Through the Portal

[Psionic Dog]

Through The Portal
The Zephyr Side Briefing

You find yourselves gathered as a group for the first time on the grassy hill at the portal site for your official mission briefing. You aren’t actually expected to pass through until tomorrow morning, but the powers that be though it best for you to see the portal before hand. The gateway is marginally impressive, a hollow in the ground paved with smooth shaped stone. A few inches above this is a bronze hoop eight feet across which is studded with two rows of sparkling crystals focused inward toward a faint patch of transparent blue.
“The bluish patch we believe to be a bit of sky transmitted through the rift,” A human named Erik Flaimbrow explains as he continues to give a bland description of how the portal was found and the rift stabilizer constructed. The only important thing he’s said so far is that the bronze stabilizer is not actually active, and activates only at specific times to make the portal guarding easier.

Erik is some aristocrat who is the who was appointed Senior Director of Portal Exploration partly for his talents, but mostly because of politics. He views all of you as expendable assets of a human/elf empire, but at least he’s somewhat tactful about it. The same can’t be said for Tharivol, an Elven Arcane Loremaster professor who’s famous for both his theoretical work and arrogance. He cares little for other races, and actively despises the ‘monstrous’ ones. He is absolutely delighted that a group of your racial makeup has the privilege of doing the dangerous work. The area is also filled with numerous guards, workers, and the odd fire-giant, but the only other important individual is the gnome wizard forman named Roondar who was in charge of the portal stabilizer's construction.

Eventual Erik, to both the relief of you and an impatient looking Tharivol, moves back to the important stuff after all the commemorations and his spill on your valor for volunteering as the 3rd Rain Hill Slope Portal Exploratory Force.
“Tomorrow you will be entering the portal and investigating the far side. For security we will only activate the portal for two hours at a time every five days. We’ve already sent through 3 rats, 2 dogs, a donkey, 3 birds, and two other survey parties. From these initial excursion and other tests we know the portal works, the environment at the far side is habitable, that time there appears to match our own, and also that there are serious unknown dangerous. Any questions?”

“Yeh, now just have fun and try not to die to the unknown dangers” Tharivol adds with a bright smile and a nasty chuckle. “Only one of the birds has come back, and we’ve invested too much in the portal to write it off.”

“You didn’t have to tell them that,” Erik groans softly. Louder he adds: “That’s all true, but the bird came back in perfect health. You’re all practically heros, you’ll do fine. Now any questions?”

Tharivol continues to chuckle and adds: “Yah, that’s right. We just need our tame monsters to face the portal’s monsters.” Erik elbows him but otherwise ignores this remark as he waits for your response.

Sirrush:

Your enchanted weapons are currently being held by Cobalt, a massive fire giant standing about 20 feet behind you. Cobalt has been assigned to ‘assist’ you with ‘social rehabilitation.’ For all practical purposes he is your probation officer, responsible both for protecting society from you and for ensuring that you go through the gaping maw of the portal.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

Arrogant arcanist. Studying that much damaged his head. "What were the other two survey parties made up of? Why do you think we will survive where they did not? I won't die pointlessly."

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor sits on the grass looking like an old shabby man, he gives the appearance of not being very interested in what is being said, though he listens intently.


Alanor detect thoughts on Erik, he might know more than he is letting on....
DC 15 (Charisma based)

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy didn't like either of the two elves very much. It was rather interesting how different some elves could be. He crossed his arms across his broad, fur-covered chest. He was already quite sure he was going to die on the other side. Not that it would matter much in the long run. No, he was going across the portal not to become a hero. He was going there to go out in a blaze of glory. Maybe, he hoped, eventually, tales of his exploits would reach Irlym, and give her some modicum of comfort. He tapped his hoof against his other hoof to loose some clinging dirt from it. "I can't say you two've left me with any lingering questions. If that's all we have for a briefing, are we dismissed? I would rather get on with something vaguely entertaining." He asked, shifting to his other hoof and repeating the tapping motion.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"Perhaps the others did not return because they were taken in by the idyllic lifestyle and fabulous riches of life that lie upon the other side.", observes Amilia while gently caressing the edge of the gateway. "I think it's quite generous and progressive of you to give minorities such wonderful opportunities." She smiles sincerely at Tharivol. Without the slightest hint of sarcasm, she continues, "Your continued kind treatment before our departure will undoubtedly leave us further indebted to the Alliance, which we shall repay by returning with an account of the riches on the far side."

Amilia pauses with a smile for a moment to make eye contact with Erik, Tharivol, and Roondar, then continues, "Now. Is there any evidence of actual danger beyond the portal?" Then, looking particularly at Roondar, "What more is known about the portal and what lies beyond?"


What's the name of the "multi-race confederacy" / "human/elf empire"? I wrote "the Alliance" above, but Amilia uses whatever the actual name is instead.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orain was sitting on the grass in front of the portal. "they are not being at all generous. To them we are just monsters that need to be gotten rid of." That was obviously directed towards Amilia. He then turned to Eric saying. "When did the other two survey parties leave, and when is this briefing going to be over? It was obvious that Orian was anxious to go.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia briefly shoots Orian a nasty look, then regains her composure. "Of course they see us as monsters. We are monsters." Emphasizing the point, Amilia hops into the air and for a moment grins broadly, revealing her fangs. "Which I'm sure makes working with us difficult (glares at Orian, then returns to smiling), and we should be that much more thankful for this opportunity and for any help they provide that will contribute to our success and the glory of the Alliance" While speaking, Amilia casually flutters her way next to Orian.


If Orian begins to say anything else antagonistic, Amilia pretends there was a sudden gust of wind and topples onto Orian.

[Psionic Dog]

[roll0]

((Alanor:
Erik's thoughts remain stubbornly locked away from detection.))
---------------------

The human (Erik) smiles and says: "Of course you'll survive. You're all skilled champions easily capable of triumphing over mundane dangers are you not?"

"Unlike those useless pansies we've sent through. They were just miserable little..." the elf begins when Erik interrupts. "Enough talk, a picture's worth a thousand words, Roondar please show them what's gone through." "Hmph, why I could show you what those ugly little..." "Of course! I have just the spell!" The gnome interjects, "No offense but..." "But we don't want to burden a mage or your exceptional skill with such a simple task." Erik smoothly finishes. "You, you may leave if you wish. I'd hate to waste your time with answering these last few trivial details."

Tharivol replies with another of his nasty chuckles. "l Oh, no, I wouldn't miss this for anything. In fact... "
Ahem, Roondar interrupts as he finishes casting the spell, and Erik, managing too not look too relieved for the interruption, hushes the elf and lets the gnome speak.
"Now we have no evidence that anything dangerous exists, in fact the return of that hawk suggests that the far side is perfectly safe.

The group on the right went through when we first built the portal 3 months back to examine the far side. They never returned. Next we sent through a variety of animals. As I said, the hawk came back. Then last month we sent through the group on the left. They didn't come back either.

From this, we have concluded that the environment is perfectly survivable, but has dangers, possibly dangerous flora and/or fauna. So, rather than wasting lives we've brought in a group of diverse minor heros from across the land.

"So you'll be fine, if anything the group of you is overkill on our part."

"Yah, we really only need one surviver to tell us what's on the far side, and my money says three of you will make it back."

The group on the right consist of five young goblins (the small variety) lightly armed and carrying backpacks.

The group on the left consists of three dwarf warriors, a half-elf bowman, and a human. The group is in battle gear: everyone is carrying martial weapons and clad in scale armor, except for the human who is in breast plate and a magic sword. Everyone has either two-handed weapons or shields.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor now taking a more keen interest stands and looks closely at the goblins and dwarfs images.
I may have to remember this.... Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and knowledge...


Straightening up, Alanor looks at Tharivol for a few seconds, Alanor is gaining a clear dislike for Tharivol. Before anyone really knows whats happening, Alanor changes appearance into Tharivol only Alanor's version is covered in bruises and looks incredibly dishevelled.
If I were you, I'd treat us with a little more respect. I'd hate anything to happen to you when we.... return.

As he says this Alanor trys to detect Tharivols thoughts.


DC 15

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy smirked. "So what's that say about your men, when a mere hawk fares better than a squad of armed and equipped soldiers of your so-called 'superior' races?" He asked wryly. He knew the elf arcanist's sort of person. All barbs and derision, until you called their superiority into question. Then it was barely-concealed rage. The reddish starburst on his forehead tingled. It always did that when he started to feel smug. He liked it. "So much for superiority. The only thing you humankin have going for you is you breed like rats." He added, pointedly comparing the 'civilized' races to rodents.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
"Erik, given that we are a "better choice" than the others you've sent through, perhaps you will be providing some additional equipment and items to ensure that you don't waste time getting yet another group to go out if we fail due to being under-equippped? A device to locate the portal from a distance while on the other side could be most useful."

The more we know about how we get there, the better our chances of getting back. Graaf-Niig pulls Roondar aside and begins to quiz him on the technical details of how the stabilizer works, how the portal was located in the first place, and any other information that may be known about it.

Relevant Skills: Diplomacy +4
Gather Information+4
Knowlege (Arcana) +12
Knowledge (Planes) +5
Spellcraft +13

He also casts Detect Magic as a way of verifying what he's learned, and to start to get an idea of how the flow of energy is so manipulated.

As an afterthought, he also casts Mage Armor on himself... just in case, just to start getting in the habit.
+4 ac -1 already on bracers = 20 AC until spell expires (8 hrs)
spells cast: lv0-1
lv1-1

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Listening to the outbursts from Alanor and Oggy, Amilia takes a long sigh and resigns herself to the fact that diplomacy is clearly not this groups' strong suit. Maybe I can grab hold of Erik, Tharivol, or Roondar later, when these huge egos aren't getting in the way. Graaf-Niig, at least, appears to have his head on straight. Amilia decides to quietly listen and floats to the ground. She takes the time to study each of her new companions in detail.

Amilia uses Detect Good, Detect Evil, Detect Law, and Detect Chaos in sequence to get a feeling for her companions, as well as Cobalt, Erik, Tharivol, and Roondar. She also uses Detect Thoughts to gauge the intelligence of each.


If Detect Thoughts is undetectable even on a failed save (see question in OOC thread), she also pokes into the minds of Cobalt, Erik, Tharivol, and/or Roondar whenever they might be thinking something INTERESTING, such as when someone asks an interesting question about the portal or the earlier parties. Or even if they're staring off into space. She doesn't bother to poke around if someone is in a heated debate about the merits of the Alliance or tensions between species. Will DC 18. Duration 8 minutes.

If in this universe someone notices when Detect Thoughts fails, she doesn't poke into anyone's head at all. She just uses it to assess intelligence.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag Swiftpaw

Barag snarls slightly, his top lip curling from teeth that appear smaller than he is used to.

"You send a pack of men and elves, hah? They die? You send animals now- not look good for you city-people if we come back alive!"

[Psionic Dog]

Alanor
NPC will saves
[roll0]
[roll1]
I should have rolled for everyone the first time now that I read the description... oh well.

Amilia
Erik: LN, Roondar: NG, Tharivol: CN
Will saves:
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
So Erik's thoughts are open to you... read them by highlighting the white spaces.


"You insolent maggot fodder! You want my respect!? I'll Feed you my respect you, you... Just take Thi..." He sputters, his hand reaching for a material component pouch when Erik, recognizing what was about to happen, snatches the hand away.
Crap! My career will be ruined if I can't get those beasts through the portal to sort the problems out! Of course their unfriendly, they're monsters! Why does this enlightened idiot have to deliberately provoke them?
"No! No smiting! They have to be alive to go through, or would you rather go through yourself?"
*sight* Of course, it would help if these things would at least grovel just a bit for this guy's ego... the pixie seemed to get the idea at least.
"Sir, you can dance on their grave later, but not if you personally kill them."
I know they have ego's too but... but if I could play to everyone's ego...
"Tharivol, look, why don't you leave now and start preparing a speech where you thank the survivors for their risk and consul them on their looses?" Erik gently says giving the elf a gentle shove away from the group. "Why don't you get some fresh air far away from these beasts to think about it, hmm?"
Tharivol considers this for a moment as he calms. "Consul them on their losses, He, I'd love to do that. Just make sure these maggots know their place!" With another of his chuckles he swaggers off.

HA! He's gone at last! Maybe I can salvage the situation.
Erik smiles fantly as he leaves, then turning back to eveyone else he says: "Orientation Dismissed Cobolt, Roondar, escort any of our brave volunteers back to the lodge who are done here."

Graaf-Niig

((Part of your starting wealth was a recruitment bonus. Nothing else is offered))
Roondar is happy to talk with you.
How it was fond: The blue patch is an anomaly that was discovered about 50 years ago by... someone.

What it is: The micro rift is a astrial-like fold, a demi-plane itself almost, that connects only two point. It originates from a portal, beacon, or natural focus at the far end, and the trailing end of it's energies rests in the jumbled planer fold of the Zephyr Recess.

What the stabilizer does: The stabilizer has two functions: 1) to anchor this end of the rift to prevent it from continuing to drift, and 2) to stretch the rift into a shape something can travel through.

How it works: The portal, even when 'inactive' provides an attractive field that stretches the rift into focus and holds its location steady. When active, the stabilizer projects a wall of force behind the rift and stretches the rift mouth up against this backing. This widening and shortening of the rift allows material objects to pass through. Spells can not pass unless anchored to a material object. Thus, all scryings of the far side have failed. A small construct was once sent through, but that hasn't returned either.

They thought at first that it opened at a great hight since only a bird ever came back, but the human in the second party was equipped with winged boots and a ring of feather fall, and he hasn't come back either.


Amilia

Erik walks toward you.
Now I get to kiss our volunteers' egos. *grimace* Thats politics for you.
"Amilia was it?" He asks with a small bow. "I was pleased that you are eager to go through the portal, and I must apologize for the manors of Tharivol. I'm afraid that that elf has spent so much time in research and magic weapon development that he believes the confederacy is indebted to him. Given that a hawk went through and back I know you can do the same, but it would be lovely if you could help your companions survive the unknown too. I find it delightful to contemplate Tharivol eating his words tomorrow, don't you agree?"

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Erik

Amilia curtsies, delighted to be speaking with someone who understands the practical importance of treating others with respect. "I suspect I regret the rash words of my compatriots as much as you regret those of Tharivol. Monsters, elves, and humans all have an interest in the success of this mission, and it's a shame to let petty differences stand in the way. I am saddened that the others inflamed Tharivol. As a Loremaster, I imagine his extensive knowledge of arcane lore might contain some useful insights about the portal and our mission, if he could be coaxed to share them. I fear this exchange has thoroughly poisoned against us, however. I do wonder, though, if he might be willing to share his knowledge of the challenges ahead with someone sympathetic to his prejudice? I can imagine him sharing a drink with someone, someone who eggs him on with their interest in all of the horrible things that await this group of monstrous misfits, and all of the precautions they might take but could never possibly think of." Amilia smiles and winks, while watching Erik's thoughts to see if he agrees that the Loremaster might have useful knowledge, and to see if he picks up on her not-entirely-subtle suggestion. If Erik himself knows anything about the challenges ahead and any precautions they might take, she naturally pays close attention to that as well.

Having made her suggestion, she continues immediately on to answer to Erik's question, "I will certainly do everything within my power to ensure each of us returns safely. I'm afraid I'm a little puzzled about some of the details of our mission--sometimes I'm a little dim-witted that way. Are we to step through the portal and return immediately? Or are we to return for the next two-hour window five days hence? Also, if only a hawk has returned, how do we know that the other side is hospitable?

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor

Alanor transforms back into the old human and chuckles inwardly to himself, it's fun to play mind games, it's the way of the doppelganger, well it is for people you don't like.
Alanor looks around for Cobolt and Roondar, upon reaching Roondar he strikes up a casual but meaningful conversation;
Roondar is it? It was interesting to see the parties that were sent through before us, do you think it would be possible to supply away of seeing these images without you when we are through the portal?

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag Swiftpaw

Barag says nothing, but sniffs the air, his preternaturally keen nose picking up the scents of the area in case he needs to recognise it later.

OOC: Anything particular I notice?

EDIT: Survival check, just in case: 1d20+11

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian asks Eric. "Is there any where that I can summon a skeleton? It is so that I will have all of my spells avalible to me when we go through."

Will I need to buy black onyx gems? If so orian also asks about that.

[MorkaisChosen]

That roll didn't work, let's do it properly:

[roll0]

Add the +11 Survival modifier to that... Gives 22

[Psionic Dog]

Orian, Amillia, and anyone else speaking with Erik
I wish I could trust him even then...
"Ah, part of the problem is that Tharivol is as ignorant as the rest of us. His arts have failed him, and he wouldn't dare go in person even if the confederacy let him. He knows it connects to either a demi-plane, probably a large one, a disjoined planer region like the Zephyr Recess, but beyond that?" Erik shrugs hopelessly.

Didn't I make it clear that they were too... opps, I didn't did I?
"Initially, yes. Step in, take a few minutes to look around, then pop back to tell us what is on the far side. Then we'd like you to pop back over and spend the next five days looking for traces of the lost expeditions, checking for native societies, and clearing a relatively safe area around the exit."

"As for habitation, when the portal is active we can see a blue sky and green grassy fields through it." Sort of "Also, as I said before, the hawk spend a minute or so on the far side and returned in perfect health. That tells us there is an atmosphere that isn't poisoned, blistering hot, freezing cold, or coursing with negative energy. Habitable." Of course we wont be 100% certain until you all go through but I can't say that.

"At first we thought that this meant the exit was suspend in the sky, so in the second expedition we included a man equipped with a ring of feather fall and winged boots. Since he hasn't come back either we aren't so sure that was the problem. Of course, even if it is part of the problem you will still have no trouble returning." He says encouragingly. My career is on the line here, You'd better have no trouble returning.

Turning to Orian he adds trying not to frown:
"I think we have some onyx gems we could sell you, but it would be better if you found a corpse on the far side. Grave robing is illegal here, and finding a corpse suitable for your wishes could be expensive."


Everyone with Cobalt the fire giant guard and Roondar
[spoiler]"It would be expensive, but I could probably have something ready five days hence if you really want that", Roondar explains to Alanor, "but that was just a generic depiction of the sort of individuals who went through. A goblin surveyor journeyman with four young inexperienced goblins eager for adventure in the first group, three veteran, ok maybe just bloodied and experienced, dwarfs and a half-elf bowman led by a minor human noble who had had some experience as a squadron commander in battle and was looking for fame in the second. I think I got the half-elf right, but the rest were just generic impression and fragmented memories."

Barag: You smell nothing that you haven't seen.

[Agthorr]

Amilia is taken off-guard by Orian's question--and by Erik's response. He's Good, he wants to animate the dead, and Erik takes it completely in stride. Even Erik's thoughts reveal nothing unusual. What have I gotten myself into? I'm not one to be squeamish, but the walking dead give me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe Orian has some kind of magic that alters his aura. That might turn out handy. But he appears to be a Gold-Dragon/Assimar hybrid. How much more GOOD can you get?

Putting her confusion aside, Amilia turns to Erik and asks, "Who discovered the rift originally, anyway?"

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Mulling over Roondar's words he comes backs with;
Ok, How about we just do the half elf, lets not mess around we both know what I am, it could prove useful as I may need to be a perfect match. I'm only trying to to help the best I can.

Truefully Alanor doesn't give a crap about the Portal or what was beyond it, it was people's reaction to it, their responses and their actions, Alanor longed to be a master of the races that shunned and mocked him. Playing with and learning minds and psyche were a doppelganger's inate desire.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

To Alanor, as a side conversation
That's a pretty useful skill. If the other side is being watched, you will be more effective as an infiltrator if they think there are fewer of us than they really are. From talking to Roondar, any active spells will still be effective after we pass through the portal. If I make you Invisible before we go through, anyone waiting for us will not miss you if we are captured. I plan to go through invisible so that I have a better chance of surviving any immediate ambushes.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy smirked to himself. Just how he'd predicted. This other guy seemed a little better though. The gnome seemed the best of all three, but gnomes were only a few steps away from fey, so it was to be expected. "Well, that takes care of him." HE commented, before turning to Erik. "I have no questions for you. Can I go now?" He asked, tersely. The elf's commentary had made him a little less agreeable than usual.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag Swiftpaw

Still saying nothing, Barag shifts to hybrid form, sharpening his already impressive senses further, and sniffs interestedly at the edge of the portal.

[Psionic Dog]

"Who discovered the rift originally, anyway?"


A necromancer! I guess shouldn't be surprised with the recruiters draging out society's dredges, I wonder what this pixie is doing with them, she is a pixie isn't she? Meh, doesn't matter. Time to kiss fairy butt good buy and babysit pointy ears. I can't wait to get this through that portal.

Erik pauses thoughtfully momentarily somewhat distracted by Orian's odd request, and then turning to point at the receding figures of Roondar and company says: "I'm not sure who discovered the rift: Tharivol probably knows, but Roondar is might also know and he would probably be much more helpful. Why don't you ask him on your way back to the lodge?"


Brag: You smell nothing of the portal or the far side, just the traces of gnome and human who have been inspecting the portal in the past few days.

The meeting is adjourned. Roondar, a firegiant, and a couple human guards are escorting the group back to the lodge where the group can talk among itself over a hot meal, make last minute purchases at the trading post, and of course sleep. For the moment Eric remain at the portal site answering any questions of him.

Edit: Speaking to Alanor Roondar replies: "Hmmm sure thing. I have a cousin who does paintings, he could get something small done in the next five days. I'm not sure what the cost would be, but it couldn't be more than 50 gp at the most, possibly as little as 5. If you want a simple 1/day illusion projecter of the elf I could make that myself, but it would be about... um... 350 gp."

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor looks over to Graaf-Niig while waiting for a response from Roondar and whispers back;


Ha yes it can be.... useful. I don't think we've properly met, I'm Alanor and yes, I think I may have to join you in invisibility, after all, if I have to rescue you all at some point it would be best that whatever is through there doesn't know I'm there!

[Agthorr]

Sensing that Erik tires of this conversation, Amilia bids him adieu, curtsies, and hops into the air to catch up with Roondar and the others. Smiling at gnome, she inquires, "Master Roondar, the portal is quite an impressive piece of work. I do hope the Alliance is compensating you well for your efforts." As they walk the rest of the way back to the lodge, she chats him up, inquiring about his work on the portal, the story of the discovery of the portal, how he came to work on it, how long the construction has taken, precautions he might take if HE were going through the portal, what he expects might be on the other side, etc. She strikes a casual tone, as if interested primarily in the work of the little gnome.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag shifts back to his half-elf form and follows the others.

These furless ones talk too much..., he thinks to himself.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy cast his critical eye over the rest of the travelers as they walked. The pixie seemed to know what she was doing, but was too focused on information and making 'connections' than anything else. It seemed she was best suited for that, though. She would be good at surviving, but not much more than that. Stealth was most fitting for her. However, her seeming friendliness with humankin might be more than mere seeming. The others hadn't shown much in the way of talents, apart from the one who'd asked about skeletons, and the shapeshifters, though the latter two were more a function of race than capability. He'd have to keep his eyes open.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Over dinner, Amilia suggests that each member of the party take turns introducing themselves and explaining any special talents that might be useful on the coming mission.

OOC:

Decided to post this without waiting to see the gnome's response, as I think the others are getting bored with all the pixie's yammering. :elan:

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor accepts the 350gp charge for the illusion projector saying he will pay upon arrival of the projector the next morning.

At dinner Alanor agrees that it would be good to know each member of the team, trust is important after all.
Alanor stands at the dinner table and introduces himself;
I am Alanor. I am a doppelganger, I am someone who can change my appearance. As he says this he transforms into Roondar. This ability is... useful for making my way in life, though this makes people wary of me however please do not fear me misleading any of you. We are in this together becuase of one particular person. Alanor transforms to Tharivol. I am a trained thief, I can open doors and find traps, though I prefer to make people choose to believe me through my given talents, for instance, I have agreed to pay Roondar 350gp for a magic trinket tommorow morning, I will stay out the back of our Lodge until he arrives, at which point I will ask that you fetch me from the back. I plan to pay nothing for this trinket.
Alanor smiles genialy at his comrades before transforming back into his natural form of grey skin and large head.
I also am capable of reading your minds provided you grant me access, I will not do this often, only in tight spots, if you have anything you wish me to hear, open your mind and just say it in your head and I will hear as you grant me access. Just hope I am listening.
Alanor sits down and takes a long sip from his wine.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy stood, setting down the fork that had been until moments ago skewering leafy greens and bringing them to his mouth. HE paused a moment to swallow the last of the food in his mouth.
"My name is Oggy." He began. "I am a fey, and a huntsman. In the forests, if you can see me, it's because I let you. If you hear me coming, then you know you're not my target. I can spot anything within half a league, and I can hear an owl swooping for the kill. My bow and my horns are more than enough to put any foe to rest. What can even hit me in the first place heals in an instant, apart from cold iron wounds. My pipes can seduce, lull one to sleep, or even terrify my foes. I served for years in the defense against the demonic hordes, and at the end of it all, I was betrayed by the very men we're working for, so you'll have to excuse my ill temper of late. I'll say no more on that matter, however." He said, before sitting down once more and returning to his salad.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian stands and says. "My name is Orian. I am a gold half-dragon Aasimar who is a cleric. Try not to upset me. I see less of a point for rules then my dragon kin and I do not feel obligated to follow other's rulles. Then he sat down.

[spoiler]I will asume that I have bought the gems and wrighting stuff.[/spoier]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

Graaf-Niig leans back in his chair, tilting it slightly, and laces his fingers in front of him. I am Graaf-Niig, a sorceror of some rank among the hobgoblin people. I have seen many battles both as a follower and as a leader, and prevailed in all of them. While I cannot do as wide of a variety of things as the" *spits to the side* "elf, what I do I do well and frequently. I have the power to make things or people invisible, and plan to do this both for myself and" *gesturing* "Alanor tomorrow. If we are observed, we preserve our doppleganger as a potential rescuer, and it keeps any ambush from instantly targeting me. Due to the nature of my powers, I am much less well-armored than most of the rest of you. I am quick and tough, but physical combat is not what I am best it. That is what others and summoned creatures are for."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

When it reaches her turn to introduce herself, Amilia hops into the air, fluttering above her seat. "I am Amilia, and as you can see (she flutters her wings) I am pixie. Or rather my mother was pixie." She pauses to examine her claws the way a human woman might examine her nails. "A knowledge wizard once told me that my father must have been a green dragon."

"In combat, my specialty is archery, and I pack of variety of arrows for every possible occasion." She reaches into her quiver, pulls a fistful of arrows half-way out, then let's them fall back into place. Each arrow looks slightly different, and one glows as brightly as a lamp.

Amilia continues, "My pixie heritage affords me a few minor magical talents. Like Master Graaf-Niig, I have the power to become invisible." Suddenly, she is gone, but her disembodied voice chuckles, "Although, I would be surprised if he can do this." Suddenly, she is again visible to the eyes, performing a pirouette on the back of her chair while strobing rapidly between visible and invisible.

Giggling and returning to full visibility, she explains, "However, unlike Master Graaf-Niig, I cannot directly see the invisible. Like Master Alanor, I, too, possess the ability to peer into the minds of others, but only for a few minutes each day. As I have a strong regard for the privacy of others, and an especially strong regard for the privacy of others with magic weapons, (she winks and grins at everyone present) I don't often use this ability." Then, making sure to make brief eye contact with Alanor, "When I was growing up, I recall a case of one pixie who abused this power to enter the minds of his companions without their consent. Eventually, he was discovered, and dealt with most harshly. In fact, although this is not well known, the penalty for reading the mind of a pixie without her consent is ritual disembowelment." She shudders, and thinks to herself, "I hope Alanor doesn't see that as a challenge. I'm just telling it like it is."

"That said, being able to sense the presence of nearby minds, without invading them, is certainly useful for keeping track of your invisible friends!"

Turning to Orian, she says, "I also have some innate resistance to spells--even healing spells cast by a friend." She frowns with regret. "I can lower my resistance, but only with focused concentration and it leaves me vulnerable to unfriendly spells."

"My other magical talents are probably not worth enumerating. I would caution you (as she makes eye contact with the Satyr) that I have heard the craziest stories about the magic of pixies and I strongly caution you not to believe any of them that you have not seen with your own eyes. Actually, one of our powers is to create powerful illusions, so you probably shouldn't trust your eyes either." She giggles and adds, "If possible, I'll say `Octopus' before I conjure an illusion so that you know to expect the unexpected". She winks.

"And finally, as I'm sure you've already guessed, I have the gift of the gab!" Amilia grins wildly, fangs showing, quite amused with herself.

--

After everyone has had a chance to introduce themselves, say whatever else they wish to say, and the meal is concluded... as everyone files out of the dining hall, she chimes in, "Incidentally, I suggest everyone bring a bow and some arrows. Even if it's not your weapon-of-choice, I'm not the only thing out there that can fly..."

Afterward, Amilia stops by the Trading Post for some choice last-minute purchases, then retires to her room where she gets her 2 hours of required sleep and spends the remainder of the evening reading a racy romance novel to keep her mind off the bleak chances of getting through this mission alive.

[MorkaisChosen]

When Barag's turn to speak comes, he seems uncomfortable, and says, "I am Barag. I run with the wolf-pack, I am hunter and fighter. I take away the waiting teeth the men and elves leave for us, I track prey across many leagues, I bring it down with swift blows."

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

If the portal exit is in an exposed location, we will need to locate and move to someplace less exposed immediately. We can then plan our scouting from there, once we know what we are looking at.

If anyone has extra money, some additional combat scrolls could potentially be useful on the far side. I also would like to point out that I will need a clear line of sight to employ Lightning against a group of enemies.

If there are no further thoughts, I will go to bed.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy stayed silent for a time, before departing from the table. He had no money, so there was no point in shopping around. He only had the clothes on his back and the weapons in his quiver, but that was more than enough for him to do his job. He wanted to just go to bed or get drunk. This whole place made him angry. He knew he wouldn't be able to go to sleep this angry, and if he got drunk he wouldn't be in good form for the following day's troubles, not to mention what trouble he'd get in while dunk. Getting drunk for a satyr is much harder to do, but a lot more spectacular to see. And getting drunk while angry never ended well, especially when the drunkard in question is more than capable of taking on four or five average people and coming out on top, using only his head. He clomped up the stairs to his room, went in a carefully clos the door behind himself. Drawing forth the golden-fletched arrow from his bag, peling back th soft swaddling of cloth he kept it in, and setting it on the floor before him, reverently. He sat, and stared at it.
Irlym... I miss you. I wish you were here. I'm going to a new world tomorrow. I don't know if I'll live. I don't even know if I care anymore. He thought at the arrow, as though it could tell his beloved his thoughts. You always knew how to cheer me up in times like this. Of course, with you around I probably wouldn't be like this in the first place. He added, before shaking his head. Irlym, I've made up my mind. I'm going to survive tomorrow. I have to survive. After all, if I die, who will kill that bastard who did this to us? He finished, before wrapping the arrow up ad laying softly in the bed, settign his things on the bedside table. he took off his ring and stowed it in his bag. He wanted to be away from reality for as long as he could be, right now.

[MorkaisChosen]

Seeing the others going off to sleep, Barag also leaves the rest of the group. Strangely, you see him shifting to wolf form as he slinks away, before curling up in a warm corner and shutting his intelligent yellow eyes.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor sits at the table awhile thinking to himself;
<I do not belong here. I did nothing to hurt these people yet they send me to certain Death. I will survive. I will come back. I will kill that incompetent elf racist.>
Looking round he sees everyone starting to head to bed and he reflects on the group of misfits he has been placed with;
<Well then a regular bunch of misfits, and I fit perfectly. Perhaps I have found my place with these people.... We shall see.>

Alanor stands from the table and beckons a good night sleep to everyone;
Good Night People, Sleep well for we will undoubtedly need it! Remember fetch me from my room in the morning when Roondar arrives! I do not feel like paying 350 gold to him!

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Orian leaves for bed without saying anything.

[Psionic Dog]

An assorted mix of human and kobold servants great you the next morning with a respectable breakfast of almost the same quality as the previous day’s dinner (comparable to that served at a good bed and breakfast inn). The one big difference between then and now is that the elven soldiers today are encouraging you to eat quickly, or better yet grab food to eat on the run. The servants also tentatively try to wake any who attempt to sleep past the sun’s rising. There is a definite, if somewhat gentle and polite, push to get all of you to accompany Roondar to the portal for your deployment.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
As Alanor is rudely awoken by the guards he realises his plan to cheat Roondar may not work... Still worth a shot....
Alanor eats his breakfast quickly kean to get going.
As he steps outside he looks around trying to see who is round him and where Roondar and more importantly for his plan, where Tharivol is...
[roll0]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia comes to breakfast carrying a small sack. She addresses the group, "Good morning, my fellows! Using the last of my precious funds, last evening I purchased a small gift for each of you. Although they are but small tokens, it is my hope that they shall increase our chances of success.

For Orain, I present this Wand of Cure Light Wounds, so that you may continue to use your healing abilities even when your spells are exhausted.

For Graaf-Niig, I give a scroll of identify, in case we encounter a puzzling magic item of some kind.

Alanor and Oggy, I present each of you a masterwork buckler. I think you will find them so small and light as to be unburdensome, while providing a small amount of extra protection.

For Barag, I give a smokestick and a tanglefoot bag, in case you need to escape an unpleasant situation so that we may regroup and attack as a pack."

The small sack now empty, Amilia adds "By the way, did everyone manage to acquire a ranged weapon?"

After breakfast, Amilia is ready to follow Roondar to the portal.

OOC

A masterwork (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/armor.htm#masterworkArmor) buckler (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/armor.htm#armorDescriptions) does not interfere with the use of a bow (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/armor.htm#buckler) and has no armor check penalty even when used without shield proficiency (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#shieldProficiency).

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy awoke slowly at the nervous urgings of a kobold servant. His dreams had been troubling and uncomfortable, though he was unsure as to what, specifically, they had been. He slipped on his ring and instantly felt his tiredness and hunger slip away. He clomped down the stairs just in time to hear Amilia distributing the gifts. He smiled. Maybe she wasn't so bad, after all. He graciously accepted the proffered buckler and slipped it on his wrist. It was quite well-made, he could hardly tell he was wearing it. He gave her a smile before taking a seat at the food-laden table and beginning to eat, making sure to savor the food, heedless of the armed guards and the lack of an actual need for him to eat. After all, what would they actually do? They couldn't hurt the 'monsters', they needed them to go into the portal, and he loved to screw with the various humankin races, especially soldiers.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig awakes, casts mage armor, and eats breakfast.

Spells used: Level 1--1

Do we just deduct 100gp from my gold when I cast Identify to represent the material component, or does it need to be pre-purchased?

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Orian goes to breakfast as soon as the human servant enters the room. He was already up. He has been sitting at the table for a few minutes when Amilia gives her gifts. Orian smiles and says "Thank you very much. I am sure that it will be very useful." to Amilia. Orian eats without saying anything else unless he is talked to directly. After breakfast is over he is ready to follow Roondar to the portal.

A... yeah now I have gotten a ranged weapon. I got it when I bought the onyx gems.

[JettWilderbeast]

As Alanor recieves his gift he smiles broadly; Wow, Thank you, I'm sure this will come in most useful, Thank you.
Alanor hadf never in his lifetime been given anything so freely before...

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag wakes and transforms back to his half-elf form, the better to speak to his companions. On being given the gift, he is almost taken aback.

"Thank you for this, Amilia. I will be sure to return the favour however I can." His lips part in a broad, yet slightly animalistic, smile, and he continues, "This is the respect pack-mates have, one for another- I had not expected to find it here."

[Psionic Dog]

Alanor

You don’t see any Tharivol anywhere, but if you read the minds of the servants or common guards you learn that Tharivol will be meeting you at the portal site. Roundar also approaches, and his first words deal a blow to whatever plan Alanor had been making. “Good news! I’ve done a little research, and it will only cost me 320 gp to make the device you have requested. Could I have half of that amount now to purchase the last few material that I do not yet have?”

Oggy

The guards grow increasingly agitated and nervous as you stall for time. They’re trying hard to look big, boastful, and intimidating... trying being the key word. As Roondar and the others begin to make their exit you over hear one soldier tell another in a hushed voice not intended for your ears “Go find Cobalt, and tell him to bring a net or two. It looks like that coward of a fay could be getting cold feet.”

Everyone who follows Roondar and the military escort back toward the portal.
Roondar slowly leads the way back to the portal, quietly giving assurance and answering any final questions as he walks. As you round the side of the hill you see Eric and Tharivol standing to the side of the now clearly active portal. The portal now appears as silvery disk contrasting elegantly with the gleaming crystal studded bronze frame. The portal glistens in the morning light much as water, but the blurred and wavering image faintly floating in it’s depths is no reflection.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia peers through the gate (without standing too close), to see if she can see the blue sky and green grassy fields that Erik spoke of yesterday. "I wonder what he meant by `sort of'", she thinks.

When Tharivol arrives, she makes another attempt at Detect Thoughts, while curtsying to him. Speaking in a soft voice in the hopes that the others do not overhear and interrupt, she says, "Good morning to you, Loremaster. I recognize that we are unworthy monstrous creatures, yet at least one of us must survive this trial if the Alliance is to learn more of what lies beyond the portal. In order that I may be of the greatest possible service to you, what do you most hope to learn from our journey?"

After giving him time to respond, she then asks (assuming it makes sense to do so), "Is there anything in your vast repertoire of knowledge that might help me to survive to deliver that knowledge to you?"

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag stalks up to the portal and peers in, not quite touching it, attempting to make some sense of the wavering image on the other side.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor is slightly grumpy at his plan being shot to tatter and he grudgingly gives the gnome 160 GP.
As he walks toward the portal he ignores Tarivol as hatred bubbles inside him. Instead he turns his eyes to the portal itself trying to discren what is through it...
Then looking round for Graaf Niig remembering the promise of an invisibility spell...

SPOT; 1d20 +3

[JettWilderbeast]

Sorry That roll didn't work... I hate to double post!

Spot;
[roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

Willsaves galore:
Verse Amilia
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Verse Alanor
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

...The guards are feeling close-minded today I see.


From a distance the portal appeared to show a blurry landscape. Up close the image filtering through the portal is even worse. The image quality is comparable to a bad watercolor panting made with fat brushes, particularly if the panting in comparison has had its paint run, and is also housed behind frosted glass. The top half of the portal is a grey blue, and the lower half apears to be a collage of muddled green, brown, and teal. At best someone could tentatively say green land under a blue sky awaits those on the far side.

"Don't touch the portal until after you have made your final preparations, cast any spell needed, and so forth. The portal is firm and will resist light pressure, but has a tendency to such anything that breaks the surface through. We nearly lost a dwarf metallurgy inspector when he stuck his hand in." Eric cautions.

"Just get it over with already." Tharivol mutters from where he stands with a young scribe."

"Whenever you are ready you may enter in what ever fashion you wish, but we believe that the portal is safest when people enter one at a time. However, we believe that the time between one person's entrance and the next makes no difference. Entering in half-second intervals should be just as safe as a full minute interval. I'd suggest you pretend the portal is a simple curtained door as you enter."


Amilia

If you're trying to influence Tharivol I'll need you to roll a diplomacy check and a bluff check. I think I'll be using something similar to the giant's diplomacy rules rather than RAW.

Tharivol's thoughts are a touch brighter than his outward mannerisms but are still somewhat darker, more egotistical, and unfriendly than Eriks where. At the moment his loremaster curiosity and passion to learn nearly balance his disdain for the group.
I hope one of those souls makes it back. We need to know what lies at the far side.


Alanor
Assuming you use Detect thoughts again today you read the minds of all three.

Eric is agitated and believes his own political future depends on your success.
Tharivol detests you all, but this is almost balanced by his curiosity and burning need to learn.
Roondar is timid of the other two and quietly hopes both that you solve whatever problem has been haunting his portal and also for your good health.

What am I going to do if one of those beasts tries to back out?
I hope one of those souls makes it back. We need to know what lies at the far side.
Please don't die like the others.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor feels a rush of sympathy for Roondar, it was one of the first times he was not judged for what he was.
Looking around him and seeing his companions all around Alanor says;
Well then, I'd hate to dissapoint these ladies and gents, shall we get going?

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

Graaf-Niig approaches the portal and walks around it, attempting to use his knowledge of magic and the planes to perceive a way to locate it from a distance.
Do I need to roll a knowledge check or do you do that?

*casts Invisibility on Alanor*
*casts Invisibility on self*

Spells used: Lv1-1; Lv2-2

[Agthorr]

Amilia


Amilia has a two-fold plan with regard to Tharivol. First, she's trying to ply him for useful information by showing him how sharing the information with be beneficial to him.

Second, she's trying to get him to think about useful information, even if he's not willing to share it. ;-)

The Giant's Diplomacy rules are good.

I'm not sure that she's really bluffing about anything. Maybe being a bit more subservient than necessary, but she is lawful and he is to some degree an authority figure here. Exaggerating, you might say. Yeah. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :-)

Anyway, Diplomacy and Bluff rolls, to use as you see fit:

Diplomacy: [roll0]
Bluff: [roll1]

[MorkaisChosen]

"I am ready to cross through," Barag says, "and I would be willing to go first."

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor, now invisible says; Perhaps it would be wise to let someone invisible through so to act as a scout... But if you wish to go first I will follow closely

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
"I am ready to go through."

[MorkaisChosen]

"No, send whoever we think is best- I wish to say I am willing if you think that is me."

Barag makes a curious movement, lowering his head and hiding his teeth- trying to show his deference.

[Psionic Dog]

As the group makes their final preparations the air fairly shimmers with anticipation as a small crowed gathers to watch an record a group of champions attempt what lesser creatures have tried and failed.

Please state whatever order the group enters in, and whether the group enters in the same round or in different rounds. If there is no set order, I'll assign one based on any general preferences expressed. Also state whether your character's hands are free or holding a weapon or item of some type.

Graaf-Niig
With enough time you could research a spell that would point toward this opening. However, you suspect a simple map and basic navigation know-how would also work. You have been told that the far exit is relatively fixed, and your own knowledge agrees with this assessment. Further details must wait until you see the far side.

Amilia & Alanor
Ah.
Anyway, Tharivol believes Amilia is sincere in her debasing flattery, but that doesn't soften him a bit. I'm glad to see someone knows their place in the world. I'd slowly deal out sage advise if only I knew something, but there is no way I can risk let these beasts realize how ignorant their betters are on this matter.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy clopped his way up to the portal with some less-than-confident-looking guards on his tail and a confident smirk on his face. He quickly surveyed the situation and drew out his bow. "My vote is we send the invisible guys through all at once, then when they pop back, the rest of us go through." He commented. "If there's any trouble, head back through, and then we'll all go in at once and take it out."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"No. If there's trouble, they may not be able to pop back; we are all in this together. Furthermore...". Amilia's eyes take in the many guards, particularly the Fire Giant. "... I believe those in charge of this mission intend for us all to go through."

"While having the invisible go through first certainly has its merits, I fear that the rest would walk right into us on the other side, obliterating any hopes of stealth. Following the invisible is generally ill-advised. I'd also recommend that primarily melee combatants go before primarily ranged combatants, for an order of:
Orian, a particularly sturdy visible melee combatant;
Barag, another visible melee combatant;
Oggy, a visible ranged combatant;
Alanor, a currently invisible melee combatant;
myself, an..." (Amilia draws her crossbow and disappears from view) "invisible ranged combatant; and finally
Graaf-Niig, a currently invisible sorcerer"

"Once on the other side, Alanor, you go right. Graaf-Niig, you go left. I will go up. That way we will avoid running into one another. The rest of you can move as you please, but try to avoid doubling-back too quickly. We'll go in quickly, one-right-after-the-other, spend a few moments assessing any immediately obvious dangers, then come quickly back through the gate in reverse order. Anyone invisible should shout out just before they go through the gate so we know the way is clear."

"If we encounter any kind of resistance on the far side, we shoot first and ask questions later. Something made short work of those previous two expeditions, and I say we find it and kick it's butt!"


Amilia took Erik to mean that the earlier two expeditions did not even return from their just-a-few-minutes excursions. Is that correct?

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
"I agree. Let us proceed."

Graaf-Niig holds his spear in one hand while the other twitches at his side, ready to cast a spell if needed.

[Admiral Squish]

"You raise good points, but still, if we send a melee fighter through, they're both unable to react to whatever trap is on the other end and clearly visible as a warning of others to come. Perhaps we should send Alanor in the very front, then follow your pattern?" He asked the pixie. "Perhaps both you and Alanor should go ahead, so even if they can somehow detect the invisible, you might still manage to escape and warn the rest? I'm merely interested in minimizing casualties, if there's any to be had."

[MorkaisChosen]

"Perhaps I should go first- I know traps, I can fight- and I have a disguise."

Barag shifts into full wolf form, before turning back, and says, "It was the hawk that came back- an ordinary creature. I look the most like one of those."

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor, a disembodied voice, decides to settle things once and for all;
If someone doesn't go, no-one will. I'll go, I'll look for anything in the immediate area, threats and traps and such, If i can I'll come back through the portal, If I can't or don't.... Then I guess follow!

Alanor steps through portal.

[MorkaisChosen]

Wishing to support his packmate, Barag shifts to hybrid form and follows Alanor through the portal.

[Psionic Dog]

With what starts and as a gentle tug and ends with irresistible force you half step and are half sucked into the portal.

Who (if anyone) follows this round, and who intend to wait for the moment?

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Orian waits a few seconds to see if anything happens and then goes through.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

As Orian moves toward the gate, Amilia becomes visible and shouts, "So much for planning. I'm next!", and marches through the gate, close on Orian's heels. She becomes invisible again just before passing through.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy sighed. "There goes that idea. Fine, I suppose this is faster anyway." He grumbled, before making a running start and cannonballing through the portal while shouting "Look out below!"

[Psionic Dog]

Great, thats 5 people through the portal, I'll assume Graaf-Niig immediately follows Oggy in. Order doesn't matter since you all are coming though in the same round.
---------------
Through the Portal:
The Far Side

With what starts and as a gentle tug and ends with irresistible force you half step and are half sucked into the portal. Then, for what feels like several long minutes but is probably only seconds at most you find yourselves tumbling down a sparkling tube. In the distance the muddled light of the far world slowly grows clearer as you catch glimpses of strange beings on a myriad of different planes planes and regions that you pass close to. After a few disorienting twists and the occasion discomforting squeeze you suddenly hit the far side and there, with a quiet pop and an accompanying ripple, you tumble out into warm free air.

A crystal blue sky greats you as you on the far side of the portal, and a swirling vortex streaming thin bands of fire as it crawls its way up the sky behind you appears to pass as a sun on this alien world. In its warm sun-like light you can see a vast swampy green land stretching out into thin mists in the distance ahead of you. The picture perfect still silence is broken only by a the shrill cry of a distant hawk... and your own startled and expressive cries. All of this is evident, but it goes unnoticed for the moment as your attention is fixed on the ground, or the lack thereof. The cool elegant stone arch you had just passed out of has partially fallen over a steep crumbling bank. Everyone who fails a DC 20 reflex save takes 1d6 non-lethal damage as they plummet into the shallow, wast deep water (3-4 feet deep) located 15 ft below the portal. Anyone who makes the save may jump into the water for no damage or make their way onto the solid ground 10 ft to the right. Also, make a spot check and role for initiative.

So, I need a reflex save, damage role (negate if save made), spot check, and initiative role.

Amilia: Your wings give you a +5 bonus on the save, and success allows you to start flying.

Anyone who has a ring of feather-fall who fails the save is not subject to the falling damage, but still needs a reflex save if they prefer staying on the dry ground to the water.

Edit: Everyone with DR -5 or greater also takes no damage.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Rolls:

Reflex save: [roll0]
Damage: None, Amilia wears a ring of feather falling
Spot check: [roll1] (Oggy: this is why we needed you, too :-) )
Initiative: [roll2]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Here is my reflex save.
[roll0]
My damage
[roll1]
My spot check
[roll2]
My initative
[roll3]
Lets hope we get good rolls
Darn forgot to say that I had pulled out my morningstar.
Edit wow those rolls sucked.
If Orian fails his reflex save, he gets up and pulls out his morningstar. If he makes it he lands on the ground and pulls out his morningstar.

[Admiral Squish]

Reflex: [roll0]
Damage: DR 5, danke.
Spot: [roll1]
Initiative: [roll2]
I'll edit in some actions based on the results.
Oggy tumbled into the air, which was all he had for a moment, but quick thinking saved him from the fall. He kicked out with his hooves from the wall, and landed, gracefully on the dry earth to the right. As he landed, he readied the bow he'd drawn on the other side of the portal and knocked an arrow. Whatever was waiting, he'd be ready.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

"Son of a gnoll!"

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

*edit*Having sucessfully landed on dry ground, Graaf-Niig swivels in place silently, scanning his surroundings for anything else dangerous or out of the ordinary.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor feeling the lack of ground instantly turns into a replica of Amilia, ((Can I do this? Shape shift with wings?))
Also Alanor uses detect minds around him. (DC 15)
ROLLS;

Jump; [roll0] Maybe with +5 if I'm allowed to shape shift?
Damage; [roll1]
Spot; [roll2]
Init.; [roll3]


Am I still invisible after this drop?

[MorkaisChosen]

Hybrid form, so DR10, but I want to check if I land on my feet: Reflex save [roll0]
Spot check: [roll1]
Initiative: [roll2]

EDIT: Barag aims for the ground, but is not quite able to land there. Immediately he stands up and looks around, his claws out and teeth bared.

[Psionic Dog]

As you tumble out of the portal everyone reacts differently, Amilia regains her balance and starts flying before she fell more than 5 ft (10ft above water, level with solid land). Oggy kicks out at manages to slide onto the eleveted land instead of the water. Alanor reacts quickly, and manages to land in the water for no damage. Graaf-Niig isn’t quite quick enough to get to land and finds himself on the step bank instead, but at least he's not wet.

Surprise Round!:
Oggy quickly scan the land around him looking for a threat: He spots a clump of spiny vines 15 ft away looks suspiciously mobile and has bits of fur and a couple of stray feathers stuck on its spines. He shoots it.
[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

The vine makes a violent attempt to dodge the arrow, and while blindingly fast for a plant, its still a plant and even slower than most dwarves. The arrow hits, but has only a partial effect on the spindly shrub-like mass.

Meanwhile down in the water a quartet of crocodiles go unnoticed, until with gaping jaws they try to snap up all the fresh meat that the Great Food Dispenser in the Sky has once again delivered.

Croc attacks
Everyone everyone who failed the save has a -2 circumstance AC penalty as they struggle to regain footing, and everyone is flat footed: (This lasts until a characters next turn)
[roll3] [roll4] [roll5]
[roll6] [roll7] [roll8]
[roll9] [roll10] [roll11]
[roll12] [roll13] [roll14]

Misschance v [roll15] >30 hits
[roll16] > 50 hits (If 1st attack on Barag hits, 2nd croc goes for GN instead)

[roll17]
[roll18]
[roll19]


On crock lunges for the leg shaped holes that an invisible Alanor leaves in the water, the other three try to grab more visible targets. Only one crock succeeds, and its bear-trap jaws hit Barag hard. (Barag: you must beat a DC 11 grapple or be pulled under water)

End of surprise round.

Initiative Order:
Group 1: Oggy, Graaf-Niig, Barag
Foe 1: Crock A & B, Plant
Group 2: Alanor, Amilia, Orian
Foe 2: Croc C & D

Now Up: Oggy, Graaf-Niig, and Barag. Post in any order you wish.

Battle Map

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/sublightrun/portalExit1.png
Solid Green (or mostly solid green) is high-ground. (9 ft above water) moving from water onto solid green requires a DC 18 climb check.
Half Green Half Blue: Steep slope: Requires only a DC 5 climb check.
Blue (or mostly solid blue) water. Yellow is soft ground, perhaps 2 inches above the surrounding water. The Solid blocks are other stone gates in differing states of damage. The grey pieces are bits of stone rubble.

Croc A (at the top of the map) is actually in the water underneath the gate,
and Amilia is flying directly above Orain right now.

[MorkaisChosen]

Grapple check: [roll0]

I'll double-post to get the rest of my rolls in, I need to know if I'm grappled or not.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag is caught by the crocodile's powerful jaws. He tries to shake it off and escape, ready to fight to the best of his ability.

Actions are Escape Artist check to escape the grapple, followed by drawing the rapier as a move action.

Escape Artist: [roll0]

Let's see this crocodile beat that...

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor

Grapple Check; [roll0]

Needed to see if I was grappled....
I'm really confused (well having a moment..) If the croc misses me am I still grappling?

[Psionic Dog]

Alanor: Crocs have improved grab so I was rolling just incase they hit. They didn't hit you, so you are not being grappled.

[roll0] Sorry Barag, this croc isn't letting go. :smallamused:

Edit: Alanor: you can post if you want, but you aren't up yet in the initiative order.

[JettWilderbeast]

Ok if Alanor isn't grappeling then he jumps onto the stone behind him (jump check) And pulls an animal from his bag of gray tricks (dice check)



No grapple;
Jump; [roll0]
Gray Bag Animal; [roll1]




Sorry I deleted some rolls for grappling if I was that would explain post count thingy.....

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy has two choices. To finish slaying the plant that seemed to be lumbering about, or to save his compatriots from the crocodiles. He decides to take care of the plant thing, because that seems most dangerous to him, and once it's down he can focus on the others. He lined up two shots, one right after the other, the green-fletched arrows streaking across the gap between him and the thing.

Full attack against the plant. Messed up the rolls here, I'll post them again.

[Admiral Squish]

Attack: [roll0] (point-blank shot included)
Damage: [roll1]
Shock: [roll2]
Rapidshot:
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock: [roll5]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig concentrates, and a huge fiendish viper suddenly appears (grid J4). Its jaws gape, and it lunges for the crocodile that Barag is wrestling with.

[roll0]
[roll1]+ poison 1d6 CON (at time of attack + 1 minute later), DC 14

Huge Viper stats are here: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/snake.htm#viperSnake
As a Fiendish creature, it has DR 5/magic

Spells used: Lv1-1 Lv2-2 Lv4-1

[Psionic Dog]

Graf-Niiag: Summoning spells take a full round to cast, so the viper doesn't appear until the beginning of your next turn.

Up on the hill top Oggy fires arrow after arrow into the bush. Leaves flutter as the main branches are slashed by passing arrow heads and several of the lesser twigs and stems are severed completely. With a crackle the passing arrows toss small electric arcs across the branches, but the bush seems even more resistant to this than the arrows: only arrow #1's schock had any noticeable effect on the bush. The bush's reactions then final catch up to the present as it pulls itself up and, with fantastic effort, manages to charge the 10 ft between it and Oggy (now at F4). It lashes out with a whip-like spiny vine as it closes.
[roll0] [roll1]

Not only does the vine miss, the effort rips a few of it's wounds even wider. The ragged remains of the hungry shrub tries to pull itself together for another swing.

Down below the water continues to heave as creatures battle in the shallows, and one of the crocs(C) even pulls Barag under. The two quickest crocodiles each try again at snaring Alanor and Orain.

[roll2] [roll3] [roll4]
[roll5] [roll6]

Why, look at this: A natural 20. :smallbiggrin:
Orian, the croc hits and tries to grapple you.


Bigger Map

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/sublightrun/BigExit.png
Since only the plant has moved I haven't done anything other than enlarge it.

Next up: Orian, Amilia, and Alanor.

Alanor: forget jumping out of the water. The bottom of the stone monolith you passed out of is 14 ft up in the air, and top of the cracked stone block by Orian is about 5 ft above the water. You'd have better luck climbing onto the bank or block.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor reaches into his bag of grey tricks and succesfully pulls something out this time (I guess I failed after I failed my jump)
Alanor then attacks the Crocodile attacking him;

Grey bag of Tricks; [roll0]
Attack Roll; [roll1]
If hit; [roll2]

OOC; Woo I pulled a rat!

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Oggy should be fine as long as he' keeps a healthy distance from that... vegetable with delusions of grandeur. It doesn't appear to move very fast. I can't shoot at the croc that's got Barag; I might hit him by mistake. And getting directly involved would be suicide; grappling is not my strong suit! I'll try to take out some of the crocs, so the others can help Barag. Looks like Graaf-Niig is casting a really complicated spell. I'll try to cover him. Hope his spell is good!

Having made her decision, Amilia flies 5 feet upward and toward Barag (now 15' over I4) and fires two arrows.


Amilia fires at whichever croc is nearest to Graaf-Niig and not in a grapple. If it dies on the first shot (unlikely), the second arrow goes to the next nearest croc not in a grapple.

Attack Modifiers:
Point Blank Shot +1
Invisible and attacking a sighted opponent +2
Rapid Shot -2 = +1

Damage modifiers: Point Blank Shot +1

Also, due to Amilia's invisiblity, the Croc loses any Dex bonus to AC

Attack roll: [roll0]
Damage roll: [roll1] (second die is electric)

Attack roll: [roll2]
Damage roll: [roll3] (second die is electric)

[Psionic Dog]

Alanor successfully stabs the croc that was trying to eat him, and manage to hit. Because he uses melee piercing weapon, the croc doesn't receive any cover from the water, and since you were invisible at the time of the attack that's a [roll0]. Incidentally, you are now visible.
Also, what did you do with the rat?

Amilia: The croc closest to to Graaf-Niig is behind Alanor and under the portal. Think very bad angle and very large cover bonus. I'll count those arrows as targeting the 2nd closest croc, the one in I5 that isn't grappling anyone instead.
Your first arrow is partially deflected by the water and misses the oversized lizard completely. You correct your aim, and the second hits and cleanly slides between two scales on its back. The croc spasms a bit, severally injured but not yet incapacitated.

Now waiting only on Orain: Grapple check to beat: [roll1]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Orian tries to break free of the croc that is grappling him.
[roll0] it is just BAB that you add to graple checks? Did I ever pull out my moringstar? If I did I try to attack it after grappling. Here is my roll [roll1] My damage [roll2] My fire damage [roll3]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
((Alanor had to wait till his next round to use the rat it attacks with him!))
Alanor tells the rat to attack the croc and then attacks the croc himself;
ARGH! DIE!


Alanor attack; [roll0]
If hit; [roll1]

Rat attack;
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/rat.htm
Attack; [roll2]
if hit; [roll3]
I think that should come out as one..... If it doesn't it should...

[Psionic Dog]

The very badly injured croc (D) starts to make a quick exit. Its been hurt before by the prey, but never this badly.

The croc holding Barag isn't ready to give up, and attempts to pin the struggling wolf man to the bottom. [roll0] [roll1]
Rounds before you start to drown: 16. Success on both means you are free of the grapple, success on one and you are still grappled, but not pinned.

Orian:
((grapple is BAB + Str + Size modifiers: I'll use your attack roll as a check to escape the grapple))
Orain too goes down in the grip of a croc, [roll2]:
But he's up again seconds later after successfully prying the crocodiles jaws off.

Updated Battle Grid http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/sublightrun/BigExit-1.png

End Round 1.

Round 2:
Now up: Oggy, Barag, and Graaf-Niig
((Graaf-Niig: The viper automatically appears where you want it this round, and you are still entitled to a full action like normal))

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag struggles further, trying to escape the crocodile.

I'm not sure exactly what I need to be rolling, so here are a selection.

Grapple checks x2: [roll0] [roll1]
Escape Artist checks x2: [roll2] [roll3]

Obviously, if you need one of each take the first ones.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy makes a knowledge: Nature check to determine the nature of his vegetable foe.
Knowledge: [roll0]
Then, he headbutts it as a secondary natural attack, since it's too close for comfort.
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Finally, He takes a five-foot step out of reach and full attacks, aiming for the crocs. He sends one arrow into the fleeing croc, and the other into the nearest non-grappling croc.
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock: [roll5]
Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]
Shock: [roll8]
I'll make the prose of the post after I get my knowledge check's results.

[Psionic Dog]

Oggy's attack shatters the weakened bush, which collapses into small, feeble, uncoordinated spasms. He thinks he's seen something like this before, but all he can call to mind is that plants aren't supposed to move on their own.

Having dispatched the bush, Oggy fires at the crocs below, but as with Amilia earlier the water spoils his aim on both shots.

Barag is pinned briefly by the crocodile, but he quickly breaks the pin. (He's still grappling)


Still waiting on Graaf-Niig (where does the viper appear, what does it initially do, and then what do you do)

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
A huge Fiendish Viper comes into existence near the pair of crocodiles dueling with Graaf-Niig's fellow party members(J4). Its jaws gape, and it lunges immediately to bite the crocodile that is pinning Barag.
[roll0]
[roll1] + poison DC14
(I am basing the attack roll for the snake off of BAB 4 + Weapon Focus + 3 from STR... the sheet for the snake only shows +6 so maybe I'm missing something. If so, adjust roll down by 2).
Seeing the crocodile lurking behind the party under a part of the archway, Graaf-Niig sheds his invisibility to launch several glowing spheres of magic into it.
Magic Missile, 4 missiles
[roll2]

spells used: Lv1-2, Lv2-2, Lv4-1

[Psionic Dog]

The hobgoblin sends a blast of magical energy smashing into the croc that had been pestering Alanor. Missile after missile slams into it, and the battered half-dead croc begins to withdraw. (moves from I2 to O1)

At the same time a monstrous snake appears appears, and it dives into the combat with fangs wide.
-2 size for +6. Bigger creatures have trouble hitting things smaller than them.
<= 50 hits croc, else Barag.



CrocB v Orian: [roll]Attack1d20+6 [roll2] [roll3]


More coming after results...

[Psionic Dog]

Gerrr dice rolling punctuation...

Ehm...
[roll0]

The snake lashes out, but bites Barag by mistake. Fortunately, the bite wasn't forceful enough to do any real damage to the werewolf's resilient hide. sinking it's fangs deep into the croc. The crocodile's somewhat hurt.

The crocodile trying to eat Orian is on a roll: with a lunge more luck than skill manages to hit Orian again just as escapes its grasp. Once more, the croc attempts to establish a death-grip on the half-dragon. (Orian: Make a pair of grapple checks: One to resist the grapple, one to attempt escape if the first fails.)

Alanor: Since your attack is now invalid I'll need a new action.

Now up: Alanor, Orian, and Amilia.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Two left and they're both in grapples. Not much I can do, there. I'll gain some altitude and get the lay of the land.

Amilia flies 20' east and 30' upward (now 45' over M4) and looks around.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
((I'm not sure why my attack was invalid?))
Alanor attacks the nearest crocodile to him as well as commading the rat to attack it too.....


ALANOR;
To hit; [roll0]
If Hit; [roll1]

RAT;
To hit; [ROLL]1d20+4[ROLL]
If hit; The rat can only do 1 damage....

[JettWilderbeast]

I messed the rat up..
To hit; [roll0]
If hit; The rat can only do 1 damage........

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Here are my grapple checks. [roll0] and my second roll [roll1] I attack if I can attack roll [roll2] damage roll [roll3] fire damage [roll4]

[Psionic Dog]

Orian is once again grappled, and once again he escapes. However, the bites are starting to wear him down.

Alanor moves to attack the croc Orian just escaped from with a rat as well.
Alanor misses, and with a quick snap of its jaws the croc eats the rat with a single gulp. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0144.html) The disappearance of its tiny morsel just makes that crocodile angry.

With a snake at its' back, the croc tries to escape, draging its 'meal' with it.
(Croc moves to H7)

((J-H: Make and AoO for the snake. Orian and Alanor may make one as well.))

Also, the croc Amilia injured escapes off the bottom right of the map.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

End Round 2.

Battle Map Updated, and reposted.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/sublightrun/BigExit-1.png

Lethal Damage to date: Orian: -21 HP, Barag -4 HP (after DR).

Round 3:
Oggy, Barag, and Graaf-Niig are up for action, and AoO's may be posted by any entitled as noted above.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy is getting frustrated. He's not doing all that much in this battle. Slightly miffed, he aims for the crocodile trying to drag away his compatriot, and his bowstrings sings with the release, and the air sizzles and pops with minature thunderclaps as the arrow leaps the distance, a second on it's tail in an instant.


He's shooting for H7, and if that one goes down in one, he'll shoot the next nearest one with his second shot. Otherwise, full attack on the dragging croc.
First!
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Shock: [roll2]
Second!
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock: [roll5]

[Legoshrimp]

My attack of opertunity. attack roll [roll0] damage roll [roll1] fire damage roll [roll2]

[Legoshrimp]

Confirming my crit. confirm roll [roll0] damage if confirmed [roll1]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
((Nice one on the old swallowing whole!))

AoO

To hit;[roll0]
If Hit; [roll1]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Seeing the crocodile heedlessly rush by, the viper lashes out.

[roll0]
[roll1] + poison DC 14

[Psionic Dog]

Taking advantage of the opening the croc left, the portal explores mercilessly pounce, smashing and slicing the croc into a pulp.

Barag: now that the croc is dying you are automatically free of the grapple.

Graaf-Niig: You and your viper still have your turn if you wish to use it.

[roll0]

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag runs round the crocodile, trying to avoid its snapping jaws for long enough to outflank it with the help of Alanor. Once there, he tears at it with his powerful jaws, aiming for its soft underbelly.

Move action to get to L4, provoking an Attack of Opportunity. Assuming I get there, my attack (+2 to hit for flanking):

To hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Sneak Attack [roll2]

[MorkaisChosen]

Sorry about the double post here, but just in case I need a grapple check: [roll0]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
The huge viper moves as appropriate to the next nearest crocodile and attacks it.
[roll0]
[roll1]+dc 14 poison

Seeing that the battle is almost over, Graaf-Niig decides to look around and try to find out more about the larger situation, rather than casting a spell unnecessarily.

Knowledge checks:
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

[Psionic Dog]

All the important rolls:
[roll0]
[roll1] [roll2] (The croc doesn't try to grapple)
[roll3] [roll4]


Barag slugs through the water to flank the croc. He can't quite make ti all the way around, but he does reach L5, allowing him to flank off Orain. The croc snaps at the humanoid with blinding speed, but Barag is faster still and the croc only scrapes a little fur loose. Distracted by foes on all sides Barag is able to bring one clawed hand down across the croc's snout scattering scales in a deep gash running across an eye.

From the hill top Oggy rains arrows down on the croc, but the half-submerged croc's hide is thick enough to resist the arrow points. One arrow does come close enough to deliver a sharp painful shock to the reptile.

In response, the croc spins around aiming a vicious tail slap at Barag (which also misses) as it backs out of the center of the group to L3. The viper lashes out after it, but misses the retreating croc.

Map and croc status:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/sublightrun/BigExit-1.png
Croc A is the mangled croc that is slowly withdrawing (now at Q0)
Croc B is the one Barag just sneak-attacked
Croc C is floating belly up dying in I5.
Croc D is alive, if wounded, but has escaped of the map.

Barag:
Two minor points I noticed about your character sheet just now: First, you never listed Uncanny Dodge. Second, in hybrid form the claws are the primary attack(s), not the bite. I substituted a claw hit at max damage for the bite. Its just one point of damage less (1d4+1 (5) instead of 1d6 (6)). And yes, the bite is 1/2 str while the claws are = to str.

Graaf-Niig: Knowledge results coming soon.

Now up: Orain, Amilia, and Alanor.

[MorkaisChosen]

Oops and oops, respectively. Will edit.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor attacks the nearest crocodile;

Attack; [roll0]
If Hit; [roll1]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian attacs the croc at K4. attack [roll0] damage [roll1] fire damage [roll2]
Edit: forgot to put the end spoiler

[Psionic Dog]

Relentlessly persuade, the injured crocodile falls under Alanor's pressing attack and Orain's crushing might.

With the the carnivorous bush destroyed, two of the crocs dying, and the remaining two beasts in retreat the waters still and the land quiets.

Someone with a ranged attack may attempt to take out crocA (trailing blood as it slowly limps off the grid to the top right) or try to track down crocD (which has escaped into hiding off the grid to the bottom right) if they so wish. Otherwise, combat rounds are now over. For now.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

An arrow zips seemingly from mid-air at fleeing crocodile (croc A).


Attack Modifiers: Invisible and attacking a sighted opponent +2
Also, the Croc loses any Dex bonus to AC

Attack roll: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag, still in Hybrid form, sniffs to see if he can detect the scent of any other dangers.

[roll0] Scent check

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor climbs out of the water onto the bank.

Climb check?

[roll0]

[Admiral Squish]

Seeing croc A being handled, Oggy tries to spot the other croc.

Spot: [roll0]
If he does see it, he shoots at it, despite it's distance. No need for it to go alert others of their presence here.
Attack: [roll1] -relevant modifiers
Damage: [roll2]
Shock: [roll3]
Attack: [roll4] -relevant modifiers
Damage: [roll5]
Shock: [roll6]

[Psionic Dog]

Alanor: You find a steep slope stabilized by roots (G5) that you can easily climb up.

Amilia casually shoots an arrow into Croc A. It spasms once then goes limp.

Barag: You can smell nothing other than the mud and crocodile blood you are covered in.

Everyone:
The swamp you are in extends as far as the eye can see... which isn't far. A light mist is rising off the swamp in places which limits visibility to 2-3 miles. This swamp is about 60% water, and 100% green. The ground is covered in reeds, grasses, and light vegetation. The water is covered in lilies, algae patches, and water-reeds.

Anyone with either Knowledge(nature) or Knowledge(Arcitecture) realizes that this was once many decades (or centuries) ago an artificially crafted terrain with a cannel perhaps a quarter mile in front of the portal that feed a pond that surrounded an artificial peninsula that once had a ring of stone arches or blocks. Time has recovered the landscaping and begun eroding the peninsula.

To the right (of a person exiting the gate) the penensula extends to a large flattened hill perhaps 250 ft away. There the ruins of some once ornate and impressive building complex sit. 2/3 of the way to the ruins stand a pair of crumbling vine-covered statues.

Strewn across the bank below the portal and around the smaller islands to the gate's left lie crumpled bits of metal and fabric, the legacy of the previous explores.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy keeps his bow out, but lowers it from a ready position, looking around. Seeing the artifical nature of the terrain, he frowned. There had been 'people' here, some time ago, and that meant there might still be some around. "Amilia, you're the only one who can fly. Go back through the portal and report on what we've seen. Somebody look through the junk down there, see if they left anything we can use. The rest should spread out and search the area for anything that looks even vaguely out-of-place, but stay in sight until Amilia gets back." He said, pointing to the various people and tasks mentioned. "And if you can get on top of something, do it. we don't want any surprises from under the surface." He added.

[Admiral Squish]

Oop, forgot to spot for anything unusual. Like, say, more of those violent plants.
Spot: [roll0]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia pops into a view as she gently lands near the edge of peninsula. "Actually, I think any of you go back through the portal with the proper application of some rope. Personally, I'm in no rush to be surrounded by a bunch of guards like I was a petty criminal or something."

"In fact, as the bathroom in the lodge last night offended my delicate feminine sensibilities, I think I'm going to take this opportunity to bathe." With that, Amilia vanishes again. You notice her backpack appear next to the location where she was standing. Then her outer-garments appear on top of the pack in a neatly folded pile. Playfully, her voice calls out, "And Graaf-Niig, while I certainly enjoy admirers, I am still very much a lady and if you cast See Invisible my honor will only be satisfied by personally emptying your eye-sockets. Best to leave things to your imagination." She giggles, and her undergarments begin to appear neatly folded on top of the rest of her gear. Moments later, you hear some splashing in the water.

[Admiral Squish]

((And I just now got my knowledge-info. Let's add that in, shall we?))

After a long look around, a few things appeared to his eyes. "Guys, out of the water. No hurry, but don't dawdle, either. I'm seeing another croc a hundred feet past the portal, and what's probably a water elemental a little closer than that. They should leave us alone if we don't bug them, but let's not take any chances. The bigger issue is up nearer those ruins, there's another of those damn bush-things, probably related to this one, but bigger and badder, and two lizards of some sort nearby. They've got warding colors, so they've got something predators don't like going on. I can't see a way to move around them on this little strip of land, and if the thing behind us really is a water elemental, I don't think swimming around is much of an option, either."

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag ducks under the water to wash some of the crocodile blood off, then emerges and climbs up the roots, before concealing himself as best he can at the top.

[roll0] Climb
Hide: [roll1]
Move Silently: [roll2]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor, now out of the water starts to search through the junk around him for anything valuable, Whilst doing so he offhandedly comments; Oggy, Are those lizards humanoid? Do you uhh think I could manage a shift to look like those things?


Search; [roll0]

[Admiral Squish]

"The lizards are definitely not humanoid. They're only a few feet long, and they've got blue stripes. That's all I can tell from here." Oggy replied. "We still need someone to go back through the portal. Volunteers?" He asked, looking over the ragtag bunch.

[Psionic Dog]

Barag: You make it half way up before slipping and rolling backward head over heals to land in the water with a spectacular splash. After that embarrassment you try again more carefully (taking 10) and arrive at the top.

Alanor: You find 3 different varieties of grass, a new species of grub, and one of Oggy's arrows, now shattered from the electric shock it carried. It was a less than satisfying search.

Amilia briefly accelerates her bathing efforts with lots of slashing and a bit of diving, but those watching don't see any predators come forward to investigate.

Note: Reentering the portal requires either a DC 15 climb check, a DC 20 balance check, a DC 25 jump check, or flight. Other creative methods may be considered.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Orian says. "Help me get these crocs up onto the shore. Asuming someone helps him get them up he puts onyx gems into their I socets. Then you see him touch the crocs and chant while moving his arms. After he is done you see the once dead crocs start moving.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy hops down and helps Orian, thinking it would be smart to keep as much blood out of the water as possible. He was vaguely surprised when Orian cast his spell bringing them to unlife. "Helpful, if disturbing." HE muttered to himself as he went back to his perch, trying to think of a way around the lizards and the bush. "Somebody's gotta go back and talk to the humankin. If we ddon't they assume we died and might even close the portal. At the moment I'm more likely to headbutt that smug elf bastard than do anything productive, so I'm not going to be the one crossing back."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Seeing that the others are attempting to haul dead crocodiles around, Amilia decides to go forward with her bathing plan. As the others start moving the nearer crocodiles, you hear her call out from the direction of the most distant crocodile, "You just want their skeletons, right? They'll be a lot easier to move if you gut them first. I'll take care of this one. Then I will go bathe a bit to the south, away from all this blood and with extra soap!"

Aside from this brief bit of conversation, Amilia does her best to keep her eyes out for the creatures Oggy sighted and to move quietly through the water. If she notices any of them approaching her, she gets her little pixie butt out of the water and into the air FAST!

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig

"Well, someone needs to go through. I will if nobody else will."

Graaf-Niig looks for an easy route up from the sandbank he's on, and takes it.
[roll0].
"If I can't make it up, somebody toss down a rope. If all the ropes are down here, cut a 5# length and I'll use a Mage Hand to make sure it gets up there."

"It looks like each of these arches used to be a gate until something happened. That one over there actually looks like it's in better shape than the gate we came through. Amilia, when you're done, maybe you could go invisibile and fly over to look at it."


The viper stays in the water at the bottom of the water bank, chasing small fish but remaining in the area.

[Psionic Dog]

Getting the crocs out of the water is a big endeavor, that requires [roll0] minutes of work. In the process you discover that the two closest ones aren't quite dead yet. (Both managed to stabilize within two rounds). Do you kill one or both of the crocs?

You'll never know if Amilia's croc still lived. It's certainly no-longer alive now that she has begun to disembowel it.
[roll1] <= 20 for trouble.


Orian: How many of the crocs do you kill (and animate)? A crocodile skeleton requires a gem of 150 gp or more, and a crocodile zombie needs one of at least 300 gp.

Oggy: Traveling down the mainland passes within 50 ft of the suspicious plant and lizards. Alternatively, you could detour through the swamp.


Edit: Gaaf-Niig climbs back up into the portal and vanish from sight with very little trouble. The gate he mentioned as being potentially operational is the one in F3.

As everyone goes about their self appointed tasks, the viper eventually disappears back to wherever it came from.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

"Thanks for the help" Orian coup de graces the crocs then turns one of them into a zombie and one into a skeleton.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

After cutting open the dead crocodile, the water nearby becomes illuminated. A moment later, the invisible Amilia holds up in the air a small-sized headband made with bronze chain on which someone appears to have cast Continual Flame. "Nice trinket. Guess the crocodile thought it might be tasty. Anyone want a light source? Maybe one of you could wear it as a bracelet." Amilia places the headband on her head, to see if it has any obvious effects other than glowing.

The others may see the glowing headband float through the air and lands gently several feet away from Amilia's gear.

"Okay, now to get these crocodile guts off me. Eww." Amilia hops back into the water and finishes her bathing. A bit later, anyone paying attention sees a bar of soap float back through the air and place itself in Amilia's pack. Amilia's clothes float into the air and bit by bit her visible clothes outline her invisible body. Once fully dressed, she becomes visible again. "That was delightfully refreshing! I haven't had a chance to enjoy water so pristine since I moved to the city, ages ago."

"I wonder when Master Gaaf-Niig will return."

With little else to do at the moment, Amilia spends some time surveying the surroundings and seeing if she can make out the creatures that Oggy pointed out earlier.


Spot, take 20: 20 + 7 = 27

Specific questions:

How far away are the lizards and the plant-thing?

How big (size category) are each of the creatures, particularly the plant-thing and the probably-a-water-elemental?

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy stoked his chin for a moment in though, considering what to do about the various dangers about. Eventually, he spoke up. "My vote for what we should do is we wait for Gaaf-Niig to get back, then we try to take out the lizards from as far as we can. The bush is slow, we won't need to worry too much about it. The lizards should go down in just a few volleys, they probably won't even reach us. Barag and Orian's undead take point to keep the lizards from reaching us, just in case, and then charge in to take on the bush as we keep peppering it with arrows. All in all, it should be pretty simple." Oggy exlained to Amilia. "Gaaf-niig should save his spells for once we get into the ruins. Alanor and Orian will be most useful as light support in this one." He added. "For now, we'll ignore the water elemental, but stay out of the water as much as we can. We want to take the ruins as soon as possible, they would make the most easily defensible position to work outwards from."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"That's an excellent tactic analysis, Master Oggy. It minimizes our risk while maximizing our advantage. We await Master Graaf-Niig, then."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"Actually, while we're waiting, I think I'll run some reconnaissance around the peninsula. I'll keep my distance from all those creatures. I'll be back in a few!"

She draws her bow (just in case), hops into the air and vanishes.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian casts cure light wounds on himself.
Healing roll [roll0] It is 1d8+ caster level right?

[Psionic Dog]

Amillia: You don't see any water elementals, but then they are hard to spot when they are in/part of the water. You think you see the bush in question, but to you it looks like an unexceptional pile of vine encrusted rubbish. If it is a creature, it's size: large. You only see one lizard, but it's natural camouflage is effective enough that you can't make out more than that at least one small sized lizard is in that area. The bush and lizards are about 170 ft away by the crumbling statues.

Edit:
Orian: Correct

[Agthorr]

Amilia

After a minute or two, Amilia's voice can be heard from nearby, "The pile of ruble over there is covered by some overgrown plant that isn't rooted to the ground". Amilia notices everyone looking around for the source of her voice. "Oh, right. Forgot about that!", she says as she pops into view. "I also spotted a third of those funny-colored lizards, and it looks like one of those crumbling statues was hit by lightning." Amilia looks at the sky, for signs of thunderclouds. "There's also two more of those viney-bush things on the bank, and I think I spotted another water elemental in the water."

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
This plan does sound rather good, I'd like to see what is up at these ruins, I may be able to finally put my talents to good use.
Alanor stands and watches the water elemental.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

"I agree with your plan mostly, however I belive that it would be best to leave one of my skeltons to guard the portal. I think that it will be much easier to take back this area if the crocadile is hidden in the water until we need it.

[Admiral Squish]

"Three? Hmm... problematic. Amillia, I suggest you land, so you can concentrate fully on your shooting. The statue being lighting-struck could indicate the lizards themselves are dealing in lightning. I had my suspicions with those markings. Orian, that's a nice touch, but I'd say leave it after we're done fighting. We don't want those things getting to us, and if they are using lightning, it shouldn't do quite so much to a skeleton." He replied, turning to who he was addressing in turn. "All that's left is Gaaf-Niig's return and we can begin. Remember, don't get too close to the water. I'm going to give it another look. Amillia, if you'd be so kind as to point out what I need to look for?" he asked as he climbed his way up one of the various half-destroyed pillars in the area for a better vantage point.

Climb (taking ten) 10+12= 22
Spot (with help): [roll0]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"I've spent most of my life in the air; flying is no more distracting for me than standing upright is for you.". She grins wryly.

"Now, I'm not sure they're even visible from here, but they're over there and there.", she says as she points to each of the things that she saw.

OOC:

Since we appear to have the time, just take 20 on the Spot check

Pixies have good maneuverability, which means they can Hover as a free action. See "Hover" here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040629a).

[Admiral Squish]

Okay, change that to taking twenty. 46 to spot. Let's see them hide from THAT.

[Psionic Dog]

The water-elemental(s): The water elemental(s) is/are underwater 3 rounds out of 4 (full cover). A DC 28 spot is required to catch just a glimpse of it at this distance.

The intact portal has a faint sparkle to it as if there are fine crystals in the side of it, but otherwise it appears to be solid rock, unlike the portal you exited from which is a deep blue, nearly black, in which swirls of color ripple. For some reason no vines grow on either portal, although the broken ruins and statues are all covered in vegetation.

Orian: Undead Stats:

Crocodile Zombie
20 ft land, 30 ft swim
6d12 + 3 = 42 HP, AC 16 (+6 natural)
Saves: +2/+2/+5
(20,10,-,-,10,1)
+8 Bite 1d8+7 -or- +8 Tail Slap 1d12+7
Half-action, DR -5/slashing


Croc Skeleton
20 ft land
3d12 = 19, AC14 (+2Dex +2Nat)
Saves +1/+3/+4
(18,14,-,-,10,1)
+5 Bite 1d8+6 -or- +6 Tail Slap 1d12+6
Immune to Cold, DR -5/bludgeoning.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy sees little that's new him, but his eyes widen when he turns away from the ruins. He blinks a few times before hopping back down from the broken pillar. "Okay, nobody goes that way. EVER." He said, pointing down the peninsula past the portal and away from the ruins. Though those crocs we fought were big? Well, they've got nothing on the one back that way. That one's easily three times the size of the ones we fought. It's three hundred feet plus some that way, though, so if we're careful we won't catch it's attention. We will not make it out unscathed if we provoke something like that." He explained to the assembled. "Amilia, I think the third lizard's probably behind the statue. Still, I'll just shoot at the ones I can see, and if the third comes out, we'll take it down too."

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"It sounds like some of the creatures that live in the water here are quite a bit more powerful than the few crocs we dispatched. We were lucky. Did anyone think to bring a net? If we could tie it securely under the portal, that would greatly reduce the risk for future travelers. Including us."

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig appears out of the portal, immediately slamming his feet into the ground in an attempt to stabilize himself.
[roll0]bonus +2 for having done this before

Having landed, he turns to Amilia. "I got some knotted rope on the far side after I told them that we were alive--Emerikol of course was already predicting our doom. Can you please fly it up to the top of the portal and tie it off somewhere up there, so that anyone else going to the portal or coming out of it can grab onto it and slow their descent? Thanks.

Given how quickly that elf was telling someone that we'd died, I think it's not so certain that the previous parties are totally dead. Did anyone see any tracks or indication of recent intelligent life?"

After getting a run-down of the existing situation and what the other scouts have spotted:
"I know you're worried about the big croc, Oggy, but as long as I can see him, I can hit him and wear him out with magic before he even gets near us. Combined with him being unable to hit Amilia, and her sniping him, we can kill him. Whichever way we go, we need to get moving. I suggest we work on establishing a safe and sheltered base camp area, as we'll be here for several days."

Graaf-Niig finds the easiest route back up the hill and inspects the side of the portal more, trying to compare the crystals to the ones in the other intact portal.
[roll1]

"Oh, and I didn't tell them about the other portal just yet. They didn't ask and they don't need to know how quickly we spotted it."

[Admiral Squish]

"Look. You're thinking in the wrong terms. You're thinking 'when we fight it', while I'm thinking 'if we fight it'. We shouldn't even have to worry about it, as long as we keep our distance. And if we do eventually have to take it out, we can do it on our terms. But we can only fight it on our terms if we don't let it notice us just yet. See?" Oggy replied. "As for a fortified base camp, I think the ruins over that way are our best bet. There's a living bush of some sort and a few lizards between us and them, but it's a safer bet than the croc. However, I'd like you to sit back for this one, and save your magic for taking the ruins back from whatever holds them. We can handle the way there." He explained, then turned to the rest of the group. "Everyone else, if you're not ready yet, then get ready. We're going to start the attack in just a second, so get in position." He warned, then climbed up the pillar again to stay out of reach of the lizards and bush, then pulling out his bow and knocking an arrow.

Climb check, taking ten makes 22

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"Oh, Graaf-Niig, you read my mind!" Amilia takes the rope and ties it securely such that someone coming through the portal will have something to grab on to. While working, she adds, "Why don't we focus on securing the land first, and then we can decide if we want to take out the creatures in the water? If we control the land, we can all snipe at anything in the water that gives us trouble. Even if we kill everything we can see, I doubt we can exterminate every crocodile and water elemental in this demi-plane. The larger ones might give good sport, though." She gives a blood-thirsty grin as she finishes tying the rope into place.

Drawing her bow, Amilia says, "Oggy, I'll be in position in 10 seconds. My arrows follow yours."

She disappears and flies to a position 45 feet above ground and 10 feet south of Oggy.


Initiative: [roll0]

If Amilia rolls higher than Oggy, she delays her action until after he acts (i.e., her initiative becomes Oggy's minus 1).

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian orders his undead to go 10 feet infront of the party facing the lizards and plants. Then moves behind them.

ZC SC
OR

That is sort of how I want it to be.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian

Sorry about the double post.
Initiative. [roll0] My undead act on my turn. Right?
Wow! that sucked, and glad there aren't critical fumbles on initiative/

[Admiral Squish]

Initiative: [roll0]

[Admiral Squish]

"Archers in place. Meatwall up front. Make 'em work for every inch, guys." He muttered, half to himself, and half to the others. The same advice Irlym used to give. He drew back the shot. The first ones had to count, one way or another. He sighted along the shaft for a long moment, before the first arrow flew. The second followed immediately, moments behind, before the first had even reached the target, the nearest lizard to the group.

Assuming everyone else is waiting on me, I'll go ahead and get us started.
Attack!
[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Shock:[roll2]
Second arrow!
[roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock:[roll5]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Two more arrows fly through the air at the nearest lizard(s) still alive.


Attack modifiers:
+2 for being invisible vs sighted creatures
-2 for Rapid Shot
They also lose any Dex bonus to AC (they're flat-footed anyway, right?)

How far away are the lizards? If it's more than 110', there's also a range penalty.

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

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Electric Damage: [roll5]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig stands at the back of the party, watching the surroundings with a drawn dagger ready to throw, but does not yet act.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag stays hidden, ready to leap out and defenc the rest of his comrades if the lizards get too close.

[roll0] Initiative

[Psionic Dog]

End of surprise Round: (Only one shot was counted)
Amilia and Oggy both hit! (but the lizard lives)


Initiative:
[roll0]
[roll1]


Initiative Order
Group A [Graaf Niig, Oggy, Amilia, Barag]
Lizards
Group B [Alanor, Orain]

Beginning Round 2:
Now up: Graaf-Niig, Oggy, Amilia, and Barag

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Two arrows fly from the pixie's little bow.


I had forgotten that surprise rounds only get a single attack. Oops. :-) Anyway...

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

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Electric: [roll5]

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy began again, sending his arrows speeding across the gap between them and into the lizard.

Attacking for the nearest living lizard.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Shock: [roll2]
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock: [roll5]

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag stays hideen, waiting for the enemies to get a little closer- there's no point wasting his chance to strike from ambush when the ranged combatants seem to have the situation under control.

Delay actions for now... Will start if anything gets too close to the shooty people

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig waits, ready to throw a dagger if an enemy gets within 40 feet of the group.

[Psionic Dog]

Amilia's first shot finishes off lizard one, and her second wounds the other. Oggy follows up, and one of his shots hits the wounded lizard but doesn't quite kill it. The half-dead lizard feebly flops over the side of the rock it had been basking on. Whether intentional or not, it now has partial cover.

Nothing else happens. One lizard died, the other moved five feet, behind cover, and the last is still behind the statue.

Alanor, Orain: You two are up.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian delays his action until one of the lizards or any unforeseen danger comes within 30 ft. of the ranged combatants or 20 ft. of him, his undead or any of the melee combatants.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor brandishes his sword and says;
Leave this one to me...
He then stalks towards the rock.

Move silently; [roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

Orian stands ready incase the beasts charge. They don't.
Alanor starts to carefully stalk toward the rock. He quietly advances 30 ft ahead of the group. 110 ft remain between him and said rock.

Nothing else happens.

End of round 1.

For those who wish to continue fighting:
Round 2.
Now up: Graaf-Niig, Amilia, Oggy, and Barag.

Oggy
From your nature lore you realize that it's unlikely that these animals are aggressive enough to charge out across such a large field to attack you. The plant is either dumb enough to be oblivious or else trusting in it's deceptive appearance.

Everyone else: Your eye's aren't keen enough to see the wounded lizard anymore. You could always aim at the space behind the rock, but that would be it.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Having lost sight of the lizards, Amilia watches Alanor sneak quietly forward. Recalling the introductions last night, she thinks, "Wow. Everyone here is either a powerful spellcaster or sneaky. This is awesome! We're, like, an elite death squad! I do wish more of us had bows, though."

"Alanor and Barag, you two want to sneak up and slit the throats of the two remaining lizards? I think there's enough rubble for hiding as you approach. Oggy and I can pelt that over-ambitious plant with arrows while you advance. With a bit of luck, it'll be dead by the time you get there. If not, the others can charge it once you've stabbed some choice lizard organs."

Amilia fires two arrows at the plant creature.


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

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Electric: [roll5]

Q: does the plant-creature count as Blinded (-2 AC) if we're outside the range of its Blindsight?

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Continues to hold, ready to act if needed.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy decides that taking down one and wounding the other was nearly good enough, and sends one last arrow at the wounded lizard, and the other into the bush. The silence, and lack of response was almost unnerving. "Orian, Barag, and Alanor, break formation and advance. There should only be one lizard left in any condition to fight. It might even run away if you look big and scary enough. Amilia and I will stay back and keep raining arrows on the bush, and cover your flank for any unexpected surprises." He said, in the midst of firing his second arrow.

Lizard:
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Shock: [roll2]
Bush:
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Shock: [roll5]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian decides to move now. Orian says to his undead. "Move to the rock."
I do not think that I can move and attack so depending on the distance and if my undead can do it with me I will take a double move to get forty feet closer to the enemies.

[Psionic Dog]

Answer: If it can't detect you, it's blinded. Note: The blinded penalty does not stack with the invisibility bonus.

The hobgoblin and the werewolf stand ready for aggression, and the archers rain arrows down on the plant. Oggy's first shot misses, but his second slices deeply into the plant. Amilia's first shot bounces off the plant, but her second sinks home as well. The plant quivers and twitches, but doesn't move.

Orain and his undead minions advance 20 feet toward the plant (that's as fast as the zombie can move) leaving 120 ft to go.

Alanor, you're up.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag will try to sneak forward and take the lizards by surprise when he can.

[spoiler]Hide:[roll0]
MS: [roll1][/spoiler

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor continues to sneak towards the lizard behind the rock.


Move Silently;
[roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

Right, assuming the two of you are advance it half speed to avoid movement penalties you each advance another 30 ft through the light cover that partially covers the land.

End Round 2, and the monsters still haven't responded.

Round 3:
Now up: Graaf-Niig, Amilia, Oggy, and Barag.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag will try to sneak even closer to the lizards, ready to attack...

Bit confused about initiative and stuff... Rolls in case I need 'em.
Hide: [roll0]
MS: [roll1]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia flies forward 60' (still 45' above ground) and fires another arrow at the carnivorous vegetation.


Attack/damage modifiers: none
Plant takes -2 to AC assuming Amilia is outside of its Blindsight range

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

[Admiral Squish]

"Amilia, if you would go around the statue and take out that last lizard, it should be that much easier to get finished with all this." Oggy called. This was way too easy. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else. SOme unknown threat that would leap out from the bushes at the least opportune moment. He shot another arrow into the mass of tendrils leaning against the statue.

Killin' the bush, apply relevant modifiers.
Attack![roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
Shock:[roll2]
Attack![roll3]
Damage:[roll4]
Shock:[roll5]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig, sensing the tension, Readies himself to cast Melf's Acid Arrow on any new enemy [other than the plant or lizards] that should suddenly appear.

[Psionic Dog]

Initiative Order

The initiative order: I hope this clears up the initiative.
1st) Graaf-Niig, Amilia, Oggy, and Barag
2nd) Lizard one, Lizard two, Lizard three
3rd) Alanor and Orian <<————————————<< Now Up
4th) Any other local monsters


Oggy and Amilia

Arrow after arrow strikes the plant, and each inflicts deep gashes. However, you are beginning to suspect that the shocking charges have no effect. Correction: the shocking charge appears to have no harmful effect. You have a bad feeling about how with every little shock the brush pile appears to shivers, harden, and grow more and thicker little vines. If the creature likes electricity, that might also explain why it was living peacefully with lizards that might also have electrical powers.

Locations of everything:

Statue: 15 ft tall, 10 ft wide. The top half of it appears to have has fallen off, and large rock pieces litter the ground. [Distance] = Distance from statue
[5ft]Bush, Lizard2
[80ft] Alanor and Amilia
[110] Barag
[120] Orian and Undead
[140] Oggy and Graaf-Niig


Amilia's arrow and one of Oggy's arrows strike solidly against the plant. The plant quivers under the impact but still doesn't move. No new threats have yet appeared.

Now Up: Alanor and Orian

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian tells his skeleton croc to go back to oggy. Then continues moving toward the plant creature with the zombie croc.

[Psionic Dog]

Orian slowly follows his zombie another 20 ft across the overgrown peninsula.
Future note: Following the zombie takes a move action: you still have a standard action you can take if you ever wish.

Alanor continues to pad quietly across the ground.

Nothing else happens.

Location and terrain note:

The land was once a green lawn with a simple rock path down the center. Now everything is covered in grasses, vines and shrubs. 25% of the land is covered by shrubs or vines tall and thick enough to act as light undergrowth. Creatures moving through the undergrowth may hide, but take a -2 on move silently.

Statue: 15 ft tall, 10 ft wide. The top half of it appears to have has fallen off, and large rock pieces litter the ground. [Distance] = Distance from statue
[5ft]Bush, Lizard2
[50ft] Alanor
[80ft] Amilia
[100] Orian and Undead
[110] Barag
[140] Oggy and Graaf-Niig

Now up: Oggy, Graaf-Niig, Barag, and Amilia

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag continues to approach the lizards.

[roll0]Hide
[roll1]MS

[Agthorr]

Amilia

That plant creature appears to enjoy the electric shocks! <Censored>. Amilia softly speaks the command words the shopkeeper taught her to turn off her bow's shock ability, "Desumo subsisto". She flies forward another 60' forward and 10' up.


It's a shame command words count as a standard action.

That should put Amilia 20' away from being over the statue, 55' above ground, and 40' above the top of the statue.

[Admiral Squish]

Though his position was a good one, the plant was just far enough away that it was becoming a problem. Combined with the plant's apparent enjoyment of the electric energy of his bolts, this was a good opportunity to close in. He muttered the command words to his bow, a few syllables in sylvan, looked down from the pillar he stood on, and leapt down and forward toward the statues and plant.

Accursed command words.
Can jumping down and a long jump be combined? I'll roll twice, and if you only need one, take the first.
Jump check: [roll0]
Jump check: [roll1]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig holds himself Ready to cast Acid Arrow at any sudden new threat.

[Psionic Dog]

Amilia and Oggy dismiss the electric component of their bows and advance forward. Amillia flies forward and up, while Oggy hopes down and starts hustling. (Jump-down can't be combined with a long jump, but it counts as only part of a move action)

The hobgoblin stands ever ready near the portal with the skeleton, while Barag continues to dart forward slipping from concealment to concealment.

Again, the lizards don't move.

Updated locations:
[5ft]Bush, Lizard2
[20ft] Amilia: 55 ft elevation
[50ft] Alanor
[80] Barag
[100] Orian and Undead
[115] Oggy
[140] Graaf-Niig


Now up: Orian and Alanor

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Continues moving towards the plant.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor is quickly becoming bored with his tactic so he decides to run until he is 20 ft away from the rock with the lizard. This had better be worth it...

[Psionic Dog]

Ok, good news: something finally happens. The bad news? something happens. The better news? It misses.

Orian and his zombie continue to march slowly forward, and Alanor breaks into a hustle to come to within 20 ft of the plant.

The plant then stands up. The crouched heap of rotting vegetation rises up onto a pair of thick splayed 'stumps' remarkable like legs and several of the thicker vines curl together to form a pair of massive arms. It quickly crosses the distance to Alanor and using an arm like a bludgeon lashes out at the doppelganger. It hits... sort of... and Alanor is tough enough to avoid damage.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

End of Round.

Now up: Barag, Oggy, Amilia, and Graaf-Niig.

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy watched the plant stand up, and froze, sending a volley of the now uncharged arrows into the bush-thing from his current position, searching his mind for a clue that might help them defeat it.

Knowledge: Nature to determine the nature of our pollen-spawned foe.[roll0]
Attack roll, the first. [roll1]
Damage:[roll2]
Attack roll[roll3]
Damage:[roll4]
I think he's within one range increment now, so there's no penalty on those, apart from the rapid shot one.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig moves towards the battle (30ft)

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag leaps up and charges the plant-creature, his rapier ready to rend it into shreds (he hopes...)

To hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"Hmph! So much for stealth and leveraging our tactical advantages. I hope they don't get themselves killed." Two arrows fly from Amilia's bow at the plant creature, this time with no electric charge.


Plant creature takes a -2 penalty on AC assuming it can't perceive Amilia.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Psionic Dog]

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]


Barag charges into combat to assist Alanor, and he earns a vicious heavy blow for his trouble (12 damage -10 not silver = 2) The plant may be wider than it is tall, but those arms still have quite a reach. On the plus side, the werewolf closes and inflicts a damaging gash with his rapier.

From a distance the archers continue to pour piercing damage into the plant, and each makes one good hit that slices deep into the plant's core.

In the rear, the hobgoblin starts to walk toward the engagement.

The lizards have been hiding in terror of the steal rain, and the plant's sudden movements followed by the flash of nearby melee spooks the panicking creatures. A vibrant blue spark leaps from the far lizard to the nearer wounded one and a cascade of writhing electrical arcs spring forth into a sphear of energy catching Alanor, Barag, and the plant within the embrace. (Alanor and Barag take 12 electric damage, DC 12 Reflex for half)

Oggy: The electricity isn't healing the plant per-say, but it does appear to be boosting its constitution. More information will require several minutes analysis of the corpse.


Now up: Alanor and Orian


Updated locations:
[-10 ft] Lizard 3
[Statue]
[5ft]Lizard2
[15 ft] Bush
[20ft] Alanor, Barag, and Amilia @ 55 ft elevation
[100 ft] Orian and Zombie
[110 ft] Oggy and Graaf-Niig

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian stops moving forward and casts summon monster III. You see him moving his arms and saying something then a small fire elemental appears 50 feet from him between him and the plant thing. Then the fire elemental moves forward 50 feet and attacks the plant. If Orian can still move he does so.

Attack roll 1d20+3
damage roll 1d4 fire damage roll 1d4
special ability burn description Burn (Ex)


A fire elemental’s slam attack deals bludgeoning damage plus fire damage from the elemental’s flaming body. Those hit by a fire elemental’s slam attack also must succeed on a Reflex save or catch on fire. The flame burns for 1d4 rounds. The save DC varies with the elemental’s size (see table). A burning creature can take a move action to put out the flame. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Creatures hitting a fire elemental with natural weapons or unarmed attacks take fire damage as though hit by the elemental’s attack, and also catch on fire unless they succeed on a Reflex save. The burn save dc is 11

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag
Barag moves with astonishing speed, avoiding the lightning bolt with a grace born of bestial alacrity.

[roll0]

Evasion means I take no damage.

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor runs up to the bush and attacks again; You won't beat me! Stupid plant!

To hit; [roll0]
If hit; [roll1]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
retrying my rolls
attack [roll0]
damage roll [roll1]
fire damage roll [roll2]
lets hope this works

[Psionic Dog]

[roll0]


Barag, with his amazing reflexes, manages to twist aside and successfully use the plants own bulk to shield him from the electric storm. Alanor's reflexes are quick enough to provide some protection against the shock, but without Barag's evasion Alanor still takes 6 points of electric damage.

Alanor gives a return swipe to the plant, but the plant's tough hide deflects the blow.

Orian begins summoning ((Summoning take a full-round so it hasn't appeared yet. Also, SMIII doesn't have that much range, but I can arbitrarily move you 20 ft closer and into range given how slowly Orian has been moving in the past few rounds))


With a gurgling hiss the plant retaliates against it's two pesky attackers.
[roll1] [roll2]
[roll3] [roll4]


End of round.

Now up: Graaf, Oggy, Amilia, and Barag

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig moves another 30ft closer to the combat.

"Do you want me to start using spells on them yet?"

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag shifts slightly, before tearing into the plant-creature with all his might.

If possible, I'll 5-foot-step into a flanking position before I attack. If not, oh well.
Rapier: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Claw: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Bite: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

[MorkaisChosen]

Critical Threat on the Rapier!
To confirm: [roll0]
Extra damage: [roll1]

Also, three lots of sneak attack damage in case of being in the right place (Rapier, claw and bite in that order):
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Two more arrows fly from above.


Amilia chooses her targets in this order: the injured lizard, the other lizard, the plant creature. But she skips any target that has cover or concealment from her (though I imagine this would be hard since she's practically directly above them?).

Anything that can't perceive her takes -2 to AC

Attack Bonus: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack Bonus: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Psionic Dog]

Amilia
The injured lizard is in light undergrowth (concealment: 20%)
The healthy lizard is also has partial cover as well as half cover. (the 15ft tall/ 10ft wide statue is big enough to partially cover that lizard even at your elevation)

[Admiral Squish]

Oggy sends another pair of arrows streaking into the leafy beast. "You have anything cheap and firey available? Don't waste anything you can't easily replace." Oggy told the resident magician.

[Admiral Squish]

I hate the roller. I really do.
Attack one: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack two: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Seeing that the plant-creature has been targeted by most of the party, and not wanting to over-kill it, Graaf-Niig targets the injured lizard with several bright balls of magical energy, hoping to eliminate it quickly.

Magic Missile
[roll0]

Spells used: Lv1-3, Lv2-2, Lv4-1

[Psionic Dog]

The hobgoblin sends four small orbs of force careening into the damaged lizard, which promptly becomes small flying pieces of a very dead shredded lizard traveling in different directions.

Amilia and Oggy keep up their fire, and between them land three arrows into the plant, which reacts in pain.

Barag contines to drive into the plant a virtual whirling machine of death and successfully lands a scoring bow with both blade and fang. He also discovers that plants are immune to critical hits.

The plant is oozing from a dozen wounds and would likely have been long dead, were in not for the electricity. Even so it looks like its time is close to an end.

The last lizard starts to scuttle across the peninsula away from the group as it stays low to the ground and tries to hide. [roll0]+distance.


Orian's fire elemental springs into being at the beginning of his turn.
Now up: Alanor and Orian

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Assuming an imposing tone, Amilia speaks, "Plant creature, do you have the gift of language? Unconditionally surrender and we will allow you to live."


Out of turn, but it's free-action

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian and his croc continues moving forward. The fire elemetal moves fifty feet forward and slams into the plant creature.
fire elemental rolls
attack roll [roll1d20+3[/roll]
damage roll [roll0] fire damage roll [roll1]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor, sensing this battle is drawing its own conclusions backs off and watches from a distance looking for new threats.


Spot Check; [roll0]

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
re rolling attack roll [roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

The battle hasn't quite ended yet...

The plant reflexively swats at the approaching fire elemental, and connects heavily sending all but shattering the small fiery entity. The fire elemental survives just long enough to attempt one attack (which misses) before with a shimmer returning to it's home plane.

With a rustling hiss the plant turns on it's lupine tormentor, and misses. Twice.


[roll0] [roll1]

[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]
[roll6]




Oggy & Amillia
It appears that the plant is resistant or immune to fire as well.

Make a listen check.


End of round.

Now up: Amilia, Oggy, Barag, and Graaf-Niig

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Listen: [roll0]

[Admiral Squish]

Listen: [roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

It sounds like the plant is muttering in Sylvan

[Admiral Squish]

"Full defensive, fall back! Hold your fire!" Oggy shouted to his allies, advancing forward. He lowered his bow, and began to call out in sylvan to the plant.

To the plant: "Stay your hand! We have erred! We do not wish to fight you!"

[Agthorr]

Amilia

Amilia thinks to herself, "Oh. Duh!" The little pixie bellows to the plant in Sylvan, "Unconditionally surrender and we will allow you to live!".

[Psionic Dog]

Ok,
So I have an action from Oggy (He advances 60 ft forward)
I still need actions form Amilia, Graaf-Niig, and Barag. Readied actions, delayed actions, total defense, or even completely disregarding the others while continuing to attack all works, but I need something.

Combat rounds do not 'end' until all the participants 'pass' by delaying an entire round in some shape or form.

Updated locations: (Not counting Oggy's move)
[-30+ ft] Lizard 3 (Need DC 27 spot check to see, not counting distance penalty)
[Statue]
[15 ft] Bush
[20ft] Alanor, Barag, and Amilia @ 55 ft elevation
[80 ft] Orian, Zombie, and Graaf-Niig
[110 ft] Oggy

[Admiral Squish]

As the plant responded, Oggy considered for a moment. There may just be a way to turn this foe into an ally, or at least make it work for them. He spoke again, uttering in the flowing sylvan tongue ad pointed past the portal.

"No take wolf. Wolf friend of two-legs. Take water-lizard. Many water-lizard that way. They fill belly good, much meat for you. Some dead already, easy meat. When feel better, great big water lizard that way for you. It fill belly long time."

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Graaf-Niig holds his position, ready to blast the other lightning lizard if it makes any aggressive moves.

[roll0]

[Agthorr]

Amilia

"Good thinking, Oggy!", says Amilia.

She keeps her bow trained on the plant creature, ready to fire if attacks any of the party.

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag concentrates on defending himself from the flailing limbs.

Total Defence action.

[Psionic Dog]

The plant pauses for a moment to consider the demands and replies while the last lizard quietly exits the stage.

Alanor, Orain: I now need an action from you two before the plant physically responds.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian orders the croc that is following him to stop and then starts walking towards the group with the plant. He is walking non-threateningly.

[Admiral Squish]

Hearing the plant's response, he scowled. This wasn't working too well. If they couldn't make it work for them, they could at least remove it from the equation. He grinned wickedly. Why not make it someone else's problem?

"No take wolf. Me tell you where find much tender meat, now. Big secret, hard to find. Soft and juicy meat, lots. We show you, you leave wolf, yes?"

[Psionic Dog]

Your argument is convincing enough to give the plant pause.
Someone who speaks sylvan will need to make a diplomacy/intimidate/bluff or other related check to determine the extent of success.

Still waiting for an action for Alanor, but anyone can contribute to the conversation if they wish.

[Admiral Squish]

Ooh, this is gonna hurt...
Diplomacy: [roll0]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor doesn't really have anything to do, after apparently not seeing anything after looking round he watches interestedly at the exchange in sylvan; What are you telling this.... thing to do?

[MorkaisChosen]

Barag

Barag shifts to half-elf form to be able to speak, in case he needs to.

[Psionic Dog]

Barag never gets a chance to shift.

The plant takes a step back away from the group and hesitates for a moment... before desperately lunging at the hybrid. Barag had been prepared for such an attempt, and he evades the lunge with little trouble.

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]
[roll6]

end of round.
Now that the lizards are gone, I can take actions from everyone.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
Seeing that the plant creature is nearly dead, and that there are no other foes, Graaf-Niig moves closer to the group while refraining from using any additional spells.

[MorkaisChosen]

Still defending himself, Barag prepares to snap at any limbs that come too close.

Fighting defensively (not total defence), ready action to attack if the plant attacks me.

[Legoshrimp]

Orian
Orian moves forward and has his croc move forward also.

[Agthorr]

Amilia

As the plant lunges toward Barag, an arrow flies from above, as the pixie cries out, "I've got you covered, Barag!"


Amilia had readied an action to fire if the plant tried to attack again, so this attack occurs just before it lunges at Barag.

The plant loses any dex bonus and takes -2 to AC, assuming it can't perceive Amilia.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Then the plant does its thing...

Then Amilia fires two more arrows. :-)

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor pulls an animal from his bag of tricks, a rat plops out and sits on the floor looking at Alanor who then instructs it to attack the plant.
Lets get this over and done with! I've better things to do than fight bushes!

[roll0]

[Admiral Squish]

Fine, ignore the possibility of turning a vicious plant monster back on your masters, see if I care.
"Sorry." Oggy muttered in sylvan, drawing up his bow and loosing another flight of arrows into the bush. "I'll make sure your body is treated well."

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Psionic Dog]

Amilia's readied arrow doesn't kill the plant, but Oggy's following shots do. The bush takes a half step backward under the impacts, and then collapses to the ground. Alanor's rat tentatively gnaws on the remains.

End of Combat.

[J-H]

Graaf-Niig
"Well, that was...interesting." Graaf-Niig looks around to see if he can see anything interesting from the new location, or perceive more about the ruins.
[roll0]
He then ponders the lightning attack used by the lizards, trying to see if he can recall anything similar that he's seen before, or anything else that might help him determine how it works.
[roll1]
[roll2]

[JettWilderbeast]

Alanor
Alanor ignores the rat looking disdainfully at it. He turns to everyone; Well, its been a busy morning! Shall we head on? Oh and does anyone have any healing they do on me?