The Pyramid of Shadows (Inactive)

Game Master 137ben

The faintest in draw of breath is all that indicates the githyanki's continued displeasure.

"Fine. Yet another task. It will be done." Yessai begins to stalk out of the chamber before turning with a flourish.

"And, Garash Vren. In your interest, so that we might exactly perform our rescue of said Tome, and return it pristine, and also with our lives, what manner of creatures, traps or further hindrances might we expect await us?" Here the Fear Eater turns and turns again - blade pointing throat-level at the arrayed reptilians.

"Which of your bold vassals wouldst thou send with us on this errand. Who is…expendable?"

"The library of whispers contains all the knowledge of every creature who has ever been in the Pyramid. There are spawn of Vecna, the god of secrets, in the place, and probably other hostile creatures as well."

Vren continues
"The bookshelves shift to trap intruders, too. The library also emits a constant stream of whispers. I have heard that such whispers eventually drive one mad, if one stays more than a day, but I do not care to find out if it is true."

"As for who shalt aid thee,"

Garash gazes around at his clan...

"Hozela."
His eyes settle on a short, blue dragonborn. She steps forwards and curtsies towards Garash Vren before nodding to Yessai.
Garash continues
"Hozela, thou shall accompany these newcomers to the library of whispers, in order that they might retrieve what I need. Ensure that they do not double-cross us."

Mundarion says, "Now that's settled we will be on our way. Hozela, you take point."

Hozela heads to the stairs to the southeast of the room, and beckons for the group to follow. Outside lies a three way intersection. The entry pit is to the south, but Hozela leads the group north, through a large iron doorway.

“The library!” the Head of Vyrellis says, her voice hushed. “Heed
not the whispers!”
Shelves packed with books line the walls and stand to the sides
of the room. There’s about ten feet or so between the tops of the
shelves and the ceiling. In the center, a grassy square surrounds a
proud statue of an eladrin princess (which bares a strong resemblance to the image of Vyrellis in the gem).
At first, the room appears to be deathly quiet. Then you begin
to hear faint whispers. They start out barely audible, but then
grow louder and press upon your mind—an unintelligible jumble
of words in many languages, like a thousand voices murmuring
at once.

There are several ladders next to the shelves, leading up to the tops of the shelves. Both bookshelves and ladders seem to shift back and forth slightly on the ground.

At the far end of the room, there is a door on the north wall above the bookshelves, requiring one to stand on top to open it.

"Here we are,"
Hozela remarks,
"This creepy birdcage of a place is where my leader bade us search."

do we know about where in the library to search? such a book would likely be on its own pedestal

Garesh did not specify where in the library to search. It does seem likely that it would be on its own pedestal. Unfortunately no such pedestal is visible.

De'arv'ki glances about, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Mundarion says, "Did he give you any information about what the tome looks like? How big is it? How is it bound? What color is the cover? Does it actually have an obvious title that says, "Tome of Vecna"? Or is the title something else?

"Wall-cat, can you check out that alcove above? Seems like a place to put something important."

De'Arv'Ki looks at the ground-bound Gemheart with a raspy chuckle and and quickly clambers up a bookshelf or a pillar if there is one and looks about again.

climb(take 10): 10 + 21 = 31
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Yessai eyes the seemingly endless rows of volumes, tomes, books and grimoires and clenches her teeth, making an odd clicking sound. Whether this is from fear, annoyance or anger is unclear. The githynaki winces, as if the cacophany of whispers frustrates her.

Regardless, Yess stalks to the edge of the grass and looks at the statue, studying its features for a while.

"Vyrellis - is this you? Or one known to thee?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 on grass or statue

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4 probably best to be an assist, if it beats DC 10

The whispers didn't bother Gemheart, at least not yet, so accustomed was he to the busy city of portals and its endless market chatter.

"I--I do not know."
Hozela stammers.
"I heard no more of this tome than you did."

At Yessai's comment, the head of Vyrellis whispers with sad eyes
"Indeed, I did look as such in life, though it has been many centuries since I appeared as thou sees hither. There is a legend that this library absorbs the memories of all who come to the Pyramid. Perchance it hath taken my youthful image from me."

Perception check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Mundarion moves to the edge of the grass and checks the statue and surrounding area for traps.

Perception check: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Mundarion says, "The whispers are saying to move closer, but do not specify what to move closer to. Regardless, we can't stay here longer than a day without either leaving to rest or going crazy. I would be tempted to have us split up, but this is dangerous territory so that won't do. So we try to search this library systematically while staying together. Anybody got any ideas where we should start?"

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"I'd think to look where books are stored alone, such as display cases. This probably isn't some book that would be on the shelf with the others."

"I don't know that it is telling us to get closer - rather perhaps that something approaches!"

Yessai prepares by moving to a defensive posture - blade held high, buckler at the ready.

"Be ready my friends..."

This could be embarassing... ;P

Now, to search up boccob again >_<
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
De'Arv'Ki hears Yessai's warning, and swiftly vanishes, calling out:
"I sssee a ssstatue marked... of Boccob... asss well asss a few... doorsss and a heavy cabinet... perhapsss we ssshould... avoid them for now... Till we know we are... sssafe..."

The upper room seems still from De'arv'ki's perspective, but down below, the shelves in the middle of the room shift. Suddenly three creatures become visible: one humanoid and two wolf-like creatures. All are twisted, and eminate shadows. The humanoid has no nose, but a large mouth and two red eyes. The wolves each have one purple eye and one orange eye, with spines on their tails.
Closer!
Remember that the Head of Vyrellis allows its holder to make knowledge (arcana, history, and religion) checks untrained.

De'arv'ki initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Gemheart initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Mundarion initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Yessai initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Hozela initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Wolf 1 initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Wolf 2 initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
humanoid initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Map of the lower room. The orange are bookshelves. De'arv'ki would be on the northern edge, near the white gap in the wall (which leads into the upper room, not shown). Everyone else would be on the ground, probably near the southern entrance where you came in. The purple are ladders which reach to the top of the shelves, though the ceiling is higher.

Initiative order:
Wolf 2--22+
Yessai--22-
Mundarion--20
Hozela--18
Humanoid--14
Wolf 1--12
De--7
Gemheart--4

Please specify which square you are on.

L18, please

I'll be in L,15.

Right behind Gem. L19.

Pretty sure Dee had the Head last…

Pretty sure Dee had the Head last…

I believe you are correct.

Indeed you are ;D. And i'll take G5, if thats all good
Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
stealth: 1d20 + 13 + 30 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 30 = 48+40 from invis, -10 from speaking

De'Arv'Ki examines the creatures, listening to the hurried whispers of Vyrellis as she does, before calling out to the others: "Beware...! Thessse are ssspawn of Vecna...! They heal quickly and... prepare to counterssspell... Mundarion...!"

At the mention of "counterspell" Yessai's ears twitch and she instantly becomes more alert...

"Spellcasterssss!" she whispers, a faint grin appearing on her features...

G5 would be on the ground, whereas to be looking into the next room De'arv'ki would need to be on top of a bookshelf. Maybe you meant G3?

The wolf nearest to the entrance hisses, and its teeth start to glow. It charges towards Yessai and bites:
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The strength of the creature's jaw is enough to attempt to swing Yessai to the ground:
free trip attempt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
natural 1 reroll: 1d20 - 12 ⇒ (4) - 12 = -8
but Yessai is more than sturdy enough to maintain balance.
At the same time, however, the energy stored in its teeth discharge, sickening the gith.
Yessai is sickened (no save) for one round.

Yessai's turn.

The map has been updated.

Yess grunts in pain as the enervating energy surges through her. Gritting her teeth she brings her blade to bear, and discharging her own fell might, swings at the beast, but with little success...

Swift Action: Enact inimica - Stricken. 1 point from Terror Pool.

Standard Action: Attack!

Schznaaar!!!: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 9 [+3 BAB, +1 Str, +1 enchantment, -2 Large, -2 sickened] [-2 to beasts AC from stricken inimica]
Trompfk!!!: 2d8 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4, 7) + 1 + 1 - 2 = 11 [+1 Str, +1 enchantment, -2 sickened]

Terror Pool points remaining 4/5

Weapon is cold iron - unsure if that helps here...

Yessai's blade barley scrapes the wolf, cutting off chunks of its enchanted fur, but causing it no noticeable harm.
Mundarion's turn.

Mundarion casts Shield on himself.

ASF Check: 1d100 ⇒ 36

Then Mundarion moves to O,18 drawing his longsword as he goes.

Shield active for 20 more rounds.

Mundarion runs around a shelf.

Hozela straightens her spine and calls out to the other wolf
"Be blinded!"

She lets out a spray of glitter which clouds around the wolf:
will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
the glittery dust settles into the creature's eyes, causing it to blink wildly and be unable to see.
Blinded for five rounds.

The humanoid creature cackles
"Tired yet? Your brains shall be wracked for knowledge!"

a dim gloom cloud covers the area around gemheart and the adjacent wolf, reaching over Hezela, Yessai, and Mundarion as well. Lightness momentarily fades from the area (though it resurfaces shortly due to the rest of the room), and a wave of exhaustion covers the area.

Yessai, Gemheart, Mundarion, and Hozela must make a DC 20 fortitude save or be fatigued.

The other wolf, blinded by Hozela's spell, stumbles forwards and bites at the dragonborn:
acrobatics check to move blind: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
50% miss chance (low=miss, high=hit): 1d100 ⇒ 30
but while it can smell her easily, it can't see well enough to hit.

The map has been updated.

De'arv'ki's turn.

fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 vs DC 20 or fatigue

Fort Save: DC 20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Fort save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Ouch. Like I had a chance anyway. :-(

Hozela's fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
The dragonborn grows weary...

Someone else may take De'arv'ki's turn.

De'Arv'Ki looses a bolt at the humanoid creature, tiring of its banter.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

My shame is great...
De'Arv'Ki then vanishes again.
Ki points: 2/4

You may commit honorable sepuku after we kill all these critters. :-)

Gemheart 5ft steps to L17 and attacks W1 with his lucerne hammer.

attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 1 = 27 -1 for fatigue
damage: 1d12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 3 = 19

Sudoku

Just recovered from the bite's burning sickness, Yess succumbs to the fatigue washing over her…She invokes dark magic and swings with renewed anger

Swift Action: Enact terror pool - +2 to damage for three rounds. 1 point from Terror Pool.

Standard Action: Attack!

Schwarr!!!: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 1 = 16 [+3 BAB, +1 Str, +1 enchantment, -2 Large, -1 fatigued] [-2 to beasts AC from stricken inimica]
Booschka!!!: 2d8 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8, 5) + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 16 [+1 Str, +1 enchantment, +2 terror pool, -1 fatigued]

Terror Pool points remaining 3/5

De'arv'ki's shot goes wide.

Gemheart, on the other hand, lands a direct blow to the wolf's back, causing it to howl in pain. Yet its still standing...

The other wolf steps forwards and bites at Mundarion:
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
but his armor is sufficient to protect him.

The map has been updated.
Which wolf is Yessai attacking?

The one that bit her!

Yessai shifts over and lands a direct hit on the wolf!
Mundarion's turn.

Sorry about the delay. I was running errands the other day and didn't have my book with me. The fatigued condition is a hemorrhoid and I needed to make sure I had figure it out right.

A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. That puts him at STR 10, DEX 15 and drops his carrying capacity to 33 lbs which means he is now at medium encumbrance. Which gives him a max dex contribution to AC of +3, a -3 Armor check penalty and a speed of 20 feet.

His AC is now 10 + 2 (DEX) + 4(armor) +4 (shield spell) = 20, touch 13 (19 rounds remaining on shield spell)

cold iron masterwork longsword +4 1d8(19-20/x2) S

Mundarion uses a swift action to activate his arcane strike ability and swings his longsword at the wolf.

attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (+1 for arcane strike, otherwise would be +2)

In spite of his fatigue, Mundarion manages to wound the wolf as well, though it barely whimpers at the minor pain he causes.

Hozela hustles away from the wolf (No AoO since it is blinded,)

And cries at the humanoid
"You should forfeit your vision too!"
She casts the same spell again:
Humanoid's will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
The creature manages to see through the glitter that surrounds it.

In a deep voice, it hisses back
"I think not..."

The humanoid shaped creature conjures a rainbow hued shield around itself.

The other wolf, still blinded, stiffs its way forwards and bites at Gemheart. It, too, causes its teeth to glow and discharges energy into Gemheart with its bite:
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
natural 20 reroll: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (16) + 27 = 43
miss chance (low=miss, high=hit): 1d100 ⇒ 37
The creature has impeccable aim, and manages to bite precisely where it thought it heard the forgeborn...a few inches from Gemheart's body.
Concealment allowed Gemheart to dodge critical!

The map has been updated.

De'arv'ki's turn.

niiiice

How long are we fatigued for? More than one round?

How long are we fatigued for? More than one round?

Yes, more than one round.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Spellcraft DC 19: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

/me hisses loudly and fires a bolt at the humanoid caster, hoping to distract it, even mildly.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Jeez, just not having a good battle...
She then flicks her ears in annoyance before vanishing again.
Swift action: Vanishing trick; Ki points: 1/4