View Full Version : Wrath of the Righteous IC [3.5, Group A]
For several weeks, excitement has been building in Kenabres—Armasse is coming! Traditionally an opportunity for scholars and priests to come together to study the lessons of history from wars past, since the Worldwound opened, this holy day has become more about training commoners in weaponry, choosing squires, and ordaining new priests. Over time, Armasse has grown to encompass jousting tournaments, mock duels, battle reenactments, and other festival events. In Kenabres, the festival (which takes place on 16 Arodus) is eagerly anticipated, for it provides distractions from the horrors of being on the front line of the war. Smiles on faces normally marred by downcast eyes and furrowed brows do wonders for city morale in the weeks leading up to the event.
Armasse is a citywide celebration, but the majority of the event, including its jousting matches and other entertainments, takes place at Clydwell Plaza, just west of the cathedral. It is here that the campaign begins, with you in attendance near the cathedral’s façade—you’ve been lucky enough to get good spots to observe the opening ceremonies at noon.
You can describe your characters and what you're doing.
samduke
2016-05-21, 10:18 AM
Serenity standing where she can see the opening ceremonies with her morning star hanging at her side, listening to the hum of voices from those around her. wearing her explorers outfit, more or less blending in with the crowd.
JKTrickster
2016-05-21, 10:48 AM
Isaac (http://img12.deviantart.net/7073/i/2016/034/5/9/thomas_crest_by_sayta0-d9qfxoe.jpg) was waiting in the Clydwell Plaza, having spent his entire morning helping out at the Cathedral. There were so many people here for the opening celebrations, but Isaac was early and he had managed to get a good spot to see the opening ceremony. Since there was nowhere to sit, he was leaning against a wooden pole in order to rest his legs. Behind him, tons of onlookers and commoners squirm to get a better view of the festivities. Isaac himself was satisfied - he was just glad that he could finally a small break after working all morning. He tried to stifle another yawn as he continued to wait for his frends and family to join him; unlike most of them, he had been busy since the crack of dawn to help set up for the festival. He had run errands between the Cathedral and the Temple of Iomedae for almost the last four hours now. Even with his endurance, Isaac was tired beyond belief. He was glad to be able to rest now and enjoy a few snacks before going back to the Cathedral to help out. The festival of Armasse was always a hectic and busy occasion - several members of the Lightbringer family would always come out and help raise morale among the commoners. This year though, the rest of Isaac's brothers and cousins squirmed out of their duties - each of them just so happened to have an excuse to not help out. So Isaac had to step up to the challenge and help take care of the festival preparations himself. It had been a hectic morning, but seeing the happiness on everyone's faces made it worth his trouble.
Isaac had to massage his sore shoulders as he continued to enjoy his small moment of peace. He was wearing his scale mail and gear and it was certainly a heavy load for him. He had worn his complete attire because he knew he would be going to help train the commoners at the Cathedral later. Thy would want to know what they should pack, how to don armor, how to fire a crossbow, and a thousand different things. So Isaac came prepared - dressed as he was ready to go on a excursion to fight against the demons of the Worldwound. It was a little tough holding so much, but for now he wanted to just focus on enjoying himself. Brushing off some dirt from his clothes, Isaac stretched and let out another long yawn. He habitually messed around with the tidiness of his clothes as he patiently waited for the festivities to start, or for his family to finally show up, whichever would happen first.
Deremir
2016-05-21, 02:26 PM
Arendin, a young and sturdy human full of the ideals only a young man can be, stands in the middle of the crowd gawking and standing on his toes trying to see past others. Having just arrived through the north gate this morning, Arendin had been told that the festivities were about to begin. He rushed to the plaza without even stopping to set up his tent outside first, something for which he is sure he will regret as all the good camping spots had already been taken and he wasn't too pleased with what looked to be left. Thus he arrived, gear and all, at the already fairly packed and crowded plaza, and struggled through the mass of people to get a decent spot, hoping to hear about what vulnerabilities the demons might have.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-21, 03:57 PM
Boyish Half-elf
A youthful half elf has been wondering the city since mid-morning. He is a little short, somewhat slender, sporting a voluminous blue, almost black, cloak, hood open. His black hair cascades down to his shoulders and 'swooshes' slightly as he repays those who he catches looking him up with an innocuous smile. He walks slowly, partially because he hasn't been here for a while and is drinking in the sights, and partially because his pack, perhaps heavier than it ought to have been for such a short journey, was weighing him down.
First order of the day was to visit a couple of breweries whose stock the White Fox is accustomed to carry, and stop for a greeting and some light banter- something to talk about back at the inn. The half-elf is careful to avoid any 'samples' offered. Accepting could only end badly.
He then takes a meandering route towards the centre. He pays a great deal of attention to those stalls selling trinkets of a decorative nature, making a note to come back towards the end of the festival when sellers may be a little more willing to barter. As he progresses, he lingers a while by the temple of Shelyn, observing, listening... After a while he sets off again, heading steadily for the central cathedral.
By the time the young half-elf arrives at the square, noon cannot be far away. Along the way he has acquired a couple of apples, and chews on one absent-mindedly as he takes in the scale of the Plaza. Unlike those who actually belong here, he makes no move to actively join the commotion. He finds a shady spot by the temple, contemplating its scale. He wonders whether Sera has been here... Surely she must have at some point. Well, in any case she wouldn't have seen what he's about to see from this angle. Now that would be something to write home about...
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-21, 04:48 PM
Throck
Throck not only had a good spot to view the ceremony, he had a fairly good view as well. Most of the people in front of him were quite a bit shorter than he was. He was oblivious to the plight of the people stuck behind his towering orc frame though. Throck viciously devoured a chunk of spiced beef jerky. He brushed some drool off his armor that fell from his mouth. The jerky cost way too much but it smelt too good to pass up. He wasn't a fan of the the oppressively packed crowd but on the other hand he didn't want to miss a thing. Had he planned ahead (which he never seemed to do) he would have tried out for one of the squire positions or at least a spot in some of the mock battles about to take place. "oh well, next time." he grumbles to himself.
Ralasha
2016-05-23, 02:41 PM
Joyas is a thin and reedy halfling by all appearances. She could even be called short in stature for her race. Her skin and hair both pale, her frame thin.
Her cart is parked towards the back of the crowds, and she sits on the seat so as to have the best view she can hope for among the milling and shoving crowds of being bigger and stronger than herself. An open barrel filled with fresh water, a ladle and a cup rest just behind or next to her on the bench seat.
She appears to be wearing robes despite the heat outside, though the robes in question leave her arms bare they expose little if anything else other than her head.
Occasionally she reaches over, filling the cup with water using the ladle, then taking a drink. An expression of mild disinterest can be seen. People asking for water are told it costs a silver per cup, which quickly leads to them walking away grumbling.
Armasse officially begins at noon, with the blessing of the festival by Lord Hulrun himself, ruler of Kenabres. The crowd gathered in Clydwell Plaza quiets as the aged cleric takes the stage, clad in shining, resplendent armor. He clears his throat, but just as he is about to speak, a bright light shines from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Hulrun’s shadow falls huge and distorted across the cathedral’s façade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion rips through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor.
To the west, the fortress known as the Kite—the location of Kenabres’s wardstone—has vanished. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupts into the heavens.
A moment later, a powerful roar accompanies a welcome sight rising from the crowd—Kenabres’s greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who was until this moment attending the opening ceremony disguised as a human. Above, another form appears, as nightmarish as the dragon is breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any human, with skin coated in fire and lightning, grips a flaming sword and whip. The creature’s identity is immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, has come to Kenabres!
As the ground shakes and disgorges demons into the streets, the dragon and the balor lord clash above. The fight is over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cuts deep into the dragon's body, swooping down to strike the dragon and arresting her charge. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spirals downward toward the crowd.
The sight of the dragon smashing into the façade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one no witness will ever forget. At that moment, a titanic demon erupts at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashes into this world. The rift the demon created shoots across the plaza, and the ground beneath your feet crumbles.
Even as you fall, you see the dragon stretch out a bleeding talon toward you, uttering arcane words. You feel her magic take hold of you, slowing your plummet into the darkness as if you were feathers falling into a pit. Yet the fall remains as inexorable, and as you drift downward into the depths, the last thing you see is the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragon, his sword lashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head falls, the rift above you slams shut, and the light of the world above is gone.
You come back to yourself minutes later. The sounds of coughing, moans of pain, and rocks clattering, as well as the choking smell of dust, become apparent as your senses seem to return, but it remains pitch black. Feeling around in the darkness, you feel rubble all around you and realize that your bodies are covered in dirt. Despite your general aches and pains, you don’t seem to have actual damage.
A male voice speaks arcane words, and a light as bright as a torch flares into existence. The voice speaks the same words again, and again in tones of consternation, and finally says, “Ah…my magic doesn’t seem to be working. Could someone make a light?”
http://s32.postimg.org/xrxihwu2d/Wot_R_Starting_Cave.jpg is the area you've fallen into. The light source is a small rock on the ground near the elf northeast of the other two strangers.
Ralasha
2016-05-23, 03:09 PM
Joyas uses her Devil's Sight Invocation? (It allows you to see in Darkness/Magical Darkness)
Deremir
2016-05-23, 03:43 PM
*Cough* *Cough*
Arendin hacks on the dust as the rocks settle. After regaining his senses he struggles upright and peers through the darkness. He panics slightly and attempts to fumble through his pack for his lantern before the light from the elf's spell illuminates the cavern. He looks around, taking careful note of everyone there with him until the mage's request sinks in and he returns to sifting through his backpack.
I should be able to make a light, Arendin says while holding up the lantern he had been searching for In the mean time, is anyone hurt? Does anyone need assistance?
Arendin proceeds to pour the oil into his lantern and attempt to light it with his flint and steel.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-23, 05:23 PM
Boyish Half-Elf
Well... I hope she never sees this from any angle. The half-elf thinks as he falls, clutching at the apple, perhaps in fright.
Upon landing he rolls his shoulder in its socket and pats himself down- trying to determine whether anything in, or for that matter on, him is broken. In any case the landing was surprising less painful than he had imagined it might be.
*Crunch* He finishes the first apple. Could this be... He remains sitting for a while, contemplating his situation- trying to understand whether it's real or not. Then, when the spell is cast and the strangers speak, he decides to hold his judgement, and rises gracefully to his feet. He takes note of the man's attempt to light the lantern and the elf's words.
"Your magic isn't working? Do you mean... Were you trying to cast something other than this light spell?" He addresses the elf curiously, even as he casts his gaze about the cavern, trying to assess the situation.
Perception mod.= +8 to spot/hear anything that should/should not be here (aka to spot/hear anything noteworthy).
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-23, 05:26 PM
Throck
Throck coughs as he extricates his leg from some debris. "What just happened?". Throck knew what had just happened but was just in shock and asked out of reflex. He tries looking around to get his bearing. Mostly he was looking for any demons or other threats and for any other survivors.
Throck has darkvision, hopefully that works down here.
JKTrickster
2016-05-23, 10:17 PM
Isaac is sprawled on the floor, coughing as the dust settles all over him. He blinks his eyes rapidly a few times, trying to shake the images from his head. He had always knew that something could go wrong - anything could go wrong. The Fourth Crusade would never have closed the Worldwound anyway. But this......this was a disaster that he could not comprehend. He thought of his brothers...his cousins...his uncle...his mother. Tears started welling up in his eyes as he continued to lay there, his arms and feet outstretched. As far as he knew, he was not harmed at all. An ironic fate for him - a Crusader who had witnessed the fall of Terendelev yet managed to escape unharmed. Even if his family was alive, he would be ashamed to see them.
Tentatively, he lifted one hand to the ceiling of his new prison - blocked off by the rubble and stone that had collapsed above them. Somewhere, up there, were demonic hordes flooding into the city. Flooding into his city. How could he have done so little to stop them? All this training - all his years of preparation and he had failed in Kenabres' greatest time of need. Sitting upright, Isaac seemed to go entirely still. He did not acknowledge anyone else or anything else that moved in the cave. For now, he sat still and he stared out at the others. He was no longer openly grieving, but his face was unusually stoic and blank. Blinking slowly, he simply look around the cave and looked at everyone who was still moving about and alive.
Guys I think the idea is that the Light spell worked. There's no need for Darkvision - I mean its nonmagical darkness and the light has no problem with that.
The guy can't see his own light. He's probably blind.
In other news, how do you RP a character that's completely devastated....
Ralasha
2016-05-23, 10:30 PM
Joyas looks around for her belongings, her only supply of food, and her normally regular companion, the mule. The barrel of water is relatively unimportant so long as her waterskins and food supplies survived the fall. It would be quite difficult to save up enough money to replace all of her possessions.
She wanders around a bit, calling her animal's name, hoping to hear it respond so she has a better idea where her chest is. A simple wooden box with a latch really, since she couldn't even afford a simple lock. She frowns, and tries calling out to the mule again. "Clod~?"
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 12:23 AM
Isaac is sitting completely still, concentrating on bringing himself deeper and deeper within. He fought against his inner depression and hopelessness and reached out towards his god. Clutching his holy symbol, he offered a prayer to Iomedae for security and guidance. More than anything, he hoped that his family would stay safe and not be in any danger. But even as he wondered where they were, he had no doubt in his mind. A Lightbringer would not shy from battle. They would be the first to run at the Storm King and perhaps even among the first to die. His chest tightened as he imagined that grisly scene but at least he he had some solace with his god, Iomedae. They died protecting the home and the people they loved - what more could he ask for?
Still a little shaken, Isaac clutched his holy symbol tighter. He just needed a few more moments to recuperate.
The voice that cast the light spell turns out to come from a male elf in tattered robes. It's quickly apparent why he didn't realize his spell had worked--you remember seeing him take a glancing blow from Khorramzadeh's flaming whip, and his face where his eyes used to be is a mass of burns. "Who's there? Someone make a light. Yes, I tried to cast a light spell and it didn't work," he says with increasingly urgency.
To the west, a young woman in leather armor with a bow has; she looks up and calls, "My leg's stuck. Could someone help me out here?"
"Gah! Someone help me up!" bellows a middle-aged human man in what was apparently, a few minutes ago, quite expensive clothing. It looks like his injuries are superficial.
Joyas and all of you hear an unhappy-sounding bray from the western side of the cavern, near the woman who spoke. The mule seems to be trapped on a large boulder.
Deremir
2016-05-24, 01:12 PM
Arendin, having gotten his lamp lit and just now noticing the elf's burns, lets out a small gasp and hurriedly runs over to him.
Sir don't move! Your face has been burned and your eyes are fused shut, possibly damaged, but your going to be alright. I can heal you, your going to be fine.
Arendin then proceeds to cast cure light wounds to hopefully fix the more life threatening aspects of the injury and, assuming the elf doesn't resist, first aid using his healing kit. He actually suspects the elf's eyes are damaged beyond his ability to heal, but he wants to keep the elf as calm as possible
cure light wounds: [roll0]
Heal check: [roll1]
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 01:41 PM
Isaac's grieving is abruptly interrupted by the sounds of moaning and the cries for help. Suddenly, from all around him, he could feel the intense waves of suffering and pain. He had managed to escaped relatively unscathed, but what about the others? His heart swelled with regret and guilt as he quickly got to his feet. For a moment, I had let my own demons get control of me, he chastised himself as he scanned the area. All of his training and discipline was for this moment - Kenabres was in danger and here he was crying like a little child! Shaking his own private concerns to the side, Isaac remembered what to do in such catastrophic conditions. His uncle had taught him at a young age what to do if their worse nightmares were realized. Taking in a deep breath, he began to look around the situation and do as he remembered.
First, he noticed that there were several able-bodied survivors in the mix. Left to their own devices, such bystanders might not always lend a hand to what was needed. Second, he noted that there was at least one able healer in their midst and he was already tending to the wounded. That man has obviously been trained to respond in such emergencies, Isaac nodded as his gaze fell upon the rest of the survivors and injured. Within moments, his mind put two and two together and he began moving immediately. "Everyone remain calm. My name is Isaac Lightbringer - I am a crusader of the Lightbringer family."
"You!", Isaac pointed as he moved towards the woman who was pinned underneath the rocks. "With the large axe! This woman needs our help! My own physical strength is not enough to free her; please come help me move these rocks,", Isaac called out in a direct, but calm voice. He did not sound commanding, but merely stating the facts as dispassionately as he could. Gesturing at the half-elf, he quickly points to the middle-aged man on the floor. "You! with the black cloak. Please go see if that man over there needs any medical assistance. If he does, make sure to let that healer know as soon as you can," Turning to the Halfling woman, Isaac pauses for a moment. Honestly unsure what to do, he merely points to the rocks and the woman pinned underneath. "Can you help us free the woman as well?" he asks, although he isn't exactly sure her physical stature would actually make any difference in the situation.
Moving into action, Isaac hoped and prayed that these individuals would actually help him. Truth be told, he had no idea if they would or not. His disaster training only covered that he should point to specific individuals and tell them to do specific things. But usually, he was working with commoners and villagers that already knew him. Of course they would listen. But Isaac was taking a gamble that these strangers would listen to him at all. He had no idea what to do if they refused, or worse, if they harbored resentment or ill intent. He wished he was with his uncle, if only so he could ask for his guidance and advice. But now he was all alone, in a dark cave, as the city was being ravaged high above. But he didn't have time anymore for childish things. Even if he had no help, he was not going to let another person die on this day. Not if he could stop it.
By the way, my character has grew up in the city. Does he recognize any of these individuals? Even if by a passing mention?
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-24, 05:04 PM
Boyish Half-Elf in the almost black cloak
The half-elf can't help but wince slightly upon seeing the face, and fate, of the elf. He opens his mouth to speak, but as the man approaching the elf seems to have broken the news already, he just sighs.
Hearing the tidy man, who seemed so desperate moments ago, speak so authoritatively, it takes Fon a few moments to weight up the words he had heard. On one hand, the loud man on the floor was probably a spoilt noble, on the other hand, unlike healing or heavy labour, dealing with spoilt adults was certainly his strong suit. He stows his second apple and nods deeply to the authoritative, or perhaps authoritarian human.
The half-elf approaches the man on the ground, and attempting a disarming smile, takes him by his wrist and elbow, and, assuming that the man's injuries are truly superficial, puts him on his feet, as if pulling petulant middle-aged men from the floor was an art he had practised diligently from an early age. He speaks quietly and gently, but with a certain urgency, as he does, looking the man in the eyes.
"Good sir, your situation is as grim as you make it. You have been dropped by demons into a deep catacomb, that's probably infested with Desna-knows-what, right beneath a city that's being put to the sword by the very same demons as we speak..." Speaking of clothes may be a mistake... "Surely you do not need a humble wonderer as myself to remind you that no matter what your losses, keeping your cool and your dignity about you, as is befitting, is always the surest way to keep your life and find a safe haven.... And with that in mind I would advise avoiding raising your voice- who knows what unwanted attention it may attract in this dark place." He keeps looking the man in the eye, some part of him wondering just who he may be and what makes him tick. "It may seem rude of me to ask this of you, before even a proper introduction, but would you lend us your strength in freeing the lady from her predicament?"
Diplomacy Mod. +8 if appropriate...
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-24, 05:21 PM
Throck
Throck bristled at being ordered about. However the loud man definitely had a point, the woman needed to be helped. At least the man was polite about it. In the end Throck grunted in agreement "Aye" . He decided there were much bigger issues right now than his ego.
Move the rock for master:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 06:14 PM
A wave of relief washed over Isaac's face as the intimidating orc came over and began working on the rocks. Now that they were standing shoulder to shoulder, Isaac saw just how much bigger he was. The orc was almost an entire foot taller than he was and much stronger to boot. As the orc moved the stones, Isaac could only barely budge or nudge any of them. Panting for breath, he did his best to help where he could. "Thank you for this," he politely said in a much more normal voice. "I don't know what I would do without your assistance. Again, my name is Isaac Lightbringer. I am a Crusader - how may I address you?" Isaac tried to be as polite as possible, even though his words were a little too stiff and awkward. Quite frankly, he just wasn't any good at talking - he was a much better listener than anything else really.
Looking behind his shoulder, he saw the half-elf ever so graciously bring the middle aged man to his feet. Already, he was starting to sweet talk him and charm him this way and that. He wasn't honestly sure how the Half-Elf did it - Isaac always found it amazing how some could just so easily charm the ears off of others. Isaac turned his attention and did his best to help the orc again. "How should I move these rocks? Let me make sure I don't get in your way..." his voice trailed off as he tried his hardest to budge this rock or the other.
Isaac actually has negative strength but oh well. Aid Another checks to add +2 bonus to Throck's Strength checks!
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-24, 06:42 PM
Throck
The little man seemed to get in the way as much as help but his heart was in the right place. "I am Throck." He hoped they could move the rock. He didn't really like the idea of cutting a leg off - unless it was a demon leg.
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 07:23 PM
Isaac was grateful for Throck being there. More than a couple of times his fingers slipped as he cut himself on the sharp rocks. Still his small efforts were at least a little more beneficial than not and he only smiled and nodded at the large orc. "Well....met" he said in between grunts as he tried to heave the rock off the woman.
Aid Another is just DC 10 right? So it adds +2 to the first and the last two rolls that Throck rolled. Yay for teamwork!
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 09:08 PM
Joyas makes her way to the boulder and looks up at the Mule, then over at the woman. She tilts her head, examining the trapped leg, what is trapping it, and considering being of assistance versus not.
Her head swivels back to her mule and she looks around for a means of getting it down, meanwhile she watches for her box of food stuffs. There are others, let one of them help the woman. She needs her food and her Mule.
Throck and Isaac remove the rock from the woman's leg. "Thank you." She offers you a smile. "I'm Anevia Tirabade, and I'm AAAARGH!" She tries to put weight on her leg and falls to the cavern floor. "It's broken in at least three places, I'd say," she says through clenched teeth.
The nobleman briefly sounds placated. "Of course, let no one say Horgus Gwerm is not--her!" He glares at Anevia.
"Oh. Oh dear. Strange, I don't feel burned. You are Isaac Lightbringer? I'm Aravashnial," the blind elf says. "What are your abilities? Who else is here and what can they do?" The worst of his injuries heal, but he looks quite badly off still, and Vlad quickly confirms that he'll need a Regeneration spell to see again.
"Don't try and take charge, elf," Horgus shouts. "Whoever can guide us out of here, it's not going to be you."
"Lord Gwerm," Aravashnial says with an odd, sickly smile. "I am glad to hear you're all right."
"If you could see, you'd see I'm nothing of the sort!" The man apparently called Lord Horgus Gwerm brushes himself off angrily.
"Ah, Horgus," Anevia says from the floor of the cavern, not yelling but not speaking particularly quietly either. "I'm delighted to be stuck down here with you, too."
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 09:58 PM
"This is why people are so annoying, you find yourselves in a desperate situation, and instead of being intelligent, you bicker. Like children." She picks up her food stuffs chest, and leads her mule down the less inclined side of the boulder, then places the chest on it's pack saddle, and straps it down.
She begins heading towards the east side of the cave where it appears to lead deeper, and father away from squabbling children, then stops. Demons.
She turns to look back at the others. Then looks back into what for the others is doubtlessly darkness. She leads her Mule over to the woman with the broken leg. "Get on, I don't care if you have to lie across his back instead of sitting. There is nothing here to make a splint or a bandage with, I couldn't afford to use the resources if I had them."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-24, 10:08 PM
Throck
Throck helps the injuried lady stand. At the offer of the mule, he gently grabs her by the waist and heaves her up onto the donkey. "Let me help you miss." Throck offers.
"Yo! Whore-guts, or whatever your name is. Quit your mewling and shut your pie hole. " Throck says rudely.
Intimidate : [roll0]
Hopefully the lady weighs less than 400 lbs - Throck's 'lift over head limit'.
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 10:39 PM
"Wait everyone let us calm down. Petty insults will do nothing to fight demons. They have already taken enough lives today. Do you all really want to be at each other's throats before our true enemies have shown up?" Isaac interrupted as he placed a hand on the orc's shoulder. His eyes were silently pleading the orc to let the situation diffuse. Please, he mouthed silently as he stepped in between everyone before fighting actually erupted. Turning to the others, he tried to distract everyone by moving towards the healer. "Actually do not move her from this spot just yet," he said to the Halfling. "I believe we do have supplies for a splint. It won't a waste of supplies - it will obviously help her greatly."
"Master Healer, it seems that the woman has an injured leg. You have healing supplies do you not? May you..." his voice trailed off as he extended his arm in the direction of the mule and the woman. Answering the blind elf, Isaac nods. "Yes my name is Isaac. I am a Crusader hailing from the Lightbringer family. I am not much of a martial warrior but I do possess some skill with the crossbow. I can also summon Iomedae's minions to protect us and fight for us, so we aren't unnecessarily harmed," he flatly stated. To be honest this wasn't that strange of a question for Isaac. His uncle often trained them to think like soldiers and tacticians and he would always ask how his brothers were developing their talents. If anything, Isaac felt a twang of reassurance - someone here knew what it meant to be tactical. "You must be very tactically inclined to ask that," he said as he helped the blind elf stand up on his feet. "May I ask who you are and what you may do?" Helping the blind elf get up, he walks him over with the healer - he does not want him to be sitting alone. Not when they are unsure if there are enemies abound. "Please - let us stick together. There may be demons abound and we cannot lose another precious life so quickly."
After he guides the blind elf back to the rest of the group with the healer, he approaches the half-elf and Lord Horgus. "I'm sorry I did not introduce myself better before. My name is Isaac - of the Lightbringer family." As he steps forward, he slightly bows to the lord. "I did not know you were a Lord, Lord Horgus," he states as he turns to the half-elf. "You have an amazing way with words my friend," he states simply as he bows to him as well. "Apologies if my words were too loud before - thank you for your help," he then gestures for the half-elf to look at the upset Lord again. The last thing he needed was an upset Lord slinging insults left and right.
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 10:48 PM
Joyas sneers and backs away from the bossy midget, not that she should talk as she is also a midget, but hey, she isn't talking is she?
"You talk to much, and I have yet to see you accomplish anything useful. Do not bandy about orders." Ok, now she's talking.
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 11:01 PM
Isaac is a little taken aback by Joyas' words. Falling silent, he looks up and takes a deep breath. "No...I have not. I call myself a Crusader and yet...I watched Terendelev, the great Dragon Protector of our city, be cut down." Again he is silent. His shoulders shake slightly - in fact his whole body shakes. But he forces himself to take a deep breath. He stays silent for a moment before he forces himself to gather his wits. "My name is Isaac - I've said that more times today than I can keep count. And not for good reasons either. What is your name?" Even as he controls his shaking in his voice, his left hand can't seem to stop twitching. It clutches his holy symbol tightly, until his knuckles have turned white from the stress.
Wait is she calling the 5'8'' human a midget? :smalltongue:
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-24, 11:10 PM
"Crusader of words....." Throck says with a half smile and a roll of his eyes. "There will be demons enough for you to kill, when we get to the surface. No time for feeling sorry for ourselves. You weren't in a position to help the dragon. No one was."
Throck looks around for a passage out.
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 11:13 PM
"Unimportant, since unless we begin moving soon we are unlikely to survive the day. We should go, or I will go on my own." She points at 'lord whats-his-name', "Leave him here, his yelling will attract demons, we do not need to run into them more often than necessary." She points at the woman with the broken leg "If not for my mule I would leave her here as well because she would slow us down."
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 11:23 PM
"It isn't about killing demons," Isaac looked at Throck. "We have lost our homes. The wardstone has been broken. Without its protection, Kenabres is lost. Our only hope is to gather as many survivors and save as many people as we can." Isaac still clutched his holy symbol, sadness and grief evident in his eyes. "Terendelev was our greatest protector. Not just another dragon! The Storm King will easily level the city before we can escape to the surface. We just have to hope there are still people to save..."
Turning to the Halfling, he shook his head. "I refuse to give up on life so easily. I have no qualms with you leaving. You are under no obligation to help me. I would be grateful for any assistance and I would help you in kind. But I will not condemn a man to die because he annoys you. Unless you want to convince me that a crime of annoyance deserves capital punishment?" he said as he looked at the Halfling woman. "If names are unimportant then let us group and continue. With everyone." Unlike his earlier tone of voice, this was not sadness, nor guilt. There a finality - this was not an issue Isaac would budge on.
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 11:39 PM
"It isn't about killing demons," Isaac looked at Throck. "We have lost our homes. The wardstone has been broken. Without its protection, Kenabres is lost. Our only hope is to gather as many survivors and save as many people as we can." Isaac still clutched his holy symbol, sadness and grief evident in his eyes. "Terendelev was our greatest protector. Not just another dragon! The Storm King will easily level the city before we can escape to the surface. We just have to hope there are still people to save..."
Turning to the Halfling, he shook his head. "I refuse to give up on life so easily. I have no qualms with you leaving. You are under no obligation to help me. I would be grateful for any assistance and I would help you in kind. But I will not condemn a man to die because he annoys you. Unless you want to convince me that a crime of annoyance deserves capital punishment?" he said as he looked at the Halfling woman. "If names are unimportant then let us group and continue. With everyone." Unlike his earlier tone of voice, this was not sadness, nor guilt. There a finality - this was not an issue Isaac would budge on. "It isn't about killing demons," Isaac looked at Throck. "We have lost our homes. The wardstone has been broken. Without its protection, Kenabres is lost. Our only hope is to gather as many survivors and save as many people as we can." Isaac still clutched his holy symbol, sadness and grief evident in his eyes. "Terendelev was our greatest protector. The Storm King will easily level the city before we can escape to the surface. We just have to hope there are still people to save..." Turning to the Halfling, he shook his head. "I refuse to give up on life so easily. People can be reasoned with and listened to. If your only wish is to save yourself, I have no qualms with you leaving first. But I will not condemn a man to die because he annoys you. Unless you want to convince me that a crime of annoyance deserves capital punishment?" he said as he looked at the Halfling woman. "If names are unimportant then let us group and continue. With everyone." Unlike his earlier tone of voice, this was not sadness, nor guilt. There a finality - this was not an issue Isaac would budge on.
"Standing here is accomplishing nothing, we must go you insapient rube!"
She turns to look at the him, "You will see he will bring danger with his fat lazy selfish oaf of a human self. But you are in charge of him. Bring him if you wish. But quickly." She turns and begins leading the Mule out of the cave, with or without the woman on it's back. "Unless you desire to be trapped, then by all means remain where you stand. Dotards."
JKTrickster
2016-05-24, 11:43 PM
Isaac had no more wishes to argue. It was obvious that there was no headway to be made that way. "You speak truth," he stated plainly as he was about to turn and follow. Suddenly he stopped, as if he had just remembered something. Still, with all that he still did not move. "Please allow the healer to look at the injured woman. You have the kindness to place her on the mule. You may as well wait for the healer to tend to her."
Who's the other Halfling :smallconfused:
EDIT: Throck is an Orc. Everyone else is either a human, elf, or half-elf (including Isaac, who is a human).
Ralasha
2016-05-24, 11:55 PM
Isaac had no more wishes to argue. It was obvious that there was no headway to be made that way. "You speak truth," he stated plainly as he was about to turn and follow. Suddenly he stopped, as if he had just remembered something. Still, with all that he still did not move. "Please allow the healer to look at the injured woman. You have the kindness to place her on the mule. You may as well wait for the healer to tend to her."
Who's the other Halfling :smallconfused:
EDIT: Throck is an Orc. Everyone else is either a human, elf, or half-elf (including Isaac, who is a human).
"Let the healer heal her while we move." :smallmad: She continues on imperiously. "Any delay may bring destruction, haste may bring waste, but there is a time and a place for everything. This is the time to move, and quickly." She is obviously getting frustrated, and impatient with the delays. "There is an Elven Village not far, I must make sure they are alright."
Deremir
2016-05-24, 11:59 PM
Yes I should be able be able to manage a splint at least. Arendin says before quickly addressing Aravashnial and, in as calm and soothing voice as he can maintain, saying Sometimes you can't feel your own burns, that's not good but it's normal, and I have fixed most of the damage. Your eyes will need further healing but you're otherwise fine. before making his way towards Anevia. Only as an afterthought does he reply later with Oh, and my name's Arendin, glad to have you along Mr. Lightbringer.
He is visibly relieved at Isaac taking charge as he starts working on Anevia, pointedly ignoring the argument occurring over his head as he continues to work off of the almost rote response of his role as healer so he doesn't have to think about the full ramifications of the situation. As he does so he contemplates if his magical healing could fully fix her leg, and if it would be worth the spell.
Heal check: [roll0]
knowledge religion to determine if CLW can fix her leg: [roll1]
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 12:11 AM
Isaac turned to the healer. "Is it possible to make the splint as we move? Only if it will not cause any unnecessary pain or injury. I have to admit - haste is much preferred." Isaac longingly looked up at where the Church used to be.
Deremir
2016-05-25, 12:18 AM
So long as the mule can avoid jostling her too much it should be fine, but she'll need to basically be draped over its back so her leg is straight while I work.
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 08:07 AM
Nodding, he turned to Anevia and tried his best to seem polite. "Lady Anevia," he said sounding a little stiff. "May the healer apply the splint as we're moving?"
EDIT:
Please see Diplomacy roll in OCC thread here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20817668&postcount=46)
Deremir
2016-05-25, 08:46 AM
A keen ear can hear Arendin grumbling something under his breath as he works, already a good way along in applying the splint.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-25, 03:28 PM
Boyish Half-Elf
Before: The half-elf makes a move towards the boulder and halts in his tracks when the blind elf, petulant Lord and injured woman begin to bicker. He straightens up. Placating one spoilt "adult" was one thing. Placating several of them- that was akin to herding cats. The half-elf half-tilts his head at Isaac, letting the short, but still relatively taller, crusader quite clearly see his resignation.
"Fon." He gestures towards himself.
...As the discussion progresses from not bickering, to the best methods of abandoning nobles, to how to best to ride a mule with a broken leg, to why they need to go and check on their nearest and dearest, Fon closes his eyes. His hand instinctively going for his pendants.
I am grateful Starsong, for this lesson. For now I know why you left the earth to craft the heavens... He opens his eyes. The halfling, petulant as the lord, was right. They had to go.
Fon turns and approaches the elf, picking up the light-enchanted stone on the way. He will whisper into the elf's ear: "I am Oinophon Al'lirtsien, and I apologise in advance for what I am about to propose and what you are about to hear. I'm afraid we may have to swallow at least a portion of our dignity if we want to see tomorrow."
He takes the elf gently by the elbow and leads him in the direction of the noble.
"I would like to act as your guide here, Aravashnial, but that may leave us a sword down." He looks towards the noble and encloses the stone in his hand. "And as you, Lord Gwerm, quite rightly do not abide by being led by the blind, and are not burdened by steel, I propose that you, who should stand before us commoners, put aside, just for a single day, and for the sake of tomorrow, whatever past quarrels you have and act as Aravashnial's eyes until we are back in the light. If it comes to the worst, Aravashnial will benefit from direction for casting his spells, and you Lord Gwerm, will certainly benefit from spells being cast in the right direction." Fon concludes. "...And I will act as a sword for the both of you."
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 04:06 PM
Isaac didn't openly acknowledge Fon's words but he couldn't help but looked up. Shaking his head, he couldn't help but envy again the Half-Elf's way with words. Amazing, he thought as he looked at the Halfling. If only he could do that with her....
Anevia lets herself be helped onto the mule, though her eyebrows raise when Joyas proposes leaving her and Horgus behind. She smiles and nods at Isaac as Arendin efficiently splints her leg. As Joyas quickly leads the mule toward the passage out of the cavern, before anyone else can speak, the spider corpse rolls over and suddenly two massive maggots, considerably larger than Joyas herself, lunge at her, biting at her with circular mouths full of dripping teeth.
It will take time, or the Regeneration spell, to fully heal Anevia's leg, though Cure spells will significantly improve her functionality.
M1 attack: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
M2 attack: [roll4] Critical threat check: [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]
>> Isaac: 24
>> Arendin: 18
Aravashnial: 12
M1: 12
Throck: 12
Anevia: 11
Joyas: 10
Fon: 9
Horgus: 5
M2: 5
Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11LlAcpRyx5ri6ICFsDNfmr1ey2yEZ0O44PZMYe1Z0kE/edit?usp=sharing). After the surprise round, Isaac and Arendin are up. In the unlikely event that the first maggot downs Joyas with a crit, the second one attacks her mule. If you have an avatar, that's you on the map; Fon is F, the maggots are M1 and M2, and the mule is completely virtual and can be detected only by the locations of Joyas and Anevia. Let me know if you have any questions.
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 06:19 PM
Isaac was the first to react as the maggots burst forth from the giant spider carcass. His stomach almost wanted to churn at the sight of such gigantic, squirmy insects. He would face a demon any time of the day rather than these ugly vermin. Still, he was grateful - it seemed that the Halfling lady was not harmed. Moving into position next to his new Orc buddy, he nodded to the others. Hopefully, they were just as good at fighting as they were at arguing.
"Quick - pull the injured back!" Isaac shouted as he rushed forward. Raising his crossbow, he let loose a bolt at the giant maggots.
Move Action: Isaac moves to Q23.
Standard Action: Isaac attacks M1
Attack
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]
Deremir
2016-05-25, 06:41 PM
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Arendin attacks nearest slug with his morningstar.
"What is it? What's happening? Tell me!" Aravashnial shouts.
"Maggots, Aravashnial! Big hungry ones!" Anevia calls back.
One maggot makes a second attempt to bite Joyas.
Attack: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
>> Throck: 12
Anevia: 11
Joyas: 10
Fon: 9
Horgus: 5
M2: 5
Isaac: 24
Arendin: 18
Aravashnial: 12
M1: 12
Throck is up.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-25, 07:07 PM
Throck
Throck was initially surprised by the appearance of the maggots. " Always something that needs killing." he says grimly. Throck approaches the maggots and draws his massive axe above his head. He holds it high and attacks in a nearly perfect figure eight pattern.
Movement : Move to T23*
*He draws 1 attack of opportunity from M1 vs AC 18
Swift action : Move into punishing stance -2 ac, + 1d6 damage.
Attack action : Activate the steel wind manuever and attack both maggots
Maggot 1 (flanked +2 to hit)
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]
Maggot 2 (not flanked)
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] + [roll5]
The maggot attempts to bite Throck, then Throck cuts both maggots in half. Slime goes everywhere. "Urk," Horgus says.
"The maggots are dead, Aravashnial. We're safe for the moment," Anevia says. "I've lost most of my arrows, and I don't seem to be in much of a position to contribute in melee either. Would anyone happen to have extra arrows?"
Attack of opportunity: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
60 XP each.
Looking toward the east, you notice five silver scales, each the size of Arendin's hand, scattered about the floor.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-25, 07:22 PM
Throck
"Stop Jerking it" Throck suggests to Isaac. He pauses for a moment to let it sink in, and decided he should explain more.
"Put the butt of the stock into your shoulder blade, aim down the length of the bolt, then gently squeeze the release. If you rush it and clench your hand too tightly, you are just going to jerk it off target prematurely. "
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 07:32 PM
Isaac silently cursed himself under his breath as his bolt flew wide. In his rush to move forward, he had wasted his time and didn't aim at all. His uncle would be ashamed to see him now - couldn't even land a bolt in a fat pile of maggots. Still, he was grateful for Throck's aid as the orc dispatched with both maggots with ease.
Throck
"Stop Jerking it" Throck suggests to Isaac. He pauses for a moment to let it sink in, and decided he should explain more.
"Put the butt of the stock into your shoulder blade, aim down the length of the bolt, then gently squeeze the release. If you rush it and clench your hand too tightly, you are just going to jerk it off target prematurely. "
Isaac just sort of stood there was his mouth opened, before a smile slowly appeared. "I appreciate your advice," Isaac laughed as he reloaded his crossbow. "I'll make sure to aim better against the next enemy - I'm sure there are plenty more vermin hiding out in these caves."
Turning around, Isaac did not seemingly see anything in the darkness. "Do you think we should move the mule to the back? We shouldn't put the injured in danger by having them walk first."
Ralasha
2016-05-25, 07:38 PM
"My mule stays next to me." She pats it's nose protectively. "Nothing personal, but I don't know you, and I would rather not have it killed by something sneaking up behind us. Never lived in the woods, have you?" She turns around, and with her vision piercing the darkness of the cave, fires an Eldritch Blast at the next corpse she sees. She isn't paranoid, honest. People hitting you with rocks as you walk past tends to teach you that people suck. She snorts, shakes her head, and resumes moving. "Thuck, was it?" She doesn't wait for an answer, "Would you mind accompanying me at the front?" She pulls out her morning star, and holds it ready, the animal's lead in her off hand.
"With or without the mule, if you're some kind of spellcaster you should be in the middle, not the front," Horgus snaps.
"Indeed, Lord Gwerm's tactical advice is sound," Aravashnial pipes up. He would likely flinch at the ungrateful glare Horgus gives him, if he could see it.
Ralasha
2016-05-25, 08:07 PM
"With or without the mule, if you're some kind of spellcaster you should be in the middle, not the front,"[/b] Horgus snaps.
"Lord Donkey (intimating that he is an ass), I am not in the habit of taking advice from individuals that act as I might expect of petulant children." She waves him off dismissively, the stops, tilts her head and turns to face him. Her eyes are cold if one can see, and they glitter dangerously. Her voice does not carry well; it is quiet, like a knife in the dark; "Do not speak to me in that manner again. I have no sympathy nor tolerance for simpletons or loudmouths. I do not tolerate fools." She smiles in an unpleasant manner, though it is difficult to tell if that is because of her apparently poor health, or if she is having evil thoughts and finding them pleasant. "I could kill you more easily than you can breathe. Alternatively, I can climb up on my mule, and leave you here in the dark. I am not bound to you by duty, nor by oath, nor by kindship. I have less care for lords and ladies than I do for the animals I kill and eat, for they at least serve a purpose." She turns and resumes walking.
"Ah, lovely. I'm stuck riding behind a psychopath," Anevia comments.
Lord Gwerm twitches, then says, "We should all let the halfling go off on her own, and hopefully get eaten by those whose physical forms reflect her mind and heart. I will...assist the thief to walk, if necessary."
Note, because I see room for confusion in D&D, that "thief" is not a class name; it carries the same implication as it does in the real world.
Ralasha
2016-05-25, 08:33 PM
"Ah, lovely. I'm stuck riding behind a psychopath," Anevia comments.
Lord Gwerm twitches, then says, "We should all let the halfling go off on her own, and hopefully get eaten by those whose physical forms reflect her mind and heart. I will...assist the thief to walk, if necessary."
Note, because I see room for confusion in D&D, that "thief" is not a class name; it carries the same implication as it does in the real world.
"Were that words were actions, I would likely concur on your assessment of my mental faculties. However, being capable of doing a thing, and being willing to do perform that action are generally two separate things. As is the case in this instance. Though I am capable of killing him more easily than he breathes, I am unlikely to do so, unless he endangers myself or the others here by continuing to act like the ass he so resembles." She fires an eldritch blast aimlessly at the ceiling. "Blame not the monster for that into which is has been shaped, blame those that made the monster as it is. I do not know if any of you were ever part of the rabbles that abused me physically when I was a child, nor do I truly care anymore. But I still care less about his type than about my own life, which is not at all."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-25, 09:08 PM
Throck answers the halfling with a simple "Throck". He was unsure if she had actually heard him. He just shrugged - it wasn't important. Throck took up the lead with a brisk pace. If the halfling walked slightly slower than him and ended up in the middle of the group that would be her decision. Alternatively if she wanted to keep up and remain at his side, that would be fine too. It matter not to Throck. Sadly the loud man might have had a point but Throck was tired of all the stupid talking and remained silent on this point of contention.
Annoyed he called back to lord "Are you still talking ? " Throck asked. "I guess that's gratitude for you. Dear Lady, you aren't stuck behind a psychopath, you are stuck behind two psychopaths. If you would prefer to walk or be helped by the likes of him, just say the word and I'll get you off the mule lickity-split."
"Isaac, you are good with your words. Crusade him with your words. Can you keep lord whore-guts busy with some flattery or a sonnet... maybe a dirty limrick ? If that fails show him your crossbow. Just try not to shoot me. " he says playfully. He decided he was starting to like the 'crusader' - his heart seemed to be in the right spot.
He pointed to a spot on the ground. "Shinies! Someone go pick that up." he motioned towards the scales.
Deremir
2016-05-25, 09:52 PM
Aaah yes, were that words were actions, then you would be talking as sweetly as you act instead of altruistically aiding the wounded while speaking venom at everyone nearby. Arendin states quite callously, addressing Joyas as he strides up to Anevia.
Anevia, would you be so kind as to hold the lantern, I loath to put it out because that light spell will, I assume, go out not too long from now, but I desperately want use of both my hands while we walk. He says while handing her the lantern, turned down so that it will burn as little fuel as possible. He then turns to look at the scales Throck is pointing out and gets a rather puzzled expression on his face, clearly confused as to the nature of the scales.
Perception: [roll0]
JKTrickster
2016-05-25, 10:39 PM
For once Isaac was just silent, even when Throck prompted him to speak. His recent failing in the battle shook his resolve and he just needed some time to recuperate. The constant in-fighting certainly did not help. For a moment he simply...wavered. The Halfling was honestly no better or no worse than Lord Horgus, but at least Horgus wasn't firing eldritch bolts through the air. Each one raised the hairs on the back of his neck and he only looked at her quizzically. But still - if he would not abandon Lord Horgus, he should not abandon this woman as well. She was just as innocent, and she would be in just as much danger as the rest of them if left alone.
"Actually I have an idea," he said, both to Arendin and Anevia. "Obviously my skill with the crossbow leaves much to be desired. Anevia - if you are skilled with the bow, surely you can use this crossbow just as well. It might not fire as fast, but at least I have plenty of ammunition for you to use. On the other hand, I can hold the lantern and walk ahead to illuminate the darkness of the caves. I have many other skills that do not need both of my hands to use," he stated simply as he handed the crossbow to Anevia and took the lantern from Arendin.
Turning to Throck, he smiled. "Oh just go pick them up yourself! You just slew two giant maggots with a swing of your axe! Don't tell me you're afraid of some shiny things on the floor," he teased back at the big orc. Truth be told, Isaac was extremely impressed with Throck, and he enjoyed his sense of humor.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-26, 01:54 PM
Fon
The half-elf's eyes widen somewhat, and his hand goes for his bow as the maggots go for the halfling. The crisis is, however, over before the aforementioned hand can reach the weapon. He pauses, but in the end takes out his bow, and shifts the quiver at his waist into a handier position. He makes a mental note not to get on the wrong side of Throck and opens up his mouth to say something to the halfling, but changes his mind and shuts it again. They've already said it all... But I wonder... Is she perchance, as tough as she acts? He closes his eyes for a moment to offer up a silent little prayer.
O may they see the light, beyond their noses, O Lady Dreamer O,
I am still loath to part, with you, my guide, O Lady Dreamer O.
"I'll throw you a few arrows Anevia, if you want," He addresses the lady on the Mule, "But to be honest, I've only a few to start with and, Isaac might be onto something with that idea of his..."
He turns back to the elf and noble.
"I may not have the martial skill of a full fledged warrior like Throck, but Starsong willing, I'll last long enough to buy you some time against the likes of those." The half-elf says tapping his bow lightly.
"Throck was it?" He says just loudly enough. "Those 'shinies' are likely as not the scales cast of by the city's guardian as she fell."
If no one disagrees, and no one goes to investigate the scales before him- and importantly if the scales are no further than 60ft from the elf and on ground which his half-elven vision allows him to see, Fon will tell the duo what he's up to and head over to investigate, discreetly. After all, no one wants to arouse more maggots.
Stealth [roll0] to go quietly.
JKTrickster
2016-05-26, 03:04 PM
Seeing Fon go towards the scales, Isaac follows him and picks one up. If he notices Fon failure to be sneaky, Isaac makes no indication of anything different. Assuming nothing jumps out and kills him, he takes and inspects to see if they are truly Terendelev's scales.
Horgus gives Joyas' back an annoyed look, then turns to face Fon. "Of course I will guide the...conspiracy theorist. Only a fiend would consider leaving someone else down here."
Anevia frowns, idly pointing the crossbow in the general direction of the exit from the cavern...or Throck or Joyas, it's hard to say. "It's certainly better than nothing, and better than trying to stab enemies with a shortsword with this leg. Unfortunately my having learned how to shoot a bow fast won't be useful with it, but I wouldn't want to seem ungrateful--thank you. Whatever it takes to get back to Irabeth."
When you pick up the first scale, you feel a sudden, overpowering sense of sadness mixed with a fierce determination. You realize that as long as you have only one of the scales, the scale will let you cast alter self three times per day as a standard action, and when it's active you'll be better at deceiving evil creatures (+4 to Bluff checks against any evil-aligned creature).
When you pick up a scale, you feel a sudden, overpowering sense of sadness mixed with a fierce determination. You realize that as long as you have only one of the scales, the scale will let you cast resist elements three times per day as a standard action, applying only to cold or electricity.
JKTrickster
2016-05-26, 04:54 PM
Isaac held the lantern over the scales, each one glittering like a star in the dark, black night. With Fon by his side, he reached down and pried the scale from the hard, worked ground. His fingers slipped around the round and smooth object as he slowly stood up and analyzed what he was holding.
But before he could even properly look at it, tears started welling up in his eyes. Just being so close to Terendelev's scales brought him a great deal of sadness. His throat tightened as he remembered how the sacred dragon was cut down right above the Cathedral. Terendelev was not just slain in battle - he was beheaded and destroyed. And even then, with his final act of mercy and goodwill, he had saved them. "My god it is Terendelev's scales," he said as he brushed the tears from his eyes. "If it wasn't for Terendelev, none of us would be alive."
Gritting his teeth, Isaac was determined to go back to the surface and salvage what was left of his city. "Let us carry Terendelev's blessing with us. Lord Horace is right," he said as he turned back to look at the others. His tears were still drying, but he had a renewed sense of determination. "It would be wrong to leave anyone behind - let us push forward. Together."
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 04:59 PM
Joyas walks over and picks up one of the scales as well, assuming one is left, though her expression doesn't change, and her tone is neutral when she speaks, "A pity, to die in such a manner. Uselessly. And all she managed was to save us." She coughs and walks back over to the mule, then resumes the course.
When you pick up a scale, you feel a sudden, overpowering sense of sadness mixed with a fierce determination. You realize that as long as you have only one of the scales, the scale will let you cast levitate three times per day as a standard action.
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 05:14 PM
"So, we have scales, has anyone considered bringing the Dragon back from death?"
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-26, 05:35 PM
Fon
The half-elf spends what seems like a long time lost in the scale, as he crouches with it in his hand. He had meant to inter it, but now...
He seems to contemplate something. Seemingly ignorant of Isaac. Then a single word rouses his from his reverie. He stands. Uselessly. Perhaps. He had, for the briefest of moments, a smile on his face after Joyas had spoken. But then she spoke again and that smile faded away.
"Perhaps it isn't impossible. But do you think a creature with a heart so big that she would save weak, useless, little us with her dying breath," He looks Joyas in the eye, or at the very least bores the back of her head with his eyes, "Would not trade the chance for a new life for other lost souls the moment it was granted? You and I may be useless- powerless, foolish specks that crawl the earth, but perhaps to a creature as her, our weak, useless, lives are of the same value as her own."
With that he takes half the arrows from his quiver and hands them to Anevia. "Use them wisely- I doubt we'll be getting more for a while."
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 05:38 PM
Fon
The half-elf spends what seems like a long time lost in the scale, as he crouches with it in his hand. He had meant to inter it, but now...
He seems to contemplate something. Seemingly ignorant of Isaac. Then a single word rouses his from his reverie. He stands.Uselessly. Perhaps. He had, for the briefest of moments, a smile on his face after Joyas had spoken. But then she spoke again and that smile faded away.
"Perhaps it isn't impossible. But do you think a creature with a heart so big that she would save weak, useless, little us with her dying breath," He looks Joyas in the eye, or at the very least bores the back of her head with his eyes, "Would not trade the chance for a new life for other lost souls the moment it was granted? You and I may be useless- powerless, foolish specks that crawl the earth, but perhaps to a creature as her, our weak, useless, lives are of the same value as her own."
with that he takes half the arrows from his quiver and hands them to Anevia. "Use them wisely- I doubt we'll be getting more for a while."
"Raise another worm, that may do as little as others, or a titan, which may save many more lives, than just the one that is risen? Do you wall off a single home against the flood, or do you wall of the village? The greater choice should be made, so that greater deeds be done." She nods at her own internal logic.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-26, 05:42 PM
Throck
Throck grunts in a non-comittal way.
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 05:44 PM
Joyas nods as though Throck has just said something of great and deeply intrinsic import. He is obviously the great sage and philosopher of their times.
Deremir
2016-05-26, 05:46 PM
I'm afraid I have to take the venom spitters side on this one Fon, whether or not Terendelev thinks of us as equal, that doesn't change the fact that she could accomplish far more. Towards that end, does anyone know of a sufficiently powerful enough cleric to possibly provide the resurrection?
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 05:47 PM
I'm afraid I have to take the venom spitters side on this one Fon, whether or not Terendelev thinks of us as equal, that doesn't change the fact that she could accomplish far more. Towards that end, does anyone know of a sufficiently powerful enough cleric to possibly provide the resurrection?
"If you cannot lift the sword, grow stronger."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-26, 05:54 PM
Throck
Throck clears his throat and speaks up. "It might be more complicated than that. The question should be "Does anyone know of a cleric sufficiently powerful enough who wasn't in the city today or likely still alive? Good chance anyone of suffient power in the city would be dead or very, very busy right now."
"I don't think anyone in my tribe is close to that level of divine power." Throck offers glumly.
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 05:55 PM
"Then our best chance lies with the Elves."
"Even if every priest in Tenabres is dead, there should be someone who can resurrect in Mendev," Aravashnial puts in.
Deremir
2016-05-26, 06:00 PM
Arendin's jaw clenches and he stares at Joyas with an expression crossed between pain and anger.
Why yes, midget, I could indeed "grow stronger" He says bitterly.
However, and allow me to speak as slowly and clearly as possible to get through that thick head of yours: We do not have time for that! He says quite loudly.
Resurrecting someone has a bit of a time limit, and the longer you wait the more powerful the cleric needed, did you catch that? Furthermore, if I could raise the dead I wouldn't be here in the first place, I would be off doing far more important things!
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 06:02 PM
Arendin's jaw clenches and he stares at Joyas with an expression crossed between pain and anger.
Why yes, midget, I could indeed "grow stronger" He says bitterly.
However, and allow me to speak as slowly and clearly as possible to get through that thick head of yours: We do not have time for that! He says quite loudly.
Resurrecting someone has a bit of a time limit, and the longer you wait the more powerful the cleric needed, did you catch that? Furthermore, if I could raise the dead I wouldn't be here in the first place, I would be off doing far more important things!
"Yet if I was capable of such things, I would be wherever the weak suffer. The more important things can be handled by those so inclined as to do them. Such as you, the world has never had want of valiant heroes stepping on the people beneath with nary a notice. It is the peasant's fault it lives where titans trod."
"And how is this conversation assisting us?"
"Arendin, don't let the little nuisance rile you up," Horgus offers, his tone oddly changed from his first words. "Terendelev would need to stay dead for a hundred and thirty years before that would be a factor in resurrecting her being harder, and insisting on going first is likely to get the halfling killed in less than a day anyway."
"What? That's...oddly precise...I didn't know that much about divine magic, Lord Gwerm. How is it that you did?" Aravashnial asks. Anevia chuckles.
"What? I didn't say anything that isn't common knowledge!" Horgus swings quickly back to blustery.
"No, I'm quite sure you did," Aravashnial persists; Anevia starts laughing in earnest.
Deremir
2016-05-26, 06:24 PM
Evidently very little! Arendin says with a huff
Because, in case you missed it, the point was that we need to make for Mendev forthwit. Afterall, peasant's can not lift a titans toy, much less accomplish anything of consequence. And lord Horgus? While I appreciate your input I don't see how it make much of a difference, in the face of the advancing demons we still should get her raised as soon as possible.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-26, 06:25 PM
Throck
"Well that is good new then. Er, about the dragon's possible resurrection, not about the halfling dying. How far away is this Mendev place and could you guide us there?"
Throck had assumed the 'civilians' would just get in the way. He was wondering if he had misjudged them. "Perhaps at Mendev we could get that leg fixed, and get some new eyes. Maybe a heart for our friend."
After a quick moment he figured he would beat anyone else to the punch "and of course find a brain for me."
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-26, 07:22 PM
Fon
The half elf returns to the lord and the elf (maybe one day he could settle down, get married and open a tavern by that name). Somehow, his heart felt lighter, having got that off his chest and perhaps, hearing at last hints of sincerity from his fellow survivors. He doesn't feel like trying to rebut Joyas' argument. It was after all at least partially valid. But Throck's remark about the brain warm him.
"They say that if one who's tall enough stands on his head, the mighty blood rush can empower their intellect to match even the shortest of sages." He pipes in, almost mirthfully.
Fon then takes up a position on the other side of the elf, holding his bow. He clears his throat and speaks again, the cheer quickly evaporating from his words. "While we debate who needs saving and how... These scales seem to hold at least a lingering shadow of Terendelev's will. Having heard the story of "the witch's kerchief" I am loathe to touch more than one, but it does not seem right to leave two of them lying here."
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 10:05 PM
Joyas shrugs, walks over and begins gathering any remaining scales. Carefully pondering on each if she has any further enlightenment upon touching them. After all, they should be divided, lest someone die, and they all be lost.
Better each go to someone in need.
Deremir
2016-05-26, 10:22 PM
Arendin smirks just a bit at Throck and Fon's comments The witch's kerchief? he asks, his voice revealing that he has calmed down a bit. As he does so he walks over to where the others have picked up the scales, taking a closer look at them.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-26, 10:57 PM
Fon
"They say that if one who's tall enough stands on his head, the mighty blood rush can empower their intellect to match even the shortest of sages." He pipes in, almost mirthfully.
Throck
"Thats dumb" answers Throck. " I'd rather stand on the heads of short sages. The only blood rush would come from their bodies as the two were seperated." Throck swings his axe as if to demonstrate. "It would be slippery but the extra height and leverage would be worth it." He looks over at Fon and pretends to be measuring his head at a distance with his hands as if to determine its suitability to perch on. In the end he just nods and whisphers loudly "I could make it work....."
Each of the remaining scales carries the same sense of sadness and determination. You're sure that one will let you cast enlarge person 3 times per day, and the other will let you cast align weapon 3 times per day, but only to make a weapon Lawful or Good. But none will function as long as you have more than one.
Ralasha
2016-05-26, 11:08 PM
She hands the Align Weapon Scale to the crusader of words. "This one may suit you better. Though I cannot be certain." She offers the Enlarge Person to Throck. "You'll have no need of standing on heads."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-27, 12:15 AM
Throck
Throck holds the scale for a brief moment and is filled with a profound sadness. "Thank you, I think. " The scale feels like one hundred pounds of responsibility in his hand. Despite it's small size, it was something much bigger than him.
Throck turns to Lord Gwerm and in a quiet voice says. "Lord Gwerm, if I fall, you'll need to take up my scale. It's important it gets to safety. You have working legs and eyes and stand the best chance to get out alive. You strike me as a survivor. Regardless of our bickering, this scale must make it to a cleric of suffient power."
JKTrickster
2016-05-27, 12:24 AM
Isaac simply stood and wait for everyone to blow off steam and stop talking. To be honest, he was tired with all the bickering and fighting. Clutching his scale close to heart, he was only brought out of his thoughts when the Halfling woman offered him a second scale. Pleasantly surprised, he took the scale and compared the two benefits. Nodding to himself quietly, he offers the Align Weapon scale to Arendin. "I believe this scale will do you more good than it will for me. Without my crossbow, I have no weapons to use this scale. The scale I currently has allows me to grant limited protection against cold and electricity. I will use it wisely to protect all of you to the best of my ability."
Turning to address the whole group, Isaac cleared his throat. "Perhaps you are all outsiders, but Mendev is the nation that we are in right now..." he said, as politely as he could. "Kenabres may have been shut down, but it is unlikely that every single city in Mendev has fallen. At the very least, we can count on our Queen to rally her armies. Right now, we should focus on saving as many survivors as we can and holding out until reinforcements can come." Isaac wasn't really sure if that plan would work - but it was the only plan he knew of.
In the corner of his eye, he noted that Lord Horgus was much smarter and knowledgeable than he had looked. Somewhere behind that rude and snide facade was a remarkably intelligent man. Isaac made a mental note to make sure to keep that in mind. Clearing his throat, he lifted his lantern and peered further out. "If we are done here....shall we?" he said as he pointed out into the darkness.
Ralasha
2016-05-27, 12:31 AM
Joyas rolls her eyes expertly. "Shh! I have been saying we should since the beginning."
She resumes walking her Mule, alongside Throck. Her hand glows eerily with a light green coloration that hints at growing leaves, an unreleased eldritch blast.
JKTrickster
2016-05-27, 12:38 AM
Isaac nods but he doesn't respond to the Halfling. At this point, he has just assumed that's how she is. He tries to see what lies ahead.
Perception!
[roll0]
Deremir
2016-05-27, 12:40 AM
Arendin just stands there for a moment before accepting the scale, very confused and then, at Isaac's remark, very embarrassed as he apparently doesn't even know the name of the country he's in! He silently takes up position behind Joyas and Throck, face red.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-27, 02:27 AM
Fon
Fon nods slightly at Throck's reply, to acknowledge, and to a lesser extent, confound. Having watched Joyas approach the scales, he tenses slightly, but as nothing seems to happen once she's picked them up he relaxes again and elaborates on his earlier comment.
"It's a folk tale. Once upon a time, a witch gives a sailor her kerchief, either out of gratitude or out of mischief. She ties three knots in it and bids him untie a knot whenever he needs a good wind, but warns him of disaster should he untie the third.
"One day, when out on the seas, the sailor is caught in a dead calm. He unties one knot, and a breeze fills his sails. Unsatisfied, he unties the second knot, and a strong wind fills the sails, bringing him home safely. Later that year the sailor finds himself in the same situation, but there is only one knot left in the kerchief. He wants to go home and ignores the witch's warning. Yet the moment he unties the third knot, a great storm erupts upon the seas, ripping the sails and sinking the ship along with its crew."
Fon smiles slightly at Arendin. "In the end, I doubt it has much truth in it- just a warning that too much of a good thing can be quite terrible. Though in this case my citing it is just a measure of my foolishness. After all, only a fool would think that the magic of a guardian dragon would in any way resemble a witch's."
Monologue over, he can focus on the task in hand, which until something tries to make a meal out of them, is not much.
Horgus looks thrown, and briefly almost frightened, by Throck's words. He says, "Hmph! Well. You're right to think I'd be the best one to give it to, of course."
Aravashnial cannot move as quickly as the rest of you, even with Horgus directing him; his presence slows your progress to 15 feet per round. You come to a smaller cavern which appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.
JKTrickster
2016-05-27, 10:35 AM
Isaac's eyebrows raised as they emerged upon the campsite. "What? A abandoned campsite? Are there other denizens who live under the city?" he turned to ask Horugs, Anevia, and Aravashnial. "If these people were survivors who somehow didn't die in the fall, they should still be at this campsite. Who else might be down here?" Isaac wondered as he started examining the remains for clues. He wanted to make sure that whoever else in the caves was friendly...or at the very least, not a demon in disguise.
Perception Check some more!
[roll0]
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-27, 04:44 PM
Fon
Having hovered around Horgus and the elf up to this point, Fon wonders just where they might, and what might be beneath Kenabres. He tightens his grip on the bow and crouches before the bones, trying to figure out whether they belonged to some unfortunate explorer or something unfortunate enough to become an explorer's dinner.
He addresses Isaac gently. "Isaac, these may well have already been here when we fell." Then he frowns, perhaps realising just how dark the implications are, and looks to Isaac again "But then, if that's so, then there's likely a way out that doesn't involve flying..."
Deremir
2016-05-27, 08:15 PM
Yes, that fire was clearly lit significantly before the demons attacked. Arendin points out, moving over to examine the remains of the fire.
Ralasha
2016-05-27, 10:03 PM
Joyas steps over and scrutinizes the skeletal remains. She shrugs, having found no mystery, and steps back over to her mule.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-27, 10:55 PM
Throck
"I can't imagine anyone choosing to live down here. Do we need to put the mage on the mule too ? We'd probably move faster." Throck asks.
Ralasha
2016-05-27, 11:42 PM
Joyas looks annoyed, and begins walking onward, her mule following loyally. She stumbles as it noses her shoulder, her response is patting it's nose.
"There are stories that the First Crusaders had children who were hideously deformed from exposure to demonic energy," Aravashnial says with a disturbing enthusiasm. "They hid from persecution in the sewer system, and in an entire massive cave network below the city. Er--that's the story anyway."
As Joyas moves forward, a large pale snake uncoils in front of her, baring its fangs with a hostile hiss. Before its fangs reach the halfling, Anevia fires two arrows at it that skewer it, and it falls to the cavern floor.
120 XP for that, er, fight.
Each arrow breaks and is unreusable on a 1: [roll0] [roll1]
Ralasha
2016-05-28, 01:22 AM
"Hmmm?" Joyas begins patting herself down, but seems unable to locate a knife on her person as she stops for a moment. "Does anyone have a knife? Seems a shame to let food and a good skin go to waste..."
JKTrickster
2016-05-28, 09:07 AM
Rummaging through the remains in the dark was much harder than he had thought and he had to spend some time to really see what he could find. Isaac was still examining the odd objects he found when he heard the hiss of a snake. Abruptly standing up, he only barely got to see the snake rear its head towards the Halfling woman. But before anyone could act, it was immediately skewered with two arrows. Tracing the path of the arrows, Isaac saw Anevia with her bow out and another arrow already ready to fire. "Dear Iomedae! How many wild critters are you going to randomly run into...." Isaac said as he brought the random assortment of items he found. "But thank you Lady Anevia, for your quick reflexes and your steady hand. Your skill with the bow is truly remarkable!" he said with a smile.
"There isn't anything here that really indicates that these were from the First Cruaders," Isaac said as he dumped out three candle stubs, a bent fish hook, a frayed length of rope, and an orange pendant. Shaking his head, he picked up the pendant. "I never even heard of the tales of the First Crusaders. But maybe they are true - after all, what else could explain this campsite? Aravashnial - do you know anything else about these Frist Crusaders?" Isaac asked as he examined the pendant further.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-28, 10:59 AM
Fon who seems to have fortuitously 'slept' through the second consecutive combat...
"Well, let's hope we don't run into..." Fon starts to reply to the elf's conjecture,crouching by the bones and clearly unaware as the arrows go over his head and skewer the snake with extreme prejudice, until the creature collapses. He twitches slightly and looks between the snake and Anevia with some surprise.
"Well I'm glad you had us covered." He echoes Isaac.
Maybe I should take Isaac's crossbow and give her the rest of my arrows? He wonders, but in the end decides to leave the question for a later time.
He stands up and approaches Joyas, drawing a dagger and holding it out, handle first. "It is a waste, especially it if we end up stuck here for more than a day or two, but do we really have time given that You and I both, and likely most of us, have people to warn?"
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-28, 03:34 PM
Throck
"Grab anything that could be of remote use or value I guess. Anyone down here could have been killed by maggots or snakes. Let's keep moving I guess" Throck suggests.
Ralasha
2016-05-28, 04:49 PM
Grasping the knife, Joyas begins skinning, carving and cleaning the snake... Or trying to.
Survival:[roll0]
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-28, 06:01 PM
Fon
The half-elf watches the halfling start skinning the reptile. This is not how reverse psychology was meant to work... He exhales and starts collecting the small, usable paraphernalia- keeping an eye out for a flint and steel, and more importantly, more snakes.
"By the way, Miss Halfling Lass, I don't think I caught your name," He starts. "Not that we're likely to see each other again once we're out of here- but till then, it's a little ambiguous calling you "hey you", and as names go "Miss Halfling Lass" is quite the mouthful... And for convenience, my name's Fon."
Once he finishes gathering the objects, he gets up and looks to Throck, mischievous glint in his eye. "You, Mister Orcish Warrior of Sage and Maggot Cleaving, do you want to carry these or should I, Throck?
Ralasha
2016-05-28, 06:10 PM
Fon
The half-elf watches the halfling start skinning the reptile. This is not how reverse psychology was meant to work... He exhales and starts collecting the small, usable paraphernalia- keeping an eye out for a flint and steel, and more importantly, more snakes.
"By the way, Miss Halfling Lass, I don't think I caught your name," He starts. "Not that we're likely to see each other again once we're out of here- but till then, it's a little ambiguous calling you "hey you", and as names go "Miss Halfling Lass" is quite the mouthful... And for convenience, my name's Fon."
Once he finishes gathering the objects, he gets up and looks to Throck, mischievous glint in his eye. "You, Mister Orcish Warrior of Sage and Maggot Cleaving, do you want to carry these or should I, Throck?
"There is power in names." She continues concentrating on skinning the snake. "Halfling will suffice. I would rather not end up the target of a summoning spell because a demon happened to overhear our conversation."
JKTrickster
2016-05-28, 07:28 PM
Isaac stared at the Halfling for a moment and then he just sighed. "That's....that's not even close to how summoning works," he said as he examined the pendant under the lantern light. Assuming nothing is out of the ordinary, he pockets it away in case it ever becomes relevant again. "If that was true, even I could summon you then!" Isaac said with a laugh. Actually the idea amused him greatly, and he continued to chuckle to himself for a little while.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-28, 07:32 PM
Throck
"But why would you want to ?" Throck mused at Isaac . " I've decided to call you 'Skinner', least until you give me a name to call you. Doesn't have to be your real name."
Turning to Fon, "I don't care who cares what. If you are worried about the weight I can carry it." Throck suggests.
Ralasha
2016-05-28, 07:44 PM
"Names have magical significance, and yes. Summoning can work in this manner. Though they are usually rituals rather than spells. Any name provided can act as a catalyst, so long as the individual being summoned has given you one. This is how specific entities are summoned. Names." She continues cleaning and skinning the snake. (If further skill checks are required she takes 10's, for 13s.)
JKTrickster
2016-05-28, 08:27 PM
Isaac shook his head. "That's calling a specific creature," Isaac said as he stood around, awkwardly waiting for the Halfling to finish skinning her snake. He briefly wondered if she was actually competent with what she was doing...but then shook his head. Why risk it? He'll just enjoy his own rations before eating that snake. "And if they are trying to call a specific creature, that creature can always refuse. That's what happens when you try to call an unique individual."
Deremir
2016-05-28, 08:54 PM
For that matter you don't need names for summoning either, when you summon something, even if its sapient, you just get a random member of that species.... Dang it! Now you've got me wondering, why couldn't you just summon a human? ... or halfling.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-28, 09:00 PM
Throck
"Why summon a human or a halfling when you can summon an Orc?" Throck asks. He wasn't interested in the conversation at all. Just trying to stir the pot as it was. He stands guard while the halfling finishes skinning the snake. "Lets keep moving when you are ready"
JKTrickster
2016-05-28, 09:03 PM
Isaac side-eyed Throck for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Either way, I think we can agree that no one would really be interested in summoning any of us. Not that it matters - if you don't want to share your name, that is fine for now. As long as we all get out of this alive - together."
Ralasha
2016-05-28, 10:00 PM
For that matter you don't need names for summoning either, when you summon something, even if its sapient, you just get a random member of that species.... Dang it! Now you've got me wondering, why couldn't you just summon a human? ... or halfling.
"You can summon a human or a halfling. And no, why do you think that summoned entities sometimes attack their summoners? They can attempt to resist, but it is not the same thing as bringing back the dead. You don't get to go 'No, I don't want to be summoned.'" She shakes her head, "Also yes, you can summon a specific entity. As to why a Demon woudl want to summon any of us, I haven't the foggiest, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to take that risk. The rules of wording are extremely complicated, this is exactly why I have not given you a name, nickname or alias, as even the recognition of such once given is capable of becoming a focus for a summoning. Call me Paranoid if you wish." She finishes the job, and stands, wiping her hand across her brow. She lays out the skin, and uses it to wrap the meat, the proffers the new package to Throck.
JKTrickster
2016-05-29, 12:54 AM
"Uh I think you're referring to binding another creature, not just summoning one..." Isaac said as he realized that the Halfling was truly paranoid. "The average summoning spell does not summon any specific creature, just a generalized copy of a creature. What you're referring to is a specific binding ritual that requires patient spell circles and the like. You don't just bind anyone with those spells. That's not how they work."
Isaac stopped himself for a moment then shook his head. "Why does any of that even matter? We get it - you don't want to share your name right? What an interesting reason for saying so..."
Ralasha
2016-05-29, 01:08 AM
"Uh I think you're referring to binding another creature, not just summoning one..." Isaac said as he realized that the Halfling was truly paranoid. "The average summoning spell does not summon any specific creature, just a generalized copy of a creature. What you're referring to is a specific binding ritual that requires patient spell circles and the like. You don't just bind anyone with those spells. That's not how they work."
Isaac stopped himself for a moment then shook his head. "Why does any of that even matter? We get it - you don't want to share your name right? What an interesting reason for saying so..."
"Sure, because you're such a master of the Arcane Arts that you can fling magic at will like me, right? You have dedicated at least half of your life to it's study, right?"
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-29, 03:16 AM
Fon
Ah. A can of worms. He resists the temptation to roll his eyes at the group's instant bickering as he pockets the candles and fish hook. Though not knowing the first clue about summoning, and not wanting to add any more wood to the fire, he keeps his mouth shut on the subject.
"Well, I don't really think the weight of these really matters... But there's not much use in an old length of tat, which might tear on you at any moment." He notices.
He gets up and giving the halfling's handiwork another appraising look, steps to the front and peers into the darkness ahead of them. He says nothing on the subject, but his impatience is beginning to show.
"Here's one. If whoever camped here had candles, then they probably weren't a creature of the dark, mutated crusader or otherwise..."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-29, 03:54 AM
Throck
Throck turned to Fon "Well candles or not, who ever he or she was, they don't seem to be here now. I strongly suspect they were 'summoned' away by demons chanting its real name." Throck says flatly.
"Sure, because you're such a master of the Arcane Arts that you can fling magic at will like me, right? You have dedicated at least half of your life to it's study, right?"
"No, but I feel like I have spent the last half of my life listening to this conversation though." Throck mumbles
Throck looks at the 'snake package' with some apprehension. "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh okay. Thanks. Just what I always wanted." Throck takes the ripped bedroll and re-wraps the 'snake package' in the bedrool and stuff it in his pack. He was worried about snake guts smelling up his pack. He thought it was pretty disgusting but given that some people may not have food with them he would bring it anyways.
As Joyas skins the snake, Aravashnial seems distracted from the brief discussion of the First Crusade's possible descendants. "The likelihood that a demon is listening to pick up your name and summon you later seems..." Aravashnial hesitates.
"Breathtakingly stupid?" Horgus suggests flatly. "If you're done with random taxidermy, surely you have something even more dangerous to barge into."
Ahead of you, a stone ledge juts out at a right angle on the south wall of this cavern, fourteen feet off the ground. The leather strap of a backpack hangs from the edge of the ledge, while above, a narrow fissure yawns up into the dark. Beyond it, the tunnel continues to the east.
Ralasha
2016-05-29, 05:40 AM
"Perhaps Lord Huge Ass would like to get the backpack?"
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-29, 10:52 AM
Fon
"The only one here with an ass is you, Halfling," He sighs. "Not that more would be a bad thing, given our number of wounded."
Having mentally resigned himself to the dynamic of abuse, he knocks an arrow and moves forwards to examine the ledge and peer into the fissure. He is ready to shoot the next monstrous thing that will inevitably leap out. And this time most likely at him.
"So some poor spelunker went spelunking with an old rope... And ended up feeding a snake... Which ended up feeding a halfling..." He commentates under his breath.
Ralasha
2016-05-29, 12:24 PM
Fon
"The only one here with an ass is you, Halfling," He sighs. "Not that more would be a bad thing, given our number of wounded."
Having mentally resigned himself to the dynamic of abuse, he knocks an arrow and moves forwards to examine the ledge and peer into the fissure. He is ready to shoot the next monstrous thing that will inevitably leap out. And this time most likely at him.
"So some poor spelunker went spelunking with an old rope... And ended up feeding a snake... Which ended up feeding a halfling..." He commentates under his breath.
Joyas turns to look at him with a single raised eyebrow. "I am well aware that I am a caustic individual... May I throw rocks at you, kick you out of your home, and generally shame and shun you for your appearance now? When that has happened to you since childhood, then you'll have the right to judge me."
"I wouldn't dream of going ahead of you," Horgus replies sweetly. "Besides, there's probably a giant scorpion up there; surely you're eager to step on it."
Ralasha
2016-05-29, 12:53 PM
"I wouldn't dream of going ahead of you," Horgus replies sweetly. "Besides, there's probably a giant scorpion up there; surely you're eager to step on it."
Joyas waves at the Lord, then nods, "And that is the proper attitude to display, rather than outrage, or childish anger..." She blinks and shudders, then shakes her head, "Bad thoughts."
She heads for the backpack.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-29, 01:19 PM
Fon
Shouldn't have opened my mouth... He tries not to break his concentration when he open his mouth again. "Well at least we've determined the definition of a proper attitude.."
"And that was a pun, Halfling... Because a donkey's an ass... And an ass is a backside... And there's a donkey carrying a casualty, and it would be good to have another donkey with us..." He trails off, focus shifting back. "And if throwing stones would make you feel better, you can fling as many as you want at me once we warn those we need to warn."
Ralasha
2016-05-29, 01:28 PM
Fon
Shouldn't have opened my mouth... He tries not to break his concentration when he open his mouth again. "Well at least we've determined the definition of a proper attitude.."
"And that was a pun, Halfling... Because a donkey's an ass... And an ass is a backside... And there's a donkey carrying a casualty, and it would be good to have another donkey with us..." He trails off, focus shifting back. "And if throwing stones would make you feel better, you can fling as many as you want at me once we warn those we need to warn."
She grunts as she climbs, "You seem to have forgotten to mention that an ass has a backside." She coughs lightly.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-29, 03:14 PM
Throck
Joyas turns to look at him with a single raised eyebrow. "I am well aware that I am a caustic individual... May I throw rocks at you, kick you out of your home, and generally shame and shun you for your appearance now? When that has happened to you since childhood, then you'll have the right to judge me."
"I don't remember doing all that. But, I like to do my shaming and shunning after quite a few ales, so anything is possible. I think last Thursday I even helped to burn a witch. We had torches and pitchforks, it was great fun for the whole family. Afterwards we all took turns throwing rocks at the ugly children and burning down the homes of the poor people." Throck muses.
In a more serious tone Thorck says " People will always judge you. Strangers, friends, family - Judge you for what you do, what you say, how you look. No one owes you anything in this life except a death. Respect is earned - if you get any at all. Usually all that respect will end up at someone else's feet. Like a stronger, smarter older brother who is being handed his destiny on a silver platter. Such is the way of things. In the end, all you can really hope for is to find yourself the biggest axe you can carry and swing it with murderous intention."
I'm a little unclear on the poisitioning of the backpack. If looks like there is danger on a bad climbing result to fall into a pit (??) Throck will suggest tying a rope around someone's waist and everyone else holding it and/or tying it to the donkey.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-29, 04:39 PM
Fon
"You're right..." Fon says after some thought, frowning deeply, though it's not entirely clear whether he's addressing Joyas or Throck with his statement. "But I, unlike certain drunkards from Mendev's legendary past, prefer not to go there with the murderous intent..."
JKTrickster
2016-05-29, 09:06 PM
Isaac was actually quite pissed off when the Halfling (and the rest of the guys) walked off before he had a chance to defend his point of view. He was a Summoner - his skilled with those spells were nothing short of a prodigy. What in the world is she referring to, Isaac mused as he followed behind the rest of the group. Is she right? Did I miss something? Isaac was briefly in a state of turmoil, ignoring the pack and everything else around him, to make sure he didn't forget some important lesson on Summoning and Calling. But try as he might, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was right. Normally he would be more unsure of himself, but perhaps it has been a long and tiring day. Feeling more than a little annoyed, he watched as the Halfling tried to climb towards the backpack.
Suddenly, he smiled a devilish grin. Making sure that the Halfling was already well on her way towards the backpack, he tapped Lord Horgus on the shoulder but motioned that he should keep quiet. Still grinning mischievously, Isaac began to call upon the the magic power within him. Pushing his hand forward, he pulled a Celestial servant - a Celestial Monkey (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/monkey.htm) to aid him and serve him. Clearing his throat, he began to speak Celestial. "Go get the pack and bring it to me safely. Do not drop anything within, to the best of your ability. Get it before the Halfling does," he said in the most serious tone.
Without a moment of hesitation, the monkey bounded towards the cliff and began to scale it rapidly. Waiting patiently underneath, he prepared to get the bag in case the monkey dropped it on the way down.
Isaac uses one of his Summon Monster SLAs to Summon a Celestial Monkey!
It lasts 2 minutes and it only took a Standard Action to Summon.
Monkeys can take 10 on all Climb checks and they have a Climb speed of 30 ft. That means when they succeed on a Climb check, they move 30 ft instead of half their movement speed.
They have a bonus of +10 to Climb, so taking 10 makes 20. If that isn't good enough to reach the top, I'll roll twice here. This is ONLY if taking 10 fails - since the ledge is only 14 feet up, one success is enough to have the Monkey go all the way up the ledge, grab the pack, and then descend.
[roll0]
[roll1]
Joyas' first effort to climb is unsuccessful. As she begins to laboriously progress toward the cavern ceiling, a monkey darts past her, climbing up quickly. Horgus chuckles.
If not blasted off the wall, the monkey grabs the backpack and carries it quickly back down.
Ralasha
2016-05-30, 10:18 AM
Joyas, surprised, sends a blast of energy at the money as it bolts past.
[roll0] vs Touch AC
Then hearing the chuckles, she drops the all of what must be 5' back down.
The monkey, though probably injured by Joyas' blast, brings the pack back to Isaac. "What happened? Is there an enemy?" Aravashnial demands.
The pack appears to be a crusader's backpack. It contains 10 days of trail rations, a flint and steel, a set of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, and two flasks of unknown liquid.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-30, 04:26 PM
Fon
"Errm.." Fon tries to figure out just what happened. He relaxes his grip and lowers his bow. "No?.. No, Aravashniel, it seems to be just a brilliantly well coordinated attempt to get an item that belonged to whatever poor fellow was eaten by the snake."
He looks at Joyas, then turns discreetly towards Isaac for a moment.
Damage control... Damage control... He sighs inwardly.
"Isaac..." He clears his throat. "If that was you, then I have to say- that was some impressive monkey-control there, but maybe a little warning next time? I was this close to shooting the things in the backside, and some people were even closer..."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-30, 04:41 PM
"You may have just lost some credibility on your expertise on summoning. " Throck says dryly.
"Isaac, Anything worthwhile in the pack? Let's keep moving forward."
Ralasha
2016-05-30, 05:03 PM
Joyas sighs, rolls her eyes, and points her index finger at lord farquad, who just saw her shoot the monkey by doing just that. "Yes, I suppose the surprise was humorous. Though I suspect you were just chuckling out of malevolence." She turns away from him and resumes the trek, "Why do I feel like someone around me right now is going to turn out to be some big evil thing, responsible for all of this?" :smallsigh:
JKTrickster
2016-05-30, 08:01 PM
Isaac couldn't help but start laughing as he went through the backpack. Looking up, he shrugged at Fon and Throck apologetically. "I apologize to everyone for not warning beforehand. Aravashniel I am especially sorry for troubling you - that wasn't my intention. There was a backpack perched rather high up and I decided that it would simply be quicker to summon a small Monkey to go fetch, rather than to try and climb it myself. I had not warned everyone and Joyas shot the monkey when it ran past her. Understandable because small critters have been jumping and running past her this entire time," Isaac said as he tried to keep his tone flat and serious.
Allowing himself to crack open a small smile, he winked at Lord Horgus. "Of course if you wish to summon the same monkey, his name is Bob," he said as he looked back to the others. "So let me know if we ever need the same monkey and I'll just summon Bob right out by calling his name."
Standing up to join the others, he hefted the extra backpack. "There is a flint and stone if anyone needs it. There are 10 days worth of trail rations - that will be useful for our journey ahead. There are two flasks of oil for our lanterns - which is very good. And a set of caltrops if we need to close off an area. There are also these two flasks of unknown liquid - I don't know what it might be or if it is safe to drink. We would have to identify them."
Going to Anevia, he pulled out a bundle of 12 arrows. "There are also this bundle of arrows - I think you will find them most useful, Anevia," he said with a smile. Once that is all done, he empties all the contents of his original backpack into the new one, and plans to go on his way with the others.
Happy Mandarin
2016-05-31, 01:13 PM
Fon
The half-elf imagines the poor guy setting out his unlit candles and sighing wistfully as he thinks of the content of his pack, sitting high up on the ledge...
"That is good news, for us at least." He tells Isaac. "If you don't mind, I could take the flint and steel off you, if no one else needs it. I happen to have a lamp and oil, and no way of lighting it."
"Still, I'm hoping we'll be out of the dark before we need the extra oil, or rations for that matter..." Fon notes, voice positively oozing with optimism.
Ralasha
2016-05-31, 01:30 PM
Joyas snorts softly in humor.
Deremir
2016-05-31, 01:43 PM
Arendin, having watched the proceedings with a wry smile on his face, perks up at the mention of the unknown fluids. Hmm may I see the two unknown bottles? Arendin inquires reaching for the bottles. While I won't be able to tell exactly, if they are magical in nature I should be able to determine their general purpose.
JKTrickster
2016-05-31, 03:07 PM
Isaac mirrored Arendin's smile with his own cheeky grin. He carefully handed over the two flasks before he order the monkey to sit upon his shoulder and wait patiently. "Of course! I have no way of identifying these liquids myself," he sighed. "Sadly Bob over here isn't well versed in alchemy or magical potions, whichever these flasks may be." Isaac pointed at the monkey perched obediently on his shoulder.
Deremir
2016-05-31, 04:40 PM
Arendin takes the flasks from Isaac, chuckling at his antics. Oh, but I'm sure that Bob has numerous other skills. In fact, I think that you should always summon Bob if we need a monkey, he is clearly an integral part of our group.
Arendin then proceeds to cast detect magic and analyze the fluids, holding the bottles up in front of his face an peering into them quite intently.
Spellcraft bottle 1: [roll0]
Spellcraft bottle 2: [roll1]
You're not sure what either potion is, but each does radiate a faint aura of Conjuration magic.
Deremir
2016-05-31, 05:00 PM
These seem to be potions from the weaker end of the conjuration school of magic. If its divine magic I would say they are potions of healing, if it's arcane however I have no clue. Arendin says, handing them back to Isaac. On the chance that they are healing potions might I suggest that we give one to Throck? He does seem to be one of our best fighters...
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-31, 05:18 PM
"Wait! one of? No, I think I am the best here. Anyways, I guess if Im desperate enough to drink a potion in battle, it almost doesn't matter what kind it is. If its poison I just just die a little quicker. If its healing, great. If I turn into a tree, I guess that has some tactical advantages." Throck mused. It was clear Throck had no real inkling of magic or potions.
"Nothing is ever your fault, is it?" Horgus responds to the halfling's words with a sneer.
"Ah, turning into a tree would be Transmutation, not Conjuration," Aravashnial volunteers. He seems depressed about something.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-05-31, 05:39 PM
"I would love to turn into a tree so I can leaf this conversation behind me." Throck mumbles . "Conjuring, summoning, Transmutation. Whatever " he snorts.
JKTrickster
2016-05-31, 08:12 PM
"I would love to turn into a tree so I can leaf this conversation behind me." Throck mumbles . "Conjuring, summoning, Transmutation. Whatever " he snorts.
Isaac coughs slightly and clears his throat. He motioned to Throck and handed him both of the potions. "They're probably healing potions - giving them to you to use as a last resort makes the most sense. Also I'm almost at my max limit and I won't be able to carry much of anything anymore," he said. He also gave the flint and steel to Fon as requested, only he only smile and nods at the Half-Elf. He is glad that his pack already feel a great deal lighter and he shoulders it as he joins the others on their way.
"Nothing is ever your fault, is it?" Horgus responds to the halfling's words with a sneer.
"Ah, turning into a tree would be Transmutation, not Conjuration," Aravashnial volunteers. He seems depressed about something.
"Aravashnial," he said as he walked next to him. "Is something the matter? What troubles you? If anything is the matter, let me try my best to help...?"
Sense Motive
[roll0]
Diplomacy
[roll1]
Ralasha
2016-06-01, 01:23 AM
"Nothing is ever your fault, is it?" Horgus responds to the halfling's words with a sneer.
Joyas looks at him blankly. "Yes, because obviously I am responsible for summoning the demons? What in the nine hells are you talking about, what is my fault?
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-01, 02:36 PM
Fon
The half-elf pockets the flint and steel, following Isaac's eyes over at the elf. He wonders whether this situation is like the story of the blind healer who could heal anything but his own eyes*.
He hears Horgus and Joyas beginning their next bout and exhales. Slowly. Here we go again...
Fon moves to the front, peering into the shadowy edges of the light, as if readying himself to move on. He clears his throat.
"I do wonder... Throck, would you mind accompanying me at the front?"
"I should be able to identify the potions," Aravashnial tells Isaac in a low mutter.
Continuing on into the cave Is Joyas third in order now, or is she still going first?, you come to a fork. The path you've been following bends sharply to the right (south). To the left (north), there is a large gap in the wall, easily large enough to accommodate any of you. A disturbing, unwholesome green light spills through the gap, and you can see a large and obviously constructed building.
JKTrickster
2016-06-01, 05:22 PM
"Wait you can? That is great news!" Isaac beamed. Then looking around, he lowered his tone of voice to match Aravashnial's. "I am honestly much too worried to let Throck - or anyone - just drink the potions without identifying them first. Arendin only determined they were Conjuration magic but we would all appreciate it if you identified them for us!"
After quickly telling Aravashnial that he would be right back, he goes to Throck to fetch the potions. "I just need them for a quick look," is all he says with a smile on his face. "Aravashnial's skill with magic should be able to identify - I should have realized that sooner!"
As Isaac walked back to Aravashnial, he stopped for just a second. He paused for a moment and tried to think. Isaac understood that Aravashnial was obviously upset that he wasn't being depended upon - he could tell that much. But Isaac wasn't sure what he could do. Trying his best to sound polite, Isaac thought of something. "I mean, if wouldn't trouble you I would greatly appreciate your help and advice. Although I am a Crusader, I am inexperienced at best and naïve at worst. Not only are you skilled in magic, but you must have a lot of experience to remain calm in these dire conditions," Isaac confided in the blind elf. "May I ask what type of magic do you specialize in? I myself summon divine creatures that serve Iomedae. What about you?"
Assuming Throck hands over the potions when asked.
Do I need a Diplomacy check to ask him that question? I'm assuming he doesn't hate me but he is acting sulkily. In case I do:
Diplomacy
[roll0]
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-01, 05:33 PM
Throck
Throck gladly hands over the two potions for further examination. "I'm not sure it makes sense for me to carry them both. What if I fall down a pit or something. Someone else should have one."
Anevia takes the arrows. "Thanks." Her eyes stay on Joyas, except for a brief amused glance at Horgus; it's hard to tell whether she's ready to shoot another snake that menaces Joyas or ready to shoot Joyas.
"I mean, I would be able to identify them, if I could see them. I'm a Conjuration specialist," Aravashnial replies.
JKTrickster
2016-06-01, 07:07 PM
"Conjuration specialist? That is amazing! We will need your spells to shape and control the battlefield! My own spells are lackluster - I only really know how to summon," Isaac continued before he packed away the potions. He didn't want to mention them again in case it would trigger Aravashnial. As they come around the bend, Isaac noticed the sickly green light. "Aravashnial, there seems to be a hidden structure inside. What do you say? We can go and explore - I would hate for a demon to cut at us from behind," he said as he asked the blind elf for advice.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-02, 03:01 PM
Fon
Having been half paying attention and half nodding in response to the dialogue between the two summoners, the half elf now frowns. The poor explorer's exploration begins to make a lot more sense now.
He peers into the gap. "My gut's telling me to waste no time and get to the surface as quickly as possible... But then..."
He turns to Isaac, figiting with his pendants, a narrative conflict clearly upon his face. "My thoughts on Terendelev's sacrifice haven't changed... But what if, maybe, someone up there's telling us to turn our useless lives into something more?"
He offers. Then he shakes his head and smiles a little sadly. "No. Sorry. That's probably straying too close to fantasy..."
Ralasha
2016-06-02, 03:20 PM
Fon
Having been half paying attention and half nodding in response to the dialogue between the two summoners, the half elf now frowns. The poor explorer's exploration begins to make a lot more sense now.
He peers into the gap. "My gut's telling me to waste no time and get to the surface as quickly as possible... But then..."
He turns to Isaac, figiting with his pendants, a narrative conflict clearly upon his face. "My thoughts on Terendelev's sacrifice haven't changed... But what if, maybe, someone up there's telling us to turn our useless lives into something more?"
He offers. Then he shakes his head and smiles a little sadly. "No. Sorry. That's probably straying too close to fantasy..."
"Please define fantasy. Greatness, it seems to me, is a calling some have. Whether born with the capacity or struggling to gain it, no one starts out larger than life."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-02, 04:44 PM
Throck
"Ha - Speak for yourself halfling. I was born great and larger than life." Throck says. " Well, I dont think it will hurt to look around for a minute. We might even find a way out. Or maybe answers to what happened earlier today."
Throck silently held out a hand at Isaac, as if motioning for him to give him something.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-02, 05:06 PM
Fon
The half elf's eyes widen ever so slightly and ever so briefly at the halfling's words.
"No one starts out larger than life, except maybe orcs... You'd make a good counsellor." He says. Then realises what he had just said "...Well, if you manage to avoid terrifying, terrorising and otherwise traumatising your protegees with harsh and unreasonable truths I guess."
"More importantly halfling," He offers, "What do you think: Should we try to get to the surface as fast as we can and warn anyone who might not have realised what just happened to flee, or should we try exploring this... Hidden gem," He gestures down the side tunnel. Then he pauses and looks at Throck critically before turning back to Joyas. "...Actually he makes a good point. I have no idea which way's going to get us out of here quicker."
Quite notably he does not answer the question about fantasy.
Ralasha
2016-06-03, 06:22 AM
Fon
The half elf's eyes widen ever so slightly and ever so briefly at the halfling's words.
"No one starts out larger than life, except maybe orcs... You'd make a good counsellor." He says. Then realises what he had just said "...Well, if you manage to avoid terrifying, terrorising and otherwise traumatising your protegees with harsh and unreasonable truths I guess."
"More importantly halfling," He offers, "What do you think: Should we try to get to the surface as fast as we can and warn anyone who might not have realised what just happened to flee, or should we try exploring this... Hidden gem," He gestures down the side tunnel. Then he pauses and looks at Throck critically before turning back to Joyas. "...Actually he makes a good point. I have no idea which way's going to get us out of here quicker."
Quite notably he does not answer the question about fantasy.
"If we hurry to the surface the demons may remain, battle would most likely ensue... If we win we would whittle down their numbers insignificantly. If we lose then we would be unable to warn anyone." She tilts her head, "We've nothing to directly lose through exploration, save that which we might have lost anyway by continuing forwards."
Throck
"Ha - Speak for yourself halfling. I was born great and larger than life." Throck says. " Well, I dont think it will hurt to look around for a minute. We might even find a way out. Or maybe answers to what happened earlier today."
Throck silently held out a hand at Isaac, as if motioning for him to give him something.
"Giving birth to you must have been inordinately difficult for your mother."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-03, 06:44 AM
"
"Giving birth to you must have been inordinately difficult for your mother."
"The 20 years since my birth have been no cake walk either - to hear her tell it. I can't imagine what she means by that." Throck says.
Throck heads towards the ominous pale green light, and quite possibly his doom.
"I need to get back to Irabeth," Anevia says. "You can do what you like, but I'm not giving up yet."
A single sizable 20-foot-tall building remains in the center of this 30-foot-high cave, a bunkerlike structure with no windows and walls of worked stone blocks. A 10-foot-long carving of a hammer decorates the building's facade. The ruins of collapsed outbuildings stand to either side. The disturbing green light seems to be coming from the building itself.
The symbol in the carving is that of Torag.
Ralasha
2016-06-03, 08:40 AM
Joyas begins walking up to the building.
[roll0]
JKTrickster
2016-06-03, 09:43 AM
Isaac nodded with Anevia as he walked behind the others. "I completely agree," he said as he looked around. "I will never give up on my city - even if I have to trade my life for it," he said calmly.
Looking up, his eyes widen when he realizes what that symbol means. "This...this is a temple to the god Torag!" Isaac exclaimed as he stepped forward. "What is it doing here?"
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-03, 01:23 PM
Fon
The half-elf hangs back at the junction, keeping an eye open for trouble and considering the opinions of the other party members. He considers the grim possibility of fighting a legion of demons to escape. It is not encouraging.
"Doesn't have to be a temple. Personally I'm hoping it's a cache of rare Dwarven beer." Fon proposes. "As opposed to an ancient seal full of evil spirits."
Deremir
2016-06-03, 06:10 PM
If it's a temple of Torag why is it glowing green? isn't green magic supposed to be inherently evil? I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that somewhere... Arendin trails off as he enters the chamber looking up at the building.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-03, 06:25 PM
Throck
"Green doesn't always mean evil." " Throck says with a measure of hurt in his voice. "Anyone want to check for traps before I blow us up?"
If no one volunteers, Throck will look for a door to explore the inside of the structure.
Deremir
2016-06-03, 06:29 PM
Of course not Throck, both trees and orcs are, usually, lovely. Green magic is evil.
"It looks like it's been defiled. I...need a minute, my leg is bothering me more than before." Anevia lowers herself carefully from the mule and limps over to a bench.
Throck sees a door on the west side of the structure.
JKTrickster
2016-06-04, 02:56 AM
Isaac solemnly nodded. "That is truly sad indeed. Maybe we can spend a few minutes cleaning it up - I don't want to just leave a temple to Torag desecrated like this." Turning to Anevia, his look was one of concern. "Are you alright? Please be careful - you already did so much for us when you killed that snake. You deserve a rest," he stated with empathy.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-04, 02:35 PM
Fon
That looks painful...
"And there I was, Avenia, hoping you'd confirm my fear that it was just really bad, oh-so-bad-it-glows-green-whiskey..." He shifts his gaze between the limping rogue and the pair of less-than-fully-able-bodied gentlemen.
He decides to keep hovering around the elf and noble. If Isaac's light source moves far enough away to put them in complete darkness, he will light his own lantern and give it to Horgus.
"Isaac, Throck, give me a shout if you need hand with anything Bob can't deal with..." He offers.
JKTrickster
2016-06-06, 02:20 PM
Deciding to take a risk, Isaac approached the door after nodding to Fon and Throck. Assuming nothing gets set off and kills him, he tries to open the door.
The door resists Isaac's efforts, but it seems to be stuck, not locked. As he approaches, the monkey's time on this plane expires and it disappears.
Make a Strength check.
JKTrickster
2016-06-06, 03:11 PM
Frowning, Isaac rolls up his sleeves and steps back. Taking in a deep breath, he gives a big push against the door.
Rolled a result of 18 in the OOC thread. :smallbiggrin:
Isaac yanks the door open, revealing an antechamber. A stone bench lines the southern wall of this chamber. At the far side of the room, a basin of water sits atop a stone pedestal. A stone door engraved with an image of a hammer stands to the north.
JKTrickster
2016-06-06, 08:05 PM
"Oof," he exhales, almost surprised that he managed to pry the door open. To be honest, he was never the strongest in the family - in fact, he was basically the weakest. It was completely surprising that he managed this small feat of strength. Holding back a cough as the dust settled, Issac gingerly stepped into the antechamber and looked around. He didn't want to touch anything just yet - all he wanted to do was make sure he understood what he was seeing.
Perception
[roll0]
Knowledge (Religion) if needed
[roll1]
Deremir
2016-06-07, 01:09 PM
Arendin moves up behind Isaac, ready to lend support if necessary.
It looks like exactly what Isaac saw at first glance: the antechamber to a temple of Torag.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-08, 08:02 AM
Throck
"So anything in there? why is it glowing ? should we leave?" Throck asks no one in particular.
JKTrickster
2016-06-08, 09:08 AM
"There's another door deeper inside. A stone one," Isaac called out as he stepped up to investigate the basin of water.
The water is clear, and after a minute it occurs to you that it's very strange that there isn't at least dust floating in it.
You hear a rustling sound from the other side of the door to the north.
JKTrickster
2016-06-08, 11:41 AM
Huh this is weird, Isaac thought as he examined the water. He didn't notice anything else, being engrossed in his own thoughts. "Arendin," he said as he turned back around. "Call everyone else to come in here. There's another door. But wait, come look at this water!"
Deremir
2016-06-08, 07:35 PM
Hey guys! Isaac wants us to all come look at a bird bath! Arendin yells, leaning out the door and motioning with his arm for everyone to come in before following Isaac up to the basin of water and peering in.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-09, 04:15 PM
Fon
The half-elf smiles at the phrasing. He looks over to the lord and elf, taking a few steps towards the temple. "I think Isaac might need your expertise with this one..."
He addresses the resting rogue as he moves a little towards the temple. "Avenia, do you want to keep a lookout here, or can I lend you a hand?"
He offers a hand as he approaches.
Ralasha
2016-06-10, 03:24 PM
Joyas wanders in to look at the 'bird bath' as it has been called.
Sorry, but I have returned. I am apologizing for my return.
JKTrickster
2016-06-10, 04:00 PM
Hikari...? :smallconfused:
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-10, 04:41 PM
Throck
Throck enters the building with a grunt. "Could I get one of those potions back please ?" he says to Isaac. Noticing the water he adds " well fill up your waterskins if you need I guess."
Throck takes up position to open the door but waits till everyone is ready.
JKTrickster
2016-06-10, 04:55 PM
Isaac looked up and smacked his forehead with a slight "d'oh" sound. "Oh I'm sorry," he said as he fumbled around with the potions. He handed both over to Throck and looked at him expectantly. "No isn't it strange? This water is pristine! I wonder if this place has kept it holy somehow."
Knowledge...Religion? Logic dictates that this is holy water....right?
[roll0]
Looking up, he pointed at the stone door near the back of the temple. "There's also another door. Maybe we should go....?"
Holy water seems likely; if there are other possibilities, you're not sure what they would be.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-11, 04:21 AM
Throck
Throck readies his axe and tries to open the door. "Whadda we got here?"
no sense dragging this bit on. Throck likely wouldn't think to listen to the door first and it doesn't seem anyone is going to search for traps etc
Throck opens the door with a creak. Broken stone benches line this narrow room. The air is cold and stale, and thick layers of dust cover the floor, benches, and a large altar at the far end of the room. The shrine's dwarven priest sits on one of the benches facing the altar; his back is to you.
Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qjkNKz24Y5ogmQxsQWAsyCcnASV4RT3k2FKIYXCi9Ho/edit?usp=sharing).
JKTrickster
2016-06-11, 11:41 AM
Isaac smiles as he figures out the nature of the water. At least, he can't think of what else the water might be. "It's probably Holy Water," he says out loud, even as his friends file into the other room. Afraid of being left behind, he picks up the bowl and gingerly makes his way into the next room. A little behind, he is the last to notice the Dwarven Priest sitting at the altar. "Are you a priest of Torag?" he asks as he steps forward to see if the priest is still alive and well.
Isaac picks up the bowl and moves to E5
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-12, 12:45 AM
Throck
"Easy, don't rush into anything." Throck says to Isaac. "Excuse me? Hello there - do you know the way up ?" Throck asks.
Throck will move to D5 to keep the passage blocked off in case the dragon dwarf isn't friendly.
JKTrickster
2016-06-13, 08:52 AM
Isaac stops in his tracks, still holding the bowl of Holy Water. Looking back and forth a bit, he nods in mutual understanding. Settling the bowl down next to him, he waits before seeing who or what he is looking at.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-13, 05:05 PM
Fon
The half-elf does not enter the shrine. Rather he approaches the door, trying to keep an eye on injured elf and rogue. He knocks an arrow.
"Arendin, Issac, Throck?" He calls through the doorway. "I'll keep a look-out here. Shout if you need me..."
At the same time he desperately racks his brain, for clues about what this place might be. Only he keeps drawing blanks.
"Lord Horgus, Aravashnial, do you perchance know of what the followers of Torag might have been doing here, under Kenabres, did there used to, once upon a time, a Dwarven settlement beneath the city?" He turns to ask. And why we haven't run into any dwarves yet....
"Not that I know about. This must be the work of the mole people," Aravashnial says excitedly.
"Oh, you had to get him started," mutters Horgus. "It's no great feat of intellect to realize that if this is here someone must have built it, but if there were dwarves below Kenabres they never made contact with the humans on the surface. It's probably old and it's certainly irrelevant. We should stop wasting time here. What happened to your suicidal eagerness to rush forward, lunatic?" he addresses the last sentence to Joyas.
Ralasha
2016-06-13, 08:33 PM
"Not that I know about. This must be the work of the mole people," Aravashnial says excitedly.
"Oh, you had to get him started," mutters Horgus. "It's no great feat of intellect to realize that if this is here someone must have built it, but if there were dwarves below Kenabres they never made contact with the humans on the surface. It's probably old and it's certainly irrelevant. We should stop wasting time here. What happened to your suicidal eagerness to rush forward, lunatic?" he addresses the last sentence to Joyas.
"I am still suicidal-y eager. But I cannot well tell anyone else that we should continue moving, and a temple that is beneath the town, glowing with a green light? This may be connected to the appearance of the demons, or that's just my paranoia talking." She smiles at the lord, hoping it proves off-putting for the man. "I think I like you. Either that, or I hate you so much that it has gone full circle. Did you know that I have been told my entire life that am cursed? I wonder if I can share it... Should we see?"
JKTrickster
2016-06-13, 10:34 PM
Isaac couldn't help but roll his eyes as Joyas and Horgus started arguing again. "Oh there's a Dwarf priest right there," he gestured to the figure hunched in the room. "Let's just ask him - otherwise we really will be standing here all day long."
Deremir
2016-06-14, 10:29 AM
Arendin gets a concerned look on his face and strides forward into the room, walking down the rows of benches until he can see the dwarfs face.
Sir?
JKTrickster
2016-06-14, 01:18 PM
Emboldened by Arendin's quick strides forward, Isaac also starts moving closer to the dwarf that is kneeling in the middle of the room. Not to disturb either of them, Isaac carefully puts the bowl of Holy Water (Or maybe it's something else? Isaac thinks to himself as he waits to see the dwarf turn around) at his feet. The bowl sloshes back and forth a little bit, but Isaac is careful to make sure none of it accidentally spills out. Straightening himself, he patiently waits to see what might happen next.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-16, 11:03 AM
Fon:
The half-elf exhales slowly. So no one knows anything about this. Curiouser and curiouser.
Fon risks a sidelong glance at Joyas. "No-no, if you're cursed, then I'm quite sure that your curse has already transferred... But in this case, I'm inclined to agree that this temple is worth writing home about."
"Since when do you need to wait for us? You should do as you suggested earlier and hurry to the surface without stopping for anything." Before Horgus can speak further, however, the dwarf rises, extending a hand...wait, is that a claw?
You see an aged dwarven priest smile and extend a hand in friendship...and suddenly instead, an animated corpse, its eyes burning with a malevolent orange spark, is slashing at you with its claws.
Attack against Arendin's flat-footed: [roll0] Critical threat confirmation: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Attack against Arendin's flat-footed: [roll4] Critical threat confirmation: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]
Attack against Arendin's flat-footed: [roll8] Critical threat confirmation: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10] Critical damage: [roll11]
Also, for each hit, roll a Fortitude save.
Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qjkNKz24Y5ogmQxsQWAsyCcnASV4RT3k2FKIYXCi9Ho/edit?usp=sharing) updated. Everyone is up.
>> Isaac: 23
>> Anevia: 20
>> Aravashnial: 18
>> Arendin: 17
>> Throck: 12
>> Horgus: 8
>> Fon: 5
>> Joyas: 2
The undead dwarf priest: 26
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-16, 11:50 AM
You have Throck in the wrong spot. He should be at D5. He was trying to form a wall with Isaac incase the thing was hostile
JKTrickster
2016-06-16, 02:35 PM
Isaac audibly gasped as the priest struck out at Arendin. He couldn't understand what could compel the dwarf to lash out when they had been nothing but friendly. Had the dwarf priest gone mad? No matter the reason, Isaac simply couldn't just stand by and let his new friends get mauled. Grasping his holy symbol, he offered a prayer to Iomedae for her blessing and her aid. Raising his hand, a Celestial (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/celestialCreature.htm) Eagle (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/eagle.htm) appeared over his head and screeched. "That dwarf is attacking Arendin! Get away from him!" he shouted. Pointing a finger at the dwarf, he commanded the eagle in Celestial. "Attack that Dwarf now," he said with the utmost conviction in his voice. He left no mention of mercy - he couldn't bear to risk that now.
If he believes the dwarf is Undead, Isaac widens his eyes and can't help but feel sickened. Looking down, he realizes that the basin could actually provide a great deal of support. Picking up the basin, he gets ready to throw it in the face of the undead dwarf. He couldn't believe his luck - finding an Undead dwarf, defiling this temple of Torag, while his beloved city was ransacked by demons. How much worse could this day get?
Okay so Actions:
Standard: Summon Eagle
Eagle goes out and attacks on my turn.
Move: Pick up Basin
Eagle Attacks (receives +1 Bonus to Attack/Damage from my class abilities. Celestial Template doesn't really provide any offensive options)
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit Confirmation
[roll2]
(Post Edit Addition)
The Eagle flies forward with a screech, but the cramped craven messes with its ability to accurately fly. Instead of tearing at the dwarf, the Eagle misses him by a large margin and just manages to close to distance and remain afloat right above him. The Eagle continues to menacingly screech at the dwarf, but Isaac just wants to groan. Apparently his bad nerves were affecting his summons as well!
Ralasha
2016-06-16, 02:49 PM
Joyas moves up to the nearest wall, and faces south to watch for creepy things drawn by the noises from inside of the temple proper.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-16, 04:00 PM
Fon
Fon furrows a brow, processing what he has heard... After delaying briefly, he strides purposefully to gain a better vantage of the commotion, bow in hand. His other goes to his pendants.
Double Move to E7 or wherever there is line of sight to the fight. Due to encumbered, move speed is 20ft, so I suspect double move action is required.
Deremir
2016-06-16, 07:12 PM
Undead! Tricksy, illusioned undead with claws!
Arendin calls out after overcoming his shock from what at first appeared as a dwarf changing into an undead abomination and attacking him. He then raises his hand to his holy symbol and directs it at the undead as golden light emanates from the trinket.
Make room in the doorway and have your weapons ready! Arendin calls as he menaces the light at the undead creature
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-16, 08:23 PM
Throck
Throck flinched at the sudden appearance of the eagle. "What the hell ?". He flinched again as its cries reverberated off the walls of the small stone chamber. "That's.. kind of impressive actually. So, what's his name ?" he mumbles at Isaac. He admires Isaac's handwork for just a split second before jumping into action.
Throck wasn't sure why everyone else insisted on 'going first' and discovering the danger, but he decided he wouldn't complain too loudly.
"Hey, over here ugly."
Throck will move to D2 to help block it in.
AC: 18
HP: 16
stance: None
Throck will use "Stone Bones"
Attack : [roll0] (+2 flanking) If the attack hits, he gains DR 5/Adam for 1 full round
Damage : [roll1]
Ralasha
2016-06-16, 08:26 PM
Joyas moves to E8 and faces south.
Perception Roll in this post.
Throck's axe cuts into the creature, though not as deeply as he expected. "What is it? What's going on?" Aravashnial demands.
"Some kind of fight," Anevia says. She climbs laboriously to her feet and limps toward the temple.
JKTrickster
2016-06-16, 11:09 PM
Isaac was little too focused on the battle to immediately answer Throck. Grasping the bowl tightly in his hands without splashing any on the ground was taking more effort than he cared to admit. Instead, he gives a terse command to the eagle in Celestial. "Stop being so loud and focus you attacks again - we do not want unneeded attention!" Moving forward himself, Isaac splashes the (hopefully) Holy Water on the Undead. Either it was going to burn a lot, or it was giving him a bath. Either way, it would at least help with the stench in here, Isaac thought to himself.
Okay first the Eagle gets a Full Attack.
The way I imagined it was that the Eagle was above the undead dwarf. Like directly above.
Talon 1
Attack
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]
Talon 2
Attack
[roll2]
Damage
[roll3]
Bite
Attack
[roll4]
Damage
[roll5]
Critical Confirmation Rolls if any: [roll6] [roll7] [roll8]
Move Action: Isaac moves to E3
Standard Action: Empty the basin on the Undead.
So if its Holy Water, it would be something like a Touch Attack right? DnD Srd said its a Ranged Touch Attack that does not provoke AoOs
Attack
[roll9]
Damage
[roll10]
The creature snarls as Arendin's light burns it and continues trying to claw him; the eagle's claws and beak prove unable to penetrate its hide. Then the water in the basin soaks it. It shrieks horribly as its skin boils away, leaving a mostly skeletal dwarf who finally collapses to the ground.
120 XP each.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-17, 08:34 AM
Throck
"Good job." Throck says as the undead thing melts. Throck looks around for anything of value.
Throck will take a minute to search the corpse and the general area for anything of interest.
He'll take 20 on both search checks. (perception check total: 19 )
A pouch on the corpse's belt holds two small flasks of an unknown liquid; the creature wears a knotted gold ring. Near the altar, covered in dust, Throck finds an ornate warhammer.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-17, 09:05 AM
"Hrm." Throck holds up the ornate warhammer to Arendin. "Not sure if this one is better than yours..."
"Also found a ring and 2 flasks of liquid. Dunno what dey are." Throck announces to the group.
Throck hands the ring to Isaac. "meh. Might want to identify that first in case it turns dwarfs into undead zombies. Good thinking with the water. I just hope we don't die of thrist before we get out of here."
He hands one of the flasks to Fon and another to Joyas. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to how he gave out things, it seemed very random and for the most part he was disinterested in the items. He left them to fight amongst themselves over the exact distribution and kept nothing for himself.
"No fancy axes." he complained bitterly. He paused to give people time to fiddle with there trinkets or explore the interiour of the 'temple' before heading to the front of the group and heading back towards the other branch.
Assuming this is a dead end (?)
It occurs to you that it might be worthwhile to reconsecrate the temple, though it would take several hours.
The cavern indeed seems to hold only the temple and to lead no further.
JKTrickster
2016-06-17, 10:37 AM
Standing back, Isaac dropped the basin to the floor as he admired his handiwork. His guess was correct and it pleased him that they had vanquished the undead monstrosity so easily. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders - at least now the Undead Dwarf would not be defiling this temple any longer. Looking back at Throck, he smiled and thanked him. "I think I have enough water for myself but I won't mind sharing. Hopefully we can find more sources of water down here." Gesturing towards the Eagle, he willed it to perch on his hand. "His name? His name is....Chris." Isaac casually mentioned, unable to come up with a better name on the spot. "I don't think we can use him to scout - it's much too dark in here and he might be too loud. I'll just dismiss him to be safe," Isaac said as he concentrated for just a moment. Then he dismissed the Eagle, returning it to the Celestial plane where it belonged.
Isaac looked over the ring but couldn't see anything that he recognized. Maybe he was missing something, but he had no idea what the ring could have signified or why the Undead Dwarf was here. Nodding at Throck, he pockets away the ring for now and declines to mention it for the time being - he didn't feel comfortable talking about anything he didn't definitely know. Isaac had no problems with the random potions being handed about or Arendin receiving the warhammer. He wouldn't be able to wield such a heavy weapon anyway and they had no means to identify any of these mysterious liquids they were holding.
Eager to resume their march, Isaac walked back outside to join the three that they had left outside. Rushing over to Anevia, he offers a hand to help her. "I apologize for the commotion again," he nods to Anevia and Aravashnial. "We wanted to inspect this temple but found an Undead Dwarf instead. Luckily no one was hurt and we have vanquished the Undead. How the Undead got here or who built this temple I do not know."
Looking back to Anevia, Isaac motioned towards the benches she was sitting on. "Do you need any more rest?" he said as he looked around. "This temple sadly seems like a dead end. We can rest here but I would much prefer if we can continue towards the surface."
Ralasha
2016-06-17, 10:56 AM
"Don't you think we should reconsecrate the Temple? It would take a bit, but better than leaving a defiled holy place behind, and it should help a bit with any evil outsiders in the area... I would think." :smallconfused:
JKTrickster
2016-06-17, 11:33 AM
Isaac stops for a moment before nodding his head. "Your words make sense," he said, feeling slightly ashamed that he did not think of it himself. "It gives us all an opportunity to rest too - there's been so much chaos. Now, more than ever, we may need the guidance of the Gods," he said as he turned back to look at the temple.
"Brother Arendin, perhaps we can work together?" Turning the Halfling woman, he once again nodded and thanked her. "You reminded us of a much important duty. Perhaps we can help reconscrecate the temple together?"
Anevia and Horgus both give Joyas similarly shocked looks. "That's...certainly not what I would have expected, from your previous statements," Anevia says. "I'll help as much as I can."
"Either you're up to something or you have multiple personalities," Horgus says, folding his arms as he stares at Joyas. "Probably both."
Deremir
2016-06-17, 11:48 AM
Thank you. Arendin says when Throck gives him the hammer. He then stares down at it, trying to determine if it has any significance and swinging it a few times to see if it acts unusual, until Joyas suggests consecrating the temple.
Sounds like a good idea, but I do not have the required spells to do so, how would we go about it?
Knowledge religion for the warhammer
[roll0]
Knowledge arcana for the warhammer
[roll1]
JKTrickster
2016-06-17, 12:00 PM
Isaac couldn't help but smile when he heard Horgus' words. He nodded thanks to Anevia when she offered to help clean the temple. Turning back to Horgus, he continued to smile. "There is much good in everyone here - I'm sure of it." Isaac was absolutely beaming with happiness as he turned back to Arendin.
"This temple has been long defiled by the presence of Undead. Perhaps what we need are not spells, but prayer." Turning to look up at the temple, he sighed. "It is been left alone for so long. Let us clean it together - and afterwards, maybe we can pray for the guidance of the Gods. These are dark times indeed."
Isaac starts cleaning up the temple, making sure to right anything that might have been defiled by the Undead Dwarf.
Ralasha
2016-06-17, 07:07 PM
Anevia and Horgus both give Joyas similarly shocked looks. "That's...certainly not what I would have expected, from your previous statements," Anevia says. "I'll help as much as I can."
"Either you're up to something or you have multiple personalities," Horgus says, folding his arms as he stares at Joyas. "Probably both."
"Just because I do not trust people, does not mean I do not respect the Gods. I hold some things sacred, just like anyone else. I would even stop to help a child caught in a burning building... then move swiftly on before someone decided to blame me for the fire."
Joyas begins by removing the carcass of the undead thing. Then retrieves a shirt, ties her robe more securely, and begins to scrub the floors and pews. Pews first.
Using Holy Water. Since she lacks any better ideas or resources.
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-17, 07:45 PM
Throck
"Not sure I understand the point of this but whatever. Fixing the temple that no one knows about or uses seems silly to me -is anyone going to miss it being all defiled and broken? Besides we won't be here next time someone or something comes back to re-defile it." Throck says.
Throck paused for a moment to figure out if "re-defile" was a word. He is content to find a semi-comfortable place to sit while the others busied themselves. "We're just wasting time - when we have limited food and water and no idea where the nearest exit is.
He let the matter drop though as it seemed most of the group was on board with the current tasks in front of them.
Deremir
2016-06-17, 07:53 PM
I think I'm actually with Throck on this one. I'm happy to try and fix the temple, but if this takes longer than an hour or two I think we need to abandon it.
Arendin then starts using a rag to wipe down the alter until he realizes just how much work is ahead of them.
I'm not sure we have time for this. Arendin says with a sigh.
JKTrickster
2016-06-17, 10:26 PM
Isaac scratched his chin but he shook his head. "I think it's important to finish cleaning up. We don't even know how to get back up. Perhaps the Gods can give us some guidance."
Ralasha
2016-06-18, 12:29 PM
Joyas continues the scrubbing.
JKTrickster
2016-06-18, 03:34 PM
Looking at Joyas working, Isaac shurgs and keeps scrubbing as well.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-19, 12:05 PM
Fon
The half-elf accepts the potion warily and packs it into this bag almost without thinking about it. He seems to be engrossed in the temple, as he fiddles with the holy symbol around his neck.
"It'll take a little more time than that, Arendin," He comments, mulling something over. "But I think it's worth our time... Even if we do need out of here as quickly as possible... so let's finish this as quickly as possible and move on."
With that he puts down his pack, throws the cloak on top of it, rolls up his sleeves and gets to work....
Deremir
2016-06-19, 01:12 PM
With Fon's inclusion Arendin sighs and goes back to scrubbing the alter.
JKTrickster
2016-06-19, 03:34 PM
Isaac was conflicted - he wanted to continue to clean the altar but he saw that some of them were a little uneasy being down here for so long. Moving to the altar, Isaac tries to console Arendin. "Even if this takes a while, perhaps a small period of rest is what we need. Who knows if this is our final day or not."
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-19, 03:58 PM
Throck
"Even if this takes a while, perhaps a small period of rest is what we need. Who knows if this is our final day or not."
"If this is our final day, you would choose to clean up hundred year old rotting dwarf guts, in a insignificant temple that's barely 20 feet across, dedicated to a god you don't worship, that is hidden underground and clearly no one uses while the city above is being ripped to sunder. With heroes like these, the kingdom is surely saved. Perhaps when we get to the surface we can find a mop and bucket and being our REAL work of lapping up all the blood from the central market. Wouldn't that be special ? The whole city might fall into the hell but it will be clean when it gets there gosh darn it." Trock says with a hint of mirth in his voice.
"Feh, crusader of words, monkeys and damned shrieking eagles, more like 'Crusader of Mops". If this is my final day, I'd want ale and a room full of demons to kills. There would be dancing and songs of our forefathers. We'd slay so many enemies as we died, the god of death would lose count and have to start over sorting us out."
Throck was too busy ranting to help with the cleaning. He found an out of the way spot to sit and keep a look out.
JKTrickster
2016-06-19, 06:32 PM
Isaac pondered Throck's response for a moment, before shrugging again. "There is duty in worship just as there is duty in defense. I don't fight against the demons so my sons and daughters can sing about me. I fight because otherwise the whole city would fall." Looking wistfully upwards, he sighed. "This is my home, even this temple. You might move on to find where the demons are to fight. But I will stay and rebuild - and clean up - whatever is left." Isaac didn't sound venomous or even sarcastic - although his reply was amazingly somber compared to Throck's more mirthful reply. With that, he continued to scrub the altar.
The warhammer doesn't react in any way as you swing it through the air.
Your attempt to reconsecrate the temple takes 8 hours of cleaning and praying. Anevia participates, and Aravashnial does as best he can; Horgus spends most of the time watching Joyas suspiciously, though he sits some distance away from Throck.
Everyone participating can make a Knowledge (Religion) check, all but one of which are Aid Another checks; someone, preferably with maxed Knowledge: Religion and strong faith in the god you're trying to reconsecrate the shrine to, needs to lead the ritual. You also need to tell me which deity you're trying to reconsecrate the shrine to.
Anevia's Knowledge: Religion check: [roll0]
Aravashnial's: [roll1]
JKTrickster
2016-06-20, 12:29 AM
Isaac is visibly tired after cleaning the temple, but that doesn't stop him from stepping out in front of the altar and kneeling to the floor. Closing his eyes, he recites a prayer to Iomedae, his god, and hopes for her blessing and her aid. As he takes a deep breath, his hands stop visibly shaking and a wave of relief washes over Isaac's entire body. His face is completely relaxed as he recites the words from memory alone:
"Iomedae empower my Honor to resist the taint of all corruption.
In my faith I gain the Conviction to stand each time I shall fall
I will defend those worthy of it.
I will swell the ranks of the faithful.
I will destroy all that which is evil so that which is good may flourish."
Isaac's words ring true in the empty cavern and he does not falter one bit. Holding his holy symbol tight in his hands, he lifted it up above and hoped that his God was listening.
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-22, 09:48 AM
Fon
Fon looks up from the work. "Now there's an idea Throck! A song about a warrior who slew so many foes that Pharasma herself lost count..." He gets back to what he's doing, quietly humming different melodies as he does, as if trying them out for size.
Listening to Isaac's prayer he raises an eyebrow. It didn't sound much like a prayer to Torag to him. I wonder whether the gods would even accept that...
JKTrickster
2016-06-22, 02:26 PM
Holding his holy symbol to this chest, Isaac smiled. He felt warm after speaking that prayer - whether Iomedae listened or not did not seem to trouble Isaac. Instead, he closed his eyes and offered up his hands. "Torag, I may not be a servant of your cloth but I consecrate this temple in you name. Maybe you bless this holy temple and reclaim it from the foul demons above and below." Isaac briefly wondered if Iomedae would want the temple in her name instead but he fought against his baser instincts. It would not be glorious for the God of Justice to steal one temple from another Good God. There was no reason for in-fighting; this was originally Torag's temple and it would remain so. Concentrating hard, he muttered a prayer for well-being under his breath as his arms remained in the air.
As Isaac completes the ritual, the green glow is replaced with an oddly soothing reddish glow. You feel like you've accomplished something worthwhile; you also feel tired enough that you'd better find somewhere to rest overnight.
120 XP each.
JKTrickster
2016-06-22, 04:18 PM
Isaac opens his eyes and smiles. The warm red glow reminds him of the sun and it reassures him that this was the right decision. "We have the Gods' blessing upon us," he said with a smile as he struggled to get up. Suddenly his head felt light and his knees felt weak, but Isaac stopped himself from crumpling to the ground. Propping himself up on his knees, he took the time to take several deep breaths back to back. "You were right Throck - we might have exhausted ourselves with this monumental task - but hopefully it was all worth it. Maybe we can rest in the safety of this temple now - before we press on?"
Oooooh do we get bonus XP for cleaning the temple? Yessss :smallcool:
Ralasha
2016-06-22, 10:06 PM
"At the very least, undead are unlikely to wander into this place, as are demons or devils. I concur, we should be safe here.
Deremir
2016-06-22, 10:15 PM
We should probably set up night watches just in case.
JKTrickster
2016-06-23, 08:15 AM
Isaac nodded, fighting back the urge to yawn from exhaustion. "I can take the first watch - I can always summon another being in case the rest of you need to be woken up." Looking at the Halfling, he nodded. "You are probably right though - the Gods have blessed this place. Foul creatures would not dare to come here."
"I'll take the second watch."
JKTrickster
2016-06-23, 10:24 AM
Isaac smiled at Anevia warmly. "Thank you so much," he said bending his head low. Turning to the other companions, Isaac kept smiling. "Aravashnial would you mind if we start setting up camp? Do you have any spells that can alert us if intruders are around?"
Happy Mandarin
2016-06-23, 03:43 PM
Fon
When all is done and finished, Fon dons his cloak and observes the change that takes place to the temple. He raises an eyebrow at Joyas' logic about undead, but says nothing. After all, it was probably true that this place was safest.
"I can take a watch, I don't feel tired at all," Fon offers cheerfully and yawns unabashedly.
Deremir
2016-06-23, 05:11 PM
If Isaac's taking the first watch I can take the last watch. Arendin says, before wandering over to where the basin was placed. He then proceeds to cast create water, filling the basin with two gallons of pristine drinking water.
I'm thinking we should just leave the water in this basin overnight on the off chance it turns into holy water.
Arendin then starts setting up his tent.
Ralasha
2016-06-23, 05:46 PM
"I think, this being a temple, the probability of there being materials used in spellcasting is better than nil. Should we search for it?" :smallconfused:
JKTrickster
2016-06-23, 08:46 PM
Isaac nodded with the Halfling. "Lets set up camp then. We can search the temple and then get ready to sleep. I'll get ready to bunker down," he said while stifling a yawn. "Fon, do you want to take the third shift? I think we need one more for a fourth shift and Arendin takes the fifth one...?"
Ragnarok'n'Roll
2016-06-23, 09:08 PM
Throck
"I'm happy to take a shift, either 3 or 4. Whichever. " Throck speaks up.
JKTrickster
2016-06-23, 09:38 PM
"Okay!" Isaac smiled at Throck. "Let's set up then..."
Isaac starts setting up camp. Also a Search check! Which I think is Perception again.
[roll0]
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