Machines of War III

[madtinker]

A continuation of Machines of War I (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?222556-Machines-of-War) and Machines of War II (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?270558-Machines-of-War-II). Don't forget to update your thread subscriptions.

You have just been invited inside the sewer by a beggar wearing raggedy clothes and a scraggly beard.

[curf06]

I follow the beggar into the sewers.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will likewise enter the sewer.

[madtinker]

The sewer is smoky from a small campfire burning. Four beggars are standing around, cooking something that probably only recently had a promising career as somebody's pet. The look at you warily as you descend the iron rungs of a ladder set into the wall.

[INWranger]

OOC: That must be some sort of record, maybe.
DM
Follow the group from about 60 feet, watching what goes on in both directions.

[madtinker]

OOC: I believe Roland St Jude runs a game that has been going longer, with more threads. Also perhaps Kobold-Bard. Not sure though. Haven't followed either game in a while.

You see the three men converse briefly with a beggar, then descend down a grate, presumably into the sewers.

[INWranger]

DM
What about the guards that I assume were coming to restore order,

[madtinker]

ah yes, you see them too. There are six of them. Two stop at the scene of the fight, the other four follow the pointing of a bystander and are walking in your direction.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll wave to the beggars in greeting, and walk out of view of the grate while trying to find a dry place to sit.

[madtinker]

There are a few unoccupied stools around the fire. Your host gestures theatrically at the dimly lit tunnel. "this, is the sewer!"

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Quite the place," I say as I hand over the coins.

[madtinker]

Keiji, you recognize the space as the same beggar camp that you and Jaster sneaked by in your explorations.

Gish leans in to your ear and whispers "How long should we stay here?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I shrug and whisper back, "Not long, no more than half an hour."

[madtinker]

Your host gestures down the tunnel. "And that, is the main sewer line."

Also, you notice that one of the other beggars at the camp is wearing boots that look to be in surprisingly good shape, and are somehow familiar.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Anything interesting down the main sewer line?" I ask our tour guide.

[madtinker]

He answers "The entire city."

The others chuckle as if this is some kind of inside joke.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Hmm, I think 'the entire city' is above the main sewer line," I say while pointing upward.

[madtinker]

"I think he means we can get anywhere in the city by following the main line or its branches," volunteers Gish.

"He's got it right. Feel free to explore from here."

[INWranger]

Anything interesting going on above ground?

[madtinker]

After the soldiers hurry by, a crowd gathers to watch the watch clean up Simon's body. They shackle the unconscious Burke, then wake him and start asking questions.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"The entire city you say? There is a certain building I'd be interested in finding access to from down here." I'll then proceed to describe the location and appearance of the red raven barracks. "Do you know anything about it?"

So, I'd like to express that in a more detailed way, but didn't remember all of the details and lack time to go digging through the past forum posts for all of the descriptive elements I'm forgetting.

[madtinker]

no problem. I don't have a map of the city either, and also don't have time to find the details.

The beggar looks thoughtful for a miniute. He gathers the others around.

"that's the red raven hq."

"They've never been our friends."

"we don't want enemies either."

"they don't need to know."

"what about payment?"

"we can send them after Nag."

The huddle breaks up to a round of laughter.

"okay, here's the deal. We can get you in there, but you have to do us a favor."

[curf06]

OOC: I apologize for my lack of posting. It wasn't until today that I realized the reason why I was not getting any updates on the thread was that I hadn't subscribed to it yet. So I feel kind of dumb at the moment.

[INWranger]

As there is nothing going on topside, Wrenkso will join the party in the sewer.

[madtinker]

you enter the sewer just as the beggars offer a deal to keiji and, Clyde, and Gish.

[Manwhoisthisman]

[roll0]

"What kind of favor?"

[madtinker]

The lead beggar glances around, and is reassured by the nodding of his comrades.

"Weelll... there's this giant snake, see? He lives here in the sewers and we want him gone. You bring us his head, and we'll get you into your building."

[curf06]

I whisper to my comrades, So much for avoiding the snake.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I shake my head. "I have seen the snake to which you refer. I would rather knock on the front door."

[madtinker]

"What if we could tell you where it sleeps? You might be able to take it unawares."

[Manwhoisthisman]

I look skeptically at my companions and whisper, "What do you think?"

[INWranger]

Speaking to the entire party. "Think you could take it with one more on your side?"

[madtinker]

In answer, you hear a voice from nearby, "Think you could take it with one more on your side?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

While looking about for the source of the voice, I say, "Unless that one more could call more fire from the heavens than this guy," pointing a thumb at Clyde, "I have my doubts."

[INWranger]

"I can't rain down destruction, but if you let me rest I could get the odds a bit more in our favor."

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll look back at the homeless guys and whisper, "When does the snake sleep?"

[madtinker]

"he's usually asleep from midnight to about noon. He recently had a pretty good sized meal, so he's not likely to be too aggressive for another two or three days."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Well, we have some resting time then, lets just not spend it down here."

[madtinker]

"So, we have a deal then?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I nod with a sigh.

[madtinker]

The lead beggar holds out his hand. "Good luck," he sniggers.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll shake his hand. "Don't forget you need to show us where the snake sleeps, but not yet. I think we need to go rest. Is there someplace down here that doesn't smell so incredibly awful?"

[madtinker]

"Once you've been here a while you stop noticing. This is about the only sewer line that's close to dry, and we had to block the drainage grates to make it that way. If you don't like it, your best bet is someplace topside."

[INWranger]

Follow the party back up top.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll ask the transient I've been addressing, "Could you point me in the direction of a different nearby sewer exit? I think I would prefer to rest topside."

[madtinker]

"suit yourselves. He points toward the main line go right and take the first left. Simple, really."

[curf06]

I follow our group out to the surface.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I follow the instructions for going around the corners, waiting until we are out of earshot from the homeless people before asking, "So who are you exactly?"

When we get out of earshot of the homeless people, and hopefully with the response and footsteps through the water of the invisible creature, I'll try to locate and grab it, grappling without any damage if you'll allow it. [roll0][roll1][roll2][roll3][roll4] with lower better.

[madtinker]

As Keiji finishes talking, he dives for Wrensko, who ducks out of the way before Keiji can grab him.

OOC: Yes, Wrensko is still invisible, but his feet still leave tracks and the sewer water still has to flow around his feet, giving away his position.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji looks around to identify the Wrensko's new location.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[madtinker]

Gish moves back to allow room for whatever Keiji is trying to do. "Show yourself stranger, and he'll calm down!"

[INWranger]

You have already seen me. Might it prove advantageous to have an invisible scout when you exit the sewer?

[Manwhoisthisman]

"It may, and I have seen you, but I don't know who you are. We have many enemies in this city, and I'd prefer to know more about the company I keep -- especially when unseen."

[madtinker]

You can tell where he is standing by the hollow foot-shaped places in the water.

[INWranger]

I am Wrensko, the halfing you assisted. I am also a battle sorcerer with really no direction to speak of. You helped me out, I would like to help you.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"We helped you out because you looked pretty out-numbered and typically that doesn't work out justly. What was that about anyway?"

[curf06]

I helped because it looked like fun.

[INWranger]

To answer your question, they were looking to pick a fight and decided that a lone foreigner was a safe target. If you had not come along I would have either beaten them or turned invisible and run away.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"If you are a foreigner with no particular direction, what propelled you here? This isn't exactly the safest city -- I'm sure you've noticed."

[INWranger]

While part of a guerilla strike team I used tactics that were considered dishonorable and was effectively banished.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Tactics too dishonorable for a guerrilla strike team? I can only think you must have harmed your allies -- in which case I think we would be better off without your help -- or you harmed innocents. Both reckless, the latter inexcusable."

[INWranger]

Oh, nothing like that. The military where I come from is a bit stuffy about the type of magic you use.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Hmm, that does seem a strange for a guerrilla group. To which army was your group attached?"

[roll0]

[INWranger]

2nd anti goblin brigade in Yeekslesivania.

[madtinker]

You don't think he's lying.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, you seem honest enough, I'm glad to have your help. Unless either of you have any more questions for our new friend, lets go to the surface and find ourselves a place to rest."

[madtinker]

"I'd still be more comfortable if we could see you, but your point about a handy scout is good one. I'm ready to go," Gish weighs in.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Oh, Clyde, could you heal everyone up before we climb up? I think it might be a little less conspicuous if we are less covered in open wounds."

[curf06]

Who all needs healing and how much healing? I have 2 spells of CLW and 2 CMW.

[madtinker]

"I'm not badly hurt but a little healing wouldn't go amiss. I think Keiji might need it more though."

[curf06]

Hold still Keiji, in a moment you're going to feel some pressure. I cast CMW on Keiji.
[roll0]

[INWranger]

I could use a CMW later, but for now let me check things out. Part of the reason I am staying invisible for now is I only have so many times I can cast the spell.

[madtinker]

OOC: I'll be taking a trip this week to an aerospace symposium on the east coast. I should be able to post updates from my phone without interruption, but I won't have any books and referencing the srd will be awkward. So don't do anything that makes me look up a rule. :smalltongue:

[Manwhoisthisman]

"I could probably use another healing spell like that."

OOC: Technically, if Wrensko were willing to hold Clyde's hand, Clyde could cast any cure spells on him (since the range is touch and there would be no miss chance). Clyde would probably know this, Keiji probably would not.

[curf06]

Okay. Wrensko, if you'd like you can grab my hand while I cast my healing spell, that way you can leave your spell active and still be healed. I cast CMW again on Keiji.

CMW
[roll0]

[INWranger]

That will work.
Hold hands with Clyde. Then take the tunnel we decided on to make sure the coast is clear.

[madtinker]

Up ahead the tunnel widens. There is a pile of rubbish in the middle of a 15 foot diameter vault. The passage continues straight ahead and also branches to the left.

[curf06]

OOC: didn't cast cure spell on Wrensko

Going slightly back in time. When Wrensko holds hands with me I cast CLW.

[roll0]

[Manwhoisthisman]

Left we go.

[madtinker]

I'm sorry, that should have been a branch to the right. Would you like to follow the branch to the right or continue with the main passage?

[INWranger]

Right works just as well for Wrensko.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will keep going straight looking for the first tunnel on the left.

[madtinker]

You go straight, passing a pile of bones and rubbish. Finally you reach an area where the tunnel divides. It splits left, right, and center. To the left smells especially foul, and the tunnel straight ahead seems to be flowing more water than the other branches.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"That guy said first tunnel on the left, but I've got a bad feeling about this. What do you guys think?"

[INWranger]

If you have been down here before you might be right. He may also have misled us. Lets get out of here soon though.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Ok, I'll head back to the previous intersection and take the branch that had been right.

[madtinker]

Everyone who follows Keiji needs a spot check.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Since I assume I need one as well
[roll0]

[curf06]

Spot Check
[roll0]

[INWranger]

And a spot check [roll0]

[madtinker]

Some rolls are needed here. [roll0], [roll1]

Up ahead you can barely make out in the dimness an iron ladder and grate leading to the street.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Approach the ladder. I'll whisper, "Wrensko, can we get a report of the street above?"

[INWranger]

Not a problem. that was part of my pitch to join you. Go up and try to open the grate to exit the sewer.

[madtinker]

Somebody must have smashed the lock, because the grate opens with a screech of rusty metal.

[INWranger]

Go up and take a look around.

[madtinker]

You're in a mostly empty alley. Just garbage and cobblestones.

[INWranger]

Check things out a little more. Peep into different things, make sure there is no one around. [roll0]

[madtinker]

Apart from late night revelers on the main street, you find nothing out of the ordinary and no one.

[INWranger]

Use message to let the others know the coast is clear.
OOC: I will be out of town until Monday evening/night.

[madtinker]

Gish, receiving Wrensko's whispered message, climbs the ladder to the street above.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will follow Gish up the ladder. Once back on the street side he asks, "Back to the stable?"

[curf06]

I follow the rest of the group up the ladder.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Ok, I'll head back toward the stable where we rest.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Once back at the stable I'll plop down and ask into the air, "So, how long does it take for you to change your spell assortment to snake destruction?"

[INWranger]

By now Invisibility should have worn off.
Oh, I would have to learn such a spell first. I also think Destruction is a 7th level spell, and a divine spell as well. I could make it blind or deaf, drain its strength, or boost armor of our main fighters.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, those sound like decent options, how long will that take you to prepare?"

[INWranger]

Just long enough to rest and gain my daily spells back.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"So, what are you going to do once you have finished helping us defeat the snake?" Keiji asks.

[INWranger]

I was hoping to join you. I have nothing else to do and good travel companions are hard to come by. You lot seem good enough.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Like a leaf in the wind... Well, I cannot take issue with that."

After a pause, Keiji addresses Clyde and Gish in turn, "Clyde, since Wrensko needs time to replenish his spells you may as well rest and do the same. So Gish, is there anything you would like to accomplish while these two rest?"

[madtinker]

"since you asked, I wonder why those beggars told us to go a different way, since our exit route was clearly shorter than where they intended for us to go."

[curf06]

Wake me when you need me. I curl up and go to sleep.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"What did you have in mind?"

[madtinker]

"dunno exactly. If they meant to send us into a trap, they probably won't keep their word about helping us. If we follow the tunnel like they said, maybe we can find out if they're untrustworthy."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, I like that plan, lets do it."

[madtinker]

Gish shrugs off his pack, but keeps his weapons and armor handy. Together you leave the stable where the others are sleeping and make your way to the sewer entrance. It looks just as it did a few minutes ago.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Assuming it is still fairly sparsely populated, I'll open the grate and give Gish a half bow as if to say, "after you."

[madtinker]

Gish climbs down the ladder, immediately drawing his sword and fastening his shield to his arm. After another minute you hear "clear," from below.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll follow him down and pull out my torch rock.

[madtinker]

the passage is just how you left it. Gish motions, "this way?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll take the lead toward the smelly passage, motioning for Gish to follow me.

[madtinker]

Gish is right behind you. As you turn to the right and then the prescribed left, you come upon a scene of unspeakable horror. Flies buzz angrily on a pile of putrid corpses, unceremoniously dumped in the sewer. The topmost corpse is sprawled face up, exposing blood caked to ugly arrow wounds crawling with maggots. The face is barely recognizable as Curf.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji is shocked at the scene and turns away as he walks past, holding his breath to reduce exposure to the terrible stench. Once past by at least a several yards, Keiji will whisper, "I knew that man on top..."

[madtinker]

Gish, also trying not to breath and a bit green in the face scrambles past you and retches. "Should we..." another retch. "should we bury him?"

OOC: If anyone wants art upgrades I'm in the mood to work on avatars. Doesn't even have to be from this game.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"No," Keiji says, shaking his head. "I don't want to spend any more time near them than I need to. Come on, lets keep going."

OOC: I once used this (http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo229/krimzun/animeshaolin.jpg) as the sketch of a elementalist mage/martial artist. I don't really have a need for it, but I think having an avatar like that with some elemental garnish would be pretty cool.

[madtinker]

Gish nods, barely stifling a gag. Fifty yards farther up the tunnel, you find a dead end with an iron ladder leading up to a grate on the street. It's unlocked.

OOC: You want him in that same pose, or something different?

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll head up the ladder and out of the grate.

OOC: Not sure about the pose, it seems like it might be an awkward looking pose in stick-figure form. Maybe start with that and if you think it doesn't look good just play around with it?

[madtinker]

You're in an alley. You don't recognize this part of town, but it looks pretty rough.

[Manwhoisthisman]

When Gish comes out, I'll say, "Wait here, I'm going to go figure out where we are."
I will then proceed to climb up a wall to get a good rooftop view.
[roll0]

[madtinker]

You ungracefully scramble up a pile of trash to reach a low rooftop. You can see the steeple of the church of Joramy, so you think you know how to get back to the others. The shops around are mostly seedy second hand shops, specializing in everything from old clothes to musical instruments.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll climb back down. "I think I have an idea where we are now, but we still have several hours to use -- any thoughts?"

[madtinker]

"Well, there is definitely an exit here. Does that mean we can trust them? Do they just have some sick sense of humor? They didn't try to send us into a trap at least."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Well, we can certainly trust them to not try to kill us before we try to kill the snake. That is very much a win-win for them -- if we kill the snake, they have better sewer access, if we die, the snake leaves them alone for a few more days or a week. What that says about their trustworthiness after the fact is less clear, but I think we can persuade them it is in their best interest to tell the truth."

[madtinker]

agreed. Let's get out of this stink then, and get some rest.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, follow me." I'll lead the way back to the church.

[madtinker]

You arrive back in the stable without further incident. The others are still asleep. Gish strips off his armor and rolls up in the straw.

Check it out:http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/madtinker_2009/shaolin2.pnghttp://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/madtinker_2009/shaolin1.png

Any changes? Larger file sizes?

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll go ahead and rest a while as well, no armor to strip off though.

The avatars are epic!

[madtinker]

OOC: glad you like them! Anyone else?

Surprisingly Keiji us the first to stir in the morning (ring of sustenance), followed shortly by Clyde and Wrensko. Gish continues to snore.

[INWranger]

OOC: Not right now.
How about this for a plan. I cast mage armor on our front line guys, so probably Gish and Kieji. Then I try to blind the snake, after which we go in and kill the snot out of it. I will also try to drain as much of its strength as I can before we close.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"That sounds good... Clyde, what can you do?"

[curf06]

I have a few spells that can improve party member's attack rolls and damage output. I also can cast LIGHT, which at my level will last 50 min and give us a view range of 20ft (40ft if it's dim to no light).

[Manwhoisthisman]

"What about that magical fire I've heard about?"

[curf06]

I can cast Burning Hands (5d4 dmg) or Produce Flame (5d6+5 dmg touch/thrown).

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, I like that better."

[INWranger]

Sounds like we have a plan. Lets get finished preparing and get moving.

[madtinker]

Anything else before you head out?

[Manwhoisthisman]

While the others prepare spells I'll take the opportunity to meditate on the potential of my demise. Other than that, I'm ready to go.

[INWranger]

Before we enter the sewer Wrensko casts mage armor on Gish and Kieji. So +4 AC to them for the next five hours.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC: Mage armor grants an armor bonus (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/theBasics.htm#armorBonus), which won't stack with other armor bonuses. Keiji only has bracers of armor +1, so he gets +3 AC. Gish's Scale Mail is already better than mage armor so his net benefit is nothing for standard attacks, but +4 AC against touch attacks. Theoretically that will help him against being grappled though, so that's cool.

Down we go! Keiji will climb down first and, once everyone is down, head towards the area where the hobos seem to hang out.

[madtinker]

Assuming you go in where you came out last night, I need spot checks from everyone.

[curf06]

Spot Check
[roll0]

[Manwhoisthisman]

Do I see anything? [roll0]

[INWranger]

Spot check coming up. [roll0].

[madtinker]

You enter the sewer from the alley, descending into darkness. With Keiji's torchstone and Clyde's light spell, you're able to see about 30 feet ahead of you in the narrow tunnel. Keiji, Clyde, and Gish point out to Wrensko a pile of bones and refuse. At the bottom of the pile you can just make out the glistening scaling hide of a huge snake.

Use this map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah346lUs3E3jdFFCV3NseXJUeHdUbDBkUXlIRGRnN VE&usp=sharing) for reference

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll take a moment to whisper, "I would prefer not to wade into those bones. Wrensko and Clyde, can you take a moment to aim your spells and lure it out?"

[curf06]

I prepare to cast Produce Flame.

[INWranger]

Wrensko says Wait for my second spell if it doesn't attack. and casts blindness on the snake. DC 15 fortitude negates.

[madtinker]

[roll0] Vs DC 15. At the sound of Wrensko's voice, the snake rears up and writhes with internal struggle. After a moment the struggle is over, and the beast appears to finally notice the four of you.

Roll initiative.

[Manwhoisthisman]

initiative[roll0]

[INWranger]

Rolling initiative. [roll0]

[curf06]

Initiative
[roll0]

[madtinker]

Forgot about the surprise round. Wrensko already took his turn, but everyone else was aware of the snake, so they can take a single standard action. Then the initiative order is:

Wrensko
Snake
Clyde
Keiji
Gish

[INWranger]

Wrensko gets tired of waiting and casts ray of enfeeblement on the snake. Not threatened, so no AOC. No saving throw.
ranged touch [roll0] strength damage [roll1]

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji would have simply taken up a defensive stance (-4 atk, +4 ac), but that's about it.

[madtinker]

Flames appear in Clyde's hand as he casts his prepared spell. Gish waits behind Keiji, gripping his drawn sword and shield.

Wrensko's second spell catches the snake squarely on its triangular head, making it hiss with pain. It promptly bolts down the passage to the right, and is quickly out of sight around the corner.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Clyde's turn presently.

I'll follow after the snake, trying to spot it after rounding the corner. I maintain my defensive stance. [roll0]

[curf06]

I move 20ft to the left (K36)

[madtinker]

Clyde rounds the corner, but is unable to spot the snake (has a standard action). Keiji moves into the darkness (only 1 move action) and also is unable to see anything. Keiji also has a standard action left.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll use my standard as a move to take out my light stone and set it floating.

[madtinker]

Unable to see past the light if his spell, Clyde stands in the sewer motionless.

Keiji, you are still unable to see anything but sewer.

Gish moves up behind Keiji.

Wrensko's turn.

[INWranger]

We need to track that down soon. That spell will only last for a few minutes. Get out my crossbow and press forward, but where I can still see in the light.

[madtinker]

Wrensko, you move up behind Clyde,but can't see around the corner.

Keiji, the snake does not reappear.

Clyde's turn, then Keiji.

[curf06]

I move up behind Gish

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll head down the left fork and and keep looking for the snake. If I reach the dead end before I run out of double move (80 ft), I'll go back and check out the right fork.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[madtinker]

Keiji, you haven't reached the fork at the end of your double move and still cannot see the snake. Gish has to run to keep up.

Wrensko's turn.

[INWranger]

Watch the other fork to make sure it doesn't double back.

[madtinker]

Can you clarify your position on the map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah346lUs3E3jdFFCV3NseXJUeHdUbDBkUXlIRGRnN VE&usp=sharing#gid=8)?

Clyde, then Keiji.

[curf06]

Try to keep up with everyone else.

[INWranger]

Based on the map I change my last turn to following the others.

[Manwhoisthisman]

continue my last course of action -- double move to get to the intersection and start down checking the left wing. If I'm reading the map correctly I should be able to make it to the intersection and 20 feet down the left corridor.

[madtinker]

Keiji darts around the corner out of sight. The stench of the bodies smashes into your nose like a hammer. Make a spot check vs [roll0]The snake is coiled up behind the pile of bodies.

Gish, unable to follow Keiji's light anymore, waits for Clyde and Wrensko to catch up.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I continue to see nothing [roll0]

[madtinker]

Gish, Wrensko, and Clyde advance down the tunnel. Turning the corner to follow Keiji you are greeted by the vile stench and gruesome sight of a pile of bodies in various states of decay stacked to the right of the sewer passage.

[INWranger]

Lets take care of the snake first.
Cast Detect magic to see his previous spell, and any magic items that may remain.

[madtinker]

Wrensko, you definitely sense the presence of magical auras close by.

[INWranger]

Concentrate hard on finding the aura of the ray of enfeeblement that he cast. It should be more recognizable as he cast the spell in the first place.

[madtinker]

Wrensko, you detect seven magical auras. At least one of them is strong.


Auras
Keiji's handy haversack - moderate
Wrensko's RoE - faint
Keiji's ring of sustenance - faint
Keiji's ioun stone - faint
Clyde's Produce Flame - faint
Clyde's Light - faint
Clyde's quarterstaff - strong

[INWranger]

If one is moving, concentrate on it. If not, check the one(s) from the school of necromancy, or negative energy.

[madtinker]

Three of the auras are on or near Keiji's person. Three are on or near Clyde's person. The seventh is 35 feet down the tunnel; it is not moving, but you focus on it as the most out of place.

[roll0]

It is indeed from the school of necromancy.

[INWranger]

Indicate to the others the direction it is in. I think it is down this way. Lets go. Fighters in front, we need to kill it quickly.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC: Snake's turn?

[madtinker]

You see no movement. Clyde's turn, then Keiji.

[curf06]

I'll follow your guy's lead

OOC: I'm going to be going to a family reunion next week, I'll try to keep up with my posting.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will proceed past the bodies to the end of the tunnel looking for the snake.

[madtinker]

Between the water, slime, and sewage, you don't see anything.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji turns around, remaining at the end of the tunnel, and calls "I can't see it." There was a ladder and grate at this end I think. Is any light entering through the grate?

[madtinker]

You're standing next to the ladder, and a bit of light is filtering down, but not enough to illuminate the tunnel.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll climb the ladder and attempt to open the grate to let more light in.

[INWranger]

Keep going towards the magic spot, my crossbow leveled towards it. If there is nothing in the way, let the others know, prior to trying to shoot the spot.

[madtinker]

As the grate bangs against a wall overhead, a huge triangular head rears up from the mucky water. Wrensko lets off his shot [roll0], [roll1], which ricochets off the wall and plants itself in one of the corpses.

The snake advances down the tunnel, trying to escape back the way it came. Keiji gets an AoO (Wrensko will need to make a strength check at -4 size penalty. No AoO because no melee weapon readied).

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji strikes at the snake, but is still limited by his defensive stance [roll0] [roll1]

OOC: And couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with that fumble anyway =P

[madtinker]

Keiji awkwardly fumbles a kick, but just stumbles in the sewage. The snake pushes against Wrensko, desperate to escape the confined corner. [roll0] Make that a 20 - I forgot the strength penalty.

[INWranger]

Strength check, though I am pretty sure I get bullrushed.
[roll0]

[madtinker]

OOC: Yes, but you don't get pushed back more than 5 feet.

Wrensko makes a titanic show of strength, preventing the snake from escaping the tunnel's dead end.

Clyde's turn, then Keiji.

[madtinker]

Clyde hurls a ball of flame from his open hand. [roll0], [roll1] It lands on the snake's flank, and you hear a sizzle and hiss as the snake recoils in pain.

Keiji's turn.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji releases his defensive stance as he moves forward and strikes at the snake. [roll0] [roll1]

[madtinker]

Keiji's blow lands true.

Gish in the back looks helpless for a moment, as he is unable to reach the snake with his sword, but then sheathes the sword. From nowhere a dagger appears in his hand and he flings it at the snake. [roll0], [roll1]. The dagger glance's off the snake's body, but leaves a sizable gash.

Wrensko's turn.

[INWranger]

Casts chill touch (concentration [roll0] (which should be good for 5 more rounds) and touches the snake [roll1] [roll2].

[madtinker]

The snake lashes out as Wrensko casts the spell. [roll0], [roll1]. Amazingly, even taking a snake bite to the face Wrensko perseveres through the complex gestures and manages to drain the serpent's life force. [roll2]

Edit; unless of course, you were casting defensively. In that case, no AoO from the snake.

[madtinker]

Panicked now, the snake overrun Wrensko.

Wrensko and Keiji get AoOs. After which, he may let the snake by, or block him.

If you let him by: The snake attempts to overrun Gish, who cannot take his AoO unarmed. But, Gish will attempt to block. [roll0] vs [roll1].

If you block:Make a str or dexterity check at -4 size penalty vs [roll2]

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will use the opening created by the snake to reach out and grab it. AoO: [roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[madtinker]

The snake resist's Keiji's grapple attempt, [roll0] but Keiji slips through his defenses.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC: Haha, I didn't actually expect that to work.

[madtinker]

OOC: Me neither. But that changes the snake's turn. Wrensko still gets his AoO, then the snake tries to escape Keiji's grapple. [roll0]

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji attempts to keep the snake grappled [roll0]

[INWranger]

Yes I was casting defensively. Take the AoO. dexterity [roll0]. and use chill touch again [roll1] [roll2].
Edit: Will be spamming the snake with chill touch until Wrensko has used it up, especially if it is grappling.

[madtinker]

[roll0]

The snake shivers at Wrensko's deathly touch, but still manages to throw Keiji off. Clyde's turn, then Keiji.

[madtinker]

Clyde hurls another ball of flame [roll0], [roll1], hitting the snake squarely.

Keiji's turn

[curf06]

OOC: I apologize for not being able to post last week, as I was at a family reunion. I am back and can resume posting again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

[madtinker]

OOC: No problem. You warned us that you would be gone; I just wasn't sure if you had gotten back yet. You can amend Clyde's action if you like.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I will attempt to grapple again [roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[madtinker]

Snake opposed grapple [roll0]. Although Keiji does get a grip on the snake, he is easily bucked away.

[madtinker]

Gish fishes another dagger from somewhere and flicks it toward the snake, [roll0], [roll1] but the knife slips from his grip early and bounces off the ceiling into the water.

Wrensko's turn.

[INWranger]

Chill touch 3/5. [roll0] [roll1]

[madtinker]

Again the giant beast shivers under Wrensko's touch, but this time it stiffens and lies still. You all look around at each other, but the snake continues to not move.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji begins to lose the adrenaline from the battle and bends over to catch his breath before promptly retching several times from the smell.

[madtinker]

After the heat of battle wears off, the stench of the piled bodies assaults your nostrils more violently than the snake fought for its life. The topmost body is someone everyone recognizes except Wrensko: Curf. His corpse is riddled with arrow wounds and crawling with maggots.

Also: 400 XP for everyone.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Gish, can you sever the head. That should convince the beggars to tell us what we want to know."

[curf06]

Clyde stumbles over to Curf's remains, falls down onto his knees, while tears roll down his cheeks.

[madtinker]

Gish nods solemnly, pulls another dagger and sets to work cutting off the beast's head for a trophy.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will walk back toward the junction to get away from the stench.

[curf06]

Clyde takes some of his brother's hair and puts it away. He then dries his eyes and follows Keiji.

[madtinker]

Gish finishes his gruesome task and joins Keiji and Clyde, barely able to stifle his gagging.

[INWranger]

Use the rest of the detect magic spell to grab as many magic items as possible.

[madtinker]

You mean the other magic auras you found? The ones that left the tunnel when your allies did?

[INWranger]

Yes, those magic auras. Cast detect magic again in necessary.

[madtinker]

Besides the lingering effect on the snake, you find no other magic auras in the sewer. Everything you detected earlier has moved to the end of the tunnel where Keiji, Clyde, and Tobias are waiting for you.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji will call down the corridor, "Come on, lets go talk to some transients."

[INWranger]

Looks like the bodies have already been stripped for parts. Rejoin the others, then get healed from my wounds and move to the next phase of whatever the party is planning.

[madtinker]

You troop back down the sewer to the transient camp. Upon showing them the head, they get really excited, some money changes hands (apparently a lot of them were betting against you succeeding), and the leader congratulates you.

After everyone calms down a bit the leader says, "Well, I believe we had a bargain." He motions for two of the others to follow you and leads down the sewer to an area you recognize as near the Red Raven headquarters. The two that followed you start to surgically remove stones from the sides of the sewer. After half an hour, there is a man-sized hole in the wall. After another hour, the dirt and rubble behind the wall has been removed (other beggars come to cart it away on small wheeled boats), and after a further half hour they are cutting through a final brick wall. When a mole has been made, it opens into a dank, dark, open space. The leader announces in a whisper, "You are now standing underneath the Red Raven headquarters."

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll whisper back, "Thank you. Is this passage stable?"

[madtinker]

The beggars look at each other and burst out in peals of silent laughter. "Could be, could be," is all he manages to claim through his convulsions.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji nods, and mutters "Good enough I suppose." He then offers the leader a bow and says, "Thank you for your assistance. May you always be safe as you travel in The Way."

[madtinker]

The leader returns your bow, perhaps a bit mockingly. The beggars exit through the tunnel, leaving the four of you underneath the headquarters.

[INWranger]

Shall we heal, rest and make a plan? Most of my good spells are gone for today. Also, any idea what we are facing?

[madtinker]

"Good idea. Perhaps it would be best to stay here. It's the only place we can be sure no one will see us."

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji whispers, "We're up against ten to thirty thugs if we do this incorrectly. My plan was to have you make me invisible, then I sneak in and pick up our guy and sneak out. Can either of you create an aura of silence?"

[INWranger]

And can you do this in 5 minutes without disrupting the spell? I don't have silence, but there may be other distractions we can use, though with only five minutes it may be difficult to cast other spells.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Keiji looks around for a bit thinking before responding, "I forgot about disrupting the spell... perhaps I could still manage though. If we need other distractions then we've been seen and we're in pretty bad shape then."

[madtinker]

Wish looks up at the low ceiling, thoughtful. "Do we know where the room is? If we cut a hole in the right place we don't have to sneak past anyone."

OOC: I'll be without internet for the next few days, play nice while I'm gone.