@Fabian: If it wasn't going to draw attention to Rowan to have her backpack with her at the protest then she would have taken it knowing what happened to her previous residence when she left it. If it was going to be weird to have her stuff then she would have left it and would need to go back for it. I would think she'd take her stuff with her but ultimately it's the GM's call...just let me know.
You can have your stuff. :)
Turn 031 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Upon returning he looks trepidatious "Well. Can't just leave those little guys tied up all night. I guess I'll put together some food and supplies and drop round to free them... and run..."
As a player I realise this is a stupid idea that will come back to haunt us.
Caleb doesn't want to be like Thrune, uncaring of others.
Caleb woke up with a start as the Blessing slipped back beneath his skin. Time to wake up then, huh? Blearily he looked around, ensured it was safe and crawled out from under the bed where he'd hidden. Not much of a hideaway, but best I could do on such short notice he reflected.
"I said before you had a bit of the look of those guys who like killing. You said that was your first and you had to think about how you felt."
"I've seen people who killed for the first time. There's not many can do it without hesitation, and just keep going like you did. Some can do it when they're angry, and you weren't. Some can just do it, though, it's just part of who they are. Sounds like you don't like it - which is good - but you can do it when you need to."
He narrows his eyes, and seems to look past Vandomir. "You seem like a good guy. But we're going to need someone who can do what needs to be done, not someone falling apart from guilt."
Not picking on yout Caleb...
Let's try and roleplay the areas/times where I left it open for roleplay. For turn 31, the areas open are for 'actions 1' (during planning) and 'actions 2' (right before exploration).
If there are things left unsaid like continuining a conversation, let's assume that it was left the way it came out in the turn recap. HOWEVER, you can bring it up again to continue roleplaying but you'll bring it to the current area/time.
For example, Caleb could pull Vandomir aside and continue 'their conversation' (BTW, excellent RP Caleb; let's hope Vandomir replies).
The morning rituals were part of the turn 30 actions so if you missed when I call for them you can just wait until the next morning.
If we stick to this, then the turn recaps have a more 'solid feel' to them, as in 'this is what happened' during this chapter.
Is this clear? :)
Thoughts?
Game on!
Sure.
When Tillia started studying and the others started to move on, Caleb pulled Vandomir aside.
"Look. I said before you had a bit of the look of those guys who like killing. You said that was your first and you had to think about how you felt."
He held up a hand "No, let me finish. We don't have much time."
"I've seen people who killed for the first time. There's not many can do it without hesitation, and just keep going like you did. Some can do it when they're angry, and you weren't. Some can just do it, though, it's just part of who they are. Sounds like you don't like it - which is good - but you can do it when you need to."
He narrowed his eyes, and seemed to look past Vandomir. "You seem like a nice guy. But we need someone who can do what needs to be done, not someone nice."
He looked at the door through which the others left
"THRUNE did something to me, Vandomir. They put something inside me. That's why I'm called 'the Cage'. It almost got out a year ago, but Callistria sent me the Blessings to keep it in. That's why I'm faster. Why I can kill with a thought. If it does start to get out, Vandomir, I need someone to kill me. Someone who won't pause, won't hold back. They think there's a 50/50 chance that killing me will kill it too." he looked bleak "And a 50/50 chance it'll just set it free."
Tag: Vandomir
Sure.
When Tillia started studying and the others started to move on, Caleb pulled Vandomir aside.
This is perfect. Thanks!
I'll be out of the office today so don't expect a post from me until this evening.
Game on!
Action 1
“Are there any particular magics you want me to have available?”
Vandomir considered the question and responded, ”I fear there are obstacles ahead of us that cannot be overcome by sheer force. Perhaps if you could be prepared to handle those. Oh, and every adventurer in tale or tavern agrees, that you can never go wrong opening a fight with a fireball, but I would rather we not burn down the very city we fight for, so maybe avoid that one?”
just set it free."
Tag: Vandomir
”You speak in circles and riddles Cage,” starts Vandomir. ”First, you leave me unsure if you are complimenting or ridiculing me, and at the end you ask that I kill you, but you do not tell me when? Under what circumstances do you think? If you are about to die, should kill you then? That seems a waste of effort. And if you think you are better off dead, then mayhap we should just get it done now. Courtesy demands we do it outside and not make a mess I should think. Perhaps killing you is unnecessary. I have known men with a beast inside them that drank to keep it insensate. Of course, I have also known those that drink would simply arouse the beast within. Inner beasts are seemingly as random as the clouds.”
Action 2
”I have no experience at prison breaks, rebellion, or sneaking around town unnoticed, although I suppose I have skills that can be applied to those endeavors, otherwise I guess I would be a poor choice by the Goddesses for this endeavor,” posits Vandomir. ”However, there are certainly those within Cheliax who are well known for such things, and it seems Laria has access to them. She mentioned the Bellflowers already. Now, their goals and ours are not the same, but they are not in conflict either. Thus, working together could be to mutual benefit, particularly if any of those captured by Thrune are pecks. They could be trying to find where they are held and instrument a jailbreak already. Given that information, we could certainly assist in such a breakout.”
“Is there more information that you need from me at this time?”
Knowing that the tunnels below had been used to protect some while keeping others out Rowan asked, "Are there any traps down in the tunnels that we need to be aware of, any locked doors that we need keys for, or any secret doors we should be aware of? It would help speed up our movement down there if we know what to expect."
tag Laria
“Is there more information that you need from me at this time?”Knowing that the tunnels below had been used to protect some while keeping others out Rowan asked, "Are there any traps down in the tunnels that we need to be aware of, any locked doors that we need keys for, or any secret doors we should be aware of? It would help speed up our movement down there if we know what to expect."
tag Laria
The halfling shook her head, "No, no traps down there or any locked doors. There is one very well concealed secret door that leads into the 'complex' from the dry cellar but I will go down to the cellar with you."
She pointed to the water body, "This here eventually leads to the sewers and to the river. That is how I ferried the ex-slaves. A ship was waiting for me at the river."
She looked at Caleb, "I think the whole complex used to be dedicated to Calistria."
"I'm okay, right now, thanks." Caleb answered nervously. He thought for a second then pulled back his collar, and something dark and sinuous moved under the skin "That's a Blessing. They're like... guards... for the Cage. So long as they're there, we should be okay. I'll tell you if I'm getting worried."
"And I'm not ridiculing you. Sounds like your life has been soft enough you've never had to find out how hard you really are. It turns out the answer is Pretty Damn Hard. The others... I don't think they really understand what you are. They still see the soft life, not what's underneath. But they will."
Caleb pondered and then spoke up "It looks like both you and I are... in trouble... if we fight things that are too dumb. Maybe we should get some backup weapons? I've used a crossbow a few times, and they seem pretty easy. Maybe we should get some? Maybe with some silver quarrels?"
"Hey, what if we get some of those alchemy bombs? They're really expensive, but if we get attacked by some sort of ooze or insects it could be helpful."
"I'm still keen to get some sort of emergency healing. We can't just keep relying on Rowan. What if she goes down?"
"Laria, does this sound like things you could get?"
She looked at Caleb, "I think the whole complex used to be dedicated to Calistria."
Caleb nodded happily "I was hoping that was what you meant by a 'nice surprise'. Callistria's my Patron. Hopefully some of the old consecrations might reactivate when I go down there. If we see wasps, leave them the hell alone! You sound like you're not sure, though. Any idea what happened to it? Maybe we can reconsecrate it later?"
Vandomir had to ask, "Do we have a plan for light sources down there?"
Let's assume the gremlins were freed last night when you and Eirik came back from the temple.
I'll add the two holy waters to Caleb's consumables next turn recap.
The 'other stuff' will likely NOT be acquired before going down the tunnels if the idea is to explore them this morning... so let me know what you want to do.
Action 1
Tilia laughed at Vandomir's comments, "I think you're safe from that one, I don't know that spell nor could I cast it if I did. That being said I will take the suggestion under advisement." With that Tillia went to begin preparing her spells for the day.
Action 2
Action 2 Con't.
Looking over the gear they had found Tillia asked, "Would you mind if I kept this cloak? It will be quite useful to me, og course it might be better if Rowan had it since she's the only one who can heal us."
Rowan shook her head at Tillia's offer. "I already took one of the weapons, maybe two if no one wants the shortbow. It only seems fair that you make use of the cloak. Although it may seem prudent to pick up some cure potions as Caleb suggested when we have a chance. Also, if you can't use those couple scrolls then maybe I can."
Vandomir had to ask, "Do we have a plan for light sources down there?"
Rowan looked over at the hooded lanterns that Laria had given to Eirik with a confused look on her face. Maybe he hadn't seen them and she didn't want to point them out and possibly embarrass the noble. Instead she said, "If lanterns aren't enough, I know an incantation that can produce light on any object. I can provide us that as a source of light as well."
Turn 32 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Even with Caleb's haphazard education it was obvious the room hadn't been flooded when it was a shrine. Unflooding it is going to be hard, and then the Bellflower's won't be able to use it. Wonder what it was? Orgy pit?
Caleb started to take a closer look at the statue when he saw the corpse "Damn! Is that Nan?" his voice echoed strangely through the flooded chamber "D'you think something in the water... ate him?"
The horrified Caleb was already stepping away from the dark lapping water. He muttered a few words and four glowing balls of light appeared.
Caleb started to take a closer look at the statue when he saw the corpse "Damn! Is that Nan?" his voice echoed strangely through the flooded chamber "D'you think something in the water... ate him?"
”The water might flow here, just about, but it doesn’t flow through here,” Eirik murmured, dropping to a ready stance. ”So no current would have carried the body here from afar. So either something killed him here, or he dragged himself here before succumbing to his wounds.”
For now, the monk turned his attention away from the corpse – it was obvious it had been dead for some time, so it would keep. Besides, the waterway seemed the only way forward, so it made sense to Eirik to secure their flanks before advancing.
You all came through the northeast room; the secret door is on the west wall of that room.
You then traveled south and are now in front of the dock. There are two opening to the west and one opening to the south.
More questions?
Vandomir slowly chewed and sucked on the cloth-wrapped coffee beans he had picked up from the floor of Laria’s larder, ”an excellent crop,” he thought. Without approaching the corpse, Vandomir took a hard look at the body.
+2 vs humans
”Like you, I must believe there is a creature in the water, or possibly one of these other rooms that has killed that unfortunate.” Vandomir paused, ”Might I suggest that we check the rooms behind us, before we approach the water? I should prefer to not receive the hammer and anvil treatment from threats in those directions.”
I shall be out of town and offline until either Sunday evening, or Monday.
I shall be out of town and offline until either Sunday evening, or Monday.
OK, thanks for letting us know.
This last turn recap was 'short' so as soon as I hear from our 'ladies', I'll move this along.
Questions?
Game on!
Round 1
Tillia saw the body in the water and again listened to the words of those around her. [b]"I agree, something must be in the water, or down here somewhere. Let me check for magic, we have a dead body, let's make sure there's nothing on it, or anything else for that matter, that we don't know about." With that Tillia cast her spell and as her eyes glowed she began looking for magical auras.
Round 1
Tillia saw the body in the water and again listened to the words of those around her. [b]"I agree, something must be in the water, or down here somewhere. Let me check for magic, we have a dead body, let's make sure there's nothing on it, or anything else for that matter, that we don't know about." With that Tillia cast her spell and as her eyes glowed she began looking for magical auras.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+8
You detect a magical aura on the dead body but can't tell what it is as the body is half-submerged in the water and you would have to get closer to it to discern anything.
As for the area... er... no. I don't like those radar-type powers in my games. When you think about it, a simple cantrip can make all your perception checks worthless. No more looking for magical treasure, I'll just find it with my radar.
The same applies to someone trying to sneak up on the party. Just spam detect evil or detect magic and no problem.
I'll get down from the soapbox now. :)
In summary, all detect spells have to have a definite target and not just be used as 'radar'.
Sorry. :)
Action 1 Con't.
Tillia pointed to the body and said, "There's some kind of magical aura on the body, I'm not sure what kind though. We need to pull it out if we want to find out."
Action 1:
Rowan’s nose wrinkled in disdain at the smell of rotting meat as they neared the water. As she walked forward, she gagged a little. It was then that she saw the body by the pier. Her first instinct was to see if there was anything she could do to help but when she saw that it was partially eaten she realized there was nothing she could do. Before she could stop herself Rowan gagged again, bent over, and lost her breakfast on the ground.
Once her stomach was empty she thought it may be beneficial to determine how the man died and whether it was Nan. As disturbing as the smell was, there was nothing left in her to make her sick again so she thought she may be able to deal with the body. However, before she approached the body another thought occurred to her. ”If that’s Nan, then who has been eating the food that Laria has been leaving out for him?”
Tag everyone
Tillia pointed to the body and said, "There's some kind of magical aura on the body, I'm not sure what kind though. We need to pull it out if we want to find out."
Rowan added, "If we get the body out of the water, we also may be able to tell how he died." Turning to Vandomir Rowan asked, "Can you cover Eirik and I with your bow while we get the body? I just want to be prepared for any possible surprises."
tag Vandomir
Yeah, I'll bot Vandomir and recap sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Post anything else before then...
Game on!
”Like you, I must believe there is a creature in the water, or possibly one of these other rooms that has killed that unfortunate.” Vandomir paused, ”Might I suggest that we check the rooms behind us, before we approach the water? I should prefer to not receive the hammer and anvil treatment from threats in those directions.”
"Good instincts." agreed Caleb, as he abruptly halted his movement.
”Like you, I must believe there is a creature in the water, or possibly one of these other rooms that has killed that unfortunate.” Vandomir paused, ”Might I suggest that we check the rooms behind us, before we approach the water? I should prefer to not receive the hammer and anvil treatment from threats in those directions.”"Good instincts." agreed Caleb, as he abruptly halted his movement.
So what you doing: a) checking rooms behind you or b) checking the water.
I need an answer in about 6 hours. If not, I'll just roll some dice...
Game on!
Turn 33 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
INITIATIVE
, Rowan
, no
, hit
The sudden assault by the strange creature caught Tillia off guard and startled a scream from her. The fact that it tore into Rowan scared her even more and caused her to have grave concerns about staying down here. She said a few words and then stared at the creature which suddenly began to feel an urge to stare into her eyes. After that Tillia backs away from the creature in case it decides to rush her.
Action 1:
Round 1:
Rowan grunted in pain as blood trickled down her arm. Swinging her weapon, Rowan struck low at the creature’s thigh.
The corby screeched in pain as bone crushed and it fell to its knee while blood streamed down its leg. Emboldened by her success, Rowan prepared to strike the wounded creature again.
Startled by the berserk fury of the attacking creature, Eirik could do nothing to prevent the bird-thing's wild leap at Rowan. But once recovered from the surprise, he wasted little time. Moving swiftly, the monk skirted around a pillar to come at the enemy from behind, using up his forward momentum to land a flying kick at the enemy's lower back, staggering it while Eirik himself landed in a low guard, with another pillar at his back, ready to attack or defend... for if there was one bird-thing here, there could be another.
I'd like to recap tonight so actions from Vandomir and Caleb sometime during the day would be great...
Game on!
+4 more if it is nobility.
Vandomir had been expecting to pull his bow to cover the others as requested, but the rapid onslaught from the creature against Rowan changed his plans entirely. "What the heck is this creature, some sort of crow-demon? Are all of the hells set against us?" He stepped up next to Rowan and slashed his greatsword at the abomination.
"Handy thing this blade," quipped Vandomir as his blade sunk deep into the feathery hide of his opponent, splashing blood onto the floor, his boots, and his clothing, again. "Payments for laundry services shall be covered by the rebellion's exchequer correct?"
The same knowledge check to know nothing, hahaha.
Vandomir watched as his compatriots closed with and killed the creature. "What the heck was this creature, some sort of crow-demon? Are all of the hells set against us?" He noticed the blood all over Rowan and turned to her, "are you feeling well Priestess?"
"Rowan?!" Caleb backed away as the monster struck. Desperately he reached deep into his soul... and stopped, as his companions started hacking and beating the monster to death, Tillia somehow capturing the creature's attention despite all that.
Not sure I need to risk it right now. Seems well in hand.
Instead, the "Hammer and Anvil" comment still dominating his consciousness, he turned and stepped sideways to keep an eye on the water.
Turn 34 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, fail
Action 1 Tillia took the locket and bracelet from the creature and examined them for magical auras. Once she had finished that she carefully tried to open the locket to see what was inside of it.
Action 2
As Rowan worked on retrieving the dead body from the water Tillia did her best to keep watch, Salina perched on her shoulder and kept a look out for trouble as well. As they watched she said, "So what was that birdman, does anyone know? Do you think there are more down here?"
"Uh... Guys? Y'know how Vandomir was talking about a hammer? Here it comes..." Caleb backed away from the water, a single shaking finger indicating the shadow beneath the waves.
Yes, you can all assume that Caleb warned you in time to do 'something'.
We are not in combat yet but could be if that's what the party wants to do.
Let's say you all have about 2 rounds before the 'big boy' closes in on you.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1
Now that the threat was eliminated, Vandomir turned to Rowan, "your blow against the creature was mighty, particularly in light of your injuries. Indeed, you are a warrior-priestess, and I am honored to be your companion. Now, heal yourself quickly, before the anvil finds us, or hammer, depending on which was which."
Action 2
"So what was that birdman, does anyone know? Do you think there are more down here?"
Hearing Tillia's question, Vandomir replied, "honestly, I have never heard of such. Crow-demon I name it, although it died more quickly than I would expect of a true demon."
Vandomir started to take an interest in the body, and the items the group had found, but Caleb’s warning brought him around. Spying the figure moving through the water, Vandomir raised his sword once more and announced, ”That appears to be more of an anvil to me. Hitting something in the water with my bow is not the easiest of tasks. If it stays out there, I say we let it alone, but if it comes ashore, we must needs make a fight of it. Hurry at what you do there. Take the body, be it your friend or not, and search the place quickly before we find out for true if this is the anvil we had hoped to avoid.” Vandomir took a position along the shore, standing as a sentry against the possible intrusion of the creature in the water.
Vandomir mirrored the creature’s movements in the water, and as it broached the surface to climb ashore, he struck at it with all of his might.
Crit Confirm:
The blade sunk deep into the creature's hide, blood and water cascading off its back.
"One magic boot did you say? Perhaps this fellow has swallowed the second," opined Vandomir.
Unless someone does something differently, I'll assume that you will all 'wait' until the gator and Vandomir face off (work out their attacks) for 1 round.
I'll then open it up for others to join in the fight.
Questions?
Game on!