Helac |
Ok... so if the Suprise Round is Round 0, then I should have labeled the last Round 1.
Round Two, then.
And as long as nothing significant changes, this is generally what Helac will attempt after Haazek.
Helac, the ogre's behavior is especially odd.
Knowledge (Psionics): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11
Nonsense, Eroh. He's probably just a simpleton.
Free Action
5' step to get into melee with the caster.
Spend 1 pp as an immediate action giving a racial save bonus... also eating my swift action for the round.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Melee Touch Attack/Soulthief's Touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Standard Action.
...We can't spend action points on damage rolls, can we?
The stolen health flows along the mental web into the damaged Hobgoblin. Collective healing. Free Action. Haazek gets 1 hit point.
Gedeon |
@Halec Good idea with the round count.
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
round 2
Gods I hate doing this. Gedeon reaches internally to the energy that is his dragonmark and the feeling of madness that seeks to obliterate everything washes over him and he sends that energy at the ogre.
Looks like its you and me, you large confused behemoth. Gedeon says to the ogre as he steps forward and draws and activates a wand.
Swift action: lesser confusion at the ogre (DC 13 will)
Free action: 5' step toward the ogre
Move action:Draw wand of shield
Standard action: activate wand
Acorn_ |
Round 2
"I find it odd you call us Inspired when it is you who is controlling the ogre." Acorn sensed something unnatural about the fog and decided not to enter. He couldn't see the human well but he did remember where the man stopped before casting the fog. With a crack, he struck at the shadowy figure.
Whip has a 15 ft reach so I can attack from outside the fog. Also, how long am I sickened?
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 8 if not sickened but I think its a moot point.
Miss chance, low misses: 1d100 ⇒ 66 also moot.
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Haazek |
"We've had more than enough out of you, double-talking chat'oor." Making sure he's well back from the ogre, Haazek extends his hand, and a silvery-white glob streaks from it toward the man.
I will use my standard action to manifest entangling ectoplasm on the human.
Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Miss chance, low misses: 1d100 ⇒ 88
So much for that bright idea...
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
Reposting initiative:
Revion--21
Haazek--20
Helac--13
Esme--13
Ogre--10
Acorn--7
Human--5
Gedeon--4
Haazek fires a ray of ectoplasm and misses wildly.
Helac approaches the caster and attempts to touch him:
miss chance roll: 1d100 ⇒ 79
and hits!
Esmeralda fires her bow into the fog, striking the caster directly. With a howl of pain, he falls unconscious, near dead.
1d4 ⇒ 3
"Grapes!"
the ogre calls out.
Acorn's turn, but y'all might want to reconsider what you are doing as your previously stated target is dying.
Helac |
Does the cloud seem to be dispersing now that the caster is unconscious? I figure not, but you never know.
My intention is to drag him out of the fog if it is not dispersing. Then I can use Transfer Wounds to take 1d6 damage from him, which will stabilize him.
Grapes, indeed. Stand fast, Ogre, and I will heal him. Manacles?
Acorn_ |
As soon as Helac brings the man into positives Acorn walks over to him and drags him to his feet. The ghostly aspect of the bear that covers is face snarls menacingly. "We don't need manacles," he says wrapping the whip around the man's torso, binding his arms. Struggling will only cause him more harm. "Release the ogre from your control and explain yourself. Why did you attack us?"
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
The person coughs as he wakes.
"Control? There--"
*cough*
"is no control. He is insane, his mind destroyed by something. You would need a cartload of power to reverse it!
I"
*cough*
"attacked you because I saw you--"
*cough*
"--conversing with a follower of the Summit Road. You were plotting to release an Unmaker in Tam Jath."
Knowledge (religion or history) 15
Helac |
Helac, with no one registering an objection, touches the caster, taking some of the wounds into himself (Transfer Wounds: 1d6 ⇒ 5) negating some of the energy he had shared to fortify Acorn and himself.
Helac, notice his necklace?
Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 = 20
Yes, my bauble, I did. That is an interesting tangle, but I am unfamiliar with it.
Hobgoblin, I should know your name... so that I may stop referring to you as "Hobgoblin."
Would you be in need of a little psychic reinforcement? Helac asks this already knowing the answer.
Revion Telthanellyn |
"And who have you been talking to, hmm? We have no such desire and you would do well to not assume what you do not know. I have no idea what an unmaker is anyway." Revion states with a scowl.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Intimidate to act friendly: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Revion grabs the man by the shirt and says menacingly:
"I'll ask this but once, who gave you your orders and info? Your amulet places you to be of the ancient Syrkarn religion. Tell me of your involvement with them and what they are about. Speak quickly for my patience wears thin!"
Acorn_ |
"The Summit Road is an organization who's members specialize in getting in and out of Adar for the purposes of espionage. Or at least that is what I was lead to believe. Do you have any other information on the subject you would like to input...mister?"
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"No one 'sent' me" he snarls.
"I am native to norther Syrkarn, as is my companion." He gestures to the ogre. "Back in my homeland, I am known as Kardul. The Sahar, or chieftain, of my tribe was possessed by a Quori, and when I found out I fled for my own safety. My amulet? That is the mark of an old religion of my ancestors, lost to time that I know little of..."
Turning to Gedeon, he Kardul hisses
"The Summit Road is a Riedran hoax, and an effective one at that. It is a group of Adarans created by the Dreaming Dark, who allegedly aid other Adarans and oppose the Inspired, but are truly controlled by the Inspired. "
Revion Telthanellyn |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Damn it!
"You attacked us. Give me a good reason why I shouldn't just bleed you right here. That means I have you dead to rights. And no, just because I passionately believe in something doesn't mean I arbitrarily attack people I disagree with."
Revion stands there holding his sword while looking intently at the man.
Helac |
Master, he seems genuine.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
I agree that he seems genuine, but he could be deceived into spreading a lie. Without more to go on, he is a stranger traveling with a mad... person.
Wait. Are not Q and S strangers that you have gone on a quest at their behest based only on their word?
I... that is... maybe... well... One has to trust one's gut some time.
Helac goes ahead and touches Haazek's shoulder, and life force flows from Helac to Haazek, helping to re-knit some of the creature's damaged flesh and eroding the last of the psychic vigor supporting Helac's frame.
Transfer Wounds: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Haazek |
Haazek flexes a shoulder as Helac's power mitigates some of the damage the ogre did. It no longer feels like it will come off when I move it, thank the ancestors.
"Yes, by all means stop referring to me as 'hobgoblin.' May the Mockery take whichever of your kind came up with that term," says Haazek, voice controlled, but ears flared slightly. "My name is Haazek, and my people are called the ghaal'dar. That said, I do appreciate your assistance," he says, giving a curt nod and briefly holding his right fist to his chest.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Acorn_ |
Not even going to try and roll that. No skill points and not a class skill.
"Well then, you can tell us more as we walk. We happen to be heading to your homeland and your coming with us. And you can buy us supplies as repentance," he says putting the whip back on its belt loop. He then pushes the man forward towards the market.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Before I fled my homeland, I overheard plotting from my sahar's possessor."
He speaks towards Revion,
"The Dreaming Dark were building some sort of fog death machine that could destroy nations. Later I found a deep void...darker than Mabar. I don't remember what happened next. He probably knew more--"
gesturing to the ogre
"--before his mind was shattered. He did come out of the void.
When I saw you earlier today, you were conversing freely with someone who professed to serve the Summit Road, so I assumed you were agents of the Dreaming Dark. I may have been mistaken, though."
When he finishes speaking, he pauses for a moment, before abrubtly blurting out
"Are you a yuan ti? A snake in human form?"
It isn't clear who he is speaking to, if anyone.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Me? Come with you? That would be dangerous!"
Kardul exlaims to Acorn. He follows anyways, and the ogre follows behind the group.
Kasshta keep is a sight to behold. It is divided into layers, each carved into the side of the mountain, overlooking turbulent waters. While nothing compared to Sharn, the streets are busy with activity. Many buildings are empty, however, as their occupants are away on the Riedran border. No houses are visible--the people of the Keep live underground.
The large, open market place is on the first layer of the Kasshta Keep, and you make it there without difficulty.
Helac |
He probably knew more--[/b]"
gesturing to the ogre
"--before his mind was shattered. He did come out of the void."
Helac brings his right knuckles to his chin in a somewhat classic "thinker's" pose. Hm. Then it may be in our interests to get his mind fixed. He could provide valuable information.
"Are you a yuan ti? A snake in human form?"
It isn't clear who he is speaking to, if anyone.
Me?... It's possible that I was... and now I've forgotten. However, it seems... unlikely.
He turns to back to Haazek. Haazek. Of the Ghaal'dar. You still seem... disadvantaged. Helac quirks his head slightly to the side as if listening. Swift action Health Sense. I think we... can do better.
Helac touches Haazek's shoulder once more. Transfer Wounds: 1d6 ⇒ 2 The 2 + 5 from earlier brings you to 13, I think. Helac takes what he heals in non-lethal what he heals with Transfer Wounds.
A look of consternation crosses Helac's face. Normally... this works better. I may have to... resort to more reliable means.
Gedeon |
Gedeon sheathes his sword and shakes his head in concern. His babbling makes little sense to me, but something about him seems familiar I just can't place it. Also how do we know he does not speak the truth or he himself is not possessed?
Esmeralda d'Vown |
Esme jumps at the man's words. "A fog death machine? Is this for real? What do you know about it?" She speaks as if almost in a panic. "Are you aware of what happened to the nation of Cyre in Khorvaire?"
Gedeon |
If these are the ones responsible for the Day of Mourning then they have already named themselves my enemies, Kardul. Where exactly is your homeland and this dark void located? Gedeon asks trying to get Kardul to focus and indicate on the map. Will also try detect magic to see if any ongoing magic is effecting the these two. Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 to understand any auras.
Helac |
Helac begins projecting to most of the group, Haazek, Acorn,... Ah... Miss and Sir. I wish I were powerful enough to connect you all at once...
I know... that Sustrai Mor is an old ruins in Syrkarn. The planar barrier between Eberron and Khyber is... weaker there, making travel to and from the underworld more common. The barrier may have been weakened purely by Khyber's determination... or it may have been weakened by a powerful entity trapped underneath Sustrai Mor. That's what one of Qara's agents was trying to tell her before we met.
What is new to me is... this man believed our goal was to release an Unmaker in Tam Jath... which I take to mean a powerful quori spirit. It seems the ogre... managed to confront the spirit in some way and it fractured his mind.
So... I am assuming our mission is twofold. We must stop the spirit's manipulations, this agent of the Dreaming Dark... and either prevent the weapon's completion or destroy it.
Gesturing to Kardul, If this one... could be persuaded, he could be... an excellent guide. Is this so far... an accurate summation?
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
Kardul answers as you walk, his eyes twitching wildly as he speaks.
"All I know of their fog death is that it was something they planned, but it somehow went wrong. That is all I overheard."
"My former tribe lives a ways to the north of Tam Jath, southwest of here. If you are heading to Tam Jath, you shall likely pass through my homeland. The void Eusker--"
he gestures to the ogre
"--came out of is a couple dozen miles west of Tam Jath."
Haazek |
Whatever's going in in this Tam Jath, I already don't like it. We aren't even off the ship an hour, and we've got one or more parties misrepresenting themselves, lying to us and attacking us. Planar matters were never a large part of my training; just be ready and try and recognize any signs of trouble.
Acorn_ |
I am not all that familiar with Eberron so all these names are really confusing me, especially with us having varying degrees of info in character. If I make a mistake please bare with me as I try to keep up with all this information.
I already planned to bring him along. He said the area is dangerous so if he is forced to come he will most likely lead us through the safest path just to save is own hide. However this mission has already become clouded in misinformation.
While Acorn holds the conversation in his mind he moves their...prisoner towards the market to purchase supplies. "So how much did you bring? You and your friend did a fair bit of damage. Only fair way to compensate for your misguided attack I believe would be to re-supply us and guiding us through a safe path through your homeland."
I am to get a hot whether out fit and some waterskins or a wand of conjure water/endure elements. Anyone else want to pitch in?
Helac |
I am not all that familiar with Eberron so all these names are really confusing me, especially with us having varying degrees of info in character. If I make a mistake please bare with me as I try to keep up with all this information.
Keeping his thoughts wide so as to include everyone in the collective, Helac projects Agreed, Acorn. Those conclusions seem sound.
Does anyone else have any... comments or questions they would like to... unveil? And I am not certain introductions were finished. What shall I call you Ma'am and Sir?
Motioning to Gedeon and lowering his voice so that it does not carry, One moment. There has been some silent discourse. If anything that seems of importance shakes out, I... or one of the others... will be happy to convey it to you.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"I have a couple of thousand gold pieces with me, which I shall share with you if you are in need of supplies for the journey."
The man is wild-eyed, and appears eager to avoid being knocked by you again.
Unless you want to venture around the city, you can just post what you are buying. Pbps are slow, I don't want purchasing items to become tedious.
Gedeon |
Gedeon looks blankly at Helac then the meaning of his statement dawns on him and gives Helac a nod of understanding. Wand of endure elements and create water sounds ideal. So does the hot weather outfit and will personally buy a 4 extra water skins. But as for chipping in to help with anything else the water skins almost taps out his cash.
Acorn_ |
Wand of Create Water, 5 Waterskins, Hot weather outfit. 388 total. I can buy that myself. How much of that can I make Kardul buy? I can't afford Endure Elements but if he buys it I can cast it no problem, they are both on the druid spell list.
Acorn_ |
Durr. I am an idiot. I forgot I have Create Water. I don't even need the waterskins. That's four pounds I can get rid of. I can buy the wand of endure elements alone if people think that is a good idea.
Gedeon |
Don't know if it will be worth it depends how much of the journey is in the desert. If you could get that maybe the rest of us might chip in for a wand of cure light wounds? Etiquette question should this conversation be going on in the discussion thread?
Revion Telthanellyn |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Revion will buy a hot-weather outfit and one more waterskin.
"Remember the last time my blade came your way? Thought so. Stay put!" Revion reminds the cockalorum. No, that is not a slang word. :)
Helac |
Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Helac, the have so many things here! Can we get an iron defender? I always wanted a pet!
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
No, Eroh... Besides, I need you to watch the prisoner. The others seem to have it well in hand, but he may still try to make a break for it.
Helac moves methodically among the merchant stalls, and after getting new supplies, he spends time packing and repacking the equipment until it's as evenly distributed in Adharc's packs as it possibly could be.
I think I'm ready. Unless... someone thinks of something else, I see no reason... for further delay.
Gedeon |
Gedeon goes though the market picks up a composite longbow, 20 arrows a hot weather outfit and adamantine weapon blanch and 10 days rations. I am now ready to proceed. I do not know if these two can be of anymore help and I do not look forward to traveling this distance constantly having to keep an eye on them.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
With supplies in hand, Kardul follows the group along the path 'S' drew out for you. The ogre Eusker follows in the back. The mountain trail is long and rough, but you are mostly spared getting lost due to 'S's directions. The stone passageways gradually ascend upwards, out of the mountain, towards Syrkarn.
*Thunk*.
Sticking out of the side stone wall are two pairs of humanoid feet. All four feet have knives stuck into them.
The next person who disrupts Lady Prugshon shall meet the same fate.
Knowledge (Local) 10:
The body next to the kalashtar is also humanoid, and bears some semblance of extraplanar influence.
Knowledge (The Planes) 15:
Revion Telthanellyn |
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
"Well, that's something you don't see every day. A couple pair of feet turned into pin cushions. And part of the Harmonious Shield too."
"This keeps getting better and better."