GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Ok, so that said, Thaddeus used some healing on Mutt, and Variel is ready to open the door. Sword is sheathed, whip is in hand.

You swing the doors open.

Opposite the doors of this massive room stands a towering archway made of shimmering black stone. The archway’s keystone seems strangely out of place—unlike the surrounding black stone, the keystone is a pale gray and bears fragments of a spiky set of Thassilonian runes. Inside the archway is a world of shadows in which a strangely beautiful elven city can be seen. Smears of blood along the foor seem to lead up to and through the archway into the flickering world beyond.

Grunyn pales as he sees the archway.

A heavily-scarred drow stands at the base of the stairs that lead up to the portal. He has clearly been waiting for you. "Master Nolveniss bade me give you his apologies," he says in almost a whisper. "that he will not be present to see you die."

He's stabby. Fiona, Keanu, and Grunyn are up!

I believe I have one more 1st level spell slot that I can use. If I do, should I cast enlarge person again?

EDIT: Never mind. I saw Spiderbeard's post after I posted mind. Cant' do that since combat started.

Round 1: Actions
Standard Action: Recast good hope
Move Action: Move into the room

Fiona hums an inspiring tune and steps into the room. "He shouldn't have bothered. We'll convey our condolences on the casualties he's suffered shortly."

Keanu marches in alongside Fiona towards the Drow, sword at the ready.

Can’t charge so single move and Total Defense. AC is 24

Grunyn moves in to attack, just missing as the drow returns with two brutal slashes, grievously wounding the dwarf!

Grunyn takes 34 damage. Everyone is up!

Keanu continues his march to slash at the Drow.

Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 11 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 3 + 2 = 23
Slashing, Silver: 2d6 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 13 + 2 = 22

AC is 23

Variel uses his still-supernatural speed to dart around the room, coming up behind the Drow. He cracks his whip hoping to distract the enemy.
Using Outflank with Lusk to get +4 on attack.
Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 damage (magic, cold iron, silver): 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (5, 1) = 17

Lusk and Mutt get +4 instead of +2 flanking bonus when flanking with Variel. Invisibility purge is still up, so when Variel moves in, anything invisible should be revealed.

Before I make my move, I have to ask something, Variel. I thought that Coordinated Effort had run its time out. It was 80 rounds total and all of the spells with that duration on me have ended. Am I wrong?

It's possible I've messed up my timing; I have it and invis purge with 3 minutes left. Spiderbeard, correct me if those should be done.

"Master Nolveniss bade me give you his apologies," he says in almost a whisper. "that he will not be present to see you die."

"Well, we'll just' have'ta go 'n... uhh, meet'im ourselves t'... die? No, 'dat don' work. Ahh, forget it."

Thaddeus gives up on trying for a cool pre-battle quip, and settles for trying to get shiny dirt in the drow's eye.

MOVE: Move into the room.
STANDARD: Cast Glitterdust in such a way to catch only the drow, unless there's somebody invisible in the area next to him. Specifically, according to this chart, I can tag the two squares in between Keanu and Variel, catching the drow but not my allies. It'll also fill the area to the right. (Four squares, then four, then two) The drow, and any potentially invisible creatures in the area are coated by sparkles. Will Save DC 17 or be blinded. Spell Immunity does not apply.

I'm going to establish a more formal buff tracker for this kind of stuff as the time between combats is a little too wobbly and puts you guys in an awkward position.

As it stands, a minute passed from the fight with the aboleth to opening the door. Was a little too hand-wavey there so you may have a spell or two still active Mutt.

Lusk moves in, scoring a strong slash alongside Variel while Thaddeus sends off a huge burst of incredible light and sparkles. The barbarian is completely caught off-guard by it and lets out a scream as he is blinded! Things just got very bad for him.

Fiona, Mutt, and Grunyn are up!

The only spell I would logically have would be Shield Other. All of the other spells that I had active were the same duration. I'm now wondering what other spell to keep active.

Round 2: Actions
No Action: 5' step to engage drow
Full-Round Action: Two hammer swings!

Fiona steps up and starts swinging her earthbreaker at the blinded drow's head!

Attack *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 3) + 6 = 15

Attack *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 = 16

Fiona scores a solid hit while Grunyn's attack misses the blinded drow.

Mutt is still up!

I've decided that I'm keeping enlarge person active. But, I don't know how long it will last.

Mutt activates his rage and stomps up to the drow, bringing down his greataxe on him.

Attack (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, power attack, elf bane): 1d20 + 18 - 1 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 18 - 1 + 2 - 3 = 24
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, arcane strike, power attack, elf bane): 1d12 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + (5, 6) = 39

Current Effects:
Enlarge Person ??/80 rounds
Good Hope 89/80 rounds
Shield Other
Bloodrage 25/36 rounds

Also, what does the slime do to me?

Sorry guys, crazy weekend. I'll post about the slime in discussions.

Mutt charges in, scoring a brutal hit on the drow barbarian, who continues his focus on Grunyn.

The drow barbarian swings around wildly, in a very bad way now, and catches Grunyn with one vicious swing! He continues to shake his head, and remains blinded by the glitterdust.

[ooc]Everyone is up!

Round 3: Actions
Full-Round Action: Hammer Time!

Fiona grumbles and swings twice with her hammer!

Attack *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

Attack *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13

Keanu continues hacking at the Drow as his allies do the same.

Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 11 - 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 3 + 2 + 4 = 21
Slashing, Silver: 2d6 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + 2 = 21
Greatsword (2): 1d20 + 6 - 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 3 + 2 + 4 = 25
Slashing, Silver: 2d6 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 13 + 2 = 20

AC is 23

Variel cracks his whip, timing his strikes with Lusk's.

Good Hope, Outflank, Elf Bane
Primary: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (6, 5) = 21
Iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (4, 1) = 15

Mutt continues to swing his greataxe at the drow, putting his all into it.

Attack 1 (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, power attack, elf bane): 1d20 + 18 - 1 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 18 - 1 + 2 - 3 = 28
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, arcane strike, power attack, elf bane): 1d12 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + (3, 5) = 40

Attack 2 (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, power attack, elf bane): 1d20 + 13 - 1 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 1 + 2 - 3 = 17
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, good hope, arcane strike, power attack, elf bane): 1d12 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 3 + (3, 1) = 29

Current Effects:
Enlarge Person ??/80 rounds
Good Hope 88/80 rounds
Shield Other
Bloodrage 24/36 rounds

You all swarm in on the barbarian, and he goes down in a flurry of vicious attacks, stoic and defiant until the end.

End of Combat

Grunyn lies twitching on the ground. The trail of blood you followed leads to a shimmering portal in the room, beyond which is a beautiful city with strange architecture. It is clear the kidnapped elven leaders were taken through this portal. Worse yet, it is flickering strangely.

On the body of the drow you find the following:

- a +1 shocking greatsword
- a +2 mithral shirt
- a potion of bear's endurance
- mwk hand crossbow
- 10 bolts
- 2 drow poison bolts

Thaddeus immediately procures his wand. "Variel, 'r Fiona, Grunyn ain't lookin' too good."

Fiona winces and approaches the prone dwarf, humming a healing tune...

CLW?: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"That was my last bit of basic magic."

"การสาปแช่ง!"

Variel stares into portal, but then his attention is drawn back by Thaddeus. He leans down over the dwarf. Take 10 for 20 Heal. Is he just down from damage, or something more sinister? (I suspect he is suffering from "missing player syndrome", but I'll go through the motions. ;-) )

"We are going to be going through that portal, but it is clear we must first help Grunyn and remove that filthy creature's curse on Mutt. We should probably check the last tower as well, just to be sure nothing is left behind us."

Mutt looks at the portal. Then back at Variel. "The portal's flickering, though. Won't the portal close at some point?"

Grunyn groans as he awakens. As he sits up, he stares into the portal and he backs up, shaking his head quickly.

"I... I can't go back there. That portal leads into the Echo. I was there for so long. I swore I'd never go back. It was torture. Friends, I salute you, but I cannot go any further."

He swallows. "I can answer questions though. The Armageddon Echo will eventually end in its destruction. Nolveniss carries a portal key with which he can exit, or that will send him back here when the Echo collapses. Within is the entire city of Celwynvian, populated by shadows of the lost elves. They will likely not notice you unless you force them."

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

"Mutt's right. If'n we're gonna rescue 'dem, we need t'get in 'dere, now. 'Dis portal's unstable. Pro'bly close in... ten minutes, Ah say. Let's prep what we can 'n get movin'. Grunwyn, sad yeh can't come, but anythin' yeh kin do t'help us out? Yeh 'kin stay here 'n guard 'dis room."

While the others converse over their next course of action Keanu picks up the Drow's greatsword and begins to take a few practice swings with it to get adjusted to the different weight and length.

Variel scowls as Thaddeus gives his opinion of the portal. "We're going to have to find a way to keep Mutt's skin moist. I suppose you can give it a good soak in the pool here before we step though and hope we get in and out before it becomes an issue."

The elf quickly pulls off his own chain shirt and dons the one the drow warrior had been wearing. As he does so, he says, "Grunyn, is there anything else you can tell us? Any idea where Nolveniss might be, since we may need his key to return?"

"My spell to reveal invisible creatures has run out, so we're on our own in that regard. My shield still shines with holy light, so hopefully that will be enough."

Once everyone else is ready, Variel will lead the way through.

With the new armor, Variels' AC is two higher, and many of his skills are 1 better due to the lowered ACP. I've updated his tagline with the new AC.

Grunyn nods slowly. "The Observatory in the east of town, that's your best bet. Be careful. Rest if you can - I spent weeks in that damnable prison. There are shadows and demons to be found."

Last call before you go in the portal!

Mutt turns to Variel. "If we are going in there, then I don't want this slime to dry out on me. Let me soak my arm before heading in. Do we have any way to bring some water with us?" He nods at Grunyn. "Stay safe, Grunyn. If you can, tell the elves about our progress so far."

GM, do we have an idea of how much water is needed to keep Mutt's arm safe? Every 10 minutes is a fast timer, so it will make a difference if it's just "splash it with some water from your drinking supply" vs "completely submerge it for 30 seconds".

If we end up there for more than a day, can Thaddeus prepare Create Water?

"Old Horn, stay here wit'Grunyn. Too dangerous in 'dere, don' wanna risk gettin' seperated by dimensions."

"As fer th'rest o'us... Dang, Ah can't make us all fly t'swoop in on'em an' get th'drop. Ah kin fly, an' Ah kin make one'o you fly. Should Ah scout out? 'R stick together. Dey're clearly expectin' us, but a few o'us zippin' in th'sky might attract a bit too much attention."

Given that the portal is closing soon, Variel doesn't have any preparations to make. I am ready to step through as soon as everyone else is.

Fiona's ready as well.

"Take your goat, Thaddeus," cautious Grunyn. "You won't be able to get out until you have Nolveniss' key."

Old Horn trots along at Grunyn's words and you step into the portal. He stands sadly behind you, unwilling to return to the place of his torture.

FWOOOSH

Stepping through the portal is a dizzying experience, and it takes
a few moments for the world to right itself. After a time, the surrounding elven city becomes clear, its tall, graceful spires rising up among manicured boughs of a well tended forest. Some of these buildings seem familiar, resembling those of ruined Celwynvian, but strangely restored and made whole. Although this glimpse through time is convincing, something is of. Colors seem dim, sounds are muted, and the shadows appear strangely long and dark. Yet most disconcerting of all is the sky above—for it is nothing more than a vortex of gray clouds, spiraling around a dark blot in the sky.

Standing in the shadow city during its heydey is a strange experience - you are fairly sure you're in the western part of the city and that may be the Library of Renai before you.

Right in front of you is an imposing-looking elf clad in resplendent robes. He has not noticed you and is staring instead at the sky.

Keanu is about to remark upon seeing the awe inspiring scene when he notices the elf in front of them, his eyes quickly shift to Fiona and Variel instead of asking anything.

"Whoooo-eeee."

Thaddeus looks around. He's certainly heard about other planes, but this is the first time he's seen one in person. He drinks in the ambience, mentally cataloguing all the minute differences.

He sees the elf in front of him. He's about to mention something, but then what was said about the city being a shadow comes to mind.

"Eeehhh.... Wonder if anyone here (other 'den drow) kin see us? What'd 'dey say? Th'ghosts won't mess wit'cha if'n yeh don't get 'dere attention?"

Still here, letting you guys post and rp.

Before the team enters the portal, Mutt makes sure to take a scrap of cloth from his clothes and his waterskin out. He heads back to the fountain and dunks his arm in it. While he does that, he fills his waterskin and soaks the cloth in the water. Satisfied, he removes his arm from the water and reunites with the team, storing the cloth for later.

Entering the portal, Mutt is shocked at the sight. "Wha-What? What is this? It's like we're looking in the past. Everything's gray and quite. I don't like this. It's really p*****g me off." Seeing the elf, Mutt readies his greataxe in case of a fight and looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Variel takes a moment to take in the scene of a restored Celwynvian, but scowls at the muted colors and the blot overhead.

"I agree, Mutt. This is not real -- just a manufactured shadow of the original city."

Seeing the elf, he nods to the others, and moves at an angle that would allow the elf to notice them, but not to actually approach him.

Take 10 for 31 Perception and 31 Sense Motive; Variel's shield is putting off a 20' radius of light. He's trying to see if the elf is one of the shadows Grunyn told us of; if so, it most likely won't acknowledge us. If it does, Variel is wary but intends to speak politely to him unless threatened.

Knocking off 5 minutes of my long-term spells to account for talking to Grunyn and preparing to enter the portal.

After taking a look around at the shadowed city, Fiona approaches the elf and waves. "Hello?"

She repeats it in Elven, in case the elf doesn't understand Common.

Sorry guys, slow posts on easter weekend, bear with! I'll get something in when I can. Regular stuff resumes Tuesday.

Back!

As Fiona starts waving her hand at the elf, he starts. "Oh! Humans and... others. I'm sorry I've been quite distracted by the shadow in the sky."

He points upwards. "They say it's the end of the world. Nonsense - the apocalyptic fools are an answer looking for a question. This celestial event is quite strange though. What brings you to Celwynvian travelers?"

As he speaks, his accent has a strange lilt. He also seems to occasionally 'slip' his gaze from you but re-orients quickly enough as he converses.

Thaddeus winces. The rest of the group was discussing leaving the shades of former elves to their own spectral business and simply avoiding them, and Fiona just up and starts talking to one.

Still, what's done is done. Thaddeus considers asking, but defers to those more skilled in the art of conversation. "We had t'get to th'Observatory, right? Maybe ask 'fer directions?" He says in a stage whisper.

He also looks up at what he assumes is a rather familiar looking blot in the sky.

Fiona looks up in the sky, where the elf points. "Yes, quite curious... in fact, we were hoping to reach the Observatory to investigate it further. Could you perhaps point the way, please?"

Variel steps up beside Fiona and bows to the elf. "My friends have never seen such sights as Celwynvian has to offer, so I suggested a trip. We thought the observatory might be a good place to look at the shadow."

Mutt remains quiet, letting the others converse with the elf. He does keep an eye on the blot in the sky.