sort of fellow?

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

"I..." he looks around at the others, look of bafflement on his face. "...Thank you? I didn't have any real plans to overthrow some evil plot, but I guess I can't really go home and ignore it, can I?"

He sighs, the playfulness and cheer that was so abundant when you first met him draining from his face as he considers the road ahead. "If there is nothing for it, then there is nothing for it. We'll just have to get on together then and take care of this. As I said, my name is Calothea, a wizard with a passion for understanding teleportation and magical travel, which is how I wound up in Sigil in the first place actually. And yes, I do try to get along with the other people I'm risking my life with."

Looking to his (previous?) employer, he nods decisively. "I suppose now would be a good time to tell us how to get to this Tower of the Prophet then. Safely."

[Jair Barik]

Rule-Of-Three nods.
"I believe, understand, know it to be in The Lady's Ward, the richest part of the city. It can be found amongst the other temples, towers and churches, you will recognise it by the glowing winged eye that sits atop it."

[Malachei]

Aden pats the halfling's shoulder, "Good." Then he turns to Rule-of-Three. "Tell us, threefold riddle, what awaits us in the tower you want us to go? Why have you not ventured yourself, and in what way do you consider it dangerous?" he asks.

[Jair Barik]

Rule-Of-Three gently waves his hand as if in a sign of dismissal.
"It is a tower of prophecy, foresight, the future. I have in the past implored the guardians of the tower to open the eye with regards to Lolth yet they prove blind, ignorant, unwilling to accept that she is of any threat. Though they have rejected me perhaps you might persuade them otherwise. Regardless of what they say, tell, speak it is of the utmost urgency that you recieve the prophecy of the eye one way or the other."

[Malachei]

With a sigh, Aden asks "Who are the guardians? Are they priests? Humans?" He eyes the surrounding guests for eavesdroppers, and speaks in a low tone, "Would they be open to diplomacy or bargain? What is their order's moral code?" and interrupting himself, adds, "Many questions, yes, but we would not want to go in unprepared, without information you might be able to give. And certainly, we would not fight an established order in the city, unless unavoidable."

[Jair Barik]

"Archons, celestials, beings of righteousness I believe. I did not say you should fight them, I said you must gain the prophecy, indeed a fight would easily be the least desirable outcome. The tower is open to visitors by day though and at times religous ceremonies are held there. If you are truly righteous it is likely you could simply walk in and ask of them to open their eye. Does law and goodness dwell within your heart?"

[Malachei]

Aden smiles a cold smile, "I have battled evil for as long as I can remember, stalking its agents in the dark alleys where a knight fears to go, following its tracks into its deepest lairs, bringing the fight home and never resting until it is banished," he says. "We have no intention to bring harm on those who are on our side."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

My heart is pure, and my goals noble. Though my order is...unorthodox, I am a paladin and my conviction is no less. We shall return shortly.

Does anyone else have any other questions?

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Calothea shrugs uncomfortably as the human pats his shoulder. "Yeah...good." He remains silent as the others dig for more details on this Tower and it's guardians. When the apparent paladin speaks up, he shrugs, "No, I think we're good. Lets just get a move on, I don't want night to come while we're still making our way to the Tower...though it might...can we even make it to the Lady's Ward before nightfall?"

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander stands, his face a mask.
"Does night truly fall in a place such as this? I'm prepared to proceed; I would not care to linger here."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

I am likewise prepared to travel.

[Jair Barik]

"Oh we have night and day in Sigil. In fact it is absolutely organised, structured, a completely regular progression. I cannot say the same for the rest of the Outlands but in Sigil we have a clockwork day and night cycle."

[Ernir]

Rubikk

Rubikk says nothing, but stands up and motions to move out as well.

Hrrrmpphhh... we'll soon have enough for a whole damn zoo...

[Malachei]

Aden sighs, as he gives the Vrocks a sideways glance again, "You kill three, you get three more," he casually remarks, "it's like a rats nest." Then he prepares to leave with the others.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Shall we be going?

[Jair Barik]

Leaving the Oarsman it isn't to difficult to find The Lady's Ward (bizzareley you can hear the inhabitants capitalising all three words). There are a lot of fancier buildings here, much more ornate and richly built. Using Rule-of-three's directions it doesn't take too long to find the tower.

The tower is made of yellow stone and shines with inner light even during antipeak (the term used in Sigil to denote the darkest point of the 'day' compared to peak the brightest point). Two sword archons guard the entryway, their eyes watchful and their straight-backed posture perfect. Clerestory windows are set just below the eaves , with a single round stained-glass window over the entryway. The mighty twenty foot tall gilded doors open automatically for most of the party but close as soon as Rubikk approches also preventing the rest of the party moving through together.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Looking at the archons, Byerek gives the Paladin SaluteTM before saying: The kobold is with me. I will vouch for his conduct in the citadel. We aim to thwart a greater evil.

[Jair Barik]

"We do not control the gates. They open for those whose hearts are good or just. Those others who wish to enter must open them by hand. If the strength of their hearts are insufficient they must rely upon the strength of their bodies."
The archon speaks to Byerek but his eyes continue to gaze straight forwards into the air.

[Malachei]

Aden nods, "My methods may be unorthodox, but my goals are pure," he says as he steps towards the gates, expecting them to give way.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Orliander likewise approaches the gates without pause or fear. A servant of one of the most powerful good beings in the multiverse, the elf's loyalties were not in question.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

Glancing at the emormous doors, a smal chuckle escapes from Calothea's lips. "Its a good thing I'm pure enough...I suspect my strength of body wouldn't be up to the task!" Looking up at the doors, the halfing is lost in thought for a moment. Though that does seem an awfully suspect method for allowing entry...unless their just normal doors, and they open automatically for nice people? Like a doorman, but one that only serves the good? All other have to get the door themselves? That would seem rather...strange...

[Jair Barik]

Those of you entering find that the inside of the Tower of the Prophet makes you a little dizzy. The whitewashed walls seem to rotate sharply in all directions at once around a single golden construct suspended in the air above the centre of the floor. This construct looks like a sphere forged in the anvils of Mechanus, but it shines brightly, and its whirring sound is barely noticeable above the noises made by its watchers and worshippers. Three bearlike wardens fully 7 feet tall stand in prayer beneath the gleaming sphere, their arms lifted and their lips moving. A human in armour with three aasimar attendants is kneeling directly beneath the golden globe.

One of the bearlike wardens approaches you.
"I am Humbart. How may I serve?" he asks.

[MammonAzrael]

Calothea

The halfing looks up...and up...at the giant man-bear-pig standing before him. "Hi Humbart! We uh...need to open an eye...is that the eye?" he asks, pointing at the golden sphere. He trails off for a moment, fascinated by the unusual and eye-twisting architecture of the place.

"You know what?" He says, with a glance at Byerek, "Maybe he should ask the questions and stuff...I want to take a look walls if that's alright." Calothea's eye drift back to the strange building, not really hearing much in the next few moments.

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

We bring news, grave news. I wish to speak with the curator. Is there any way to seek an audience with him or her?

[Jair Barik]

"I am one of the custodians of The eye. If you wish to open it then it is me to whom you should speak. That said The Eye is not some magical trinket to be opened for every passing travellers questions of the future. It is a powerful artifact and only those with questions of great importance may recieve its prophecies."

[Ernir]

Rubikk

After a few attempts of hurling his body against the field that's holding him back, Rubikk gives up, panting heavily.


"Thizh is an outrage! Aren't you divine people zhuppozhed to be about fairnezzh and equality!? Thizh is dizhcrimination, racizhm of the highezht order!", he squeaks at whoever happens to be unfortunate enough to be within hearing range, and stomps off as heavily as his tiny frame allows.

[Jair Barik]

One of the sword archons looks at the Kobold as he fails to open the door.
"It is no matter of race little one. The doors care not what you were born nor who you worship, they only look into your heart to deem wether you are worthy."

[Keld Denar]

Byerek

Retrieving the letter from its case in his backpack, Byerek shows it to the man-bear-pig. As you can see, the agents of the Spider Queen are on the move. The machincations of her plan have touched nearly every plane in the multiverse, including the Prime and even here in Sigil. I have never heard of deities, even evil ones, scheming to this level or audacity. She's waging WAR on the multiverse, and it would seem like many of her pawns are already in place. We are launching a small investigating to discover the scope of her intentions, but there are so many leads we do not know which to follow. We humbly request knowledge from the Eye so that we may best direct our quest to expose her to higher authority and stop her minions where they scheme.