The Invasion (IC Thread)

[tigerusthegreat]

It is dusk on the 5th of Flamerule in the great city of Waterdeep. You sit in a very busy inn, the Lusty Sellsword, trying to get a quick meal before dinner. It isn't easy, as a travelling carnival has drawn travelers in from all around the area. The five of you are jostled together at a small wooden table, put together by chance or happenstance. It is easy to tell that you are all not stupid peasants here to see a show, but worldy men and women. If a look in your eyes doesn't tell your nature, the various magical items and expensive armaments certainly do. No peasant could afford to equip himself so well, no caravan guard either.

A musician begins playing "The Dragon and the Maid" which causes much cheering and bad singing to rise up in the inn. A thunderous boom from outside, and several very wet people hurrying in the front doors speaks of a downpour that just started. Unless you want to get very wet, you will be staying for a while.

(little light railroading to get us together and started. Feel free to chat among yourselves as strangers meeting over a bowl of beef stew and black bread).

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers sits at the table, somewhat disinterested with those sitting next to him. Sitting atop of Mr. Fwiskers are three cats. One, a black cat, sit atop his head, on his two shoulders sit a Scottish Fold cat and a Japanese bobtail cat. Each of the cats are nibbling on pieces of tuna that Mr. Fwiskers had pulled out of his bag.

Mr. Fwiskers keeps changing the direction of his yellow eyes to each of the three cats as he quietly and quickly regales the cats with a story.

"...and then... the cat came out searching for his scrumptious tna! But his tuna was no where to be found, the not-cats had taken it, but Mr. Fiwskers knew where he would find the cats their tuna treats for he was not a not-cat but a not-not-cat instead and his smell was better than any not-not-not-cat just like the smell of any not-not-not-not-cat.

[Ralasha]

"Of course you realize that your cats don't understand you? Or you're too simple."

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers, upon hearing this, slowly turn his head to face Ignus.

"Meow"

his cats then all turn their heads as well, the entire group simply stares at Ignus.

[littlebum2002]

Nordak looked around the table at those he had been seated with.

The lady with the red skin. What's the deal with that? he thought. It probably wasn't important anyway, she was being mean to the cat guy, and he never liked mean people.

And the cat guy. It was always said that people with a lot of cats were crazy, and he did seem a little odd, but Nordak had seen plenty of people who were much crazier than just owning a few cats. Heck, he was probably crazier than that himself, come to think about it.

And what about the drow? Nordak had never really liked the drow, they were too sneaky. But some of them, usually the ones that were raised outside the Caves, were not too bad. And this guy was a Paladin, he just knew it. You could always tell if someone was a Paladin, by the way they carried themselves. Somehow, they just radiated a good vibe. Nordak always had the utmost respect for Paladins.

The other elf had a bow slung over his shoulder. Bows said a lot about someone. They'd rather stand back from the violence. Don't want blood on their hands. Must be nice. Maybe he would pick up a used bow the next time he passed by a bowyer's shop. Just to see how it felt to shoot one.

That's what he'd be one day. A Paladin who used a bow. Everyone would love him. Everyone loved Paladins didn't they?

<So, you're gonna get rid of me, then?>

<Ha! Always nosing around in other people's heads, aren't you? Of course I'd never get rid of you, old friend. Just daydreaming is all...>

[Ralasha]

Ignus smiles at the cats and the man, an opening into a furnace. "You know, I hear tell that cats taste like chicken, would be a waste though, your kitties certainly seem more intelligent than any others I've met. With exceptions of course. There are always exceptions." She reaches out to scritch the nearest kitty.

[McStabbington]

"Since finding out means killing and skinning one at the table, perhaps it's better if we never find out," the drow said softly between bites, his voice precise and measured despite it's hushed volume. The drow himself had his hood down and his sable cloak about him, with only a hand extended from the folds he had wrapped himself in. The hand, black as jet, gently set the spoon next to the bowl of brown he had been eating and then slipped back within the folds of the cloak. His face was flawlessly beautiful, and it turned slightly as his red eyes flicked from the red woman to the man with the cats.

"That being said, might you as a matter of courtesy put the cats down? The bowl of brown that they serve here is not improved by errant cat hairs."

[Ralasha]

"Oh, is it not? Why am I not eating? Oh yes. I don't eat your... food... If that is what it is.

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers looks at Ildan... and then at the Fire genasi.

He stands up while slamming his hands on the table.

"WHAT?! You're all mad! Mad I tell you! And you look silly! You're ridiculous, you're all not cats! And you Mr Grayman, you are a girly not Raven!"

He walks a few steps away from the table and begins to whisper to the black cat on his head.
"There there Mr Whiskers, the silly not-cat not-ravens don't mean to be mean, they just don't understand any better because they lack basic empathy and reasoning like you and me."

He then sits on the floor.

[littlebum2002]

OK, maybe he IS crazier than me. But not by that much.

[McStabbington]

A hand reached through the cloak and gently pushed the bowl away. I didn't really need it anyway. Ildan did it mostly to keep up appearances, although sometimes it felt good to eat again. That being said, the bowl didn't really live up to his hopes; he was pretty sure there wasn't even meat in it, and now there was definitely cat hairs in it.

"Thank you," he said mildly, glancing at the man with the cats now on the floor.

[tigerusthegreat]

As you debate over your food, there are more loud crashes outside. It is probably just more thunder.

(Everyone who wants to, make a Listen Check)

[Ralasha]

In ignan, to the fireplace. "Well then. Look at the stupid, weak minded mortals child." ((can't roll or view sheet, someome do for me please.))

[littlebum2002]

Listen Check, Nordak
[roll0]

Listen Check, Zanaver
[roll1]

Listen Check, Ignus
[roll2]

[McStabbington]

Listen check:

[roll0]

[Oko and Qailee]

Listen check rolls

Mr. Fwiskers:
[roll0]

Mr. Whiskers
[roll1]

Gyro
[roll2]

Chipotla
[roll3]

[Oko and Qailee]

Listen for Ignus
[roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

Listen check of 20+ to open:
You can hear screams and cries of terror above the din of the storm outside. They are getting closer to the Inn as time goes on.

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Whiskers, the black cat, begins to perk up.

"Now now, Mr. Whiskers, don't get excited, you'll upset your tumsy wumsy"

[Ralasha]

Elemental's Listen check (am back at computer): [roll0]

Ignus raises her eyebrows after a moment. "My companion informs me that there are numerous mortals in absolute terror outside. The noise is getting closer... She finds it irritating, it resonates badly."

[littlebum2002]

<Nordak! There are people screaming outside! They sound like they are in trouble!>

Nordak jumps up from his seat. He yells in a booming voice loud enough for the whole bar to hear

There's people outside in trouble! Anyone who can fight, come and help!

He then runs toward the door, drawing his weapon on the way.

[Oko and Qailee]

Ooooooohhh. Stuff is happening. Cmon little ones, the not-cats are excited! Maybe theres a party? Was that what you were excited about Mr. Whiskers? Mr. Fwiskers follows Nordak, he moves slower than Nordak (since is cats are on him he is over his light load).

[tigerusthegreat]

The entire common room gets quiet for a moment before bursting out in laughter at Nordak. Apparently they think it is some kind of joke.

As Nordak reaches the door, he opens it. Outside it is still raining very heavily, but through the misty rain he can see flashes of fire and rays of energy in the richer districts to the north. There is a lot of such lights concentrated by the Governor's Mansion. A loud reptilian scream sounds through the night, and a man's torso, covered in burns and a thick semi-watery substance that sizzles, lands nearby, splashing Nordak (1 total acid damage, not sure if you have any mitigation for it), burning a small hole in his cloak.

To the south, several buildings are completely on fire. Shadows are moving all around, on the rooftops and in the streets. The guard are nowhere to be seen. Even a warrior like Nordak can see that there is little hope to trying to fight in these conditions, at least out in the open.

<I do not think there is anything we can do. Facing them under these circumstances will surely lead to your death.>

[Ralasha]

"I need to find a Wizard, so they can banish me back to my home plane. This one sucks. Water is everywhere, it's cold, and you mortals are worse than the water, you don't even burn very well. At least the water doesn't try to kill me. Well... most of the time."

Ignus walks over to the door and looks outside. "What's going on outside?"

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers stops at the door and begins to usher his cats into his coat before he steps outside. He is now lumpy.

He answers Ignus in the meantime "A party oh silly grumpus!"

[Ralasha]

Ignus points at the partial dead body. "More like a battle." ((Oh god, it's The Old Ones with endure elements for the cold!))

[Oko and Qailee]

"Oh, silly grumpus... he's just napping." Pauli turns and gives a huge smile at Ignus as he says this.

[tigerusthegreat]

When the others step outside, they too can strange happenings of the night. The light battle to the north has intensified, and above more reptilian roars can be heard. No more bodies are dropped, but there is clearly a battle going on around you....one that the city of Waterdeep is clearly losing.

From the mist in front of you, a shadowy figure materializes. He does not move into view, he merely appears. His clothes are black as the night around him, and he face is masked, except for glowing red eyes. "You should return to the Inn. We will not kill any who remain indoors." He does not appear to be armed, but he is hazy, as if he is part of the mist around him. "This city is ours, as all cities in Faerun will soon be ours. You face the might of the entire Showas Empire. Accept our rule peacefully, and keep your lives."

He is approximately 50ft in front of Nordak, in the middle of the wet and muddy cobblestone street.

[littlebum2002]

<I do not think there is anything we can do. Facing them under these circumstances will surely lead to your death.>

Fighting who? How do you even know who they are? Or how many?

Nordak is now talking to the sword openly. It appears to any outside observer that he is talking to himself.

What do you expect me to do? Just stand here and let people die? Like....that?

He looks at the disfigured corpse and shudders.

[Ralasha]

I take a 10 on spellcraft to determine if it is a magical effect. Total of 25.

Ignus steps out the rest of the way through the door. "I am The Eternal Flame. I am capable of killing fire elementals with my fire. Are you threatening me?" She slowly steps closer, the rain turning instantly into steam as it touches her clothing 'hair' or skin, leaving small dark spots for a fraction of a second before it lightens again.

She smiles darkly. "I certainly hope you are."

[Oko and Qailee]

Sense motive rolls:
First is for the motives of the gentleman:
[roll0]
Second is for "asses opponent (aka, how tough does he seem relative to me)":
[roll1]

[Oko and Qailee]

Spellcraft for mist:
<--- messed up
[roll]1d20+6

[Ralasha]

[roll0]

That is how you do it, and this is for rolling me an 8.

[Oko and Qailee]

bafadsfasd cmon spellcraft

[roll0]

[Ralasha]

You should have gone with my roll.

[tigerusthegreat]

Neither the figure in front of you, nor his shadowy/shifting appearance are a magic effect.

You are unable to determine how powerful this foe is relative your own strength.


However, you do think he is being honest.

"I have no need to threaten. We command the skies, we command the ground, we command the arcane, and we command the mind. We are masters of every art, every form of magic and every form of blade. The wild creatures of our homelands have made the journey with us. You see the results of their play in the dirt before you. We welcome those who wish to join us, as citizens or as soldiers. We also welcome those who wish to oppose us as slaves and fodder for our fel beasts."

[Oko and Qailee]

"Do you control the cats? I control Gyro, Mr Whiskers, and Chipotla. Do you accept cats? I accept cats."

[McStabbington]

"I see. May I be allowed to escort non-combatants to the safety of nearby buildings? I will go unarmed if you require proof of my probity."

The elf appeared beside the man talking to his sword, sliding forward with a liquid grace. A large round shield of deep brown wood had found its way onto his arm, but he had not drawn the slim, slender blade from its scabbard. Now that the rich sable cloak was unwound, a chain byrnie poked from beneath his vest, but the rest of his clothes were black, simply made, and unadorned. Tall for a drow, the elf nevertheless stood shorter than most everyone else in the room. His silver hair remained tucked into the sable cloak.

[tigerusthegreat]

"Cats are only useful when they have been transformed by our magic."

The red eyes stare at the drow....they seem....familiar to him. The figure utters only one word at the request. "No."

[McStabbington]

Diplomacy roll:


[roll0]


Edit: Well, nevermind then.

Ildan considered the messenger for a long moment, then nodded and turned back to the fellow members of the tavern. His voice raised in volume, but it maintained its high, clear tenor. "It would seem as if we are confined for the moment. I would ask all of you to remain here and remain calm." He looked back out the doorway down towards the fighting. A memory came back to him of his old house burning, servants dying in the chaos. His jaw clenched slightly in frustration, but he knew a losing battle when he saw it. And I was tasked to remain under cover. His first solo mission, and now he was inside of an occupation. The time would come for a fight, but now was the time to preserve what could be preserved for that day.

[Ralasha]

Taking 10's on Knowledge Arcana, and Knowledge the Planes. Both for 25.

If she knows he's from the plane of shadows: "There can be no shadows within the fire. I welcome this opportunity to introduce your people to the light of The Eternal Flame."

Searing Flame Fireball: please take [roll0] fire damage. No resistance, or damage reduction applies, immunity only works for half damage. {Reflex Save DC 18.} Both immunity and reflex for 1/4 damage.

If not: Searing Flame Fireball: please take [roll1] fire damage. one half damage if immune, full damage if resistant. No resistance, or damage reduction applies, immunity only works for half damage. {Reflex Save DC 18.}

[Oko and Qailee]

Initiative: [roll0]

[littlebum2002]

I know Pauli already rolled Sense Motive, but considering that's one of the few things my sword is actually useful for at the moment, I figured he would try to determine as well.

[roll0]

<Ah, OK. THAT'S who we're fighting.>

Who are you? I have never heard of the Shawas Empire. Why are you killing these people?

[tigerusthegreat]

The Searing Fireball cuts off the figure's response to Nordak, engulfing him in flames. His cloak and armor begin burning, and he hurls his mask away, revealing that he is a drow. He then disappears within the flame, winking out of existence. The Genasi's trained eyes spot the telltale signs of a contingency spell. The cobblestones on the street are scorched black, and the mud has turned to dusty dirt, with steam rising from both in the rain.

No other enemies are present, but the city is teeming with dark figures and creatures in the air.

[Ralasha]

Ignuses eyes flash upwards narrowing and her fire begins burning brighter than before. She casts shield, and glances at the others. "Should return within, and await daylight, or attempt to save innocent lives? I'm not foolish enough to attempt to take on an army with just myself and my companion. As tempting as it may be."

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers begins nodding at his cat that his cats are still hiding in. Mhm, uh hu, yes, I agree...

He then turns to the group
Obviously, since that guy doesn't like cats he must be a bad smoking man. If he is a bad smoking man, then he must hate cats. Gyro things that we should upset the smoking man.

[Ralasha]

Ignus steps over to the doorway, and a fire engulfs her, turning her armor and clothing into living flame. She looks up again, and her eyes narrow. "We shall cleanse this land with deepfire."

[McStabbington]

"Excuse me, madam, but in your haste to fight, you seem to have forgotten the tavern full of people behind you who would have been hit by any retaliation." The drow had somehow danced sideways out of the doorway before being hit with a faceful of fire. He appeared unruffled, although his voice was slightly deeper than it had been before. "Perhaps next time, you could remember that before you attack." He straightened his cloak, nodded once, and headed back to the entranceway, brought up two fingers to his mouth, and whistled loudly.

"Listen up. Drow are taking the city. It looks like they are winning." The drow had apparently stopped using his inside voice, because his voice now was very loud and had taken an aura of command. "If you can fight and wish to, step forward and come with us. If not, stay inside and do not come out. Better yet, if you can get to a basement in this place, do so now. Drow won't hesitate to level the building if it ends the fighting, so do not trust in staying inside alone to save you. Make your choice, and quickly." He turned, and strode back out into the street towards the red lady. "If you have any plans more complicated than 'shoot fire at it', now's the time, madam," he said, his voice once again quiet and calm.

[Ralasha]

"One problem with your objection. They promised safety to all that remain indoors. That means there is a high likelyhood he would have shifted positions rather than risk killing those following that command. I do not follow orders very well. And it is difficult, and pointless to rule a world of corpses. More complex plans? Very well. We need a vantage point from which to located the highest density of fighting, and a means of traveling there quickly. They will most likely have their troops in small clusters, this grants tactical strength, but also a weakness we can exploit."

[littlebum2002]

At least we got plenty of useful information out of him before you incinerated him.... oh wait, never mind.

Zanaver, should we fight, or should we wait?

[evyldead]

Alceum stands up and walks up to Ildan "You seem to be yelling for help after your friend had just burnt the ground outside. Only crazy people would be offering you help at this point. I shall help you get rid of you drow infestation. Looks like you could use a heal or two every now and then."

[tigerusthegreat]

As the Drow Paladin starts talking about how drow are attacking, the people in the inn panic, and scramble over one another to get into the cellar. A couple mugs are thrown at Ildan, one hitting him in the nose, bruising it (2 subdual non-lethal damage).

[Ralasha]

"That's disappointing, I would prefer if they would run screaming when they see someone that looks like a skin suit being worn by a fire elemental. More fun that way. Oh wait, that's what I am."

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers runs up to Alceum and talking rapidly:

"Not cat meet not-not cat Pauli, not-not-not-not cat Mr. Whiskers, not-not-not-not-not-not cat, Gyro and not-not-not-not-not-not-not-not cat, Chipotla."

He offers his hand to shake and 3 paws protrude from out of his coat also offering shakes:

Are we going now? You guys behave like tuna in a can some of all of the time!"

[Ralasha]

"And you... are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup."

[evyldead]

"Pleased to meet you... Cat lady?

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers pulls out his Scottish Fold cat

See Gyro, I told you the not-cats are too dumb. This one thought I was a lady.

[Ralasha]

Ignus smiles. "I think you all look like feul. Does that count?"

[Oko and Qailee]

Completely oblivious to any insults, Mr Fwiskers continues turning to the drow

"Lead the way Mr. Cloak, not-raven, and politeness?

[Ralasha]

Ignus shrugs. "We should perhaps carry this conversation elsewhere. Lest we attract more attention to ourselves."

((Not happening: Ray of fire to the catman's ass. take 1d3, ignores resistance and one half immunity. :smallbiggrin: Everything is better with fire!))

[evyldead]

Alceum mumbles under his breath "Bunch of crazed lunatics looking for their own demise... I will try my best to keep them alive, If possible...

[McStabbington]

The drow looked at the assembled group, wiped a bit of beer off his cheek, and flicked it casually towards the ground. "The little red woman may not know the drow, but she said what I believe is the best course of action: get away from here; find a place to survey the battle; form a plan once we know what's happening. I do not know this city. Does anyone know where we could find the high ground," he asked as he pulled the cowl of his hood over his head. Meanwhile, try to keep this group alive.

[evyldead]

Alceum picks up his head and looks at you *You notice you cant see his face nor any part of his body for that matter, not even his eyes* "I can fly if you need me to over look the situation and possibly bring the lightest person along depending on how much you weigh."

[Oko and Qailee]

Listen check for the earlier mumbling:
[roll0]

[littlebum2002]

<I don't know enough about what's going on, but I certainly wouldn't go running around fighting them on your own. Find out if any of these...interesting people are willing to help>


"The little red woman may not know the drow, but she said what I believe is the best course of action: get away from here; find a place to survey the battle; form a plan once we know what's happening. I do not know this city. Does anyone know where we could find the high ground,"



Yes, this is my town. It looks like the bulk of the fighting is coming from the wealthy part of the city, over there

He points toward the section of the sky where the most lights are coming from

In fact, it almost seems like they're coming from....That's it! They're attacking the governor's mansion! We need to go save him!

You're the Paladin. Tell us, what do we do now?

[Ralasha]

Ignus rolls her eyes. "We need to not rush foolishly headlong into any situations. Now how about answering the question?"

[Oko and Qailee]

"Question? What question? I think I'd remember being questioned a question" Mr Fwiskers says as he pulls out his cats.

"Now I know you ate the rainsies, but Mr. Fwiskers needs you.

He casts Speak With Animals.
"Now, go ahead, and see if more smoking or mean not-cats are around, and we'll go the safest way. Come back to daddy if there's any danger at all. Chipotla, you stay with daddy."

Mr. Whiskers Move silently and Hide
[roll0] (MS)
[roll1] (Hide)

Gyro
[roll2] (MS)
[roll3] (Hide)

[McStabbington]

For the first time, the drow's eyes widen, even if only for a moment, in surprise. How in the Nine Hells . . .. Ildan's eyes close for a moment, and he shakes his head slightly. It didn't matter. When his eyes opened again, it was on a face with the same mild expression it had been wearing this whole time.

"The first thing we should do now is leave the tavern. Injuring a drow is liable to make him your enemy, and drow aren't particular about collateral damage when taking out their enemies. Once we find another position of relative safety, then we figure out what we need to know to save the governor, like how their forces are arrayed and how we can best impede their efforts." Ildan leaned in close to the man who had been talking to himself. "I don't know how you knew that about me, but please don't go announcing it. I'll explain later."

[Oko and Qailee]

Spot check for Me and Chipotla to see if theres anything important
[roll0] Chip
[roll1] Me

[Ralasha]

"The question was: Where can we find a good, high vantage point from which to gather reconnaissance? Not whether or not it was the mayors house being attacked. Who cares if some authority figure that allows their people to live in relative squalor is going to die? Positions of Authority exist to provide the people with what they need, not to provide those in said positions with what they want."

[Oko and Qailee]

"Ok, ok, senior grumpus. I fix it. Now Chipotla, go look for high up please."

Mr. Fwiskers also sends his third cat to go look for a high up vantage point.
[roll0] (Move silently)
[roll1] (hide)

[Debatra]

The archer finally speaks up. "It's not who they attack, but where they are. If they're attacking a governor, they must be with him."

[Ralasha]

"And what of patrols in between? Other Assault Groups?"

[Debatra]

"I wasn't saying we should run straight there screaming our heads off."

[littlebum2002]

A Paladin who doesn't want people to know who he is? That doesn't make sense. Paladins are supposed to be leaders, they are supposed to be proud of who they are. Why would he hide it? Oh, well, if he says to not talk about it, then I won't.

Ok. Like I said, those lights in the north are coming from the wealthy area of town. It's a hill, the higher you go, the more expensive everything is. The Governor lives pretty high up there, but there are some nobles who have houses nicer than his, believe it or not.

At the very top of the hill is the Temple. If you want the highest vantage point, that's where you go.


He turned to the woman with the red skin.

And who are you to talk about not "foolishly rushing headlong into fighting" after you just blasted that guy?

[McStabbington]

Ildan snapped his fingers between the man who had guessed his trade and the small red woman. "We can debate later. Right now, we have two to three minutes before that mage jumps back in and gates a Balor right on top of us. We have to go now! Since we're eventually headed north, we head in that direction, looking for an empty house. When we find one, we enter and hide. And then we formulate a plan of attack." He stood back, drew his rapier, and jogged his head towards the north. "Follow me." Ildan moved north, unconsciously slipping from shadow to shadow as he moved to one door, checked it for sound, and then moved on to the next one.

[Debatra]

Erinde follows close behind the Paladin, staying silent and unseen as she is able.

Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]

[tigerusthegreat]

Between the cats and the berserker's knowledge of his home town, the ragtag party manages to reach the higher ground near the temple district. There are several buildings with high towers nearby, one of which has lights from spells coming from it. A burst of flame that is easily identifyable as a fireball bursts into the air nearby, engulfing a large reptile in the air.

The streets are deserted, it seems like many of the common folks have stayed indoors, cowering and trying to stay away from the enemies. Shouts and the sound of steel on steel are coming from inside the temple itself.

[Ralasha]

Ignus turns and heads towards the direction the fireball came from. Like a moth riding a fireball (50 ft/round. Being carried by my elemental).

It looks rather like she sprouted flames from her legs, which hold her aloft.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers follows slowly (20ft) with his cats on his arms.

Initiative if needed:
[roll0]

[McStabbington]

Ildan hissed a warning to the little red woman: "Wait!" But she was gone before he could grab her, drawn skyward where he couldn't follow. He hissed a breath out through his teeth, pulled his hood down and brought his head up, and waved forward the others that had followed. He was pleasantly surprised to find all of them, a sight that took some of the sting out of losing the spellslinger.

When they all arrived at his position, he spoke. "I'm glad you all made it this far. We don't have a lot of time, so our order of battle will be a bit more rushed than I'd like. Quite simply, our first order of business should be to secure that temple. They'll likely have wounded, and priests and paladins of holy orders often serve as officers in the militia, so if we're going to help out and find out what's going on, that's our best place to start. We've got friendlies in there, so spellcasters need to avoid throwing fireballs. If you can swing a sword, your first job is to protect the casters. We find a door to enter, we move fast, and go room by room cleaning out these drow. Anything more, we make up as we go along." He nodded grimly. "Anyone have any suggestions before we go, now's the time."

[Oko and Qailee]

I suggest very quite, like a cat. And then hit quickly, like a cat"

[Ralasha]

"Denied, our first order of business should be to find others with power, and to gather ourselves and them in a single location from which we might strike back against the invaders."

[McStabbington]

The drow turned slowly towards the red woman, his expression stony. His eyes considered her coldly for a long moment before speaking. "That's what we're doing. Whomever shot that drake out of the sky doesn't need our help, and wouldn't appreciate us breaking in to assist. The people in that temple? Would. If you insist on forcing your assistance on another spellcaster, I cannot stop you, and wish you the best. But I am going to help those in the temple." At that, he turned and slid towards the temple doors.

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers shrugs and follows, not completely sure who's side to take, but going towards the temple anyway.

[Ralasha]

Ignus shrugs also. And knocks on the door of the tower.

[littlebum2002]

I agree with the Pal...with the drow. Our best course of action is to get to the temple.

He turned toward the Paladin.

I don't believe I've had the pleasure of learning your name yet, sir. The name is Nordak, and I'm trained as a barbarian. I'm the best warrior this town has to offer, and all my skills are at your disposal.

[Ralasha]

"Then you had best catch up, he is getting away. For future reference, I don't care who you decide to side with, or why. If you're going with him, go with him. If not, then don't. Either way, make your actions suite your words and spare me the unnecessary explanations."

[littlebum2002]

I'm just saying that we all should follow him. He really seems to be able to handle this situation the best.

[Ralasha]

She stands by the door, "Based upon what? His career choice, or the fact that he, like the rest of you, is following my plan? As to whoever is in this tower not needing our help, correct, but that also means that getting their help will make us far more likely to succeed. You may go if you wish, I shall do my best to gather assistance. As much and as many as possible, or force the invaders from this place myself."

[Debatra]

Erinde merely stands and listens. She can't really disagree with either of them. However, she sees no need for there to be more than one person at the tower to basically say 'hey, wanna help out over there?', and so just gives Ignus a nod and moves to join the others.

[littlebum2002]

Oh, well...

Well, let's see. For one, it's based on the fact that he seems to have some strategy in mind, instead of just blasting everything he sees. Second, those seem to be magic spells, which means there's probably wizards or sorcerers fighting up there, which means they probably have access to some sort of ice spells, which from the look of your skin probably won't end well for you. Third, there are plenty of powerful people in this city. We can either go door to door looking for them all while the city gets destroyed, or we can head to the temple and cut them off before they do any real damage.

And fourth, since when was that your plan? The only plans I have heard from you so far are blasting the drow right as he was giving us information and repeating everything our friend here has said. If you think you can singlehandedly go fight whoever is in that tower knowing nothing about who they are or how powerful they are, go ahead. But the rest of us, I presume, are going to follow the only person who seems to have any clue how to handle the situation.

This strange voice was not coming from the man at all, although it definitely originated from his location. He looked very startled to hear it.

[Ralasha]

"I refer, obviously, to my plan to reach the highest point in the city to reconnoiter the situation so as to best decide how to strike back. The primary difference here being that I am taking a side trip. There is an ancient saying that goes 'divide and conquer', which refers to performing more than one task simultaneously towards the same goal in order to increase chances of success. You go to the temple, I shall attempt to gather reinforcements. Also, I am not at all like the invaders, I am an elemental, so the chances of my being mistaken for one of them, is slim to unlikely."

She turns and attempts to open the door, which has not yet been answered. "Though I would not object to some company on my endeavor. The paladin can most likely handle the situation at the temple with those that have thus far gone in that direction."

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers, not being particularly fond of arguing, or rain for that matter, decides to chime in.
"Is ok. Why are we arguing? It doesn't matter which not-cat made any plan or what the not-not-not-cat did before. Please no mare the disagreeing about things. It upsets Chipotla too see silly not-cats fighting. Argue about who is the least like tuna in a can later, but now we have not-cats to help and cats to be heroes. Then we can be friends, well, not-cats can be friends, us cats keep not-cats as pets later and you be friends with each other. Please, no more fighting or no more not-cat treats. Mrs. Fire not-cat, I would go with you, but Mr. Fwiskers is very slow compared to your vroom vroomyness.

[Ralasha]

Ignus raises an amused eyebrow. "I can carry a kitty or two if it helps, or just... try to move more slowly."

[Oko and Qailee]

Slower please. I keep kitties on me so I throw them faster.

(OOC: Basically, I need my cats on my so I can throw all of them as a full attack without using up their move actions, so then they can full attack as well in the same turn. Them being on someone else or not on me messes this up, but the negative is that I move 20/round while they're on me because of encumbrance.)

[Ralasha]

She nods, "Very well, slower it is. Unless you would prefer to be carried? Then you would move as quickly as I."

[Oko and Qailee]

OOOH OOOOH, UP UP! No burn please!

[littlebum2002]

I can carry you, if you want. I'll be very gentle. Or, if you don't mind, I can carry some of your equipment if it makes you more comfortable.

[Ralasha]

"I'm afraid he intends to accompany me. Which was why I offered.

[evyldead]

"You both have the right mind set at the present moment, but the drow is helping people already helping themselves so it would be best to have them acompony us to make a bigger force then what we have here right now. It seems that the fire lady is doing the best course of action at this time now if there is no more bickering amongst yourselves follow who you wish to follow and meet back up in a place where it is safe.

[McStabbington]

The drow looks at the barbarian, smiles, and offers his hand. "Ildan. Since you're skilled with that sword, I think we would be best-suited to stand in front and guard the archers and casters that have chosen to come along." At this, he turned and addressed the others that had followed him towards the temple. "I thank you all for the trust you placed in following me. I will do my best not to let it down. Remember, limit your spells to those that hit one person at a time, take down anyone you see casting a spell first, and do your best to stick together. This is not a grand melee. It's war, so concentrating fire is not dishonorable; it's necessary to protect your comrades and preserve the lives of the wounded. Guard each other's back, and we'll all get through this."

He looked back at Nordak and smiled again. "Nordak, if you please, you open the door, and I'll go through first." He hefted his large round shield and hunkered into a combat stance behind it.

[littlebum2002]

I'm afraid he intends to accompany me. Which was why I offered.

Well then, good luck. If you find anyone who wants to help, you know where we'll be



"Nordak, if you please, you open the door, and I'll go through first."


Nordak opened the door, drew his sword, and stood next to Ildan to enter the temple together.

[Oko and Qailee]

If Ignus is still going to allow him to ride the Fire Elemental, Mr. Fwiskers uses Energy Resistance (Fire) and uses Share Spell to share it with his cats. He then hops on.

"Chugga chugga chugga chugga CHOO CHOo!"

[evyldead]

Alceum looks at the paladin and shakes his head at this group I cant let them go along by themselves with no way of them keeping themselves alive, after wht i said i seem like a hypocrite to go with the drow, *sigh*, the casters have ways of tracking us down if need be we will be here and the fire lady and cat-man will find us if we leave. So onward to help the people of this temple" Alceum walks in front of the drow and tells him "I hope you know what your doing, stay behind me i can heal myself faster then i can heal you. So allow me kind sir to go first.

[McStabbington]

Ildan cocked a brow at him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. You know what you can do better than I. Nordak, let this man in first, and give him cover. I will take up support duties where I can." He stood back, and allowed the young man to take up positions by the door in front of him.

[tigerusthegreat]

You burst into the temple, expecting a fight, but instead you just see chaos. The furniture and decorations are all torn down and upset. Spread among the holy items are bloody bodies, some with limbs missing. It is very obvious a fight just finished not that long ago, as some of the bodies are feebly moving.

Spellcraft 20 to open:
The air stinks of conjuration magic. Either something was summoned here, or whatever did this just teleported away.

[Debatra]

Erinde idly wonders if they could've gotten here in time to prevent the slaughter had they not sat around arguing over where to go, before moving forward and doing what she can for the survivors.

A few Heal checks: [roll0] +4 each

[McStabbington]

Ildan crossed into the room, quickly scanning for those who are wounded but still alive. He did not think about recriminations; now was not the time. The first three he found, he laid a hand gently atop them and put what healing power he could into them. It would not be enough to get them back into the fight, but it would be enough to save their lives. When he found the fourth, he quickly drew a dagger from a dead man nearby, snipped the man's shirt off, and began to stymie the blood flow with makeshift bandages.

spoiler:

Ildan uses his three daily uses of Cure Minor Wounds.


Heal check: [roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

Some brief tending renders four of the men stable and living, but not conscious. It is a miracle any of these men are alive. Their garb indicates that they are Warrior Clerics of Helm, but lack of any armor, and the few small arms spread around the room seem to indicate that the clerics were surprised and unready for battle.

[McStabbington]

Ildan waved the others closer. "Search the dead quickly for keys, and then we need to pair off. Two stand guard, while two need to search the temple for the armory and where they've stored their potions. We need at minimum gear for these men, and maybe something that can get them back on their feet. I shouldn't have to tell you that we do not want to steal anything. Helm is not exactly a forgiving deity, and if we want these men to fight with us, we cannot simply ransack the place."

He looked over the room, biting his lip slightly as he sized things up. "I think I would be best at standing guard. My faith grants me some minor spellcasting, but I've used everything I could saving these men. I have nothing left that lets me discern magical from merely well-crafted items. Are there any questions or suggestions? If so, speak quickly; we need to clear out of here as quickly as possible."

[tigerusthegreat]

You reach the doorway to the guard tower where the fight rages at the top. A flutter of wings can be heard, and a ball of acid strikes the tower about ten feet up. The acid splashes along the brickwork, and showers you (everyone who went to the tower takes 2 acid damage). The top of the tower looks like it was hit as well, and no answering magic comes from the roof. Perhaps the attack finished whatever was fighting up there.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers knocks on the door!

[Ralasha]

Ignus attempts to open the door.

[littlebum2002]

I'll stand guard with you. Neither I nor Zanaver could tell a magic artifact from a rock. I do have this which should come in handy, although I'm not very got at using it, either.

He hands the Paladin a wand.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds, fully charged.

[McStabbington]

Ildan took the wand from Nordak; how the man had gotten the wand he had no idea, but that he had turned out to be a life-saver. Ildan offered a silent prayer of thanks to Torm, and nodded at the man. "Thank you. All right, plans have changed slightly. These men will hopefully tell us where the armory and the stores are themselves." And at that, he knelt by the men and triggered the wand once apiece.

[tigerusthegreat]

Temple
Three of the warrior priests regain conciousness, still badly battered but alive. The fourth is still gravely injured, but in no danger of dying immediately. "Who are you." one asks, grabbing for a nearby club to defend himself.

Tower
The door to the tower is firmly sealed and locked from the inside. It resists your initial attempts to open it.

[McStabbington]

"Steady, friend. I am Ildan, a paladin in the service of Torm." He stood and fished his beloved wooden holy symbol from beneath his chain shirt, and showed it to the man before tucking it away. "I was on assignment from the church when these drow struck, and I gathered what help I could and came here to assist in the defense of the city." He gestured to the other men. "This is Nordak, a warrior. I . . . did not have time to catch the names of the other two men, but you are among friends. It is Nordak especially you should thank, as it was his wand that allowed me to revive you." He held up the wand in his right hand for emphasis.

He paused only a moment before continuing on. When in trouble, favor action over hesitation, the old instruction came back to him. Most men would act uncertainly and hesitate in the face of a problem, but would spring to action once someone else took over. The trick was to lead in the right direction so you didn't bring those who followed to harm. Fortunately, Ildan had years of training in doing the right thing to rely on in times like these, and he counted on that training without question. "But time is short, and I'm afraid we must retreat from this place. The drow are winning, and we need to hide and consolidate what we have left if we hope to resist them properly. If you have an armory, find it and gear yourselves for battle, and remove anything special to Helm that has not already been taken. We need to leave before they realize you survived."

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers looks at the door for a moment curiously.... then attempts to kick it down!

Str Check
[roll0]

[littlebum2002]

Oh no, don't.... I mean, I didn't..... It's not.....


Nordak composed his thoughts


Don't thank me, please. It's just something I picked up one day. I don't even know how to use it; heck, I had to pay the guy at the store 10 gip just to tell me what it was! Once he told me it cured people, I figured it was too handy to get rid of...

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower
Pauli tries to break down the door, but manages to slip on the wet cobblestones, landing hard in a small puddle of remaining acid spittle. Luckily no cats were harmed in the landing, but the sizzling skin on Pauli's arm is a real casualty (6 acid damage).

Temple
One of the clerics heals the man who is still down, returning him to consciousness. "They have already taken what we have to guard, an ancient relic of our order, and the purpose of this temple. We will arm ourselves and seek out our brethren in the neighboring cities. All of Faerun must be warned of this army, even though we know nothing about it. There is a hidden tunnel nearby that has been used for smuggling until we shut it down recently, with aid of the city watch. It has not been collapsed as of yet, perhaps you could use it to escape the city. This is the route we will take to leave this place."

[Oko and Qailee]

"I HATE YOU STUPID DOOR! I HOPE YOU DIE!"

Pauli Fwiskers gets up once again, furious at the door. He casts bull strength on himself (and Shares it with his cats) and once again attempts to break the door.

"I HOPE YOUR MOTHER WAS A CHAIR SO THAT PEOPLES BUTTS WOULD BE ON HER!"

[roll0]

[evyldead]

"My name is Alceum Friends. Alceum looks at the drow "Sorry I must have forgotten my manners, I am Alceum I am a traveling Holy Warlock. Now to all that is injured dont waste cures on a wand i can do it better and faster save that for when someone is in need friend. Alceum's hands start to glow and form a purple ball around his hands and concentrates and they turn a bright white in a flash **concentration check of [roll0] to hold the Healing Blasts** and starts firing them at the wounded who are in need of healing

Healing Blast to each of the wounded clerics [roll1]

Extra Healing If my concentration is over 17 [roll2]

nice each person is healed for 33 ^_^

[tigerusthegreat]

The door resists Pauli's attempts to batter it down.

[Oko and Qailee]

"AGAIN AGAIN"


Str Check
[roll0]

[McStabbington]

"Well met, Alceum, and thank you for coming with us." I need to keep everyone focused. The drow inclined his head politely in the direction of the warlock, and then turned back to the Helmites. "Then by all means, we will stand guard while you gear up, and then you can lead on. We will talk on the way. Remember that time is of the essence."

[evyldead]

Alceum walks up to the drow, I don't believe bringing them wit hus is a great idea, and they have already had enough from this attack. If they want to leave let them but don't make them fight if they do not step up first. I'm thinking of their safety more then ours, and right now they need to leave if they were attacked for a relic, If the drow attacking this city found out they were still alive we could all be in danger.

[Debatra]

(Preferably at some point between the Paladin's suggeston and the actual healing, as I wouldn't want these people to see us scavenging their fallen comrades. First impressions, you know.)

At Ildan's words, Erinde begins to go through the dead warriors' pockets, hoping to find anything useful.

Search: [roll0]

(Let me know if additional checks are needed.)

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower

The door finally gives way, and reveals a staircase leading up to the roof of the tower.

[Oko and Qailee]

Mr. Fwiskers is numbero one.... oh...

He then turns to the Ignus.

Me or not-cat go up first?

[McStabbington]

The drow cocked an eyebrow. "I agree. I want them to lead us to the tunnel so that they can flee without fighting any more, and so that we have a means of escape behind them. If they took the followers of the All-Seeing Eye by surprise, then the city is taken. We alone cannot change that. But if we have a means of moving into and out of the city, then we can get others to safety, and we have the means to start resisting their efforts. The city may have fallen, but it remains an open question whether the drow can keep it." A note of grim determination entered the drow's voice when he said the last sentence.

[tigerusthegreat]

Erinde
Among the dead you find a battered journal, several rolled up parchments, several daggers and other light weapons (let me know if you want these, but they are completley mundane). Additionally you find several vials of colored liquid.

[littlebum2002]

Wait, we're fleeing? You don't want to stay and fight?

[Debatra]

Taking the journal, parchments, vials and... let's say five daggers.

[Debatra]

Wait, we're fleeing? You don't want to stay and fight?

"Not fleeing. Simply securing an escape route if we need it."

[tigerusthegreat]

Erinde
Do you open or look at any of the parchments or journal?

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli does attempts a victory dance over his victory against the vile door.

Perform Check:
[roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

Pauli offends all bards in a 30 mile radius.

[McStabbington]

Ildan turned towards Nordak. He supposed he would have had to face that question sooner or later. "Fleeing, no. As the man says, we're securing an escape route. But whatever did this just wiped out a temple full of Helmites before they were even aware that trouble was on top of them. That is power beyond mine, and I cannot hope to survive it if I face it head on. So I will not. Instead, I will do what I can to find other survivors, rally them, and grind the drow down instead. Slowly, patiently, methodically, we will bleed them of strength rather than fight straight on." Ildan reigned his tongue in; he had spoken enough, and he did not want to share the thought that accompanied it. So long as we don't bleed out ourselves.

[littlebum2002]

OK, that sounds like a good plan. But we shouldn't wait too long, after all, the governor is probably still in danger

[Ralasha]

"I will go first." Ignus then suits actions to words and begins moving up the stairs.

[Debatra]

Erinde
Do you open or look at any of the parchments or journal?

Not yet. She just pockets them for now.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers follows Ignus, trying to move silently, like a cat.

[roll0](MoveSilently)

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower
At the top of the stairs is a trapdoor leading to the top of the tower. The ladder is wet and smoking, as something drips from the towertop above. Your recent experiences lead you to believe this is acid, from the large reptiles flying around. You aren't sure the ladder will hold your weight. It is ten feet from the floor to the trapdoor's ledge, and the door is currently closed. The floor is covered in smoking liquid, that is probably acid as well.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers scratches his scraggly beard and removes one of his cats from his coat.

"It is another worth foe my dear Gyro. What do you think we should do? Hm, yes... that does sound like a smart plan. Ask the grumpus? Why should I ask the grumpus? Ah good point"

He turns to Ignus
"Not-cat, Gyro thinks the liquid is the burning kind. Mr. Fiskers doesn't have any more "Just say not to not fun" spell, he use for your hot spirit. Can hot spirit break door and then lift us into room? Gyro says thats the best idea."

[Ralasha]

Ignus considers. Then Scorching Ray(s) the Trapdoor. [roll0]+[roll1] fire damage.

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower
The sorching rays destroy the trapdoor, showering you in flaming debris, that you are all protected from. The ladder is not as lucky, and the fires that touch it are enough to cause it to crumble into uselessness.


Temple
The clerics quickly get geared up, and return in well polished armor, decorated in sigils and gems. This is clearly the best gear of this branch of the order, and most of it is apparently magical. The leader of the group, Brother Hiram, holds a gauntlet, emblazoned with an eye wrought in gemstones. "This is another relic of Helm, one that the invaders did not see fit to steal. It will aid you in this battle tonight." You feel a divine power wash over you.

"We are ready to go if you are."


Blessing of Helm
Duration: 2 hours
Effect: Grants Spell Resistance 19 (21 if Lawful or Neutral (on good/evil), 23 if Lawful Neutral)
Effect: Grants Damage Reduction 10/Adamantium (12/Adamantium if Lawful or Neutral (on good/evil), 15/Adamantium if Lawful Neutral)

Only those at the Temple are affected by this blessing.

[Ralasha]

"Is anyone alive up there?"

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower

There is no response.

[Ralasha]

She frowns, turning to the not-not-cat. "We appear to have been too late." She then makes her way back down and heads over to the temple.

[McStabbington]

Ildan nodded to the Helmites. "We must stop first at a nearby tower. Two people parted ways from us to inspect it for survivors, and I don't want to leave them behind. Once we have them, lead on."

[Oko and Qailee]

"Does not cat not want to explore the tower with not-not cat?"

[Ralasha]

Ignus stops and looks at the odd individual before glancing about. "Lets see. Stairs, opening..." She glances about for any other doors or passages.

[Oko and Qailee]

"Maybe up is presents? Lift Mr. Fwiskers up with Fire man."

[tigerusthegreat]

There are no other doors or openings.

[Ralasha]

Ignus has her elemental toss her up first.

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower
Ignus is thrown up to the ledge by her fire elemental, and she reaches for the ledge. She manages to grab it, and is left dangling on the edge (str check if you want to pull yourself up).

Temple
The brothers are ready to go, and the group heads to the Tower. When you reach the base of the tower, you notice that the walls of the tower are steaming and smoking, and there are pools of liquid around the base of the tower that are also steaming and smoking. The door has been bashed in.

[littlebum2002]

Well, this certainly looks like that stubborn fire-woman was here. I hope they didn't manage to get themselves killed. I guess we should follow them in?

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli sits down and plays with his cats as Ignus is entering the room.

"Tell Fwiskers if you find anything!"

[McStabbington]

The drow closed his eyes and sighed ever-so-slightly. He had brought the priests of Helm to help the situation, but from the looks of it, he had just brought them on a crime scene. Ildan hoped to Torm that the two he had left weren't ransacking a fresh corpse. "Yeah, I think we'd better. If there's trouble, they might need our help, and if the door is any indication they might need our guidance as well." He loosened his rapier in its sheathe and pushed inwards.

[evyldead]

That is a good idea I will follow you, by the way i haven't gotten your name ?

[McStabbington]

From the darkness a voice calls out quietly: "Ildan, Alceum, my name is Ildan."

[tigerusthegreat]

Tower Top
Ignus pulls herself up. The top of the tower was clearly washed with acid, as the stones here are still smoking and the crenelations that would protect archers are melted away. There is a still smoking, and half melted body near the edge of the tower. Puddles of acid are slowly eating through the top of the tower.


Tower Base
The group pushes into the tower, and finds Pauli with Ignus's fire elemental. Occasionally a hiss and a drip can be heard as acid drips in from above. Luckily nobody is hit by these acid droplets. At the top of the stairs, where Pauli and Ignus's fire elemental are, is a hole in the ceiling where there once was a trapdoor.

[Oko and Qailee]

Excitedly while waving, Pauli addresses the group. Hello! Not-cat and not-not-not cat and not-not-not-not-not cat and not-not-not-not-not-not-not-cat. Grumpus not-not-not-not-not-not-not-not-not cat is up!"

[Debatra]

At that, Erinde just blinks.

[McStabbington]

Ildan looked at the man for a second, his face blank except for an eyebrow that cocked slightly inward. Then he nodded and looked up. "Red, are you okay," he called upwards quietly.

[evyldead]

"What happened here?! There is acid everywhere dripping from the ceiling. Is there anyone here alive that you have seen cat-man? Alceum looks around for survivors, if there is none where we are at I use my Fell Flight invocation and fly up to the top and look for any.

[Oko and Qailee]

"Not yet, name is Mr. Fwiskers though. I beat the evil door and now grumpus not-cat is exploring. The burning liquid was here before us."

[tigerusthegreat]

There is noone in the tower except Pauli.

[littlebum2002]

Nordak turned to the drow.

Well? Should we go up after them?

[McStabbington]

"We? No." The drow had unslung his backpack and was pulling a length of rope and a grappling hook from his bag. "I don't trust the tower to remain stable after being hit by . . . I'm assuming it's acid. Alceum says he can fly, which means he won't be putting strain on the building by going up to the second level. So we send him up to check for the little red woman, while I stay below."

The drow stood, and looked at the barbarian for a moment as he threaded the rope through the hook. "If worst comes to worst, I'm light and strong, and can climb up and carry a person back down the rope with me. I'll brave bringing the tower down on me if Alceum runs into trouble at the second level and needs someone to pull him out. But you guys should really stand outside, and if the tower does fall, your first priority is to get these priests out of the city, and then begin rallying Waterdeep to resist the occupation."

The drow finished threading the grappling hook into the rope, and handed it to the warlock. "If you could, Alceum, be sure to latch that onto something secure when you reach the top. If there's trouble, give a shout and I'll climb up and try and get you out. If not, find the red woman and get her down, by persuasion if that's possible. If you have time, get a good look outside and see what's happening in the city. If you have any further time, look for any magical items that we need to prevent this Showas Empire from acquiring." He framed the last sentence carefully, taking pains to keep his tone casual and not look at the Helmites standing nearby.

[littlebum2002]

That sounds like a very wise course of action.


Nordak exits the tower, and looks around for anything suspicious

spot
[roll0]

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli follows:

Spot
[roll0]

[Debatra]

As does Erinde.

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[tigerusthegreat]

It doesn't take much skill to spot the three dragons still circling the area. They are near enough that the light from the red lady is probably going to attract them.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli runs up the stairs and attempts to jump up the trapdoor while shouting "Fire Grumpus the winged lizards are coming!"


Jump
[roll0]

Reflex to grab ledge
[roll1]

Climb check afterward
[roll2]

If Pauli fails his climb check his cats climb up before him
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[littlebum2002]

Nordak poked his head back in the door
Ildan, crazy fire lady, your assistance is required IMMEDIATELY!

He just hoped the fire lady wouldn't start blasting at dragons. She couldn't be THAT crazy, could she?

[tigerusthegreat]

Pauli manages to climb up onto the towertop very easily. The top of the tower was clearly washed with acid, as the stones here are still smoking and the crenelations that would protect archers are melted away. There is a still smoking, and half melted body near the edge of the tower. Puddles of acid are slowly eating through the top of the tower.

[roll0]

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli searches the body if he thinks he can do so without burning himself.

Search:
[roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

The only thing on the body that isn't melted to uselessness is a ring. The finger it is on dissolves away as you take it. It is a simple steel band inlaid with a pattern of twisting vines.

[evyldead]

Okay so now were all up here if danger comes get down in the tower

[Oko and Qailee]

Paul Fwiskers looks at it for a moment...


Fun fact, that ring he just picked up is a ring of berserking, cursed so you can never take it off.

J/k....or am I?

ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT


and then decides to put on the ring

[tigerusthegreat]

(I'm assuming Alceum flew up to the top of the tower. I'm lazy, so you can see everything that Pauli saw in the post a a couple turns ago).

Pauli puts the ring on his finger, and notices no immediate effects. It might not even be magical, and is just luck it survived the acid (feel free to add unidentified steel ring with vines to your sheet if you haven't already).

Ignus scoffs at Pauli "You are a fool, shoving some random ring you found onto your finger with no idea what it does."

[roll0]

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli sticks his tongue out while pulling Mr. Whiskers out of his coat, who also sticks his tongue out.

"You jelly grumpus? Does grumpus know what it is?"

(I Know Ignus has identify, can she go ahead and cast that?)

[tigerusthegreat]

"Not a ring of acid resistance if that corpse is any indication. I wish those dragons would come closer, I could blast them from the sky."

[McStabbington]

Ildan came out at the yell, almost bowled over by the crazy guy with the cats, looked up, and saw the source of the commotion. He came back inside, yet his voice remained decidedly "outside" as he yelled up: "Alceum, get out of there! Those drakes will blow the tower and you with it!" He shouldered his pack and moved to the doorway.

[evyldead]

Alceum yells to Ildan "Ildan get everyone out of here ill keep them from getting to you guys for the time being"

[McStabbington]

. . . The Nine Hells? Ildan looked up, fearful he had given the job to yet another crazy person. "Alceum, I can't help you. You've got my rope, and I dare not climb up and put more weight on the tower. You've got to get Red and that Mr. Fwiskers down, and I'll get them out. Hurry!"

[Oko and Qailee]

"Mr Fwiskers is brave! But he will come down."

Mr. Fwiskers jumps back down the trapdoor

[tigerusthegreat]

(looks like according to posts, the paladin is inside the tower at the door, Pauli is inside under the trap door, Alceum is on top (with a flying spell), Ignus is up top, and her fire elemental is at the trap door still inside (with Pauli now).)

Pauli's firm landing on the top level of the tower causes the last resistance to break down, and the tower crumbles. Alceum's flying spell and quick reaction prevent anything bad from happening to her, but the same cannot be said for all of the rest of the party. Ignus falls with the tower, coming out badly bruised and battered, but alive thanks to being on top of the tower instead of inside of it (28 damage, HP: 13/43). She is on top of a large pile of rubble that was the tower.

Pauli is not so lucky. He was caught in the upper level of the tower, and fell while being crushed and battery by the stone as the tower collapsed. He is nowhere to be seen, nor are his cats, most likely buried in the rubble (69 damage, HP -7 and dying). The cats did not make it, crushed beneath the rubble.

The fire elemental is in a similarly bad state. It was beside Pauli when the tower fell (75 damage, the elemental is ash). It also is nowhere to be seen, presumably buried beneath the rubble if alive.

The four clerics are all caught outside by the fall of the tower, but in its path. Falling debris hits most of them, causing some bruising and a broken bone or two (15, 13, 17 and 20 damage).

Erinde manages to avoid the majority of the falling debris, but catches a large piece of masonry to the back, knocking the wind out of her (10 damage, 47 hp)

Ildan, being just inside the door, jumps through it, and narrowly avoids being crushed in the tower, but a rain of debris hits him. He is buried under the rubble, and is not visible to the rest of the party (21 damage, 27 hp).

Nordak catches a shower of masonry that batters him badly (27 damage, 55hp). Overall, his mighty countenance is holding up better than the rest of the party.

To summarize: Alceum is in the air 100ft up, Ignus is on top of a pile of rubble that once was a tower, Pauli, Ildan, and the fire elemental are not visible to you (Ildan can act to try to unbury himself). The rest of you are injured, standing in a pile of rubble.

[McStabbington]

Ildan felt like he'd just been hit by a ton of bricks.

He coughed, breathed shallowly, and tried to move. He had seen the crazy guy with the cats jump down . . . and then the whole building had come apart, just as he'd feared. He'd done his best to run; apparently he hadn't run fast enough. The weight on his ribs was enormous, but he arched his back and attempted to shrug off the weight. He had to move before those dragons decided to come back down. He had to protect the group. . .

[littlebum2002]

Hello? Hello? If you're under there, say something so I can find you!


Nordak, frightened by the events, flies into a rage and begins moving boulders trying to find survivors. He also triggers a healing charge on his belt.

+18 HP
20 STR
Can lift 400lb off ground
Can lift 800lb off ground while staggering
Can drag 2000 lb


Can I save one of the cats using Good Karma?

[Debatra]

"Shout if you can, even if you aren't hurt!" Erinde rushes to the center of the destruction (or as near as she can get) and closes her eyes, focusing her ears on her surroundings.

Using my Hear the Unseen feat. With a DC25 Listen check (taking ten for 27), I learn the locations of all creatures within 30' if I have line of effect.

Assuming she finds someone who doesn't respond to their call, she goes to them and starts moving stones around.

200 Overhead
400 Off Ground
1,000 Drag

[tigerusthegreat]

Erinde manages to find someone nearby moving. She starts digging, and finds Ildan's arm trying to shift the rubble and move himself out. He is still trapped, but now there is enough rubble cleared to allow him to breath.

Ignus begins to frantically dig nearby, but doesn't make much progress. You aren't sure if she is trying to find Pauli, or her elemental.

The clerics also begin digging looking for survivors. They do not appear to find anyone.

Nordak digs to try to find Pauli or the elemental, but has no luck, despite being able to hurl large boulders out of the way.

(Those that haven't acted this round: Alceum. Just as a note to myself mainly for when I forget about it and you ask, I did take the general DR out of those rolls from the blessing for those that had it. Once Alceum acts, Pauli will have a stabilization check or lose a hp).

[McStabbington]

Ildan felt the weight shift, and the pressure on his back ease as someone up above moved a rather large portion of masonry. He looked up, saw that his arm had been freed, and past it, the lady elf that had gone into the temple with him. He coughed, and laughed weakly. "Thanks," he called out from beneath the stones, softly because of the remaining weight on his ribs. "I'm glad someone listened to the paladin. Everyone all right out there?"

[tigerusthegreat]

The initial searching of the rubble fails to find Pauli. The searching becomes more frantic.

Nordak shifts more debris, and finds the broken elemental bindings and ash of the fire elemental, but no Pauli.

Ignus continues digging as well, with no luck.

The four brothers are digging systematically to the south of the tower, but have not found anything yet either.

(This is the start of the new round, with Ignus, Nordak, and the brothers having acted in this round (as per above). Pauli is at -8 hp and dying. Evyldead can still act from last round, and is 100ft in the air.)

[Ralasha]

"By the Fire! What idiot followed me? I'm going to attract attention? How about a collapsing tower." She staggers as her companion is killed. "I hate you all! Stupid fleshlings, you killed my familiar! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to reach this plane, let alone with my companion intact? And now you've gone and killed her! How in the nine will I get home to acquire a new one?" (lol. I'll get a new one you know, just like a druid, by the way, you're a tool.)

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli Fwiskers attempts to at least bleed gracefully.

Perform check:
[roll0]

(Hey, I don't have much to do ok?)

[Ralasha]

Ignus uses DETECT MAGIC! I will move about to locate any magical auras from the wreckage that might be Pauli!

[McStabbington]

Ildan shrugged and arched his back, ignoring the pain that lanced through his side as he attempted to shrug off the masonry that had fallen on top of him. Rib is cracked at least. Healing will mend it, but I'll still need a few days of taking it easy to fully recuperate. Days I don't have. Still, all things considered, it could have been worse, the drow noted to himself as he pulled himself free. Had he not had his shield slung, he might well have been killed.

The thought darkened his mood considerably. When he had a chance, he was going to give that crazy guy with the cats the talking to of his life. Ildan looked around for him . . . could not see him. All he could see was people frantically digging. Realization hit him, and he fell upon the rocks that landed near where he had last seen Mr. Fwiskers falling towards, lifting and throwing them aside.




I know OOC that he's technically been found, but Ildan doesn't. So he'll do a Search check.

[roll0]

[Debatra]

She hadn't been able to Hear someone, and now she knew which of them it was. It was a start... sort of. Lacking any better means, Erinde starts digging. As luck would have it, Pauli was under the first pile she tried.

"Over here! I found him!" The Elf immediately pulls out a small cloth and wraps it around the Cat's arm.

Blessed Bandage, from the Tools section of MIC (I forget the exact page for the moment). 10gp a pop to instantly stabilize someone in the negatives. Doesn't heal anything, but it's better than risking a Heal check.

[littlebum2002]

Ildan! Use the wand!

Nordak runs over to where Pauli lies under the rubble. He can see that the man is close to death, so he doesn't move any of the stones until he has been healed, to avoid hurting the man further.

[McStabbington]

Ildan moved up to one side of the elf, and put his left hand on her shoulder. "Good work." With his right, he pulled the wand from his belt, pointed it at the fallen man, and triggered it.

[tigerusthegreat]

The group's efforts manage to find Pauli, albeit under some rocks. A little blessed bandage stabilizing, and a powerful healing spell from the wand, and Pauli's arm begins moving. Carefully shifting the rubble reveals the badly injured Pauli (1 hp), lying amid the remains of some very flat cats.

[littlebum2002]

Nordak gently pulls the man from the rubble. He then gently pulls the 3 cats up as well, and lays them down in repose. He gently touches the one the man seemed most attached to.

I don't think this is going to work. It's been too long. But there's no harm in trying.

Nordak is a very lucky man. Always has been. He has learned to focus the power of this luck and use it where it is really needed. He focuses on the cat, trying to save it from the damage and take that damage himself.


Trying to use the Good Karma feat to take damage for the cat. I know you said you weren't going to allow it, but I'm trying it anyway. We'll see how it goes

[McStabbington]

"On your feet, soldier." Ildan made sure to leaven the commanding tone of his voice with a hint of compassion, compassion that he certainly felt. The man might well be insane, but he had at least acted in some semblance of an attempt to help. And judging by the cats . . . everywhere, he had paid a huge toll. But Ildan couldn't let the man fall apart, not here. There would be time to grieve someplace later, safer. Now he would have to move. He tucked the wand back into his belt with his right hand, and with his left reached down to help Nordak bring the man to his feet.

He looked up at the Helmites. "Where is that tunnel? We're leaving now."

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli shoots up. Wide eyed, he glances around.

"Chiptola?! Gyro?! Mr..."

He spots the body of Mr. Whiskers and lifts it into his arms. He begins to cradle the cat as he cries.

"Mr. Whiskers?! Mr. Whiskers please, wake up Mr. Whiskers it's not nap time!". Turning to the group he shouts. ""Give him some space! Oh please Mr. Whiskers wake up!"

He uses cure light wounds on himself, using share spell to hopelessly try give the benefit to Mr. Whiskers as well.

[roll0]

[McStabbington]

Ildan knelt down, unslung his pack, and placed the crushed corpses of both cats in the bag. He would never get the smell or the blood out, but that was a secondary consideration at the moment. He had seen this before, once. A man on his first mission, a fellow Tormite that he had trained with, had collapsed completely in battle and could only hunker in the corner and cry. From his training, he knew that it wasn't this man's fault any more than it had been that man's: war can make anyone break down given the right stimuli, and apparently losing the cats meant everything to him. The first lesson he had ever been taught about being a good man came back to him: in all things, show compassion . . .

He stood and slung the pack. With his free hand, he reached over and gently shook the man before starting to gently pull him into a walk with his hand. "We need to leave now, or those dragons are going to burn your cats. Come on, follow me, and I'll get you to safety." He looked to the others, and and gestured not-so-subtly with his eyes at the man's free shoulder. I have to get him moving. . .

[littlebum2002]

If Mr. Whiskers is not revived...


It's not working! Maybe I'm not trying hard enough. I NEED to try harder!

<It's not going to work. I'm sorry, but it's too late.

<No! It has to work! You know how I feel about death!

Nordak keeps his hand gently on the cat while the man holds it. He focuses all his mind on the cat, willing it to live.

C'mon, Mr. Whiskers. 1HP. That's all I need. You can have everything I've got for just 1 HP....

If previous efforts have not revived the cat, I expand another luck reroll to try again. If that doesn't work, I use all three.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli stands up and looks at the paladin. He continues to cradle Mr. Whiskers. He speaks quietly and solemnly.

"Lead the way Ildan not cat. Mr. Fwiskers will bury them after Mr. Fwiskers makes the others safe and the dark others pay."

[McStabbington]

"Of course." Just keep him walking. Ildan put his arm around the man's shoulder in case he should stop again. He looked at the Helmites. "We're good. Lead on."

[tigerusthegreat]

Nordak wishes with all the might he can (all 3 luck points), and hears a quiet meow. Only Nordak hears it out of the whole group.

[littlebum2002]

Ildan, use the wand on the cat. Trust me, just use it.

[McStabbington]

. . .Ildan was a bit startled by Nordak's words, and his first impulse was to pull the man aside and explain to him that right now was not the time for false hope. But he couldn't do that without letting go of the bawling, insane man that he was currently escorting. His eyes smoldered. If this doesn't work, it's going to be you who I do the talking to, Nordak. He then remembered that the wand was Nordak's, forced the thought aside for the sin it was, pulled the wand and triggered it.

[tigerusthegreat]

Mr Whiskers lets out a pitiful mewing, and moves his head, looking at Pauli. The cat, by some miracle, is alive.

[littlebum2002]

Nordak collapses from the pain caused by absorbing all the cat's damage at once.

not sure how much damage I took from the cat, but I figured it didn't feel good either way.

[tigerusthegreat]

(50 damage, I'll rule that it is only max hp + 10, as any damage beyond that doesn't matter. For this case only).

Nordak is barely standing after the karmic retribution of using his almighty luck to reverse the laws of nature itself (5 hp)

[McStabbington]

Ildan lost his grip on the crazy man carrying the suddenly-living cat to grab hold of Nordak. He hadn't the foggiest, but he had to keep the group moving. Without a second's hesitation, he swept down, reached underneath the larger barbarian's leg, and picked him up. His ribs screamed in protest; Ildan ignored it. He could repair it later. Right now, there was only one priority. "Someone grab his gear," Ildan hissed through the pain and clenched teeth. He put an arm back around the crazy man. He took a step forward. Then another. Then another.

Somehow, he kept going.


Ildan will be at very close to maximum with his gear and carrying Nordak without his gear, but he can do it. And so, the tiny elf starts carrying the much larger barbarian through the streets.

[littlebum2002]

Pardon me, Mr. ....Ildan, is it? I do believe that if you push the little button on my companion Nordak's belt, it may heal him enough to support himself.

No one has any idea where this voice is coming from, although it does seem to be coming from Nordak's gear.

[Ralasha]

"And if you're all completely finished being squishy, bleedy, breaky fleshlings... we should be moving. Quickly."

[tigerusthegreat]

The clerics quickly lead everyone to a disused door in the back of one of the dingier inns. It looks abadoned, with no lights shining on it, and nobody milling about (though that is not surprising in the general state of the city). The dragons have disappeared from sight, shrouded by the night, but you have come across nobody else on your escape.

[Ralasha]

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Using Create Flame. Lasting 11 minutes (1 attack per minute of charge). My hand is now a torch.

Don't touch, it burns.

[Oko and Qailee]

(Can I retroactively type Pauli freaking out from happiness? If so.

As Pauli realizes Mr. Whiskers is ok he immediately begins shouting and dancing from happiness.

Perform for dance
[roll0]

MR WHISKERS YOU'RE ALIVE. I KNEW MR WHISKERS WOULDNT LEAVE MR FWISKERS ALONE YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND. PAU- MR. FWISKERS DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE WOULD DO WITHOUT YOU." Turning to the paladin and Nordak he begins to joyously talk at them and attempts to give Nordak a very big hug.

Grapple check for hug
[roll1]

"You are the best not-cats ever you may as well be cats and Mr. Whiskers and Mr. Fwiskers promises to repay you someday, maybe not in tuna, but in something not-cats like!"

He also attempts to hug the Paladin

[roll2]

When Ignus says the "fleshy" insult he turns to Ignus smiling and says
"It's ok Grumpus not-cat, you don't need to hide it, Mr. Whiskers missed you too"

[Oko and Qailee]

On the way there Pauli also uses Cure Moderate wounds

[roll0]

[Ralasha]

"Should we not be searching for and gathering reinforcements? Surely as a more diverse group we would be more successful as a force to push the invaders out. The mage's guild, and perhaps the local adventurers guild would both be good places to begin, would they not? If any other points of resistance still exist, surely those would be the places to check, yes? An Arch Circle of Mages would certainly be of assistance if nothing else, and assuming they still resist, would most likely be grateful for the help."

[tigerusthegreat]

"If they attacked the brotherhood of Helm, they most likely struck at strategic targets throughout the city. If you want to go about with your flaming hair and gather reinforcements, be my guest, but Helm teaches discretion is the better part of valor."

Nordak hears his sword's voice whispering to him.

"I sense something....unnatural nearby. An evil presence that has been with us since we left the tower. Be cautious."

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli touches/activates Nordaks belt if he's still on the ground btw.
--

Pauli decides to chime in the discussion about reinforcements.

"Mr. Fwiskers thinks sneaky is best right now like helmet not-cat says, but if Mr. Fwiskers and not-cats can afford the time to check those areas we should. There might be hurt cats that need help."

[littlebum2002]

Pauli's healing charge
[roll0]

Nordak's eyes flutter open. He groans, and realizes he is being carried.

mmm? Paladin? Thank you, but I can go on my own now, I think.

He gets down from the drow's shoulders and composes himself. He seems to be dazed.

Where are we? What happ....

Suddenly, the recent events come back to him.

Where is the cat? What happened to it? And where is my sword? I need my sword!

[littlebum2002]

Forgot about this

Nordak composes himself enough to use the last charge on his belt

[roll0]
Total HP: 12

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli holds up Mr. Whiskers.

"Mr. Whiskers is ok and happy! But is also sad that friends are in the big litterbox in the sky. Your butt was talking by the way."

[littlebum2002]

hmm? Oh, good, good. I'm glad to see he made it. I can't stand seeing death, it's very painful. Sorry about your other two kitties, though.

He leaned over to pet the cat. It WAS a cute little cat, although it had certainly seen better days.

Did you say...my butt was talking? What are you.....

OOOOH. No, that wasn't my butt. That was probably my sword. His name is Zanaver. I owe my life to him more times than I can count.

The man drew his sword and showed it to the group. A sound came from the general direction of the sword.

Yes, the name is Zanaver. Pleasure to meet you. I'm glad to see Mr. Whiskers is back on his feet.

[Oko and Qailee]

Pauli lifts an eyebrow and then begins talking to Mr. Whiskers.

"Oh he's a poor deluded not-cat he thinks the big knife can talk... the not-not-not cat is very good at ventrilikism though... it isn't completely unexpected though Mr. Whiskers, sometimes not-not-not-not-not-cats are just not right in the brain.". Mr Whiskers just meows, because he is a cat.

[McStabbington]

Ildan managed to barely avoid a stumble, and instead dropped to one knee to let the barbarian off. The drop still jolted his ribs, and Ildan did his best to hide the wince as a fresh lance of pain stabbed through his midsection. He gripped his ribs with his now free hand, but when he stood again without the added weight the pain had subsided to a throbbing ache. He shook his head to clear the pain from his mind, and realized that the others were still talking. Particularly Red.

"Preparation supercedes planning is an old maxim I was taught at the monastery. The point is I think a good one, and applicable here: many of us are hurt, two to the point of being barely able to stand, our current base of operations is an abandoned nest of thieves that we have not yet secured, and the city is currently on lockdown." He kept his tone even, but he couldn't keep his breath from coming a bit short and ragged; breathing deep hurt too much. "I take your point about what we can do to resist, but I think now is not the best time. For the time being, our first order of business should be to secure this building, heal up, and for anyone that needs it, get a bite to eat. Then we'll meet back in the common room and start hashing out plans."

He turned to the Helmites. "I thank you for your help, and for the blessing you gave us. I'm pretty sure it saved my life in the tower's collapse. If I may ask one more small favor from you, when you meet another follower of Torm in your effort to gather reinforcements, be sure to tell them that Ildan is alive and has abandoned his original assignment to form part of the resistance. My church brethren will take the message from there."
With that, Ildan shrugged off his pack, unslung his shield, and cast his last spell remaining, and began searching the inn.


Ildan casts Detect Evil, and begins to search the inn from top to bottom, and then starts scanning out the windows as surreptitiously as he can.

[tigerusthegreat]

The brothers enter the "cellar" of the inn, and you notice that it doesn't even run under the Inn, but into a tunnel that leads out of the city.

The inn itself is unremarkable. Most of the chairs and tables in it are rotting, broken, and unused. Cobwebs are everywhere, and the stairs are broken. To reach the upper floor you will have to climb and there's no telling if a wrong step would send you through the floor.

[Debatra]

"Let's handle this one a little more carefully, shall we? Nobody follow unless I call out." With that, Erinde attempts to climb to the next floor.

[roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

Erinde tries to pull herself on to the next floor past the broken stairs, but can't quite muster the upper body strength to do so.

[Debatra]

Trying again, taking ten.

[tigerusthegreat]

On her second attempt, Erinde manages to make it up to the second floor. The upper floor is just a long hallway with doors splitting off every 10 feet on each side. The floor looks very rotted, and most of the doors are broken or off their hinges.

[Debatra]

Taking ten on an untrained Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) check to avoid the more obviously dangerous footing, she tries the nearest door.

[tigerusthegreat]

(I'd consider this greater than a DC10 knowledge check, so you can't use the knowledge skill untrained, since it isn't on your sheet)

Erinde carefully makes her way along the hallway. One false step puts her foot through a board, showering those below with moldy wood particles. She doesn't fall through, however. She has only made it about five feet down the hallway, and is almost to the first set of doors.

[Debatra]

The Elf takes a step or two back, and tosses an animal from her Bag of Tricks.

[roll0]

[tigerusthegreat]

A cat pops out of the bag.

[Debatra]

Seeing that the floor can at least hold a tiny thing like that, she orders the cat to Seek in the nearest room it can reach.

Also, I'm attempting to evaluate the wood with Knowledge (Nature).
[roll0]

[littlebum2002]

A bit of plaster from the ceiling falls on Nordak, waking him up.


Whoever's walking around up there, please cut it out. One building collapsing is enough for today!

He then goes back to sleep.

[tigerusthegreat]

Erinde determines that the wood is Oak. That is all she can determine about the wood with her knowledge (knowledge: nature would not give you any insight as to the sturdiness of a building).

The cat checks the room on the left, and signals that there is nothing alive or animated in there.

[Ralasha]

"Is it just me, or is it raining food? Glorious combustibles!"

[Debatra]

She decides to put it away for the moment, and takes the cat downstairs.

[Oko and Qailee]

"Would not cats like Mr. Whiskers to explore? He is light and Mr. Fwiskers can talk to him after."

[McStabbington]

"Actually, no thank you." Ildan returned to the hearthplace where everyone had set themselves down and gracefully coiled into neat sitting position. "I've scanned the basement and the first floor, and the only aura of evil I detected was from the cat. I don't think that's unusual for a cat, but I'm then again I'm not exactly familiar with them. They didn't have cats in the monastery where I trained, and they don't live in the Underdark. In any case, while I trust you, I would have a hard time trusting what it was telling you."

Ildan paused and unstrapped his shield and his rapier from its belt. Setting them neatly to his side, he wrapped his thick sable cloak about himself. "Perhaps instead, we could do with some introductions so we know at the very least what we have for a resistance. I myself am Ildan, and for those of you who weren't at the temple, I'm a paladin in the service of Torm."

[littlebum2002]

Nordak remains sleeping