Mangroves of the Desert (Inactive)

Game Master Herkymr the Silly

The lands are barren of their once luscious greenery and varied other ecosystems. The culprits are chaos storms--large random magic surges ravaging the lands like tornadoes. The deserts have spread as the storms continue to force the land to change. Purveyors of the magic arts have drawn together in hopes of discovering the cause of the storms.

Civilization has shrunk to the edges of the desert for the most part. Mangrove trees have been cultivated to stop the advent of the desert into the remaining waters. Druidic magic strengthens the trees and purifies the water so that life can be maintained. They also provide refuge for many of the creatures that have survived the changes.

The dragons have all but disappeared and the giants are ranging out once more leaving destruction and terror in their wake. Rumors of a cabal of wizards controlling the ravaging bands have begun to circulate among the rabble in the cities.

Sages and others of ancient lore whisper of a group tasked with keeping the ancients in line with nature and magic. Absence of these guardians could correspond with the giants raiding and the notable absence of the dragons.


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will save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

Graghhh found it difficult to make it through the darkness, even with Quinten yelling at him. The passageway was not straight and not being able to see, he was a little disoriented and walked into the walls a few times. Eventually he makes it out of the darkness and a stench fills his nostrils. He sees Quinten duck into some sort of open area, it may be a new room, a cavern, Graghhh isn't sure just yet. He notices some commotion and becomes more alert. He listens to hear what is going on. He tries to identify what might be making that noise.

perception:
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

He recognizes the sounds of an abhorrent creature he has encountered in caves and mines before. He knows it well and recognizes it as a filthy animal. He begins to think about what might help in this situation. Seeing how it is different than a normal circumstance, he thinks about what he knows about Fifth Port and this particular maze.
Knowledge local:
Knowledge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

His knowledge of dungeons in general might also come in handy in defeating this beast.
Knowledge Dungeon:
Knowledge dungeons: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

A plan starts to take shape in his mind. He realizes he recently ate some food that normally has a certain effect on him. Check. That should do some good.
He moves to the opening into the room and peaks in. He scans the interior to see what is there.
perception:
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

As there is a lot of movement and he is trying to not be seen, he does not get a very good look. Instead, he checks out the walls near himself.
perception:
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Finding what he needs, he ascends the wall toward a narrow outcropping a few feet up.
climb:
climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

He is cautious to move quietly so the beasts will not notice him as he gets into place.
stealth:
stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19


shadara:
You see several largish bones and a couple of handles of something akin to a weapon buried in the refuse. the specific distinction is still vague under the muck.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten frowns as the creature throws off his remembered sadness. I could try again, but dwelling on such memories is dangerous. I'll have to come up with a different strategy.

The teacher studies the creature, trying to recall if its kind appeared in any of his father's stories or books. If I can remember what it fears or craves, I might be able to trick it.

Knowledge (nature) to identify the creature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Supporting knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16


Quinten :


Round 1 summary

shadara spends the rounds attempting to find a weappon while invisible.

Ugmug is grappled and spends the round attempting unsuccessfully to break the grapple

Quinten's earthen dog to attacks which is attacks is attacked in turn but the attack on it misses. Quentin Remembers what the Otyughs are fond of and scared of after attempting to overcome one with emotion magic.

Graggh enters room and gets an over view of battle.Remembers lots of things about previous encounters with OTyughs

Jerram and Richard are just arriving at entrance way


Round 2

The otyugh with its tentacles entangling ugmug begins to squeeze constricting his movement and breath . damage 6 it attempts to attatch the other to the dog but misses.

The second creature seeing Shadara come into view attempts to grab her. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22and is successful in grappling her damage 3

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

In discussion, Shadara pointed out that she's still invisible, so Herkymr moved the attack against her to Ugmug.

The earthen dog bites at the creature that ignored him, hoping to get its attention.

Earth dog's bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The dog spits as its teeth sink into the filth covering the creature.

Quinten frowns. I should have recognized these immediately. They may be disgusting, but they're smart enough to understand speech. I could try to command one, but given how easily the first one threw off my magic, I'm unlikely to succeed. I'd try anyway, but I might need to conserve my magic for other fights. Perhaps I can distract them.

Yes, foolish creatures! Focus on the orc while I gather the magic to incinerate your trash!

Quinten holds the wooden dog around his neck and begins chanting in Ignan.

Ignan:
Purge this filth, fires from beyond!

Bluff roll to convince our hosts he's casting the ultimate trash incineration spell: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Let's hope they're dumb enough to buy my bluff. If they release Ugmug to come after me, this fight will be over quickly. They're tough, but Jerram and the orc should be able to take them down.

As he chants, the teacher tries not to think about the creatures' tentacles crushing his rib cage.


Jerram rushes into the room not knowing anything but that his companions are in trouble. the light and the goopy trash causes issues with his sight and he slips sliding directly into the maw of the other otyugh. 9 dmg


Richard pauses at the doorway but does nothing as he tries to get a feel for the wwhole scene ahead of him


Round 2 summary

otyughs grapple ugmug who does nothing while grappled.

Shadara stays invisible looking for a weapon

Quinten attempts to draw attention to himself as a diversion speaking in ignan and casting "flame"

Jerram rushes into the maw of one of the otyughs

Richard enters room but stops in doorway.

graggh climbs wall to overhang slightly off of doorway.


round 3

INITIAVIES: beasts/shadara/ugmug/quinten/graggh/jerram/richard

Otyughs grunt as they constrict the orc 4 + 5 ugmug . Bite Jerram 11 + dc 13 fort The words you are speaking queinten seem to have no effect on them whatsoever either they arent intellignet enough or just dont care enough to react.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten's chant falters as he sees Jerram slide into the creature's mouth. I need to help him get out. My magic is unreliable, but if these creatures don't speak Common, it's the only tool I've got.

The teacher glares at the creature biting into Jerram and addresses the circlet. Sally, flood this creature's mind with memories of our time together.

The circlet flickers, going from bronze to gold to black three times a second. Somehow, the faint smell of perfume mixes with the strong smell of sea salt and the earthen smell of a freshly-dug grave.

What Quinten is doing:
Quinten is once again spending a point from his enchantment implement to activate the Cloud Mind power. Assuming the creature has six hit dice or less, it needs to make a DC 17 Will save or be dazed for one round. If it has more than six hit dice, failure will only stagger it.

Richard, stop hiding your power. Attack their minds.

Sensing its masters' anger and fear, the earthen dog bites into the creature in front of it, ignoring the filth coating its hide.

The earth dog's attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
The earth dog's damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Quinten glances at the melee. Brown Dog will fade before he takes that creature down. Shadara and Graghhh, now would be a good time to show yourselves.


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

rolls:

randomgrab: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 more for me to figure out what I am grabbing at
randomcondition: 1d20 ⇒ 13 if the roll is lower than 14 the item is in the broken condition
jump: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 The +4 is using acrobatics for the jump
grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 the +4 is from my CMB
attack: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 2 = 13 This is the attack minus the broken condition
damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 damage if creature if attack is successful

Shadara sprints toward the backside of the creature holding Ugmug reaching out with her right hand for what looks to be a broken stick of some kind stuck in the refuse. She glances at it and sees that it was a trident. Now its shaft is only one third as long as it was and one of the tines is missing. Stuck on the end of the longer of the two tines is a rotting humanoid skull.

She takes all of this in during the brief glance before looking back toward the creature and jumping at the tail like appendage sticking up at the back of the creature.

Those black orbs had better be eyes as this is the only chance I am going to have of attacking it since both of its arms are currently grabbing on to Ug.

Her foot slips just slightly as she launches causing her to not get anywhere near the height she was trying for. Her balance is also thrown off and she crashes into the appendage and can't get her arm around it in a grip to keep her there. The trident manages to hit the lowest of the black orbs but with the skull, not the point of the weapon. The tine entered the skull thru the eye socket but never exited the back of the head. Effectively she skull punched the creature in a black orb while bouncing off the the tail a little lower down.


dice rolls:

Breaking grapple in round 2: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Worth a try
attack 1: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26 <-- Hit (vs Otyugh AC 17)
attack 1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 <-- Hit (vs Otyugh AC 17)
damage 1: 4d6 + 21 ⇒ (5, 3, 2, 5) + 21 = 36
damage 2: 4d6 + 21 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 3) + 21 = 32

This will post will comprise both round 2 and 3

Ugmug struggles against the grasp of the Otyugh, still attempting to swing the hammer at it as though it would shoot a deadly bolt out toward the monster gripping him. He shouts POW! several times with increasing frustration but to no avail, all while the Otyugh squeezes ever tighter digging the claws on its appendages into his flesh. Ugmug having reached the limits of his patience breaks into a fit of rage, and with a great roar that echoes through the chamber he uses his great strength to break free of the creatures grasp. He takes a big swing over his head yet again, but this time he does so stepping toward the creature with another roar of anger. His swing comes down onto the Otyugh's body with tremendous force, connecting with the sound of breaking bones and a sizzle of electricity arcing over the Monster's body. The Otyugh lets out a shrill scream of pain, but is quickly silenced when another powerful swing from Ugmug strikes it in the side sending it flying into a very dead heap on the floor.


Jerram attempts to launcha flurry of blows to release him self from the maw of the beast only to find his fist and feet useless in this endeavor. still grappled dd 14 dmge to oty

Richard lashes out with a quick burst of mental energy at with sudden grunt of pain the otyugh releases Jerram and slithers into the pool at the center of the room.

GRAGH"S actions will still supercede these and can cause these to change as well.due to his prior positioning in the initiaitive


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

Graghhh has barely had time to get into position and drop his bag of gear, when the monkey man comes running in through the doorway and slides into the Utyugh's mouth. As he reaches for his pack, he notices that something has happened to the utyugh farthest from him, but he doesn't know what as the near one is partly blocking his view. Also, he can't see the elf and he knows that she came into the room ahead of him. Some kind of dog is attacking the closer of the two utyughs and suddenly, at the far side from him, the orc breaks free from the utyugh, whacks it and it crumples on the floor.
Wow. I guess I really need to keep an eye on that guy. I'm glad he's on our side, sort of.
His plan is changing and he has hardly even gotten into position.
Oh, well, improvise and make do.
He has his sling at the ready, so he pulls it out quickly and grabs a couple of rocks from the ledge. He loads one and sends it at the utyugh and hardly waits to see if it hits the target before he reloads and sends the next one flying.

dice rolls:
sling: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
sling: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Realizing that the stones felt a little funny, he now also realizes that the first one he sent flying was not actually a rock, but a dirt clod. The second one was a piece of bone, he thinks. No wonder he couldn't tell what damage they did.
There is debris around him on the ledge. Evidence that the utyughs are not alone in this general area of the maze and have been here a while. Graghhh knows now that there are other creatures nearby. It is too soon to determine how dangerous they might be, how many there might be or where anything might attack from. Knowing what he does about them, utyughs might be the protectors of other small creatures. This might prove to be useful to the group. Of course, that's if they can find some way to put it to good use.


The room now is silent and the Otyugh is dead with the other disappeared in a pool of filth in the middleish of the room. The exit ways are now more enticing as the body of the dead beast will soon begin to putrefy due to the bacteria it is sure to carry, not to mention the diseases that it is probably host to.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

When no other threats appear, the earthen dog fades as Quinten releases his hold. Thanks, old friend.

Quinten looks at the creature Ugmug slew. If he'd struck at the creature from the start instead of trying to shoot it with his hammer, Richard and I could have conserved resources. I should encourage him to go into melee.

The teacher bows to Ugmug. That was amazing, sir. The strength-enhancing and lightning channeling spells you used were exceptional. They show you're the best type of wizard: one powerful enough to fight up close instead of hanging back.

Quinten turns to Shadara, looking at the trident she holds. If you need a more reliable weapon, take my pointer. It may not look like much, but it's heavy enough to crack heads or ribs in the right hands. I doubt I could manage that, but the possibility has kept a few people from harassing me in the Burrows.

Do you know what caused the otyughs to attack? They're disgusting creatures, but they're intelligent enough to communicate. It's possible they have a deal with Ritos to guard one of the two doors in exchange for trash.

I don't see Graghhh. Did he abandon us?


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

Shadara shakes the broken trident and the skull does not come off. She smiles and holds the trident like a banner staff with the skull on the top. She then moves over and takes the pointer from Quinten.

Thanks I should be able to put it to good use.

Shadara then turns to assess the group and see who may be hurt and in need of assistance. Her eyes fall on the bloodied Jerram laying on the ground next to the pool. She rushes over to see how he is doing.

DM:
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 I need to assess Jerram's condition to see if he is alive and or able to be saved. The comments above don't make enough sense to me as to whether or not he was killed.


herkymr wrote:
There are 2 exits to the room both veering of in opposite 30% angles on the right side of the room. This would be an excellent place to have a food fight if food were trash.

shadara:
Jeram is just shaken and a bit dazed but in good helath and very much alive.
Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten smiles as Shadara poses with the staff. I'm glad you're alive again, sister.

The teacher studies the accumulated filth in front of the doors. The footprints in front of the left one are bigger, so I'm guessing that's where Ugmug was going when the otyughs attacked. It must be the door they agreed to protect.

Quinten reaches forward and opens the door. I don't know where this leads, but I'd bet a pretty penny it smells better than here. Let's go.

A rat scurries away as Quinten steps across the threshold.


The room opens into a vast space. Some 100 feet wide and 50 feet long. Nothing can be seen in the room except spotless marble walls and floor. the ceiling is also spotless.


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

Having entered after the commotion began, Graghhh had been fortunate enough to find the ledge in the room and scramble up it. Having been so intent on formulating a plan, he was not completely aware of the surroundings. He pauses to survey the room and cannot see any way out. The ledge obscures his view of the two exits. He is about to call out to the others when Quinten moves out of his sight. Not wanting to be left behind again, he quickly puts his pack back on and climbs down the wall and sees the open door. A moment's hesitation and he steps through the entry to a new room.
Can we slow down a minute to look at our next puzzle? I think that's what this is-a series of individual tests. It isn't one big, continuous test, it appears to be a series of individual ones. It might be for sorting individuals into specific ranks for some kind of army. I could be wrong, but I think we ought to plan our next move carefully.
Also, I don't know everyone's name. I know yours is Quinten, and someone is Jerome? And is there a Gurgle?

He looks at Quinten as he states his name and then looks around at the others to gain some form of confirmation about their names as he says them.
If I know your names, I can communicate better to you and we can coordinate our efforts more easily.


Ugmug looks at Quienten as the teacher praises him for his actions killing the Otyugh. He nods his head vigorously, saying Uh-huh! uh-huh! ZAP! POW! while making the same gestures he did before flying into his bloodthirsty rage. He then looks after the teacher with curiosity as he begins to leave the room, following after he looks around wide eyed with amazement when reaching the large room. Whooooah he softly mutters as he looks around the room lavishly adorned with marble.
He finds himself back with the teacher when Graghhh comes into the room and addresses Quinten. As Graghhh goes over names he points at Quinten Kintin! when his name is brought up, when Jerram's name is mentioned Ugmug mutters Jome... to himself, and when Graghhh asks if there is a gurgle he thinks for a bit before pointing at Graghhh and says guurgle... uh-huh.


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

As Ugmug points at him, Graghhh stops and looks behind him to see if one of the others has come in ahead of him that he was unaware of.
When he sees nothing but an empty room, he wrinkles his face and stops to think for a second.
What is wrong with him? Who is this Gurgle? Then he realizes that the Orc thought Gurgle was him!
I'll have to find out who this Gurgle really is so this Orc knows the difference between us.
Graghhh...Grog. My name is Grog. He looks directly at Ugmug and attempts to clarify what his name is to this brute.
He wants to delicately make corrections as he has seen what this Orc can do when he gets mad.
I know that wizards need to know the correct words for their spells, and if you should need to use a spell to help me, I would like it to work. My name is Grog. And what is yours, great wizard?


Jerram and Richard file into the room and scan around.
Kerra, says

sign:
dead end?


Jerram and Richard file into the room and scan around.
Jerram, says

sign:
dead end?

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

With an effort, Quinten keeps a smile on his face as Ugmug gestures with his hammer. I don't think I got through to him. Damn. I should be better at working with someone so childlike.

Quinten nods as Graghhh asks for names. Jerram, not Jerome. His vows prevent him from speaking, but if you ask him something, he can sign or write his reply.

The quiet human is Richard. He is a powerful caster. That should be detailed enough to be useful but vague enough not to give away his unusual past.

The half-elf who leads us is Shadara. I hope he forgets that I called her a half-elf. I shouldn't know she has human blood. As elven as she looks, she might not even know. But if I correct myself, I'll only draw attention to my mistake.

As for this place, I think you're right that it's a series of puzzles. This room could be a dead end, but it's more likely a test to see if we can find something hidden.

The teacher frowns. It shouldn't be possible for a place this close to the trash-eaters to be so clean. There must be some trick involved.

Quinten addresses his glasses. If there is magic here, show it to me.

Spellcraft DC 15:
Quinten is casting Detect Magic.

Spellcraft roll to identify any magic auras using Detect Magic: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30


quinten:
no magical aura of any kind being shown.


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

Shadara walks into the room and whistles. The sound of the whistle bounces around the room for a moment.
Wow, this is a clean place. As she hears Quinten calling out people's names she walks over to Ugmug. She smiles brightly at Ugmug.

Good job Ugmug, she says as she claps her hands. Lets have some fun. Show me how strong you are.

She takes the skull off the trident she carried in shows it to him turns and mimics throwing the skull out and down the room toward the part of the room that is furthest away. Then she offers the skull to Ugmug. He looks at the skull for a moment and then takes it gingerly from her outstretched hand. He stares at it for a moment and then starts stroking the skull like petting a favorite dog.

It's ok Ug, lets see how far you can throw it, you can to it, throw it, she says as she points across the room.

Ugmug starts grinning as she encourages him, and throws the skull with ease all the way across the room. The sound of the skull cracking as it hits the opposite wall reverberates thru the room.

Good Job Ug, Great throw, you are so strong. Go get it and throw it back to me ok. It's alright I will catch it and throw it back to you.

Ugmug grins again and lumbers off gurgling with delite, atch, play atch.


Just as Ugmug is about to start his way across the room he stops dead in his tracks having found something more interesting to him. He looks around sniffing at the air as once again some smell has caught his attention and he no longer takes any interest in Shadara's game. He wanders around the room some to get a bearing on the origin of the scent before he seems to find a source. Seemingly sure of direction, Ugmug moves with purpose back the way the group came into the room back toward the cesspool. He enters the room full of filth and without missing a beat he turns and makes his way down the other corridor. Following the corridor seemingly to a dead end he begins investigating the rough cut wall sniffing at it as though the smell were coming from some crack through the wall. This continues for a minute until he comes to a spot where it is seemingly strongest and stops. Without any obvious passage Ugmug looks at the wall confused for a moment before he starts to investigate with his hand poking, prodding, pulling, and scratching for the source. Suddenly, as though responding to the intense scrutiny, the wall ripples like a pool of water disturbed by a stone and behaving as such materially allowing Ugmug's hand to fall through. This takes the Orc by surprise initially, but his curiosity and drive to find the source of the smell overcomes him and after a short bout of playing with the ripple effect his hand makes he sticks his head through the wall before slowly walking through all the way.

The rest of the group still in the corridor finds the wall to still be very much a solid rock wall on cursory examination despite Ugmug's disappearance. Looking back the way they came, the group finds that a wall has appeared behind them trapping them in the corridor, though somehow a dim light still illuminates the room. There seemingly is only one path forward, and it stands before them teasing.

Write how you pass through the magical barrier and then read this:

Imagine something like this Library
Passing through the wall you find yourself entering a room just as large as the one down the other corridor, but unlike the bare room from before this room is stacked floor to ceiling with books on shelves. Arranged along the floor are many tables, chairs, and glass displays that are full of items that all appear to be very, very old.

Many tall windows provide ample light in the room, but nothing can be seen outside them. Peering outside the windows a different scene is present in each window. One looks out across a tropical bay, while another a peaceful mountain meadow, each window another location.

Along the center of the room sit some displays full of weapons, armor, and other objects of incredible splendor. Attempting to pick up a rather magnificent looking sword you are only able to grasp it for a second before it gently slips from your grasp and floats slowly back to the stand you pulled it from, indeed, the same happens with every object picked up in the room no matter how firmly you hold it the objects picked up slip from your grasp and return to the stand.

Off in a corner of the room Ugmug can be seen in front of a large display full of vials and glass bottles of assorted shape and size each filled with some liquid. His focus comes to a rather plain looking small glass that's seemingly empty. He pulls the glass stopper from the glass allowing a tiny wisp of vapor to escape. When he does the room gently fills with a range of smells, starting with fresh peaches, to smells of fresh grass and soil, to a spring breeze, a summer rain, ending on a light floral smell that lingers in the room. Then like with the other items of the room, the stopper gently slips from his hand and floats back to the bottle.

Ugmug quietly lets out a whoahh... before he continues to slowly walk around looking at all there is to see.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten smiles as Shadara throws the skull for Ugmug. You're getting him to check this room for us. If there's a trap there, he'll likely trigger it. Let's just hope he survives.

As Ugmug abandons the game, Quinten follows. I have no idea what's going on, but we have to stay with him.

When the portal fades, Quinten activates his glasses. There are transmutation, conjuration and illusion auras all along the walls.

Quinten reaches up and touches a brick on the left wall as its aura shifts. The portal opens. The key moves. I don't know how the orc knew the portal was there to begin with, but we don't have time to ponder that. Get through before it closes again. I don't know what will happen if the portal closes while one of you is walking through. If this were a normal place, it'd push you out. But I have a feeling whoever designed this place is cruel enough to disable those safeguards.


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

rolls:

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 see if I can smell the same scent
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 see if I can tell the difference of taps on the wall with the trident

Ug, where you going buddy. You smell something. She waited a moment to let Ug respond and in that time he left the room at speed. She started following him and realized that she was getting left behind. She took a deep breath as she hurried after him. She turned the corner just as he disappeared thru the wall. She yelled a warning back at the others and hurried over to where Ugmug disappeared. She had caught a faint aroma that she could not place. She walked a little further past where Ug had disappeared and notice the smell dissipate. She walked back to where he had dissappeared and was able to smell it again. At first she reached like her hand was going to go right thru the wall and smashed her knuckles on the rock. then started using the trident to tap in places listening for the sound to see if she heard anything different in the sound. She quickly grew frustrated and spun around to heel kick the wall and lean on it. Unkown to her, quinten touches the brick and the wall starts to ripple.

As she threw her foot back to kick the wall it went thru and she fell backwards thru the wall with a shriek of surprise.


Richard and Jerram follow at a somewhat hurried pace attempting to not lose the grop. At quinten's insistence, Jerram leaps through the portal in a dive coming up ready to defend himself and others. Richard pauses and quests out with his mind. startled he gasps as his mind connects with another in the room. The other is in a foggy weakened state but still there.


Bringing the now relevant section down to the forefront
Imagine the library looking something like this

Passing through the wall you find yourself entering a room just as large as the one down the other corridor, but unlike the bare room from before this room is stacked floor to ceiling with books on shelves. Arranged along the floor are many tables, chairs, and glass displays that are full of items that all appear to be very, very old.

Many tall windows provide ample light in the room, but nothing can be seen outside them. Peering outside the windows a different scene is present in each window. One looks out across a tropical bay, while another a peaceful mountain meadow, each window another location.

Along the center of the room sit some displays full of weapons, armor, and other objects of incredible splendor. Attempting to pick up a rather magnificent looking sword you are only able to grasp it for a second before it gently slips from your grasp and floats slowly back to the stand you pulled it from, indeed, the same happens with every object picked up in the room no matter how firmly you hold it the objects picked up slip from your grasp and return to the stand.

Off in a corner of the room Ugmug can be seen in front of a large display full of vials and glass bottles of assorted shape and size each filled with some liquid. His focus comes to a rather plain looking small glass that's seemingly empty. He pulls the glass stopper from the glass allowing a tiny wisp of vapor to escape. When he does the room gently fills with a range of smells, starting with fresh peaches, to smells of fresh grass and soil, to a spring breeze, a summer rain, ending on a light floral smell that lingers in the room. Then like with the other items of the room, the stopper gently slips from his hand and floats back to the bottle.

Ugmug quietly lets out a whoahh... before he continues to slowly walk around looking at all there is to see.


Zoey came to in a strange room, filled with many... pleasant aromas? Her thoughts were clouded, her mind murky, and the rapidly changing aromatherapy wasn't helping. But even with her brain muddled with overwhelming senses, and tasked with the difficult chore of returning to consciousness, she recognized the feeling of a psychic link. There was someone else here. Zoey quickly stood up, unsteadily, almost falling over again, and realized there were a great many someone elses here.

"Stay back!" she said shakily, standing near the center of the room, previously obscured by the tables and chairs in the room. "I can do magic, and I'm pretty good at it!"

Zoey noticed her backpack was missing, and her eyes darted across the room. It was about 10 yards to her left, the bag opened and the contents strewn about the area. Food, waterskins, a change of clothes. Nothing terribly valuable, but very important to Zoey. Her hand reached up to her necklace, and breathed a short sigh of relief as she realized the locket her Mother gave her was still there.

She also got a quick eyeful of everyone who had just entered the room. Quite the cast of characters. She narrowed her eyes at them. "Who are you guys? How did I get here?"

Zoey's brow furrowed. The last thing she remembered was arriving in Fifth Port, and trying to find a place to stay the night. Something happened to her while she was out on the streets, but she had no idea what, or how.


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

Shadara climbs to her feet and rubs her knee that she banged when she fell into the room. Just getting out of the way of the doorway before Jerram jumps thru.

sign:
Not funny, he could have told me he was going to do that rather than letting me fall thru.

She turns away as the others enter and starts moving into the room. She pulls up short unconsciously signalling for the others to freeze as a girl staggers to her feet calling out a warning.

Hey Quinten, is this girl a clue, puzzle, warning, or unlucky soul, she says looking back at him.

She then addresses the girl. Listen youngling, you much be sleeping off a really fun night to wake here. We aren't here for you but I would suggest you keep talk about M. A. G.I. C., she spells the word, to a minimum unless you want our friend over there to think you are a rival W. I. Z. A. R. D. She points over to Ug.

She then turns and walks over to Ugmug, Hey you, don't leave me behind like that you scared me a little bit. Did you fine what you were looking for. She talks to Ugmug as a loving mother would to a young child who wandered off. Not wanting to causing him to become upset she continues. This place is really neat huh, good job bringing us here.


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

After what has happened so far with this strange group, Graghhh decides it is best to stay close to them and heeds Quinten's advice. Thus, as the Orc lumbers off, he stays close to Quinten in hot pursuit of the Orc. As Quinten fumbles for the opening and Shadara kicks at the wall, Graghhh waits with anticipation for an opening. As soon as they are allowed, he moves quickly through the opening and off to the side to make room for the others to enter.


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

Seeing this young girl and after hearing the shout from her, Graghhh becomes instinctively cautious. He moves carefully away from the others at a slow pace, crouching until he is mostly obscured by some of the furniture in the room. He slinks lower at an imperceptible rate so he will not draw attention to himself. He wants to get to a point where the girl will not see him if she is hostile. He creeps slowly near a pile of books, a set of shelves filled with unobtainable trinkets and a marble column, where he decides to secret himself to observe the interactions between the others and this new girl.


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Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23 to see Graghhh as he moves behind the piles.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Perception to Notice Graghhh: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Nope!

Quinten winces as Shadara falls through the portal. Sorry. I should have warned you, but I was excited to test my theory. When the others have gone through, Quinten waits for the trigger to shift, reactivates the portal, and steps through in time to see the young woman stand and shout her challenge.

Unaware of Graghhh moving to the side, Quinten steps in front of Jerram and Richard, empty palms forward. We mean you no harm.

The teacher pauses, studying the girl. You're fit, and I can see sand stains on your clothes. You lack a caravan guard's weapons or confidence, so I'm guessing you're one of the refugees that has come to Fifth Port to escape the storms. Let's hope I'm right.

As for how you got here, I have no idea. You're in a labyrinth the Thieves' Guild uses to test its members and kill its enemies. Perhaps one of its members decided it would be amusing to dump you here. There are enough people in Fifth Port now that I can see the crueler ones weeding out the competition for resources.

We're here as part of a deal with the Guild's master. If we survive and get the orc through the maze, the thieves' master will return an item to us.

My name is Quinten. I'm a teacher. Like you, I can use M A G I C. Spelling it out is unnecessary, but I shouldn't undermine Shadara's credibility by ignoring her advice.

I've answered your questions. Please answer mine. Who are you? Where are you from, and what do you remember before waking up here?

The teacher notices the girl's hand touch the locket. It's possible that's an implement. Is she an occultist, like me, or another type of caster?


Her mind was still reeling, but Zoey's immediate fight or flight response was dying down. Quinten's calm tone and forthcoming information helped assuage her fears.

Zoey was confused at first at the whole spelling thing, until the elf directly addressed the orc. So this orc thinks itself a wizard, eh? She gave a nod of acknowledgement towards the elf, signalling she understood the little game they were playing.

"I'm not sure how I got here, I jus-" It all came rushing back, and Zoey stumbled to the ground. Days of walking. Refuge. Dark streets. A knife drawn in the shadows. But why? Her hand grazed against the locket again. They must have wanted it, but then why did she still have it? And why was she thrown in this maze instead of dumped in an alleyway left to die?

"I remember. I think they wanted my amulet, someone pulled a knife on me, I- I don't remember much after that." Zoey suddenly felt very tired, and fell to the ground, hitting her bottom. Not unconscious, but still very debilitated from whatever events transpired last night.


Richard nods to the group. She appears to be telling the truth from what i can discern from her thoughts. I sense no intent to discieve.

Signing rapidly to Shadara

sign:
We must help her then leave the Labyrinth.

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten studies the girl. You ignored two of my three questions, but given how rattled and exhausted you seem to be, that's understandable. I suppose we should let you rest while we find a way out of this room, but I'd like to learn a little bit about you before we do that.

I'm sorry you've had to experience the crueler side of Fifth Port. It's possible whatever you did to defend yourself impressed the thieves enough they decided to put you through this maze rather than killing you. If you make it out, they might offer you training. I hope I don't regret revealing that.

That's only a theory, though. If you'd like, I can use my abilities to read your amulet. I might be able to get impressions from it that can shed light on what happened to you. The chances are slim, but it's worth a shot.

Regardless, would you mind telling us your name? And perhaps a little about your favorite spells? If she's excited by her abilities, talking about them might give her a second wind. Besides, it'll be useful to know what she can do.


Male Fetchling Rogue 6 commoner 1 || HP:68/68 || Init.:+4 || AC/Touch/FF 14/14/10?(N/A) || Fort.+5 Ref. +9 Will +1 || Speed 30/20 Ft. || Perception: Sense Motive: || CMB +4 CMD18/14Fl(N/A)

Graghhh listens intently as Quinten questions this newcomer. He wants to be sure before he trusts that this isn't a trick of the thieves.
Why would they put her in here with us? But why did they put me in here?
The answers aren't apparent, but maybe she is harmless to them. After all, he can't think of any reason for his presence in this place and he doesn't have any plans on hurting anyone in this group.


Now that was a thought. The Thieves Guild trying to recruit her? Not that Zoey would ever consider it, but it wasn't outside the realm of possibilities that they might try it.

"You- you want to check out my amulet? Don't take this the wrong way, but I just met you, and this locket is very very dear to me. I'd like to keep it around my neck, thank you."

Quinten seemed like a nice enough guy. Level-headed, very forthcoming with his intentions and information. But the rest of the group was staying quiet, and Zoey wasn't quite sure if they were all as amicable as the teacher she was speaking to.

"My name is Zoey Goodheart, I'm especially good at draining others strengths and making them their weaknesses"

Sovereign Court

Male Human Occultist 8/Expert 1 (VMC Bard) || HP: 43/58 || Init: +0 || AC/Touch/FF: 14/10/14 (mage armor active) || Fort: +6; Ref: +2; Will: +11 || Perception +15; Sense Motive +14

Quinten nods. I figured you'd say that.

Magic that drains strength? That sounds like necromancy or transmutation. If we were in a different situation, I might ask why you learned those arts and how you've been applying them in daily life. But we need to move, and quickly. When we've spent too long in other rooms, they've become unpleasant.

Speaking of unpleasantness, if we get into a fight, I'll likely summon a thought beast to distract our foes. I'll try to make it obvious the creature comes from me. Avoid hurting it if you can. Brown Dog will answer my call regardless, but I'd rather not inflict pain on him if I can avoid it.

Of course, you could stay here if you'd like. But I doubt the thieves will come to get you, and this maze isn't safe.

Quiunten looks around the room. Each room has a lesson for a thief. Here, the objects return to the shelf after they're taken. Is the lesson that it's sometimes worth ignoring treasure to survive? Or is the goal to find the item that's most worth taking?

Quinten begins checking the shelves, looking for something particularly valuable but small enough that a thief masquerading as a servant or scholar might be able to take it without attracting attention.

Appraise check to find an appropriate item: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19


|| WORLD MAP || Current Map || Female Elf Expert/Ninja 7 || HP: 61/61 || Init +3 || AC/Touch/FF 15/13/12 || Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will +5 || Perception +14; Sense Motive +11 || Daily Ki: 5/5 || Combat Actions for GM Use ||

Ugmug starts to hang his head a bit as Shadara scolds him but when she changes tone he smiles, takes her hand and nearly yanks her off her feet as he pulls her over to the bottle of fragrance he had seen earlier. He takes the bottle and opens it for shadara holding it out to her. By instinct she jumps back covering her nose. Careful Ug,
we should not be playing with everything we find. Let's look around a bit more.

She turns and walks a little way off stopping to look a a glass case that has a couple of ceremonial face masks in it hoping to lure Ug over. Ugmug plays with the bottle for another moment and then wanders off. Shadara continues looking at the masks Quinten talks to the unknown lady in the room. She listens but tries not to betray that she is focused more on the conversation than the masks.


As Shadara jumps back the boottle and stopper fade and return connected as originally back on the shelf where the orc had removed them just moments before. Nothing else seems to have changed.

Queinten:
As you search and remove and shift items, you see lots of various items from book and grimoires to gems and enamled toys. Each values very high but when shifted or moved merely fades and returns to its place moments after being moved.

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