Heroes into Hell

[....]

A week has passed since the end of the siege of Ab'Esra. The land is burned and black, covered with corpses; some of which have been laying out for nearly two weeks.

Clerics and relatives pick through the remians, trying to find missing loved ones, to identify the hundereds, maybe thousands who died facing the great evil that attacked.

The whole area is dotted with camps of war. They range from small camps of a few tents, to several massive war-camps of elves, humans, orcs, and other, stranger things. Discipline is starting to break down as the soldiers begin to look at their comrades with old distrust. Continuing raids by surviving Beastlings does little to help keep the tenuous peace, as every group is certain they have done their part and shouldn't be called upon to defend the others.

Behind the walls of Ab'Esra, the leaders of the diverse and conflicting factions argue about what to do, how to proceed, and other pointless things.

You are camped in the field with your own army, be it a mercenary band, fellow countrymen or members of the same species. As a dirty rain begins to fall from the gloaming sky, a man who once may have been a herald but is now dirty and tired, approaches, asking about you. Once he finds you he presents you a letter of request from Akeon Wilrith, one of the Seven Lords of Ab'Esra, for your immediate presence at the Spire of Ab'Esra. The herald waits to escort you.

OOC: I know its sort of cheap to give everyone the same basic starting scenario, but I wanted to leave it rough so you can introduce your characters yourself.

[Neftren]

Gryfe Baghr

Gryfe OOC Crunch:Okay, since we don't have an OOC thread up yet, I'll go ahead and take Maroon for my PC's thoughts, speech and dialogue.

Here's what I expect from the other party members/players in the group:
•*Proper Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
• Use of the correct Post Formatting Rules (See Spoiler)
• Appropriate Language. (No R or X rated Language. Seriously.)


Post Formatting
This last section is for general appearance of the posts to the thread. There are basically two standard formatting variants - as a GM, you should select one for your game for everyone to use. You can create your own particular variation, but be aware this can be a bit confusing for players. Players should follow this selection, even if their preference is for another style – having everyone use a different format can rapidly become confusing.

Prose Format

Prose format is the one preferred on these boards, and 3rd person POV and past tense are preferred.

Script Format

Script format is called that because it looks a little like a TV show or play script, but doesn’t follow those conventions exactly. It’s generally in present tense, third person perspective.

General
Post formatting can be found in the Guide to Message Board Codes (NOTE: this thread is currently being updated to take into account the switch to vBulletin software). When picking a color, pick one different from the other players and stick to that specific color. If the GM reserves a color for her posts, don't use that one. You can use red for character speech, though it is preferred you do not - normally, red text is reserved for Mod posts, at least in theory.

Proper grammar and spelling (barring unusual speech patterns or accents as part of a character's defining traits) are a must, since confusion resulting from a run-on sentence could lead to mistakes, possibly even character death. Running a post through a spelling and grammar checker before posting is a good idea.

Combat, Saves, Checks
It's always a good idea to include the relevant statistics for any sort of skill check you're making in the OOC section. For example, in combat listing AC, attack bonuses, weapon damage, and current HP is a good idea. If you cast a spell, list caster level, save DC, etc. When making a skill check, list the relevant bonuses (for example, “Survival +6, +8 aboveground, +8 when tracking goblins, +10 when tracking goblins aboveground”). The GM does have access to the character sheets, but its good form to give quick reference information when possible.

Party OOC Crunch:Submitted Characters:Character Name:|Character Class(es):|Player Name:
Sonny the Nine Lives (http://www.shonuffstudios.com/gothmoor/profiler/view.php?id=117)|Cleric|dyslexicfaser
Nick Ittoger (http://www.thetangledweb.net/addon.php?addon=Profiler&page=view_char&cid=4696)|Bard|Quxelopqr
Gryfe Baghr (http://www.shonuffstudios.com/gothmoor/profiler/view.php?id=119)|Rogue/Scout|Neftren
Connor Lightwing (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=30605)|Monk|Cyrus112
Melanthum (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=31842)|Wizard/Incantrix|WhiteKnight777
Korral Lathander (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=1968)|Warblade|Dorizzit
Needs a Name (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=31885)|Druid|Zimmia
Feng al'Thok (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=31875)|Barbarian/Frienzied Berserker|Tyrolin


To dyslexicfaser and WhiteKnight777, please post your character sheet links to make it a lot easier on the rest of us to see what you have. To Zimmia, please finish and submit your sheet, hopefully before I go to bed. Now for a name to call that Druid of yours.

Gryfe merely nods at the messenger, grabs his glowing Elven Courtblade and walks off, apparently unhindered by the black Blindfold obscuring his eyes. Something strange appears about him, as if the shadows conform with him, and as you look closely, his sword seems to waver and flicker in the erratic light, and it's outline appears blurry and unfocused. His very movements seem lethal, yet he appears capable of restraining himself. Gryfe Baghr is not one to be reckoned with easily. Even a normal man can see to that.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

The group with which Melanthum sat was one of the smallest scattered across the entire battlefield, and also one of the most... eccentric. Every one gathered around the multicolored campfire was come through the Sigilian portal in the city proper. some came for pay, some to fight the Beast for glory, and some just to fight, period. The group chattered along happily in half a dozen languages. At the moment, Melanthum was swapping tales with a pair of Tiefling twins, one male, the other female. They were almost exactly alike, save for a few curves here or there. Their eyes were the greatest difference. The male's were a searing, ruby red, while the girl's were the deep azure of a Celestial sky. Across the campfire a trio of the massive stone-skinned creatures called Maug sat, each one boasting the number of Beastlings it had slain with its mighty double-edged axe. A little distance away, a Githzerai warrior sat, its eyes closed and its body perfectly at rest, the karach blade in its lap pulsing slowly, like a liquid metal heartbeat.

Melanthum was chuckling at one of the tiefling's tales involving a confused Prime visiting the infamous Brothel of Slaking Intellectual Lusts, when he heard the herald approaching from behind. He took the letter from the tired, dirty young man. He read it over briefly, then nodded to the herald and stood, bidding his erstwhile companions fond farewell as he rose, following the herald back towards the Spire, where the Lords awaited.

Going for Gold

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick is sitting with a decent sized group of humans, most of whom are coming from different bands. Nick's very presence seems to keep them together and away from each other's throats. After sharing a few inspiring stories of adventure by his group of companions and playing a few tunes on a very well kept trumpet, the young man is greeted by a dusty herald. Reading the summons, he bids his crowd farewell, reminding them of their obligations to each other and the world. I hope this letter means I won't be going in there by myself. The young man picks up his cloak, checks his weapons on his person, replaces his trumpet into his backpack, and follows the herald towards the spire.

If no one cares, I'll take blue for my color.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

The goblin warriors clustered around their fire drew back as the herald approached. "I have a message from one of the Lords of Ab'Esra; I'm to escort your leader there."

A goblin detached from the crowd and strode forward towards the herald. He moved with an un-goblin-like confidence, looking up at the much taller human fearlessly. You have message for Sonny?" The goblin leader managed to be even dirtier than the herald, if that were possible; his already dark skin was stained yet darker with dirt and other substances, and his armor was scuffed and unpolished. Ony his eyes seemed bright and new, gleaming gold.

"Take Sonny to Human Lord," he commanded the bemused herald. He went on, Goblin aid not come cheap!" ignoring the fact that no one had asked for their aid, and that the goblins had shown up unannounced and, by and large, unwanted.

[Dorizzit]

Korral is actually at the side of King Kromadier when he is called. The hobgoblin has a large, well made steel shield with a stylized vortex pattern on its surface resting on the ground, and has a simple but masterfully made Bastard Sword on his back. Out of place amongst these items is his delicately made Elven chainmail, which glitters brightly even in the rain. He is well muscled and tough, but moves with the grace and precision of a dancer. His face shows no emotion whatsoever. He seems totally out of place amongst his elven companions, and yet he also seems to fit in. His every action radiates control and discipline. He is exactly the kind of person that you could see claiming to have killed a man with his thumb...and actually getting you to believe it. When the Herald has come for him, he says: "No, I cannot go. My duty is here." One of his companions, apparently of higher rank, draws him back for a few seconds. They have a quick, heated discussion, before Korral turns back, his face still giving no clues to his thoughts, and wordlessly nods and follows the Herald.

[Tyrolin]

Feng is sitting on the ground, crafting another of his dolls when the messanger arrives.
"What you want?" he asks. The messanger explains and asks Feng to follow him. "You wait 'til doll done. Then Feng come, human"
He spends another few minutes finishing the doll, then places it on his belt. He hefts his gigantic greatsword and pushes the messanger forward "We go. Not have all day."

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

On the very far edge of the battlefield, Mimosa sat with two other druids and a ranger and the four animals. Their fire was very small and they were wrapped in blankets sharing amusing stories. As the herald approaches the group erupts into fits of what can only be called the giggles and Mimosa is flushing a rosy red. Wiping her eyes of the tears of mirth she is somewhat taken aback when the herald hands her the letter. She skims then reads it and then wobbles her head back and forth. "The world sure moves in mysterious ways," she said with a smile as she gathered her things and bids her companions goodbye. Pulling her cloak around her for warmth she climbs on her animal companion and she and the great leopard follow the herald. 'This might be interesting,' she thought.

[Cyrus112]

((Guess I'll go with green))

Connor is sitting by his lonesome by a cooking fire on top of a newly slain beastling. His pipe is between his teeth as he surveys the chaotic scene before him, lost in his thoughts.

"Heironneous, be with us in this dire hour. Be with those just souls that have fallen today. Give me the strength to vanquish the evils that have befallen this realm. Help me to restore order."

"What is it you want, herald?" he asks without even turning around. The herald gives him the message. Connor nods and stands, fanning his wings out as wide as they will go. He douses the fire and puts his cooking utensils and left over food in his bag. His wings fold around him like a cloak, and if one weren't paying attention, one may mistake it for a cloak. He silently turns around and nods at the herald to lead the way. He follows, still smoking his pipe.

[....]

The Spire of Ab'Esra is aptly named. It soars nearly three hundered feet into the air, a narrowing spike of black stone built years before the metropolis sprung up around it.

You are led through the streets of Ab'Esra, choked with refugees from all over the Known World. Women, children, and old men for the most part. The few young men you see are all horribly disfigured or maimed by combat with the Horror and it's Beastlings.

The hearld takes you past the guards of the Spire and into a large waiting room. Here you are left with seven other people. Before you have a chance to do more than glance at your fellow waiters, however, an ornate door opposite the one you entered through opens up.

An elf, quite tall for his race, strides into the room. He is armed with two exquisite longswords strapped to his back, all but the least magically inclined clearly feeling their power. His face is creased by a long and wicked scar running down from his hairline and across one eye to his chin and further down his throat. The eye on that side is gone, an empty socket stares blankly at you. You all recognize him as Akeon Wilrith, one of the Seven Lords, and the only one to have once been an adventurer.

He looks you all over apprasingly, nodding, then says, "Good. You've all come as desired. Sorry about the suddeness of the request, but time is short. I'll be brief.

"We didn't defeat the Beast. We simply trapped it. I realize there are all sorts of rumours about what happened two days ago, I've heard everything from divine lightning to tarrasque summoning. Let me be plain, with the aid of Emperor Kromadier and the finest mages in the Known World, we trapped the Beast is what is essentially a pocket dimention. Think of a bag of holding, only much, much larger.

Akeon motions for you to follow, and walks through the ornate doors, speaking as he walks, "This solution is... temporary at best. Already our allies from Sigil claim they can feel the very fabric of the Material plane bending and rippling as whatever that damn thing is tries to tear its way free."

He leads you down a long, upward spiraling walkway. It ends in a set of doors twenty feet high and carved of what looks like white granite. Two Imperial Guards flank it. Akeon nods to them and they push the doors open.

"The spellslingers suspect the only thing keeping the Beast in its prison for now is my old friend, and the Emperor of Whist, Kromadier."

He motions ahead of him. Sitting in the throne of this huge chamber is a smaller elf. He wears a robe clearly designed for battle. His long brown hair is shot with silver streaks that glow faintly. His eyes are open, but rather than showing an iris and pupil, they show only small suns of bright white light. His face is fixed. If it weren't for the slow rise and fall of his chest, he'd look like a statue.

Akeon pauses a moment, looking at the figure on the throne, then sighs and turns to face you all.

"He's been like this since the spell. We brought him here and told the other Lords that he was meditating on how to restore his Empire to the south. I don't know how long he can keep up his battle of wills, nor how long our ruse will hold. Even if he can keep the Beast at bay, its only a matter of time before one of the wizards blabs about it to someone, and with things as they are the word will spread like wildfire... and then who knows what could happen."

Akeon takes a final glance at the Emperor, and then leads you back outside the throne room.

"I show you this because I need you all to know how serious this situation is. All of you have proven yourselves in battle against the Beast. Your commanders and comrades all recomended you as the greatest fighters they could find. What I ask of you know is simple. We need you all to find a way to kill, or at least imprison this Beast. And find out who or what was responsible for its entrance into this plane."

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum nodded slowly, looking at the Emperor as he lay struggling to keep whatever that... thing was trapped. Dressed all in dark colors, Melanthum took off his wide-brimmed leather hat as he entered the Emperor's presence.

Indeed... I've felt the bloody thing tearing at the walls e'er since the Emperor here and his mages Mazed it. Whatever that thing was, it's not like anything I've heard tell of before. Lot of strange things accross the planes, though, so that's not particularly surprising. Damn thing was a right Athar at the Spire, though, and unless you can get the Lady to give you some pointers, I doubt it will hold for too much longer. That bit, though, you seem to already know.

His tone when he speaks of the Lady is respectful, almost reverent, a rare thing indeed for Melanthum, and his voice indicates that the idea of the Lady helping is intended in the same way that one might say a talking magical pig would suddenly appear and banish the Beast with its awesome porcine powers. Actually, Melanthum's tone seems to indicate that that might be a good deal more likely. After a moment, he continued.

So, do you have the chant on where we might start looking? I don't fancy jumping out the window into the Beast's prison to try to stop it or Styx it without knowing what we're going up against. If you've got no better leads than we, I'd suggest a jaunt into the Cage, see if we can't track down a Graybeard who can tell us a little more about the thing. And we might be able to pick up the dark on who unchained the damn thing on us in the first place... My first guess'd be Fiends, but you never know, and pointing the finger at the fellows from Below is always a bit obvious in these sorts of situations - though it's obvious because it's so often true.

[Tyrolin]

Feng grunts, "He keep thing there? You want us kill thing? Is good. I go. Thing killed mother."
He drops into a low rumble, so that no one can make out what he's saying, though it sounds painful, at best.

A moment later he says "Hurry. Is best go now. He not look good."

[Dorizzit]

Korral walks from the side of the throne to stand with the rest of the group, the cat-like grace in his steps apparent to even the least gifted in such things, his fist clenched at his side when he looks at Kromadier. He leans against a wall, although his controlled posture relaxes only slightly. He addresses his single, direct question to Akeon: "Do you have any knowledge of where we should begin?"

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick listens patiently to all the explanations, then speaks up. "I feel it a little as well. I hope he can last long enough for us to finish this creature off." He scratches as his slight beard, then, looking to his new group, he asks "Does anyone know any form of magic that can ask the Gods about it? I've heard of powerful mages and clerics divining information that mortals would never understand." Nick's gaze wanders to each of the people in the room, but it always seems to end on the elf on the throne.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Mimosa has a hard time ripping her gaze from the elf. She could see in her head what his struggle must be, feeling just a glimpse of that struggle within her as well. "Lets get whatever information we quickly can then begin. Dealing with the Beast can happen none too soon."

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum shrugs at Nick's suggestion.

I could cast such a spell, if provided with a scroll... I'd guess these fine gentlemen have already seen fit to do so, though. Still, as I said, I'm always one for a grand ride, but I'm in no hurry to throw myself down the beast's gullet and accomplish nothing, either.

[Tyrolin]

Feng listens closely, though he misses most of the words. He still says his mind, though "Gods know much. Ask them. Cannot hurt, if done quickly."

He moves his massive bulk closer to the king, shocking everyone when he reaches out and touches him. "Lay him down. He not get better soon, and he still not look good"

[Neftren]

Nick

Nick listens patiently to all the explanations, then speaks up. "I feel it a little as well. I hope he can last long enough for us to finish this creature off." He scratches as his slight beard, then, looking to his new group, he asks "Does anyone know any form of magic that can ask the Gods about it? I've heard of powerful mages and clerics divining information that mortals would never understand." Nick's gaze wanders to each of the people in the room, but it always seems to end on the elf on the throne.

Gryfe

Gryfe turns towards Nick and adresses him "Divination would be a possibility. Consulting a Cleric to contact the gods would possibly work, although we have no idea which god here would be the best."

He turns towards the throne and the Emperor.
"Does he have any information that he left us before... he went comatose? Perhaps we should try and find out what plane this beast is from first. Then we can go about contacting the appropriate god."

Gryfe slowly approaches the throne. He examines the Emperor closely, as if there were all the time in the world. "He is not well. He is stalling the creature, but it is winning, ever so slowly... at least that is what I can see from this mortal perspective. I may be of smoke and shadow, but even the thin line he treads here may destroy him."

[....]

Feng cannot get closer than ten feet to the Emperor. His hand hits an invisible barrier.

"Sorry Feng," Akeon says, "we had the mages put up a few Walls of Force. We don't know what will happen if someone kills or harms, or hell, even distracts Kromadier right now, so we're keeping everyone well away."

Turning to the others, Akeon says, "We have asked the gods, but so far we haven't gotten any decent answers. The clerics think it might have something to do with this strange weather, that its weakening their connection... A few of us have another idea... that the gods don't know quite what this Beast is, and are just afraid to admit it."

Akeon shakes his head, "But we have a lead... of sorts. Someone contacted us and asked for representitives to meet them in Sigil. They wouldn't say where, for fear of retaliation. They said that they'd make themselves known to our representitives.

"Now, normally I'd go with a division of my rangers, and the whole of the Imperial Army, maybe a couple hundered wizards just to be sure... but the spellslingers are worried about the stability of our portal to Sigil. They closed it soon after the last of our mercenaries came through, and its been closed all throughout the siege.

"What we want from you eight, is to go to Sigil, and make contact with this person. Find out what they know. If it is some way to finish the Beast, get that information back to us. Once we know what to do, we can work from there."

Akeon motions again, and starts to lead you all back to the lobby of the Spire.

"This is not a mission to be taken lightly, but neither was facing the Beastlings in battle. If any of you do not wish to do this, I understand and won't think less of you; but if you refuse I do ask you not tell anyone of Kromadier's condition, as it could lead to outright combat rather than simple nudges. You have one hour to decide, and prepare. After that we'll be opening the portal to Sigil and sending whoever returns through. Once you're ready, meet me back here in the castle, ask for Lord Wilrith and you'll be shown to me."

Akeon finishes just as you all reach the main gate of the Spire. The guards here, humans, open the gate and nod reverently. Akeon smiles and says, "I hope to see you all back here soon."

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe bows low, arises and nods to the guards. "I am a scout and a rogue. I've learned to live on the fly, and am always ready. My meager belongings are already on me. Relics of an old friendship. Count me in. I feel it is my responsibility to track down and slay this beast. My brethren on the Plane of Shadow would approve. Count me in."

With that, he walks towards Lord Akeon and awaits the others.

[Dorizzit]

Korral moves slowly to Akeon's side, and slides cross legged to the ground, apparently unmindful of the dirt and rain. He reverently draws his blade and lays it across his lap, and all but the least observant can tell that there is great power and history contained within the blade. "You all have your decisions to make," he says softly. "But I have no need to prepare. My decision is made already."

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

"No questions here either. That thing hurt my friends and threatens the world. That's enough for me. I'm in."

Nick rises from his seat and joins the others.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum couldn't help but laugh a little at Feng's speech. Once again, he speaks the name of the Lady with profound respect.

You realize that marching an army into Sigil would likely be the last thing you ever do, aye? The Lady of Pain doesn't take kindly to that sort of thing. If She let you in at all, you'd probably all find yourselves soon flayed or Mazed, neither of which would be pretty. In any case, I don't need any time to deliberate either. I've got nothin' better to do at the moment, and a little jaunt like this sounds like just the thing. Besides, someone has to show these berks around the Cage so they don't look like a bunch of sodding ringwalkers.

He grins playfully at the last bit, throwing a wink to the others and gesturing at them.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

The dirty goblin remained silent, thinking it through. He was honestly tempted to forget the whole thing and go back to his mountains, but... But. The Terror was a danger to goblins just as much as anything else. It needed to be stopped.

Sonny sniffed and drew his ragged cloak around him like a kingly mantle. He offered generously, "Sonny go too. Goblin magic strong; help lots."

He frowned and added to the elf Lord, "And if Sonny's tribe not well when Sonny get back, Sonny kill you and do horrible things to your corpse." He was as threatening as a humanoid who didn't reach past the elf's belt could possibly be.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

"Well lessee..." Mimosa says with a half smile, not so much trying to lighten the mood as a simple expression of her personality. "Track down a hideous Beast, save the Emperor who is fighting the holding action and restore the balance that it has tried to destroy? What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

[Cyrus112]

Connor has kept quiet, observing each person in turn, seemingly judging each person on the spot. He seems to be measuring each person against a nameless ideal he holds in his head. His golden eyes seem quite piercing as he briefly fixes his gaze on each person's face.

"It is not right that all of our actions and attempts should come to naught should this Horror once again break free," he says in a firm, yet soft voice. His voice seems too quiet to carry, but it reaches everyone's ears well enough, and the tone he uses carries the conviction and confidence of someone who believes what they are saying to be absolutely true and the best course of action.

"It is a sin against the Gods and the natural order of things. Everything I own is on my person. I am ready to go when everyone else is. I will fight this Horror to its death or my own, for I will not suffer it to live."

[Cyrus112]

((OOC: I will be gone tonight and most of tomorrow and there won't be Internet access (going to meet the girlfriends family in Jersey *gulp*). So, feel free to NPC me as you see fit. Connor tends to be the quiet type anyway, hehe. Today I work until four so I'll leave a final post when I get back. I would have left one now, but there hasn't been an update yet *shrug*))

[Tyrolin]

Feng cracks his neck and says "Feng has stuff. Sword, doll, need nothing else. We go soon?", though he keeps pressing at the wall of force, seemingly amazed by it.

[....]

Akeon cracks a lopsided grin.

"I see we picked the right people for the job. Very well then, we can take you right away." He sighs, "I wish I could go with you fellows. I've almost forgotten what its like to be on the road, on a quest." His one good eye fills with longing, "but those days are over for me, someone has to stay here and keep the other Lords in line. Anyway, c'mon, no need to listen to an old elf jabber."

He takes you back into the Spire, down a different path. Deep into the dungeons of the great castle and lower still, till at last you reach a large circular room carved of black stone. Against one wall is what appears to be a large mirror of obsidian. Akeon looks at his own reflection in it.

"You know, when me and Kromadier and our other companions first came to this place, this portal was a gate to a demiplane that housed a right nasty godling. Now we use it to get trinkets from a city ruled by a giant floating head. How strange time is." He shakes his head and turns to face you all.

"Well, now we-"

Akeon is inturupted by a high, nasal voice comming from behind you all. The voice comes from a haughty looking man in red and black robes. He's the first person you've seen in the city that isn't dirty or at least worn out looking.

"Lord Wilrith! What are you doing here with this rabble? You know that this chamber is off limits!"

Akeon rubs his face, "These are the adventurers we're sending to Sigil, Skather."

Skather walks past you all and narrows his eyes, "This is the best we could get? And I thought they wouldn't be here for another hour!"

The ranger shrugs, "They seem game to go. And there's no reason not to, Kromadier may not have an hour left."

Skather sighs huffily, his already high voice rasing another octave, "Oh very well. But you should have informed me. I suppose I'll open the gate." He takes a large white stone from a pouch at his belt, it is carved with ancient draconic runes of opening and unlocking. (Knowledge: Arcane for more info) He starts to raise it up, then pauses and chuckles.

"I almost forgot," he says, and puts the stone away. From another pouch he takes a silver ring set with a small green stone. "This is a special ring I helped to create." He says, showing it to you all, "It allows the wearer to send a message of fifty words or less once per day to the bearer of this rings twin. It works across planes and all known magical barriers. Took quite a long time to create."

He stares at the ring longingly, apparently loath to pass it up, "And now I place all of that work into your... brutish hands," he eyes Sonny, Feng, and Korral especially.

"You can use the ring to give us reports on your quest," Akeon says, then, to Skather, "Now hurry it up, mage, give them the thing and open the portal. We haven't got all day."

Skather holds out the ring, waiting for someone to take it.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum holds out his hand, taking the ring, even as his eyes trace across the rune inscribed stone. He gives both of them another smile, nodding.

Aye, this should come in handy. So you say that our contact will be meetin' us once we step into Sigil, right?

[Dorizzit]

Korral betrays no emotion at being called brutish. "And if not, where will me meet him?"

[....]

Akeon shrugs, "He says Sigil. Other than that, we have no idea. His letter seemed afraid, as if someone was after him."

He looks at Skather, "Are we ready?"

The mage nods and takes the stone out again. He turns and holds it up to the portal, muttering words in a strange language under his breath.

With the flash the 'glass' of the portal ripples and then seems to cave inward, revealing a street of orangish stone bathed in bright light. The chamber is filled with strange sounds and smells as the portal opens wider, and voices speaking languages from all across the planes can be heard.

"Good luck!" Akeon says, Skather continues his chant, "Hurry through the portal. We'll have to shut it behind you out of concern for Kromadier and the Beast. Remember to send us reports and please be as quick as you can! May the gods smile on you friends, may they smile on all of us!"

With this he steps away, and the portal grows wider, air whipping through the chamber and towards the portal. He motions for you to go on.

[Dorizzit]

Korral looks at the others and hops through, looking around him.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum steps through the portal, showing absolutely no hesitation. After all, this is just another day for him. He smiles to himself at the thought of walking the streets of Sigil again, as he feels the portal pick him up and sweep him away.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

With her leopard beside her, Mimosa and Laille jump through the portal. "Don't worry we won't...." she says as her words trail off.

[Cyrus112]

Connor happily steps through the portal. It has been too long since he has been to Sigil.

I wonder if any of the old hats are still around. I could use a good grappling match. And some time to meditate and soothe my soul. Just being in the presence of the Beastlings leaves me with a feeling of contamination.

It is with his thoughts on spiritual purity that he comes out the other side of the portal, grimacing at the thought of the evil of the Beastlings and the Horror.

[Tyrolin]

Feng grins as he approaches the portal. "We be back soon. We bring head. Maybe Feng will hang on wall" He laughs much too hard and steps through, wiping tears from his eyes.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Wordlessly, Gryfe strides into the portal, causing ripples to spread across the surface of the portal. He then vanishes, and the surface of the portal calms once again.

I figured that since he is from a different plane, he would cause some sort of interference, although it may be negligible.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny gave the mage a parting grin that was full of needle-sharp teeth. He'd caught that 'brutish' crack, and he had a long memory over slights, both real and imagined...

He hopped through.

Hey why not:
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll0]

[WhiteKnight777]

OOC: Knowledge Arcana
[roll0]

[....]

Both Sonny and Melanthum recognize the stone as a portal key from Sigil, an item used to open specific portals in the city to other planes.

Melanthum can read the runes and sees that they have been altered from their original form at least twice. The original key was not attuned to Sigil at all, but rather some sort of demiplane, most closely resembling the plane of Shadow. It was altered to reach Sigil, and then altered again, to another part of Sigil.

ooc: If Nick dosn't go through in a few hours, I'll just assume he hops on in and continue.

[....]

Across the portal is a street made of cobblestones. The sky here is vast and blue, very different from the black sky over Ab'Esra. Sounds and smells assault you. The portal opens up from the side of a building, flanked on either sides by tall pillars carved with runes similar to the ones on the stone Skather had.

The denizens of Sigil don't spare more than a glance as the portal opens up. You see everything from humans to dwarves to a robed and hooded figure that looks suspiciously like an illithid. Once Nick comes through the portal, there is a sucking noise and the hole closes, showing only a blank stone wall.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum smiles as he feels the cobbles beneath his feet. He sighs happily, looking around and taking a deep breath of the air.

Ah... Sigil. The Cage. City of Doors. The Center of the Planes. Now, my bonnie lads and lasses, a few words of advice. First: Be suspicious. Just about everyone'll try to skin ya as soon as look at ya. Keep a tight hand on your purses. Don't pick fights, you never know who... or more dangerous, what, a body might be. There are some strange folk in Sigil. Once met a pair of ladies from some far-off Prime world who could change reality by will alone. Fine girls, but not the sort you'd want to anger. And please, try not to embarrass me too much

He grins and winks, before starting to walk forward, looking around for anyone who might be their contact.

[Dorizzit]

Korral looks ill at ease in Sigil, his whole body clearly tightly focused. He looks around constantly, and checks his pockets every few seconds. He also clearly dislikes how comfortable Melanthum is.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

The halfling woman climbs up onto Laille and looks around her. "I've always heard stories about Sigil but I've not actually been here. It's very...busy," she says in a slightly uncomfortable tone but warming as her nose catches the whiff of freshly made bread. 'Of course there may be some advantages,' she thought.

[Tyrolin]

Feng smiles widely at Malanthum's speech. "Feng have few pockets, and Feng is dangerous."

Feng leans back against the wall and begins playing with a doll from his pack.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny snorted. "Sonny has no money to steal," he pointed out. He was normally disdainful of so-called 'civilization', but this Sigil sounded like his sort of place. The Sigil native make it sound like it was a dangerous place, lawless and untamed.

He was sure he would feel right at home.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

"Do not lecture me on the intricacies of the city of Sigil. I am well aware of the city, having had to hunt down a person throughout the depths of the city. Proper words of wisdom should be to watch your back at all times. Or at least, watch eachother's backs."

Gryfe leans back into the shadow created by the pillars, and proceeds to wait.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick looks around, his eyes as amazed as they always are when he visits Sigil (this being his third time, though he never stayed long). "Oh, I'll be careful, let's just not be too careful about who we meet or we might not find our man. Or woman, or thing, it could be anything here."

Nick looks around, eying the inhabitants of the city, keeping an eye out for anyone who seems interested in the group. He seems at ease here, but he always seems at ease when there are people around.

[Dorizzit]

Korral fingers his sword hilt in a non-aggressive manner. He continues to check his pockets frequently, and looks around, trying and failing to keep tabs on everything at once. He mutters something unintelligible under his breath. Anyone paying attention hears it's something to do with "city-dwellers" and "useless waste". "Yes, let us find our being quickly," he says stoically. "The sooner we find him, the sooner we can leave."

[....]

The gentle roar of everyday business in Sigil is broken by a shout of mixed horror and suprise from down the street to your left. The crowds here part and what seems to be a dwarf made of bronze with a blazing fire as a beard comes staggering towards the party.

He sees you and says something strangled and desperate, reaching out his hand toward you.

(If you speak Ignan:)

"You...are you the ones... from... Ab'Esra... you must..."

Before he can finish, the dwarf-thing collapses with a clang in the middle of the street, his fire dimming considerably.

There is a strange tearing noise from the air around the gate. All of you feel a hot blast of air and are momentarily blinded by a flash of red light. Once the light clear you see several more new arrivals.

Six monstrous humanoid monsters stand before you, their greenish-black hides covered in long, vicious looking spikes. Blazing green eyes flare over massive jaws filled with needle-like teeth.

Behind these monsters stands what looks to be a giant insect standing on its hind legs. Its mantis-like head towers overr twelve feet above the cobblestones. It holds a long spear tipped with a serrated head.

The giant insect points at the group, screaming in a high, chittering voice:

(if you speak Infernal)
There! The mortals! Kill them all!

At this command, the smaller monsters move forward to attack.

OOC:
The barbed demons are twenty feet away, the ice demon 25. The street is thirty-five feet wide total.

Barbed Devil Initiative= 12
Ice Devil Initiative= 7

Roll initiative please :smallsmile:

[Zimmia]

Mimosa
AC 28 (w/barkskin) Touch 18 Flatfooted 23
HP 112/112, Init +11
Saves 12/12/19
Spells active: Barkskin (a lot of rounds)
====================


"Well that was quick," Mimosa says gleefully as her brow furrows in concentration and her lips begin to move.


Initiative: [roll0] (EDIT my initiative is +11, so my roll is a 20)
Cast Barkskin on myself and Laille on my turn, then slide off her back

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Statblock:Hitpoints: 119
Armor Class: 46, Touch AC: 31, Flat Footed AC: 36
Fortitude Save: 5, Reflex Save: 12, Will Save: 5

Current Initiative: 30
Other Effects: Skirmish Enhanced AC (+5 to the Above until End of Turn)
Actions:Oh Goody! A Fight! Do I have any sort of concealment bonus from being hidden in the shadows?

Initiative Roll: [roll0]


I will then use Bounding Assault and run in a huge circle around them. So basically, I move at least 20 feet to reach my target, then I attack twice and retreat another 50 feet away. Got it?

Attack Roll 1: [roll1] - Rolled vs. Flat Footed AC due to Blurstrike Enchant
Damage Roll: [roll2] Slashing + [roll3] Flaming
Sneak Attack:[roll4]

Attack Roll 2: [roll5] - Rolled vs. Normal AC
Damage Roll: [roll6] Slashing + [roll7] Flaming

Total Damage is 96 including the Skirmish damage below.

With a start, Gryfe leaps forward, drawing his sword in the process. With an unbelievable speed, he dashes towards the insectoid and slashes once...twice.. and then retreats even further away, out of their reach.

[Neftren]

Forgot to roll Skirmish Damage for both attacks. Here it is:

Damage 1: [roll0]
Damage 2: [roll1]

I also gain a +5 bonus to AC for the end of my turn.

[Tyrolin]

Feng al'Thok
HP : 172 (Raged & Frenzied)
AC : 27, FF 27, Touch 11
Saves: Fort 15 Ref 10 Will 15 (increased because of rage)

Initiative: (1d20+2)1d20+2

Feng rages and frenzies (free actions), roars(another free action), then runs toward where he threatens the most enemies, drawing his greatsword as he goes. He then strikes the closest, his massive blade glinting dully in the light.

Attack 1d20+26 : damage 4d6+21 : damage to self from vicious 1d6-2 (already reduced by damage reduction)

[Tyrolin]

Ok, let's try this again....

init : [roll0]
att : [roll1]
dam: [roll2]
dam me : [roll3]

[Neftren]

You can't edit in rolls, and you can't preview posts in rolls. :D

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum looks as the Azer - at least, that's what he presumes it is - falls dead in the street after delivering it's cryptic message. He then turns as the blast of heat and ripping noise, identifying the creatures quickly. Bloody Baatorians. He smirks for a moment, his hands making a series of complicated gestures as he arranges himself to avoid hitting allies, then unleashes a blast of multicolored light

[roll0]
Prismatic Spray... Don't know if you want me to roll for each one or if you'd rather do it, but here's mine.

Barbed Devil 1 [roll1]
Barbed Devil 2 [roll2]
Barbed Devil 3 [roll3]
Barbed Devil 4 [roll4]
Barbed Devil 5 [roll5]
Barbed Devil 6 [roll6]
Ice Devil [roll7]

Save DC is 25

[Dorizzit]

Korral Smiles grimly. He didn't care for the intricacies of Sigil, but the meaning of these beings was clear. A fight he could understand. He was once more in his element. Drawing his blade, he bounds into a fighting stance and dashes forward, swinging his blade into his enemy.

Activate Absolute Steel Stance. Attack with the Kamate:

Initiative: [roll0]

Attack: [roll1]

Damage: [roll2]

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny cursed fluently in Goblin as he skittered to the right, hugging the side of the alleyway.

He cared nothing for the metal dwarf, but he found himself caught unprepared, unarmored by his usual divine magics. He simply had not expected battle so quickly, and so had been caught with his metaphorical pants down.

He glared at the demonic entities who had infested the street. They would pay for his inwardly-directed anger. Sonny firmly believed in making others pay for his mistakes if he could possibly help it.

One of his stored spell was re-written in his memory, converted to a wall of pure negative energy and hurled bodily at the horde of devils, screaming with fell energies.

Initiative: [roll0]
Earthquake spontaneously turned into Inflict Mass Critical Wounds, with a Divine Metamagicked Fell Animate on top of it for 4d8+17 to each enemy: pretty much running out of the gate at full steam, here :smallsmile:
Barbed Devil1: [roll1]
Barbed Devil2: [roll2]
Barbed Devil3: [roll3]
Barbed Devil4: [roll4]
Barbed Devil5: [roll5]
Barbed Devil6: [roll6]
Ice Devil: [roll7]

Sonny's stats, if ya need it:
Sonny Nine Lives
HP : 125/125
AC : 26, FF 25, Touch 13
Saves: Fort 14 Ref 9 Will 20

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

HP: 92 AC: 26 (flat footed 21, touch 17)

Initiative: [roll0]

Despite having no idea what either of the uninvited guests were saying, Nick has a good feeling what their intentions are. He moves about 10 feet farther away from the enemies, then, deciding to see what his new friends are capable of (and noticing that they are all preparing for battle) Nick produces his trumpet from his backpack and begins to play an inspiring fanfare, a cheer of battle composed himself to a Pelorian church hymn, that he likes to play to open battle.

preform: trumpet [roll1]
Inspire Courage +3, grants everyone a +3 bonus to will saves against charms and fear and grants them a +3 morale bonus to attack and damage rolls.

[....]

(I know Connor hasn't gone yet, but before I go to bed I'll get my turn out of the way)

Round 1 Summary:


Gryfe- charges around the barbed devils and around the back of the ice devil. With blinding speed he slashes twice at the armored hide of the ice devil, slicing through its skin. The bursts of flame from his sword seem to have no effect, however.

Feng- flies inot a berserker frenzy and runs forward, screaming wildly. He reaches the nearest barbed devil and smashes his greatsword into it. The devil is wounded, but thrusts itself into the attack, its long spines biting into Feng's flesh. Feng takes 14 points of piercing damage from the barbs.

Melanthum- uses his arcane might to attack the devils. The rays of light from his prismatic spray arc out and hit the devils... however, many of them are halted by some invisible force surrounding the bodies of the monsters and never made contact. At least one has the instantly observable effect, however, of causing one of the barbed devil to scream and babble in Infernal.

Mimosa- casts a defensive spell on herself and her mount, turning their skins as hard as bark. Once the spell is done, she dismounts and prepares to battle.

Korral- assumes a fighting stance and draws his weapon. With fluid grace he strikes at the devil next to the one Feng is fighting. His elegant slash leaves a large wound, but not as grevious one as would be expected from such a blow. This devil also leaps into the attack. Korral takes 11 points of piercing damage from the barbs.

Nick- skirts a few feet farther back from the devils, then pulls out his trumpet and blows forth a stirring string of notes.

Sonny- calls upon the evil powers of his god and blasts the devil with dark power. The blast of negative energy hits the barbed devils hard, wounds opening on all but one of them, who's aura of magical resistance blocks the power. The ice devil is unfazed by the attack, its aura protecting it as well.

Barbed Devil 1- attacks Feng with its claws. Both claws hit and Feng takes 23 points of damage. He also feels slighty afraid of the devil before him, but is bolstered by Nick's song and fights through it. he devil tries to grab Feng, but is no match for the berserker's strength.

Barbed Devil 2- attacks Korral with its claws. It hits with one of them and Korral takes 12 points of damage. The wound fills Korral with a supernatural dread of this devil. The devil does not attempt to grapple Korral, instead laughing as the now-panicked hobgoblin attempts to flee.

Barbed Devil 3- stares at its claws and cackles madly, having been driven insane by Melanthum's spell.

Barbed Devil 4- charges at Sonny, giving Feng a chance to strike (make the AoO on your next post). Assuming it survives the attack, it claws at Sonny and connects, dealing 14 points of damage. Sonny is far to strong-willed to be afraid of this little monster. It tries to grab the goblin, but can't due to Sonny's small size.

Barbed Devil 5- moves around the other devils to get at the berserker. It attacks Feng with a claw and hits, dealing 14 points of damage. The devil cannot get a hold of, nor terrify, Feng.

Barbed Devil 6- double moves towards Gryfe, ending it's turn next to him but unable to attack.

Ice Devil- Reaches over it's barbed devil soldiers and jabs at Feng with it's spear. It misses, the spear smashing the cobbles next to the berserker's feet.



OOC: Whenever Connor takes his turn, just put him in the initiative order as approproate, unless he kills a devil their strategy won't change.

Other than that, feel free to post Round 2 actions.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Statblock
Mimosa
AC 28 (w/barkskin) Touch 18 FF 23
HP 112/112, Init +11
Saves 12/12/19
Active effects: Barkskin 9m52s, Inspire Competence +3

Laille (Leopard)
AC 28 Touch 27 FF 24
HP 78/78 Init +6
Saves: 14/10/9
Active effects: Barkskin 9m52s, Inspire Competence +3

Mimosa concentrates a moment and suddenly between her and the devils and a very large bear appears in that space. The bear moves to charge the attackers. She then moves back, preparing her next moves.

Laille creaps slowly around the back, preparing to take advantage of the attack in the front to charge from the flank.


Summon Natures Ally VI (Dire Bear) - 10 Rounds
AC 17 Touch 16 FF 11
HP 105/105 Init +1
Saves 12/9/9

If Laille is close enough to get an attack this round it'd be a partial one:
Bite attack (with +2 for flanking) [roll0]
Bite damage [roll1]

[Cyrus112]

((Apologies for the late post. Was gone longer than I thought I would be.))

Connor glares at these arrivals, recognizing Infernal for what it is. His fists clench and he jumps into the fray, a snarl of hate on his face. He is determined to kill these evil demons as quickly as possible (the closest one to him at the present time).

"You'll find us no easy prey, you cursed demons!"

((Initiative + 5))((17+5=22))

((HP=82))
((AC=32, 25 Touch, 27 Flat-footed))
((Ki Strike Magic & Lawful))

((Attack= +11/+11/+11/+6))
((Damage= 2d8+3))

((Attack 1- 20+11=31))
((Confirm Crit- 6 + 11 = 17))
((Damage 1- 4+6+3= 13))
((Attack 2- 14+11= 25))
((Damage 2- 5+3+3= 11)
((Attack 3- 17+11= 28))
((Damage 3- 6+2+3= 11))
((Attack 4- 6+6= 12))
((Damage 4- 1+6+3= 10))

[Dorizzit]

It seems that Korral is going to be high-tailing it for the next...9 rounds or so...:smallfurious:...so there isn't much I can do...

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe is utterly unfazed by the monster next to him. If anything, he strikes back even harder, with a power attack! He runs twenty feet in a huge circle around the devil menacing him and proceeds to slash at it in a blinding blur of blade and body.

Statblock:Hitpoints: 119
Armor Class: 46, Touch AC: 31, Flat Footed AC: 36
Fortitude Save: 5, Reflex Save: 12, Will Save: 5

Current Initiative: 30
Other Effects: Skirmish Enhanced AC (+5 to the Above until End of Turn)
Actions:Gryfe will run twenty feet around the devil next to him, then attack with Bounding Assault before retreating another 50 feet away, out of range, but this time back towards the party to help them out.

Attack Roll 1: [roll0]
Damage Roll 1: [roll1] Slashing + [roll2] Flaming
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll3]
Skirmish Damage: [roll4]

Attack Roll 1: [roll5]
Damage Roll 1: [roll6] Slashing + [roll7] Flaming
Skirmish Damage: [roll8]

Power Attacking for 10 Points.


The whirling Courtblade slashes and it looks like Gryfe is sacrificing his accuracy for power!

[Neftren]

Crit Confirm on the Second Attack:

[roll0]
If it crits, then I'll get a total damage up in a sec.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

HP: 92 AC: 26

Nick continues to play his song, hoping that its effects are doing good to his companions. As he plays he watches the fight intently, making sure that no one is faring poorly.

[Tyrolin]

Stat block
HP : 172 (Raged & Frenzied)
AC : 27, FF 27, Touch 11
Saves: Fort 15 Ref 10 Will 15 (increased because of rage)
initiative : 18

Feng swings his greatsword at the devil stupid enough to rush by him

Attack : [roll0]
Damage : [roll1]
Damage me : [roll2]

Feng makes a full attack against the same devil he attacked after running at them, dropping accuracy for more power

Attack : Damage : Damage me
[roll3] : [roll4] : [roll5]
[roll6] : [roll7] : [roll8]
[roll9] : [roll10] : [roll11]
[roll12] : [roll13] : [roll14]
If a devil drops I make another attack for each (go Cleave!!!) so let me know soon

[Tyrolin]

for my criticals (Attack of opportuninty and attack roll three) I roll
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Cyrus112]

Connor

Connor continues with his same actions.

((Attack 1- 15+11= 26))
((Damage 1- 1+1+3= 5))
((Attack 2- 11+11= 22))
((Damage 2- 1+2+3= 6))
((Attack 3- 7+11= 18))
((Damage 3- 8+1+3= 12))
((Attack 4- 3+6= 9))
((Damage 4- 5+2+3= 10))

[Neftren]

Connor

Connor continues with his same actions.

((Attack 1- 15+11= 26))
((Damage 1- 1+1+3= 5))
((Attack 2- 11+11= 22))
((Damage 2- 1+2+3= 6))
((Attack 3- 7+11= 18))
((Damage 3- 8+1+3= 12))
((Attack 4- 3+6= 9))
((Damage 4- 5+2+3= 10))

Where are you getting these rolls, or are you arbitrarily typing them in? Please roll on the board, or roll on Invisible Castle and post us a link. I can understand the DM doing it to railroad/godmod us along, but a player doing that is called cheating.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny hops back and to the left, away from the devil who had attacked him, and hurls another mass of necromantic energy directly at it.

Gets the devil an AoO, and Sonny tries to hit it with an Inflict Serious Wounds: [roll0]

Sonny Nine Lives
HP : 111/125
AC : 26, FF 25, Touch 13
Saves: Fort 14 Ref 9 Will 20

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum spits to one side as most of the creatures seem to resist his magic... odd, these creatures weren't usually that resistant... And with his allies in melee with the demons, he has few good options for spells. After a moment of thought, he smirks, his hands forming a series of rapid gestures. A green glow emanates from his hands, and at the height of the spell a ball of viridian energy forms in his palm. He gestures towards the Ice Devil, the energy streaming forth in a green beam of pure destructive power. It does not stop there, however, and the spell continues bouncing between each of the devils, arcing between one and the other in lances of deadly green energy



casting Disintegrate, augmented with Instant Metamagic Chain Spell.

Save DC is fortitude, DC 24 for the primary target, 20 for the secondary ones.

Spell Resistance rolls:

Ice Devil [roll0]
Barbed Devil 1[roll1]
Barbed Devil 2[roll2]
Barbed Devil 3[roll3]
Barbed Devil 4[roll4]
Barbed Devil 5[roll5]
Barbed Devil 6[roll6]

To Hit Rolls (Ranged Touch Attacks)

Ice Devil [roll7]
Barbed Devil 1[roll8]
Barbed Devil 2[roll9]
Barbed Devil 3[roll10]
Barbed Devil 4[roll11]
Barbed Devil 5[roll12]
Barbed Devil 6[roll13]

Damage Rolls

Ice Devil [roll14] or [roll15]
Barbed Devil 1[roll16] or [roll17]
Barbed Devil 2[roll18] or [roll19]
Barbed Devil 3[roll20] or [roll21]
Barbed Devil 4[roll22] or [roll23]
Barbed Devil 5[roll24] or [roll25]
Barbed Devil 6[roll26] or [roll27]

I messed up... secondary damage should be half as much as primary, so halve the secondary damage amounts (All those except for the Ice Devil's)

[Dorizzit]

((What round is it?))

[Tyrolin]

forgot to update statblock... I'm at 118/172 HP

[....]

Round 2 Summary:



Gryfe- circles around the barbed devil that ran towards him, closing in and slashing twice at the beast. The devil's blood pours forth as it leaps into the attacks, dealing a total of 20 points of piercing damage to Gryfe After hurting it, Gryfe runs back towards the main fray.

Connor- continues his assult on the ice devil. His fists fly rapidly, but cannot break through the thick hide protecting the monstrous insect.

Feng- cuts a deep gash into the devil that runs past him, nearly slicing it in half. The barbs of this devil scratch at him as it flees and deal 9 points of damage. Feng then brings his massive blade back around to deliver several punishing blows to the devil before him. While not all connect, the final slash cleaves the devil in two. Even in death, however, its barbs continue to bite. Feng takes 20 more points of piercing damage as the devil goes down. (Cleave whenever you want)

Melanthum- fires his ray of disentegration at the devils. The beam curves away from the ice devil, its resistance deflecting it, but the ray continues through the ranks of the devils with devastating effects. Barbed Devils 2 and 4 are utterly destroyed. The beam glances off the insane devil, harming but not killing it. It hits Barbed Devil 5 but is blocked by its spell resistance. Finally, the beam flies past Gryfe as he returns to hit Barbed Devil 6, not killing it, but leaving it smoking and barely standing.

Mimosa- summons a mighty bear to aid her in battle. Laille creeps around to the back of the ice devil, but her claws cannot break its hide.

Korral- runs from the battle, backing up against the wall that the portal to Ab'Esra is set it and edging along it, his heart pounding in fear.

Nick- continues his song, eyeing the battle carefully.

Sonny (dosn't have a target to cast inflict on, since Melanthum was kind enough to turn that devil into dust. You can still make an action for round two.)

Barbed Devil 3- screams madly in Infernal and charged Melanthum, having just been harmed by a spell cast by the Incantrix. It hits with its claw, dealing 15 points of damage to Melanthum. In its madness, it does not attempt to grapple. (Note: As this is one of the devils in cleave range of Feng, it may die before it has a chance to attack, depending on what Feng's attack is.)

Barbed Devil 5- makes a full attack against Feng. Only one claw hits, dealing 17 points of damage to Feng. It also suceeds in getting a grip on the berserker, dealing 21 points of damage as its spines imaple Feng. (Note: As this is one of the devils in cleave range of Feng, it may die before it has a chance to attack, depending on what Feng's attack is.)

Barbed Devil 6- recovers from the disentegration spell cast on it and hisses through its teeth. Pointing at Gryfe is says, in common, "Ccccease your consssstant sssspringing shhhhhadeling," and casts hold person on Gryfe, who feels a stiffness in his joints, but breaks the spell before it can take hold.

Ice Devil- charges at Melanthum, idetifying him as the most powerful spellcaster after seeing its minions racked by his spells, provoking attacks of oportunity from both Connor and Lailee. It attacks with its spear, hitting Melanthum for 13 points of damage. Melanthum also feels a creeping coldness steal over his body from the wound, slowing him for 6 rounds.



OOC: Cyrus, I would like to see where you're getting your rolls from, I went ahead with them this time, but in the future please either use the forum roller or post a link to the rolls. :smallwink:

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe charges toward Melanthum, trying to distract the devil towards him. He cries out as he swings even harder than before, the flashing Elven Courtblade darting in for a kill.

Statblock:Hitpoints: 99
Armor Class: 46, Touch AC: 31, Flat Footed AC: 36
Fortitude Save: 5, Reflex Save: 12, Will Save: 5

Current Initiative: 30
Other Effects: Skirmish Enhanced AC (+5 to the Above until End of Turn)
Actions:Gryfe will Leap Attack the devil asaulting Melanthum, jumping at least 20 feet and attacking before retreating out of range again.

Attack Roll 1: [roll0]
Damage Roll 1: [roll1] Slashing + [roll2] Flaming
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll3]
Skirmish Damage: [roll4]
Jump Check: [roll5] • Should be considered a standing jump?

Attack Roll 2: [roll6] - 5 = 32
Damage Roll 2: [roll7] Slashing + [roll8] Flaming
Skirmish Damage: [roll9]

Power Attacking for 2 Points.
If the Jump Attack on the first attack hits, then it deals 4 points of Power Attack Damage, instead of 2. I better hit the thing... Yes, power attacking for a low number...

Edit: way to roll a natural 20 on the jump check.
Edit 2: Had the wrong numbers in there. Sorry.
Edit 3: Wow, I guess I totally forgot to add in the words Flaming on Damage Roll 2.

With a mighty leap, Gryfe springs high into the air and backflips, using his natural momentum to carry his swing into the devil assaulting Melanthum.

[Tyrolin]

Statblock
HP : 51(Raged & Frenzied)
AC : 27, FF 27, Touch 11
Saves: Fort 15 Ref 10 Will 15 (increased because of rage)
initiative : 18

Feng uses his enemies death to his advantage, striking hard at demon(enter number here, roll a percent chance or something, since he doesn't know which one will go after him)
Attack : [1d20+14]
Damage: [4d6+31]
Dam. me: [1d6-2]

Feng is bleeding badly but still roars and fights on as if he doesn't notice

If still grappled
Feng attempts to throw the demon off
Grapple check
(if unsuccessful)Grapple check [roll1]
(if successful)Attack: [roll2] Damage: [roll3] me: [roll] 1d6-2

if not grappled
Full attack nearest
Attack : Damage : me
[roll4] : [roll5] : [roll6]
[roll7] : [roll8] : [roll9]
[roll10] : [roll11] : [roll12]
[roll13] : [roll14] : [roll15]

[Tyrolin]

First of all : damage me reroll from cleave attempt : [roll1] : [roll2]

Then a critical check for attack number 3 in the if not grappled [roll]1d20+25

note : I just realized that I wasn't adding the +3 from my magic sword to my attack rolls. I am now, but past rolls will just have to suffer, i guess.

[Tyrolin]

RAGAFRICKIN PICKY ROLLER ARGH
[roll0]

[....]

RAGAFRICKIN PICKY ROLLER ARGH
[roll0]
OOC: Was that for the AoO?

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum just growls as he's attacked by the fiends, feeling blade and claw biting deep into his flesh. He once again begins to cast, dodging and weaving carefully to avoid his foes as he does so. He speaks, his accent thickening under the stress of combat.

All right ya sods... now yer' just bloody pissin' me off.

At the climax of the spell, he holds up a tiny shuriken carved from a never-melting ice crystal, which he snaps and half, causing a wave of ice crystals to shoot from the soil. The extra power woven into the spell makes the crystals sharper, more deadly than normal, and they grow larger than they would other wise, hungry for fiendish blood.

casting Field of Icy Razors defensively (No concentration check neededr, my minimum roll is 24, target roll is 24), activating my Sudden Maximize feat along with my second daily use of Instant Metamagic to Twin the spell, meaning a total of 2 x 15 x 6 damage, or 180. Note that this is basically two castings of the spell, so the creatures get two reflex saves of DC 26. Also note that the damage from the spell is half cold and half slashing.

[Tyrolin]

OOC : it was a reroll of my critical check, because i typed it in wrong.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Stablock (s)
Mimosa
AC 28 (w/barkskin) Touch 18 FF 23
HP 112/112, Init +11
Saves 12/12/19
Active effects: Barkskin 9m48s, Inspire Competence +3

Laille (Leopard)
AC 28 Touch 27 FF 24
HP 78/78 Init +6
Saves: 14/10/9
Active effects: Barkskin 9m48s, Inspire Competence +3

Summoned Dire Bear
AC 17 Touch 10 FF 16
HP 105/105 Init +0
Saves 12/9/9
Active effects: Insipre Competence +3

"You've picked the wrong people to mess with, you foul things," Mimosa shouts from behind the bear as she scoots until she has a clear line of sight to one of the horrific things. "Eat dirt"

As she casts, both Laille and the summoned bear advance on the interlopers, each trying to incapaciate one of them.

Actions
Mimosa
Cast Finger of death at one of the devils.

Touch attack (My mind is totally blank - I can add my dex to this roll with weap finesse right? this is dex + insp.) [roll0]
SR check: [roll1]

Their save is Fortitude, DC 24.
Failed save = death
Made save is (3d6+lvl+3 for insp.) [roll2]

Laille
Laille is going to initiate a bite attack in the hopes of grappling.
attack: [roll3]
damage: [roll4]
If she hits she will initiate an improved grab

Summoned dire bear
The summoned bear is also going for a grapple:
attack [roll5]
damage: [roll6]
If it hits it will initiate an improved grab

[dyslexicfaser]

OOC: Okay, this is my turn 2 action, then:

Sparing Feng a thankful glance, Sonny turns his Inflict Serious Wounds spell to the devil damaged by Melanthum's Disintegrate (Devil 6, I believe?), reinforcing the spell with a Fell Animate.

OOC: And on turn 3:

Sonny, on a roll now, converts a spell of harmless Floating to pure negative energy, and focuses his will on Bearded Devil 3 (5 if 3 is dead, and the Ice Devil if both are)

Inflict Lesser Wounds: [roll0]

OOC: Hey ...., does this game have an OOC thread?

[....]

OOC:" Yes, I had put it in the wrong forum though, new one is here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3546128#post3546128)

[Cyrus112]

((I've been using the dice roller online at Wizards, but yeah, using an in forum dice roller. I did that once and I've since had a brain fart as to how that command goes. So unless I figure it out or am told, Invisible Castle it is))

((Rolls for round 3:
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1383226))

[....]

(Assuming Nick continues his song)

Round 3 Summary:



Gryfe- runs to Melanthum's aid. Leaping high into the air him brings his weapon down on the head of the Barbed Devil, seeing it is much weaker than the Ice Devil. Two quick slashes and the devil slides into pieces, dead. Its barbs still bite into Gryfe, though, and Gryfe takes 19 points of piercing damage as he skirts away again.

Feng- wrestles with the devil, planting a hard kick in it's chest and knocking it away, breaking its hold on him. The foam around Feng's mouth is tinged pink with blood, but the berserker attacks anyway, his sword cutting a deep gash in the gut of the devil, who staggers forward into the attack. Feng takes 12 points of piercing damage as the devil regains it's footing. (Your cleave missed.)

Melanthum- casts another powerful spell. Gryfe has just enough time to skirt out of the way as Melanthum blasts the ice devil with razor-sharp blades. The volley hits the monster directly in the chest, boring a hole through it's chest and leaving it motionless on the ground.

Mimosa- lunges forward, her hands filled with death magic. She presses her hand against the devil fighting Feng, but its resistance to magic nullifies the spell. Laille attacks the devil as well but misses. The summoned bear is more fortunate, and smashes one massive paw into the devil's skull. The bear cannot get a grip on the beast, and also takes 7 points of piercing damage from it's barbs.

Korral- continues to cower (6 rounds remaining).

Sonny- hits the last remaining devil with another burst of negative energy, the devil staggers under the continued assault, but still stands.

Nick- continues his song.

Barbed Devil 5- hisses angrily and quickly mutters words of power under its breath, casting a spell. It dodges the attacks thrown at it as it casts (casts on the defensive) and as soon as it speaks the final word, vanishes in a bright flash of light.

All other devils are defeated.



As the final devil vanishes, you notice that the quiet hum of activity that was flowing before has ended, now there is only distant yelling and an eerie stillness. The denizens of Sigil know better than to stay around when Devils show up.

The azer that had shown up earlier groans quietly and stirrs slightly. You can see another small, firey figure running up the road towards you.

(OOC: I'm not sure how long Feng will be berserk, but I think he still is, so you all may want to deal with that. Also, Korral is no longer afraid, as the things he was scared of are gone.)

[Dorizzit]

Korral returns, even more taciturn than he was previously. For once, his face is completely open, shame and self-anger apparent from his glower.

[Tyrolin]

Feng makes an effort to control his anger
Will save [roll0]

[Tyrolin]

He succeeds, calming himself, and drops to the ground, panting and feeling his many wounds.
Feng ends his rage and his frenzy, making him exhausted for the duration of the encounter (or for a couple of posts, since it's over). He loses 30 HP and at this point only has about 6 left...
Edit: PS, the will save was against DC 20

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum wipes the sweat from his brow, flexing his fingers and smirking at the corpses vanish. He cracks his knuckles for a moment, then speaks up.

Good work, my fellows. These louts weren't much of a challenge.. biggest problem being that fiends of Ba'ator are immune to flame normal and magical, so there were many spells I couldn't fling at them with any effect... And with the rest of you bein' in melee with them, I certainly didn't want to be blastin' you, either. Still, I exhausted more of my energies than I'd like. If we're to be facin' more of them, I'll have to alter my repetoire to suit.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny nodded shortly. "Sonny too. Okay for now, but Sonny would not like to be defenseless in this place." He sounded almost fond of Sigil already.

He shook his head and set the matter aside, noting that several of their little band were sporting injuries. Sonny waved his arms, drawing attention to himself. "Gather around Sonny now," he demanded.

Sonny incanted a short prayer and finished with a flourish of his hands. The effects of the goblin's spell was not dramatic; it was a subtle thing, strength gradually stealing back into the limbs of the goblin's party.

Casting Vigor, Mass Lesser: Up to 8 people within 20' will start regenerating 1 HP a round for 25 rounds. There's 8 of us, right?

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Mimosa puts a hand on Laille as she comes back to the halfling, making sure she isn't hurt badly, the summoned dire bear standing guard at the spot where the last devil left. "I too, won't mind resting in order to harness that of nature which will be more effective," she said quietly, "I wonder if there's anything that would pass for safe though - this certainly isn't." As she speaks she pulls a wand from her belt and walks to Feng. "You certainly helped us in combat, allow me to assist now."

Use CSW wand: [roll0]

[Cyrus112]

Connor

Connor looks around, not really even panting that much.

"Is everyone ok? I have some limited healing if anyone needs it."

He's going to survey his group members and if anyone looks particularly beat up ((I imagine Feng still does even after Sonny's healing.)) He'll then go and examine the dwarf/thing that fell over and cast Cure Serious Wounds on him if he looks really badly injured.

((Would Knowledge: The Planes work for this guy? If so:))

Knowledge: The Planes
[roll0]

[Tyrolin]

Feng lurches to his feet, and grunts "Many thanks little ones"
He sheathes his sword, waiting for Sunny's magic to take full affect.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum, seeing that his party is attended to, walks over to the smoldering corpse of the burning dwarf, he kneels down by it, looking to see if any life yet remains, and searching to see if there is any sort of message attached to it.

An Azer. Dwarflike creatures from the Elemental Plane of Fire. Said something about "We Must... then just trailed off... hells take it all."

[Tyrolin]

"Maybe someone heal fire dwarf. He not look so good either, but he make noise." Feng says

[....]

Connor heals the azer, who mutters again and raises his head, the fire around his face has dimmed considerably, his glowing eyes are wide with fear. The other azer, who stated running up the street after the devils were defeated, reaches its companion.

Panting, it looks at all of you and says, "You... you are the ones from Ab'Esra? That fought the calamity? Of course you are. Please, its not safe here, they've found us. Sluk here managed to escape their attack and came to warn you. They must have caught up with him... we... we must get to the safehouse, p-please, hurry." The second azer helps Sluk to his feet, shouldering him up and starts to head back the way it came.

From the other side of the street comes the sounds of people shouting loudly at one another. You can't make out what they're saying, but they sound angry.

The second azer looks violently over its shoulder, mouth open in a gasp, "Come on softskins! We've got to hurry!"

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthus

Melanthus nods, beckoning to his companions as he hurries along at a rapid clip after the dwarves.

[Quxelopqr]

(OOC-Sorry for the delay in posting. It's been a busy day.)

Nick hurries along after the creatures, following Melanthus.

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Mimosa slides onto Laille's back and the pair of them follow the group. 'I think it's a little too late to try and be conspicuous, let's just be quick,' she says under her breath.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny glowered at one and all as he hurried along behind the rest of the group, his heavy armor, slight build, and short legs slowing him down.

"Maybe Sonny should buy a horse," he mused aloud.

[Dorizzit]

Korral follows, moving at a rapid, efficient and clipped pace, easily keeping up with the rest of the group. He is still clearly not paying attention, and his face is a glower of self scrutiny.

[Tyrolin]

Feng runs along with them, his gait showing that he is still worn out from the battle.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe easily keeps up, being one of the fastest members of his tribe, and a well trained highland stalker that is almost unstoppable.

[Cyrus112]

Connor looks none the worse for wear and has a very easy time keeping up with the group. Indeed, it seems like he's even holding back slightly to stay with the group. His eyes are alert for signs of any further attacks.

Spot:
[roll0]

[....]

Very far up the road, Connor spots several men in black robes moving rapidly towards the place of the fight with the devils. The men are continuously turning their heads around, as if listening to orders from some unseen person.

The azer leads you all into a narrow alleyway and towards a gate similar to the one that lead from Ab'Esra to Sigil, but much smaller, about five feet high. The azer struggles with a metal clasp and opens up a pocket on its brass kilt, producing a stylyzed sculpture of a key. It waves the key before the portal and opens it up. Calling for you all to hurry, it steps away from the portal.

"You all go in, I'll go last and close the portal behind us. Hurry! If they find this entrace we'll have nowhere left to run."

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny slowed down just before entering the portal, his naturally suspicious mind turning to thoughts of possible betrayal. He knew nothing of the situation they had found themselves in, or of this 'Azer', beyond the fact that their nominal guide Melanthus seemed to trust them. He looked intently at the fiery bronze dwarf, trying to discern deception on that alien face.

Sense Motive: [roll0] trying to hit a DC 20 for a 'hunch'

[Cyrus112]

Connor

"What of those men in black robes that were heading in our direction?"

((I think this goes w/o saying, but I'm not really going to be around tomorrow. What with Turkey Day here in the States I'll be with family. I'll be back either late tomorrow or Friday. NPC me as needed))

[Tyrolin]

"Fight again not good" Feng throws out. "I wait with fire dwarf, go before him"

I also will be gone tomorrow because I love turkey. NPC me if you need to. He'd probably just follow you guys like a dog anyway

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthus

Melanthus shrugs and slips through the portal. As he moved through, though he did wait for a moment as the party gathered up at the portal, barking out a quick spell before leaping through, one that would prevent most harmful effects that the place on the other side of the portal might have

(OOC: Casting Planar Tolerance. Basically protects from all damaging effects caused by planar traits Covers the whole party)

[Dorizzit]

Korral's hand jumps to his blade. "The winger has a valid question. Who were they?"

[....]

The azer shakes his head at Korral and Connor, "They were our foes. Please, take my word on that. I will explain what I know but we must go! I cannot let them find Sluk and I's last refuge. Just know they serve the thing that threatens your home and will do everything in their power to stop you. Now go!"

As the azer speaks it glances down the alley, it's eyes still wide and its movements jumpy.

(Sonny dosn't think the azer is trying to trick him)

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

"I'm good with that," the halfling says to the group as she and her leopard move throughthe portal."

[Tyrolin]

Feng crawls through the hole, muttering.

(Anyone who bothers to listen hears the words Feng, dangerous, and a general sound of discontent)

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

"Right then," Sonny acquiesced. The dusky-skinned goblin rushed into the portal behind Feng, his head not even close to clipping the top of the hole.

[Dorizzit]

Korral shrugs and nods. "Very well..." He says reluctantly. He quickly hops through the portal. Despite this, his hand is clenched on his blade as he does so.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe merely nods to the Azer and raises his blade. Turning towards the end of the alleyway, he settles back into the shadows until the rest of the party has entered the portal and has reached safety before entering himself.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick nods to the azer, believing that it is telling the truth. He draws his weapons and goes through the portal as the party does, ready to face whatever is on the other side.

[....]

The other side of the portal is pitch black. The only sound that can be heard is the howling of a wind that whips savagely through whatever place you've come to.

After Gryfe walks through the portal, the azer steps through, still carrying its companion. The wind tears at the flames around their bodies, but cannot extenguish them. The azer puts its key away and the portal closes.

The light from the fire around the azer illuminates bleak grayish stone under your feet and behind the portal you came through. Other than that you see nothing but blackness, even darkvision shows nothing but more dull rock.

The azer's mouth opens and it seems to speak, but the howling wind tears the words from its mouth. After a moment it motions for you all to follow and starts its careful way over the rock, body hunched against the force of the wind.

Anyone who tries to do anything more than walk here will have to make dexterity checks to keep from falling over, so strong is the wind. A Knowledge: the planes check could illuminate some more information, assuming you don't already guess where you are.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny looked around at their new surroundings with interest as he tagged along behind the otherworldly dwarf. The nearly featureless void was tickling something at the back of his mind. He was sure he knew this place, but the knowledge remained frustratingly out of reach.

Knowledge (Planes): [roll0]

[Dorizzit]

Korral looks around him grimly, his sword naked in his hand. He says a single word, carried away before his companions can hear it: Pandemonium. He watches all sides, attempting to see anything that tries to get near the group.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick holds his two swords close, following after the dwarf. He cycles through his memory, trying to think of what this place is and anything interesting about it.

bardic knowledge: [roll0]

[Neftren]

Gryfe

As soon as he emerged from the portal, he had a sudden instinct. Pandemonium. They said that even the silver ore here could cause a person to panic and run...

Since I'm a Dexterity Masher, what's the DC to make Listen/Spot/Search checks here?

[....]

Gryfe

As soon as he emerged from the portal, he had a sudden instinct. Pandemonium. They said that even the silver ore here could cause a person to panic and run...

Since I'm a Dexterity Masher, what's the DC to make Listen/Spot/Search checks here?

(I'd say listen checks are near to impossible, DC 50 at the very least. Spot won't be hard assuming you can see, nor will Search, although lets say the distraction of the constant wind ass +10 to any searches unprotected.)

[Tyrolin]

Feng stands tall against the wind, mocking its power, before following the Azer. As he watches it, he realizes that being an eternal torch might be fun...

[Zimmia]

Mimosa

Mimosa huddles closer to Laille and moves nearer the group in general, to get some cover from the howling wind. It's obvious that for several reasons she's not very happy. She hums a song quietly to herself, in an apparent attempt at self-distraction.

[....]

The azer points ahead, where you can all see a tall rock wall. It starts to move faster, pulling another scuplted key out from a pouch and preparing to raise it.

Mimosa huddles next to her cat, the wind nearly lifting her little body off the ground. She feels a slight prickle along her neck, and glances to the right to see two sets of smouldering red eyes. Before she has a chance to cry out, a giant red monster that looks like some mix of man and frog leaps from the shadows. Mimosa's scream is unheard over the roaring wind, and the beast hits her hard, wrapping its scaly arms around her and dragging her into the shadows of Pandemonium.

Laille roars mutely and follows into the gloom. For a moment there is nothing, and then Mimosa's head rolls back into view, like some grotesque tumbleweed buffeted by the otherworldly winds. It picks up speed and vanishes from view.

The azer turns and runs faster to the gate, waving its key and opening it, motioning for everyone to hurry through.

[Dorizzit]

Korral swears soundlessly and closes his eyes, relying on his other senses. He faces the way the party has come from, easily maneuvering over the terrain while running backwards, entering the hideout last.

[Quxelopqr]

:Mimosa!!!" Nick's yell is unheard with through the intense winds. He hesitates for several seconds, seeming to want to charge into the darkness and avenge her. He actually starts to run forward, but then collects himself soon after seeing Mimosa's head, realizing that there probably isn't anything he can do. He spits on the ground, then follows the party and goes into the hideout. I didn't want to lose anyone else...

[Cyrus112]

Connor snarls but follows the rest of the group.

I would stand and fight, but I imagine one wouldn't have much of a chance of survival where many might.

As he follows the group, Connor wracks his brains to figure out what this place is and what that thing could have possibly been.

((Knowledge: The Planes: [roll0]

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny started badly as Mimosa vanished, staring about in fright. He had no problem imagining his own severed head in place of the halfling's. He began muttering and waving his arms in short, sharp little movements as he scurried after the rest.

Casting Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, and Deathwatch on himself, in anticipation of trouble.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthus

I assume it's a Slaad, but I'll make a knowledge(Planes) check just in case.

[roll0]


Melanthum roars, unheard by the wind as Mimosa is dragged off by the creature. He of all people knew that death could come suddenly when going a-wandering, but it always struck home... still, it seemed there was little to do but pray that their companion's death had been swift, and press on to try to avoid a similar fate themselves.

[Tyrolin]

Feng stares into the darkness, confused.

[....]

The portal leads to the inside of what seems to be a small house. The change from ceasless, roaring wind to still, quiet study is very jarring.

The house has stone walls and very little furniture. For the most part the bare stone floor is swept clean and has no other adornments. There are two large bronze firepits in the middle of the room, one of them alight. Pushed into the far corner of the room is the only furniture apparent, a high red leather chair and a broad oak desk, acient and gleaming. Sitting in the chair is a human woman with dark blond hair, shot with streaks of red.

There are two door apparent from the portal you came in from, which is set against the western wall. One door is in the northern wall, the other in the east, across from the portal.

[Dorizzit]

Entering last, Korral opens his eyes and sheathes his sword, going to lean against one of the walls.

[Zimmia]

Is'ara

Coming out of her chair, the woman crosses to the Azer and his companions. She is armored and wears a medallion with the symbol of the sun god on it. She looks like it's been a long time since she's had a worry-free night of sleep. "Thank the gods you're all right," she says as she casts an appraising eye over the others are they enter. "Where is Sluk?"

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny flopped onto the ground and there was grim humor on his thin face. "Halfling?" he surmised. "Left for dead. We run like rabbits." He made a hopping motion with his hands to indicate them leaving their comrade behind in the hands of the Slaad.

[Tyrolin]

Feng enters silently, and immediately begins crafting a doll, which - as people watch - slowly begins to look like Mimosa

Craft(doll) check against DC 15 (+10 to DC to finish quickly): [roll0]

Edit: .... and I get a natural one...

[Cyrus112]

Connor looks saddened by the loss oh his comrade, though he barely knew her.

"I should have acted faster. I could have saved her. I could have done more to save her."

Connor looks down at his hands and then clenches them tight.

"What information do you have for our group?"

He tries to make his tone civil, but try though he might, it still comes out impolite.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

"Challa? The halfling's name was Mimosa. Did you send another Azer?" Nick leans against the wall after sheathing his swords. He looks puzzled, but it could just be the change from mind numbing wind to silence.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

'I'm certainly sorry you lost one of your companions," the woman says as everyone files into the room. "I too, have lost dear friends and we're going to do our best to do what we can to stop this thing." Her voice trails off a bit as though her thoughts are far away. "Challa here and his friend went to meet you; we have had to do a bit of scurrying of late to stay ahead of unpleasantness. I didn't send anyone though, we're all working together. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Is'sara Yareth and it's very welcome to meet those from my home plane. "

[....]

Challa, the azer who was carrying the other, nods to Is'sara, "These are the ones they sent from Ab'Esra. One of them was taken by the slaadi in Pandemonium. I do not kno how much long that portal will be safe from those monsters."

Challa help Sluk to the middle of the room and lays him down, "Sluk was nearly killed by Galxakx, but we made it out alright." Challa turns to the party.

"Now, I apologize for the suddeness of my arrival, but as you saw, these are dangerous times. My name is Challa, and I am an azer from the elemental plane of fire. My brother Sluk and I left our home several years ago, after discovering a certain book."

Challa motions towards the book Is'sara was reading, "It details the monster that attacked your home plane. We came to Sigil to investigate further, since the book is written in many languages and sometimes coded. We had only just discovered the signs of the monster's escape when we heard about the situation on the Prime Material. And you should know the rest... we sent word for people to be sent so we could help stop the monster. And here you are."

Challa looks down at his brother, "The people chasing us call themselves the Void-Born. They have some lunatic desire to unleash that monster on all the multiverse, think it is some sort god that will recreate reality into paradise or some such nonsense. As far as we can tell, they are led by an eye tyrant that calls itself Galxakx. Earlier today, Galxaks and twenty of his cultists attacked our home. Is'sara here fled with the Brass Book, and Sluk and I took a different route. We were seperated, and apparently Galxakx caught up with him before he caught up with you.

"So, is there anything else you were wondering? If not, I invite you all to take some rest while you can, we are very close to discovering how to bind the monster again, just a few more pages of code to translate. Is'sara can show you to the bedrooms. There are only two, but I suppose that you adventurers are used to roughing it."

[Tyrolin]

Feng, angry and sad, ruins the doll he was creating. With a large sigh, he salvages what he can as he gets up and says "Bed good. Need rest. Bad day."

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

"Sonny could be back in his mountains already," Sonny grumbled in dismay. "But nooo, Sonny wanted to save the world. Stupid Sonny."

Still mumbling to himself - the words 'eye tyrant' and 'stupid Sonny' are repeated fervently and repeatedly - Sonny went to bed.

[Dorizzit]

Korral nods. "Rest...will be good. I, however, need not occupy space in one of the rooms." He slides into a cross-legged seating position with his sword over his lap, eyes closed in deep meditation.

[Cyrus112]

Connor nods briefly.

"I am used to sparse conditions. I'll gladly take a spare patch of floor and use my bedroll if others would rather have the beds. Rest will do us all good I think."

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara nods as she moves to one of the doors. "Indeed, comfort isn't something one really considers at a time like this," she says as she shows them the way to the rooms. "What we have is meager, but you are welcome to share," she comments, then moves back to the main room to tend to Sluk.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe doesn't stop to rest. He remembers long ago, of a mission he was sent to perform here. Pandemonium. The words kept ringing in his ears. So close to home, yet so far from it. He slowly sat down to clean his gear.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum sighed as he heard the Azer's tale. First the death of a companion, now this. It was not turning out to be a good day. He dipped into his pack, pulling out a long bedroll formed from the hide of some strange beast, covered in deep fur that was covered in whirling spiral patterns. He looked around at the others as he took off his cloak.

Bloody hell. A Beholder an' his cult, eh? Sodding barmy floating eyeballs. We'll have to deal with them sooner or later, sure enough. But for now, I agree. Let's get some rest. It's been a bad day, and we all are in need of it.

[....]

(Assuming no one has anything else they want to do, you get XP!

Everyone recieves a total of 3,000 xp for killing devils, and not dying and, you know, stuff like that.)

Once everyone is rested, Challa is quick to call everyone back into the study.

"Friends," he says, "I have got some bad news. It seems as if neither I, nor Sluk nor Is'sara can remember where the copies we made of the Brass Book are. I fear that the Void-Born have them. If they figure out how to bind the beat before we do... they will do everything in their considerable power to stop you. However, I used a bit of magic and have located the pages in a brothel in Sigil, near one of the major gates to Arcadia. I'd go with you, but Sluk and I need to stay here and continue to translate these runes. I'm sure Is'sara will go, though. Please make haste. Either destroy those papers or return them to us. Just make sure the Void-Born don't escape with them."

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

After resting, Nick streches out and smiles. "A brothel in Sigil huh? Sounds like my kind of place. Everyone ready to go?"

[Dorizzit]

Korral gives Nick a sidelong look, as if suddenly doubtful of the Bard's focus.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara chuckles lightly at Nick, "God willing we will not have enough time for sightseeing my new friend." She doesn't appear at all uneasy or uptight, as might have been expected. She moves with purpose although her eyes still look a little sad. Her weapon, pack and shield sat in an almost tidy pile near the door. "The sooner we can retrieve the pages the better."

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

"Brothel?" Sonny asked aloud, not recognizing the term. "Whatever. Sounds like we need book," Sonny acknowledged. "We go get it, maybe kill lots of Void-Born."

He paused before leaving as his stomache growled audibly. "Eat first, maybe?"

[Tyrolin]

"Feng agree with little one," Feng says as he enters the room, ducking his head to fit through the doorway. "Eat, then fight. Good day,"

[Dorizzit]

Korral begins "You're stomachs can be considered later. Right now we need to retrieve-" His stomach growls traitorously and loudly. "I..um...Maka..."

(Maka is a Goblin swear word the details of which are explicit need not be repeated here. Suffice to say it is not enjoyable)

[Cyrus112]

Connor smiles for the first time in front of this group.

"I don't want to seem immodest, but I am more than a little proficient in cooking. I have everything needed to cook in my bag, and even some fruit, not to mention a fresh slab of deer I picked up this morning. Unless there are objections, I'll get started right away."

Connor begins to sing softly in Celestial while getting a fire ready. You all notice the amount of things that he seems to be able to fit more than is really possible into the bag he carries on his person. He gets out flint, tinder, some logs, cooking spices, cooking pots and pans, fruit meat, and almost as an after thought, a very big barrel of what appears to be ale once he broaches the top. He even produces cups for everyone. Unless anyone objects he's going to start right away.

Profession: Cook check
[roll0]

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny feels his respect for Connor rise a notch or two. Cooks, in his estimation, were worth a lot more than bards, in the grand scheme of things. "Sonny has a contribution to make, as well," he offers, a modicum of respect in his voice.

He begins a long incantation that involves a lot of sweeping gestures and flashy hand movements. He continues for a full ten minutes, gesturing grandly.

At the conclusion of his spell, a long, handsomely-crafted table appears in the center of the room, along with steaming platters of food and goblets of drink.

Casting Heroes' Feast: Produces a feast for up to 16 people, with table and chairs to match. Everyone who partakes will be immune to poison and fear and gains +1 on attack rolls and [roll0] temporary hit points for 12 hours.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick's smile grows brighter. "And now a feast? You guys are awesome." Turning on his serious face (a slightly smaller smile), Nick continues. "A book in a brothel shouldn't be too hard to find. Do we know anything about the place?"

Nick will wait to take a seat at the table until the lady sits first.

[Tyrolin]

Feng scratches his head at the awesome display of magic before him, then laughs nearly loud enough to deafen all those in the room

"Good day indeed!!", he calls out, looking quite impressed with himself at the word 'indeed' and sits down without any further waiting.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara smiles for the first time, lighting up her green eyes, then the light seems to fade slightly. "It's been a long time since I've seen a meal such as this and I'm certain the time it takes will be well worth it." She moves to the fire, drawing a cup of ale from the barrel and setting it to the side of the man before returning to the table and sitting opposite Feng. "I'm afraid I don't know the place personally," she addresses the bard and winks as he takes his chair. "Such a place in such a location probably leads to a great deal of intrigue."

[Neftren]

Gryfe

"Hmm...that must have cost you a pretty penny to obtain." Gryfe gestured towards the survival pouch and the grand conjured food on the table. "Then again, it was conjured through magic. Well, we might as well eat and then make a run for it, since these beasts seem like they're gonna chase us to the ends of the multiverse."

[....]

The ring on Melanthum's finger buzzes a bit, and a flat, emotionless voice that could be male of female says, "News?" just loud enough to be heard.

Challa and Sluk look unimpressd by the food, and continue pouring over the book, Sluk pausing as Nick speaks.

"Issa specialty place," Sluk says, "They've got sumting fer ever'one I 'ear tell. Called 'The Lady 'o Pleasure', on account isin Sigil, ya get it?"

Challa eyes Sluk, who looks blinks and shrugs, "Wha? I been by a time er two. Can't spend all oor time lookin' atta book."

[Dorizzit]

Korral bare-handedly grabs a thick hunk of meat from the table and tears into it voraciously, his savage ancestry apparent in his table manners.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum's face splits into a slow grin as he hears of their next mission, and he chuckles a bit as he sits down at the feast, digging in with gusto. Despite his slender frame, he packs away a sizable portion of food, sighing contentedly. As he finishes, he cleanses his hands before reaching into his bag of holding, searching for a moment before reverently withdrawing a large, corked bottle. The bottle itself is crafted out of a dark green crystal, and the contents within seem to swirl of their own volition. He takes out a number of matching glasses, setting each with a flourish on the table before unstopping the bottle and pouring a measure of the liquid into each one before passing it to his companions.

Ah... now here's a rare drop. A delectable little vintage the elf-spirits of Arcadia brew up in their spare time, goes by the name of dreamwine He lifts his glass in salute. To the fallen, where'er in the planes she may walk now, and to better fortune for all of us in the future.

[Dorizzit]

Korral refuses his cup. "I don't drink. Part of my practice," he says tersely.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick eagerly eats of the feast, stopping before he gets too full. He accepts his cup and drinks to the memory of his fallen companions. After the meal he points to Melanthum's hand. "Shall we report in? No sense keeping that guy back home waiting."

[Cyrus112]

Connor nods at Melanthum after picking up a glass. He seems to enjoy the wine very much.

"My thanks for the wine, sir. I don't believe we've had proper introductions. I am Connor Lightwing, member of the Order of the Celestial Hand of Heironeous ((am I spelling that right?))."

He finishes his wine.

"To our Fallen."

[Dorizzit]

Korral nods to Connor. "I am Korral Lathander of the Iron Heart, History Wielder, Master of the Iron Heart path and journeyman of the Diamond Mind path, personal bodyguard to King Kromadier, Elf-friend, Son of Lark An who is Wurmsbane, Brother of Vollog Vellersred who is Lorekeeper." He pauses for a moment. "I could go on, my people are ones for titles. However, those are the important ones."

[Tyrolin]

Feng speaks without really swallowing, allowing some bits of food to spray from his mouth as he bashes his chest, "Feng is Feng! That all that important!"

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

"Introducing ourselves all over again eh? I'm with Feng on this one, titles don't suit me well. I'm Nick." He replaces his cup on the table and relaxes, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to rest for long.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

"Well Nick, I guess we are... I'd be Gryfe Baghr, woodsman and scout as well as an expert with blades of all sorts, although I picked up this --he brandishes the Courtblade-- from the elves as a gift. I am always on the move, so I tend to travel lightly. Well that's it for me."

He then turns towards the table and begins to search for some of his favorite foods. Seeing the glasses, he says, "Ah...Dreamwine. That would have cost you another pretty penny? They don't part with their stock all that easily anymore, although they do sell it." His senses are already heightened, and he does not need drinks to sharpen or weaken them.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Far be it from Sonny to pass up a chance to boast. "Sonny," he introduced himself, "high priest of Broken Tooth clan. Something need killing, you come to Sonny. You need fixing, Sonny do that too."

He mused aloud, now mostly talking to himself, "Maybe make you better. How you feel about becoming a Wraith?... Mummies maybe good, too..." He trailed off, thinking.

[Tyrolin]

Feng finishes, wipes himself off on the table cloth, and stands. "No more time. Let us go"

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

"And I'm Is'sara, a cleric of Pelor," she adds after she finishes chewing. "I'm pleased that you were all found quickly - I just hope it's quickly enough." She gives a half smile as Feng shows his impatience and stands as well. "I agree, and I'm ready to go." She crosses the room to where her shield and pack are piled and gets them all arranged.

[....]

Challa nods to Is'sara and give her basic directions, trusting that between her and this Melanthum character they can find the brothel.

"Please be quick," Challa says, "and if you run into Galxakx I hope you give him one for Sluk and I. Good luck."

With that he turns back to the Brass Book.

[Dorizzit]

Korral stands and begins to sheathe his blade before considering where they are going, and leaves it naked in his hand. "Seeing as the environment is hostile, we should probably decide order of movement now to avoid a repeat of what happened last time. In my opinion it should be Feng, Connor, Gryf, Melanthum, Nick, Sonny, Is'sara and me taking the rear. Any other opinions?"

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

"That order sounds good to me. Let's get goin."

Putting his cloak back on and strapping his swords back to his belt (because who needs those while eating?) Nick stands up and moves over towards the door.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

"Have people with muscles the size of Sonny's head between Sonny and pointy death?" The cleric grins approvingly. "Sonny agrees."

[Cyrus112]

Connor nods.

"It sounds good to me. If I can help others to avoid the fate that met our departed companion, I will do so. If it means I die so others may live, so be it."

[....]

(Assuming everyone heads out, and dosn't want to do anything funny in Sigil...)

You arrive at the Lady of Pleasure brothel about twenty minutes after leaving Sluk and Challa's hideout. The building is suprisingly large, and finely made from white and blue marble. It brings gods and worship to mind, rather than more carnal desires.

Any doubts as to what the building's purpose is are quickly put to rest by the figure hawking its services; a floating head of a beautiful female that may be a human or may be an elf or something more exotic, her hair flows in a phantom wind. The reference to the Lady of Pain is obvious to anyone who has ever even heard of her.

At the apporoach to the eight of you, this apparition sqeals with delight and glides down the wide stairs that lead up to the entrace of the brothel.

I pauses before Feng, first, light sparking down from where its neck should be and forming into an attractrive and scantily clad female body.

"My my," the lady says in a husky voice, "Its been a while since we had such an interesting arragement of menfolk," she caresses Feng's face and smiles, not without a hint of something that may be cruelty, "I could be your mommy, big man."

Before Feng can say anything, she glides effortlessly past him, her eyes seeming to caress all the members of the party. She settles her hand and gaze on Nick next, her form shifting to a young, fresh girl ith long red hair and a dress, "And one so young as this. Would you let our girls teach you a thing or two, handsome sir?"

The form gasps and slides past Nick, eyeing Melanthum now. Her forum changes to one of a dark-skinned beauty now, wearing flowing and sheer robes of black, "Here's one with power." she whispers into Melanthum's ear, "seen and done things these boys never could. Perhaps I could aid you in your studies?" she looks over his shoulder and sees Korral.

"So stoic!" she cries, and stands before the hobgoblin, "do you think I could melt that iron reserve of yours? I bet underneath it all you are just as wild as that orc-man over there."

She approaches Gryfe, looking like an elf, her eyes picking out his courtblade, but drinking in his odd apperance, "You're no Prime." she said, "Tell me, sir, what does the Shadow smell of?" After speaking she puts her face close to Gryfe's shoulder and inhales deeply, chuckling. As she does so she looks down to see Sonny.

"Ahh, we've something for your kind too, little fellow." She kneels before Sonny, so she can meet his eyes, "beautiful goblin maidens, or if you perfer, obediant human girls, eager to be chained and enslaved."

At last she turns to Is'Sara and Connor. She seems less pleased to see these two, and does not approach them, instead standing back and staring at them, her head cocked.

"Unusual for us to get your kind near here," she says, twirling her hair, "Still, I know angels can fall... and a cleric is no paladin."

[Dorizzit]

Korral shows no emotion at the apparition's advances.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

As the girl talks to him, Nick barely maintains his composure. How the...how could she know about her? Maybe she can read minds? As she moves on to the others, Nick shakes his head and clears his thoughts. He then gives a smile and an interesting look to this "Lady of Pleasure". "I think I could teach your girls and thing or two, miss."

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny smiles thoughtfully at the offer, though he honestly seems more interested in the apparition's unusual powers than her murmured enticements. "Human girls?" he wrinkles his nose. "Sonny not know how you humans can find each other attractive, nevermind Sonny."

[Tyrolin]

Feng stares until the apparition moves past him, then mutters "Mother" in a pained voice, and begins crafting another doll.

Craft check : [roll0] against DC 15(?).

He finishes the doll quickly, putting away his supplies and the doll, and only then realizes that the apparition was nearly everything he'd ever wanted in a women, and feels the desire pull strongly on his heart.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara takes a couple of leisurely steps forward. "Fortunate or not, none of us have time to play today. Perhaps another time we can discuss comparative morality," she says with a half smile.

[Cyrus112]

Connor sneers at the woman.

"You have nothing I want or desire, wench. Were it up to me, I'd raze this place to the ground. Perhaps it is best I have more important matters at hand. Maybe one day we could continue this most...enlightening conversation."

[Dorizzit]

Korral steps away from the building. "You can go ahead," he addresses the party. "I'll wait outside."

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum throws his head back and laughs, returning the woman's caress with a brush of his gloved hand to her cheek. He grins at his allies and their varied reactions as she finishes her inspection, then speaks in a mirthful voice.

Ah, lass, I've no doubt we could entertain each other all night with tales and other... interesting diversions and exploits, alas we've not the time at the moment... and I'm afraid some of my companions have not the taste for such earthy delights... some other time, perhaps.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

"You think petty parlor tricks are going to fascinate me? Try again. I've seen things that would make you flinch. Run along you petty excuse for a ghost. As for the elves? My respect for the woodland rangers of the great forests are unparalleled. Do not test me, otherwise you may face my blade."

[....]

The shifting form steps back from the party, smiling as looking you all over.

"Well, I assume you've come here for a reason?" As she speaks, her form shifts again, this time her hair shortens and becomes gray, her face becomes less narrow, wider, and wrinkles form. She is now a he, an older man wearing the robes of a priest of Pelor. His voice has a singsong quality, as if a woman was deepening her voice, "Then please, welcome to the Lady of Pleasures. Do go in, and find whatever you may to suit your fancy."

The figure smiles at Is'Sara and blows her a kiss, then turns away to bother some other passerby.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Seeing the woman leave, Nick turns to the group. "Alright, now that she's gone, how do we want to go about this?"

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny's short attention span identifies the quickest and goblin-iest solution to their conundrum: "Sonny suggest plan: 'go in and find book first, then kill anyone who has problem with Sonny taking it.'" He added, "Preferrably with stab in back."

Sonny added insincerely, "Very sad, but saving world come first. Sonny have spell called 'Doomtide'..."

[Cyrus112]

Connor looks at Sonny with thinly veiled disgust.

"Perhaps we should try and talk our way to the book first, and only resort to violence as a last resort. I don't think the authorities would appreciate the chaos we would cause."

[Tyrolin]

"Feng think we look. Not know where, but look anyway." He frowns in thought as he concentrates mightily. "Maybe split up?". Feng then sighs as though that phrase caused him physical pain.

Feng looks around the building, and asks "How many floors?"

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara smiles sweetly at Sonny. "Of course you do. And I have a spell called Holy Aura. Let's not get into spell-like arguments yet. After we save the world, then we can play."

She then looks at Feng and the others. "I think that talking our way to the book is the best idea. And splitting up here would be... ill advised."

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick chuckles a little then speaks up. "If we'd like to go on a magic tangent, I have a spell of disguise I could use to sneak us in. More importantly, I agree with Is'sara. Splitting up could put us all in compromising positions." Nick rolls his eyes after saying the last part, as usual, he did not realize as he said it the context it could be used in.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny shrugged agreeably, though there was something in his eyes that said he would not be adverse to 'playing' with Isara after their current quest was over. "Talking good too. Sonny not have to do so much work that way."

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum nods in agreement with his compatriots. He didn't even bat an eyebrow when the creature turned into a male. He'd seen stranger things in planes. After all, in an infinite multiverse, everything happened somewhere.

I concurr... I'd rather try to talk our way to the book. We've not enough information on what we might be facing should hostilities commence.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

"Well, there's no real sense waiting around out here. Lets do something." With that, he strolls forward, into the brothel, boldly taking initiative.

We're moving kinda slowly, and not everyone is posting very frequently, so we might as well move the game along faster by pushing it forward. If our DM wishes to throw another encounter at us, then so be it.

[....]

The inside of the brothel is mostly a wide hall with several benches and shallow pools. Doors and archways lead into other areas.

The whole area is filled with inscence and other, less wholesome smokes and scents. A harp plays quietly from some corner, its song filled with more than just melody, you all feel the slight magical power in the song, but easily shake off whatever effects it may have had. Guttering torches and candles provide shadowy illumination, and you can make out several forms reclining around the hall on couches or in the pools, surrounding by the employees of the brothel, some fair and others so foul it nearly gags you yo look at them.

Gryfe, being the first on in, spots a man far across the hall, his face is covered by a black hood, and his body by long black robes; very out of place in the explosive heat of the brothel. He is apparently ending a conversation with two drow men wearing stylistic leather armor and armed with scimatars. Gryfe has just enough time to see the drow nod, and then step aside to reveal a door, which the man enters quickly.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick follows Gryfe inside and looks around, trying to keep his eyes off the employees of the brothel. After a quick scanning of the room, he whispers to Gryfe. "You find anything out of the ordinary in here? Best I can see is a couple of dark elves over there. Looks like they're the only ones here not enjoying themselves."

I'm assuming Nick didn't enter fast enough to see the man talk to the drow, but he would notice the only things in the room with weapons.

[Dorizzit]

Korral, seeming to having changed his mind, joins the rest of the group, sizing up everyone in the room. "Let's get this over with." He says.

[Cyrus112]

Connor enters and looks around, not noticing anything out of place, but keeping his eyes peeled for suspicious activity none the less.

"Where do you all propose we start looking?"

Spot
[roll0]

[....]

Cyrus spots the two drow guards, as well as two more drow dressed in a similar fashon. They are reclining on benches near the guards, but seem more alert than the other patrons.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

"The only real problem I see," Is'sara says, keeping her voice just above a whisper, "is that very few people in here are going to enjoy being interrupted for a little chat, and even freer with information." She pauses, knowing this suggestion will be unpopular and not particularly liking it herself. "Maybe one of the working girls..."

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

"As much as I'd enjoy chatting up one of them, remember our magic conversation earlier? I have some of my own. I can change into a drow myself or I can just try to charm or take over one's mind. Would those options be better?

Nick will wait for a reply before trying anything.

[Tyrolin]

"Feng not much help here. Too many things, only one sword", Feng says, looking at the hilt of his greatsword over his shoulder and shrugging.
"What Feng do?", he asks, trusting the others.

[Cyrus112]

"If drinks are available here, we can buy rounds for the patrons. I've noticed that alcohol can loosen tongues faster than a kind or intimidating word sometimes."

Connor squints at the Drow in a suspicious manner as he notices them.

"Those four Drow seem to be quite alert, considering the surroundings."

((Sense motive on the Drow to see if Connor can get some sort of hint as to the Drows' intentions.

Sense Motive
[roll0]

[Neftren]

Gryfe

From the concealing shadows, Gryfe interrupts, "Perhaps you didn't notice the man who was talking with those two drow as we came in. He disappeared through that door. Wherever you find drow... you find evil and usually illegal things taking place."

Gryfe slowly draws his sword and scrutinizes the patrons keenly for clues.

I'd like to roll Listen, Spot and Search checks...

Listen: [roll0]
Search: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]

I'm looking for anything out of the ordinary.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick looks with alarm as Gryfe draws his sword.
"We shouldn't draw attention to ourselves. The sword might be a bad idea."
Nick will manuver a little closer to the drow, trying to overhear anything they are saying.

listen: [roll0]

[....]

Conner gets the feeling that the drow are guarding something, and that the two reclining on the bench are surely helping the two obvious guards.

Neither Gryfe nor Nick hear the drow, as they are not speaking. Gryfe can hear many interesting, and in some cases stimulating, conversations and sounds from the patrons, but nothing of any real value.

As Gryfe draws his sword, he sees one of the drow make a very slight, but obviously deliberate motion with his hand.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthums nods for a moment, thoughtfully trying to recall anything he might have heard about this establishment, in particular any items regarding "back room" deals or shady merchants who might operate out of the place.

1d20+26

[....]

Melanthum remembers that the Lady of Pain is reputed to be built upon a much older building that was, according to legend, a temple to the Great Mother.

The drow continue to watch Gryfe warily, and a half-elven woman wearing a white toga starts walking towards him, her eyes uncertain as to his purpose.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum relays the information to his compatriots in a low voice.

I've heard a few whispers of this place in tavern shadows... chant is that it was built over a much older structure... dedicated to the Beholder goddess, the Great Mother.

He watches the woman approach, waiting to see what she wants before he reacts.

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

Sonny, who had followed the group in, stayed at the back of the troop and sulked. He paused as Melanthum's words washed over him."Great Mother... no way connected to beholder we know, is there?"

It seemed like a big leap in logic, but how many beholders and beholder hang-outs could there be in Sigil? He knew the things were rare - he'd never even seen one in all his 34 years.

Then he shook his head. "Sonny thinks that if that so, might be very bad hiding place for important book."

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick scours his mind to think of any rumors about what exactly the 'Great Mother' is, and any connections it might have to books.

bardic knowledge: [roll0]

"Just how big was this older structure Mel? We could have a maze on our hands."

[....]

Nick has heard tales about the Great Mother, the goddess of the xenophobic Beholders. She lords over magic, fertility, and tyrany and lives in the Abyss.

The half-elven woman steps close to Gryfe and whispers to him, "Good sir, Might I ask that you put your weapon away? Such things are not allowed here."

[Neftren]

Gryfe

I actually meant it to be as a concealed gesture, so that the Drow and anybody else wouldn't see it. The sword I mean.

Gryfe withdraws the sword back into the folds of his cloak, as if he had put it away.

[....]

(Ah, well, then I figure you can ignore the bit about the half-elf)

[Cyrus112]

Connor

Still squinting, Connor says, "Those Drow are very suspicious. It would appear that the four of them are guarding something. Does anyone want to attempt to talk to them? I would, but knowing what I know about Drow would most likely turn that conversation frighteningly fast into a violent and messy confrontation."

[Dorizzit]

At this, Korral turns to Nick and says: "Want to try talking to them?"

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Giving a smile, Nick agrees. He stands in the middle of the group first and casts 'alter self' to turn himself into a drow, then follows that up by casting 'glibness'. Now that he looks like them, he walks over to them and speaks in elven.

"My companions and I need to go into that room behind you. The man who went in first is wanted by the Lady of Pain herself and we were already cleared by your boss to apprehend him. It would be in your best interests to let us through."
hide if I need it so no one notices I'm casting or turning into a drow: [roll0]
bluff: [roll1]

[....]

The drow blink at Nick. The two of them then blink at one another.

One of them says, "Jahna is helping the Lady now?" He shrugs and throws another glance at his partner, "Well, I won't argue... whats with all the pinkskins, though?"

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Smiling, Nick adds "The pinkskins are in disguise to throw off the enemy. What better way to trick someone?"

[....]

The drow looks sort of out of his depth, but nods and stands aside.

"Well, hurry up then. I don't think the crazies will be happy to see you, especially if you're on the Lady's orders, but we won't stop you."

[dyslexicfaser]

Sonny

This 'not killing everyone who gets in our way' plan may work after all, Sonny thought idly as he wordlessly trooped past the dark elves, realizing that his pidgin Common would sound rather odd from what was supposed to be a disguised drow.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick

Nick nods to the drow and thanks them before he beckons the group in and walks inside.

[WhiteKnight777]

Melanthum

Melanthum shrugs and follows after, giving the two drow a single arched eyebrow as he walks past. Though he wasn't exactly sure what was being said, he could tell it was insulting by their tone.

[Dorizzit]

Korral strides past the Drow, rubbing his neck so as to put his hand near his sword hilt.

[Zimmia]

Is'sara

Is'sara flicks a glance at the drow as she passes so as not to completely ignore them and follows the rest through the door.

[Tyrolin]

Feng cracks his neck before following the group, feeling awkward indeed when he is walking between two of the powerful elven race.

[Cyrus112]

Connor

Connor clenches his jaw as he walks past the Drow, knowing that if he lost his composure, he would start a fight with the Drow, and that would not be conducive to their current situation. It was just so hard for him to let an evil person walk off without at least a sound beating.

[....]

The door leads to a very long, sloping path. There aren't actual stairs, just a gentle incline leading downward. After perhaps twenty feet down, the incline ends at a low arch, flanked by two burning torches. Beyond this archway is a hallway about ten feet wide, made of grayish stone carved into blocks. The hallway extends out into darkness.

[Cyrus112]

((Connor has darkvision out to 60ft.))

Connor attempts to peer into the darkness to see if he can make out any discerning marks.

Spot
[roll0]

If the darkness stretches on farther than he can see, Connor will look around for any loose stone, cast daylight on it and huck it down the hallway into the darkness.

[Neftren]

Gryfe

Gryfe also has Darkvision out to 120 Feet, so I'll just roll Listen, Search and Spot checks I guess...

Listen: [roll0]
Search: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]

Gryfe slowly inches his blindfold up to examine the area with his naturally powerful darkvision, before pulling it back down again.

[....]

At the very farthest reaches of his darkvision, Gryfe can make out what may be an archway similar to the one they came through. Other than that, the corridor is simply blank stone. The faintest sound of someone speaking in an odd way can be barely heard over the ringing silence.

There are a few loose rocks here and there.

[dyslexicfaser]

((Darkvision 60 feet here as well))

Sonny

Sonny brushed his hand against the arch. His high-pitched voice is pitched somewhat lower, as though he is afraid something might overhear. "Worked stone. Strange, hidden passageway. This normal for Sigil brothels? This starting to seem like worse and worse idea to Sonny." he complained, looking nervous.

[Cyrus112]

Connor has daylight at will. He'll pick up a piece of loose stone, cast daylight on it and chuck it down the hallway.

Attack Roll
[roll0]

((Aiming for the spot of ground at the very edge of my darkvision))

[Tyrolin]

Feng tries to jump onto the arch

jump check [roll0]
climb check (to actually get up on it) [roll1]

Feng falls flat on his face and growls.

[Dorizzit]

Korral closes his eyes as he feels the very air around him, his sword openly drawn, a dull but harsh yellow glow emerging from it.

[Quxelopqr]

Nick allows everyone else to make light and then looks through the hallway, still in his drow disguise.

[Zimmia]

Showing signs of discomfort, Is'saras lips silently move in celestial.

[Neftren]

((Darkvision 60 feet here as well))

Sonny

Sonny brushed his hand against the arch. His high-pitched voice is pitched somewhat lower, as though he is afraid something might overhear. "Worked stone. Strange, hidden passageway. This normal for Sigil brothels? This starting to seem like worse and worse idea to Sonny." he complained, looking nervous.

Just FYI, it's at the edges of my darkvision, which is double that of yours, so you don't actually see it just by standing there... :smallwink:

Gryfe

Gryfe slowly advances through the arch, staying alert, as he peers beyond... attempting to locate the sound of the voices coming from the end of the hallway.

[....]

(I'm assuming that Connor threw the stone with light on it before Feng tried to jump across the hallway, creating illumination down the hall, enough for those with darkvision to see the arch....)

Feng makes a running leap down the hallway, he falls quite short, and lands hard on the ground, grunting in pain. As he starts to get up, there's a quiet, but very audible click sound, and the stones beneath him fall away.

Even his uncanny barbarian reflexes aren't fast enough for Feng to roll away, and he falls down a deep pit. Feng takes 15 points of bludegeoning damage from the fall. At the bottom of the pit are several large, sharp spikes. One of the spikes hits Feng's breastplate hard enough to leave a dent in it, but Feng falls off to the side of the spike, unharmed.

The rest of the party can hear a loud ringing sound from up ahead. The pit is nearly one-hundered feet across, with only a very small ledge around the sides of the hallway.

[Cyrus112]

Connor

Connor will edge toward the pit and look to see what made the noise. If he sees Feng, he will try and help him out of the pit.

[Dorizzit]

Korral dashes towards the pit, peering over the side to see if Feng's alright.