Protectors of Humanity [IC II]

[Proud Tortoise]

OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=270609)

With a wrenching sensation and the brief sight of a color-filled sea, you appear in a stone shrine in the center of a small glade. Your arrival scares away a nest of sparrows from the arches of the shrine. Beyond the edges of the clearing is a lush forest full of greenery. It's spring, and the trees are in full bloom. You can hear water running to what you think is the south.

[Fortuna]

"Well. Here we are." Fei flits up to poke about the trees. "Let's be off." He sets off in an apparently random zig-zag pattern, moving south.

[J-H]

A very oddly-shaped, heavily articulated suit of purple armor comes into view and then fades to invisibility as Rak Per casts Greater Mage Armor.

"Do we know which way to go?"

[Fortuna]

Fei flits back. "No, but there's water that way, and that's as good as anything, right?"

[Proud Tortoise]

Hello? Is this thing on? Oh, good.

I'm detecting energy emissions from the artifact toward the northeast. Or at least... Close to the northeast.

[Chilingsworth]

Dassil collects his requisitioned gear (presumably it was all delivered in the haversack, which he picked up with his mouth.) and finds a private place to transform and put it on. *Casts magic vestment on his armor, and greater magic weapon on his falchion and ransur.*

When he emerges, he wears the form of a slight blond elven male, clad in a dark breastplate and with a pack, ransur, and falchion on his back.

We hear you, Snakeyes.

(to party)

Alright, we have our lead. I'll take point. Rak, you watch our backs. Fei, please watch the skies for us. Everyone stay within 100 feet of me so we can communicate as needed.

*waits for party to gather on him before heading off to the northeast. Once on move, uses his mindsight to watch for appearance of additional mental signatures within 100ft. Also keeps lines of mental communication with his partymembers open so they can coverse with him at need.*

Crusader Stuff:

Stance: Leading the Charge
Manuvers Readied:
Stone Bones
White Raven Tactics
Revitalizing Strike
Divine Surge
Elder Mountain Hammer
Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: None

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1
Buffs:
Magic Vestment (on breastplate) Greater Magic Weapon (on ransur and falchion) Duration: 11 hours.

[Fortuna]

"....hmph. Fine."

Fei flits to take his place on Dassil's shoulder.

[Chilingsworth]

*looks up*

(Roughly how high and thick is the forest canopy?)

[Proud Tortoise]

The canopy is about twelve feet high, on average, and the branches are woven so close together that the floor is in deep shadow.

[Chilingsworth]

*As I walk by, I try to figure out what kind of trees I'm seeinf, and the rough age of this section of forest*

Checks (I'm assuming both questions would fall under the domain of Knowledge (Nature)? ):
Identifying the trees:
[roll0]
Determining Age:
[roll1]

[Chilingsworth]

Hey guys, do these trees feel kind of short to you, considering how dense the canopy is? It just feels... wrong, somehow. I can't quite put my wingtip on it, though.

[J-H]

"Posssibly, but the denssity makes it nearly web-like. Eassy to move through." Rak Per paces the party from above, easily making his way through the trees.
Land speed is 50, climb speed is 25 and I can always take 10 on Climb checks... semi-climbing/semi-walking, should be able to match 30'/rd speed easily enough

[Proud Tortoise]

The sound of human voices comes from your left. They are about one hundred feet away.

[Fortuna]

Fei pipes up in his companions' minds. I'll check 'em out. Try not to do anything stupid while I'm gone.

With that, he's away through the canopy, making use of the dense trees to move almost imperceptibly on the subjects of his investigation.

[roll0]: Hide
[roll1]: Move Silently

[Proud Tortoise]

The humans are arguing loudly about their location. "I told you the sign said left! Why didn't we go left?"

"But it was pointing right! Who'd make a sign that pointed left but said right?"

It's a party of two humans and two elves. One of the humans wears plate armor and carries an enormous sword, while the other is shorter and wearing a pointed hat at least two feet in height. The elves each carry a large longbow.

[Chilingsworth]

Do I think they've spotted me?

Sense Motive:
[roll0]

If I think they haven't spotted me, I'll use my invisibility SLA, cast silence on myself, and get within range to scan their alignments (using the appropriate SLA's I want to know what alignments the turn up on, and at what strengths) and detect their thoughts (Which will give me an idea of their levels of intelligence, then give them a DC 21 will save to avoid my learning their surface thoughts.) Once I'm in range and have done those things, I'll drop the silence can cast detect magic to scan them for that. (I have a +20to spellcraft so I'll utomatically be able to identify auras that come from spells up to 6th level.) Again, I'm interested in the aura strengths.

If I think they have spotted me, I'll have to consider my options.

Regardless,

Telepathic communcation to Rak:

Take care to avoid their notice. I'll investigate them magically.

[J-H]

Hide[roll0]
MS [roll1]

[Proud Tortoise]

The humanoids are too preoccupied with their argument to notice you. They range from CN to NG in alignment, fairly strong. They are of average intelligence and are mostly thinking that each of the others is utterly moronic. When you cast detect magic, you find that each one is carrying several magic items of moderate strength.

[Chilingsworth]

Ok, spellcraft checks to identify the schools of the magic auras:
(Just use as many as are needed off the top. If I need more, ask and I'll roll them.)

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

[Proud Tortoise]

Their weapons have evocation effects, and there are a couple abjuration effects on their armor. The rest of their items have varied auras.

[Chilingsworth]

*Attempt to telepathically raise Snakeyes*

Master, We've encountered what may be either locals or members of one of the two groups. We've succeeded in concealing ourselves from them. I detect no evil among them and some good. What are your orders regarding secrecy?

*Telepathic message to my allies (assuming they're within 90' of me )*

[I]I don't believe these people are a threat. We should await Snakeyes' instructions before revealing ourselves, though.

[Proud Tortoise]

That is for you to decide. You are, after all, the field agents here. I have no objection to indiginous contact.

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathic message to allies:
I'm making contact. Rak, please assume your human form before revealing youself. Fei, reveal yourself when you're ready. I suggest we attempt to pose as an extraplanar adventuring party hailing from Bytopia. If questioned to our purpose, we can be more or less truthful- telling them we're looking for an anomally we know little about.

*dismiss invisibility and approaches the travelers openly and in as nonthreatening a manner as possible, speaking in common:*

More lost travelers? Well, at least we're not the only ones! Greetings!

[Fortuna]

Fei watches from the shadows of the canopy.

[J-H]

Rak also stays hidden... he'll come out of the trees only if necessary.

[Proud Tortoise]

Instantly, two bows and a greatsword are pointed at you. "Are you bandits?"

[Chilingsworth]

Absolutely not! We're travelers, not too different from yourselves, I'd imagine. We're Bytopians, to be exact. *looks arround* Well, my companions are abit shy. Rak, Fei come on out! Let's not have these fellows think we're planning an ambush!


Crusader Stuff:

Stance: Leading the Charge
Manuvers Readied:
Stone Bones
White Raven Tactics
Revitalizing Strike
Divine Surge
Elder Mountain Hammer
Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: None

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1

Buffs:
Magic Vestment (on breastplate) Greater Magic Weapon (on ransur and falchion) Duration: 11 hours.

[J-H]

Out of sight, Rak Per shifts into his humanoid form. Drawing his cloak around him and using its high collar to disguise his odd mouthparts, he moves into view but stays in the shadows.

He waves nonchalantly... "Howdy."

[Fortuna]

Fei vanishes into the shadows, appearing on Dassil's shoulder in a bewildering twist of darkness. He looks suspiciously at the travellers, and hisses "I don't trusst them."

Bluff check! [roll0]

[Chilingsworth]

Oh, let's give them a chance, Fei. We are visitors on their world, afterall.

*to the adventurers*

I do appologize for startling you just now. I'm Dassil.
*indicates Fei*
This is Fei, my familiar. And the shy guy over there is Rak. As I said, we're Bytopians exploring the Prime. Might I inquire where our planeshift landed us?

[Chilingsworth]

(Because I messed up the roll code):

Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Fortuna]

Fei hisses wordlessly, scuttling around behind Dassil to peer out over his shoulder at the group.

[Proud Tortoise]

The robed man squints at you suspiciously. "This is the world of Shalnae. Are you lost?"

[Chilingsworth]

Relax, Fei

*pats Fei reassuringly*

Lost? Not exactly. We were aiming for an unidentified energy signature that we detected a short while ago on this world. But it's apparently some distance to the northeast of us. I was more asking about where on Shalnae we are.

But I do believe I've forgotten my manners, how are you folks called?

[Proud Tortoise]

The travelers introduce themselves. The two humans are Genesh and Kiril; the elves remain silent. "These are our guides," says Kiril, "and they are escorting us through the Dark Wood."

[J-H]

"To where?"

[Proud Tortoise]

"To Depthford, of course," Ganesh says. "Where else-"

"They said they were from another plane," Kiril interrupts. "They would hardly know about our geography." Turning to you, he adds, "Depthford lies on the border of the woods, east of here."

[Chilingsworth]

telepathic message to my allies:

What do you guys think, shall we ask to join them? Getting to a settlement should allow us to investigate odd happenings in the region. And these folks seem trustworthy. Of course if my impression is wrong, we could always teleport away if we can not handle them.

Thank you, Kiril. This Depthford, is it a sizable settlement?

[J-H]

Telepathic back

Getss uss closse, ssince the ssource is easst and north... but ssettlementss are a complication for ssome of us. Follow them partway? Find out what the silent ones are up to.

[Proud Tortoise]

"It's quite a large settlement, but we're still at least ten days' travel away from there."

[Fortuna]

Fei flicks his tail. "And why would ssuch as you want to travel thensse?"

We can travel much faster than they can, and they have a long way to go. I say we take our bearings and strike out east ourselves.

[Chilingsworth]

*sighs*

Hmm, it seems my familiar isn't interested in our traveling together. That being the case, I'll spare you the pranks you'd get from him and wish you good day. Thank you for the information. I hope you find success in your journey, whatever that may be.

*bows respectfully*

Rak, let's get on with our task.

*continues walking to the northeast*

Telepathic message to allies:

I hope we don't regret going this alone.

[Proud Tortoise]

"Fare well," Kiril says, "and beware the Ashen Wood. No good can come of your entering there."

[Chilingsworth]

Thanks... err, this Ashen Wood, is it clearly marked? Also, it wouldn't happen to be northeast of here, would it? Also, has it been around long?

[Proud Tortoise]

"...Yes, it is northeast of here. It's been here as long as anyone can remember. You'll know when you enter it, that's all I'll say. Now we really must be getting on." He jogs to catch up with the other members in his group, who have already moved on.

[Chilingsworth]

Thank you!

*Waves*

Telepathic message to allies:

Were I the betting type, I'd wager our objective is in those woods. Guess it was a good idea not to tag along with the locals, afterall.

[Chilingsworth]

If there are no objections can we assume we continue to the northeast after the other travelers are gone?

[J-H]

"Yes, let's go.... ahhh. That's better." Rak shifts back into his natural state and gets back among the comforting web of branches.

[Proud Tortoise]

You travel northeast, then.

It's four days travel before you see any change in the forest. Apart from the normal wildlife, you haven't seen anything of interest.

Here, the trees are twisted ashes, with few leaves. A palpable feeling of oppression settles over you.

Roll Listen checks.

[J-H]

Listen[roll0]
I'm assuming that I have continued to cast Greater Mage Armor on a daily basis to stay armored while we travel - I'll show it as cast.

[Chilingsworth]

Listen:
1d20+7]
Also, mindsight 90 ft range.

Can we assume we managed to hunt some of that tasty tasty local wildlife for food, or do we not need to eat?

[Chilingsworth]

Bah, typo in the listen roll:smallannoyed:

[roll0]
Still, mindsight 90ft range.

[Proud Tortoise]

Listen:
1d20+7]
Also, mindsight 90 ft range.

Can we assume we managed to hunt some of that tasty tasty local wildlife for food, or do we not need to eat?

Yes, you hunted and gathered for food; it was not difficult.

[Fortuna]

Listen check:[roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

As your sense of hearing is acute, you are not surprised when a spider the size of a small carriage drops down on you from the trees.

No initiative rolls for this one, just act in the order you post.

[J-H]

"Oh, hello." Rak waves at the spider, which simply hisses and clicks its mandibles at him.

"Oh, you're not a friendly spider. Go to sleep now."


Manifesting Ego Whip, augmented for a cost of 7 pp. Damage inflicted: [roll0]+[roll1] Charisma. Will save DC 20 for half on each of the 2 dice. If the Spider fails its save, it's dazed for 1 round.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/egoWhip.htm
If I drain the spider to 0 charisma, it'll drop into a coma and be helpless until it recovers charisma (1 point per day barring magical aid).

[Chilingsworth]

First to see what manuvers I have:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
Crusader Stuff:

Stance: Leading the Charge
Manuvers Readied:
1 Stone Bones
2 White Raven Tactics
3 Revitalizing Strike
4 Divine Surge
5 Elder Mountain Hammer
6 Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: None

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1

Buffs:
Magic Vestment (on breastplate) Greater Magic Weapon (on ransur and falchion) Duration: 11 hours.

[Chilingsworth]

Hostile you say? Alright, you take another shot at it after I soften it up!

Ok, First I use White Raven Tactics on Rak. Then I draw my falchion on the move and attack the spider with a divine surge:

Attack: [roll0]
crit confirmation roll (disregard if my attack roll is 14 or less):
[roll1]

Damage: [roll2]
Divine Surge: [roll3]

additional crit damage (disregard if the attack doesn't crit):
[roll4]
Divine Surge: [roll5]

Crusader Stuff:

Stance: Leading the Charge
Manuvers Readied:
Stone Bones
White Raven Tactics (g)
Revitalizing Strike (g)
Divine Surge (g)
Elder Mountain Hammer
Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: Divine Surge, White Raven Tactics, Revitalizing Strike

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1

Buffs:
Magic Vestment (on breastplate) Greater Magic Weapon (on ransur and falchion) Duration: 11 hours.

[Chilingsworth]

Looks like the attack roll was a 5. No crit.
Ok, so if a 21 hits, then it's 48 damage
Slashing and Magic on the weapon damage. I believe divine surge deals the same time of damage as the weapon used in the attack.

Also, just a reminder: My Leading the Charge stance grants my allies a +10 to damage on charge attacks. (I didn't charge since iirc charges are full attack actions and so incompatible with standard action maneuvers. Also, I'm not sure I'd benefit from the stance myself.)

[Proud Tortoise]

The spider, stunned by the ego whip, curls up and falls asleep.

[Fortuna]

Fei blinks.

"How exciting."

[Chilingsworth]

Stance: Leading the Charge
Manuvers Readied:
1 Stone Bones
White Raven Tactics (g)
Revitalizing Strike (g)
Divine Surge (g)
2 Elder Mountain Hammer
3 Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: Divine Surge, White Raven Tactics, Revitalizing Strike

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1

First roll to determine gained maneuver: [roll0]

[Chilingsworth]

Switch to Martial Spirt stance.

Shall we finish it? Rak, might you be able to get it to behave itself?

((Though technically Rak gets another turn if he wants... maybe I should switch WRT out? :smallconfused: Also, posted actions just in case we're still in rounds.))

Crusader Stuff:
Stance: Martial Spirit
Manuvers Readied:
Stone Bones (g)
White Raven Tactics (g)
Revitalizing Strike (g)
Divine Surge (g)
Elder Mountain Hammer
Flanking Maneuver

Manuvers Granted: Divine Surge, White Raven Tactics, Revitalizing Strike, Stone Bones

Steely Resolve Pool: 0/15
Furious Counterstrike Bonus: 0
Zealous Surges Remaining: 1
Smites Remaining: 1

Buffs:
Magic Vestment (on breastplate) Greater Magic Weapon (on ransur and falchion) Duration: 11 hours.

[J-H]

"It won't wake up until we are long gone. Why kill it just for being hungry?"

[Chilingsworth]

*Nod, clean my weapon, then resheathe it.*

[Proud Tortoise]

You hear a loud crashing in the trees far ahead, getting further away.

[Chilingsworth]

*tilts head*

Telepathic message to allies:
Anyone see what made that noise? It might be nothing, or it might be someone getting a welcome party together for us.

Also, let's see if I can determine anything else:
Spot Check:
[roll0]
Listen Check:
[roll1]

[Proud Tortoise]

You hear heavy breathing, but that quickly fades with distance.

[J-H]

"Ssomething'ss running away. I guesss we sscared it." Rak emits a weird chittering noise that sounds like it's his version of laughter, and then continues on.

[Chilingsworth]

*shrugs*

Probably not much to worry about, then. Let's continue.

[Fortuna]

Fei hisses, or perhaps whistles - it's difficult to say with teeth like his. He reaches out to his allies' minds. It pays to be cautious - I will scout ahead and see what may be seen. With that, he flits away into the underbrush.

I'll accept the -5 penalty for moving at full speed and go see what can be seen.

Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]
Listen: [roll3]

EDIT: ...seriously? Four rolls and not one of them is higher than an eight.

[Chilingsworth]

(Let's see if I notice how well Fei is hiding.)

Spot:
[roll0]
Edit: Nope! So, no reason for me to offer to help him.

Telepathic reply:

Good idea.

[Proud Tortoise]

How far do you venture from the group?

[Fortuna]

Fei will fly as far as it takes to get a sighting of whatever was being heard.

[Proud Tortoise]

Fei:
If you are not Random_Person, do not enter.
Seriously, I mean it.
Since you obviously plan to read it, you'd better at least act like you haven't.
Fei is suddenly grabbed by a thick, black, clawed leg. Make a grapple check against this one: [roll0]

[Fortuna]

DM's Eyes
Eep! Observant bugger. [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

Fei does not return from his expedition.

Fei:
You can make Grapple or Escape artist checks each round. This is the first opposed check: [roll0]

[Fortuna]

Actually, I'm not going to bother resisting this round - instead, I'm going to try to get a good look at my assailant. If I can pull that off, then next round I'm going to teleport away using Shadow Jaunt and fly back.

[Chilingsworth]

(Telepathically to Rak)

Hmm, Fei is taking abit longer than I'd expect. Maybe he found something shiny.

[J-H]

Telepathically back

Let's go find out.
Rak follows Fei, moving through the treetops.

[Chilingsworth]

*nods and follows Rak*

*casts shield and shield of faith on myself as we're going*

(duration of shield and shield of faith: 22 minutes)

[J-H]

As they move, Rak casts Shield & Invisibility (duration 11 minutes)

[Chilingsworth]

When Dassil sees Rak turn invisible, he nods and uses his invisibility SLA (Duration: 10 minutes)

[Proud Tortoise]

You walk a distance into the woods. A few hundred yards in, you come across a swathe of broken branches, leading into the woods.

Fei:
Your captor begins walking into the woods. From the brief glimpse you got, it's some sort of humanoid spider.

[J-H]

Telepathically: "This way."

Rak follows the trail.

[Fortuna]

So... do I now escape with my teleport? I got captured (round 1 - 0 seconds), looked (round 2 - 6 seconds), and should now escape (round 3 - 12 seconds after I got surprised.

[Chilingsworth]

*follows Rak*

Do I detect anything with my mindsight?

[Proud Tortoise]

You do not.

Fei:
You can if you like, but I believe it is difficult to cast while grappled.

[Fortuna]

It is extremely difficult to cast while grappled.

Fortunately, Shadow Jaunt is a martial manoeuvre, and there are no rules at all about using those while grappled.

[Proud Tortoise]

Fei:You are now on the Plane of Shadow.

[Fortuna]

DM's Eyes
...I am? That was unexpected. Shadow Jaunt just teleports me a short distance.

[J-H]

Rak continues to follow the trail, looking for their missing companion.

[Proud Tortoise]

Fei:
I don't have the bloody Book of Nine Swords or whatever it's called! You are magically somewhere besides in the grasp of a large spider-man.

[Chilingsworth]

Dassil likewise continues looking for Fei.

[Fortuna]

DM's Eyes
Okay. I will now flee back in the general direction from which I came.

[Proud Tortoise]

Fei suddenly flies out of the trees in front of you.

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathic Message to Fei:

What's wrong?

[Fortuna]

A spider-person of some sort. I imagine it will be coming this way rather quickly.

[Proud Tortoise]

In case you were wondering, you hear nothing approaching.

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathic message to allies:

Ok sounds like we might have a visitor soon. Some one sort of similar to you, Rak. If you want to try to talk him or her down first, I'll hold off on attacking to give you the chance.

[J-H]

Ssure.

Rak moves up beyond the other two party members.

Casting:
If it's not up, casting Shield. Casting Resistance (+1 all saves). Manifesting Schism (7pp).

[Proud Tortoise]

The eerie silence continues.

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathic communication with allies:
Fei, this spider-person, did it use webs or anything?

[Fortuna]

Not that I saw. It's a vicious wrestler, though.

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathically to allies:
Wrestler, eh? I can fix that!

Rak, come here. I have a protection for you!

Casts Freedom From Movement on himself and his two allies.
(Automatically extended thanks to Abjurant Champion, Duration: 220 minutes.)

[Proud Tortoise]

The eerie silence continues.

[Chilingsworth]

*looks around, then shrugs*

Hmm, seems we're safe. Maybe you were too much for the thing, whatever it was, to handle Fei. We should continue with your journey. We're warded against grabbing now at least.

[Fortuna]

Hmmmm. Alright, let's go!

With that, Fei bursts into motion again, zipping in and out of the trees.

[Chilingsworth]

*Follows, doing his best to keep up with Fei.*

[J-H]

Rak returns to the trees and continues to pace the party, irritated at the pointless interruption of their journey.

[Proud Tortoise]

You walk for about two minutes before arriving at a wall strung between two ash trees. It is composed of thick, sticky strands of webbing and reaches about seven feet high.

[J-H]

In the trees, Rak circles around (staying about 40' away from the web) to see what's on the other side.

[Chilingsworth]

I'll try walking around the wall.

[Proud Tortoise]

The wall stretches a long distance in every direction and is slightly convex. After five minutes, you still have not reached an endpoint.

[J-H]

Since it's only 7' high and Rak is up in the trees, he's going over it...

[Chilingsworth]

Bah, hells with this!

How thick do I think it is? I'll dimension door twice that distance through it.

[Proud Tortoise]

Not more than a foot or two. The strands are far enough apart that you can see through it.

[Chilingsworth]

Ok, then I D-door 10 feet to the other side.

(yes, I could take my true form and fly, but that would cause me to drop my gear, and would therefore be a bad idea with hostiles probably nearby.)