Labyrinth Souls (Inactive)

Game Master Mighty Glacier

(Where indeed... Remember that if the building still piques your interest, you could try to sneak past the mind flayer. But for now, let's meet some new people.)

The party decides not to take any risks with the possibility of the mind flayer following them, and retreats all the way through the forest, back to the guestbook room. There they see a towering zombie in heavy armor, reading the guestbook. Behind him is a short man, staring at the group with widened eyes.

Also Kekkle, if you don't want to idle for 6 hours of game time:

I could go for a stiff drink right about now, is the odd thought that goes through his mind as he gets spotted by the group of people.

[l]Keep cool, nobody here knows you, or else they would have all drawn weapons on you by now. [/i]

Umm...hello guys? What are you reading over there?

Araden pores over the book, one of the few activities that requires him to lift his visor. He flips through the rest of the book a few times, but keeps coming back to the first page, the only one with text.

Cannot remember. Though his face shows no signs of it, his mind grinds away at that simple message, like a stone sharpening a rusty blade. He cannot remember, either, after all. He might have even been the one to write that message, back when he was alive. He had no idea.

Hearing footsteps, he sets the book back down and turns to face the newcomers. They briefly see his face--the ashen skin too cracked and unhealthy for the living, the hollow eye sockets and cheeks, and the burning crimson eyes--before he quickly reaches up and pulls down his helmet's visor. Now he looks like your average wandering knight, clad in rusty armor. He reaches to his side and lifts the massive axe leaning against the wall, but doesn't make a move with it. These seem different from the others. Less aggressive. "Greetings, wanderers. Are you also lost in these strange halls?"

When he hears a voice from behind him, he spins, lifting the axe into a low, guarded stance, but upon seeing Tannan he relaxes again. "Greetings. It seems to be a notebook for travelers; come see for yourself." With that, he steps aside, gesturing with his free hand to the book. "Mayhap you can make more sense of it than I."

Would you believe I already had that art saved in my folder, with no idea of its source or name? No wonder I found it fitting.

The sound of erupting flame draws the attention to the trio coming from the eastern corridor. A dark haired gnome woman steps forth between them, her flames and embers whirling around her form. She her wildly flaring hair is mostly tied in a pony tail but a few rebellious bangs stand off framing her face bearing a mistrustful look. is clad in simple prisoners' rags, and has a roll of parchment, a key and what looks to be a shard of a mirror tucked under her rope belt.

"Alright... who are you people now?"

"My name..." The knight pauses for a moment, and raises his free hand to his chest, running it over the plates of his armor. Then he raises his head and drops his hand once more. "I call myself Araden. I am a wanderer in this place, making my way through the darkness in search of a light. And you are?"

Another knight stands with the trio, a bulky man clad in tarnished splint mail carrying a large shield painted with a black cross. A long sword is belted at his hip, with a satchel and quiver across his back. A strip of torn cloth covers his left eye, forming an X across his face with the livid scar running under it.

"... I'm Ulrich. Hellfire private, order of the bonfire. How were you damned to roam these halls? And... what is your allegiance?"

Tannan takes a single step into the room, eyes darting from person to person.

My name is Tannan Valdri. How I came to this place is a good a guess as any. And what do you mean by...allegiance? I just wish to escape this place and go back home to the streets I know best.

He looks at all the muscle in front of him, if I stay behind those to ironclad guys, I may well have a decent shot at this, he thinks to himself.

The gnome untenses, she takes a deep breath and the flaming torrent around her subsides. "That would mean you're with us then. My name's Elyna. So I don't know if you had noticed it already, but this place is full of people and things that seem to want nothing but to kill us, so... You two have got any skills that help the next time we inevitably get ambushed? We could use some friends... been... been only losing people so far..."

Although the helmet blocks any view of Araden's expression, his voice betrays a hint of self-deprecating amusement. "How? I couldn't tell you that. I woke up one day not so long ago, without any memory of how I'd gotten here, face down in a puddle of what I could only assume was my own blood. I know my name because it's on a letter I found in my pocket."

He pauses for a moment, as if considering something, and then continues. "And as for allegiance, I didn't know there were such things here. You're the first group I've run into who didn't try to kill me, apart from a helpful skeleton."

He looks to Elyna and lifts his axe, setting its haft on the floor into a more ready stance for walking. "My skills are varied, and usually deal with using this to great effect." He shifts the axe for emphasis. "But I've found a... connection of sorts, with this place." His helmet turns to and fro, as though surveying the room. "These halls have seen many visitors, many spirits like us, come and gone. Sometimes I speak to them, and welcome their strength in addition to my own."

Pahleg breathes a sigh of relief. "It is good to meet more beings that are of sane mind. I am Lightning Pahleg, cleric of Auorink. We welcome anybody who wants to escape this accursed maze and will cooperate with us to do so."

Tannan grabs a dagger from his waist and starts to do parlor tricks with it: flipping it from knuckle to knuckle and balancing the tip of the blade on the tip of his finger. He than stow it.

Skills, huh. I have been known to find my way through a stubborn door or two in my day. I am told I can be quieter than a cat when I focus on such endeavors.

He than takes stock in the others, So, what can you do missy?

"Fire." Elyna raises a hand, palm up and a flame flickers to life for a moment before dissipating, "I throw it around."

(I bet the new folks would appreciate a little rundown of things that have happened so far, and what's the current plan. Besides, I think Kekkle might appreciate if you took a rest here anyway. Set a camp, gather around and tell tales or something?)

So, where the hell am I anyways, anyone know. What should I expect in this hellhole anyways?

Pahleg gives a sad smile. "We don't know much more than you do, except sane people are few and far between. We search for an exit just as you do."

"We all arrived here separately, but awoke in the same chamber- with several others that met their end recently. The Labyrinth is here to punish us, for whatever sins we have committed in our lives. Only by scraping together souls from the fallen can we stay lucid or gain the skill necessary to leave this place..."

"The other damned souls of this place join covenants, groups dedicated to a single goal. Kekkle has joined the Sheep, some manner of cooperative group that allows him to die and return with fewer consequences than the rest of us face. I have joined Hellfire, to assist in punishing the transgressors. I understand that there is also an Explorer's Guild, which concerns itself with mapping this terrible place, and some group of nefarious shadows that Hellfire opposes. I suppose these Daredevils in the guestbook would be another such group...."

Ulrich sighs.
"We've run up against a great scorpion with the face of an elf and a deadly gaze. And other souls lost to the Labyrinth that have lost their minds. Kekkle and Ushio fell to an octopus-headed thing in a ruin not far from here in a forest. If you can believe it. I'd suggest we perhaps wait here until our ally can reconstitute from the Sheep's benevolence."

"Expect death. Expect hardship. Working together has been our only boon- and even that fails us before the Labyrinth's challenges."

The weary trio with the two strangers sits down to listen to Ulrich tell about their adventures so far in the Labyrinth.

Moments pass. The trio eventually runs out of stories to tell, and notices how tired of all them are. When was the last time they had slept and rested well? The day has been eventful.

While the group of five people are not close on personal levels, they settle to rest in the same room, the one whose walls are full of paintings. The bloodstain on the floor would be disturbing if everyone weren't accustomed to the sight of blood.

After getting some sleep, a gust of wind blows in the room, causing dust to gather in one place. As if molded by invisible hands, the dust takes the shape of a scarecrow. The dust kindles, and Kekkle is reborn! He seems unharmed from the previous encounter with the mind flayer, and possesses all the items he had pre-mortem, including his un-exploded head.

The party is pleased to wake up and notice the return of their scarecrow friend unharmed. There's still no sign of Ushio, however, and it has been several hours after his death.

Do I count as having rested?

Kekkle coughs violently as he appears.

"...What did I miss?"

Tannan grabs for his dagger, as per instinct kicks in as a swirling mass of dust coalesces in front of him.

What the?! You know this scarecrow type thing?!

"Kekkle! Good to have you back." Elyna looks around for a moment "I suppose that means Ushio is gone for good this time?"

She turns to the newcomers: "This is Kekkle, yes he's with us and he risked death to save us earlier, so show him some respect."
She then turns back to Kekkle: "These are Tannan and Araden. Two friendly faces who will travel with us."

Araden settles in with the others, curiously enough not removing his armor or even helmet in order to rest. He simply clanks down into a seated position against the wall, wraps one arm around his bardiche's haft, and leans back.

His uneasy dreams are interrupted by the reappearance of Kekkle, and he warily grips the morningstar hanging from his belt before relaxing again. "So this is another of your companions, returned from... wherever it is we go between journeys here." The knight levers himself to his feet against the wall, and strides forward with an outstretched hand. "As Elyna said, I am Araden, another wanderer of these halls. It is good to have allies here."

Once Kekkle shakes his hand--or refuses--Araden looks him up or down, judging by the shifting of his helmet. "You have an odd look about you, friend. Are these the effects of returning from the between-space? Else what manner of creature are you?"

As a reaction to the two newcomers going for weapons, Kekkle summon his own semi-real scimitar and holds it at the ready.

"Kekkle! Good to have you back." Elyna looks around for a moment "I suppose that means Ushio is gone for good this time?"

Kekkle looks around, "I guess so. The last I saw he was killed by the Mindflayer just before it killed me as well."

"You have an odd look about you, friend. Are these the effects of returning from the between-space? Else what manner of creature are you?"

"I'm a scarecrow; they're used in a farmers field when he's away. I always look like this. Well; I took off my hat yesterday, but otherwise."

Araden remains very still, his helmet still just facing forward at Kekkle. After a few moments, however, a chuckle rises up from within the helmet, the hollow echo sounding tinny and strange from within the metal. The knight leans forward and sets his hands on the poleyns of his armor, continuing to laugh as he does so. "A walking, talking scarecrow. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given what else I've seen in my time here. You, me, the skeleton... We all fit together rather nicely, I should think."

Finishing his laughter, he stands. "I could see you're a scarecrow. I meant to ask how it was you came to walk about, but now I think of it, it seems a rather silly question. In the face of what else is here, you hardly seem worth the surprise I feel."

Do I count as having rested?

Yes.

Ulrich nods to the returned Kekkle.
"Well, we're as refreshed as we're going to get. What say we see what that fog wall holds for us? The scorpion was dangerous, no doubt, but I think the rewards were worth the risk... and we need souls."

Pahleg nods in agreement about the fog wall.

"Ah, yes. I'd noticed one or two of those in my travels, but didn't care to investigate. If they hold dangerous foes as you've suggested, I'm glad I didn't." Araden retrieves his axe and sets it in a carrying position, leaning up against his shoulder. "Let us bring an end to whatever beast lairs behind the fog."

As the group walks (since that seems to be the consensus) Araden turns to Kekkle. "Goodman scarecrow, your companions informed me earlier that you joined some covenant of Sheep, to further ensure cooperation and survival within this place. I would do the same, if you know how I might." He turns back to look forward. "It seems that mutual assistance may be our best hope of leaving this place. And I must find my way out."

Current location: B15F, BO28 : BP30.

The group makes its way to the ladders, climbs up and moves forward to the tunnel with the wall of white fog.

Last time the party had encountered a wall of fog there were two signs inscribed on the floor nearby that projected shades. This time, however, there seems to be no shade signs.

Someone has written the word "PRAY" on a wall right next to the fog wall.

You may find this boss to be a bit too easy for a group of six 2nd-levels with two 3rd levels. In any case, confirm which ones enter the boss battle.

A prayer certainly couldn't hurt. Pahleg takes a moment with his head bowed to his God.

Tannan will try to push past the fog, but sees that he cannot get past the fog, as if it pushes back at him.

He looks around, So, what is the deal with this fog sh*t?

presuming he is told about it and its properties

Well that sucks giant's balls. Okay, I guess I will have to play by the rules of this damned place then. So, should we all go in, or should some of us stay out?

"Join the Covenant?" says Kekkle excitedly "Yes, of course. Sheep seek strength in numbers. We are guided by an unseen shepherd who grants us the strength the survive the Labyrinth. We must give something in order to get something in return; that is the way goodness works. The shepherd only asks for a small, daily donation. As sheep, it is our duty to provide that and be good sheep. No price is too hefty for eternal bliss in life forever, and the comfort of never having to be alone."

Tannan will try to push past the fog, but sees that he cannot get past the fog, as if it pushes back at him.

He looks around, So, what is the deal with this fog sh*t?

presuming he is told about it and its properties

Well that sucks giant's balls. Okay, I guess I will have to play by the rules of this damned place then. So, should we all go in, or should some of us stay out?

"Hmph. Part of me thinks we should all go through there, just to ensure we have the fullest advantage- and to see how well we'll all work together in the future. But this may be a point where we could push our luck for greater rewards... I put it to a vote. I think we should all go through."

"That sounds quite nice," Araden comments, his voice a tad unfocused. "I think that I will enjoy having allies to walk these dark halls. And to join a covenant of such joy and hope?" The knight's helmet turns to regard Kekkle. "Only tell me how I might join you, and I shall."

At the fog wall, Araden stands by as discussion of who should enter comes up. "I for one should like to test my mettle against the beast, and protect any others who enter besides. But there is the trade of risk to reward, to be sure." He shifts to lean on his axe. "I find myself inclined to agree with Ulrich, however. With all working in tandem, I should think we stand a greater chance of receiving this reward, as well as those in future events."

As he contemplates on joining the sheep covenant, Araden feels an instinct to kneel down and lower his head. Half-knowing that doing so would confirm the decision, Araden does so. Normally I'd ask for a confirmation but you seem to have already decided.

Araden joined Order of Sheep covenant!
Lost 50 souls.

So, does everyone enter the boss battle? Or does anyone want to stay behind? This is a chance to grab big moneys if you can beat the boss with, say, 4 members.

"If you want, I can wait it out."

"I'm up for the challenge of a smaller group. What say you?"

"I say we go in with four: myself, Ulrich, Araden, and our other new companion."

"Are you sure you would want to enter without me? Not that I'm hungry for glory or anything, but in my opinion it would be wise to have a healer."

"Then who would you have join you?"

"I do truly hate the nature of these fog walls. They are not very...cooperative."

"Perhaps the same lineup without Tannan? So me, Kekkle, Ulrich, and Araden."

"I do hate to see anyone left out of the fight," Araden comments, turning again to regard the fog. "But perhaps it is best to leave some behind, that we may all benefit the more." He turns back to the others. "And Pahleg's suggestion does include all of us who seem most equipped to fight in close quarters. Whatever we decide I agree, but Pahleg's plan has fine merits."

"I'd rather at least some of us got a sense of our new companions and vice-versa. Araden is heavily armored- I can remain behind since our tactics likely overlap. Take Tannan, Kekkle and Araden, Pahleg. I will stand watch with Elyna for your victory."

Let's not recruit new folks and then immediately sideline them.

"Then let's do that." comments Kekkle.

Looks like we're settling on Ulrich's line oup.

"Now hold still. I will prepare us for the coming battle."

Casting Enlarge Person on Araden; duration 2 minutes. Casting Shield, Chill Touch, holding the charge for Chill Touch. My AC jumps up to 22 for 2 minutes. Casting Light on my weapon.

Pahleg rubs his chin. "You make a valid point Ulrich, I agree. Tannan, Kekkle, Araden, and myself. Are we ready to proceed than?"

Once we are ready to go in, Pahleg will cast Shield Other on Tannan and Shield of Faith on Araden.

"Don't stray too far from Pahleg, now, so he may heal you, but whatever is in there you might not want to be caught by being too close, who knows what it'll spray at you."

Tannan listens as possible groups are being rattled off, at what sounds like lightning speed.

I would enjoy to test my skills, however, I do not wish to rock the boat. I will allow the senior members of the hell make a more informed judgement.

I sure hope I get a chance too prove myself to these guys, else I may be expendable and that would risk them turning on me, Tannan thinks to himself as the debate continues.

"Very well then." Araden claps a hand on Tannan's shoulder. "Let us all stride forward together, and conquer this evil. Victory through teamwork!"
I'm in agreement with the proposed group.

Tannan, Kekkle, Araden and Pahleg enter through the wall of fog. The fog becomes denser as the four pass by, making it seemingly impossible to enter or leave.

The four find themselves in a spacious chapel. The chapel's ceiling is arched and high, and there seems to be a sizable hole on the back end of the ceiling. An altar surrounded by three large statues can be seen in the front end of the of chapel. Countless candles illuminate the chapel (normal light).

A massive lump of something dark lies at the back of the chapel. This shell expands and contract, as if it was alive and breathing. The mass rises and turns to face the four. It was not a shapeless lump, but a gigantic sheep - or ram, judging from its horns - resting

The gigantic ram breathes heavily, its breath black as ash. Its wool is dirty, with splatters of blood and traces of ash. One of its horns is partially broken, and its eyes are dim: who knows if it is blind.

This mighty and pitiful creature lets out a cacophonous scream, one that no animal could produce.

Accursed Ram God

52 / 52

Round 1

The ram limps closer to the group and exhales a cloud of ash-colored gas.
Dex penalty: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Everyone roll Fort, DC 17 halves the penalty. Or makes it 0 in this case.