JSL's Runelords Campaign


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Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

Zzzzzz.


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Ehlissa Briez wrote:
"Well done" she says to Zieke. "Will he be alright?"
Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"...Vesh are you alright?! What happened?"

"Everybody just stand back..." Zieke advises, "He's out cold...which is good for his sake. But if he comes to, he still might want to do us harm."

The big warrior notes the claw-like transformation of Vesh's hands and drops to one knee to struggle out of his pack. He fishes inside and pulls out a rope, then draws a dagger from his boot and slices off a length he can use to bind the poor boy.

"This is for his own safety...and ours...," he explains as he ties Vesh's hands behind the boy's back. "Salome?" he calls over his shoulder? Are you okay? Can you check Mal and Ehlissa here? Make sure they're not poisoned by that stuff."

"And you!" he catches Slidell's eyes, "See if you can't make yourself useful and get rid of the rest of that 'milk' from the bowl. I don't care where you put it, just get rid of it before someone else is compelled to drink it."

"Maybe we know now where that mutant goblin came from..." he mutters as he finishes tying off Vesh and rises to his feet, "We could have wound up the same...and I fear what might happen to Vesh long-term after drinking that vile stuff."

Zieke glances around at the shrine and the obvious exits from the room. "That was a lot of racket we caused, too," he says, then moves to retrieve his sword and shield, "If the devil's nearby she may already know we're here..."


Zieke Halveran" wrote:
"Can you check Mal and Ehlissa here?"

"Really, I just feel a little ill. No desire whatsoever to launch myself at anyone else in a homicidal rage."

Zieke Halveran wrote:
Zieke glances around at the shrine and the obvious exits from the room. "That was a lot of racket we caused, too," he says, then moves to retrieve his sword and shield, "If the devil's nearby she may already know we're here..."

"Wouldn't surprise me a bit if that was part of her plan."

Can I use the nets to cover the exits from this room (excluding the one we came through)? If so...

"Someone help me with these nets; if we're going to wait here for a bit I'd rather not have the witch sneak in on us. And if she's already in here, I don't want her running and having more time to plan."


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"Really, I just feel a little ill. No desire whatsoever to launch myself at anyone else in a homicidal rage."

"Well, that's reassuring..." Zieke dryly comments as he scans the room and doorways for any tell-tale signs of an invisible creature flying around.

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"Someone help me with these nets; if we're going to wait here for a bit I'd rather not have the witch sneak in on us. And if she's already in here, I don't want her running and having more time to plan."

"You know, that's not a half bad idea," Zieke replies, "If we could clear this place one room at a time and hang nets over the exits to confine her, we can restrict her movement and actually drive her to a place where she'll be forced to reveal herself. Hopefully to a room with a lower ceiling that's a bit more of an advantage for us."


Female Human Cleric

Wrote most of this out before turning the page; I apologize for any out-of-order responding.

Slidell Stormraven wrote:
"What we need is, Salome!" He cries, turning around hastily. "Did Vesh hit her? How bad are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. Fine," she answers, holding a scarf to her scratched and bleeding cheek. She nods toward Vesh's unconscious body. "Tie him up."

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"Someone help me with these nets; if we're going to wait here for a bit I'd rather not have the witch sneak in on us. And if she's already in here, I don't want her running and having more time to plan."

"I do not want to stay in here. If we are to fight that creature, we need to move on, away from this--" she points to the thick black liquid and wrinkles her nose. "Slidell, do not go near it. We must not be in this shrine."

"It was not a compulsion spell," she explains to Slidell. "It is much more powerful than that. The shrine itself and the Milk of Lamashtu are creating this evil. The goblin was drinking it, but now the basin overflows. As the poison accumulates, it lures the evil and the innocent to this place and calls to the followers of Lamashtu in this world and the worlds beyond. If one day's flow is powerful enough to lure three of our six, I shudder to imagine what will happen if left undisturbed."

"Sandpoint is in danger. We need to tear down the statue, destroy the shrine, and purify this ground." In anticipation of Slidell taking action, Salome pushes his hand down to his side. "After we take care of the djini. We do not want to call any more attention to presence."

"I will see what I can do for Vesh."

Heal check (1d20+7=13)Looking for relevant healing knowledge, including diagnosis and prognosis.


Malcolm wrote:
"Someone help me with these nets; if we're going to wait here for a bit I'd rather not have the witch sneak in on us. And if she's already in here, I don't want her running and having more time to plan."

The only other exit is a somewhat broken iron door. You are able to partially close it and hang a net over most of the remaining opening. It's not perfect, but at least you were able to do it quietly.

Salome wrote:
"I will see what I can do for Vesh."

Vesh's skin is cold and clammy. Sweat is pouring from his brow and coats the sides of his face. He is shaking fitfully. But most disturbing are his eyes. He is unconscious, yet they remain open, revealing dilated pupils. Occasionally, he tenses and his eyes shift rapidly from side to side, but throughout it all, he remains unresponsive.

Any of the following checks may be helpful: Knowledge (Religion), Knowledge (Arcana), Heal, Perception, Search. Please make a selection and describe what you are doing with it. As an aside, my intent here is to not sideline Santinj@ for any length of time, so there must be some way to get him back into action...


Male Human Wizard 2/Sor 1
Ehlissa wrote:
"Well, now that you mention it..." Ehlissa replies dryly, "Talkative mages come to mind."
Sir Malcolm wrote:
"No, I just feel ill. Vesh are you alright?! What happened?"

"Good, good." Slidell replies, absentmindedly scribbling notes on a scrap of paper.

Zieke wrote:
"And you!" he catches Slidell's eyes, "See if you can't make yourself useful and get rid of the rest of that 'milk' from the bowl. I don't care where you put it, just get rid of it before someone else is compelled to drink it."

Slidell stops scribbling and gives Zieke a surprised look, then shares a doubtful look with his familiar. He turns to Zieke and speaks slowly, enunciating his words carefully, as if speaking to an elderly invalid. "Um, Zieke? Buddy? Ah, I'm a Wiz-ard, not a stage magician. I can't just,..." He waggles his fingers, "and make stuff disappear. Though that would be a d@mn useful spell,..."

Zieke wrote:
"Maybe we know now where that mutant goblin came from..."

"Ya Think?!?" Slidell mutters,...

Zieke wrote:
"We could have wound up the same...and I fear what might happen to Vesh long-term after drinking that vile stuff."

"Yes, I think we met the 'doorman of doom' on our last visit. We've seen the effects firsthand. 'Queenie' must be looking to hire replacements, and we were her first applicants. Not something I want to see happen. To anyone." Slidell stands staring at the unconscious Vesh for a moment, lost in thought. Then suddenly begins moving again. "Right! So, no one look at the statue directly, and I think you should be safe for the moment. But just to be safe, we probably shouldn't linger. Unless I can find a way to counter-act the compulsion charm,..." He rubs his chin and begins muttering while examining the statue.

Salome wrote:

"I do not want to stay in here. If we are to fight that creature, we need to move on, away from this--" she points to the thick black liquid and wrinkles her nose. "Slidell, do not go near it. We must not be in this shrine."

"It was not a compulsion spell," she explains to Slidell. "It is much more powerful than that. The shrine itself and the Milk of Lamashtu are creating this evil. The goblin was drinking it, but now the basin overflows. As the poison accumulates, it lures the evil and the innocent to this place and calls to the followers of Lamashtu in this world and the worlds beyond. If one day's flow is powerful enough to lure three of our six, I shudder to imagine what will happen if left undisturbed."

"That is, disturbing. And not what I was hoping to hear." Slidell mutters as he continues his examinations, after taking a discreet and large step back from the statue. "We got lucky this time, it could have been worse. OK, so how bad is it? And how do we get rid of it Salome? What will it take to erase this blot?"

Salome wrote:
"Sandpoint is in danger. We need to tear down the statue, destroy the shrine, and purify this ground."

Slidell spins to face Salome and smiles. "Brilliant! And just what I was thinking! You see I wa,..."

Salome wrote:
In anticipation of Slidell taking action, Salome pushes his hand down to his side. "After we take care of the djini. We do not want to call any more attention to presence."

"After. Of course. Right. Priorities." Slidell says, stuffing his paper and charcoal stick back in his pockets.

Salome wrote:
"I will see what I can do for Vesh."

"Here, let me help if I can." Slidell offers, and follows Salome to the stricken Vesh. He hovers out of her way, but over her shoulder observing and muttering about Vesh's symptoms and 'transmutative properties',...

Trying to help! First Sli will 'Search' (for something besides the already listed symptoms) for anything that will tell him what exactly is affecting Vesh.

Sli's SEARCH and Veran's PERCEPTION rolls: (1d20+3=5, 1d20+5=22)
"TGFF!" Thank Goodness For Familiars!" ;P

Now, he will attempt to reason out what might (specifically) be affecting Vesh, and how to counteract it. If he thinks it will help in any way, he will cast 'Detect Magic' to identify any aura's that Vesh is currently under/affected by. At the least maybe it will give me an extra plus? It's 2am here, is there something obvious I should be looking for that my sleep-deprived brain is missing here?

Sli's Knowledge(Arcana) roll: (1d20+9=16)

See you all on Monday at the latest!


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Salome wrote:
"I do not want to stay in here. If we are to fight that creature, we need to move on, away from this--" she points to the thick black liquid and wrinkles her nose. "Slidell, do not go near it. We must not be in this shrine."

Zieke frowns, but considers the priestess' words. "Okay," he concedes, "What about him?" He nods at Vesh. "How do we move him? Can you cure him?"

Salome wrote:
"I will see what I can do for Vesh."

"While you do that, Mal and I will make sure we're secure," he replies, "There's still a wrathspawn around. And if that devil heard us, she may have sent it to find us."

"Mal? Bring those nets," he suggests, "Let's try out your idea and hang them while Salome works on Vesh..."

JSL wrote:
The only other exit is a somewhat broken iron door. You are able to partially close it and hang a net over most of the remaining opening. It's not perfect, but at least you were able to do it quietly.

"Well...looks okay to me," Zieke comments, "What do you think? Will it hold?"


Zieke Haleran wrote:
"Well...looks okay to me," Zieke comments, "What do you think? Will it hold?"

"Nope, I don't think it'll hold the witch and it definitely won't hold against anything bigger. However, I think it will slow her down a bit, and alert us when she comes."


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"Nope, I don't think it'll hold the witch and it definitely won't hold against anything bigger. However, I think it will slow her down a bit, and alert us when she comes."

"Well...there is that," Zieke grins and claps the rogue on the shoulder, "Let's just make sure we're ready to take advantage if it does slow her down. Should we leave this behind us just in case? Salome wants to move Vesh out of here. And having some kind of barrier in place...flimsy as it might be...is probably a good thing if it keeps her out of here or slows her down from using this shrine for anything."

"How many nets do you still have?" he asks, "If we go room to room and seal them off while we thoroughly search each one, then we can leave a net to block off the exit we leave by...much like this one...and at least close off one escape route, or make it so we'll hear her if she slips past us while invisible. Do you have enough nets for something like that? I'm thinking as long as we tear all but one of them down when we leave a room, we can keep room-hopping one step closer to pinning her down somewhere..."


Female Human Cleric

"Help me move him." After moving Vesh's bound and unconscious body to the next room, Salome does a quick examination and checks his vitals.

JSL wrote:
Vesh's skin is cold and clammy. Sweat is pouring from his brow and coats the sides of his face. He is shaking fitfully. But most disturbing are his eyes. He is unconscious, yet they remain open, revealing dilated pupils. Occasionally, he tenses and his eyes shift rapidly from side to side, but throughout it all, he remains unresponsive.

"There must be some kind of antidote..." Salome mutters. What are the effects (i.e., what's happening to Vesh right now?) and how can they be reversed? How can we protect the rest of the group from the shrine's influence?

After a few moments of the wizard searching and wringing his hands, Salome sits up with her hands on her hips. Majji, leave the medicine to me. Do you know anything about how to counteract the magic of this place? I don't have enough Knowledge (Arcana) to even bother rolling.


Female Human Cleric

OOPS. I forgot to copy-paste my roll, and now IC is being flaky and I can't retrieve it. I rolled a Knowledge (religion) 1d20+7=19.


"I only got three nets. I thought that they would be enough at the time."


Looks like I got a little inconsistent with the description of this room. The other exit is an open portal, not a broken door - that is somewhere else. But Malcolm has netted it off nonetheless.

As Slidell carelessly pokes around the base of the statue, Veran caws loudly and flaps from his master's shoulder to land near one of the side alcoves. Laying sideways on the floor is a human skull. At first glance, it is identical to the dozen or so other skulls in the room. But as the light of Ehlissa's sword glints off it, you see a faint, silvery outline in the scalp. Closer examination reveals a seven-pointed star engraved in the crown of the skull. The tracings are filled with silver, which is probably what caught Veran's attention.

Salome:

Spoiler:

You examine Vesh carefully while reviewing everything you know about the cult of Lamashtu - including your recent experiences. His physical form appears to be stable. Enlarged and thickened fingernails are thus far the only outward manifestation of Lamashtu's influence. This leads you to believe that prolonged exposure to the Milk is required to cause a transformation like the goblin underwent. If Vesh is kept away from the Milk, it should be safe to revive him with healing magic.

As gently as possible, you move Vesh's unconscious form past the net and into the corridor beyond. Away from the overwhelming aura of the shrine, Ehlissa does not detect any other evil auras in the area.


Female Human Cleric

Safely away from the shrine, Salome places a hand on Vesh's head. "Shh," she whispers. Cure Light Wounds 1d8+4, out of combat for full healing = 12 As she chants, her mind fills with thick, black darkness, punctuated by flashes of monstrous metamorphoses. "Oh, Vesh, what dreams..." she whispers.

Salome turns to Ehlissa. "He only had one drink. As long as we keep him away from the Milk of Lamashtu and the aura of the shrine, he should be fine. But as a precaution, I think we should keep him tied until he is fully awake."


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:
"I only got three nets. I thought that they would be enough at the time."

"That's alright," Zieke responds, "I was actually surprised you were able to bring so many. But that's a good thing. We'll find a use for them, I'm sure. I understand you've got some experience with the seas and using these things. I admit, they aren't my strongsuit. But if there's anything I can do to aid you in netting us this devil, I'm happy to help."

Salome wrote:
"...as a precaution, I think we should keep him tied until he is fully awake."

Keeping an eye on the rest of the corridor, Zieke only catches the tail-end of Salome's advice to Ehlissa. He whispers back his own agreement. "Do we wait here until he's regained his feet...and his senses? Or do we press on and carry him with us?"


Salome wrote:
Safely away from the shrine, Salome places a hand on Vesh's head. "Shh," she whispers. Cure Light Wounds 1d8+4, out of combat for full healing = 12 As she chants, her mind fills with thick, black darkness, punctuated by flashes of monstrous metamorphoses. "Oh, Vesh, what dreams..." she whispers.

Vesh's eyes open slowly. He looks around wildly at first and struggles against his bonds, but when he sees you, he relaxes.

Vesh:

Spoiler:
You are conscious and should be at about 9 hp, if I've kept track correctly. Your memory of what happened is selective. You don't remember the influence of Lamashtu, drinking from the fountain, or attacking Salome. You *do* remember Zieke subduing you, but only vaguely. That is, at first you might only recall that you were subdued, but later you might remember how, and later still, that it was Zieke. I'll leave that to you to RP. For game effects, you have a -2 penalty to all saving throws and a -4 penalty to saves vs. the effects of the shrine. These will last until you have gone 24 hours without drinking the Milk of Lamashtu. You should RP this as being drawn back towards the shrine, maybe even trying to give the party the slip and head back there on your own.

Salome:

Spoiler:

Vesh is conscious and should be fit to walk about on his own. However, he is not out of danger. The Milk of Lamashtu had not completely taken hold on him, but it was close. As long as he has no further contact with the Milk, he should be back to normal in a day or so.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Knight 1/Fighter 1/Paladin 1 (2)

Ehlissa has her sword out, and says sternly, "You had better be Vesh."


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

JSL:

Spoiler:

I took subdual damage, right? Isn't Vesh at full hp?

Reaction post tomorrow. G'night.


Male Human Wizard 2/Sor 1
Salome wrote:
After a few moments of the wizard searching and wringing his hands, Salome sits up with her hands on her hips. "Majji, leave the medicine to me. Do you know anything about how to counteract the magic of this place?"

Slidell stops his shifting and muttering, pinches the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger, closes his eyes and sighs. "Not yet." He admits grudgingly. Then opens his eyes and smiles. "But give me a moment, I'll think of something!"

The young mage turns on his heel and heads towards the statue, cloak flapping. Once there he begins searching the statue, carefully avoiding the collected puddles of black ichor forming around the base.

JSL wrote:
As Slidell carelessly pokes around the base of the statue, Veran caws loudly and flaps from his master's shoulder to land near one of the side alcoves. Laying sideways on the floor is a human skull. At first glance, it is identical to the dozen or so other skulls in the room. But as the light of Ehlissa's sword glints off it, you see a faint, silvery outline in the scalp. Closer examination reveals a seven-pointed star engraved in the crown of the skull. The tracings are filled with silver, which is probably what caught Veran's attention.

"Well, hello there! And what do we have here?" Slidell asks as he unshutters his lantern for a better look. "Thanks Veran, Good job!" He praises his familiar as he takes out a handkerchief and uses it to pick up the skull. He blows some of the dust from off it, then turns it this way and that, examining it.

"Alas, poor Nodwick, I knew him well Artax,..." Slidell mutters as he works. "Ah, a seven pointed star. Well that's just deucedly unusual." He declares with a furrowed brow. "Everyone knows that the standard is a five pointed pentagram, signifying all the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit, usually within a circle, to signify bound and controlled by will. But a seven,... Let me think,..." He mutters as he heads back towards the group, who are dragging Vesh out of the room past the net.

Is this where my above Knowledge(Arcana) roll would came into play? It was a whopping 16, ;P but he can always try again later! :)

He nods absentmindedly as Salome informs the group that Vesh should be alright, and Vesh begins to stir.

Ehlissa wrote:
Ehlissa has her sword out, and says sternly, "You had better be Vesh."

"Hm. What? Well of course He's Vesh!" Slidell declares, forcibly drawing his attention away from the skull for the first time. "Who else would he be?"

"Um, You are Vesh, aren't you?" The skinny mage asks in a stage whisper to Vesh as the youth groggily focuses his eyes.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

Just for S's and G's, will the person(s) who tied me up please make a Use Rope check? Thanks.

The first thing that Vesh notices is that he is lying down on a cold stone floor. The next, that his face hurts in various places, accompanied by the all-to-familiar feeling of waking up disoriented after being beaten senseless and dumped somewhere. For a moment, he thinks he is back in Riddleport. His heart starts to beat wildly as he opens his eyes.

"Kinri?" he asks, seeing a female form hovering above him. It is Salome; all of a sudden the events of the last week rush back into his consciousness. "Salome?"

His hands are bound behind him, "What in Hell?" He struggles reflexively against his bonds, "Salome?! What's going on? Why am I bound? Why am I bound?" A look of panic crosses his face as he looks from Salome to Ehlissa and sees that she has her sword drawn and pointed at him.

Ehlissa Briez wrote:
"You had better be Vesh."
Slidell Stormraven wrote:

"Hm. What? Well of course He's Vesh!" Slidell declares, forcibly drawing his attention away from the skull for the first time. "Who else would he be?"

"Um, You are Vesh, aren't you?"

"Of course I'm Vesh!" He says, giving the bonds a good tug. "Let me go! What's going on?"


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:
Just for S's and G's, will the person(s) who tied me up please make a Use Rope check? Thanks.

Sure...that would be Zieke.

Use Rope check... (1d20+12=31)

Wow. Apparently Zieke is quite good in the hog-tie contest.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)
Zieke Halveran wrote:


Sure...that would be Zieke.

Use Rope check... (1d20+12=31)

Wow. Apparently Zieke is quite good in the hog-tie contest.

Apparently! Plus 12! Sheeh! Nevermind, then.


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:
Apparently! Plus 12! Sheeh! Nevermind, then.

Yep. +2 for Dex bonus...and +10 for the one tying someone up. Because it's easier to tie up someone than escape from it, according to the SRD write-up.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

Yep. I forgot about that tasty morsel! That really nerfs Escape Artist, imho. Most circumstance bonuses are, what, +4 at most? And the authors pull this +10 out of what? The one time a PC, who has invested (too many) skill points in that twice-in-a-campaign skill, uses escape artist, and any two-bit Kobold with a rope is superior until that character is 7th level. Nerf, nerf, nerf, nerf, nerf.

Okay. The mini-rant has now ended.


Female Human Cleric
Vesh wrote:
"Of course I'm Vesh!" He says, giving the bonds a good tug. "Let me go! What's going on?"

Salome kneels down close to Vesh. He can see the scratches on her face. "Vesh, look at me," she draws his attention. "Take a deep breath." As he does, she quickly searches his face and quickly glances to see if there is anything unusual in his appearance or mannerisms. "Zieke will untie you in just a moment. But first I need to ask you some questions. With appropriate pauses for answers in between. Just a quick mental status exam.

"Do you know where you are?"
"Do you know who we are?" she indicates the rest of the group.
"Do you know what just happened?"
"What is the last thing you remember?"
"Are you in pain? Where?"

Satisfied with Vesh's answers, Salome quickly explains the situation as Vesh is untied. "You drank from the Milk of Lamashtu and were possessed of its evil." She picks up his hand, rubs his wrist, and shows him his thickened nails. "You attacked, and we had to restrain you until you could be healed. You are mostly healed, but you still have some poison in your body. As long as you stay away from the Milk, you will be fine and fully healed in a day or two. But if you have a second dose, Lamashtu will tighten her grip on you and I cannot guess what changes will come."

"We have not yet confronted the djini, and we will be passing through the shrine once again this night. When we do, I suggest you ask to be restrained or else carried through the room so that you may not be compelled again and consume more of that vile drink."


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

I actually posted last night. Lord knows where that one went.
-------------------------------------------------

Salome wrote:


"Do you know where you are?"

"Yes!" Vesh says heatedly. He then calms down and looks around, more subdued he adds, "We're still underground. Looks like we moved past the shrine."

Salome wrote:


"Do you know who we are?" she indicates the rest of the group.

He looks annoyed again. "Yes. You are Salome bajAtru," he says, doing a reasonable facsimile of the accent required to say your name. He turns to the others, "You're Ehlissa Briez. Malcolm. Slidell and Veran. And, Zieke."

Salome wrote:


"Do you know what just happened?"

"Ye--" Vesh stops and frowns. "No," he says quietly, "no, I don't."

Salome wrote:


"What is the last thing you remember?"

"We were coming from the tilted room into the shrine. Malcolm and I had secured the rope and we all scaled down the rubble without any trouble." He looks up at Salome. "I don't remember anything after that...other than someone hitting me and then blacking out."

Salome wrote:


"Are you in pain? Where?"

"No." He says, "My stomach is a little upset, but no. No pain." (He been healed already, right?)

Salome wrote:


Satisfied with Vesh's answers, Salome quickly explains the situation as Vesh is untied. "You drank from the Milk of Lamashtu and were possessed of its evil." She picks up his hand, rubs his wrist, and shows him his thickened nails.

Vesh is bewildered, both by what she is describing and the tenderness with which she handles his hands.

Salome wrote:


"You attacked, and we had to restrain you until you could be healed. You are mostly healed, but you still have some poison in your body. As long as you stay away from the Milk, you will be fine and fully healed in a day or two. But if you have a second dose, Lamashtu will tighten her grip on you and I cannot guess what changes will come."

Vesh's eyes go from his hands to her hands to her face. He becomes noticeably more pale.

Salome wrote:


"We have not yet confronted the djini, and we will be passing through the shrine once again this night. When we do, I suggest you ask to be restrained or else carried through the room so that you may not be compelled again and consume more of that vile drink."

"I attacked?" He asks. "Who? You? Did I scratch your face?" He looks ill. Without waiting for an answer he turns from her, and from the others, in shame. He looks as though he might be sick.


Female Human Cleric

"Our time is limited. We need to keep moving. We can sort it out when the djini is destroyed and we are out of the caves." She turns Vesh's downcast face toward her. "Vesh, you are fine. It was Lamashtu that made you act, not you. The most important things are that we finish our mission and you stay as far as possible from the Milk." Despite her calming words, Vesh can't help but notice her businesslike demeanor. Clinical, even.

"We need to keep going."

Let's resume marching order, netting the exits as we go.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)
Salome wrote:
"Our time is limited. We need to keep moving. We can sort it out when the djini is destroyed and we are out of the caves." She turns Vesh's downcast face toward her. "Vesh, you are fine. It was Lamashtu that made you act, not you. The most important things are that we finish our mission and you stay as far as possible from the Milk." Despite her calming words, Vesh can't help but notice her businesslike demeanor. Clinical, even.

Vesh goes from pale to flushed--from embarrassment or anger you are not sure. Likely both. He jerks his head away from Salome's hand.

"I am not fine." He says in a low voice. "You, of all people..." But he doesn't finish his sentence.

Salome wrote:


"We need to keep going."

He nods tersely, turns, and collects his things. "Let us kill this thing and get the hell out of here."


Female Human (Chelaxian) Knight 1/Fighter 1/Paladin 1 (2)

Still wiping her mouth, Ehlissa nods.


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:
"Let us kill this thing and get the hell out of here."

"Best idea I've heard all day..." Zieke comments, rolling up the rope he used to tie Vesh.

Then, he helps Mal take down any nets for areas they've already examined for the quasit's presence, knowing they'll reuse them once they need to seal off another room or passage.

"Keep a sharp eye," he reminds everyone, "And stick to the plan..."

He passes Vesh on his way to retaking the lead position in their march, and then looks back at him to say, "Let us know if you feel any different. And...sorry about the nose..."


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)
Zieke Halveran wrote:


He passes Vesh on his way to retaking the lead position in their march, and then looks back at him to say, "Let us know if you feel any different. And...sorry about the nose..."

Vesh is frowning. After a moment he responds to Zieke, "What? Oh, yes... let's go."

Everyone but Zieke, make a DC 17 Perception check. Zieke, make a DC 12 Perception check. If you succeed, please read the following. (No peeking if you fail!)

Spoiler:

You are accustomed to Vesh's general inattentiveness--even Zieke is by now. However, it is the doorway back to the Shrine of Lamashtu that seems to hold his attention until Zieke addresses him directly. Vesh seems a little flustered before quickly recovering his composure.


Female Human Cleric

Perception check (1d20+5=8) Failed the perception check, so if I'm getting ahead of things, feel free to slow them down or fill in time as needed. I checked with JSL on the layout of the rooms after the shrine because I had forgotten how it all went together.

Vesh wrote:

"I am not fine." He says in a low voice. "You, of all people..." But he doesn't finish his sentence.

Salome wrote:


"We need to keep going."
He nods tersely, turns, and collects his things. "Let us kill this thing and get the hell out of here."

Salome purses her lips, but says nothing as she follows Zieke and Ehlissa down the hallway, past the alcoves, and away from the goblin's latrine, and to the T-intersection: runewell to the left, unknown to the right.


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:

...Zieke, make a DC 12 Perception check. If you succeed, please read the following....

Spoiler:
You are accustomed to Vesh's general inattentiveness--even Zieke is by now. However, it is the doorway back to the Shrine of Lamashtu that seems to hold his attention until Zieke addresses him directly. Vesh seems a little flustered before quickly recovering his composure.

Perception check... (1d20+5 = 19)

Zieke's eyes narrow for a moment, lingering on Vesh. He seems to measure the rogue's uncertain response, and then Salome's readiness to proceed prods the big warrior along. Still, even as Zieke leads the group forward, he occasionally looks back. To everyone else, it appears he's just checking on their progress or scanning the air for a tell-tale sign of the quasit. But it's really Vesh that captures his attention more often than not...

'There's still something not right,' he tells himself, 'Better watch that one...and I'll be damned if I've got the time for it! That devil could be around the next corner and here I am having to keep an eye on him, too. Maybe I should say something to Salome? Maybe we should go back?'

But despite his misgivings, Zieke says nothing, leading them ever onward...


You have arrived at the T-intersection. To the left, the corridor leads to the preparatory wash room, beyond which is the exit from the shine and back into Thassilonian passageways. To the right is a twisted iron door. You did not explore that direction previously.

The door is half broken off of its hinges leaving a gap you could put your hand through. In the relatively dim light, you can see a faint purple aura emanating from beyond the gap. You are not sure if the light was there before or not - when you came through previously, you had Salome's much brighter light of Lunia functioning.

Make a DC 15 Perception check

Spoiler:

You hear a faint shuffling sound from beyond the door.


Male Human Wizard 2/Sor 1

JSL~ If my examination of the discovered skull yields nothing by now, Sli will put it in his backpack for later, more detailed, examination.

Slidell watches, unusually quiet, examining the skull while surreptitiously observing Salome calmly question Vesh. He nods, obviously accepting Vesh's answers as accurate. "I'm not surprised at your loss of memory. Whatever else the 'Milk' is or contains, it is obviously very powerful, and the shock to your system was extreme. I would imagine that your memory will return in time." He smiles.

"Er, um, yes." He stutters in response to the others' admonitions to get moving as he thinks about what he has just said, and realizes that the return of the memory might not necessarily be a blessing. With a final, longing glance at the skull, he wraps it in the kerchief he is holding it in and stuffs it into his pack. As they start to move, Veran whispers in Slidell's ear, causing him to glance back at Vesh and frown momentarily.

Grrr, didn't post this earlier, and now IC won't let me find my 'old' rolls! (Didn't used to be a problem!) Sli had an 8, and Veran had a 17 vs. Vesh's PER DC of 17.

JSL wrote:

You have arrived at the T-intersection. To the left, the corridor leads to the preparatory wash room, beyond which is the exit from the shine and back into Thassilonian passageways. To the right is a twisted iron door. You did not explore that direction previously.

The door is half broken off of its hinges leaving a gap you could put your hand through. In the relatively dim light, you can see a faint purple aura emanating from beyond the gap. You are not sure if the light was there before or not - when you came through previously, you had Salome's much brighter light of Lunia functioning.

Make a DC 15 Perception check

Slidell and Veran's PER rolls for the hallway per JSL: (1d20-1=13, 1d20+5=13)

(Sigh) Whatever Sli was looking at, it seems Veran was looking at too! ;P

"Well, we know what lies that way." Slidell whispers as he points his shuttered lantern to the left. "But I believe the Quasit chose that area as a battleground because she planned on being able to use the Runewell to her advantage. I don't know if she has any reason to remain there with the Runewell dark." He looks to the right. "On the other hand, we haven't checked this way yet. And that purple glow is curious. Perhaps we should investigate this first?" He asks hopefully.

The mage sighs in exasperation, but is smiling. "Decisions, decisions. How about you Ehlissa, any particular feelings about which way to go? Any sense of the Imp yet?" He asks quietly.


Slidell Stormraven wrote:
JSL~ If my examination of the discovered skull yields nothing by now, Sli will put it in his backpack for later, more detailed, examination.

Sorry. It took me awhile to find the Arcana check.

You suspect the symbol is of Thassilonian origin, but you do not know anything specific beyond that.

Ehlissa can detect a faint evil aura emanating from beyond the broken door.


Female Human Cleric

Another failed perception check! Perception check (1d20+5=6) And I don't even have the inattentive flaw...

Salome proceeds silently, trying to stay focused on the business at hand. Mad at me? He attacks me, I heal him, I do not blame him for what he did, and yet he is mad at me? She notes the purplish glow beyond the gate, but voices no opinion.


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1

Perception check... (1d20+5 = 22)

Zieke swiftly holds up his hand in a clear sign for everyone to keep quiet. He crouches and approaches the door once more just to be sure. 'Yep...definitely something...' he thinks.

He then pulls everyone close, waving them into a huddle so he can speak in a low tone that won't carry.

"Not just a purple glow that way," he explains, "I heard some movement behind the door. So we've got company. Could be the wrathspawn, could be the devil, or it could be something else..."

His eyes stare at Vesh as he asks aloud, "Which way, Salome?"


Female Human (Chelaxian) Knight 1/Fighter 1/Paladin 1 (2)

Perception (1d20+1=6, 1d20+1=19)

"It's behind the door... or something is. I'm sure of it." Ehlissa ,murmurs.


Male Human Wizard 2/Sor 1
Zieke wrote:
"Not just a purple glow that way," he explains, "I heard some movement behind the door. So we've got company. Could be the wrathspawn, could be the devil, or it could be something else..."

"Really? I didn't hear anything." Slidell whispers as his raven pokes it's head up, looks around furtively, then returns to the huddle.

Ehlissa wrote:
"It's behind the door... or something is. I'm sure of it." Ehlissa murmurs.

Slidell glances at the warrior woman and nods. "Hmmm,... Small gap in the doorway, door is damaged and would likely make a racket if the wrathspawn had to use it, small shapechanger, It's most likely the Quasit. Well then," He continues quietly. "It's either hiding because it's scared, or more likely, because it's set a trap. And if it's gone to all that trouble, well, it would be rude not to accommodate it, right?" He whispers with a broad wink. Observant, or paranoid, observers might notice that the flighty mage's gaze lingers on Vesh for a few moments longer than usual.


Female Human Cleric
Zieke Halveran wrote:
His eyes stare at Vesh as he asks aloud, "Which way, Salome?"

"Ehlissa says it is this way. But I wonder if we should make sure the other route is secure first? And how are we going to get through the door? Would it be possible for Veran to scout for us?"


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Slidell Stormraven wrote:
"Really? I didn't hear anything." Slidell whispers...

'Now why doesn't that surprise me?' Zieke wonders silently about the absent-minded mage.

"I'm sure your attention was...elsewhere," he whispers back. 'As usual,' he mentally adds.

Ehlissa wrote:
"It's behind the door... or something is. I'm sure of it." Ehlissa murmurs.

Zieke nods, reassured that he wasn't the only one to notice, and that Ehlissa seems to be on her game today, despite drinking the Milk of Lamashtu.

Slidell Stormraven wrote:
"Hmmm...small gap in the doorway, door is damaged and would likely make a racket if the wrathspawn had to use it, small shapechanger, it's most likely the Quasit. Well then...it's either hiding because it's scared, or more likely, because it's set a trap. And if it's gone to all that trouble, well, it would be rude not to accommodate it, right?"

"It's Salome's call," Zieke responds, "Of us all, I think she's got the best chance to really put this devil in its place. But I'd hate to waste any of her divine might on something else."

He looks beyond their huddle towards the entrance to the well room.

"Still," he concedes, "We already know what lies that way...and it's not favorable terrain in which to face her. I'd also hate to leave something at our back that can cut-off any retreat to the portal. If you're interested in my opinion, I say we take whatever's past the iron door...and, with any luck, we draw the devil to us in a place that's harder to escape our notice."

Salome wrote:
"...how are we going to get through the door? Would it be possible for Veran to scout for us?"

"I wouldn't advise that," Zieke shakes his head, struggling to keep his voice down to a whisper, "Last time that bird got caught and that led us right into a huge mess. It's a liability unless the wizard keeps it with him."

"As for the door..." he muses, "Maybe see if Mal can sneak up to see what's on the other side. If it's too tight to slip past, we just yank it open and hurry through..."


Male Human Wizard 2/Sor 1
Salome wrote:
And how are we going to get through the door? Would it be possible for Veran to scout for us?"

"NO!" Slidell hisses, wide-eyed as he grabs at Veran. "No." He repeats, calmer but still wide-eyed as he relaxes his grip to pet Veran and reassure himself the familiar was still there. "No repeat performances."

Zieke wrote:
"I wouldn't advise that," Zieke shakes his head, struggling to keep his voice down to a whisper, "Last time that bird got caught and that led us right into a huge mess. It's a liability unless the wizard keeps it with him."

"Listen to the large, heavily armed and armored man." Slidell whispers with a final pat of Veran, apparently recovered from his initial panic. "He's smarter than he looks." He says with a straight face.

Zieke wrote:
"As for the door..." he muses, "Maybe see if Mal can sneak up to see what's on the other side. If it's too tight to slip past, we just yank it open and hurry through..."

"Recon and Frontal assault. Not much finesse, but simple and direct. I like it!" Slidell smiles with a final whisper. Only his fingers drumming on his staff betray any sign of his previous nervousness.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

Vesh has a sick feeling in his stomach--from the Milk of Lamashtu, from attacking Salome, he's not sure. I am not fine. He thinks. He wracks his memory as they walk away from the Shrine. He feels a strange reluctance to leave it.

Suddenly he realizes that Zieke had apologized for his nose. Zieke had been the one to subdue him. He is looking back at Vesh at they walk. So is everyone else. They are checking on me. They're scared. He feels a small pang in his gut with every step he takes away from the Shrine and the milk.They ought to be scared...I am not fine.

Zieke Halveran wrote:


"Still," he concedes, "We already know what lies that way...and it's not favorable terrain in which to face her. I'd also hate to leave something at our back that can cut-off any retreat to the portal. If you're interested in my opinion, I say we take whatever's past the iron door...and, with any luck, we draw the devil to us in a place that's harder to escape our notice."

Vesh--frowning--simply whispers, "Agreed. We know something is in there--perhaps just the Wrathspawn. We can't leave that at our back as we traipse up to the well."


Female Human (Chelaxian) Knight 1/Fighter 1/Paladin 1 (2)

"No, we're not leaving until we deal with this fiend, whatever it may be." Ehlissa says calmly.


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)

Grrrr…the boards keep dropping my posts!

Vesh nods, gingerly drops his pack to the floor, and produces a flask of Alchemist’s Fire. “What about one of these?” He asks the others in a hushed voice. “If it is the Wrathspawn, Mal could hurl one of these at it as he sneaks up to the door. Then we could rush the room and dispatch it as it burns.”


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:
“What about one of these?....If it is the Wrathspawn, Mal could hurl one of these at it as he sneaks up to the door. Then we could rush the room and dispatch it as it burns.”

"If the fight draws the devil here, the smoke and fire might make it more difficult to locate her," Zieke replies, "But if it is a wrathspawn, I agree with you that it's a good idea to hit it several times before it closes with us. Maybe not with your alchemist's fire, though. Good old fashioned arrows and thrown weapons should do the job well enough. Perhaps fall back a bit to draw it out and hit it with another volley. And then let me and Ehlissa cut it down once it reaches us?"


Male Human (Varisian) Spellthief 4 (XP = 6405) as of 7/28, Wrathspawn and Shrine (10,000xp = 5th level)
Zieke Halveran wrote:
..."Perhaps fall back a bit to draw it out and hit it with another volley. And then let me and Ehlissa cut it down once it reaches us?"

Vesh nods and secures the alchemist's fire on his person but out of his way. He then nocks an arrow. "Let's do this."


Male Half-Elf Fighter 1 / Monk 1
Vesh wrote:
Vesh nods and secures the alchemist's fire on his person but out of his way. He then nocks an arrow. "Let's do this."

A nagging feeling of uneasiness creeps up Zieke's spine as he envisions the young archer behind him. 'Is he really over what happened in the shrine?' he wonders, 'What's to say he doesn't put an arrow in my back with that thing?' He considers only for a moment, then reasons, 'Salome would've surely known if he posed a further threat...so he shouldn't be a problem...I hope.'

"Alright," he nods, "Mal and me to the door. The rest of you ready your weapons. Mal? You look through the gap. If it's something dangerous you give me the sign and together, we'll open the door. The others can fire on it while we run back. Then we keep hitting it until it comes to us. At that point, Ehlissa and I can take it on. You slip around and flank it if you get the chance. And hopefully, we finish it before anything else comes to investigate."

He pauses for a moment. "If it turns out the door can't be pulled open far enough to give anyone a shot, Mal and I will either hit it with something from our position through the gap and lure it out...or we'll have to slip through and count on the rest of you to follow us so we can attack it on the other side. How's that sound? Anyone with a different idea...or something to add?"

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