Morrow: Yes, no problem. No more saves needed - at least not at the moment.
Reonnyn's eyes widen at the appearance of the efreat, "What is one of those doing HERE?" He doesn't wait for an answer as he fires another bolt at it!
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Reonnyn sends a blast of eldritch energy at the efreeti, and though the wall offers it some cover the halfling warlock's aim is true enough to strike the creature in its left shoulder before he darts forward, trying to escape the intense heat of the wall of fire - but to no avail! Aurora tries to stay as far away from the fire as possible as she moves along the wall, scuttling along the vertical surface as easily as her mechanical spider, until she emerges into the room several feet above Reonnyn's head along with Shadow. Morrow slashes at the two half-ogres in front of him, and takes both of them down with a pair of solid blows! Verdan tries to focus on a spell to heal his allies and manages to ignore the blazing heat of the wall of fire, healing everyone to full health!
The half-ogres move tentatively to engage Verdan and Morrow, but their feeble blows are easily blocked by the cleric and duskblade. Neb casts a timely spell that protects them from the wall of fire, as well as the scorching ray produced by the efreeti - a protective spell that the creature apparently recognizes as he shouts what sounds to be a string of curses in an unknown tongue. The door on the far side of the room, at the top of the stairs, slams open, revealing a man with long brown hair swept back in intricate braids and clad in plate armor. Armed with a bow, he steps forward and fires arrows at Morrow as he calls out to the efreeti in a tongue that sets nerves on edge, and the planar creature answers back in the same language - a brief exchange of words that none in the party can interpret. The efreeti swoops down a bit and slashes at Morrow with the huge falchion, hovering just out of the duskblade's reach as the massive creature takes advantage of its own. The duskblade is struck by one of the arrows that feels like an icicle as it sears into his flesh, lowering his guard enough that he takes a massive blow from the efreeti!
vs DC 11 = Success!
+1 (23 HP to all)
vs Verdan's AC = Miss!
vs Morrow's AC = Miss!
vs DC 19 = Success!
vs Morrow's AC = Miss!
vs Morrow's AC = Hit!
+
vs Morrow's AC = Hit!
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Armored Archer - Unwounded
Efreeti - Flying 10' up (takes up a 10' square, so reach needed is 10' to make a melee attack); 15 damage taken
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [15' up the wall; Carrying Everburning Torch & Blast Rod (10 HD (1d8 damage) remaining); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 40/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [15' up the wall; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Half-Ogres - All are very badly wounded
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan moves out of direct contact with the fire and sends another flurry of magic missiles, this time into the efreet himself.
Morrow feels the pain of the Effreet's falchion but has to focus on taking down the minions before he can advance. "Your lackey's are almost dead, then it's your turn!"
Reonnyn hears the unfamiliar words from the unseen assailant, cursing under his breath. "What sort of allies does he have?" he mutters as he sends another eldritch bolt at the efreat!
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Again Reonnyn sends another eldritch blast at the efreeti and Aurora does the same with her blast rod as Morrow takes the last two half-ogres down. Verdan, unable to reach the efreeti that hovers beyond his reach, casts a spell to heal Morrow. The efreeti disappears from sight and the archer on the balcony fires off another couple arrows at Morrow, both of them striking the duskblade. Without a target.
= Hit!
vs DC 18 = Success!
HP healed by Morrow
vs Morrow's AC = Hit!
vs Morrow's AC = Hit!
+
+
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Armored Archer - Unwounded
Efreeti - Invisible; 51 damage taken
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [15' up the wall; Carrying Everburning Torch & Blast Rod (5 HD (1d8 damage) remaining); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 53/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [15' up the wall; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Without an immediate target, Nebuzaradan flies to the east and casts web on the archer (DC 18 REF or cannot move).
Reonnyn follows Neb into the forge area, eyes peeled for the efreat. "Invisible, I know it..." as he waits for the efreat to show himself.
While the effreet had gone invisible Norebo's Hand still told Morrow that the monster was there, but out of his reach. He takes the opportunity, drops his shield and races across the room at the archer and attack. "Surrender and you might survive!"
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Reonnyn waits for the efreeti to show itself (Ready action) as Aurora scuttles forward along the wall to a point just above Verdan's head and sends a blast at the armored archer on the balcony even as Morrow races to engage him in melee combat and scores a solid hit! Verdan casts a spell to heat up the armor of their foe, but the archer easily overcomes the divine magic. Neb...
= Hit!
vs DC 15 = Success!
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Armored Archer - 33 damage taken
Efreeti - Invisible; 51 damage taken
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [15' up the wall; Carrying Everburning Torch; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 53/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [15' up the wall; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 +17 THP [Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
With his crazy, melee obsessed comrades charging into his target area, Nebuzaradan decides to just magic missile the archer.
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Neb watches Morrow go charging toward the stairs and makes an adjustment to the arcane power he wields, sending a flurry of bolts at the archer instead of webbing the area. The archer takes a step back through the door into the room he just emerged from moments earlier, sending another pair of arrows at Morrow, who has a bit of cover from the door frame that he uses to good advantage as the arrows miss!
vs Morrow's AC (with +2 cover) = Miss!
vs Morrow's AC (with +2 cover) = Miss!
In the same moment, a booming laugh reverberates through the chamber as a massive wall of brass suddenly bisects the room, cutting off the duskblade from the others!
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Archer - 48 damage taken
Efreeti - Invisible; 51 damage taken
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [Carrying Everburning Torch & Blast Rod (0 HD (1d8 damage) remaining); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 53/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Reonnyn utters a sailor's curse as he sees Morrow get cut off from the others. "He is going to get slaughtered!" He exclaims. As he ponders whether he could use is newfound abilities to bypass the barrier, he already knew the risks involved...
Reonnyn, it looks like that power is basically Dimension Door, so you don't have to see the destination to teleport there - and though the range is more limited, it's more than sufficient in this instance. Just let me know where in the room you want to be by placing your icon there. I'll let you know if it's a 'safe' spot once you've done that on your next action. If there's a solid body there, you could be shunted off course and take damage, per the spell description.
Nebuzaradan wastes no time in trying to dispel the wall. "Be gone," he says and sends the magics forth.
Reonnyn closes his eyes tightly as he dashes towards the wall...
Morrow knows that the greater danger is the Efreet, but he certainly doesn't want to turn his back on the archer. Maybe if he takes him down he can exit through the doorway? He steps up and attacks.
Two handed attacks
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Reonnyn closes his eyes and charges through the wall, reappearing on the far side in time to see Morrow cut down the archer with the plate armor. Verdan and Aurora both advance further into the chamber and then, in the next moment, Neb summarily dismisses the brass wall with a wave of one hand! A moment later, a deep voice above the group growls angrily in that same unknown tongue it used before, and then there is silence.
The room in front of Morrow is clearly a very finely furnished bedroom. A thick rug covers much of the chamber's cold, stony floor. A chandelier of purple and red crystal hangs from a hook in the center of the ceiling, casting multicolored light all around. To the northwest is a canopied bed, its mattress swathed in brightly colored silk blankets. to the east are a chair and a small table heaped with stacks of parchment and used quills. A teak armroire in the southern portion of the room completes the surprisingly elegant furnishings. Directly across the room, a section of the wall stands ajar, a secret door that had been pushed open and left that way apparently.
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Efreeti - Location unknown, last heard up near the ceiling somewhere above Reonnyn's head.
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [Carrying Everburning Torch; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 53/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Neb casts glitter dust on the area where he heard the voice ensuring everyone is out of range of its explosion. "Sparkle and shine you varmint."
Nothing appears, Neb. It must have moved away and is now out of the 10' radius area of where you'd heard its voice.
Reonnyn scans the area trying to pick out the efreat wondering whether it has indeed fled the scene, or whether it was trying to hide from them, readying to blast it should it appear. "Don't let him expire here Verdan! We need him alive!"
Morrow calls on the power of Norebo's Hand to determine where the efreet is. (if it is within the 60' range) If the creature is within range he attacks. If not he relays what the sword 'tells' him.
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Norebo's hand gives the duskblade the strong impression that the invisible efreeti has soared over their heads and back along the passage from which they just emerged. Morrow doesn't get the sense the creature is still within his line of sight, though.
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Efreeti - Location unknown, last sensed by Morrow/Norebo's Hand up near the ceiling and moving northwest then north toward the corridor entering/exiting the area (as indicated on the map above.)
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [Carrying Everburning Torch; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 53/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan calls out, "How is everyone. Verdan, check on Morrow, he took a beating. Morrow, do you have eyes on that archer?"
"I'm OK Neb...good job there. Though I think that efreat bastard got away!" Reonnyn exclaims, "Doon't know who was working for who..." muttering under his breath. "Bind his wrists Morrow and we'll revive him. He should have some answers for us."
Verdan nods and proceeds to cast a minor healing spell on the archer once he has been bound then he proceeds to heal Morrow.
As Verdan does his good deed Reonnyn moves to check the door in the corner of the room.
"The archer is laid out there. But the efreet ran, I mean flew off that way. Hopefully it was a slave and has escaped? I'd rather not have it running for reinforcements!." Hearing Reonnyn he checks to see if the man is breathing. If he is Morrow removes any weapons, ties and gags him.
Neb flies up to join the pair as they bind their attacker.
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
The archer is dead, though he has several items of interest on his body - not to mention the room beyond. And in fact, the party finds a pair of captives beyond the secret door in a small chamber that looks as though it's not been used for centuries. A gnome and a human are shackled to the wall, their mouths gagged and their eyes also bound with cloth as their heads hang limply upon their bare chests. Verdan quickly confirms they are alive, however. The keys to their shackles are one of the items found on the body of the armored archer, along with a couple of potions that he never got the chance to use, as well as his bow, full plate armor and heavy steel shield - all of which radiate magic. He also carries a finely crafted longsword that is not magical.
The furnishings of the room are also worth a small fortune, if they can be transported. There are four blankets on the bed crafted of fine silk, a chandelier lit with two dozen tiny flames that magically burn without heat, as well as a number of fine clothes contained in the armoire. Two drawers set into the bottom of the armoire contain a number of weapons, armor and other equipment similar to something a pair of adventurers might carry. In additional, there are parchments that appear to be hand-drawn maps with notes that include figures and symbols - though they don't appear to be magical in any way.
In the main room where the forges still blaze with intense heat, there are metal parts upon the worktables that bear tools and what appear to be parts of an iron golem - or two of them, to be exact. One looks to be nearly completed while the other is still almost entirely unassembled. Verdan uses up several charges on his Wand of Lesser Vigor to heal Morrow, as well as the unconscious prisoners. Both of them are roused awake within minutes, and all their injuries are taken care of as they relate their story to the party...
4 Silk Blankets [12.0 lbs.] (100gp each)
Chandelier (set with 24 tiny Continual Flame spells) [40.0 lbs.] (2,000gp)
6 Tabards (bearing the insignia of Iuz) [18.0 lbs.] (50gp each)
2 Nobleman Outfits (bearing the insignia of Iuz) [12.0 lbs.] (75gp each)
Royal Outfit (exquisitely crafted, bearing the insignia of Iuz) [8.0 lbs.] (350gp)
Hand-drawn maps [1.0 lb.] (value unknown)
2 Magical Potions
Magical Longbow
Magical Full Plate Armor
Magical Heavy Steel Shield
Masterwork Longsword
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Aurora 52/52 [Carrying Everburning Torch & Blast Rod (0 HD (1d8 damage) remaining); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Morrow 75/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Shadow 63/63 [DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Sobok lifts his head up and looks through a swollen eye to see who has come to torture them now. He blinks as he sees a strange new group looking at him.
Fash comes too, feeling healing magic soothe away his hurts. Still, he pretends to be unconscious for a further minute, taking stock of the situation and using his ears - grandfather had always said "You learn more with your ear open and your mouth shut!"
Unmanacled, no hood over his head, and being magically healed; clearly this was a rescue. Slitting open his eyes, he assessed their rescuers... and was heartened to discover that Sobok had survived their defeat as well.
"Unghhh" with a groan the gnome pulls himself to sit up, and speaks "Hail and well met. I am Fash Deargal and this is Sobok. Whom do I have to thank for this rescue?"
"Have you boys been here long?" Nebuzaradan asks eyeing them both over his glasses.
Reonnyn glares at the corpse of the archer, disappointed he couldn't provide any answers for them. Still rummaging through his possessions told him a lot. "Whoever he was, he venerated the Old One...definitely not a friend! Maybe these maps will provide some clues..." he adds as he looks over the maps.
The discovery of the prisoners draws his attention. Once the pair have been healed he introduces himself, "I am Reonnyn the Bold...you may have heard of me but trust me, it is all an exaggeration...well most of it anyway." His jovial expression turns deadly serious in the blink of an eye as he continues, "Now how did the two of you warrant ending up in these fine quarters?"
Freed from his bonds, Sobok begins his draconic aura to ease the wounds of those around him. As he does he says, "We were part of an expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk. We found a place that our wizard called the Endless Stair. He divined the password and we passed beyond the Endless Stair to a place called Zagig's Promenade. There we were beset by powerful forces and were defeated. A man named Marshal Bailak took us prisoner and has been torturing us and questioning us. He felt we were spies for Greyhawk it seems."
As Fash puts on his gear, he chimes in as well: "Yes, Sobok has the gist of it. There was a powerful priest of the Old One, and several Iron Golems as well as Marshal Bailak. We slew the priest and destroyed one of the golems, but in the end we were defeated. Once we make ourselves a going concern once again, we will look at this archer you defeated, and we will tell you if he is Marshal Bailak. " He pauses for thought and replies to Nebuzaradan "I am not sure how long we have been here - we have spend too much time unconscious to be sure. What is today's date?"
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
After speaking with the now fully healed Sobok and Fash, the party learns that the shaman and the gnome were held captive for some three days - oddly enough, the same time that they themselves arrived, or within the span of some few hours anyway. The two quickly confirm that the armored warrior bearing the magical bow was indeed Marshal Bailak - the one who has been torturing and interrogating the captives during that time.
In the meantime, Aurora investigates a disc of jet-black stone that is slightly raised above the rest of the floor. There is a sudden flash of eldritch green light, and the artificer and her metallic spider companion disappear! The others hurry to the site to see what happened. Neb and Fash both take note of the runes carved into its surface, and they strongly suspect it to be some kind of teleporter. The dwarven wizard and the gnome beguiler speculate aloud that it would likely require some kind of 'key' to invoke the magic, though nothing the party has found thus far matches the description. Indeed, such a device would possess a strong aura of magic that would match that of the teleporation disc. Why the artificer was teleported is a mystery, but maybe she possess some magical item that mimicked the key to some degree. In any case, there seems to be nothing that can be done, until and unless they find another magical item that can trigger the teleporter.
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Sobok 118/118
Morrow 75/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Fash 62/62 [Darkvision]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
With the items indicated as magical, Neb offers to take a look at them. Setting them side by side he casts detect magic an studies the items before him.
potion
potion
bow
armor
shield
Fash will assist Nebuzaradan in trying to identify the assorted items:
potion
5 ranks +6 int
potion
bow
armor
shield
"I have a magic backpack that can help carry stuff, but there's still too much by way of valuables here. How about we hid the excess in the secret room and come back for it later?"
On the theory there might be something hidden in the room (and the forge), Fash will search all 3 rooms (F19, F19A and F18 - I don't see anyone else having made a search check...).
11 ranks +6 int
Reonnyn shakes his head sadly as Aurora vanishes from sight. "Too bad...I rather liked her..." Turning his attention to the two newcomers he nods, "We were not sent here to rescue you. We have our own mission here. We are trying to track down a powerful artifact known as the Orb of Opposition, said to be found in this Tower." He quickly describes the item to them, "Have either of you heard this Marshal or any of his lackeys talk of it?" He shrugs helplessly, "I hate wandering around this place...anyway there is safety in numbers. We would like you to travel with us for an equal share of the treasure...plus the attention of our employer."
"I'm Morrow Tue, duskblade. We've dealt with several monsters but could definitely use some help. Strength in numbers and all that."
”Nebuzaradan, old and irascible, deal with it. As for the treasure, I agree, take it back to a safe spot and hide what we can’t use.”
"I am Sobok, a Shaman who looks to the power and wisdom of Dragons. I would be happy to join you. Flash and I did not do so well alone." Sobok says in reply. "I do not think I have heard of this Orb. Is it dangerous?"
Reonnyn grimaces, "Extremely dangerous. Do not touch it with your bare skin...we would have to kill you afterwards."
Reonnyn shakes his head sadly as Aurora vanishes from sight. "Too bad...I rather liked her..." Turning his attention to the two newcomers he nods, "We were not sent here to rescue you. We have our own mission here. We are trying to track down a powerful artifact known as the Orb of Opposition, said to be found in this Tower." He quickly describes the item to them, "Have either of you heard this Marshal or any of his lackeys talk of it?" He shrugs helplessly, "I hate wandering around this place...anyway there is safety in numbers. We would like you to travel with us for an equal share of the treasure...plus the attention of our employer."
...
"An equal share is what got me down here in the first place, so that sounds good to me. But I would ask that you elaborate some more about this employer of yours - there are a few folk out there that I'd not be willing to for or with."
Moonday, 10th day of Planting, 597 C.Y.
Weather outside is unknown (underground for 3 days)
Current time is unknown, probably very early morning or so.
-------------------------------------------------
Morrow invokes his own magic and looks over the weapons and armor carefully as Reonnyn studies the papers they found. The halfling is certain that they are hand-drawn maps of Greyhawk and the surrounding terrain, each with an alternate plan of attack that an opposing army might launch depending on various weather conditions, expected resistance from local forces and other factors that he can't discern. In each case though, all of the attacks appear to originate from the towers that make up the ruins of Castle Greyhawk.
Sobok asks more questions about the Orb as Fash questions the employer that gave the heroes their task as the duskblade finishes his examination. The lomgbow in particular is a fine magical weapon that utilizes cold magic, while the armor possesses only minor protective magic that could still be useful for defense. Of the two potions, one is a healing potion of moderate power while the other is meant to enhance one's personality at great need for a short time.
The fine sheets and outfits would likely become quite foul if left in the lair of the gauth for any length of time, unless they were protected from the foul stench of that place.
for Magical Longbow
for unknown potion
4 Silk Blankets [12.0 lbs.] (100gp each)
Chandelier (set with 24 tiny Continual Flame spells) [40.0 lbs.] (2,000gp)
6 Tabards (bearing the insignia of Iuz) [18.0 lbs.] (50gp each)
2 Nobleman Outfits (bearing the insignia of Iuz) [12.0 lbs.] (75gp each)
Royal Outfit (exquisitely crafted, bearing the insignia of Iuz) [8.0 lbs.] (350gp)
Hand-drawn maps of attack plans [1.0 lb.] (value unknown)
Magical Potion of Eagle's Splendor
Magical Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
Magical Composite [+2 STR] Longbow +1 'Frost'
Magical Full Plate Armor +1
Magical Heavy Steel Shield +1
Masterwork Longsword
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
----------------------------------------------
Reonnyn 64/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); Darkvision (Invocation); +2 to Fort Saves (Invocation); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Sobok 118/118
Morrow 75/75 [Darkvision (Norebo's Hand); DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Fash 62/62 [Darkvision]
Verdan 61/61 [No AC Penalty when using Hide/Move Silently (Iron Silence) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
Nebuzaradan 50/50 [Flying 15' up; Darkvision; +6 armor bonus to AC (Greater Mage Armor) for 10 hours; can fly [average] maneuverability] at a speed of 40' (Overland Flight) for 10 hours; DR 20 (Fire) for 100 minutes]
”Instead of moving everything back to where we follow ght the gauth why not use this as our new base of operations? It smells a lot better, is more comfortable and bsically just as defensible.” Nebuzaradan suggests.
"This...is NOT good," Reonnyn mutters as he stows the maps away in his pouch. "I think Mordenkainen and the rest of the rulers in Greyhawk would be very interested in what we have learned...by the way that is who we are doing a favor for Fash. Hopefully that doesn't affect your decision." Turning his attention to Neb he nods, "Sure seems OK, except for the heat....and also that teleporter where Aurora vanished from...also what should we do about the golem materials? Destroy them?"
"This...is NOT good," Reonnyn mutters as he stows the maps away in his pouch. "I think Mordenkainen and the rest of the rulers in Greyhawk would be very interested in what we have learned...by the way that is who we are doing a favor for Fash. Hopefully that doesn't affect your decision." Turning his attention to Neb he nods, "Sure seems OK, except for the heat....and also that teleporter where Aurora vanished from...also what should we do about the golem materials? Destroy them?"
...
"You are sure your employer is indeed Mordenkainen, archmage of the circle of eight? I was involved in the fighting in the Pomarj, opposing Turrosh Mak during the great war. We failed to stop him, and a large part of that was that there was much chaos in the land, being wrought by witting and unwitting pawns of the Scarlet Brotherhood. Lesson hard learned - know who your mysterious employer is before you carry out his bidding." Fash pauses for a second before continuing "With regards to the golem materials, I would leave them, possibly for later retrieval. They could either be used to build golems loyal to us, or sold to a wizard interested in crafting his own..."