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The red laughs If it was not for the fact that the rope we have available to us belongs to Eloriand and myself, I might have to try that someday. But personally I would not my rope washed in such a way and feel it a safe bet Eloriand would agree.
So North then counter-clockwise? That sounds like a fine idea. Typically, when presented with a choice of left or right people, humans in particular, tend to go left. While on a broader scale they trend towards moving clockwise. Therefore most traps are designed with the triggers following that pattern. Though, not always.
Either way, crowding would not be a good idea.
As for a 'female fellow'... aside from a bit of extra privacy here and there, do not feel like you have to give extra consideration to my gender.
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Isador shakes his head slightly before moving back towards the edge of the tower where the hole is located. He jumps up and down a few times before nodding to himself.
See... the floor is nice and sturdy. I mean we all climbed up to this landing without even a little rubble falling on us. It took a massive earthquake to break out this section; I think we are safe enough.
Glancing at Tarek
I am not sure how it was at the convent but we prefer to keep our structure loose.. I mean it has worked for us in the past. Just ask the Minotaur.
Oh wait.. you can't because Caoilte killed him
He turn to face the rest of the party.
I am not for splitting up; let's keep with what's working but for the love of Desna, let's get moving.
All this talk is just giving Balenar a chance to fill his pockets with our treasure.
Kat' please verify the door's so we can get moving.
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Tarek gives Isador a cold look. Only a fool sticks his head in a lion's mouth to prove if it will bite him or not. Feel free to dance around the wall all you want, but please do that while the rest of us are not near.
His gaze then passes along the rest of the group I never called into question anyone's abilities or skill. If I did not feel that you are all fully capable of handling yourselves then I would have never made the effort to speak with Havelockk and look to join the society. My ways of doing things are my own, but I will be more mindful of how your group operates. Now we can bicker like old women grabbing for the last loaf of bread or we can ready ourself for the task at hand. Tarek unhooks his hammer from his belt and readies himself as Kat inspects the door
Kat stealthily leans against the northern door, listening intently for a few moments. She hears nothing out of the ordinary. She next examines the door itself and does not locate any traps. The door is unlocked, but when she tests the door a bit she discovers it is stuck and does not open when she applies normal force to the door.
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With my chin cradled between my index finger and thumb I cannot help but laugh as I watch the conversation and banter go back and forth. I watch elf go about her business with the door and ponder at its stubbornness to open.
hmmm, the door appears blocked from the other side...my guess is that this is for a reason...Kat can we even crack the door a bit and see if itis bolted in place or secured with a cross bar?
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Isador glances back to Tarek.
The only reason that we are bickering is because of you.
We have always worked well together without anyone questioning who gets to be the leader. We may not be as efficient as a military or mercenary company but we get the job done.
I know that you are new to our group and that it might seem a little dis-organized at times but, trust me, it works.
Isador then turns to look out over the exposed courtyard to ensure that they are not being followed.
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Tarek looks to Isador and speaks in a hushed tone. Perhaps it is a cultural thing that caused us to misunderstand each other. I have no desire for someone to be my leader and tell me what to do. I do not have a problem with someone taking the lead, in certain situations, because their skills are better suited for the task at hand. We are in a dangerous place and we are most certain that Balenar is ahead of us. I do not know his motives, but the quicker and more efficient we as a group may give us an advantage.
Tarek sighs Forgive me If I seem on edge. It has been a long journey to this land and my dreams still haunt me. Perhaps the evil in this tower is finding a way to take advantage of my situation. Let us put away our hostilities and work as a team. We must have our minds clear of distractions if we are to be at our best.
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Tarek, sorry if it seems we're riding you hard. I don't think any of us want to tell folks what to do, or be told what to do by others. We're just going to resist that, it's the nature of things sometimes. Caoilte looks around at the group. Tell you what, it'll probably help if you had a place to fit in. When it's your job, and you know it's your job, you'll make sure you do it right. You have healing skills but we have another need. We could use a guy with some slugging ability to our rear when we're moving through tight spots. Otherwise, you park next to me and we provide the iron wall for the lighter armored folks. What do you think?
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I raise a eyebrow and smirk oh yes...because us less armored folks are so helpless... ..sorry Caoilte, it is a point well taken and Tarek...we have only been working together for a few hours..where everyone else here has had minimally a few days together...like in any unit or team..it takes a bit for each member to se where they bit in a and can help the team the most...I have no doubt by Aroden that you will as well...no Kat...if we can tell how the door is secured...that would be helpful...if we can't then I think we use a more direct method to get in...Caoilte? I take a step or three back from the door to make space and I ensure that my pila and furca are are set to all for me to be able to launch a spell as easily as do some close order work with my gladius as I pull it free of its decorated leather and tined brass decorated scabbard.
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My scale mail and shield have protected me well thus far and I am sure it will continue to do so. Once we find a way past that door we can determine where my skills are best utilized.
Tarek listens to Kat and Havelockk discuss the issue with the door. I have nothing at my disposal that will aid us in getting past that door other than a strong shoulder if needed.
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Kat takes one last look at the door, looking for hinges to make sure which way the door was supposed to swing. She also double checks to make sure that it is not a sliding door made to look like normal door in addition to see if the knob turns at all or if the door gives even slightly in any direction. If they do not then she will step out of the way for the strong-arm approach.
Kat inspects the door a second time and can draw no other conclusions other than the door is stuck. Turning back to Caoilte, she nods her head toward the door. Caoilte limbers up, tests the door a few times then throws an armored shoulder into the door. He hits it once, twice, a third time ultimately splintering the frame and opening the door.
The door swings open, reveling the room behind. Judging from the shelves lining the walls, this darkened room might once have been a storeroom, though its contents have long since succumbed to the passage of time. A crack in the northern wall has apparently let in some rainwater, which has collected in a large puddle on the floor.
Standing approximately 5 feet from the door, staring up at Caoilte who is in the doorway, is s small blue lizard. It looks at Caoilte with a tilted head and Caoilte notices small sparks of energy surging through its body. The little reptile gives a little yelp, and the electricity surges off its body toward Caoilte. The electricity slams into Caoilte and laces around his amror, giving the warrior a fairly powerful shock.
The little blue shocker seems to narrow its eyes, its tail shooting straight up, electrical energy curling and charging for another spark.
Initiative Order
- Eloriand
- Havelock
- Shocky
- Isador
- Tarek
- Caoilte
- Kat
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Isador smiles as Caolite crashes into the door for a third time...
I would have wagered a tidy sum that he would have broken it off its hinges with the first blow.
His smile quickly fades after hearing the strange yelp and seeing Caolite shudder in the newly formed breach.
Pulling his bow into a ready position, Isador weaves through the company to take a position on the right hand side of the door. His eyes scan the room looking for signs of the assailant. He quirks an eyebrow upon seeing the tiny lizard with its tail standing straight up.
Caolite, you were attacked by that runt?
If possible, Isador will take a shot at the lizard.
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I stand back impressed by Caoilte's massive strength as he slams into the door and finally gives way....my amusement grows to concern as I realize that the little blue dino wanna be is a true threat and in need of immediate disposal and best be given the opportunity to join its larger, and long dead, ancestors......I mutter a curse in draconic at it... ...Heel thrawl or forfit your small miserable life!! ....
I then extend my hand out and launch a ray of frost at the creature...enough to give it a cold sting...perhaps letting it know I mean business....or at least...hopefully....buying time for my compatriots to to get a complate jump on ole shocky.
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Try not to kill it! This could be one of the beasts from my dream. We need to know more about what happened here and this creature looks weak enough for us to easily subdue it! Tarek looks to Havelockk as he hears him speak a strange language. Does it understand you? Can you speak to it?
If I am wrong then we can easily dispatch it later.
Tarek enters the room and locates himself about 10 feet inside the door but close enough to the creature to hit it with his hammer. He holds his hammer in such a way as to knock the creature out rather than kill it.
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Eloriand speaks to the party, If the creature can be reasoned with, I would like to try. If I fail then feel free to destroy it.
Brew, I guess I will hold my action until immediately after Caoilte has gone only because that is the only way I am aware that I can gain entrance to the room. If I can get in there another way then I will take my action first.
This is probably dumb, but Eloriand has a deep respect for life in general and would rather see the creature live as long as it poses no danger to the party if at all possible. If there is any way Eloriand can use any combination of Wild Empathy and Handle Animal to find an alternate outcome than destroying the creature, Eloriand would like to try. Let me know what I need to do.
I was under the assumption that a pc was able to move through a space occupied by a member of the party, we just can't occupy the same space. If Tarek can't move past the iron wall then he will use his speak action now and move in when he is able. I guess Caoilte does make a better door than a window.
As Caoilte's shny new armor sparks and smolders a little, Eloriand rushes past him and kneels down in front of the animal. Eloriand talks to the creature in a calm smooth voice and takes no sudden or intense movements. He holds up a had to stay Caoilte's ask while he tries to use his natural affinity for wild animals to the sooth the little electrical ball of fury. Surprisingly, the creature's tail flattens, no longer sticking straight up. The little blue creature, although a wild animal, seems to be looking at Eloriand skeptically. It's tiny eyes fixed in a suspicious stare. It stares at Eloriand and he is able to tell the creature seems to be expecting something from him.
The rest of the party files into the room and allows Eloriand to try to tame the excited little beast.
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After seeing Eloriand's ability to calm the lizard, Tarek relaxes his stance and holds off on his attack. He allows his weapon to rest at his side in an nonthreatening manner.
Well done Eloriand. Tarek speaks in a calming tone to prevent alarming the lizard. He looks as if he wants a little treat from you. I will keep my distance until you give the word that it is ok.
Tarek looks a little closer at the strange lizard. In my excitement, I thought this could have been an offspring of the lizard type beings I had seen in my dream. After my heart has calmed, I can clearly see it is just a simple beast of nature. I am sorry to have alarmed everyone.
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I look at and watch Elroriand attempt to calm the beast....I look at both him and the creature with skepticism.....my eyes focus on the creature....I am poised and ready...prepared to launch one of my never missing missile of arcane energy at the first sign of aggressive behavior from the blue beast.
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A thin smile crosses Isador's lips as he watches the tamer calm the little beast. He nods his head in approval and whispers to Eloriand.
That was Amazing! I have never seen such a feat before now.
How long will the beast stay docile?
Do you have any special instructions about how we should treat it?
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Caoilte steps into the room after his celebratory remark. I'm going to move over to that door on the west wall, just in case this lizard here has friends. Is there anything of value in here? Caoilte points to his eyes then at Izzy. Kat, if you wouldn't mind doing that thing you do with doors, I'd like to give you a chance before I do that thing I do with doors.
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Eloriand looks around for anything that might serve as a treat or food of some kind for the lizard. Maybe some dried meat from my rations would serve. I don't seem to have any dried crickets handy.
In a calm voice Eloriand speeaks to the party, Just in case our little friend here decides to go electric again, everyone should be aware of the standing water in this room. It probably isn't a good idea to be standing in a puddle if he attacks again.
I don't know if there are more or not, but if I had to guess I would say there are more. If I see lizards in an area I usually see several. None of those ever shot lightning bolts from their tails though so it is hard to say. I also have no idea how long I can convince the creature that we don't really wish to harm it. We should all stay vigilant.
Eloriand is also trying to determine if the creature is protecting a nest or younglings so we can try to avoid that area if possible.
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Isador watches Eloriand interact with the creature for a moment before turning his attentions to the rest of room.
He will walk to edge of each puddle to ensure there are no surprises lurking there.
I assume these are just shallow puddles but let me check them out in case there are some breaks or crevasses in the floor.
He will also check the walls where the water seems to have entered the room although he will not stand in the water unless there are no other ways to check for traps or hidden wall compartments.
The little sparking lizard sniff suspiciously at the dried meat offered by Eloriand. It eyes him intently, set to spark up at the tiniest hint of aggression on Eloriand's part. It quickly snatches the tiny morsel and scampers away from the party finding a corner of the room to work on its newest prize.
As the party watches the lizard scamper away, the door to the west flies open. Two reptile-like humanoids quickly enter and an overwhelming waft of stink follows them, quickly filling the room. The two lizard like beings throw javelins at their two nearest opponents, missing Kat and Havelock badly, javelins clanking off the walls. The lizrdy things draw clubs and eye the party menacingly.
As the powerful stench rolls over the party, soem are able to cover their noses with their hand in time to avoid the brunt of the stink wall. Eloriand, Havelock and Isador, however, are unable to cover their nose and mouth in time. The begin to wretch and heave becoming overwhlemed by the reptile-men's smell. Eloriand, Havelock and Isador are sickened.
All the commotion has the effect of spooking the sparking blue lizard. Its tail shoots straight up and begins to power up, streaks of blue electrical energy coiling around the tail ready to strike.
Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. The sickened condition in the context of this encounter shall last for 10 rounds (1 minute).
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...and I thought the room smelled bad on the outside... I would hate to be caught completely downwind of them on a sunny summer day...
I cannot decide if we are lucky that their aim is as bad as their hygiene or unlucky that their hygiene is as bad as their aim...
She moves into a better position where there is lower risk of shooting her comrades, no standing water and making use of her longbow range before firing off a shot. As she does she glances all about to see if there is an advantage point as well as trying to figure out what stinky creatures are if she could remember anything important about them.
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By the Gods! What is that stench! Tarek feels himself gag a bit, but is able to prevent the stench from overwhelming him.
Almost without hesitation, Tarek turns on his heel and throws his hammer at the creatures that burst through the door. He targets the one to the south and closest to the door.
Feel the the bite of my hammer, you wretched stink beasts!
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Eloriand will do his best to draw his bow and move up against the wall by the door. He will be careful not to step in the water and try not to seem threatening to the small blue lizard. Seeing the lizard-like things come out of the door makes Eloriand wonder if the blue lizard is a pet or familiar of the smelly lizards. Eloriand will keep an eye on both between bouts of heaving.
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Isador turns sharply upon hearing the door open and seeing the javelins streak into the room. He brings his bow to a ready position only to shudder once the wave of odor slams into his senses.
His eyes water and he tries to choke down the bile that is quickly rising in his throat.
Shaking his head, he tries to loose a shot before the urge to empty his stomach overtakes him.
Eloriand fights through his nausea enough to move toward the wall of the room and prop himself up with a ready bow. He tries to collect himself and plan his next move.
Havelock, wiping off bits of vomit from his mouth, is able to summon his arcane power and launches blue white missile of magic energy at the closest troglodyte. The bolt slams into the trog, leaving a scorching hole in its shoulder. The thing hisses but presses his attack.
The electric blue lizard is once again in a fury. It darts toward the nearest humanoid (Havelock) and releases its stored charge of electrical energy. The electricity leaves the lizard in an arc and lances into Havelock. The electricity dances around 'lock's armor delivering a solid shock.
Isador does hsi best to shrug off the debilitating stink of the trogs. His training and natural affinity with the bow kick in and is able to fire a shot which plunks center mass into the nearest lizard. It bellows a loud wine and presses its attack.
Tarek charges into battle and swings his mighty hammer at one of the trogs. He misses the thing and catches nothing but air.
Caoilte steps follows Tarek but fares substantially better. He swings his axe down at the nearest trog, severing its arm, spraying pungent reptillian blood over Tarek and Caoilte. The thing collapses in a pool of its blood stemming from the wound. It twitches a few times before it ceases all movement.
Kat steps to the side and fires off a shot which misses the trog, slamming into the opposite wall.
The remaining trog attacks Caoilte. He swings its crude club down hard on the armored hide of the fighter, and follows that up with a claw and bite. All of its efforts bounce harmlessly off Caoilte's new amror shell.