“Solrisa almost turns to jump again into the water, but such was her sense of restraint that she doesn't jump in nor eat the partially parboiled tentacle.”
Ummmm…. I thought she would totally be into that. <shrugs>
Eri tries swimming like a fish and stretching out the skills that he got from the potion before they wear out. When it’s time, he tries to fling himself out of the water up the ladder a bit before grabbing on as high as he can.
When everyone is together briefly, he will recast message.
“she suddenly drops through the floor”
”If you don’t want to play tag, just say so. This seems a bit excessive.”
Eri briefly watches Mort start clawing at the floor and waits for more cooler heads to prevail. He then guards the rear.
Ascaria calls for action, as focus turns to the corner of the hallway now known to be trapped. Tynan is both unable to locate the trap, nor is he able to disable it. Stepping into the original square from which Solrisa disappeared, the trap is sprung again. Mortimer's prone pushes don't seem to apply enough weight to trigger it. Presuming steps are taken not to fall , a curious scene unfolds, briefly, from the bottom of the pit. There is a floor, 30' below, but Solrisa fails to appear lying on it. She is nowhere to be found, by sight, or sound.
At the same time that Mortimer is securing the Rope of Climbing from Tynan, two doors open, allowing three dopplegangers direct line-of-sight into the hallway, in response to the gnome's call for help...
Round 1, Init 14
Sol does nothing. She waits, looks around. She's not worried. She's not scared. She doesn't scare.
Round 1, Init 15
"Quick Mort, the others are in trouble! We'll have to figure out where Sol is after the others are safe."
Tynan rushes forward, quickly unsheathing his sword, and interposes himself between Ascaria and the shapeshifter. QRapidly sizing up its defenses, he makes a quick stab at the creature, his blade hitting home.
HP:46/46
Saves:Fort 5, Ref 9, Will 3
Round: 3, Initiative: 9
Weapon Equipped = Wand CLW
Conditions = Water Breathing (13/50m), Bless (13/14m), Light Prison (1/7r)
Life Link (7)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (2/9)(7/7) (DC: 21)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 7, Concentration +13)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (2/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (2/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Ascaria feels more pain as Sol is healed of at least some of her injuries.*
He eyes the opponents and, remembering his burst does little to them, instead tries a new trick. Ascaria casts Light Prison.
Ascaria casts and rays of light burst forth from his outstretched hand, encircling each doppleganger’s space with a cage of light. Reflex DC 18 each or be imprisoned in those cages. Assuming one ore more are caught, Ascaria shouts, ”Now look here, leave that cage of light to your detriment. The power over light that I have is unmatched - you will suffer! Stay where you are!"
to convince them the cages are more deadly than they are so they remain in place. Apparently, his voice squeaks, and he reveals how frightened he is of them, rather then the other way 'round.
He then 5’ steps back to allow room for Mort and/or Hourpen to guard the flank in case the dopplegangers move up anyway.
The three creatures all seem to take the gnome's words with a grain of salt. A single grain should cover all three of them, yeah.
The one at the end of the hall even seems to avoid the ensnaring light, and the gnome only successfully 'captures' the closest two in their room.
Round 1, Init 24
AC 21, 25 on AoO; 52/53 HP
BAB = +7/+2 (level 7)
ToHit = 1d20+11
RHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+6-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+6 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+7
Will+4
Initiative +2
CMD = 25, 23 if flat footed (27 Grapple, 26 Disarm)
Flexibility Slots: 0/6
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
"Quick Mort, the others are in trouble! We'll have to figure out where Sol is after the others are safe."
"She's probably scared..." Sorry Sol...
Mortimer moves, rope in tow and stands behind Tynan, who suddenly and inexplicably somehow moved ahead of him. He then waits.
He's somewhat taken aback when the light prison shows up.
Round One, Init 22
Hourpen moves to stand near Tynan after focusing on his rapier, which flames spread over - slashing at the nearest creature after closing.
, ,
Hourpen steps up humbly to the doorway, off to the side, and takes a stab after glowing his rapier, but fails to connect on the newcomer. Mortimer hesitates between the maiden and the marauders, deciding to reposition and wait in the middle of the hallway. Tynan takes advantage of the giant's hesitation to step in front of the dopplegangers and draw first blood. Ascaria rounds out the first actions by capturing two of the dopples in a shimmering cage of light, though he fails to convince anyone of their lethality.
The dopples mobilize. Thing 1 and Thing 2 begin the response, as Tynan is swiped at, twice.
The second dopple tries to walk through the gnome's Light Prison, despite Ascaria's feeble sales pitch.
"Make sure the others are fully aware- we have intruders."
At the end of the hallway, the singular doppleganger states his command into the room behind him, and two more appear from another room at the end of the hallway. The speaker charges the halfling, while one from the room attacks the giant
Sadly, their initial assault is peppered with misses.
...
Round 2, Init 18
AC 21, 25 on AoO; 52/53 HP
BAB = +7/+2 (level 7)
ToHit = 1d20+11
RHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+6-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+6 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+7
Will+4
Initiative +2
CMD = 25, 23 if flat footed (27 Grapple, 26 Disarm)
Flexibility Slots: 0/6
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
"Make sure the others are fully aware- we have intruders."
"Yah! We're over here! Come on over here! Cake all around!" Mortimer taunts.
Mortimer greets the Doppleganger with his fists.
for
for
for
Unfortunately, his fists may have been otherwise preoccupied.
Round: 2, Initiative: 9
Weapon Equipped = Wand CLW
Conditions = Water Breathing (13/50m), Bless (13/14m), Light Prison (2/7r)
Life Link (7)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (0/9)(7/7) (DC: 21)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 7, Concentration +13)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (2/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Ascaria feels more pain as Sol and Tynan are healed of at least some of their injuries.*
He quickly channels (move) to heal himself and Tynan, as well as any lingering damage to the party (other than Sol). He is careful to exclude all the dopplegangers he can see (up to 6 - so all of them).
Then he casts Prayer hoping to change the fates of the party, at least on the fringes. Should also inhibit all the dopplegangers save the one around the corner.
Ascaria then 5’ steps back to give the front row room to reposition if they want.
Round 2, init 15
Tynan focuses his attention on the shapeshifter in front of him, and presses his attack. Giving a swift glance at the shapeshifter beyond it, he sizes up its defenses as well.
HP:46/46
Saves:Fort 5, Ref 9, Will 3
Round 2, Init 14
Sol does nothing. She waits, looks around. She's not worried. She's not scared. She doesn't scare.
Round 1, Init 5 AC:17
After taking a 5’ step Eri rubs his hands together, slowly at first. He gets a slight grin of determination on his face as sparks begin to fly and a small, bright orange sphere appears. He gives it a slight breeze and his smile deepens as it flares up. If it had eyes he would be looking in them as he motions with his head toward a specific point in the middle of the hall. The little sphere flies like an arrow and disappears for the briefest of seconds as Eri’s smile fades in surprise. Suddenly the space erupts in wild conflagration. His smile returns like a Tsunami leaving his mouth wide with a grin as bright as the sun.
”Make sure the others are fully aware- we have intruders."
Eri replies: ”Yes you do.”
AC 12 or 17
CMD 17
BAB +4
Defensive casting = +14 (@6th)
Spell Penetration= +8 (@6th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (1/7 per day) (Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (3/6 per day) (Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (2/3 per day) (Fireball)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+8 or +6/+6
+9 or +7/+7 within 30' with +1 dam
, ,
Round 2, Init 22
Hourpen continues to follow Tynan's example, inspired by the slice against the moving doppleganger he decides to combine spells and blade. At the least the creature near he and Tynan is now marked with an arcane numeral '2.'
, ,
, ,
Eri brings a blistering blossom of fire to the hallway, catching both dopplegangers in the radius spread.
The creatures are dopplegangers, Neutral Monstrous Humanoids, as you already know, gifted in perfect mimicry of their studied targets. You have 1 question.
Hourpen connects solidly with his opportunistic attack, then turns back to slay the 'bird in a cage'. Mortimer only needs one strike to down the burnt and cut shapeshifter. Tynan steps up to engage the second study, drawing blood twice of three swishes. Solrisa exists as mere echo. Ascaria suffers for his friends, before healing both himself and the man of shade of all their wounds. On top of that, he bolsters everyone with a hearty prayer.
Hourpen and Tynan continue to stand as target dummies for the still-living shapeshifters, with another one entering the fray following the fireball's dissolution.
Also, everyone(save Solrisa), please make a Will Save.
In the dimness of the spiked pit, your eyes are suddenly aware of a small green light. It hovers above you, recently emerged from the wall, for only a moment. Seemingly content, it drifts back through the wall, its light extinguished.
Round 2, Init 5 AC:17
The grin barely fades as Eri nocks the first of two arrows and let’s it find its way to ‘ganger in front of Hourpen, hopefully to be followed by the next.
for
for
I liked that spell. I need to try that again real soon. Don’t think I’ll have to wait long. I don’t know if this is a good thing, but I like adventuring.
[edit: One more thing]
AC 12 or 17
CMD 17
BAB +4
Defensive casting = +14 (@6th)
Spell Penetration= +8 (@6th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (1/7 per day) (Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (3/6 per day) (Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (2/3 per day) (Fireball)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+8 or +6/+6
+9 or +7/+7 within 30' with +1 dam
Nothing special. In fact, they're immune to magical charms and sleep spells.
Round 3, Init 18
AC 21, 25 on AoO; 53/53 HP
BAB = +7/+2 (level 7)
ToHit = 1d20+11
RHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+6-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+6 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+7
Will+4
Initiative +2
CMD = 25, 23 if flat footed (27 Grapple, 26 Disarm)
Flexibility Slots: 0/6
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
Yah... glad I could be here. These guys have this under control, they don't need me. Someone should be helping Sol. She's probably scared.
Mortimer glances over his shoulder back to the Trap Door in the floor just in time to watch a fireball waft past his shoulder, hurdle down the hall and explode. The aftershock blows back his cowlick, and his eyes begin to water slightly from the dry air.
He glances back at Eri in surprise before moving up on the next threat.
He shouts, addressing the shapeshifters greeting Hourpen with their claws. "Is that any way to treat your hosts?!"
for
for
for
"No cake for you!"
Round: 3, Initiative: 9
Weapon Equipped = Wand CLW
Conditions = Water Breathing (13/50m), Bless (13/14m)
Life Link (7)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (0/9)(6/7) (DC: 21)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 7, Concentration +13)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (2/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Ascaria feels the pain as Hourpen and Tynan are healed of at least some of their injuries.*
He steps up and channels (standard) to heal himself, Hourpen, and Tynan, as well as any lingering damage to the party (other than Sol). He is careful to exclude all the dopplegangers he can see (up to 6 - so all of them).
Round 3, Init 15
Tynan strikes out at the cornered shapeshifter with both swords, hitting home with a pair of well placed thrusts.
HP:46/46
Saves:Fort 5, Ref 9, Will 3
Eri fires two arrows, one of which lands squarely in the shapeshifter's shoulder, almost taking him down. Hourpen GMPC tries to finish the badly-injured bloke. He succeeds handily, throwing a swish at the other assailant for the momentum, though the second swing misses. Mortimer begins work afresh, injuring the new arrival mightily. The body drops, lifeless, dead before it reached the floor. Tynan continues his blade work on the room's only living occupant, killing him on the second strike. Solrisa stews. Ascaria heals.
For all the dead doppelgangers at your feet, no new guests arrive to the festivities.
A slight tickle at the back of your mind is felt in passing, but it fails to take hold, slipping across your very slippery minds.
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Eri is going to hold his ground and stay vigilant.
"Is it over? I think it's over. That seemed easy. Was that easy? Look cool."
Eri's hands are shaking.
I don't think it's over. Is it over?...hmmm.."
It's over. Definitely!
Round 4, Init 18
AC 21, 25 on AoO; 53/53 HP
BAB = +7/+2 (level 7)
ToHit = 1d20+11
RHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+6-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+6 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+7
Will+4
Initiative +2
CMD = 25, 23 if flat footed (27 Grapple, 26 Disarm)
Flexibility Slots: 0/6
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
Mortimer looks around at the pile of dead dopplegangers.
hisses Mortimer, putting a finger to his lips.
"Did anyone else feel that? Does anyone hear or see anything?"
Uh, O.K. then. "Right! That's that. Let's see about Sol and this accursed floor, then." He starts striding back towards the trap door in the floor, and the sconce which holds the torch with the blue flame.
As Mortimer passes him, he claps his hand on Eri's shoulder and says, "Nice work!"
Round: 4, Initiative: 9
Weapon Equipped = Wand CLW
Conditions = Water Breathing (13/50m), Bless (13/14m), Prayer (4/7r)
Life Link (7)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (0/9)(6/7) (DC: 21)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 7, Concentration +13)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (2/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Ascaria looks everyone over, checking that they’re whole, more or less. Satisfied, he suggests, ”Let’s get Sol out of there before they come back. They know we’re here, so let’s hurry.”
He refreshes the light on his hat and hopes they can find Sol quickly.
Round 4, Init 14
Sol does nothing. She waits, looks around. She's not worried. She's not scared. She doesn't scare.
Round 4, Init 15
Tynan returns to the trapdoor and re-examines it, looking for a way to wedge it open to retrieve Sol.
HP:46/46
Saves:Fort 5, Ref 9, Will 3
Tynan manages to locate the mechanism this time, and just manages to pop it out of its catch, causing the floor to fall away, and remain listless in the downward position.
Below, you can see the floor of the pit, 30' down. Appears to be a wooden floor installed.
Round 5, Init 18
AC 21, 25 on AoO; 53/53 HP
BAB = +7/+2 (level 7)
ToHit = 1d20+11
RHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+11-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+6-2+1 (-2 to hit, +1 Weapon Focus, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+6 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+7
Will+4
Initiative +2
CMD = 25, 23 if flat footed (27 Grapple, 26 Disarm)
Flexibility Slots: 0/6
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
Mortimer looks down into the pit.
"Hrm. Doesn't seem too bad, I don't see Sol though."
He bellows into the pit,
He retrieves an ordinary rope (50') from the Haversack and attaches the rope of climbing to its end. He then drops the ordinary rope end into the pit first,
He relocates 30' down the hall into the fiend's bedroom and wedges himself into the doorway, and begins working on attaching the other end of the rope of climbing to himself and the mule back cords. He tells the RoC to knot itself once he feels any pull on the other end.
I just hope it's going to be Sol alone that we pull out...
For those looking into the pit, Mort's rescue rope drops directly through the wooden floor below!
The floor is, in fact, an Illusory Wall. A good one, too. Beyond it, a dark, deeper pit, where even blue light fails to fall...
You are struck on the shoulder by a rope that suddenly falls from/through the ceiling! When you begin your climb, sound returns to your world when you climb the initial 30'. Do let me know if you fail to climb smoothly out...
Mort finishes his round's action with the rope drop, which is certainly helpful, as it gives Solrisa a chance to amend her actions for the round...
With Hourpen keeping vigilant with Eri, and Mortimer moving towards the doorframe for bracing, it becomes more evident that no one is returning to confront you. Presuming Solrisa and Mortimer work in tandem, several more rounds expire, before the maiden is rescued from the pit.
"Oh... that floor isn't real at all. Sol! Are you there?"
"What are you talking about? IT'S right there..."
Mortimer shrugs, hunkers down, and starts pulling when he feels weight on the other end.
Weapon Equipped = Wand CLW
Conditions = Water Breathing (15/50m)
Life Link (7)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (0/9)(6/7) (DC: 21)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 7, Concentration +13)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (2/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
(prayer maybe)
Ascaria keeps a steady eye on the proceedings, and does his best to stay out of the way of the larger folk backing away from the pit. He resists the strong urge to open some doors and examine some rooms... barely.
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Solrisa takes her time to climb up the knotted rope, and is pleased to find something helping by drawing her up.
It takes Solrisa 36 seconds or so to exit the pit.
* * ** * *
"Oh, Mort! Listen! Can you hear that!? Noise! There was no noise down in the pit! I couldn't hear myself sing except in my head. Like when Rae used to tell me to stop singing or talking or moving because she wanted quiet. So I would lay on the bed and try not to move at all or do anything or even breathe, but I tried really hard not to move at all and be very quiet like a mouse," Sol recounts cheerfully. "But I wasn't down there very long. But with Rae I would have to be very quiet for long long times."
Solrisa looks at all the dead changers around.
"Oh! They look at burnt! Who did that?!" Solrisa asks, eyes wide. "I haven't seen that much burny before!"
While she awaits her answer, she goes to get her prized blueflame light and tucks it in her belt.
”Holy Sheet! Did you guys see that fire?! That felt really good. It…ummwas fire. I made . Hoo dang. I’d like to that again.
Eri stands watch on the hall with Hourpen. Mostly he just checks out his handy work from a distance. When Sol climbs up he moves with the party.
"Oh, Mort! Listen! Can you hear that!? Noise! There was no noise [ ... ]"
At the sound of Solrisa's voice and the sudden release of weight on the rope, Mortimer leaps to his feet. Failing to keep his emotions in check and eyes still watery from the dry air, he bolts back into the hallway -- ropes in tow -- and breathes a sigh of relief to find her intact. So happy is he in fact, he barely hears the rest of what she has to say, and struggles not to just run up and hold her in his arms.
She's O.K.!Sauntering past her in the pit room, he gently tries to dissuade Sol from reaching for the Blue Torch, but only to carefully reach over and dislodge it himself to offer it to her.
"I wonder how they did that? I can't make it blue..."
He whispers to Ascaria."I don't remember seeing anything like this torch... Maybe you can figure out how and why it's blue later?"
Mort turns to Everyone.
"So, what do these Goons' rooms have to offer? Shall we search the bedrooms, then check out the west door," he points down the corridor toward the double doors, "then the last door?" he says, pointing to the door on the angled wall.
While the others check the rooms for valuables, Tynan investigates the angled room, looking for any other undiscovered floor traps.
"I'll check out the angled room... search the other rooms quickly."
We don't need another incident like that...
After assuring a safe path to the door, Tynan searches it as well, then listens for activity beyond it.
In his state of hyper-vigilance, Tynan is confident in the assessment of the remaining floor in the hallway, up to the angled door.
You can hear the sound of a child crying, muffled by the door. The angled door appears unlocked.
The two bedroom doors left open by their occupants yield various small coin and gems, the personal possessions of the doppelgangers who may no longer spend them. Across the hallway from the bedrooms turns out to be a commode.
The middle bedroom door remains locked.
Reassured that the angled room and door are free of traps, Tynan moves back to the hallway where the others have pointed out a locked door. He searches for any traps, disabling should one be found, then sets to work opening the lock.
Tynan works the lock on the middle bedroom, but finds himself frustrated in his efforts.
It takes you a couple of times to pop the lock, but as soon as you do, you're sure that the lock is relocked shortly thereafter.
Tynan takes several steps back from the door, and whispers to the others through the message spell.
"I got the lock opened, but it relocked... I'm fairly certain there's someone in there. I'll try to unlock it again. Mort, be ready to knock it open when I give you the signal. everyone else, be ready"
Tynan returns to the door, waiting for Mort to get into position, then once again opens the lock. He quickly gives Mort a nod, and moves aside.
"Holy Sheet! Did you see that fire?!"
Solrisa smiles and looks at Eri.
"I didn't know you could do that, Eri! I didn't know you could do anything!" Solrisa claps gleefully at Eri's fire. "Are there other things you can do!?" Solrisa leans in to listen with interest, fascinated with human.
* * *
Solrisa, with pretty blue light in her belt, spins happily as she follows Tynan to the door. She waits patiently for Tynan's sweet lovings & slow stroking to the lock to yield tender release.
"Oh, Tynan, see? I can break down the door if you'd like...I think I have a crowbar around here someplace," Solrisa says, before looking up at Mort. "Mort, don't you have a crowbar? Can I borrow it? I want to help Tynan."
"Mort, don't you have a crowbar? Can I borrow it? I want to help Tynan."
Mortimer shakes his head, and makes a slight kicking motion. Remembering the Message, he rolls his eyes and uses it, "Let's you and me both just kick the door in just after Tynan unlocks it."
When Solrisa is ready, he synchronizes his kick with hers.
Ascaria watches the synchronized swimming kicking and is glad there are some large folk about.
It would take me and Hourpen days to kick open that door!
He chuckles to himself and waits to see what lies beyond.
Solrisa jumps in to bash down the door. She hasn't done much of that in past, but seems to lean into it.
Str check
Should that fail, in concert with Mort or not, she will try again and again.
Str check
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Hourpen mimics making a might kick toward the door.
"Someone is there? After all this I'm not sure I want to know who."
The duo's first attempt at huffing and puffing proves futile, as Mortimer's singular strength is met with equal force from the other side of the door. The second try, however, brings harmony between the giant and the maiden, and the door gives way with much reluctance, as a singular doppelganger finds itself unable to shoulder the weight of the manhands pressing him backwards.
It immediately raises its hands above its head, seeing the bodies strewn about the hallway behind the intruders. "No, no, no! I am not here to fight! Leave me in peace! I attacked no one!" It looks up at Mortimer, then down to Solrisa, with an alien look that still suggests panic, sprinkled with extreme pleading.
"Thanks, Sol! Nice work."
"No, no, no! I am not here to fight! Leave me in peace! I attacked no one!"
"Oh? You're not here to fight you say? Then tell us -- why are you here?" growls Mortimer, stepping up and towering over the shapeshifter, his eyebrows standing on end.
"I'm here for... training. To support my brothers, and to shift balance where Telakin sees our work best applied." The doppelganger, initially crouched defensively, now stands a little more proud as it answers the giant. "I certainly have no ill will against you. You have killed several of my kin, but will forgive you their deaths if you leave me with my life."