Planescape: Full Circle - IC

[kinem]

Planescape: Full Circle OOC (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?614630-Planescape-Full-Circle-OOC)

Chapter 1: Ribcage

In Sigil, the Cage, with the Factions gone, an uneasy peace reigns. As long as a Cager keeps to the right Ward, the one he fits into, and stays reasonably peery, he will probably be safe - or at least hope to be. Venture into the wrong Ward, especially the Lower Ward with its numerous fiends, and all bets are off. But the place is easy to avoid, and any addle-cove who doesn't has no one to blame but himself if he gets lost there.

Perhaps that why there's been a lot of wigwagging about a recent rash of barmies being put in the dead-book, all throughout the Cage. Though no one seems to know the dark of it, the rumor is that a serial killer is on the prowl. As for his choice of targets, it wouldn't be the first time that Sigil's barmies were targeted; most Cagers see them as sympathetic sods.

But in this place, where you are now, you can't help feeling that danger may lurk around every corner. You all received a letter from your old friend Joel Tavarus, a human warlock who helped you tumble to the ways of the planes back when you were clueless and who went on some dangerous rides with you. In the letter he asked you to meet him here, in the gate-town to Baator, Ribcage, for a matter of great urgency. Perhaps you should have told him to pike it, but here you are.

Ribcage is centered in the Vale of the Spine, named after the spires of the mountains surrounding it. They arch up in such a way to nearly meet overhead - hence the name. The residents have built up walls between these ribs, taking advantage of the natural architecture to build up their defenses against assault.

Baatezu themselves are not welcome within the city limits, no doubt because the residents of the city have no desire to see it slide into the Hells. Guards are numerous, and you had to register upon your arrival, but the city watchmen seem more intent on preventing rebellion against Lord Paracs than on protecting citizens, and a bit of garnish is said to open doors here. You see some Mercykillers roaming the streets as well, proof that the Factions still survive in some form outside of the Cage. Most residents are humans or tieflings. You note chains on some; slavery is legal here.

You pass an odd group: two grim-faced githyanki chatting with an easygoing half-drow man, accompanied by a skeletal wolf. As they pass you catch a few words about 'fighting demons'. That group heads off towards the Citadel, while your meeting with the warlock pulls you in the other direction, to a tavern called the Barbed Rib.

Arriving at the doorway, you note the smell of barbeque.

[Cavir]

Avakuss

The goliath stood out while walking through the streets of Ribcage. Extremely tall, massive, barely dressed showing off his naturally patterned skin, yet apparently well equipped short of a visible weapon. He turned and entered a well known weapon smithy home to a dwarven weapon blood. A good while later he exited back to the street. Strapped to his back was an exquisite and huge greatsword made of deep crystal. At the smithy he was able to test the sword in the back lot, but he knew better to draw it without cause out on the street.

The timing had been perfect. He had received word his commissioned swordbow was ready for pickup the same day he received word from Joel Tavarus, all while he was already banging around Ribcage. He had his new sword, was meeting up with people he knew, and the smell of barbeque from the Barbed Rib just a few doors down really wet his appetite. He was in a great mood.

He entered the Barbed Rib, looking forward to the food and learning what the meeting was about.

Spend 2PP to test the sword at the smithy.
Being at least afternoon already, Inertial Armor at max augment. +9 AC for 11 hours. Used power points from his Third Eye.

[Archmage1]

Walking through the streets of Ribcage, the broad shouldered man in black plate seems to ignore anyone in his way, calmly pushing them aside as he clanks through. An observant listener would hear him coming a block away, and they'd hear the soft voices surrounding him not long after. Tall for a human, although with his helm off, a hint of his heritage can be seen in the almost chiseled look of his face, and his gem like eyes. If people would complain about his rough treatment, they quickly fall silent in the face of the big man with a giant sword at his back, opting for not starting a brawl over something so minor.

It doesn't take him too long to make his way through the portals towards the Barbed Rib, seemingly not caring about the potential dangers along the way in his narrow-minded focus. Reaching the building, he consults the letter, not minding just standing in the open as he carefully checks that the place was the right one, before putting the letter back, and pushing through the doors.

[razorback]

Dannos made his way through the city, keeping his eyes out for any gleaming pips. Tall and gaunt, he made his way easily through, not quite graceful, but aware of his surroundings, keep clear of others. Joel, who had summoned him, had taught him to mind his own and keep out of others ways. Dannos learned it well and used it every day. Few gave noticed to his passing but he did hear someone mention his skulking but he paid it no mind. He knew he was close as he smelled the aroma of BBQ before he turned the corner to the Barbed Rib.
With a sigh, he pushed on. He didn't enjoy being here but he owed a debt, on obligation, to Joel and he would see it through. Once in the tavern, he scans the area as he looks for Joel.


Dannon
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Previous to leaving, Dannos will use Raptor's Sight and Primal Speed on himself.

Effects~
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[kinem]

You enter the tavern and look around.

In one corner sits a fire giant, with dark skin and bright orange hair and beard, carving into a cooked hog while sitting on the floor. He wears half-plate armor and a rather large sword rests at his feet.

There are three Mercykillers at a table, identifiable by their stylized wyvern badges. Two men and a woman, all human, all tough-looking customers, and wearing full plate armor. For some reason, they shoot suspicious glares at the fire giant.

At another table, six tieflings are enjoying a meal. These wear no armor, but have shortswords.

Joel Tavarus waves you over to his table. The warlock looks very nervous, and though he has food on his plate, it seems hardly touched. He takes a drink from his mug.

"Welcome! My old friends! Good to see you again! But I'll cut right to the point. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't urgent. I'm sorry, but I need help, and didn't know who else to turn to. They're after me, the face changers are. You'll think me barmy, and well, maybe I am. We can discuss the details more privately but first I must ask, are you willing to risk your life to stop something very bad?"

There is a hobgoblin behind the bar, and apparently, she is the one who takes the orders for food and drink.

[razorback]

Dannos, on seeing Joel, walks over and shakes his hand. Joel mentions he is waiting on others, which piques his interest, and he'll wait until the other have joined before explaining. Gathering a drink at the bar, while noting the patrons, and getting a plate of just cheeses and bread, he makes his way back, making small talk with the warlock. As Adamant and Avakuss each enter, he greets them. He knew each a bit. His curiosity was raised a bit as more at the pair, wondering what Joel had brought them together for.
Once settled, Joel laid out his story. "Honest, seems like you've gone a bit windy. Don't seem your style is all, Joel." the half-giant says as he brushes his hair out of his face. He ponders his words as the others do. "Draggin' others into who knows what ain't new... but this." he shakes his head, face long. With a big breath and without looking at Adamant or Avakuss, he nods his head. "This time, Joel, yes. If we live, though, consider us even... and then some. I owe you, no doubt, but this missions wear on a person, eh?" With that, he sits back in his chair and eats at the end of the loaf of bread, hard and crunchy.

[Archmage1]

Seeing Dannos and Joel, Adamant approaches the man, dwarfing Joel, and being dwarfed by Dannos and Avakuss in turn. He doesn't buy anything, simply taking a seat near Joel and Dannos while he listens to Joel's offer, and Dannos's counter. After Dannos speaks, Adamant does as well, his graveley, deep voice conveying a sense of utter seriousness. "Yes."
He doesn't speak further, instead waiting for either Joel, or Avakuss to speak.

[Cavir]

Avakuss saw Joel, Dannos, anf Adamant at a table and he smiled. He didn't know them well enough to call them tribe but past experiences had gone well so far. He first went to the bar and ordered some of the barbeque he had been smelling outside and an ale. Joining them at the table he greets them warmly. Joel gives his plead for aid which also tells Avakuss no others were expected.

"I've risked for much less. I hope it's not suicidal like charging into a horde of demons like I think I saw some githyanki headed towards." The goliath chuckled.

"Well if it is that bad, let's enjoy our plates quickly. Who knows when we'll get such luxury again. Feel safe here. You've got us three and the three eyeing the giant at the other table. Then we can go and you can tell us about these face changers."

[kinem]

The barbeque meal costs 5 stingers, and it's five greens for the ale. The food is delicious, and spicy.

green = copper, stinger = silver (it is said to sting devils), jinx = gold, mert = platinum

Joel says "You're right, Avakuss, we should be safe here, but I don't feel safe. What I know about ... well, it's like a basilisk, see. I don't mean literally. Once you see it, know the dark of it, you're in danger. But to stop it, I'll need help."

A man in full plate armor opens the door, enters, and heads towards the bar.

Suddenly, he veers toward your table while drawing his greataxe, and attacks Joel!

Just afterwards, a skeleton in chain shirt armor suddenly appears next to him as it also attacks Joel with a greataxe!

Joel slumps over, a bloody mess. Between the two strikes, it appears that the warlock is dead!

OOC: Roll Initiative. Standing up is a move action.



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A = Adamant (Archmage1) seated
D = Dannos (razorback) seated
V = Avakuss (Cavir) seated
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller seated
T = Tiefling seated
H = Hobgoblin bartender seated

B = Stranger in full plate
S = Skeleton in chain shirt

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[kinem]

OOC: order of initiative:
Mercykillers (1d20+4)[21]
Avakuss (Cavir) (1d20+1)[20]
Tieflings (1d20+2)[19]
Bartender (1d20+1)[17]
Skeleton (1d20+8)[15]
Dannos (razorback) (1d20)[12]
Fire Giant (1d20-1)[11]
Stranger (1d20+1)[10]
Adamant (Archmage1) (1d20+1)[3]

True to their faction's philosophy, the Mercykillers are quick to react to the sudden outbreak of lawlessness. They rise and head towards the trouble while drawing their bastard swords and hoisting their shields. However, slowed down a bit by their full plate armor, they are not yet able to charge into the melee.

OOC: Avakuss to act.


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A = Adamant (Archmage1) seated
D = Dannos (razorback) seated
V = Avakuss (Cavir) seated
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling seated
H = Hobgoblin bartender seated

B = Stranger in full plate
S = Skeleton in chain shirt

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Cavir]

"WHAT THE!?" Before any more words leave the goliath's mouth he's already out of his chair and darting around the table to get to the stranger while pulling out his new greatsword. Avakuss doesn't stop, he drives right into the assassin, driving to knock him into the skeleton and both to the ground.

Swift: Hustle power (3PP)
Bonus move: stand up
Move: around table to get adjacent to stranger
Std: Shock Trooper's Domino Rush (bull rush attempt that forces a foe into the same square as another foe. You may make a free trip attempt against both foes at the same time, and neither foe gets a chance to trip you if your attempt fails. )

Improved Bull rush (no AoO)
Str check: [roll0] (+7 str, +4 size, +4 Imp Bull feat)
On success: push stranger 5' into skeleton. I end up in stranger's original square. Skeleton ends up just north of Adamant.

Trips: Improved Unarmed Strike so no AoO back on each?
Trip: Stranger
Touch attack: [roll1] (+7 str, +8 BAB)
Str check: [roll2] (+7 str, +4 size)

Trip: Skeleton
Touch attack: [roll3] (+7 str, +8 BAB)
Str check: [roll4] (+7 str, +4 size)

First time I've taken Imp Bull Rush never mind Shock Trooper, and I use both in Round 1 of the campaign :)

[kinem]

Avakuss pushes into the murderous stranger, toppling both him and the skeleton.

The tieflings at the other table exclaim in shock, get out of their seats, and begin to flee for the exit.

The hobgoblin bartender dives behind the bar.

The skeleton scrambles to its feet, steps around the prone stranger and closer to Avakuss, and attacks the Goliath with its greataxe.

ooc: Attack [roll0] vs AC 25, Damage [roll1], Miss Chance [roll2] vs 20%

Dannos to act.


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A = Adamant (Archmage1) seated
D = Dannos (razorback) seated
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (prone)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Cavir]

Avakuss avoide the skeleton's swing while he barks a command at the man still on the ground. "Stay down! You'll live longer."

[razorback]

Dannos, listening intently to Joel, ignores the pair who enter until its too late and they strike him down. "Joel!" he rumbles like thunder as he stands as Avakuss goes crashing into the human. Pulling his chain out, he lashes out with the huge weapon as he seeks to take down the skeleton.


Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Move Action -
Stand and pull out Spiked Chain

Free Action
Knowledge Devotion
Kn:Local for human [roll0]
Kn: Religion for skeleton [roll1]

Check Result Bonus Granted
15 or below +1
16—25 +2
26—30 +3
31—35 +4
36 or higher +5


Standard Action
Trip attack Skeleton with his spiked chain
[roll2] touch attack + Knowledge Devotion bonus above
If successful, opposed strength check
[roll3] includes Strength +2, Brains over Brawn +5, Powerful Build +4, Improved Trip +4, Chain +4, Armbands of Might +2 = +21


If successful, follow up attack granted by Improved Trip
[roll4] includes +4 for prone + Knowledge Devotion bonus above

Damage
[roll5] +2 if Arcanist (Favored Enemy)

Critical 20/x2
[roll6] includes +4 for prone+ Knowledge Devotion bonus above
[roll7]+2 if Arcanist (Favored Enemy)

Effects~
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[kinem]

Neither the stranger nor the skeleton appear to be arcanists. Also, you no longer sense the warlock Joel - he is indeed dead.

Dannos lashes out with his spiked chain, tripping the skeleton and doing some damage to it, but its strange anatomy makes it less vulnerable than a human opponent would have been.

The fire giant chuckles, enjoying the show, but continues munching on his roast rather than moving to join in.

The killer in the plate armor says "I did what I had to do, for the benefit of the whole." He seems to speak with the self-righteous conviction of a fanatic.

Rather than stand, he crawls 5' towards the bar and attempts to swing his greataxe at Avakuss repeatedly.

OOC: Includes -4 to attack for being prone, vs AC 25, 20% miss chance
Attack [roll0], damage [roll1], miss [roll2]
Attack [roll3], damage [roll4], miss [roll5]
Attack [roll6], damage [roll7], miss [roll8]
First 2 hits if any add +12 negative energy damage
Total is 1 hit, 25 damage.

Adamant to act.


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A = Adamant (Archmage1) seated
D = Dannos (razorback)
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (prone)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt (prone)

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Archmage1]

Slamming his tankard onto the table, Adamant freezes for a brief moment while his brain catches up with what happened, before he hurls his chair back, drawing his sword as a part of the same motion, before taking a step towards the plate armored maniac with an axe, his sword suddenly glowing with a burning golden light as he swings it into the maniac with a guttural roar.


Stand up, five foot step to be adjacent to the full plate maniac, activate Mystic Pheonix Stance(Burning Stilled Fire Shield), and strike with Divine Surge. PA for 4

[roll0] Attack
[roll1] + [roll2] Acid + [roll3] divine

40 for critical confirmation
33 extra damage if confirmed

[roll4] Granted maneuver

[kinem]

Adamant strikes a mighty blow that would be impressive by any standard. The plate-clad killer must have considerable skill of his own as he survives the blow, but barely, as he somehow clings to consciousness.

The Mercykillers charge into the fray. The lead man brings down his bastard sword, causing the axe-wielding stranger on the floor to slide into unconsciousness after all.

The female Mercykiller now has the chance to finish off the killer, but she holds her blow; after all, they are tasked with capturing lawbreakers. Execution, while inevitable, is left to other authorities.

The skeleton, though prone, remains active.

OOC: Avakuss to act.


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A = Adamant (Archmage1)
D = Dannos (razorback)
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (unconscious)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt (prone)

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Cavir]

Avakuss shifts so there is no way for the skeleton to slip away then lays into it with his greatsword, backed by his physical and mental might.

5' step right so skele can't get out of my reach if it tries to stand up.
Free: Put 2PP into sword for +2d6 damage on the first hit within a minute.
Full attack with power attack 5 (+10 damage).

Greatsword1: [roll0] (with skele prone, Power attack 5) Adamantine
damage: [roll1]

Greatsword2: [roll2] (with skele prone, Power attack 5) Adamantine
damage: [roll3]

If either hits, additional [roll4] damage

[kinem]

Avakuss' first swing misses, but his second attack smashes into the skeleton, doing considerable damage.

While the undead attempts to retaliate against the Goliath with its greataxe, the tieflings flee out through the front door.

ooc: Attack [roll0] vs AC 25, 20% miss [roll1], damage [roll]1d12+10[roll]
ooc: Attack [roll2] vs AC 25, 20% miss [roll3], damage [roll]1d12+10[roll]

Dannos to act.


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A = Adamant (Archmage1)
D = Dannos (razorback)
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (prone, unconscious)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt (prone)

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[razorback]

"Damned vermin." Dannos growls as he takes quick glance at the fallen Joel, realizing he is gone, before swinging his massive chain yet again.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

5 foot step towards the bar


Attack skeleton
[roll0] includes +4 for prone + 2 Knowledge Devotion

Damage
[roll1]+2 Knowledge Devotion

Critical 20/x2
[roll2] includes +4 for prone+ Knowledge Devotion bonus above
[roll3]+2 Knowledge Devotion

Effects~
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[kinem]

Dannos strikes the skeleton with his chain, cracking something, but not slaying the creature.

ooc: Adamant to act


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A = Adamant (Archmage1)
D = Dannos (razorback)
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (prone, unconscious)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt (prone)

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Archmage1]

With the one in full plate down, Adamant turns his attention to the prone skeleton, his sword flaring with flame as he swings it into the skeleton, seeking to reduce it to a pile of broken bones.


Swift: Searing Blade
Attacks, PA for 5
[roll0]
[roll1] Slashing + [roll2] Acid + [roll3] Fire

[roll4]
[roll5] Slashing + [roll6] Acid + [roll7] Fire

[kinem]

One of Adamant's swings strikes true, chopping a few more bits off of the skeleton and charring it, but not enough to destroy it.

The Mercykillers keep their guard up. One of the men steps forward over the downed killer and attempts to strike the skeleton with his bastard sword.

ooc: Attack [roll0], damage [roll1]
Attack [roll2], damage [roll3]

He succeeds in striking it with his first attack, and damages it further, but not quite enough to finish it off.

OOC: Avakuss to act.


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X FF #### #### X
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A = Adamant (Archmage1)
D = Dannos (razorback)
V = Avakuss (Cavir)
J = Joel (warlock) dead

FF
FF = fire giant sitting

M = Mercykiller
T = Tiefling
H = Hobgoblin bartender (prone)

B = Stranger in full plate (prone, unconscious)
S = Skeleton in chain shirt (prone)

Q = B + M = Stranger in full plate (prone, unconscious) + Mercykiller

= = the bar
# = table (space with no one seated)
% = window
@ = front door
& = inner door

[Cavir]

Avakuss uses a crisscross of greatsword attacks to end the unholy magic holding the prone skeleton together.

Full attack. PA 5.

Greatsword: [roll0] (with skele prone, Power attack 5) Adamantine
damage: [roll1]

Greatsword: [roll2] (with skele prone, Power attack 5) Adamantine
damage: [roll3]

[kinem]

The sound of metal striking stone rings out as Avakuss' greatsword thrust misses.

The animated skeleton begins to swing its huge axe as the Goliath's next swing strikes true, severing the spine of the undead. A wave of cracking black energy explodes outward from the now dead skeleton!

The black energy painfully washes over Avakuss, as well as Adamant, Dannos, and two of the Mercykillers. The Mercykiller who had been bringing up the rear is far enough to escape harm from the blast.

Although they look the worse for wear, none of the Mercykillers was downed by the blast.

OOC:

Male Mercykiller Reflex [roll0]
Female Mercykiller Reflex [roll1]

Dannos to act.

[kinem]

OOC: [roll0] negative energy damage, Reflex half DC 15

[razorback]

Still standing, but reeling a bit from the blast, the half-giant steadied himself as he let his weapon drop, not giving any reason to provoke the Mercykillers. "Mercy is for the weak." he mutters, voice still a bit rough, though Adamant and Avakuss have a hard time telling if it's from Joel's death, the blast, or both. Carefully, he steps forward and crouches as he looks at the man, trying to discern if he recognizes him or any other markings on the body. "Do any of you recognize this deader?"


Search the body for clues
[roll0]


Benefit
This feat expands the way you can use the Search skill by allowing you to notice and analyze available clues in a specific area. This use of the Search skill is a full round action. Clues are pieces of evidence that lead to the solution of a mystery. Clues are physical and can be seen, heard, touched, smelled, or tasted. A clue stands out because it's not a normal feature of the area being searched. Examples of clues include a trampled flowerbed, a broken urn, a pin snapped off in a lock, a torn strip of cloak, a burnt scrap of scroll, or a brooch clutched in a dead man's fist.

Add the following task to the list provided in the Player's Handbook description of the Search skill.

Task Search DC.
Find a clue 10.
So, in addition to using Search to find a certain item, notice a secret door, or find a footprint, you have the additional training and experience necessary to find clues of all sorts. Modify the Search DC according to the nature of the scene being examined, as indicated below. (This function of the Search skill doesn't reveal clues when there are no clues to find.)

Scene Condition Search DC Modifier
Undisturbed +0
(The scene has not been touched or contaminated in any way.)
Disturbed +5
(Someone or something has slightly and perhaps unintentionally contaminated the scene; for example, a book was picked up and put back or a guard walked cautiously across the area.)
Greatly disturbed +10
(Someone or something has massively and intentionally contaminated the scene; for example, the area has been cleaned and scrubbed, or the area was intentionally disturbed after the primary event occurred.)
When a successful Search check turns up a clue, you can make a second check to discern patterns, analyze evidence, and draw conclusions about what occurred in a specific area. In other words, the first Search check lets you find something, and the second check allows you to figure out what you've found.

You can make a DC 15 Search check to analyze a clue. By examining a body, you might determine whether the victim fought back or provided no struggle at all, or if claws, a weapon, or a spell killed the victim. By looking at a scorch mark on a wall, you might approximate the location of the spellcaster when the spell was cast.

The DC for the check is modified by the time that has elapsed since the event occurred and how significant the clue is, as indicated below. All other rules concerning the Search skill otherwise apply.

Circumstance (example) DC Modifier
Each day past since event +2
(Maximum modifier +10)
Minor clue +0
(Provides only a piece of the solution to a puzzle and requires additional data for the investigator to reach a conclusion.)
Moderate clue +2
(Provides significant data toward the solution of a puzzle and could lead to a conclusion without additional data.)
Major clue +5
(Provides everything an investigator needs to solve a puzzle, even if the solution isn't immediately obvious.)
The DM should secretly make the second Search check to analyze a clue. If the check succeeds, the DM provides a truthful, objective analysis of the clue that can help the investigator reach a reasonable and logical conclusion. For example, analyzing a brooch clutched in the hand of a murdered dwarf (a major clue) reveals that it was torn from a blue cloak or tunic (it bears strands of a blue material). It bears the symbol of House Cannith, but the brooch isn't of the quality that a house noble would normally wear. These true and objective facts are now left for the investigator to consider and follow up on.

If the check fails, the DM provides analysis of the clue that sounds plausible but is actually flawed in some manner. For example, a flawed analysis of the major clue discussed above would reveal only that the brooch bears the symbol of House Cannith.

Even a successful analysis won't reveal the actual authenticity of a clue. False clues planted at a scene could provide truthful and objective data that leads an investigator in the wrong direction.

Generally, investigating a scene a second time doesn't add new insight unless another clue is discovered. You can take 10 when making a Search check to find a clue, but you can't take 20.

Synergy: If you have 5 or more ranks in an appropriate Knowledge skill, you get a +2 bonus on Search checks to find or analyze clues

[Cavir]

Avakuss growled. He was a warrior with wisdom. He lowered his sword and looked at the unconscious assassin.

"The man was a skilled warrior and a fanatic. Can probably get him to talk when he's awake. He didn't make that skeleton nor made it invisible. Someone sent them and was close enough to cast the spell shortly before they entered. Could still be banging about! Worth a look. Still plenty of justice to be done on those who sent these two." He looked at the MercyKillers during the last half of that statement. "I'm taking a look outside. Don't kill him yet."

The goliath heads past the MercyKillers to the door while sheathing his sword. At the door he follows the tieflings out, trying to blend into the crowd of those trying to escape. Once outside he'll stay close to the tieflings briefly but his goal is to see who stands out. Who sees him and suddenly doesn't want to be seen being there? Who was expecting results from inside the inn?

Spot [roll0]
Sense Motive [roll1]

[kinem]

OOC: The above posts will be revised to take into account the events revealed in this post.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Dannos pulls open the visor on the assassin's helmet, the half-giant comes to a startling realization: The man is no longer unconscious!

It would seem that the wash of negative energy actually injected new vitality into the tomb-tainted soul of the assassin. The man grabs his axe and speaks what must be a command word for one of his items, for he vanishes in a cloud of smoke!

The assassin didn't become invisible; he must have triggered some sort of teleportation effect, as Dannos can no longer feel him.

From what Dannos saw, the assassin is a half-orc man; Dannos believes that he will now recognize the face.

With their quarry gone, the Mercykillers fume. The female among them, apparently the leader, demands to know "What the Hell is going on here?"

[Cavir]

Avakuss looks at the woman. "Exactly our question too. He's escaping! May be a short range teleport. Let's go!" The goliath rushes for the door.

If I make it outside, I guess use the same rolls as my last post.

[kinem]

Avakuss heads outside to have a look; one of the Mercykiller men follows him.

In the street outside, he catches sight of the half-dozen tieflings, walking away from the tavern. In the distance he also sees a pair of humans and a few other pedestrians that are too far to identify much about. There is no sign of the plate-armored assassin, however.

[Archmage1]

As the blast of negative energy washes over him, Adamant hunches, letting his armor take the brunt of it. However, by the time he comes out of it, the assassin's gone, by magic.

Adamant quickly looks around for further foes, before surreptitiously wiping his sword down, and sheathing it. It's after that that his graveley voice can be heard by the Mercykillers. "Good question."

With that, he looks to Joel, his old friend, and the one that'd introduced him to Sigil. He gently removes his gauntlet, before shutting Joel's eyes, and speaking as softly as he can. "May the earthmother protect you." After a moment of silence, he starts to check Joel's pockets, looking for keys, notes, or anything of interest, knowing that he wasn't going to catch someone in a sprint.

[Cavir]

Nothing. Avakuss gritted his teeth. The fight had been one sided but the damage was done. Adrenaline was still pouring through his blood. He looked at the Mercykiller then went back inside as he sheathed his sword. Adamant was searching Joel for any clues. The goliath paused, gazing at his former mentor. He looked at the remains of the skeleton and picked up its axe, evaluating it. He turned to the female Mercykiller.

"A fanatic. Well armored. Necromancy. Worried about benefit of the whole. Any idea what group they were from?"

Know(Local) [roll0]

[kinem]

Dannos only got a brief glimpse of the killer's face. From what he saw, the man is a gaunt, grey skinned half orc, with a short beard. He did not have facial scars, which orcs and half-orcs who live among them tend to have.

Avakuss sees that the skeleton's axe appears to be well balanced and fashioned of cold-forged iron. The skeleton had been wearing a chain shirt, though it doesn't look especially well made.

Adamant searches the dead warlock's pockets and finds several (67) gold pieces, a rather large diamond, a potion, and a key. Joel also had on him a chain shirt, a heavy mace, an elegantly styled white leather vest edged in silver piping, and a broad leather belt studded with three moonstones.

The Mercykillers use their own belts to heal themselves.

The woman says "There have been other murders recently, in some of the gate towns and in the Cage. Each of the victims was slain with a single devastating blow from a slashing weapon. Based on that, some were saying that a giant could have done it.

But now I'm thinking that this berk must be the serial killer. Though he never left witnesses before that I know of.

All of the other victims were known to be barmy. Was your friend here like that too?

Well, my name is Nere Jones. What was the victim's name, and yours?"

[razorback]

As Dannos stands, he listens to the Mercykiller speak. "Well, it sounds like this serial killer picked a fight he couldn't win, but still managed to get away." with a rumble like distant thunder. "His name was Joel... he had some quirks but definitely not barmy. Wait, this might not be the first time this sodding maniac has struck? I had no word of this. Your brethren know nothing of this, other than that? I'm surprised that justice hasn't been wrought on this killer yet." he says, in an almost admonishing tone.

[Archmage1]

Straightening up from his search, Adamant frowns. "I'm Adamant. And Joel... he was a mentor to me. To us. We'll get to the bottom of this."

[kinem]

Nere Jones replies "In the old days, the berk would've been scragged by now, that's for damn sure. But now, with the factions barred, law in the Cage is a joke. This is the result. But yeah, it makes us look bad.

We're on the same side here, eh? So you bloods should tell me whatever you know that might help. You got a kip here, or just banging around? We have an office in the Citadel, in case you want to leave information for me.

In any case, stay peery. My jink says a killer like this won't accept failure. If you have your friend raised, he'll need minders."

[razorback]

"Well, the prod might be like that... I guess its up to find out." Dannos says as he looks at Adamant and Avakuss before turning back to Nere Jones.
"We need to get on with justice... how do we get ahold of you if you want to see this out and we need help? Ya seem canny and if you catch a skeg of him, I'll give you mine." with that, he rattles off his office/home.

[Archmage1]

With a shrug Adamant dismisses his armor(Revealing a fluffy pink robe and a guisarme), before casting prestidigitation, and resummoning the armor. With that, he starts cleaning up the blood spilled(Specifically theirs, and Joel's), before he finishes transferring loose, easily droppable items into his bag, and hoists the now clean corpse over his shoulder.
"Suppose we should find a priest."

[Cavir]

The goliath was not in a happy mood. "I'm Avakuss. No, Joel wasn't barmy. He helped us all when we were more clueless. He was just telling us there was something bad going on, asking if we were prepared to risk becoming a deader to stop it. Said he was being targeted for what he knew. That's the last we got out of him."

"You are leaving just like that? You don't know much about the killer and leaving when we have clues here? You saw his armor, his face, his axe. He was a barmy fanatic. Next time I fight him I'll beat him so far unconscious an army of exploding skeletons won't help him. That skeleton was no beginner project. It knew how to fight and could take a beating. He or his group know strong necromancy. What groups could that be? "

"Joel apparently knew more about this than your lot. Get him resurrected and you'll get more answers than you've got until now. That's your path to justice. Raise him and we'll keep him alive."

[kinem]

The Mercykiller replies "So the victim was paranoid and asked you to risk death? Sounds barmy to me, even if it's a self-fulfilling kind at that.

Well, I couldn't see the killer's face under that helmet."

(To Dannos) "Did you see anything? You started to examine him."

She continues "Seemed like you all made quick work of those two, so I don't know if that skeleton was all that tough as you say, but the explosion was something, true.

Necromancers? The Dustmen, of course, but this isn't their style. And Ribcage is crawling with clueless Prime spellslingers who think the gate-town to Baator is the perfect place to make deals with the devils. Some fiends can animate the dead too, but they're not supposed to be here.

We are not in the business of raising victims, only of bringing justice to the lawbreakers. We can barely afford to raise own own fallen, these days ..."

OOC: Cavir: Make a Diplomacy check for Avakuss

[Cavir]

"Not in the business of raising victims, but this is not normal business. You are trying to track a serial killer. That assassin is giving you and your whole order the laugh. First real lead you have. You are just going to throw it away? Imagine the killer striking again killing someone well known and chant gets out the Merceykillers could have tracked him down but were a sodding leatherhead. Or imagine your order helps with pulling Joel from the dead book and you catch the killer. Would make you and your order look quite cutter."

"The killer saw you three. Likely to be coming after you too. He gets fixed up by tomorrow and pays a visit to you just like he did Joel. Don't want that right? Help Joel get raised and he'll tell you all the dark he's got on the killer. If it's not helpful I'll owe ya. Yes some jink from your order but all good for your lives and your order. Going to pass this up?"

Diplomacy [roll0]

[razorback]

"Scarless half-orc with a short beard... grey-skinned, looked like he could use a sandwich or ten to get him healthy." he said to Nere Jones, concentrating for a moment to commit his look to memory. As Avakuss speaks, he stands from his squating position, dusting his hands on his pants as he does so, and waits on the Mercykillers response.

[Archmage1]

Listening, Adamant tries to think, tries to see if any of his memories include such a murderous death cult, even as he checks the remains of the skeleton for any form of insignia.


[roll0] Search, seeking the insignia
38 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24622059&postcount=81)! Know: Local, who would have the ability to make such skeletons?(+1 more if this would be more appropriate as a history or planes check)

[kinem]

With the danger apparently over, the hobgoblin bartender emerges from the cover of the bar and pours herself a drink.

The Mercykiller says "It doesn't matter that he saw us. We were not his target, and he knows we didn't get a look at his face. There's nothing we know that every watchman in this burg soon won't. Besides, most berks don't look past the badge.

Did your friend know about the killer? I'm doubtful. But you cutters will raise the sod one way or another, anyway, I think. No money? Skilled swordsmen can always find work.

Half-orc? Ok, thanks. I'll put it in my report.

As I said, you can leave me a message at the Citadel, if you do come across any new information. I'll see you around. Good luck to you."

(to the other Mercykillers) "Come on boys, all this talk gives me the yawn. Let's go file that report." They begin to head out.

There are no insignia on the skeleton.

Thinking back on the tales you've heard and read, you recall mention of a sort of martial necromancers known as necroblades (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24283757&postcount=2). They're not any kind of organization, just those who have mastered another way of combining martial skill with a form of magic. With further research, it could even be a path open to you, in the unlikely event that you choose to take it as you gain more experience.

[razorback]

As the Mercykillers leave, Dannos watches them for a moment before looking at the spot where the assassin was. "Pour one for each of us, too." has he slaps some jink on the bar. He takes a deep swallow and, thinking better of it, doubles his coins as he points towards his drink. Once Adamant and Avakuss approach, he shakes his head as he says "What do make of all this? I don't have the funds for this and I don't know any high-up who has the outlay who would help Joel." Rubing his chin, he thinks about having another drink but thinks better of it. Snapping his fingers, he says "We need to get to Joel's place... need to be peery, maybe scan him if we can't beat him there."



Was anything revealed from this post (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24614264&postcount=27)?

[Cavir]

Avakuss sneered at the retreating Mercykillers. As they exited the door he turned back to his companions. "Joel's place is a good idea. First though, what about Joel? Can't just leave his body right here. I'm all for raising him if we can. I can carry him easily. Does that big diamond he had help pull him from the dead book? Use the rest of his gear to secure a loan? If it helps I can see if the smith that just finished my sword will trade it back for a few days to get enough jink. If we can't, a Speak with Dead spell for now to get us in the right direction?"

What does the town do with bodies? What about ones hoped to be raised soon? Do we know of nearby churches that would hold the body and/or do the raising? Going rate?

Is there banking? If not maybe a magic shop would do the secured loan?

Do we have any idea what Joel's gear did (since we knew him)?

[Archmage1]

Adamant looks to the barkeep, and produces the key Joel was carrying. "This one of yours?"


Adamant's already picked up Joel, after using prestidigitation to clean up the blood from the area.

[kinem]

The bartender pours you each a strong, clear drink and says "Poor sod. Joel wasn't a regular. In the past couple of days though he was here a lot, waiting for you no doubt. Didn't say much to me, but tipped well.

We don't rent rooms here. Best food and drink in town, that's all we have. There are some inns nearby, he may have been staying at one. Let me see that key. Hmm ... No number on it. Could be from the place on Coney Street, three blocks toward the Citadel from here. They only have a few rooms."

When Dannos began to search the body of the killer, he did get a glimpse of the man's face, as noted. That's the only real information he had time to get. Also, you already know what happened here in terms of the violence, so clues about that are moot. I'll add that the man's armor had no symbols marked on it, but it was high quality, and Dannos would probably recognize that same suit of armor if he saw it again.

OOC:
About Joel's gear, you know that his belt is a Healing Belt, and the vest is probably the kind that helps in resisting magical attacks.

There are temples in Ribcage, but they are all to Lawful Evil deities. Some of these might be willing and able to cast Raise Dead in exchange for payment, but they certainly wouldn't give you a break on the price. If you return to Sigil or travel to other Gate Towns, you could find just about any kind of temple.

The usual minimum fee for a Raise Dead spell would be at least 450 gp + 5000 gp worth of diamonds.

Some temples might be willing to store bodies if you pay to have Gentle Repose spells cast on the body, which would cost at least 20 gp per day (minimum 60 gp).

Banks certainly exist both on Ribcage and in Sigil. Sigil has the equivalent of magic shops although they are usually specialized, the most famous of which is the Friendly Fiend run by A'kin the Arcanaloth.

[Archmage1]

Adamant knocks back his drink, before flipping a gold coin to the bartender. "Thanks."

He turns, and looks back, and looks over the room once more time, wondering briefly how often things like this happen here, before he starts to stride towards the exit, planing on checking at the place in Coney Street.

[razorback]

Dannos nods as he hefts his chain over his shoulder. Taking a glance at Joel's boots, he says to Adamant and Avakuss "When we get to the building, give me a moment to check the entrance. I want to see if I can figure out if anyone besides Joel has been in and out, and to see if they left us any surprises."

[Cavir]

With Adamant carrying Joel, Avakuss takes anything of note from the skeleton, breaking the bones instead of the typical method of removing a chain shirt. The axe gets strapped to his back, criss crossed with his own blade. The chain shirt and anything else gets put into his handy haversack. The skeleton's skull gets crushed from a boot stomp.

Avakuss taps his healing belt to remove some of the sting from the fight then follows the others. He keeps watch along the way.

Healing [roll0]
Spot [roll]1d20+9/roll]

Anything else from the skeleton?
well balanced and fashioned of cold-forged iron greataxe
plain chain shirt

[kinem]

The bartender sighs as Avakuss makes a mess of the skeleton. She goes to fetch a broom and dustbin.

The skeleton had nothing else on it besides the armor and the axe, which suggests that in its undead state it had been little more than an animated weapon rather than a person.

The building on Coney Street proves to be a plain brick affair with six doorways; evidently each would lead to an individual apartment with the building. The windows are dark, but that means little as tielflings and various other races have darkvision.

If the bartender's guess is right, Joel's key would fit one of the door locks ...

[Archmage1]

With a corpse on one shoulder, Adamant starts trying the locks, to see if the key fit, methodically working his way through the doors.

[kinem]

On door number [roll0], Adamant successfully opens the lock with Joel's key.

The apartment within is rather simple. There's a window with the curtain drawn over it, an unmade bed, a table with an unlit lamp and some blank papers and ink, two chairs, a chamber pot, and some iron rations.

A search of the bed reveals a sealed letter under the pillow.

Opening it you read:


To my friends:

If you are reading this, I am probably dead. Long story short, I fell in with a trio who are not what I thought. We had a lead on some ancient treasure. It turned out to be a prison for an ancient evil. I weakened the seal. I need to get back there and fix it before there's real trouble. Did I mention it's in Baator?

The trio turned out to be monsters called rakshasas. They can change appearance. One has sorcery, the other two are deadly fighters. They want to stop me and must be the ones who killed me.

If you have my body, you may have found my diamond worth about 5000 jink. Raise me if you can. - J

[razorback]

As Adamant finds the correct door, he puts his hand on his shoulder as he inspects the floor and door for traps or clues. Once satisfied, he nods for them to enter.


Search
[roll0]

Spot
[roll1]



After they read the note, Dannos looks pensive for a moment before speaking. "Looks like Joel anticipated this. It would seem that we should get on with it. Baator?" he voice rumbles as he shakes his head. "I don't know about either of you, but it wasn't on my place to go vacation or work."

[Archmage1]

After reading the letter, Adamant frowns as he thinks, pausing for a moment to remove his helmet, revealing his dark grey hair and chiseled features, and scratches, before putting his helm back on.
"I think we're missing something. If these rakshasas want to break the seal, why haven't they done it yet? If the seal was weakened, but not breached how did Joel realize what the place was? Did that lead come from the rakshasas? Or Joel? And that orc... with the series of killings... something more's going on. And we don't know."
His words come slowly, begrudgingly as he stops and thinks.


What does Adamant know about Rakshasas?
[roll0] Know planes: Rakshasa?

[Cavir]

Avakuss keeps an eye at the door while the other two search and relay their findings. "Plenty of questions. We want to raise him and he wants it. Let's go do it and get some answers."

[kinem]

Dannos doesn't see any traps. It does appear that a few different people have been through the door within the past few days, but that's to be expected if Joel rented the place recently.

Adamant ponders what he can recall about Rakshasas ...

Rakshasas are fiends resembling humanoid tigers with backwards hands, who tend towards organized evil. Many make their home on the Prime, but some groups can be found in Baator and nearby planes. All can magically disguise themselves and can read minds to an extent. Often they have sorcerous powers, but subraces exist with a different focus, such as the Naztharune who are skilled assassins and fighters, and the Ak'chazar are powerful necromancers. They are resistant to magic and blows, although not to holy piercing weapons. Though loosely organized now, it is said that in the distant past, they were led by Rajas of nearly god-like power.

[Archmage1]

Coming out of his slow pondering, Adamant slowly surveys the room for any listeners.

[roll0] Spot

Once he's satisfied that there aren't any unwelcome ears listening in, he resumes speaking, still in that slow, gravely fashion. "Rakshasas are shapeshifters, organized in their evil, and can be found in Baator, among other places. They're good at disguises, mind reading, resisting magic, and resisting weapons, although not holy ones. They're got groups with different focuses, such as assassination, or necromancy, and in the distant past they were lead by much more powerful Raja's... one of which I'd say is the sealed evil. So many questions. And if there's nothing else here, let's move on the next step of our plan."

With that, he heads towards the door, meaning to lock it once Avakuss and Dannos had left as well.

[razorback]

Once out the door, Dannos looks as if his concentration is on his speech with the others as he casually scans the area.
"So, the Dustmen then? I don't know if we have any time to try and hunt another cleric or necromancer to bring him back."


Spot
[roll0]

[Cavir]

Avakuss shakes his head in disappointment. "Evil shapeshifters? Bloody fool. Bad enough their plot, and we have to watch for them pretending to be one of us."

"Closest caster you know of then. Joel had one thing right, be ready with a diamond. Let's go." With Dannos knowing where to go and Adamant carrying Joel, Avakuss follows behind the other two. Don't want anyone making off with the body...

[Archmage1]

After locking the door, Adamant shrugs, pockets the key, and follows Dannos, who has an idea of where to go.

[kinem]

Carrying a corpse through the streets of Ribcage, you attract a number of odd looks from those you pass.

The official gate from Ribcage to Sigil is inside a guard tower (which must have been purposely built around it), and the posted fee for using it is 5 jink per person. The gate is sealed and must be opened in some particular way known to the guards. Rumor has it that there are several Sigil gates in every gate-town, but if so, those are only known to a few people.

There are many guards here, but the one that steps forward to deal with your case is a male bladeling.

He says "What's the story here? And you know, if I let him through, he's a person, eh?"

[razorback]

"Come one, we're bringin' in this deader to put in a box. Bad 'nuff I gotta tell his brother and sister now you're gonna clip me for some'ore jink?"


"Come'on, this berk can't be worth all that... well, what about 2? Check him, dead as last years lunch."

[kinem]

The bladeling does not seem amused.

"Don't be a leatherhead. Tell me the dark of this or I'll have you all arrested on suspicion of murder."

[Archmage1]

Adamant glances around, seeing what sort of backup the bladeling has around, and looking to see if any of the mercykillers from the tavern happen to be there. Or the tieflings who fled.

[roll0] Spot the handy witness!

[kinem]

Adamant doesn't see any of the witnesses from the tavern here. As for the guards, there are at least half a dozen that you've seen, but probably many more in the tower. There are also portcullises that can be dropped at strategic locations, and murder holes at certain locations near the ceiling. The gate to Sigil is a potential invasion point for the burg, so it makes sense that the authorities here would be serious about security.

[Cavir]

Avakuss shook his head then spoke up from his greater height but with diplomacy without intimadation. "We scragged the barmy that did this to our friend here, but then the scum teleported away. Nere from the Mercykillers saw it too. She left it to us to deal with things. We're gonna pull our friend from the dead-book, find out who the assassin is, then take a ride to find him. He had two axes. I grabbed this one. I aim to collect his other one. He's gonna beg to be fed to the wyrm."

"Seems a bit barmy to have to pay for someone in the dead-book but we'll have our friend answer to that later. Here's the 20 jink for the four of us."

[kinem]

The bladeling replies "Nere? I've met her.

For some reason, I think you're telling the truth. Very well, just make sure that you don't break any laws in Ribcage. Vigilantes get scragged the same as any berk.

We charge a fee for cargo too. Running a gate safely ain't cheap, so pike the gripes."

After taking the jink, he hands Avakuss a wooden token with a symbol you don't recognize carved into it. Evidently this is the gate key. With another guard, he opens the door to the gate room, which simply looks like a dead end closet. However, when you enter, the gate springs open and you can see another room past where the wall had been. After the three of you pass, the gate closes behind you. Avakuss notices that the gate key has vanished.

On the other side is another small keep, but there are no further fees or questions as you leave the building. You find yourselves back in Sigil - a comforting sight, although you are at the edge of the Lower Ward.

Here too, the sight of a corpse being paraded through the streets attracts uneasy stares as you make your way to the Mortuary in the Hive.

The Mortuary stands in a hopeless area of the Hive. It's ringed by the slums of Sigil's Unclean - those who do work that others won't touch. The surroundings are almost safe, since the people here tend to be honest despite their wretched circumstances. Small alehouses, tanneries, and slaughterhouses fill the area. You meet a number of Unclean going about their business; a few children are following them, begging for coins. The hustle and bustle comes to a complete stop on the Mortuary's side of the street.

One black somber gate leads into the jagged edifice of dark stone. The Mortuary is a collection of dilapidated mausoleums.

Inside the gate, you are hailed by a squad of six guards, dressed in black. Dustmen? Not anymore, not officially, but everyone knows that the Mortuary carries on much as it always did.

One asks "What's your business here? You wish to have him embalmed or cremated?"

[razorback]

After getting through the gate, Dannos breathes a sigh of relief. It hadn't gone the way he hoped but they were through.
As they move through the slums, he feels pity for the people, especially the children, but he keeps moving with a sad shake of his head. Its dark way of life down in the Hive was not somewhere he had enjoyed coming down to, though work had brought him to this side of Sigil more times than he'd like to think.
"The Groke don't like being in the dead-book and asked us to bring him back if he ended up in it. So, here we are, body in tow. Don't suppose you can point us in the right direction ta fix our situation?" the half-giant says as the guards confront them.

[Archmage1]

Adamant continues to follow along silently, holding Joel's corpse easily over one shoulder, and glaring at anyone who gets too close, content to let more talky people do the talky pieces of the job.

[kinem]

The black clad guard rubs his head, trying to understand the situation. "He doesn't like it? He told you that? Sounds to me like he's already undead then ..."

OOC: Because the inhabitants of the Mortuary don't see that much of a difference between life, death, and undeath, it takes a while to explain things. However, doing so simply requires a bit of patience, so we don't need to roleplay the whole conversation via PBP. Eventually, you are directed to see a priest called Father Later. In order to do so, you must check your weapons at the entrance.

Father Later proves to be an elderly githzerai man clad in a black robe. He examines the diamond that you present to him. He speaks slowly in a deep voice.

"It may be enough. I can't guarantee it. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a few smaller diamonds as well, which you can supply or purchase. That is your call. The diamonds will vanish when the spell is cast. Now if the diamond is too small, it won't vanish, but the spell will fail. In that case I can not try again until tomorrow, and you must pay a fee for each attempt.

I will do this for a donation of four hundred and fifty jink. If you wish to better support our important work, you may of course provide a more generous donation.

You must understand that the spell won't work if your friend does not wish to return. Even if he does return, he won't be quite the same. Being raised from the dead takes a toll."

[Cavir]

Avakuss looks to Adamant and Dannos. "I'm short on jink but the chain shirt will get us 50. Adamant, can you ID the axe? We could sell that for spare diamonds and the spell, though I'd rather use it to entice our prey to come to us."

Weapons got checked in, but that's just a matter of going back to the entrance so it shouldn't derail everything.

[razorback]

Dannos blanches at the amount.
Gonna be difficult to pay the rent next month.> he says with a sigh as he reaches into various pouches around his body, each with 50 jink. "You better be wanting to coming back... mutters like a rushing river. To Avakuss "I got this for now. I'd rather keep the items for the reasons you said. Once we are done, I'll try to recoup off this." before turning to the Gith as he hands over the coins. "Do your best, Father."

[Archmage1]

Distracted by the decorative stonework around the mortuary, Adamant doesn't react in time to offer to shout, but by the time the payment is being discussed, he comes out of his daze. "I can, Avakuss, given some time."

[kinem]

Father Later gives you a curious look at all the talk of enticing prey, but doesn't comment. He accepts the jink and puts it into a wooden chest.

With your help he lays the body of Joel Tavarus flat on its back on a small bed. He places his hands on the corpse, holding the diamond in one, and begins intoning the words of the spell.

For a full minute, he continues speaking the eerie syllables.

Finally, he stops. He opens his hand, and you see that the diamond is gone.

Coughs from the corpse prove that the spell seemingly worked.

Joel open his eyes and sits up, unsteady at first. "Ah. Thank you. Did you find my note?"

[razorback]

Dannos nods as he looks at the Gith with a smile. Thank you, Father Later. Would it be possible for you to give us a few moments alone with our friend?"
Once the father leaves, Dannos says "Yes, we did. Would have been easier, and less painful for you, if you had let us know this was afoot. What the in the nine hells is going on?
And who was that half-orc who decided you'd look better in a box, with your body having a huge axe chop in it? What have you gotten yourself, and us, involved in?" He doesn't sound mad, just a bit irritated by the whole situation, bushy eyebrows twitching visibly.

[kinem]

Joel nods. "I got into a mess alright. Sorry. It would have been easier to say that with a bit of liquor in me, as I planned to, but eh, plans change.

Half-orc? The axe guy? I have no idea. That's not who I expected to come after me. I take it that you guys put him down. Probably a hired goon.

They're tricky, those rakshasas. I probably got a bit greedy when they spun tales of treasure.

They needed a mortal to get into the place. It's warded against their kind.

Once inside, I was supposed to use my knowledge of how to operate magical items that can be stubborn about who uses 'em, in order to open the seal. But it was more complicated and time consuming than a normal bit of magic. Partway through, I kind of formed a mental bond with who's inside. I realized what was going on, and knew I had to stop it. But it woke up some guardians. Something big; I didn't stick around to see what.

I ran like hell and spent a scroll I had to plane shift out of there. But the damage is done. It's only a matter of time until the seal opens. I think I can reverse the process, but I'd need a few minutes, and I doubt I could take out the guards by myself."

[razorback]

"You don't know this orc? Yeah, probably a hired sword by the sound of it. And, Rakshasas, Joel??? You were the one who warned me to never deal with them. You said something like 'What you think you're buying from a Rakshasa isn't what their selling' and I'd be bally sod if I did it." The plodding half-giant mumbled something unintelligible to himself before he continued as he looked at Adamant and Avakuss "Well, you two can think I've gone windy like Joel, but I can't imagine those Rakshasas are up to any good and whatever I friend did here... well, I'd be berk not to, but I'd hold it nonce against you if you choose not to."

[kinem]

Joel says “Thank you. To clarify, I didn’t know what they were, until we got there. Not an excuse, but still.”

[Archmage1]

Listening to the conversation, Adamant takes a moment to reach down to his belt, before applying the heading to Joel.


[roll0] Healing


Finishing that, he finally chimes in, his gravely voice filled with concern. "We can't stay here long. You have a place, Joel? A secure place? We need to talk plans."

[kinem]

"Ah yes, the pain. Thank you, Adamant." Joel uses one charge from his own belt as well. [roll0]

"Safe? Secure place? No. I don't think there is. One of the rakshasas is a spellslinger and he probably used magic to help him track me down. He can teleport, I know that much, and with at least three passengers.

Besides, I don't know how much time we have to fix the seal. Could be too late, could be days, could be years. My guess is days, just the impression I got. Best to head there as soon as possible."

[razorback]

"Alright. We went by your place but didn't toss it, only found your note. Do you need to go there to pick up anything? Also, where is this seal and how do we get there?"


Sense motive on Joel
[roll0]
Trying to figure out if he's holding anything back or being deceptive, as it might seem like he might be apt to do.

[Cavir]

"Yeah, I'm in. If it's too late already we'll be in for a bigger surprise than you had last time. We need to know all you can tell us. We also need to do something about healing if we're going to be facing guardians, your recent partners, the half-orc, and his skeleton side-kicks if he has any more." Avakuss finishes off his healing belt on Joel and himself.

Joel: [roll0]
Avakuss: [roll1]

Guess I should have taken the psionic healing power, or at least a dorje of it.

[Archmage1]

Adamant opens his mouth to speak, but closes it, as Avakuss asks the question he was going to ask, instead using his ring of arming to swap back into his pink robes, and casting see invisibility, before swapping back to his armor, and looking around the room for any signs of someone trying to listen in unnoticed.

[kinem]

As far as you can tell, Joel is not being deceptive.

You don't detect anything invisible.

As Avakuss moves to further heal him, Joel holds up a hand to signal him to stop. "Thanks, but I'm fine now.

So the axe guy got away? Damn. No, the apartment doesn't have much.

The seal is near a volcano, I think it's called Mount Tannaj. As you might have guessed, it's a prison for an ancient rakshasa leader. If he could unite the rakshasas behind him once again, it could alter the balance of power in the planes.

I'd recognize it, but how to find it ... I have an idea about that, but you are not going to like it.

There's a cutter who knows more about the lower side of the Wheel than anyone. I've dealt with him before and his information was good. Calls himself Rule of Three. He presents himself as a Gith but I'm not going to lie, he's probably a fiend. Doesn't matter.

He often hangs out at a place called the Styx Oarsman in the Lower Ward. The place is full of tanar'ri, so at least, he's on the chaotic side, and no friend to rakshasas.

He could give us the information we need, and maybe even front us some jink. He'll want something in return, a big problem maybe, but we can worry about that later."

[razorback]

With a shake of his head, Dannos mutters out "Never will change, will you? Dealing with tanar'ri's or some fiend who portrays himself as a Gith. Don't like owing favors to anyone, especially those." he gives a big sigh. "Alright, let's get on with this unless you guys need anything before we go down there." he says to Adamant and
Avakuss. Once they are ready, they start heading down to the lower ward, looking for the Styx Oarsman.

Knowledge (Local-Sigil)
[roll0]
edit the knowledge roll was to figure out if he knows who the Rule of Three is.

[kinem]

You have indeed heard of Rule-of Three, one of Sigil's better known information brokers. It's said that he dispenses cryptic but reliable advice, and the Styx Oarsman's the place to find him. It's said that he only takes payment in groups of three things.

[Cavir]

"Spent pretty much all my jink on my new weapon. Let's sell off this chain shirt on the way then I'm ready to go."

[Archmage1]

Adamant shrugs, and follows.

[razorback]

"Alright, sounds good about selling that. Rule of Three, as I've heard but never met, is a one of them that's got eyes 'n ears everywhere about Sigil. Maybe knows more about me, me mum and all of you more that we do. I heard he gives out info, but... well, sounds windy but, if you can decipher its meaning, is reliable. The Styx Oarsman's the place to find him. Heard he only takes payment in groups of three things... but not sure if that's jink or some'n else." Dannos prattles off as the move to find a merchant to offload the armor.

[Archmage1]

Adamant frowns, before replying. "Information brokers rarely want just money. Especially planar ones. Expect favors that are likely to lead to needing more from the broker."

[kinem]

"One problem at a time, I say" Joel says.

As the party leaves the Mortuary, you pass by recently embalmed bodies, and note the presence of some zombies performing various simple labors.

The Hive is not the best place to find an armor merchant, but you do find such a shop. The chain shirt fetches 50 jink when sold.

From there, you head to the Lower Ward. Joel seems to know this area of Sigil well enough, and leads you without incident to the Styx Oarsman, despite the fact that you pass several fiends in the street among the tieflings and other humanoids and creatures. Sigil is supposed to be neutral ground for all races, and perhaps the fear of the Lady is what keeps them in check ...

The two-storey structure of the Styx Oarsman squats on the edge of Heward's Forks, a small square connecting the bend in Brandy Lane to the curving thoroughfare of Ironmonger Street. The dung covered statue that is set in the square gives the small court it's name and provides the local avians with a favourite perch and latrine.

The Styx Oarsman itself appears to be a roughly rectangular building with a boat on top of it, which serves as the upper floor.

The doorman is a burly tielfling who's chewing on a cigar. He opens the heavy barred door but doesn't look inclined to let you pass, until Joel slips him what looks like a hefty amount of jink, and says "Come on Jarkman, I've been here before, and these three won't cause trouble." Jarkman lets you pass.

Inside is a noisy menagerie of sorts, with several tanar'ri present - a pair of vrocks, a marilith behind the bar, a few babau, and numerous quasits. There are also many githzerai, as well as humans, tielflings, dwarves, a few drow elves, a few fiendish minotaurs, and even a few yugoloths. Several of the patrons are playing cards or tossing dice; most have drinks. It does not appear that food is served here.

Joel looks around, trying to get oriented, and focuses in on an elderly githzerai man drinking at the bar. He gestures that you should follow him.

The man he approaches has a fine silvery chain shirt on and a sheathed longsword and dagger, and regards you with a bit of amusement. One thing for sure, the man looks quite comfortable here.

Joel tells him "Rule, you remember me, right? My three companions are all trustworthy men. We need ..."

Rule of Three interrupts him. "Three companions indeed. I remember you, Joel, warlock, wanderer.

If indeed your three companions are trustworthy, then why should I deal with you, who I don't trust? Begone, and I will deal with them."

Joel sighs and tells you "You got this." He goes to the other end of the bar and orders a drink.

[Cavir]

Avakuss takes the jink from the merchant and gives 15 each to Adamant and Danoss, taking the few extra for himself to balance the gate charge. He was cognizant of the debt still owed to Dannos, even if that should be coming from Joel.

Entering the Styx Oarsman, the goliath keeps his ears open and his mouth shut, trying to learn from and gauge the situation. Rule of Three. Likes things in threes. Ok. Could be a fun challenge. He's surprised by Joel's quick dismissal. The plan has already hit a snag, great. Joel didn't even tell us what we were looking for here. After a pregnant pause he speaks up.

"I'm Avakuss, goliath, warrior. We three need to take Joel to a volcano, Mount Tannaj, in Baator. Joel said you are a cutter, reliable, with the knowledge to help us. "

[Archmage1]

Adamant gives Joel a long look as he meekly leaves, wondering just what this creature knew about Joel, before he turns his attention to Rule of Three, but remains silent as Avakuss introduces himself.

[razorback]

Dannos nods in agreement with Avakuss. "Dannos, a half-giant. As my friend said, we are seeking your help.

[kinem]

The marilith bartender gives Avakuss a strange look, but Rule of Three signals to her with his hand, and she goes back to serving drinks, which she can do several at a time.

Rule of Three replies "Be careful what you say around here.

But I know a guy who could get you there, and he owes me plenty, so he'll do it if I ask him. And it's a big ask, so he won't do it if I don't.

Tell you what. If I do this for you, I ask a simple favor in return. I have a lead on the location of a certain item, which I would like to acquire. It's valuable enough that I don't trust any of my usual agents to go get it. As for myself, my place is here, not in the field. I will provide the other details as needed, privately, and only if you agree to do it."

[Cavir]

Avakuss pursed his lips momentarily and nodded, not realizing he was speaking loud enough for others to hear. He gave Danoss and Adamant a questioning look with the slightest touch of implying openess to the proposition.

[Archmage1]

Taking a deep breath, Adamant takes advantage of Avakuss's look, and replies. "What are the risks for your favor?"

[razorback]

"Valuable enough or dangerous enough you don't want to risk your own men?" with a tilt of his head right on top of Adamants question, though he can tell he'll get little to nothing from the Gith until they agree.


Sense Motive
[roll0]

[kinem]

'Rule' replies "Risks? Challenges? Dangers? Nothing worth doing is without them. I don't know exactly what you would face, if anything, but if those weapons of yours are just for show, you have no business going where you plan to."

As far as you can tell, he is not being deceptive.

[Cavir]

"Fine, but we need to keep Joel with us. Where to for our little chat?"

[razorback]

Dannos just nods in agreement, keeping his face blank.

[Archmage1]

With no details on offer, Adamant seems less than happy with Rule's answers, but he remains silent, waiting for further conversation.

[kinem]

"Come with me" 'Rule' replies. He gets up, taking his drink with him. With Joel in tow, he leads you up a wooden staircase to the portion of the tavern that's built like a boat.

He unlocks and opens a door marked #3 and leads you into a small room, then closes the door. Inside are a bed, and several chairs. He sits heavily on the bed and motions for you to sit.

"A cultist from a Prime world called Oerth told me this tale. He served a rather dark god named Tharizdun. His cult had great plans for conquest, but they were foiled by a group of enemies, and his cult was cast down. Many of them escaped, hoping to rebuild elsewhere, for like me they knew the value of a long game.

He fled together with another cultist. They found their way to the planes, and took a portal to Pandemonium, because they had heard that their faith has a stronghold there.

His fellow cultist bore a great treasure of the cult, a magical set of cards known as a Deck of Many Things. Drawing these cards might bring great benefits, but is equally likely to bring death and doom.

Before they got very far, they were attacked by chaos beasts. The cultist bearing the cards fell to them, and in panic, the remaining cultist fled back through the portal.

I know the location of this portal and how to use it. The cards should not be far from the portal, on the other side. Find them and bring them to me. As for the beasts, they don't tend to stay in one place and would have no interest in cards, but who knows if similar beasts or other creatures might be in that area.

As for the cultist himself, he can be of no further assistance, as shortly after divulging the information to me, he had a most unfortunate run-in with a trio of vrocks."

[razorback]

Dannos has some serious doubts about the Rule's story, especially about the inconvenient ending for the cultist to a trio of Vrocks, but he keeps it to himself for now.
Looking at Adamant and Avakuss he says 'Well, if we are going to get on with it, let's get on our way, eh?" before turning to Rule with a smile on his face. "Any other bits of information that will help with our success? Any bits of equipment that would be helpful that you might want to put in our hands now, now that wee are a resource of yours and its in everyone's best interest if we're successful..." he says, leaving that last bit trailing off.


So, a person at work it off for at least 2 weeks suspected of Covid and I'm there back up, so my posting might be a bit behind for at least a couple of weeks.
Sorry in advance.

[kinem]

'Rule' replies "Since the item I seek is quite valuable, I'm willing to provide you with three bits of magical equipment to help insure your success.

First, a wand of restoration, partially charged. Joel should be able to use it. Should you suffer transformation from a chaos beast, it should reverse the effect.

Second, a so-called Cornucopia of the Needful. I suspect that at least one of you may be able to use it. If so, it produces a fruit one a day, that may have some protective or healing powers.

Third, a Diamondskin Decanter. It can pour three drinks a day, which can toughen your skin for up to an hour.

Is that acceptable?"

[Archmage1]

Adamant sighs. "We, I think, will need to attend to our business first, not second. While I understand that retrieving the cards may become more difficult, with time, it seems less risky than the results of Joel. What were the cultists trying to accomplish?"

[kinem]

'Rule' frowns. "What assurance do I have that you will return soon and follow through on the deal? Retrieving the cards should not take very long, so it should be done first. As for me holding up my end, I am not going anywhere, while you very much are. My reputation is more valuable to me than even the cards.

As for the cultists, I don't know the details, just that they believed their god would dominate the Prime."

OOC: Make a Diplomacy check.

[Archmage1]

Adamant just looks at Rule, and looks to his companions. [roll0] Diplo.

[Cavir]

Avakuss minutely sways his head to either side considering Adamant's and Dannos' points. "If the item may get picked up and carried away I'd rather snatch it while it's easier. I'm sure it won't be easy either way." He turns back to their host. "Thanks for the items. Pandemonium. What can you tell us about surviving while there?"

[kinem]

The 'gith' replies "Pandemonium can be unpredictable and harsh, but it's a bit predictable, as well.

It's basically an infinite underworld of caverns inside solid rock. No light, of course, but forget torches. On the Prime there'd be stagnant air, but not there. The winds are fierce and its howls can drive men mad. You might as well be deaf with all that noise, and if you can arrange that, it'd be safer. Loose flying rocks can be a bit of a danger, too.

And if you get lost, if might be for the best that there's no naturally occurring food there. Slaadi and tanar'ri don't need food, of course, and they're the most numerous residents. If you meet any, expect 'em to be hungry.

Even so, there are a few towns and forts in the larger caverns. Deeper layers have smaller caves.

If you see water, avoid it. It's the stuff that feeds the Styx. Touching it should be safe, but not drinking.

The specifics I got from the cultist are that the portal leads to a tunnel. From there, a side passage branches off into a cave. The wind is less in the cave, making it a fairly safe rest stop, except that they ran into the monsters there. The cards are in there, and if not, they are lost.

The good news is that you shouldn't have to travel far from the gate to get to the cave. A few hundred feet at the most, I'd say. The cultist's story wouldn't make sense otherwise."

He pulls a locked chest out from under the bed, unlocks it, and fishes out some items. He hands a wand to Joel. The warlock examines it and says "Thanks."

To Avakuss he gives a glittering pitcher wrought of platinum worked into the shape of dragon scales. "Pour the oil it produces over the skin to toughen it. Don't drink."

To Dannos he gives a conical basket is woven from the bark of various trees. Attached to it with a
bit of dried grapevine is a clay medallion bearing a horn-of-plenty symbol.

He sighs, and fishing in the chest again, he draws forth four pairs of cork ear plugs, which he hands to Adamant.

-5 to Listen checks, +2 on saves against effects that require hearing

'Rule' puts the chest away, opens the door, and says "Follow me."

OOC: Gate time? Any preparations?

[Archmage1]

Adamant takes the ear plugs, and holds onto them.


Does Adamant know anything relevant about Pandemonium? Common Foes, common risks, things like that?
[roll0] Know: Planes

[Cavir]

Avakuss gives a nod of thanks and respect to Rule of Three while accepting the decanter. "Good... good. Information to work off of. Questions is how many beasts are there? We'll need a few moments right before using the gate. Should we see what is in the basket now so we can add it to our plan?

Use Basket? (in case it comes up Heroes Feast and we need time to eat unless the relic bypasses the eating time?)

Just before the gate:
Darkvision 3PP
Claws of the Beast 11PP
Use Decanter? 1 portion on each of the others since i can use Vigor for temp hp)

Once we're across:
Dannos scouting invisibly?

Before Assasult
Expansion (Large or Huge?)
Vigor
Force Shield (Dorje)

What do we know of Joel's abilities beyond UMD and blasts?

[razorback]

Dannos bows his head as he accepts the basket. "I have no means to see in the dark. I may have to run down and pick something up to make due for now." Dannos says, abashed.



Dannos already has Raptor's Sight and Primal Speed up. None of his other spells have enough duration except Camouflage, Tremorsense, and Tojanida Sight, which he'll use just before popping through.
Before crossing over, he will turn invisible.

I think we should use the basket before the trip. Should we also use the decanter?

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Kn: The Planes to gain any insights on what we might fight and how to deal with them
[roll0]

Cornucopia of the Needful when we decide to use it.
[roll1]

Effects~
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[Cavir]

Avakuss addresses Dannos' light concern. "I have a necklace that gives off light. That would give you away though if you were trying to scout ahead. I also have one potion of Darkvision. It may be good for you to grab something."

Cornucopia roll = Apple = Heal spell!

[Archmage1]

Adamant frowns at Dannos's problem, quickly running through his tools, and coming up short with his own resources, but as Avakuss mentions his necklace, Adamant speaks up. "I could carry the light, which might give you a chance to surprise something. Stealth isn't something I do. We're likely to encounter oozes or howler dragons, so acid or sonic protection would be good."

While he speaks, he passes the earplugs out, before putting his sword down, and triggering his ring again, his armor turning into a fluffy pink bathrobe once more.

Then, he starts chanting, casting four spells to prepare.


Casting Heart of Earth(13 hours), Keen Edge(On his greatsword)(130 minutes), Dragonskin(Black)(130 minutes), and Resist Energy(Sonic)(130 minutes.)


After he finishes, his ring flares again, and his armor appears around him again, and he returns his sword to his back.

[Cavir]

At the gate Avakuss manifests several powers. He uses the decanter on the other three then puts it away, its magic used for the day. Just before the gate is activated he puts in the earplugs then nods his readiness.

Darkvision 3PP 12 hours
Claws of the Beast 11PP 12 hours
Energy Adaptation (resistance 20 against any attack that deals acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic damage) 7PP 2 hours
29PP remaining
91/111hp
AC25

Diamondskin Decanter: the other 3 get DR 2/adamantine for 1 hour or until 20 damage is prevented.

[kinem]

As you pass the crowd downstairs, many of the diverse patrons eye the group with curiosity.

Outside, Rule of Three leads the way through the streets of the Lower Ward. Most residents mind their own business, and none challenge the group. More annoying is the sulfurous smog that suffuses the place, stinging eyes and scratching throats. You pass a group of stone statues, and can't help feeling that they are watching you.

Entering a dark alley, you see that it comes to a dead end. A drunken ogre eyes you sleepily. "Begone!" Rule tells him. For a moment it looks like the ogre might try to put up a fight as he grabs his huge greatclub, but looking at the group, he thinks better of it and leaves the alley without saying a word.

Rule hands Adamant a black metal triangle, three inches across, with an inverted "Y" inlaid in copper. "The gate key. As luck had it, I found it on the remains of the cultist. You will need it to return."

When Adamant approaches the end of the alley with it, a circular portal of darkness springs open, from which a loud blast of wind pours forth.

(ooc: Assuming that Adamant has distributed the earplugs) Joel uses the earplugs to plug his ears.

After making your final preparations, the group - sans Rule - walks through the portal.

The wind is fierce and howls loudly, maddeningly. You find yourselves in a rough stone tunnel about 30' in diameter.

The howling suddenly grows louder ...

OOC:

Everyone make a Will save (DC 15; ear plugs give a +2 bonus) or be confused (as spell) for 1d4+1 rounds. Joel made his save.

The next decision: Go upwind or downwind?

[Cavir]

DC 15 [roll0]
Guessing we'll all only fail on a 1.

[Archmage1]

Stepping through the portal first Adamant continues walking forward, heading further down the tunnel, to make sure there was room for everyone to enter. He tries speaking, but finds that even his voice is lost on the wind, so instead, he points down the tunnel, in the direction he was facing as he left the portal.
If the Cultist came through here, then it's probably this way. We'll know in a few hundred feet.

[Cavir]

With Adamant looking one way, Avakuss looks the other for any threats since listening wasn't going to be of much use. He uses his skills learned as a monk to keep the sound of the wind from annoying him. Barring any threats that way he checks the area they just came through at. If there is nothing signifying the spot he uses his adamantine powered claw to scratch a line in the floor where they came through. He makes another mark on the wall above his head level, well above what a human can reach.

It's then Avakuss remembers the the half-giant needed light. If there is no light in the tunnel he'll pull out a necklace shining like a torch would and puts it on. When the party moves out, the goliath keeps watch at the rear of the group.

[razorback]

Prepping his last few spells before entering the portal, Dannos puts his ear plugs in before he disappears from view as he crosses. The howl, and crazy landscape, causes him to misstep a bit but he quickly gains hs bearing. Seeing Avakuss turn on his light and then Adamant pointing, the half-giant leads forward, scouting out ahead as he searches the tunnel for the side passages.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Hide
[roll0] (22+20 invisibility +10 Camouflage)

Move Silently (probably not needed)
[roll1]

Spot
[roll2] (14 + 5 Raptor's Sight +4 Tojanida Sight)



Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Joel nods in approval as Avakuss marks the spot where the party entered the tunnel.

Rather than fight the chilly wind, the party proceeds forward from the gate, downwind. The gate itself lets some light into the tunnel coming from Sigil, but it closes off as soon as you are about 10' away from it.

The tunnel has a few outcroppings and minor bends, but is fairly straight.

Carefully making your way forward, you look for an opening that could be the cave Rule told you about ... but after traveling in this manner for some time, enough time, you still haven't found one ...

It's loud cracks of stone on stone that are your only warning, hard to hear over the howling wind, as a group of small boulders comes from up the tunnel, bouncing and flying in the wind. One of them clocks Joel, though he seems to be mostly fine.

OOC: The rocks cause 2d8 damage, Reflex half DC 20; DR applies:
vs Adamant [roll0], Avakuss [roll1], Dannos [roll2]

[Cavir]

Reflex save DC 20 [roll0]
Do the rocks seem to be a directed attack? Are there more coming? Did they cover the width of the tunnel? No enemy seen?

Don't forget the others have DR2.

[Archmage1]

Adamant, still rocking DR 10/Evil from his stance, tries to shield the others from the rocks as best he can.
[roll0] Reflex
He also pauses, and looks around for any tunnels up ahead.
[roll1] Spot

[razorback]

As the boulders come tumbling down the tunnel, Dannos tries his best to dodge the stones.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 95
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Reflex vs DC 20
[roll0]


Effects~
Cornucopia of the Needful (24 hours) : Apple (Heal)
Stoneskin (1 hours) : 2/Adamantine, [20] - 18
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

The group of stones passes, leaving the group somewhat battered but temporarily safe. The stones seem to be a natural hazard of the place; more windborne rocks could come along at any time. Perhaps, some distance up the tunnel, there is a source of the stones. Equally plausible is that once one loose rock gets airborne, it slams into the tunnel walls, and sometimes smashes loose more pieces of rock, until there's a cascade of them like what just passed by.

Continuing to search forward, it has become rather obvious that you have gone further from the gate than Rule's 300 foot estimate, with still no sign of the cave. It would seem that the path of least resistance has not proven fruitful here.

Joel motions to indicate that the party should turn back, against the wind.

[Cavir]

Avakuss nods and motions for the others to turn around and pass him so he's guarding the rear again. As they are passing he says "When you find the tunnel let me get ready."

If we see more rocks coming, manifesting Vigor before getting hit.

[Archmage1]

Adamant also nods, and takes the lead, keeping a wary eye out as he goes, wondering if the rocks had woken anything up.

[razorback]

Dannos nods, not sure if anyone can see him, before turning around and again searching for the a side passage. Once the pass the marker Avakuss left on the ground, the half-giant mentally renews his invisibility.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 95
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Hide
[roll0] (22+20 invisibility +10 Camouflage)

Move Silently (probably not needed)
[roll1]

Spot
[roll2] (14 + 5 Raptor's Sight +4 Tojanida Sight)


Effects~
Cornucopia of the Needful (24 hours) : Apple (Heal)
Stoneskin (1 hours) : 2/Adamantine, [20] - 18
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Fighting the howling cold wind, you slowly make your way back. This takes noticeably longer than traveling with the wind. As Adamant approaches the place where Avakuss scratches the stone, it's no doubt a relief that the gate flares open. You can see Rule of Three out there, waiting expectantly. The gate closes again as you continue on.

About 100' further up the tunnel, just past an outcropping, there is indeed an opening in the tunnel wall, about 10' in diameter. It leads into a cavern, which might be about 100' in diameter.

Once you pass the threshold, the wind dies down a bit ... but now, the sound of wind rushing past the opening produces a loud, eerie howl ... It almost sounds like you can make out voices within the noise, but you can't quite make out any words ... it's maddening ...

From deep within the cave, you hear another sound. Something is heading this way ...

OOC:
Will save DC 20 or be Confused for one round. Ear plugs give a +2 circumstance bonus on the save.

This effect will be repeated every round within the cave.

Joel made his save for the first round.

You don't see anything there but you sense the presence of an 'arcanist' within the cave.

Roll for initiative. The cave floor is rough terrain (half movement speed).

[Cavir]

DC 20 [roll0]
If fail, confusion roll: [roll1]

[razorback]

"Something's coming... magic user of some variety." Dannos voice says from within his invisibility.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Initiative
[roll0]


Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Not seeing the foe, Joel delays his action.

The unseen enemy pauses its advance and concentrates. Suddenly the howling of the wind is not the only source of confusion!

OOC: Confusion SLA, centered on the party, Will DC 17 or be confused for 15 rounds. This is not a sound based effect.

Joel's Will save [roll0]

Order of initiative:

Joel (delaying)
Monster
Adamant
Dannos
Avakuss

[Archmage1]

Confused, hallucinating, Adamant tries to charge at the enemies only he could see.

Sadly, they were only in his head.

Run 60 feet back down the tunnel, away from the fight.

[kinem]

Joel shouts to be heard above the wind "He might ... good idea ... withdraw, prepare, return."

OOC: Dannos to act

[razorback]

Dannnos nods, realizing no one can see him, then says "Yes, let us try to gain cover avoid... whatever is coming." as he is overcome by the area and goes charging deeper into the cave, swords swinging in both hands.


Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Hide, if he needs to again.
[roll0](22+20 invisibility +10 Camouflage)
Changed to charging attack, still invisible, see OOC.

Will save vs DC 17
[roll1]

Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Dannos' actions don't seem to match his words, as he charges into the room.

Dannos closes with the monster, but can't attack it this turn.

From deeper in the cave, you notice a few things, even in your confused state.

First, you passed near a backpack on the cave floor - very likely, this contains the object of the quest.

There seems to be some kind of pattern to the way the cave is laid out, but you can't quite make anything of it.

Finally, across the cave, you can now see what looks to be a closed stone door.

ooc: Avakuss to act

[Cavir]

Will DC 17 [roll0]
Listen [roll1] (-x for the environment not included)
Spot [roll2]

If I pass the save and don't notice Dannos going the wrong way I'll be taking an action then pulling back.

[Cavir]

"Yes, make it come to us." Avakuss starts to turn back but notices rocks on the ground from where Dannos's voice came from was being disturbed. More rocks are disturbed. The goliath realizes the half giant was charging into the tunnel. "No!" He calls back to the others. "Dannos is heading in!"

With a thought, the goliath nearly instantly grew to the size of a storm giant. He now stood twenty feet tall, with claws that seemed too big even at this size. Not wanting to squash the now-relatively small half giant he mentally traced Dannos' probable course down the tunnel. Avakuss didn't bother trying to run through the rubble to catch up. That wasn't the goliath way whose upbringing was in steep mountainous terrain. Instead he leapt with incredible strength and skill. As he landed he was already eyeing the situation all around him.

Std Action: Expansion (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/expansion.htm), 9PP. Grow to size Huge for 110 minutes. 15' space, 15' reach. My extra squares will extend toward the cave and to the side away from Dannos.
+4 size bonus to Strength, a -4 size penalty to Dexterity (min 1), -2 size penalty on attack rolls, -2 size penalty to AC

Move action: Jump, avoiding Dannos' path.
Jump1: [roll0]
Jump2: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]
Listen: [roll3] (with hearing plug penalty)

Goliath special: Mountain Movement = all jumps are considered running jumps.

Huge + Powerful Build: claws are Gargantuan size

I have speed 30'. I don't know how it's handled if my Jump check is move than that. Do I pull a Belkar and are stuck in mid-air until my next turn? If I end up under 30' I'll do a second jump (the above second roll) with the same result question.

[kinem]

Joel leaves the cave and readies himself to blast the monster if it shows itself. "Retreat! I know now what we face and ... not ready for it!"

Avakuss is suddenly attacked by a nightmarish monster! The most horrible thing he has ever seen! No one else sees it ...

OOC: Phantasmal Killer SLA. Will DC 17 negates; if that fails, Fort DC 17 or die; if the Fort save succeeds take [roll0] damage.

Those in the cave (namely Avakuss) will roll again this round Will DC 20 or be Confused one round. If already Confused due to SLA (namely Dannos), the effects do not stack.

Adamant to act.

[Archmage1]

Calming now that the deadly windmills in front of him were gone, Adamant looks to Joel. "Not an option, if we're abandoning Dannos. This is why this was a bad idea. If it's got weaknesses, or abilities, let us know."

With that, he reverses his abrupt retreat, heading back towards the entrance to the cavern.


Running BACK to the cavern entrance.
Will roll will save next round.

[Cavir]

Will DC 17 [roll0]
If Fail, Fort DC 17 or die [roll1]

What do I see? (hopefully not the pearly gates...) How far away is it?

[razorback]

The invisible half-giant continues to run about the cave, probably unseen by anyone, as he moves about in a chaotic manner.



Those in the cave (namely Avakuss) will roll again this round Will DC 20 or be Confused one round. If already Confused due to SLA (namely Dannos), the effects do not stack.
Not sure if Dannos needs to roll, but if he does
[roll0]
[roll1]

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

If he is still under the effect of Confusion where he has to attack
[roll2]
[roll3]

Crit 19-20/x2
[roll4]
[roll5]

If he isn't under that effect and is under his own control, he (still invisible) grabs the bag and make a run for the entrance.


Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Dannos does nothing but babble incoherently, a sure clue that he has become confused!



What do I see?

Good question!

You passed near a backpack on the cave floor - very likely, this contains the object of the quest.

There seems to be some kind of pattern to the way the cave is laid out, but you can't quite make anything of it.

Finally, across the cave, you can now see what looks to be a closed stone door.

As for the monster, it's still invisible.

OOC: Avakuss to act

[Cavir]

Already made the Phantasmal Killer save.
Cave: Will Save DC20 [roll0]

If Dannos is babbling incoherently, I can make out where he is? Plus there's something else around here...
Spot [roll1]
Listen [roll2] (with plugs penalty)

[Cavir]

Avakuss sees the backpack. He knows Dannos and their foe are around but he can't see either. He grabs the backpack and calls out to Dannos.

"Come on, grab hold of me and I'll get us out of here."

Grab backpack and ready a Dimension Door for when (if?) Dannos makes contact. Readied until my next turn at least.

[kinem]

Avakuss feels a bit disoriented ...

OOC: Insanity SLA, Will DC 20 or be permanently confused. He must also roll Will DC 20 for the cave sounds' 1 round Confusion.

PCs to act.

[Archmage1]

Adamant, seeing the chaos in the chamber, and not seeing Dannos anywhere, starts chanting, his sword in hand has he works through the incantation.


Casting Stilled See Invisibility.
Note that while he is casting, he is flat footed, with an effective dex of 0. This places his AC at 26. This effect ends on his next turn.

[razorback]

Not sure if Dannos needs to roll, but if he does
[roll0]includes +2 earplugs
[roll1]
Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18


I don't believe, unless he fails his save, that Dannos is under an effect right now.
If he isn't, he listens to (maybe to his detriment) Avakuss and grabs a hold of him.


Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[razorback]

Dannos, stalking the Goliath that had assaulted him, lashes out in a flurry of steel.



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Lucksword attack 1
[roll0] -2 if he TWF's
[roll1]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll2] -2 if he TWF's
[roll3]

Lucksword attack 2
[roll4] -2 if he TWF's
[roll5]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll6] -2 if he TWF's
[roll7]


Lucksword attack 3
[roll8] -2 if he TWF's
[roll9]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll10] -2 if he TWF's
[roll11]

If he can TWF
Sunsword attack 1
[roll12]
[roll13]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll14]
[roll15]

Sunsword attack 2
[roll16]
[roll17]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll18]
[roll19]




Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[Cavir]

Suddenly the invisible enemy slashes at the 20 foot tall goliath. Avakuss instinctively strikes back then grabs so there was no escape for the puny man. "Not getting away!"

Full attack. First is a strike with the good claw then a grapple.

Claw [roll0] crit: (on 19+): [roll1] Adamantine
damage: [roll2] crit: [roll3]

Grapple:
Improved Grapple, no AoO
Touch attack: [roll4] (+9 str, +3 BAB -2 size)
Str check: [roll5] (+9 str, +12 size (huge+powerful build), +4 Imp Grapple)
Damage [roll6]

Note: Dannos had to move so only one attack from the previous post. 10 damage. At 76/111hp. The others have DR, I have Displacement. Didn't get a chance to use Vigor.

[kinem]

"No!" Joel attempts to dispel the confusion on the grappling Goliath.

OOC: Dispel check [roll0] vs DC 26; another check next turn (Relentless Dispelling)

Adamant completes his own spell.

Foul and horrifying, the creature that you can now see constantly melts and re-forms, seeming to draw each shape from nightmares and dark tales. It maddeningly shifts through dozens of forms, including a dark blob full of eyes and tentacles. On top of the creature sits a humanoid skull.

The monster shoots a black ray at Adamant.

OOC: Enervation; [roll1] ranged touch; damage [roll2] negative levels

Adamant to act. Avakuss is no longer under the effects of Insanity, but must make the DC 20 Will save vs cave sounds.

[Archmage1]

Grimacing as the black ray slams into him, and saps his strength, Adamant leaps into the air in response, coming down right next to the creature, his sword glowing with divine fury as he roars and lashes at the beast aiming to smash the skull on top.


Immediate action: Leaping Flame, 100 foot teleport to the side of the thing that attacked me.
Swift: Arcane Wrath, Burning Blades of Fire.
Standard: Divine Surge!
PA for 6.
[roll0] Attack(-3 negative level, +4 arcane wrath, +4 knowledge devotion)
[roll1] magic slashing + [roll2] untyped + [roll3] Acid + [roll4] Divine

[roll5] Maneuver Recovery
3 negative levels
AC 32
HP 90, with 26 temp hp

[kinem]

Adamant’s blow, despite the power behind it, is not as well aimed as he would like, and is turned aside by the tough exterior of the monster.

OOC: Avakuss to act (no longer Insane)

[Cavir]

Avakuss shakes his head, notices he is grappling Dannos and has Adamant swinging wildly at empty air nearby but within his own reach. "Come on, we're out of here. If you want to keep fighting me, come with me."

The giant goliath calls upon the powers of his mind. The three allies (in normal times) disappear in a flash, reappearing out in the tunnel around the corner out of sight of any cave dwellers. "Time to get out of here, go!"

Dimension Door with Adamant and Dannos. Destination is to the tunnel near the cave entrance (so we're near Joel) but about 20' away from it on the side closer to our Gate. Dannos ends up between the Gate and myself so that if he escapes and runs it'll be in the right direction.
7PP spent. 13/64 PP left.
76/111hp
21AC

[razorback]

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Is Dannos still under the effect or did Joel manage to end the effect on him?

Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[razorback]

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Lucksword attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll2]
[roll3]

Lucksword attack 2
[roll4]
[roll5]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll6]
[roll7]


Sunsword attack 1
[roll8]
[roll9]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll10]
[roll11]

Sunsword attack 2
[roll12]
[roll13]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll14]
[roll15]




Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Dannos gets one hit in on Avakuss, but it's near an artery ... (OOC: 17 damage before DR)

"Damn it!" Joel attempts to free Dannos from the confusion spell ...

OOC: Dispel check 1d20=10 vs DC 26

The monster screams and heads to the mouth of the cave ...

OOC: PCs to act

[kinem]

OOC: Dispel check [roll0]

[Cavir]

Will DC 17 [roll0] (with earplugs)
Intent is to DD us all back to the Gate.

So what will happen to us if we release this beast into Sigil LOL
59/111hp

[Cavir]

"Come on I said! We're getting out of here now." Still grappling Dannos, Avakuss reaches out for Adamant and Joel then teleports the group back to the Gate entrance. "Open the gate and through!"

Dimension Door all of us, not the monster of course. 7PP. 13PP left.

[kinem]

The gate opens as the party reappears near it. You can see Rule of Three still waiting out there.

OOC: Dannos and Adamant to act.

[Archmage1]

Adamant focuses for a moment, and tries to soften a portion of the tunnel's ceiling further towards the creature, around 45 feet out, trying to cause a collapse, before he steps through the portal.


Using Soften Stone and Earth (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/softenEarthAndStone.htm)(SLA), and trying to soften the ceiling and walls of the tunnel, 45 feet out. Adamant can affect 90 square feet, which should be enough to accomplish something.

[Cavir]

Avakuss sees Rule of Three waiting. The giant of a goliath sees he's going to have to squeeze through as it is. "Get out of the way! It's right behind us!"

[kinem]

As Avakuss warns Rule of Three that the party is coming in hot, Adamant concentrates on magic, causing the top of a portion of the tunnel between the gate and the cave to peel off and fall. The collapse blocks the lower part of the tunnel, impeding but not necessarily preventing any pursuit by the monster. However, it's a double-edged sword, because the wind blows many chunks of rock and clay towards the party. No doubt the wind will eventually clear the blockage entirely.

OOC: Take 2d8 damage from flying rocks; Reflex half DC 20; DR applies.

vs Adamant [roll0], vs Avakuss [roll1], vs Dannos [roll2], vs Joel [roll3]

Joel's Reflex save [roll4]

Dannos to act (must attack Avakuss)

[Archmage1]

Adamant braces himself as the tunnel partially collapses, taking shelter behind his shield as the rock and clay pings against it.

[razorback]

Still holding on to him, Dannos swats with his sword as he tries to get free of the giant beast.


Dannos
HP - 99 Current 99
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Lucksword attack 1 (grappled)
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll2]
[roll3]

Lucksword attack 2 (grappled)
[roll4]
[roll5]
Crit 19-20/x2
[roll6]
[roll7]




Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Joel attempts again to dispel the Confusion on Dannos, even as his last invocation still tries.

OOC: Dispel checks [roll0], [roll1] vs DC 26

With its line of sight partially blocked, the monster does not attempt to pursue. Instead, it uses its Confusion spell-like ability again, targeting the party.

OOC: Will DC 17 negates or 15 rounds of Confusion. Joel's Will save [roll2]

The gate is open; it is now possible to step through ...

OOC: PCs to act. Dannos' Confusion was dispelled, though he must roll vs. the new one.

[Archmage1]

Seeing the portal open behind him, and noting Joel's focus on dispelling, Adamant grabs his old mentor, and goes through the gate.


Not sure if any rolls are needed, but...
Provoke an AoO. So long as it is an unarmed strike, probably doesn't matter if it hits or not.

[roll0] Grab(-3 from negative levels included)

[roll1] hold(-3 from negative levels included)

[roll2] Move(-3 from negative levels included)

[razorback]

As Joel uses his arcane might to end the madness that has descended upon him, Dannos realizes Avakuss still has a hold of him and stops struggling as Adamant drags Joel through the portal. "Let us never come back if we can avoid it, eh?" as he looks at the wounds on the overly large Goliath and realize he caused most of them.


Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Use a charge of Healing belt on Avakuss
[roll0]

Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[Cavir]

Avakuss feel the end of Dannos' resistance, his healing, and the half giant's sensible words. The goliath keeps his grip and uses it to carry Dannos through the gate then releases him. Avakuss turns to face the gate. "Close the damned gate! Toss the key to the far side of the room, something!"

My light load currently is 1600lbs so carrying him isn't an issue. If I remember right the gate is only 10' wide which is an issue so I have to squeeze through. Hopefully there is space on the other side of the gate.
Ready an attack for the enemy coming within reach, defensively.
46/111hp
13/64PP

[kinem]

Joel does not resist going through the gate, though a strange expression comes over his face ...

The party makes it through the gate and once Adamant moves away a bit, the gate closes.

Just at that moment, Joel forms a glaive of eldritch force and swings it at Adamant!

Attack [roll0] melee touch, eldritch blast [roll1] + blindness 1 round (Fort DC 18 negates)
Attack [roll2] melee touch, eldritch blast [roll3] + blindness 1 round (Fort DC 18 negates)

Rule of Three, startled, demands "What is this insanity?" and draws his own weapons: longsword and dagger.

[Archmage1]

Adamant glances at Rule of Three as Joel flails wildly in his grasp. "Confusion."

With that, he shifts his grip, moving from simply grasping Joel to attempting to pin and muffle him.


So... in the absence of dispel, Adamant's just going to aim to keep Joel pinned, and to prevent him from casting any spells. He'll do this until Joel stops struggling for 30 seconds.

[roll0] Grapple to pin 1(Opposed by BAB + Strength)
[roll1] Grapple to pin 2(Opposed by BAB + Strength)

[Cavir]

"What do you think it is?" Avakuss barks. "It's where you sent us, remember? Stand back and we'll deal with this."

Avakuss tries to help pinning Joel, but the goliath's current size gets in the way of joining Adamant. He stands ready to take over.

Under the Multiple Grapplers section it looks like I am too big to help (max 4 opps, I count as 4). Ready action to grab if he escapes.

Two grapple attempts. No AoO due to Improved Grapple.
Touch attack: [roll0] (+9 str, +8 BAB, -2 size)
Str check: [roll1] (+9 str, +12 size, +4 Imp Grab)

Touch attack: [roll2] (+9 str, +8 BAB, -2 size)
Str check: [roll3] (+9 str, +12 size, +4 Imp Grab)

[kinem]

Adamant, with Avakuss' help, is able to pin the warlock and prevent the confused man from causing any damage. Between the two of them, they keep the warlock occupied for about a full minute and a half, untill finally, the madness passes.

Joel says "What? Uh ... sorry about that!"

Rule of Three sheaths his weapons and says "Alright then. Did you get it?"

[Cavir]

With Joel apparently back to his senses, Avakuss reverts back to his normal but still towering size. He unslings the backpack he picked up in the cavern and holds it out for Rule of Three, waiting for him to take it.

[razorback]

As Adamant and Avakuss tackle Joel and hold him down, Dannos spins back to the portal as Three dismisses it. He waits patiently while the effect subsides and Joel becomes himself.
When Avakuss throws the pack to Three, Dannos keeps himself steady, cautions of any duplicity.

[kinem]

Rule of Three takes the offered bag. He opens it up and rummages around a bit. What else might be in there? You may never know ...

He pulls out a leather pouch. Inside is a stack of cards made of calfskin parchment.

"This looks like it. It remains to be seen if this is really what the cultist thought. Do any of you wish to give it a try?"

[Cavir]

"I do not. That is why I handed the pack to you, to avoid it and assure you we have not messed with it. I would like the rest of the pack back."

[Archmage1]

After considering for a few moments, Adamant shrugs. "I'll draw one."

[razorback]

Dannos' bushy brows arch up as Adamant takes Three's offer. Taking a deep breath and shrugging his shoulders, he says "Sure..." obvious hesitation in his voice as he move forward and, with a trembling hand, reaches out to the deck.

[kinem]

Rule of Three says "If you wanted the bag, you shouldn't have given it away."

"Don't be an ass, Rule. And while I am a gambling man, we can't afford to take this risk now. What about introducing us to our guide?" Joel tells him.

Rule replies "Part of me is an ass, but any humanoid could say the same. You lot look like you can use some rest and healing, while I will get the person I spoke of to guide you. And fair's fair, so I too will draw a card. The third card that we will draw."

He holds out the deck to Adamant and then Dannos, allowing each to draw one of the smooth vellum cards.

Adamant draws a card with a Jester painted onto it.

Gain 10,000 xp immediately or draw 2 more cards. If you choose the xp, then level up effective immediately.

Dannos draws a card with golden Sun painted onto it.

Gain enough xp to gain a level and put you just short of the next. Level up effective immediately. You also notice that you seem to have a new scabbard, fashioned from cured leather and fine silver. You somehow know that this is a scabbard of keen edges.

Rule then draws a card as well. It is painted with a man wearing a turban and a fine outfit. "Very interesting!" he then declares for no apparent reason. "Let's go. See you tomorrow morning at the Oarsman?"

[Archmage1]

Adamant feels power flow into him as the card flashes into nothingness, but otherwise, doesn't react.

[razorback]

Dannos, in a strange mixture of dread and anticipation, stands ready for anything. As the scabbard appears on his side, he feels a surge of... energy? Knowledge? Something unusual to say the least.
Looking at Joel and the others he asks "Joel? Does this work for you?"

[kinem]

Dannos' and Rules' cards have vanished; however, Adamant's Jester card remains, now a souvenir.

Joel says "We have no time to waste, but under the circumstances, it'll have to do. Rest and healing should help, if we can find a safe place."

He spends a charge from the wand to remove the negative levels from Adamant, and uses the remaining charges from his healing belt to heal himself [roll0] and Adamant [roll1]. (Assuming that Avakuss will get the healing apple.)

[Archmage1]

Adamant shrugs as his card, and only his card survives, and puts it away, into a pouch.

At Joel's words, Adamant looks around for an inn in the area.

[Cavir]

Avakuss did not know the particular cards of the deck, but knew that the range of effects covered the gamut of wonderful to disastrous. He was thankful that none of the three draws ended up poorly, at least from what he could tell. Rule of Three's rule of three worked out, this time at least.

The goliath nods in agreeing to find a place. This was not the place for the group to discuss the day's events.

[kinem]

Once Rule of Three takes his leave, Joel tells his friends "I know a place not too far, that should do. The Black Sail Tavern."

Dark foundries and smithies belch forth grey smog and caustic steam. The Black Sail stands in the shadow of the Armory, the former Doomguard headquarters, at the end of an alley between two armorworks.

Fused to the tavern is the hull of an ancient galleon. A soot-stained sail hangs above the ship's gargoyleish figurehead. Inside the ill-kept establishment, beneath a ribcage of dark rafters, is a dim common room lined with curtained alcoves.

The tavern's sordid patrons congregate at tables placed in the middle of the room, while muffled voices can be heard behind the thick curtains which enclose the alcoves. The local riff-raff pays little attention to your arrival, and a serving maid pretends to ignore you. You might have mistaken her for an elf were it not for the small black horns protruding from her copper-tinged forehead.

[razorback]

Finding a table that is further away from the groups that will handle the four of them, Dannos moves and signals that they want a drink to the barkeep.
"Well, this is about your speed, I suppose." the half-giant says to Joel as he scans the room to make sure no one is near and keeping an eye on anyone coming towards them, like the last time they met Joel in a tavern. "Alright, we did what Three wanted. Will he live up to his end of the bargain? And, where do we spend the night to rest that's safe? This place?" he asks as he looks around again, not really trusting what he sees.

[Archmage1]

As Dannos selects a table, Adamant takes a seat, silently watching Joel while he waits.

[kinem]

Joel tells the tiefling serving maid "Salja, we'll take a private alcove, please."

She leads the way to one of the curtained alcoves and opens the curtain. Inside is a table and chairs. The place is dimly lit, with a small oil lamp hanging from the ceiling.

Once the party is seated, Joel motions for the woman to close the curtain. Once she does he says "Salja, we'll want the lined room. Is it available?"

Salja replies "In trouble again, are you? I can make it available ... for twenty five jink." She winks at him.

Sighing, Joel pulls out the gold, and hands it to her. "I also want a steak and an ale."

Salja takes any other food and drink orders you place, then leaves the alcove.

Once she goes Joel tells you "It's scrying by the rakshasa that I fear, and a lead lining blocks it. This place has such a room, though as you see it's not cheap if you ask specifically for that room. It should protect us, but the spellcaster will know what blocked the spell. That alone might help him narrow down our location, since there are only a few such rooms in the city, so it's certainly not a long term solution. Of course, if you don't know the dark of it, it's not that easy to find the chant on who has such rooms. We should still sleep in shifts, of course.

As for Rule of Three, I think he'll do as he said. Not that he can be trusted, but he does have a reputation as a reliable information source, known throughout the city. What I fear is more that he will leave out important information. For example, this guide of his might take us to Baator, but lead us straight into a trap there."

[Cavir]

Avakuss steps into the alcove and unsheathes his greatsword and greataxe since they don't make for comfortable sitting. He leans them against the wall next to his chair in easy reach. As for actually sitting it's done gently since he still has a number of puncture and slash wounds.

"Yes well you might have given us a bit more warning of his ways. Who knows what might have been in that pack. Sorry about that. If that's the way Rule is, then if this is a trap and we escape he'll need to ensure we never show up again to sow doubt on his reputation. We need to make better terms with him to protect ourselves."

"Two other things we need. First, information about Baator. What do we need to survive there? Earplugs helped for today but what about tomorrow?"

"Second, we need to be smarter before charging into the unknown. I needed time to prepare and we needed to give Dannos time to scout. We were close to not being a group of four here tonight. Speaking of which Dannos, are you going to eat that apple? If not it is looking tasty to me and will help me for tomorrow."

"Joel, we have time now. Tell us more about your trip to Baator. How you got there, the path, what you faced. The rakshasa would have to follow us through the gate to come after us or to alert others there right? We could use that to our advantage. Lay our own trap if it's needed. Better to fight them outside the cage."

[Archmage1]

Following to the private room, Adamant sits and listens as Joel and Avakuss talk, and Joel expresses his worry about scrying. "I'm sure there's a spell to block scrying; If we could find it, I can cast it. If not, I can try detecting scrying before we discuss anything sensitive."

[kinem]

Joel replies "I mentioned that Three's a fiend, right? Not a bad one as far as they go, but that's not very far.

Now tieflings, are a bit more promising. Salja's from Ribcage, you know." He trails off there, and knowing him, it's likely that there's a bit of personal history there that he just decided he'd rather not get into.

He continues "Anyway, Baator. We took a gate from Sigil, of which there are many in the Lower Ward, if you know where to find them. The spellslinger then teleported us; he'd been there before, just not with proper companions for exploring it. So I know what the place looks like, Mount Tannaj, but not how to get there.

I'm pretty sure it's on Avernus though, which is the top layer of Baator, if you will. A vast desert, dotted with volcanos, and sometimes fireballs just appear in the air. That's what Avernus is known for, and that's how the place looked. It's the easiest layer to get to, resulting in Blood War battlefields, but the place we're going to is too isolated for that.

Dangers: Fire from the environment, but we can probably just steer clear of that. Fiends are a bigger worry, and Avernus has all kinds. Mainly Baatezu of course, but others come for war or trade.

When I was there, we didn't meet any fiends, besides the three that brought me of course. The prison is built into the side of a hill next to the volcano. There's a tunnel that leads into it, carved out by what I don't know. Deeper inside, a large room with glyphs with standard warnings for a treasure hunter, doom and gloom and so on. That just means that something valuable or important is there, which I expected.

The seal itself is on the floor of that room and ringed with glyphs. That's what I need to work on. I saw archways to other large rooms, but didn't explore those. As I said, I heard something big coming and took off.

Adamant, if you could block scrying, that'd be great. I'm no expert on that.

Avakuss, what do you mean by lay our own trap?"

[Cavir]

"By trap I meant ambush on the other side of the gate. Better to fight them on our terms. Not an option if there are multiple gates. They could use another gate and teleport ahead of us. Be nice if we could teleport too. A scroll or two? I can make myself resistant to fire when needed."

[razorback]

As Dannos reaches in his pack and takes out the fruit before handing it to Avakuss, he says "Yes, a bit of forethought and stealth will keep us healthy and whole, I imagine. While I can turn invisible, it is by no means impenetrable. I imagine some denizens of Avernus will see through it, so I need to use both magical and mundane talents. Maybe best if we move in steps, though the realm of Pandemonium was hostile from the beginning, but that was not wholly unexpected, it may not prove to be the same on Baator. Just everything try to kill us and swallow our souls. Need to pace ourselves as best we can, but be as quick as we can... seem incongruous, but that is what we need to do. Too fast, and we risk being spotted and overrun. Too slow, and we risk running out of resources... and being overrun."

[Cavir]

Avakuss nods in agreement and in thanks. "I mean be wise about it. Be aware of when a pause would be the smart thing to do. Just before entering the cave would have been good, even just briefly." He eats the apple. His wounds go away, leaving a smile on the goliath's face. "Who still needs some healing? I still have a gem left on my healing belt and don't want it to go to waste.

Healing: [roll0]

[Archmage1]

Adamant shakes his head, slowly. "If we can trap them, great. But if they're only interested in the prison, we'd need to find them to trap them. That said, I can cast teleport, provided we have a destination."
He pauses for a moment, clearly thinking something through, before he speaks again. "Do they have any other enemies? Someone with an interest in keeping the prisoner imprisoned?"

[razorback]

Dannos nods at Adamant's question. "Yeah... someone put that thing in the prison in the first place, right?"

[kinem]

Joel hesitates. "Like I mentioned before, I felt some kind of connection when I was there.

I think the Baatezu built the prison. This guy was known as the 'Mad Rajah' and maybe they saw him as too chaotic, my guess. Whether they still care to keep in in there, now that much has changed, I don't know. Maybe they could have killed him, but planned to let him out someday? Asking them for help seems like a risk, and probably they would take time we don't have to decide what to do.

The celestials might want to help, but if they send forces to Baator, they'd be risking war.

Also ... like I said, knowing about this guy is dangerous. From what I got, the more you know about him, the more he knows about you. If ... well, if he gets out, he'll know exactly who tried to stop it. Sorry.

Well, if we need gear, maybe I could sell my mace for a thousand or so. I hate to, but it's mostly for show anyway."

[razorback]

Dannos hems and haws to himself for a few moments before shaking his head. Irritation is plainly evident on his face when Joel mentions just knowing this Mad Rajah means he knows about him.
"Maybe keep it for now? Besides what we already spoke about, I'm unsure what other gear we might need. Holy or demon-slayin weapons might be great, but stealthy, in and out before the demons knows we were even there, has a much better chance for us."


Knowledge:The Planes to see if he has heard of the Mad Rajah
[roll0]

And/or Cloistered Cleric Lore
[roll1]

[Archmage1]

Adamant frowns thoughtfully once more, as Joel's description of the prison sparks an idea. His words come slowly, and thoughtfully as he explains. "Joel, how well could you provide an image of the place? I might be able to teleport us there, and cut back on the travel time."

[Cavir]

"I agree with getting in out before we're found. Asking for help from the locals there will just make for more trouble. We have a guide. If the guide double crosses us later we'll need to save a teleport to get back to the gate, as well as have the gate key. Joel should keep his weapon just in case. The greataxe here was for show. Adamant- I was going to wait until we got to the room, would you ID the axe please? Unless it's exceptional we can sell it and use it any scrolls."

"It may be too late, but Joel at least should hide his identity when we are out and about just in case."

"Speaking of double cross, what was it exactly Rule said? A guide to get us there... but to where? Just to Baator or all the way to the prison and back?" Avakuss shakes his head in disappointment with himself.

[Archmage1]

Adamant nods, and takes the proffered axe, and places it on the table in front of him, before pulling out an eyepiece, and placing it there as well. Then, in his pink fluffy robes, he chants briefly, before starting to peer at the axe through the monocle.


Using his Aritificer's Monocle to identify.

[kinem]

Joel says "I don't think I could draw it that well. If I could use a scroll, maybe I could visualize it well enough. There could be other places in Baator that look similar, since volcanoes are common there, so teleport without enough of a picture is a risk."

As Adamant scrutinizes the axe from the skeleton, he realizes that it is simply a masterwork cold iron greataxe with no magical enchantments.

[Archmage1]

As Adamant looks up from the greataxe, the monocle and robes are abruptly replaced by armor once more as he shakes his head. "Not magical. Disguise Joel, scroll shopping, and resting. I'll prepare a teleport."

[Cavir]

Avakuss looks at the non-magical cold-iron greataxe. "It could prove useful against the right kind of enemy, but if you need to sell it then take it. After we eat I'll hang with Joel in the room and you two can shop. No need to expose him more than needed."

[razorback]

Dannos nods in agreement with the plan as he thinks about how to prepare for tomorrow. "What is the best place to hock this, Joel? Don't want to get bobbed like some berk." Once they are done with their meal and have direction, while Avakuss and Joel secure a room, he pats Adamant on the shoulder and says "Come'n, lets get on with it.
Sooner we go, sooner we're back to this kip 'fore I fall asleep in my sodding boot." As the leave, he navigates his way to the merchant Joel recommends, though he keeps a wary eye for anyone trailing them.


Not sure what, if any effects are still in place.

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Spot check
[roll0] + the following if in effect - +5 Raptor's Sight and +4 Tojanida Sight

Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.
Tremorsense (40 minutes) - You can automatically pinpoint the location of any object or creature within 30 feet that is in contact with the ground.
Tojanida Sight (40 minutes) - You gain all-around vision, allowing you to see in any direction. You gain a +4 bonus on Spot and Search checks, and you cannot be flanked for the duration of the spell.
Camouflage (40 minutes) - This effect grants you a +10 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

[kinem]

Joel tells you "Perhaps we should consider the Golden Bell pawnshop. They will buy just about anything. Quite a variety is for sale there, but here's the thing: Most items are cheaper there than elsewhere, but sometimes are not reliable, flawed, or cursed. I mean, it's a risk, but all the same, you can just buy more stuff there than elsewhere if you're low on jink - and we are.

Another option is the Friendly Fiend. It's a magic shop, yes run by a fiend, but with an impeccable reputation. Not tricky like Rule of Three. Just about any magic item can be found there, at standard prices."

He gives directions to both of these locations within the Lower Ward.

[razorback]

Dannos nods at Joel before looking at Adamant. "After earlier, you still feeling lucky today? I say lets give the Golden Bell a shot."
When Adamant answers, he nods and agrees, then the pair make their way down. Once there, he looks around to see who is running the shop.

[Archmage1]

Adamant shrugs, and follows, taking a look around at what was available in the Golden Bell.

[kinem]

Though the streets are dim and the air acrid with smog, the walk to the Golden Bell is without incident, though the shop is near the Temple of the Abyss.

Just inside, an enormous minotaur greets Dannos and Adamant as they enter. His cloven hooves are shod in spiked iron, he wears a chain shirt, and he bears a large steel shield and a heavy mace.

"Welcome, new customers! If we don't have it, you don't need it. If we won't buy it, no one will. All sales are final" he declares.

Behind the counter are a male human and a half-fiend woman.

There are a variety of goods on display in bins throughout the store, and more in racks behind the counter.

The woman says "Hello. What are you interested in?"

[Archmage1]

Taking in the decor, and the more demonic nature of the store as he enters, Adamant's attention is drawn to the woman as she speaks, and he replies. "Nondetection. Either an arcane scroll, or a spellbook to copy from."

[kinem]

"Hmm ... Nondetection ... Do you think we have that, Pincher?" she asks the man, who replies "Mezzurs' collection, I think, dear Marisha."

She rummages among the shelves and pulls out a scroll, then tells you "Ah yes, Mezzurs'. We got quite a number of scrolls from that.

It's a scroll with the nondetection spell, just like you wanted. The thing is, all of these scrolls bear an explosive runes effect. You must dispel the runes before attempting to read it, or it will ruin the scroll, among other things. A failed attempt to dispel will not go well.

A scroll with this spell would normally go for four hundred and twenty five jink, yes? Under the circumstances, I'll let you have this one for two hundred and twenty five."

[Archmage1]

Adamant frowns, clearly not liking the offering. "How powerful are the runes?"

[kinem]

Marisha replies "If you stand back from the scroll at least ten feet, you should be fine if the dispel attempt fails. Is that what you mean? If you just read them, well a tough guy like you would probably survive the blast up close, but many folks would not."

[Archmage1]

Adamant shakes his head as she doesn't answer his question. "No, how hard to dispel."

[kinem]

She looks at Pincher, who shrugs.

She tells you ”I really couldn’t say. It can be done, but it might backfire. I’m not an expert on the subject.”

[Archmage1]

Adamant sighs, before trying another approach. "Where did the scrolls come from?"

[razorback]

Dannos nods as Adamant grills the fiend.



Knowledge ? to figure out who Mezzurs is.
[roll0] Local:Sigil or The Planes, whichever is more appropriate.

[kinem]

Marisha replies "Mezzurs was an old human wizard, Athar I think. He must have felt prepared for anything with all those scrolls. In his old age he grew barmy and paranoid, distrusting even his own apprentice. That's why he put the runes on the scrolls. One day, she found him dead in his bed. She didn't know what else to do with the scrolls, but here at the Golden Bell, we know that one can find value in imperfect items."

The name rings a bell and Marisha's story seems true as far as it goes, but you don't remember hearing much about the man.

[Archmage1]

Adamant frowns. "So, old master wizard, paranoid... I think that's a sign that we're not going to be able to dispel the scrolls safely. There is value in such things, but without a way to scribe the scroll..." He shakes his head, before changing tacks. "What do you have in the way of renewable healing resources?"

[kinem]

Seeing herself about to lose a sale, Marisha says "Perhaps. How about if I throw in a second scroll? I have one with an erase spell, that may help. Of course, it has runes, too.

Healing? Well, I have a healing belt for sale, always a popular item. It's owner was very eager to sell for some reason, so we got it cheap. I'll let you have it for five hundred jink."

[Archmage1]

Adamant's frown remain as he thinks things through. "Thing is, our dispeller isn't that great at dispelling. 2 chances for failure, and we don't have the funds to solve our problem if both dispels fail. How about this: We trade this axe." Adamant produces the masterwork cold iron greataxe, and lays it on the counter. "For both of the scrolls. You get an item that's worth more than you're offering to charge, and we have the chance to approach our problem in another direction if it turns out that we can't dispel the runes. We may return for the belt in the future, once our funds replenish themselves."

[kinem]

Marisha and Pincher inspect the axe.

Pincher says "Cold iron, and well made, but not magical, is it? It's not, if you'll trade it for the scrolls. We do need to make a profit margin."

Marisha says "But we already have a likely buyer. That half-orc who was in earlier was looking for just such an item, and he said he'd check back in."

Pincher says "Very well. Sir, you have a deal. I'm sure that this fine axe of yours will help that guy defeat any enemies he may have."

Marisha finds the second scroll and places it on the counter.

[Archmage1]

Leaving the axe, Adamant takes the scrolls.

[razorback]

As they walk out the door minus an axe but Adamant carrying a couple of scrolls. Slapping him on the shoulder, he gives him a nod. "Good negotiating. Didn't figure you'd have a silver tongue, but you proved me wrong." he says with a grin. As is his habit, he surreptitiously scans his surrounding as they go, watching for any who are marking their progress or tailing them on their way back to The Black Sail.

[Archmage1]

Adamant nods, but seems somewhat distracted as he walks. "Think you can keep an eye on the place? The Half Orc who murdered Joel? From the sounds of it, he's planning on coming back here, soon. Can you follow him, find his home? Might be worth having a little chat with him."

[razorback]

Pursing his lips together and giving a nod, Dannos says "Yeah, sounds good. Lot of good spots around to blend in... trail him back to wherever he's staying, get the rest of you so we can layout the red carpet for him and... have a nice conversation over a cup of tea, eh?" he says with a laugh as he breaks off from Adamant, looking for a place that he can observe Golden Bell while making it hard to be observed in return.

[Archmage1]

Adamant nods, and continues on his journey back to the Black Sail, to tell Joel and Avakuss the news.

[kinem]

Dannos sees that the roof of a nearby building should serve his purpose. Though he has to dodge razorvine and bird poop, he manages to climb into position for a stakeout.

OOC: razorback: Roll a Hide check

Though the light in Sigil is getting dimmer as the hours march towards antipeak, he observes some customers entering and leaving the Golden Bell: a vrock, a pair of dwarves, and three humans. However, by the time the minotaur locks the door and leaves for the night, the half-orc he is looking for does not make an appearance.

OOC: Will Dannos stay there overnight and continue his stakeout the next day?

Meanwhile, Adamant makes it back to the Black Sails without incident. Along the way, he notices some dabus cleaning blood off of the street.

[Archmage1]

Noting the blood, Adamant keeps on walking inside the Black Sails, looking for Joel and Avakuss.

[razorback]

Keeping to dark crevices between buildings, the half-giant is a shadow among shadows as he keeps an eye on the entrance.


Not sure what, if any effects are still in place.
Also, I think the plan is to get going the next, so Dannos will stay until midnight or the Golden Bell closes before going back to the others.

Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18

Hide
[roll0] +40 invisibility if effective

Spot check
[roll1] +5 Raptor's Sight if still in effect

Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[kinem]

With the departure of the minotaur bouncer, the Golden Bell has closed for the evening; Pincher and Marisha probably sleep in a loft above the shop.

Seeing this, Dannos leaves his perch and makes his way back to the Black Sails, where Joel, Avakuss, and Adamant are already in the rented room. There are two beds and a cot; not a problem if one person will be on watch at any given time.

[Archmage1]

Having reached the Black Sails, Adamant briefly explains what happened at the Golden Bell, as well as expressing the need for dispels.

[razorback]

Waiting for a short time after the minotaur leaves to make sure no backdoor business is going on, Dannos turns invisible before he makes his way back to the group, keeping an eye on his trail.
Once back, he explains ... no one or nothing else I saw matches that half-orc we were looking for." with a bit of disgust. Checking to see if the door is secure, he puts his feet up. "Its late and I'm already up from my walk if the rest of you want to rest. I'll wake whoever in a couple of hours."



Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18


Spot check
[roll0]+5 Raptor's Sight if still in effect

Effects~
Diamondskin DR2/Adamantine (1 hours?) [20]: 2
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Nemesis(BE 44) (Arcanists) : Detect presence of favored enemies.
Raptor's Sight (4 hours)- You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spot checks. If you have 5 or more ranks in Spot, you take only half the normal range increment penalty for ranged attacks (-1 per range increment instead of -2).
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[Cavir]

Adamant's exposition had Avakuss' blood itching for a fight at first. "If he had seen me with the axe and started the fight that would have our chance to take him down. But... if he got away he'd be on to us. I suppose this option might be best. If the half-orc doesn't show until after we meet our guide tomorrow we're out of luck and he learns about us from the merchant. Knowing what scroll we got could help them." What was done was done.

The goliath was glad of Dannos' return even if it was without good news. He renews his psionic armor for the night and asks Joel to give more detail on that trip of his now that the group would be going in the morning. He takes the last shift of the night.

[kinem]

The heavy wooden door (which upon close examination contains a layer of lead) seems secure. Though the lock could no doubt be picked by a skilled rogue, there's a bolt as well. Of course, the door could be broken through by a determined attacker. There's a window to the room, but heavy shutters close to create a sealed and hopefully scry-proof room.

The night passes without incident.

Joel says "If we have a lead on the guy who killed me, it'd be a shame to waste it. Even if he's not involved with the rakshasas, I'd like to get him back. Maybe we could hire someone to stake out the shop. Though, we are still short of jink.

As for the dispel magic attempts, I could give it a try, or would one of you feel like you have a better shot?"

[Archmage1]

As Dannos returns, Adamant shakes his head in disappointment. "That's fairly inconvenient, but perhaps in the morning." With that, he returns to resting, being awoken to take his shift.

In the morning, Adamant shrugs at Joel's offer to dispel. "I don't have a copy of dispel to cast either. But we should hold off, until we've visited the Golden Bell this morning. I'd bet the half-orc'll be visiting in the morning."

[razorback]

"Do we have time to stake out this merchant? If it is the same one and he is going to come back, I can wait for him, track him back to his abode and we can come back later to ask him questions in a less than gentle way. Unless we decide we need to get moving."

[kinem]

Joel says "We don't have time to spend on a stakeout. However ... the rakshasas are probably on a tight schedule too. If they know the job wasn't finished on me, they'll want to head us off or beat us there. I think they would want to be there when their Raja breaks free, as well, to offer him their allegiance.

Which leads me to think that if the axe guy is working with them, he may indeed want to stop by the store in the morning, because like us they could soon be heading to Baator. So we might catch him ..."

OOC: Where will you go first: The Golden Bell, or the Styx Oarsman?

[Archmage1]

Looking back and forth, Adamant nods. "Then let's visit the Golden Bell. See if the orc's been there. And hope to encounter him. Dannos, it might be best if you lead, quietly."

[Cavir]

"We don't know if they know Joel is back but yes it is safer to assume so. Shouldn't we keep him out of sight just in case? I don't exactly blend in a crowd, so tell me where you want me."

[Archmage1]

Adamant nods. "Dannos, as the one who can avoid notice, leads, while the rest of us follow far enough back to not be seen."

[razorback]

"Agreed. Give me a 5 minute lead before following. I'll scout ahead and watch. Once you guys get to the Golden Bell, we can all enter if I haven't spied him yet."


Dannos
HP - 99 Current 64
AC - 20 Current 20/T13/FF18
The night before rest he uses the rest of his charges on his belt to heal.
[roll0] and [roll1]

If no one object to his plan, he moves out, turning invisible as he leaves the Black Sails.

Hide
[roll2] +20 for invisibility

Spot
[roll3]

Listen
[roll4]


Effects~
Swift and Silent(Feat) : No Penalty on Hide and Move Silently checks when you move at your normal speed.
Invisibility : At-will; If you are invisible, you gain a +40 bonus on Hide checks if you are immobile, or a +20 bonus on Hide checks if you’re moving.
Primal Speed (24 hours) - You gain a +5 resistance bonus on Reflex saves and a +10-foot enhancement bonus to all your speeds.

[kinem]

Putting the matter of the scrolls on the back burner for now, the party heads to the Golden Bell, with Dannos scouting ahead. With the local light level rapidly rising this 'morning' in Sigil, you try to make it over there quickly.

As the half-giant makes his way under cover of invisibility, he passes a variety of pedestrians, many of them already grimy from the soot that settles over the Lower Ward.

When he catches sight of the Golden Bell, he can hardly believe his luck, as he sees a figure in familiar plate armor enter the shop - and leave a skeleton clad in studded leather armor stationed outside! At least that is a step down from the chain shirt that the prior skeleton had worn ...

[razorback]

Continuing to keep to the shadows, Dannos prepares to follow the half-orc if he leaves before the rest of the group catches up to him.