Aarakess turns on Skorhald, her hands on her hips glaring:
And what is wrong with light delicate elven pastries? I suppose you prefer heavy meal that sticks in your stomach like a lump of clay?
Kilthan chuckles and steps forward, his hands up to stop the arguing and make peace, "Nothing wrong with them, other than needing a half-dozen to take the edge off a hunger. However, between his story and Rohara's, I'm after thinking they're who they say they are... and we're not quite done in here yet."
He pauses and winks at his clansman, adding, "So we can debate why stout is superior to fruit wines later."
Skorhald chuckles at the rise he got out of the dwarven maid, winks at her wryly then turns to slap Kilthan firmly on the back. "Action yes! Show me what we need to knock down!"
After confirming everyone is who they say they are and feeling confident everyone is safe, Justin dives past the floating barrel and back into the water. He swim down the shaft and back into the area he fought the octopus.
Breaking the surface of the water he sees the platform of stone the rises about 10ft above the surface of the water. Swimming around the pillar he finds a ladder on the eastern side.
On top of the pillar is a large metal lever. A stone platform leads to a door in the south wall.
As Justin is away swimming about through the water and the group is awaiting his return she turns to Aarakess, Dryn, and Kilthan, "Sooo... Allustan gave Skorhald and I a glossed over tale of your events since I... passed beyond." There was an awkward pause bfore she continues, "What has happened since your arrival in Magnimar. Obviously, it has something to do with doppelganger."
Cieslx shakes his head sadly:
No donuts? No cake? No pastries? Sad, very sad.
Justin returns to ferry his friends through the water to the room above the water. He starts with Kilthan and Rohara and then gets the rest.
Skorhold takes the aid from Justin willingly, but still grumbles, Here for only a few moments and already slogging wet.
The platform of stone the rises about 10ft above the surface of the water with a metal ladder on the eastern side. On top of the pillar is a large metal lever. A stone platform leads to a door in the south wall.
Skorhold examines the stonework carefully, making sure that it is safe.
Looking to his younger relation he suggests a marching order, "I'd suggest the paladin here take the lead, lad with you next to him if the passage is wide enough to allow. Either way, I'll from the second rank with Pappy's door-knocker for support if needed, and make sure our Ancestors know when we need a little help or encouragement. In a narrow passage, you can keep an eye on our backsides, and give cover fire with that bow of yours."
Skorhald notices that the stone platform is not attached to the stone pillar. It is however solidly connected to the wall.
"Any idea what this lever might do?" Dryn takes a moment to examine it.
"It may affect water level. Maybe we try to use it only if necessary. Let us check out this door."
The woman moves up onto the platform sopping wet. She was not happy with the cold swim to start with, but to now be dripping wet was not going to be enjoyable. With a deep sigh though, Rohara looks on the brighter side of things, at least she is with good friends once again.
She whispers and gives the dwarven bard a smile as she asks, "Would you happen to have a prestidigitation spell that might dry us out? Most of us are not of the scaly kind." She flashes a smile to Justin at her jest.
Jagdbach climbs onto the platform and then shakes the water out of his fur, further soaking all of this two-foot companions. Kilthan chuckles and says, "This was more pleasant than the swamp, at least. And fewer harpies."
Aarakess climbs out and shivers briefly. However, her newish dwarven constitution keeps her from being chilled long. Nonetheless, her flowing robes are slightly less flowing than they were previously.
I need to learn that prestidigitation spell to clean up. Would be handy about now.
The dwarf takes a quick look at the door, looking for traps or other dangers.
Gonna have water in my beard for hours... grumble grumble
Kilthan runs the edge of his shield through his beard to fling most of the water out and then turns to Skorhald, a mischevious glint in his eye, "Well, you can either shake off like Jagdbach did, or if you'd rather, we can wring it out for you?"
"I would like a nice coat of arms of Iomedae on my armor in gleaming gold."
Justin heads to the door.
Aarakess looks at Justin:
What about adamantine armor with mithral engraving?
Kilthan's ears perk up, "If we have mithral laying about, I can think of a better use than etching the paladin's armour."
Aarakess looks sourly at Kilthan:
But a shiny engraving is so pretty, and we all know that mithral never tarnishes.
"The value of mithril is that it is pretty?" The dwarf looks at Kilthan. "Aye, lad... she is an elf at heart."
Aarakess frowns:
Look at a rusty chain shirt and a shiny mithral shirt, which do you think is prettier. Of course the shiny one costs more. Of course the shiny one is what the in style nobles want to wear.
She pauses for a second before continuing.
Heck, just the reduction in time to polish and clean the mithral on a daily basis will pay for the extra costs before long.
Rohara smiles as the trio of dwarven-folk chatter about mithral and discuss its worth. Under her breath she comments, "Not a dwarf. Uh-huh."
"So, Skorhald no prestidigitation? You are going to make a woman suffer the wet and cold?" she winks at the dwarfen bard to know that she is joking.
Being rather clueless to much of anything else going on she looks up to Justin and asks, "Anything?"
Kilthan chuckles at Skorhald's comment, "Aye, I told you she was." He then turns to Aarakess and says, "You're right, it is what the nobles want to wear -- but maybe it's my dwarven upbringing, but I think that fashion shouldn't be the first priority -- and I think a mithral breastplate that doesn't slow a fellow down is more useful, and thus, better, than all the fancy mithral shirts any nobles may want."
Aarakess rolls her eyes again.
All you think about is war. We both know that a flexible mithral shirt can be worn beneath a shirt or gown to lend protection, but still allow one to twirl on the dance floor. Yes, a mithral breastplate is lighter than a regular one, but does it truly protect you any better? I guess you could dance across the battlefield more easily, but if you get hit, it will probably hurt just as much wearing mithral as wearing steel.
The door to the south is opened revealing a long corridor going east to west. Iron double doors cap this long hallway at both ends. The far wall has four doors spaced evenly along its length, with only a lone door on the north side to the west.
As the dwarf mumbles and mutters a bit, the water slows sheds off him leaving his precious beard dry and fluffy again. The same occurs for the rest of the party in turn until the dwarf stops concentrating.
"Hmm... what? Well, the ancestors wouldn't let me beard stay wet for long after all. And in fairness it looks they aided me new boon companions. Well, lets get through that door then!"
Kilthan shrugs, "But being able to move easily helps with the not getting hit. As does being able to outrun the man with the steel armour."
Kilthan looks down the hall and says, "This is where I go listen at each door while you noisy folk stay back here, I suppose."
If anyone is going to scout ahead and listen, then let me know which door you are listening at and give me a stealth and perception check for each one.
Kilthan whispers, "Jagdbach, guard Aara.", and then steps into the hall, heading toward the nearest door to the left to take a listen.
Kilthan creeps to the door across the hall to the east and listens. As he gets forward a couple of his items clank together which freezes him in place. None of the door open however. As he listens at the door, he hears at least 2 people talking inside. He can't quite make out what they saying but by their tone it is idle conversation and they hadn't heard him.
He does a much better job of moving to the next door to the east, and listens at that door and hears nothing.
Aarakess whispers through a Message to Kilthan.
Anything of note? Do we need to dispose of more evil?
Well, that one's occupied, and I worry about getting swarmed if we try to deal with these others.
Kilthan eyes the "vacant" door and draws a broadhead arrow, trying to quietly wedge it into the frame to keep the door from opening easily.
He then creeps past the group, holding up a finger and heading to the doors to the west to take a listen, trying to figure out just how many opponents they might be facing, and ready to jam the doors as he does.
Kilthan creeps along towards the west. This time however, something attracts the attention of one of the occupants of the room. The door flings open and a woman who turns into a grey skinned featureless creature yells out, "We have visitors!"
- Dryn'taka, Doppelgangers, Justin, Aarakess, Rohara, Kilthan
AC 16 T 12 FF 14 CMD 20
- Dryn'taka, Doppelgangers, Justin, Aarakess, Rohara, Kilthan
AC 16 T 12 FF 14 CMD 20
Round 1
HP 63/65
AC 18 FF15 T13 CMD19
F/R/W 8/9/3
Bombs 5/11
Mutagen Dexterity
Bora Beads 1 1/1
Extracts
1st - Cure Light Wounds, Shield , Bomber's Eye, 2 open
2nd - Cure Moderate Wounds, See Invisibility, 2 open
3rd - Cure Serious Wounds x2
Ammo Tracker
Normal - 19
Silver - 20
Cold Iron - 20
Effects
Doppelgangers #1 and #2 move up to Kilthan and swipe at him with a claw
VS FF 22 or 20 *Hit*
VS FF 22 or 20 *Hit?*
Doppelganger #3, attacks with both claws and steps to the side, allowing the other one, #4, to also attack with both.
VS FF 22 or 20
VS FF 22 or 20 *Hit*
VS FF 22 or 20
VS FF 22 or 20
Doppelgangers #5 and #6 move to the far side of Jagdbach and attack him
VS FF 20
VS FF 20 *Hit*
- Doppelgangers, Dryn'taka (Delay), Justin, Aarakess, Shorhald, Rohara, Kilthan
AC 16 T 12 FF 14 CMD 20
Round 1
Being one of the least capable in a fight, Aarakess immediately begins to call out instructions.
Justin, get next to Kilthan to stop flanking. Skor, help Jagdbach. I will give the two in the room something to think about. Dryn, bomb the shapechangers past Jagdbach.
Aarakess then 5' steps into the room to the space that Justin, hopefully, vacated. And begins to cast a spell.
Action: 5' move to where Justin is currently on the map.
Cast: Rain of Frogs (1 round casting) to be dropped into the middle of the room past Kilthan.
As the creatures pour out to attack a fire lights within the old dwarf's eyes and a mad grin splits his face, a huge basso voice begins to chant with grand inspiration:
"Have at them lads and ladies fair, never fear the shifter's glare,
These fiends will bow before our might, and none of them survive this fight,
Through the hallowed dwarven caverns, through halfling's hole and elven taverns,
Tales will spin of our victory here, of that none of ye need to fear"
You feel the words bolster your courage and give heart to your fight as the dwarf steps forward and begins swinging his admantite wreaking ball over his head glaring at his foes as the ball strikes out over the badger's head!
HP:63/63; AC: 16/12/15; F+5, R+7, W+5;
Current Effects:
Inspire Courage, Arcane Strike, Power attack
Performance Rounds: 17/18
Current Performance: None; Lingering: None
Performances Available: (move action) bladethirst, distraction, fascinate, inspire competence +3, inspire courage +2, rallying cry.
Bard Spells Known (CL 7th; concentration +9):
3rd (1/day)—good hope, haste
2nd (4/day)—bladed dash, blistering invective, rage, silence (DC 14)
1st (5/day)—ear-piercing scream (DC 13), feather step (DC 13), grease (DC 13), saving finale (DC 13), vanish
0 (at will)—daze (DC 12), detect magic, mage hand, mending, message, prestidigitation (DC 12)
Situational Modifiers:
Dwarven Hatred+1 on attack rolls against goblinoid and orc humanoids.
Defensive Training +4 Gain a dodge bonus to AC vs monsters of the Giant subtype.
Disruptive +4 DC to cast defensively for those you threaten.
Stonecunning +11 Perc on Stonework and automatic chance to detect stone traps and secret doors.
Stubborn +2 Gain bonus to save vs. Charm/Compulsion spells, resave next round if you fail.
The cleric is quick to move with the others following up behind Kilthan. She quickly takes up a morningstar in her sheild hand and places her free hand on Kilthan, "May Desna's luck guide your weapons."