Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk [3.5 D&D]

Game Master Stiehle

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Down in the arena, Morgrym sees a rope appear as if by magic! His fellow prisoner, badly wounded by the troll and in no shape to make the climb, meets his eyes and nods. “Go! I will hold off this monster so you can escape! Kill that godsdamned General for me!” As though on cue, the troll roars and, though also injured, lurches toward the rope, though the man Morgrym only knows as Red for his wild hair charges the beast, engaging it with torch and sword. Morgrym lunges toward the rope and climbs it swiftly, reaching the top where he feels an invisible hand touch his arm. “You must help my friends!” A soft voice speaks, from somewhere around his belly? Morgrym sees a man with a longsword drop his shield and slash at the dragon that had distracted himself and the other gladiators… but where is The General? A moment later, that question is answered as the armored warrior appears suddenly from the passage on the opposite side of the arena!

Reonnyn’s spell impacts the dragon with success, though the damage seems minimal. Morrow’s strike deals a significant injury however, even as the duskblade feels the healing of Verdan’s divine magic take care of nearly all of his own wounds! Zeux moves up and unleashes another spell that he hopes will either finish the dragon or wound it even further and perhaps knock it off balance! But unfortunately, the creature’s innate defense against magic causes the spell to fizzle upon impact.

Enraged now, the dragon launches another furious attack against Morrow, intent on bringing the duskblade down! (21 HP damage total), but again he withstands the onslaught! A wild yell heralds the return of The General, who is moving with blazing speed, hacking into Verdan with an impressive looking longsword that looks to be the one stolen from Ricard Damaris (15 HP damage). The General is also armed with a handaxe in his offhand, and looks to be a formidable foe with both weapons!

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #2

Welcome, Morgrym! I hope I don’t kill you right off the bat!! You have no armor on and are armed only with a shortsword… I’m going to give you the morale bonus for bardsong, but also be sure and roll your HP!!

While the great worm hits him numerous times, none of the wounds is deep and Morrow still feels OK. Fearing another magically aided attack Morrow mutters a word of power while swinging wildly at the scaley hide of the beast.

Immediate action: Cast Deflect. With Abjurant Armor the force shield bonus to AC is +1, extended by Extended Abjuration it lasts for two rounds or two attacks, which ever comes first.

Full Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Full Attack #2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

So, AC30 against the first 2 attacks....

Reonnyn sees another target materialize here, along with the return of the General, and hesitates here. Whose side is he on?

Deciding he could not spare the time to ponder further he steps into the arena and lets loose on the one he knows is the biggest threat.

Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs General, Bless, melee: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 29
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
Eldritch Bolt, Crit?: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 24
Magical Crit damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Good timing here!

Verdan taking a step back away from the general says a prayer
"May the fires of Pelor burn away the evil."

As he cast Heat Metal on the generals armor.
I assume he is wearing full plate or something metal. Will save DC 15 (3 from wisdom + 2 spell level)

Morgrym rages upon climbing the rope screaming a feral scream like a lion his white hair halo like around his face like a mane can I get a charge on the dragon or general? If not move first then this action

He grips the short sword in both hands the snake tattoo on his back flexing with the sun surrounding it burnt orange on black as his feet carry him ten feet away until he leaps into the air and slams the blade with both hands into his enemy attempting to smash them into the dirt

jump: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 lol

attack w power attack, leap, shock trooper, etc: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

damage: 1d6 + 9 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 16 = 29

For the final time, Zeux splays out his hand and fires several missiles of force at the dragon, hoping this time to breach the monster's magical protection.

5 missiles maximized damage for 30 hp damage.
Zeux’ Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

I was reminded that I have already cast this spell twice already...oops...so ignore the above [lease

Zeux throws out his arm and a blast of force batters the dragon.

You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with the ray to strike a target. A blast of force deals 1d6 points of damage per two caster levels (maximum 5d6). In addition, a successful hit forces the subject to make a Fortitude save or be knocked prone (size and stability modifiers apply to the saving throw as if the spell were a bull rush).

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) = 9

Caster Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Of a sudden, a ball of fluff bounces on the ground – seeming to appear out of thin air – and as it kicks off the ground the fuzzball changes shockingly into a large animal! Bag of Tricks (Rust): 1d100 ⇒ 17 A savage creature that looks like a bigger, more ferocious type of badger leaps through the air and smashes into The General! Unfortunately, the warrior’s heavy armor protects him from harm. Morgrym utters a feral scream and leaps at the dragon, the short sword he wields stabbing with great force at the wyrm’s head! And though the blade passes through its neck, the tough hide is just enough to deflect the killing blow just enough (DR 10 = 19 damage total) to save the dragon’s life! Reonnyn’s eldritch bolt strikes The General on his shoulder, eliciting a bark of pain as the dark energy strikes deep! Verdan steps away from The General, standing just at the edge of the pit of the arena, then turns and casts a spell to heat the warrior’s breastplate armor – but The General’s willpower is sufficient to deny the cleric’s magic from taking effect. Morrow casts a quick spell to protect himself from further attacks, and though his first swing misses the dragon, the second slices through its badly damaged neck, severing the head from its body! Zeux switches his aim as the dragon goes down, slamming his ray into The General

The General roars incoherently as his face contorts with anger and he turns his fury upon Morrow, slashing with the axe and the sword in a dizzying display and though the duskblade deflects the first blow just barely with the use of his magic, Morrow takes blow after blow until finally dodging the killing strike as the axe clips off a few strands of hair covering his left ear (51 HP damage). But Morrow is horribly wounded and unsteady on his feet as he faces The General, whose murderous eyes are fixed on the duskblade!

On the far side of the arena, Glorb reappears as he flicks his wand and sends a glob of acid streaking toward The General, which smacks into his side and begins eating into his flesh through a crease in his armor! The wolverine attacks again, but once more its efforts prove futile!

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

Morgrym, I judged that you took a wound from the troll fight in the arena as noted below in your HP total, but the injury isn’t particularly severe. Morrow, I’m coming up with an AC of 27 for that Deflect spell (half of your caster level is 4, and your Abjurant Champion level is 3, added to your base AC is 27 – unless I overlooked something? Let me know, because if I did I’ll take away that critical hit! Also, I wrestled with that part of the Deflect spell description of ‘until discharged’, which indicated to me that the Extended Abjuration would cause the spell to last two rounds OR until discharged, but in the end I allowed it to deflect two attacks. Help me remember that in the future if it ever comes up!

Morgrym turns yanking the short sword from the dragons body yelling feral you're next! and jumps up into the air and over the five feet leaping up and trying to shove the blade down thru the separation at neck and shoulder in his armor!

attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

jump: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

damage: 1d6 + 10 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 16 = 29

dice hate me

That fool! He won't last long against that General! Reonnyn thinks as he again sends another dark blast of energy at the General!

Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs General, Bless, melee: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 24
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Placing a hand on Marrow
"May you keep fighting with the power of the light and banish this darkness."
Converted spell
Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 14 ⇒ (6, 7, 4) + 14 = 31+15=46 HP cured

Deflect would just do 1 round or 1 attack. Extended Abjuration says it doubles it, so I figured 2 rounds or two attacks. As to the adjust.... hmmm. I came up with 30 AC somehow.
The Deflect spell says half of my caster level, so 4. Abjurant Armor increases that by my class level, so 3 more. Ah! My mistake and I think you need to roll another hit on me. I added the character level (8) totaling 12 and adding it to my AC of 18 (don't have my shield) So the correct value is 25 against the first two and 18 against the others. :(

Verdan might want to change his action if I'm down. ??

If you went down I would hit you with a Cure Crit. Wounds

Turning his attention completely to the 'General', Zeux fires another blast of force at the man.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) = 5

Caster Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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The General’s last blow fells Morrow and the warrior steps forward to deal with the meddlesome cleric!

Morgrym leaps bravely at The General, stabbing with his shortsword – but the barbarian is used to a much different kind of weapon and the warrior easily sidesteps the wild blow. Reonnyn’s eldritch bolt strikes true though, eliciting a snarled curse from The General as Verdan dodges The General and heals the fallen Morrow again with a powerful spell that erases a good deal of the damage done to him – though the duskblade finds the warrior standing athwart his prone body as Zeux’ ray narrowly misses his target and almost strikes Morrow. The General engages Verdan, his sword blows ringing as the ebon sword smashes into his armor, cleaving through the protective metal and into his chest until the cleric falls (29 HP damage), then turns to attack Morgrym, who is without armor and can do little to defend himself against the sword and axe wielded by the warrior he faces (30 HP damage!)

Suddenly, Glorb shouts something into the arena and rips a small orb from his necklace then chucks it downward, eliciting an explosion down in the pit! The troll can be heard to roar in agony, then is silenced. The acid from the wand continues to eat into The General’s flesh (4 HP damage), then dissipates as the gnome’s summoned wolverine continues to bite and claw at the armored warrior in vain.

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

Ouch! Verdan, you are at now down and dying. Morrow, I totally missed you were without the shield. Since you dropped with The General’s final blow, he would have taken a 5’ step to stand on your space, threatening Verdan. That would have forced Verdan to make a Concentration check to avoid an AoO. I went ahead and roll it, and he got the success and Verdan healed you before he went down! So Morrow is conscious, but prone under The General’s space on the map. Morrow, you can take an action in the current round, keeping your situation in mind. Attacking from prone is a big penalty and you have seen that The General is very well armored. You can also post your action for next round as well – along with everyone else. Zeux, firing into a melee invoked a -4 penalty, though your elevated position means that your allies didn’t give cover to your target – still, the touch attack just barely missed. Morgrym, you can 5’ step to get flanking with the wolverine, if you wish.

Morrow feels the blessed healing, but then sees the cleric fall to the General's weapons, and the beast is standing over him. Weaponless he focuses on his magical powers and tries the only attack he has remaining.... Defensive cast prone? Touching the general's armor with Shocking Grasp.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 8 - 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 8 - 4 + 3 + 1 = 30 STR,BAB,Prone,Shocking Grasp against metal armor,Moral bonus
Damage?: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 6, 3) = 17

And I guess I should roll... Concentration: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Morgrym continues to rage leaping five feet up and to the side flanking with the wolverine and pummeling the general with two attacks attempting to pierce that hard armor.

attack 1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

damage 1: 1d6 + 10 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 16 = 28

attack 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

damage 2: 1d6 + 10 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 16 = 31

Reonnyn fingers the newly found elemental gem, wondering if now was the time to summon its guardian. Seeing the General beset her he holds of for a few more seconds...

Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs General, Bless, melee: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 25
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

19 or 20 to stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 9

As his life blood slips away and he starts to see a bright light ahead with in the long dark tunnel.
Pelor is that you?

Wait! You said last round and this one? Same actions....

Concentration: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 8 - 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 8 - 4 + 3 + 1 = 30 STR,BAB,Prone,Shocking Grasp against metal armor,Moral bonus
Damage?: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 6, 3) = 17

Not wanting to harm any of his allies, Zeux fires off a number of magic missiles that unerringly find and damage the General.

Magic Missiles: 5d4 + 10 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 3, 3) + 10 = 22

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Morgrym stabs with the shortsword again and again, but each time The General’s armor protects him from harm – though with the second blow there was a flash of red, as though he were shielded by magic of some kind as well. Reonnyn’s bolt again finds the mark, weakening the formidable warrior further even as Verdan’s life force ebbs away. But Morrow shocks his foe (both literally and figuratively) as he speaks words of magic and thrusts his hand up, grabbing the armored leg of The General and sending an electric jolt through him that is amplified by the armor he wears! Then five arcane bolts slam into his back and the battle-hardened soldier of Iuz raises his hands as if in supplication before falling over the edge of pit, slamming down hard into the sandy bottom of the arena where he had watched so many battles as a spectator.

A moment later, Glorb uses the wand on the dying Verdan, bringing the mortally injured cleric back to the world. At the bottom of the arena near The General’s body is the still-burning corpse of the troll and the body of the man that Morgrym knew as Red – who had bought him the time needed to climb out of the pit and help end the life of their tormentor. The barbarian feels his rage leave his body, and he tells the others that there is another captive down there, in the cells where he, Red and even the troll were kept for the twisted entertainment of the man they knew as The General. Glorb finds the key ring on the warrior’s body and heads off to free the man, who joins them a few minutes later as Verdan is tending to the many wounds suffered not only by himself, but by others as well – including their newfound ally…

CLW Wand Charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

OOC: Well done, folks! I decided to have Morrow 'lose' his turn last round (which could have affected The General's decision making on his turn), but as his two natural 20s scored a confirmed crit, all of his damage came in that last round, right before Zeux' magic missiles finished him off. The General was a nasty foe to deal with – though IMO he was undone by the stated ‘tactics’ in the book which had him head out through the corridor and bolster himself with a Haste potion and a Shield of Faith potion as well. His poor little dragon died before he got himself into the fray! Maybe I should have had the dragon stay out of reach until The General got there... but that's all water under the bridge and all's well that ends well!

Anyhow, Verdan is now at 1 HP, and only one charge was used from the CLW wand in the ‘Party Equipment’ section of the loot you’ve gained as noted in the Campaign tab. Let me know how much more you heal up and what you’re using to do so. And welcome Morgrym as well as our newest player, whose character has just been introduced as the third captive kept by the General (though he wasn't involved in the troll fight as The General liked the two to one odds against the monster this day.) The cells are in that passage that leads west (left) out of the arena (under the walkway that goes around the pit), and there's nothing else of interest back there. I'll add it to the map once you start exploring again. For now, let me know what you're doing with regard to healing and dealing with The General's body. He has the following equipment on him:

Breastplate armor
Longsword (looks like the one described by Ricard Damaris as the one taken from him)
Handaxe
2 Rings
Cloak
Gauntlets
2 Potions (and 2 empty vials)

Reonnyn slowly approaches the fallen cleric and activates the wand of healing, allowing Glorb to inspect the area.

damn lack of good equipment but I kept him busy at least. I am Morgrym Black, Captain of the Serpents Sun mercanary company at your service. Someplace around here I hope to find my own equipment He says looking around

Verdan hears a voice Child of the light,it is not your time. There is still much that you need to do. Go back, go back and may the light always be your guide.

Being wracked in pain, Verdan opens his eyes and takes a deep breath. Thank you, my friend. How is Marrow? Seeing Marrow walking about Verdan gives a sigh.

Then he takes stock in the party and tends to their wounds.
Seeing the new human Verdan questions "Who is he?"

I have CLW wands as well, just let me know how many charges need to be burnt

"I dunno," Reonnyn shrugs as he turns his attention to the General's body. "Claims to be a Captain or somesuch," replying to Verdan. His eyes briefly glow an eerie color as he looks over the gear. Detect Magic.

Once finished he nods in reply to the man, "Thank you for your help here. You definitely turned the tide in our favor. Can you tell us if you have seen any other of the General's forces hereabout? I am sure your equipment is being stored with the other goods he has confiscated."

Morrow turns to see Verdan getting healed. Hearing the question he replies, "Morgrym? He helped keep us alive against the General. That one's body is below."

"I could use a little more healing once Verdan is good. That %#$#&(*&% hit hard and fast!"

Climbing down and using Arcane Attunement to detect for magic on the General's body. Stripping it of everything and setting aside anything of value.

We would probably want to return the stolen sword. But first we should search for any more information or treasure from the General.

Using his wand, Verdan starts to heal Morrow
CLW Wand: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 2, 3, 2) + 4 = 18

Well Morgrym, Thanks for your help. The Least I can do is heal you up. I am sorry for your friend down there in the pit. Do you know who he might have prayed to? I would like to a least give him last rites to send him on his way to the afterlife."

My main weapon, besides my faith, is this Silver heavy mace. What do you think of it's feel?"

Verdan watches Morgrym's reaction when Morgrym grabs hold of the holy weapon.
Evil creatues holding a holy weapon bestow one negitave level. My detect evil device

Verdan uses his wand on Morgrym if he does not react to the mace.
CLW Wand: 8d8 + 8 ⇒ (7, 5, 1, 2, 1, 3, 7, 8) + 8 = 42

"There that should feel better. Now lets go find your gear."

12 charges used on his wand

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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After Reonnyn uses the wand repeatedly to heal up Verdan, the cleric takes up the wand once he is feeling nearly at full strength and begins to use it on others that are wounded as well. After several charges are used up, everyone is either completely healed or very close to it.

Reonnyn and Morrow take a look at the gear carried by The General and find it all to be magical in nature – though only the duskblade is able to make sense of the auras that they can both detect. The sword is an iron longsword, its blade laced with thin lines of mithral that seem to shift and move constantly. Two twisted pieces of silver that end in large emeralds serve as its quillons. The handle is wrapped in green leather and the pommel consists of a third emerald set into silver talons. Morrow knows it has a moderate enhancement, similar to all magical swords (and a bit stronger than the handaxe, he is certain), though he strongly suspects it has other powers that he is unable to discern. The armor and cloak each hold a similar enchantment to the sword – though obviously more protective in nature. One of the rings has an aura that is maddeningly familiar to the duskblade, but he is unable to identify it. The other ring possesses a fascinating enchantment that protects its wearer from a single spell – so its usefulness is limited, but can come in quite handy under the appropriate circumstances. The gauntlets grant the wearer great strength and the potions he is uncertain about – though he is convinced they are both of the same nature.

Exploring the area reveals the den of the dragon through the tunnel that leads north from the arena, where the corridor empties into a cavernous chamber with natural rock walls and the smell of death and decay heavy in the air. At the far end of the cave is the nest of the wyrm, consisting of bones, rotting flesh and the treasures garnered by the dragon – for the gleam of coins can be glimpsed here and there amid the disgusting trash heap. Verdan is very concerned that poking around in that pile of rot could expose the treasure hunter to disease.

To the east of the arena is a large chamber that contains two tables and a long bookcase against the western wall – the latter of which is full of tomes pertaining to the Free City of Greyhawk. A quick perusal shows that most of the volumes appear to be out of date by a number of years, but the books that lie on one of the tables pertain mostly to the city’s militia, guards and defenses. Upon the other table is a gigantic map of the city, with areas of the western walls circled in black ink – though there are no other notes to be found.

North of the study, the heroes open the door to find a comfortable chamber containing a writing desk, a plush chair ad a woven rug on the floor. A hunched goblin crouches on the floor to one side on the near side of the desk, gazing into a crystal skull that pulses with a faint green glow, not noticing that the door has opened as he speaks in a loud whisper. “Master! Master! Are you there? Blushik has gone to see about the noises as you told me! The General is dead Master! And so is Tyraniss!! How can this be?” The goblin wrings his hands, then his gaze rises to meet those of the adventurers and his eyes bulge in panic. “MASTER!” The goblin yelps in fear. “They are here! The ones that killed The General! Blushik sees them with his own…”

Suddenly, a cool, calm voice emanates from the glowing skull, cutting off the goblin’s squeaks of terror. “Silence, you sniveling dog!” Then, apparently addressing the heroes, in that same composed tone, the skull speaks again. “Might I ask who has come to ruin my plans? Your interference is a minor annoyance, but just the same I would know who to thank when we inevitably meet face to face.” There is a heavy note of contemptible malice that drips from his words as the question hangs in the air.

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

OOC: Wanted to sort of move things along here a bit. Figure you can come back to the rotting pile of trash in the dragon’s den if you want to take your chances and pick around in it to find whatever treasure the creature had collected over the years. Details on the magical items you’ve taken from the body of The General can be found below, if Morrow’s Spellcraft checks were high enough to glean the information. So… do you talk to the skull? Do you say or do anything to the cowering goblin?

Magical Longword +2 (holds other powers that are unknown – belongs to Ricard Damaris)
Magical Handaxe +1
Magical Breastplate Armor +2
Magical Cloak of Resistance +1
Magical Ring (unknown power)
Magical Ring of Counterspells (Hold Person is cast into it)
Magical Gauntlets of Ogre Power
2 Magical Potions (unknown powers, but both appear to be the same)
Key (unknown what it opens)

Zeux will examine those items that Morrow was unable to identify.

Spellcraft +18

With my Divine Health I should be able to poke around in the Dragon Horde with out issue. But that is fine we can go back later for the items.

Divine Health(Ex): You are immune to all diseases; including magical diseases such as mummy rot and lycanthropy.

Ignoring the skull "Blushik who is this master you speak of?"

Morgrym easily picks up the weapon handed to him and tosses it back and forth a bit flipping and catching it again before handing it back saying if that armor is magical it's better then the loin cloth I am wearing or even what I have normally

Reonnyn eyes gleam at the powerful magicks the General was wielding and he knew there were several items he would like in order to help his survival, but decided to bide his time. Again his eyes light up when he sees the dragon's hoard yet is tempered by the warning of disease therein. When the skull speaks its message and question the color drains from his face and he quickly stumbles out of the study a look of terror in his eyes.

Stating what he knows of the items Morrow shakes his head at the sword. "Not sure of the full powers of the sword, and besides, we're here to retrieve it for its rightful owner. I have no interest in any of the other items except possibly the gauntlets? The heavier armor is too restrictive for some of my skills."

Hearing the skull he follows Verdan's lead. Maybe the goblin might answer?

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Coming soon...

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Zeux cannot discern anything more about the sword than Morrow did, but the experienced spellcaster is able to determine that the ring protects its wearer from fire while the potions are fairly potent curatives. Perhaps The General never had the chance to quaff them during the battle, but they could serve the party quite well.

Cona and Morgrym notice bits of their equipment stashed here and there about the room and move past Morrow to retrieve their weapons and armor as well as their backpacks. The duskblade moves a bit further into the room as well so that Verdan can address the goblin, but the creature only squeaks incoherently as the cleric directs his question toward him, and he hides his eyes behind his hands - still cowering next to the desk. There is an undercurrent of anger in the skull's voice as it speaks again. “That one is nothing. A servant - and a poor one at that. I ask again, who are you and why have you come here? If you are mere treasure seekers I tell you know that you have involved yourself with powers that you would do well to flee from this instant. Perhaps I will even allow you that chance. A headstart before I send my agents to kill you for what you have done here today.” The skull waits impatiently as the goblin continues to cower and even Reonnyn pauses in his headlong flight. Perhaps that talking skull isn't a demilich after all? Wouldn't they all be dead by now if that were the case? Unless of course it is merely toying with them...

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

OOC: Verdan, I forgot about your power to ignore disease. We'll have you go back, as it's going to take a while to muck through in any case and figure your two newcomers wanted to find their gear first. By the way, I'm going to say that their gear is here in this room, piled under the tables, leaning against the walls, lying on shelves, etc. So you can start retrieving your stuff while the conversation with the skull is going on. The goblin isn't going to try and stop you.

Magical Longword +2 (holds other powers that are unknown – belongs to Ricard Damaris)
Magical Handaxe +1
Magical Breastplate Armor +2
Magical Cloak of Resistance +1
Magical Ring of Minor Energy Resistance (Fire)
Magical Ring of Counterspells (Hold Person is cast into it)
Magical Gauntlets of Ogre Power
2 Magical Potions of Cure Serious Wounds
Key (unknown what it opens)

Morgrym will put on the magical breast plate if no one objects leaving his old armor here as it was not magical and he says to the voice

you captured and enslaved my mercanary group so I do not know about the rest of these folk but I welcome your agents and then yourself to come see me so I might repay the favor tenfold

"Who are you to issue such threats to me and my companions. Come now tells us your name and perhaps we will give you ours!"

Zeux waits for some response from the skull.

Cona, unless stopped, will not only start collecting his old equipment, but start putting it on, and grabbing his sword.

OOC: In case it matters on the order - mithril shirt, rings, gloves, amulet, cloak.

Reonnyn slowly returns to where the others are busy divvying up the General's gear. If no one objects he slides on the General's counterspell ring and . While he did not believe the skull was an immediate threat he also knew from past dealing with those forces to tread lightly. "I don't think it wise to tarry here long. Whoever the General is, or was working for seeks to delay us so he can avenge the loss of his servants!"

Nodding in greetings to the two newcomers he adds, "Feel free to join us now. Introductions can wait however," he adds nodding in the direction of the skull.

GM West: if Reonnyn is no longer carrying the healing wands, then he will also take one of the healing potions.

Morrow slips the gauntlets on while others take what they want from the General's equipment, then gathers the rest. He slides Damaris's sword into a scabbard if there is one and straps it across his pack. He also gathers the key and tucks it in his belt pouch.

Where's the "unclaimed treasure list?"

"Your General stole this sword from an important man in the city. Now we've retrieved it. Feel free to send additional thieves and we'll feel free to destroy them as well. In the mean time, I think we'll look around and see if your General was stupid enough to leave anything else around here that will be useful, like who you are and where we can find you! If so, we'll see you soon!"

OK. The breastplate, gauntlets, and ring of counterspells are claimed along with the potions. (and Ricard Damaris's sword) Anyone claiming anything else? If not we can sell it once we get back to the city?

Verdan will take the minor ring of energy resistance fire if no one else wants it.

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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The skull grunts in response to Morgrym and Zeux. “We shall see. You have no concept of the trouble you have brought upon yourselves by interfering with MY plans!” Reonnyn nervously warns of tarrying for too long as Morrow speaks up. “The General. Ha! If you have defeated him in combat, then he was obviously a poor excuse for an agent placed as highly as he was. But you still have not told me your names, nor your interest in these ruins? Are you treasure seekers? Carrion filth picking the bones of the dead for trinkets? Why are you here?”

During this time, Morgrym is gathering his own weapons, already having put on the breastplate once worn by The General as Cona does the same, slipping into his mithril shirt and gathering his gear. The goblin continues to cower, mewling pitifully.

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

OOC: Does the list below look correct, then? Note that I keep track of treasure in the Campaign tab at the top of this thread. What more do you wish to say to or ask this talking skull?

Magical Longword +2 (holds other powers that are unknown – belongs to Ricard Damaris) - Held by Morrow
Magical Handaxe +1 - Held by Morrow
Magical Breastplate Armor +2 – Claimed by Morgrym
Magical Cloak of Resistance +1 - Held by Morrow
Magical Ring of Minor Energy Resistance (Fire) – Claimed by Verdan
Magical Ring of Counterspells (Hold Person is cast into it) – Claimed by Reonnyn
Magical Gauntlets of Ogre Power – Claimed by Morrow
2 Magical Potions of Cure Serious Wounds – 1 claimed by Reonnyn, 1 claimed by Morrow
Key (unknown what it opens) - Held by Morrow

Being a little more diplomatic, Verdan sighs and addresses the skull.

"I understand that you have concerns over your plans, perhaps if you told us what these plans are, we could come to an accord and put your fears at ease."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Of course if those plans are anyway evil, I will not stop until they are ruined.
Verdan thinks to himself.

Cona makes sure he's fully equipped for when the combat inevitably breaks out.

OOC:Just making sure he's wearing all his equipment first! Then fight... possibly.

Morgrym considers making every part of a sentence a swear word as soldiers are skilled at doing and then waits while someone tries to get this guy to tell them what his plans are.

Noticing that Verdan is trying to use diplomacy Morrow keeps the vitriol that he wants to yell at the skull to himself....

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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The skull laughs mockingly at Verdan’s words. “Ah yes… of course, the interlopers expect me to reveal all of my plans! To give over everything that I have worked for over the past several years to accomplish now that victory is within my grasp?! Certainly you must think yourselves safe in the dungeons beneath the Tower of War while I speak to you from far beneath the Tower of Magic – for certainly I cannot reach you across hundreds of yards of solid stone!” The disembodied voice has been slowly rising in volume, causing the goblin to cower and shudder all the more violently. Now the skull shrieks stridently, all mocking humor gone from its voice. ”I have had more than enough of your foolishness! I will put an end to your interference here and now!” The glowing skull begins to rise through the air, spinning crazily as it flies toward the far corner of the chamber. “Now you will feel the true power of Iuz! You will die screaming and begging for death!!” As the last words echo in the room, the skull shatters against the wall and in its place a large, vulturelike creature appears, its gimlet eyes fixed upon the party spread out across the chamber. Verdan isn’t sure of exactly what it is – a summoned creature from another plane certainly. But demon? Devil? Something else? The cleric isn’t exactly sure… The goblin servant shrieks in terror and scurries beneath the desk as the immense feathered horror flexes its long, wicked claws and launches itself at the adventurers!

Cona’s Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Morrow’s Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Morgrym’s Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Reonnyn’s Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Verdan’s Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Zeux’ Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Glorb’s Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Outsider's Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Reonnyn’s Initiative (Roll off for tie): 1d6 ⇒ 2
Zeux’ Initiative (Roll off for tie): 1d6 ⇒ 1

Verdan’s Knowledge (The Planes) Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

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Combat Map

Travel Map (Beneath the War Tower)

Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk

OOC: Cona, I’m going to consider you in hastily donned armor as you didn’t quite have 10 rounds to get your mail shirt on. You can grab your weapon (or any of the other items you want) with a move action. But at present, you don’t have your other magic items on quite yet since you were trying to get that armor on first. Morgrym, you took The General’s armor so I figure you had already donned it before entering into this room. You had about five rounds to pick up and don any other magical items you wanted to have on, so I figure you can choose three magical items (or weapons) from your character sheet to be wearing or have in hand – just let me know what you want to have on you at the start of this combat.

Verdan calling on Pelor to for protection. Casts Protection from evil. And readies himself for combat.