Jaender the Black |
Yikes!
"Yikes!" exclaims Jaender. "Thats not the kind of secret door I was thinking about!"
Jaender breaths a sigh of relief as the group escapes the waiting trap without harm.
"We better keep a closer eye out for those in the future... That could have been ugly..."
_Ophiuchus_ |
"Did you see me jump back like a duck? That was close. Who wants to go down and see the dead thing that is dead and hopefully not alive?"
Arturo the Swift |
Oh, I thought that was the next room. I should have figured it out with the pool in there. Anyway, I think the marching order was in the gameplay thread somewhere... but at 8 pages, who can be bothered finding it again? Or maybe we arranged it on a map some time... anyway, it was Strong Brute and Ophiuchus in the front row, Arturo and Roudantaimi in the next, Vox and Jaender next with Einhardt and her 50ft movement in the back.
Also, GM Silbeg, I'm sure you rolled off-screen, but I just wanted to make sure by reminding you to please not forget about my trapfinding rogue ability.
"What has happened to your sense of adventure, my friends?" asks Arturo as he pulls the rope out of the sack that Strong Brute carries and hands one end to the barbarian, draping the other end down the hole, "It's almost as though you've been somewhere that the dead came back to life again and again and again. I'm sure if this was animate, it would have been disturbed by all the rubble covering it. Please, Strong Brute, keep ahold of this rope just in case I need to get up in a hurry. Don't look at me like that: I'm adventurous, not suicidal."
With that, Arturo ... wait for it... Acrobatics to avoid damage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28... leaps nimbly into the pit. Dust flies up to greet him.
"Well, *cough* let's see what Mr. Bones *cough* *cough* here has for us. I wonder *cough* if the mail is still valuable *cough*. That rust *cough* should buff right *cough* *cough* out." Arturo rummages in the bottom of the hole for anything valuable.
That is, of course, if he doesn't get eaten first! ;-)
Vox Banner |
Leaning over the edge of the darkened pit, the youth peers down for their comrade, Arturo. A moment later, Vox turns to the wolf standing close beside him, with a look that seems to say without words, People apparently do this sort of thing... I don't understand it either.
Einhardt |
The wolf tilts cocks her head in confusion at Vox, and looks quizzically at the youth.
Vox Banner |
Turing back from the wolf, and looking over the edge before the group, Vox's voice carries in a flat tone.
"Are you okay down there?" he calls to the adventurous, mustachioed gent, now at the bottom of the pit.
GM Silbeg |
Also, GM Silbeg, I'm sure you rolled off-screen, but I just wanted to make sure by reminding you to please not forget about my trapfinding rogue ability.
Trapfinding is the class ability that gives you the ability to get +1/2 levels on Disable Device and Perception. Trapspotting is the Rogue Talent that allows you to automatically roll. In this case, it didn't matter, but someone should state that you are actively searching for traps, which would be a move action. I admit that I pushed this room a bit, because I thought you would be healing up in town afterwards.
For once in The Accursed Halls, nothing comes out to bite, slam, or otherwise hurt Arturo. Down there, in a pack worn by the old skeleton, is a leather backpack. The only things left of worth on it are 90gp, 200sp, and a scroll.
It is a scroll of Invisibility at caster level 3
Once Arturo gets back out, you follow the corridor, without incident, back to the Hall of Demons, where you fought the goblins.
You can:
- Go back to town, find a healer, and rest up over night.
- Investigate the nifty door to the south of the room.
- Climb back up to the balcony and go through the passage to the SW
- Climb back up to the balcony and go through the door to the NE
- Listen to the Nagaji and the Gnome discuss philosophy
_Ophiuchus_ |
"What has happened to your sense of adventure, my friends?"
-8 Strength will do that for Climb and Swim checks :(
Arturo the Swift |
Trapfinding is the class ability that gives you the ability to get +1/2 levels on Disable Device and Perception. Trapspotting is the Rogue Talent that allows you to automatically roll. In this case, it didn't matter, but someone should state that you are actively searching for traps, which would be a move action. I admit that I pushed this room a bit, because I thought you would be healing up in town afterwards.
Schooled! I should be taking my own advice and read over my abilities. Yeah, my bad. I'll make sure to say "look for traps" next time. ;-)
Arturo passes out the treasure, and then attempts a running vertical leap out of the pit.
Acrobatics with Derring-Do: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 9 + (4) = 31
Acrobatic rolll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Realizing he isn't quite going to make the leap on his feet, Arturo swivels around and lands on his bum instead and rolls gracefully backwards into a standing position. Smiling broadly, he bows for the group.
"See, nothing to fear! Shall we try the next room, or is everyone feeling like they need a nap?" Arturo looks to the door to the south, and then back the way they came, "I for one feel wide awake and fit as a fiddle!" The swashbuckler leaps in the air and clicks his heels together for emphasis.
_Ophiuchus_ |
"Mr. Hairylip, I once knew an elf that could dance like that. I could use a rest in town. I fear that I am out of spells and my strength is half of what it should be."
Arturo the Swift |
Arturo once again pats Ophiuchus gently on his rump.
"Well, if you're not feeling well, let's head back to town and have a nanna-nap," says the rogue, with only a touch of condescension in his voice, "I'm not sure if there's a temple in Thornkeep, but we can always head back to Daggermark - it's not far. I guess the goblins will have to wait a little longer for their sword! Before we go, though, I just want to see if I can open this very intriguing door here..."
Arturo wanders over to the nifty door, checks it for traps and then proceeds to try to unlock it.
Disable device to unlock the door: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Having played quite a bit of Skyrim, it kinda feels wrong trying to unlock a door that looks like that without some kind of enormous claw.
GM Silbeg |
At the south corner of this hall stands a large stone door. Seven thumb-sized sockets are embedded in the door, arranged in a ring around a starburst design.
Arturo Perception: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17 Throwing you a bone here ;)
Arturo starts messing with the door, but cannot find any way to open it.
Jaender the Black |
Ugh... I had a post written, apparently eaten by gremlins...
"For our oracle's sake, we should probably go rest. I think we have destroyed enough undead for today, plus we have a reward to collect! Though, hopefully someone else has to deliver the bad news..."
Strong Brute |
The brute nods as they meet the obstacle, preparing to head back to town so they could rest up and recharge before questing for the goblin sword.
Roudantaimi |
"Let have an arm-wrestling contest, Poochie! If you lose against me, you're too weak to continue." Roudantaimi rolls his sleeves up, and flexes his skinny arm in front of the nagaji.
Strength check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Ha! try and beat that!
"Also, since a soft bed and warm meals are just a little walk away, I can't see no reason not to take advantage of that. Pampered adventuring, and I quite like it!"
_Ophiuchus_ |
Strength check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
"I ... just .... can't ....seem ...to ....move....his .....arm.
Jaender the Black |
"Wow... look at those two, battling it out, neither giving up! Its an epic struggle for the ages! ... whoops!"
Jaender, fascinated by the apparent deep struggle of the two, locked in this massive contest of strength, drops his walking stick, which promptly falls over, landing on the gnome and nagaji's interlocked hands. The gentle tap of the 2lb wooden stick easily pushes Ophiuchus's hand down underneath Roudantaimi's, giving the diminutive warrior the hard fought victory.
"Umm.... so does that mean we are heading back?"
GM Silbeg |
The group heads back to town looking for a healer. You all know that there is a Shrine of Battle (area 15), where there is a cleric of Gorum, and possibly some disciples. You don't know how powerful he is, but you can check that out.
There is an apothecary in town as well, who is known to sell potions -- that would be area #33, Brishtargera Greenbottle.
You could also check out the Thornkeep Mercantile (area #24).
I would also check back and see what rumors you know, and see where you haven't visited. You also have a "quest" you could complete. I am sure you know what I mean.
Strong Brute |
The brute, not needing any healing hands on him for the moment, waits for Ophiuchus to make a decision on who to visit first. "Perhaps as Mrs. Hairylip gets seen about we can let the mercenaries know about the young nobleman."
_Ophiuchus_ |
"Cleric of who? Is this Gorum as powerful as the great one? I hope he is because I am so very tired. Let us go talk to him. Maybe he has seen the sword that the goblins are after. Maybe he has some pretty animals to pet. Maybe his sister needs to be rescued."
Turning to Arturo, "Best let me do the talking here. I don't want him to get us confused and try to heal you." The nagaji strides confidently away, in the wrong direction.
Arturo the Swift |
Is there any pressing need for us to get back to the Accursed Halls? Can we just sleep it off for the 4 days it will take for Ophiuchus to recover?
"Well fellows, who would like to come with me to break the sad news to Lord Silvercrown?" asks Arturo once they have returned and taken stock of their findings, "Surely he is the first person we should visit. He has been waiting long to discover the fate of his son, Garhal, and I for one would like for him to stop searching and begin the mourning process as soon as possible. Not to mention, the reward can buy us many ales, and restorative spells besides."
Arturo will go with Garhal's signet ring, alone if he must, and request an audience with Lord Silvercrown.
Jaender the Black |
I think the reward is through the mercenary group isn't it?
"I will go with you, if we must. Though if I remember correctly, it was the mercenary group that offered the reward, or bounty if you will. Perhaps it would be... easier... if we let them handle the bad news."
"The caravan we contemplated offering muscle for leaves in a few days, it would be nice to open that door with the 7 holes, especially if it seems these gems might fit in the holes, but most importantly we need Poochie here to be back to his old, strong lizard self. Hey Poochie! The temple is this way!"
We can check out the temple first and see what it would take to get Poochie back up to snuff, then if he isn't back to normal strength, we can decide how long it might take to get back to a good level, and where we want to go from there... just my 2 cents :)
Roudantaimi |
"Just lead on. I will follow on your footsteps, Artie. Figuratively, of course, your steps are far too wide for me match. Completing missions are what adventurers do! And getting rewarded, also! To the mercenaries!"
Vox Banner |
"Aye," says Vox stepping close behind Arturo. "Lord Silvercrown should be told of what happened. He has right to know right away."
After a few more paces, the youth pipes up once more, unsure if his own words are intended to be humorous are serious, "Though, I think I'll let you break the news to him."
GM Silbeg |
Is there any pressing need for us to get back to the Accursed Halls? Can we just sleep it off for the 4 days it will take for Ophiuchus to recover? /QUOTE]
That would be 8 days, wouldn't it? I thought he was at -8 STR. There is no pressing need, per se, but in character, you might be concerned that other adventurers (or goblins) would go down there. In modules, you are allowed a little more leeway as a GM.. but not much. However, for example, if there are more goblins down there, and they know their guards are gone, they may be able to get more goblins, or whatever. At least that is how I understand it... just like you could go into the Echo Woods and investigate the rumor of the dragon. Still trying to find the reference on that, but... I would say, in character, there is a lot of reason to head down again. Remember, though, that a casting of Lesser Restoration only costs 60gp, not the 150gp of a scroll, or 300 of a potion, should you find someone that can cast it!
GM Silbeg |
The group heads to the Blue Basilisk Hall. Once there, they are greeted by Mirashi Verlon, the second in charge. "What can I do for you gentlemen? Here to hire on as caravan guards?"
Arturo the Swift |
"Greetings, good captain," Arturo bows low, "We are actually here to collect a reward: the recovery of Garhal Silvercrown or proof of his death. I'm very sorry to report that we could only help with the latter. The poor boy was raised as a member of the undead when we found him and laid his soul to its final rest. This signet ring should suffice as evidence enough that it was truly him."
Arturo produces the ring but will not hand it over until the reward is paid.
Strong Brute |
The young man nods solemnly along as Arturo speaks, weary after the long day. He was ready for the reward, then a nice long rest before they started again on the morrow.
_Ophiuchus_ |
"It was all very sad, being alive, and then dead, and then being dead dead again. I think that he was lonely too, and wanted a friend. I would have been nicer to him, but he kept hurting me. Oh well, I guess you can't rescue sisters every day. Where does this caravan go again?"
Ophiuchus quickly loses steam and is ready to quickly depart uncomfortableness of reporting a death as he remembers his ordeal with the shadow.
GM Silbeg |
"Thank you," she says, a tear at her eye. "We were afraid that he, and his companions, pushed too far, and got themselves into trouble they could't handle. Of course, your reward is yours."
Note: This is just part of the chronicle gold
"We will let his father know, of course."
"Is there anything that I can help you all with? Nagaji, you look tired. Is there anything you need?"
Strong Brute |
"A shadow sapped his strength, ma'am. Poochie is quite a fearsome warrior, otherwise." The man smiles faintly as he lets Arturo accept their reward, confident the brash man will split it fairly.
GM Silbeg |
"Perhaps you should visit Brother Eldrast at the Shrine of Battle, though he might be at one of Thornkeep's taprooms... the Greenforest Inn or the Thirsty Ogre. I hear that if you are truly a fearsome warrior, he will reward your stories of valor with reduced cost healing."
Arturo the Swift |
"An interesting proposition indeed," muses Arturo once he has finished summing up the gold (being polite and dashing is all well and good, but on the streets of Absolom you count your pay), "It is a shame we do not have a bard with us to make full use of the discount. I think we should let Ophiuchus do the talking himself. He'll either be healed for free, or Brother Eldrast will charge him double!"
Jaender the Black |
"I knew a bard once. Traveled with him through the Red Redoubt. Encountered some unspeakable mechanical oddities, lovely singing voice on that one. There was an elf who was rather adept at dancing as well... They both entertained all of us quite well when we were through.
Anyhow, what we have heard of this cleric, he loves people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty when it comes to a fight. This party has that in spades I should think." Jaender says with a satisfied smile.
"What do you say Ophichus? Lets get your strength back that the shadow stole..."
_Ophiuchus_ |
Ophiuchus looks at his friends, a bit startled at their assertion that he is a fearsome warrior.
Oh, Merian, why do they think me fearsome? All I ever wanted was to spends my days with you. Now I find myself killing the dead again, fighting the living that want to kill me, and looking for treasures that I care not for. Is this my life? What should I do?
Silently contemplating the answer, Ophiuchus feels a cool breeze swirl around him.
Looking once more at his comrades, "Friends, I believe that you might be mistaken. I cannot sing like the big man that signs so well. His voice is like the soft mewling of a kitten caught under a chair, and I cannot speak the many languages of my little friend that spoke to a wolf, and I cannot burp fire like my other little friend. We all know that Mr. Hairylip knows words no one knows, and I don't have the good looks that the young man with the pretty wolf has. It is always the brooding silent types that the ladies are attracted to, or so Merian told me. I will talk to this holy man, and I will tell him of our deeds, but I do not believe that he will think me a fearsome warrior."
Arturo the Swift |
"As I said, for free or double," chuckles Arturo as though his point were just proven, "If you need help with embellishments, Ophiuchus, you can always look to us. I must say, I am looking forward to hearing this voice of our strong brute. It sounds most intriguing."
With that, Arturo spins Ophiuchus around in the right direction and lets him "lead" the way to the battle cleric.
I think we're all happy to pitch in for the stories of needed. I really want Ophiuchus to have a crack at it first, though. ;-)
Roudantaimi |
Roudantaimi will use ghost sound to add special effects on Ophiuchus' story, whatever it may be
GM Silbeg |
The party makes its way to the Shrine of Battle. When you arrive, two people are there. One is a stooped old man, who is obviously a servant. The other is a young woman, Taronnel, an acolyte who is currently praying at the altar.
She looks up when the group arrives, "How may I help you gentlemen? Brother Eldrast is unavailable at the moment, but perhaps I could help?"
_Ophiuchus_ |
"Well met Taronnel. I am Ophiuchus the nagaji. While exploring the Accursed Halls, I feel afoul of a dead creature that has taken all my strength away. Now I fear that I cannot continue and retrieve the great sword for the goblin king. We were told to come see Brother Eldrast by Mirashi of the Blue Basilisk in the hopes that he could heal me."
Straightening his mustache, he turns to his friends, "Remember Mr. Hairylip, I am the one that needs to be healed. Please don't make big eyes, and say all that flower stuff in hopes to woe this woman. She is a holy person after all."
GM Silbeg |
Taronnel, while an acolyte, is not the most the most "holy" looking of people, though Poochie doesn't notice. She has a greatsword strapped to her back, and is wearing scale mail. She chuckles, and says, "Ophiuchus, is it? Brother Eldrast is probably at the Thirsty Orge today... it's Tuesday, right? Yes, that would likely be the Thirsty Ogre. Be sure to tell him how furious you were in combat, how powerful of a warrior you are. I do see that you have a real weapon, so I am sure you can convince him to restore your strength. Unfortunately, I have not the power to restore you."
Strong Brute |
The brute nods matter-of-factly. If the problem was beyond the woman's powers, their business was at an end. He gives Taronnel a respectful nod before turning about and heading for the exit, towards the Thirsty Ogre. Ummm...wherever that was.
Arturo the Swift |
Arturo considers making a pass at the warrior maiden, but his bravery fails him when he eyes her greatsword. Not the type of sword I normally want the ladies to be handling...
"Well, off to see Brother Eldrast at the Thirsty Ogre! Thank you for your time, fair valkyrie, may we meet again another day," Arturo bows low before turning and following the strong brute.
Vox Banner |
The youth nods to the greatsword holding, chainmail wearing, acolyte that stands fearsomely before the group, out of respect... and no small amount of fear. Watching Arturo speak to the formidable woman, Vox is happy that the swagger filled, mustachioed gent has restrained himself from laying his abundant charms upon the woman.
There is not telling how badly Arturo's romantic passes could have gone, had he tried... he thinks to himself, taking a few quick steps forward. Vox moves beside Ophiuchus, complimenting the nagaji as he arrives.
"You did well with that acolyte, Ophiuchus," Vox says, attempting to pat his friend on the back. "I'm sure you'll do fine with this 'Brother Eldrast', and he will undoubtedly believe you to be a great, fierce warrior."
"And if need be, I'm sure Strong Brute can throttle him to help him see the truth of it."