Legacy of Fire (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

As the chandelier of skulls and other grisly bits clatters to the chapel floor, something shiny bounces loose from within the jumbled grotesque mess.

Razif, Uzma....?

Korum climbs the ladder rungs, his pet armadillo Jobu perched on his shoulder. "I'm going to see if he can scout into that tangled den across these rotten timbers. The pugwampi had no trouble traversing them; I doubt Jobu here will have difficulty," the half-orc calls in reply to the looks of puzzlement from below.

A time later, the pale half-orc hustles down the ladder with Jobu perched again on his shoulder, an excited expression on his face.

"Jobu has explored the nest - the pugwampi used tapestries, sackcloth, sheets, blankets, and other bits of loose cloth to create makeshift walls along the north and west sides of the choir lofts, as well as along the rafters. The interior is fully cloth: walls, ceiling, and floor. It's a large shared living space, now empty - we must have killed the entire tribe! A crude throne fashioned from ruined choir seats sits near the east wall of the chamber - and a padded chest rests under the throne." Korum finishes his description with excitement, looking around at the others.

"How in the blazes of the Inferno do we get to it?"

Annoyingly, Uzma is uninterested both in cleaning up and in any treasure that may have been accumulated by the pugwampi. These have been trying days for the wanderer. He goes back and forth between the temple and the desert outside as if torn between the two. At times, he prays. At times, he whispers to himself.

When asked, he claims to be perfectly well and happy but clearly, he is at odds with himself. Before coming here, he seemed peaceful, if distant and odd. Now, his eyes shine with a fervour that does not fully suit his serene and passive nature...

Sorry for the wait! I was in transit all day and it's been... Tiring.

Razif joins Layaali with cleaning and reconsecrating the temple, and not unlike Uzma he is a bit at odds with himself.

Seeing Uzma become possessed with some sort of divine seeming spirit got him thinking. All this time, he has been doing his own thing, roaming from place to place and hunting gnolls and the like, all in the name of Sarenrae, expecting some divine mission to fall onto his lap eventually. Liberating Kelmarane could be that mission. But he wonders: has he been too passive all this time? Should he have pursued more proper ways of worship? Perhaps the Dawnflower would want him to be a monk like the ones who used to live here, instead of some filthy drifter.

Wnile struggling with these thoughts, Razif follows Layaali around, waiting for her to tell him what to do and listening to her instructions obediently. Whatever Sarenrae wants from him, he feels as though cleaning this old place of worship at least won't be at odds with it.

Layaali cleans purposefully, and systematically, working her way from one end of the chapel to the other. She's unconcerned with hard labour, and often takes on the most difficult or disgusting jobs herself without complaint.

---

Sense Motive on Uzma: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Are you ill at ease with labour, Uzma?" Layaali asks with a smile, after seeing him wander in and out of the temple a few times. "Or impatient to move on?"

"This... Nefeshti you mentioned. Tell me about her while you work. Perhaps expressing your newfound discoveries will help settle your mind."

---

Sense Motive on Razif: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Layaali smiles at Razif. "You seem lost, Razif. What troubles you?"

---

Noticing something shiny bounce out from the chandelier, Layaali picks her way through the debris to pick it up.

---

At Korum's comments about the nest, Layaali looks at the pews with determination. "I'm lightest. I'm going to try climbing across the beams to the nest. From above I should be able to toss the debris down bit by bit."

With that, Layaali removes all of her extra gear, puts down her backpack, and climbs up the ladder with only her dagger. She prays to Vildeis for guidance, and then very, very slowly tries to make her way across the beams to the nest.

Acrobatics for Balance: 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 0 + 1 = 20 Whew! Here's hoping it can hold me...

Layaali goes to where the bones of the gruesome chandelier have shattered against the chapel floor, finding desiccated bits of organ and sinew amongst the wreckage. About to chalk up her lack of discovery to her cloudy eyes, Layaali spies a fine-looking but uncut dark red gemstone protruding from the honeycombed grisly surface of a dissected lung.

*************************************************************************** ***************

Later in the day, the oracle and the ranger finally complete their scouring of the Sarenrite temple.

*************************************************************************** ***************

Layaali climbs up the ladder, but finds her attempts at even reaching the rafters thwarted by the collapsed choir loft. If a rope was thrown up from the chapel floor (perhaps with a grappling hook), then one might try to climb up to the rafters directly, but the choir lofts are truly impassable at this point.

When Layaali asks him, he smiles back and makes light of his doubts. "Ah, nothing of great importance. Just kind of wondering whether the way I've been going about my worship has been... right. I'm sure every faithful has these doubts every once in a while. Regardless, I'm sure consecrating the temple is a fine way to act in the interests of the Dawnflower."

Layaali reaching out to him has lifted his spirits, though. Having been a lone traveler for some time, the company of the rest of the party has been a welcome change.

=======

Upon receiving what feels like a blessing of Sarenrae, and the understanding that prayer can reignite it, Razif grows more motivated to try and become more of an active worshipper of Sarenrae.
Maybe I'll try praying every morning...

=======

Later, he looks at the collapsed loft and the current situation. "If no-one has a rope, maybe we should just send word to the caravan and have them move here. I'm sure someone there will have a rope we can use."

Layaali draws Uzma out of his reverie, if only for a moment. He mumbles as if having a very real argument with himself.

"It's for me to decide!" he speaks bluntly to no one in particular, and then the mumbling stops, and he gets to work, smiling.

"Nefeshti?" he answers. "I am not sure..."

As he works, Uzma recites beautiful poems in the old tongue of the druids. His voice echoes wonderfully in the empty hall, suggesting what perhaps once was and could someday soon be again.

As Uzma apparently speaks to voices only he can hear, Layaali eyes him with concern. Worried over his sanity, she returns to work with Razif.

The next time Uzma leaves, Layaali remarks to Razif, "Uzma is not himself. And I believe he is... hearing voices. Though whether for good or ill, I cannot say. Would you mind helping me keep an eye on him?"

---

After a hard day's work, covered in filth, with Sarenrae's blessing upon her, Layaali smiles, content in knowing that she has done good this day. Vildeis would be proud. Still, the nasty little pugwampi nest sits in the rafters, like a stain upon the temple.

"We need to take care of the large vulture, before calling for Princess Almah," Layaali reminds Razif. After a moment she adds, "I'm going to see if there's any rope around the monastery that we might have missed."

Layaali wipes her filthy hands off on her filthy robes, and wanders the monastery again, looking for a coil of rope or a grappling hook that they might have missed...

In wandering in search of rope, Layaali passes the two alcoves just off the nave of the monastery. Peering into those areas, she finds evidence of previous campsites and some discarded equipment, including a bundle of torches (5), a winter blanket, and a tangle of thick hempen rope.

This was where Nishv camped prior to attempting to make his way back to Almah's caravan. He was travelling with a severely-sprained ankle, so he chose to travel light, dropping some heavier pieces of equipment before he left. Or so it has been written...

Layaali pokes around further, but has no luck in finding a grappling hook.

The rafters are 20 feet from the chapel floor. You have 50 feet of rope.

Drael stares up at the loft, Perhaps a rope tied to an arrow or crossbow bolt could serve the same purpose as a grappling hook? We would have to test it before climbing of course, but it may work.

Layaali collects the materials left behind and places them into her backpack.

--

"It might work," Layaali agrees with Drael. "But let's try throwing it first. If we have luck perhaps we can throw it over the beam, so that the rest of the rope drops down on the other side. Then some of us can brace the rope while one of us climbs up."

Layaali musters all her strength, prays for Vildei's blessing, and tries to toss the rope over the beam.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 1 = 19 Doesn't include whatever penalties you want to add for throwing a rope.

If it doesn't work after a few times she'll pass the rope off to Drael to try his method.

Tossing a loop of rope twenty feet up in the air proves impossible, even though it appears that Layaali’s aim and trajectory were spot-on. Drael attempts to tie the rope to the end of an arrow, but isn’t able to fire the crossbow with the heavy rope tied to it.

The rope is heavy and formless - throwing it with out something heavy tied to it is an impossible task, and shooting it doesn’t work - the rope weighs 10 pounds. Getting 1/3 to 1/2 of it (~5lb) mobilised vertically via a crossbow won’t work.

How long are the church pews? Could they be used to get up there? Also: did Uzma notice any string anywhere? If so, perhaps the strong could be tied to the rope, thrown up, and then used to pull the rope? Finally: if we can't get up to the chest, does there seem to be any chance of bringing it down?

Layaali looks around for a large stone and ties the rope around it a few times. Once she's sure its secure she tries spinning the rope around a few times to work up speed and then launches it up and over the beam, hoping the momentum of the stone will help the rope fly into place.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 1 = 21

Oh right, I forgot it was heavy rope. Would we able to possibly throw it horizontally from the part of the rafters we can still climb up to?

Layaali successfully launches a rock tied to the rope up and over one of the main rafters of the chapel loft. Tugging hesitantly on it after measuring equal paired lengths of rope, she determines that the rafters are sturdy enough for climbing.

Nice makeshift engineering there. You have two 25 ft paired lengths of rope hanging down from one of the rafters as noted on the map. In order to climb up one of them, someone will have to hold the other in place, as there’s nothing sturdy to tie it off to.

Drael nods in approval at the oracle's ingenuity, Well done Layaali, that will work nicely. I think I'm the strongest of us, so I can hold one end of the rope while someone climbs.

"Oh, nice job, Layaali. I feel a bit bad for making you do all the work though... I'm decent at climbing, so I'll climb up and clear it out."

Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"You need not worry yourself, Razif. I may not look it, but I am long used to labouring as hard as is necessary. I do not enjoy idleness."

As Razif prepares to climb the rope, Layaali hangs on to the other end with Drael, and braces the rope.

The ranger climbs the dangling rope proficiently, pulling himself up to the rafter beam high above the chapel floor. Having already plummeted once from this height, Razif avoids looking down at the rest of the gang, and instead moves to open the flap of woven fabric pasted, tied, and stuck to the southeastern corner of the upper chapel works.

Razif, I'll need you to make an Acrobatics check. You can take 10 (but not 20) if you'd prefer. Don't forget that you studded leather imposes a -1 penalty on your Acrobatics check.

I'll take a chance!

Razif steps onto the beam and starts moving over it.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 1 = 12

A whole one point better!

Razif wavers and wobbles his way across the beam, pushing matted foul-smelling fabric out of his way as he moves deep into the pugwampi lair and into the far chamber.

Razif, I'll need another similar Acrobatics check from you in order to move along the beam that heads down towards the eastern wall on the map. What you do after that.....is up to you.

The gang below wait quietly as they hear (but not see) their ranger friend thumping around in the beams above them. You all pass your time sorting through the pile of random coins, trinkets, and shiny objects that you've collected in scouring the chapel.

Razif shouts down. "Seems like the deepest part of the nest is a throne room dedicated to that bastard pugwampi king we fought earlier. He's got a throne and everything. There's a chest there, I'm gonna see if I can get it."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 1 + 1 = 20
(I forgot to add my Bless in last time, hence the extra +1)

Also, just gonna assume I should write this part in spoilers myself.

GM roll: 1d100 ⇒ 71

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Drael looks up apprehensively, and makes sure that he isn't below the nest on which Razif is walking. He calls up to the rafters, Razif, be careful, your feet seem to be pushing through the floor up there.

"Oh, really? Dang. Uh, I'll try to drop some weight before moving forward."

Razif sits on the beam for a bit to remove his armor, buckler and scimitar, and then slowly goes back onto the floor again.

He takes a breath and slowly starts moving forward towards the chest.

While Razif is away from the rope, Layaali sifts through the things collected, looking for objects of value.

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Unfortunately, material possessions are not really her concern.

After a while she heads back over to watch Razif's progress in the nest.

GM roll: 1d100 ⇒ 79

Razif inches forward, his compatriots watching his progress with concerned expressions.

"This would be the very place for a spell that I have been researching," mutters Korum to no one in particular. "The ability to fall like the down from a goose's back if subjected to gravity's harshness would be quite useful - if Razif were to fall, that is."

Razif carefully keeps moving, focusing on getting onto the throne.

GM roll: 1d100 ⇒ 52

Razif inches forward further into the nest, exhaling as he goes in a misguided attempt to decrease his effective mass.

The gang exchanges worried expressions with one another as the indentation of the ranger's feet disappear from view.

Razif shouts down. "I'm okay! Found the last valuable thing in this pugwampi den, it seems. Going to try and get back to the beams from here and from there I'll start tearing down the den."

And I was even giving you a -2 to the check because of the cramped ceiling - you still made the DC 15 Acrobatics check. Well done.

Razif vaults from the surface of the pugwampi throne back to the beam, tearing through the floor of the pugwampi den as he lands, but wrapping his arms safely around the sturdy wooden rafter and pulling himself up. His studded leather armour, buckler, and scimitar await him, tied via the armour straps to the fabric mesh of the 'wall'.

I'll rule, Razif, that you can Take 20 from here to move about the beams and rip down the fabricated pugwampi den.

Working well into the evening, the ranger eventually drops the bulk of the pugwampi den - a vile-smelling collection of knitted fabric, rope, cloth, clay, faeces, and burlap - to the chapel floor below for the remainder of the gang to collect. Sometime early in the evening while the gang still works, you all hear an impossibly loud, yelping howl that seems to come from the north - the direction of Kelmarane. A minute or two later, a faint, similar call can be heard in the distance. They both fade eerily away to silence.

Korum looks around warily as the howl fades. "Likely a call-and-response from Kelmarane to other gnolls in the Brazen Peaks, or perhaps the Pale Mountain. It's unlikely to have anything to do with us. We should burn this disgusting tent-like collection of pugwampi filth, but I daresay doing so in the evening would attract unwanted attention. Best to wait until the morning."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Drael looks curiously at the two items Razif has recovered, I've seen that box before, worn by religious leaders in an attempt to remain true to the wishes of their god. I'd imagine that ring would have been helpful for you a minute ago, it would have saved you had you fallen. Both are quite valuable, I'd imagine.

Layaali drags the filthy fabric outside as Razif drops it down to the floor.

"How lovely. Some of you should wear them." she remarks, insisting that either Uzma or Razif take the phylactery of faithfulness, and that Razif take the ring.

At the sound of the howling, Layaali looks resolute, but makes no comment on the matter.

"If I'm going to be doing more climbing, I would actually really like that ring. However, if anyone else ever requires it, just let me know, I'll gladly hand it over. As for the phylactery, I'll pass, not because I wouldn't want it, but because I've already gotten far too many fun toys during my stay here." he says, looking at his ring and beautiful scimitar.

"Anyhow, let us rest for one more night, and hope we can get the vulture down here so we can finish up. I'm very eager to spend a night without any surprise howls, for one."

Layaali hands the phylactery to Uzma, hoping that the word of his god might help keep any potentially dangerous thoughts he might have at bay...

The gang then re-gathers in the dormitory once again, fatigue taking over as their long day dwindles to a halt.

A watch, I presume?

Definitely a watch. Drael is fine taking the first shift, if no one objects.

Uzma looks uncertain when Layaali hands him the phylactery. He hesitates, then accepts the tiny box, which he places at his side and stares at through the night when he awakens from a sleep disturbed by visions.

In the morning, he will place the box on his forehead, pray to Gozreh and Sarenrae, and find out if the Gods are with him now and always...

Razif is willing to take any watch that won't mess with any of the spellcaster's full rests, so middle will probably be best?

Layaali will take last watch.

GM rolls: 1d20 ⇒ 141d20 ⇒ 20

Razif finds himself watching the desert expanse out of the south monastery window as his mid-night watch passes. That's when he notices a growling set of voices.

Razif Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Despite the darkness, Razif feels certain that two of the pugwampi have come back to their home base looking for food.

What would you like to do, Razif? You've not been noticed by the two pugwampi, but you're unable to see them due to the darkness. Areas within ten feet of windows, the nave, and the courtyard are awash in moonlight, granting low-light. Everyone else is asleep. Lastly, you don't have to roll dual d20s.....yet.

Razif skulks towards the others and gently shakes them awake, starting with Layaali, and finishing with Uzma, half expecting he may need help to reign in the sometimes unpredictable druid.

He whispers to them. "Two pugwampi who were out in the desert have returned. They tried to find food, but didn't find any, and are gonna look for Mokknokk. They'll probably try to climb up to his throne room first, we should see if we can take them by surprise and kill them before their frustrating powers disturb our rest."

Layaali stands up as quietly as she can, and loads her crossbow.

She whispers, "I can see in the dark, but not very far. Do any of you need light to see? Once the battle begins I can illuminate the area, but if we desire the element of surprise I should wait until we begin the assault."

With her loaded crossbow in hand, she looks at the others. "Ready?"

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 15

When the others are ready, Layaali heads off down the hallway, as quietly as she can, takes aim at the pugwampi, and fires a bolt at one!

GM roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 111d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 121d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Razif, Drael, and Uzma - please give me Stealth checks when you can. No need to roll twice, BTW.

Korum whispers to Razif after waking, "I had not expended any of my prepared spells for the day. I think I have something that would work well - and I can see in the darkness, " the half-orc says, shuffling out of bed and sneaking to a proper vantage point.

Awaiting Razif, Drael, and Uzma.

Stealth: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (17) - 5 = 12

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 = 15

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Roused from their sleep, Drael and Uzma make just a little bit too much noise as they prepare for battle, and the pugwampi turn to investigate.

Round 1!

Drael and Uzma, I've moved you out of bed to the positions from which you start combat.

Creeping down the hall as Layaali quickly looks back at her gang to make sure that they are coming, one of the pugwampi squeals as it spies the aasimar crouched behind the wall. It quickly crooks a waggling finger at Layaali, frowning mischievously at her crossbow.

Layaali Fortitude Save #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Layaali Fortitude Save #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The pugwampi shrieks in frustration as nothing happens. The half-orc wizard unleashes his spell at the far pugwampi.

Korum Spell Resistance check #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Korum Spell Resistance check #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Magic Missile damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Korum blasts the far pugwampi with a dart of energy.

Razif and Drael may act! Remember: it is dark in the interior of the monastery. Those without dark vision cannot see, unless within ten feet of a window.

Drael stumbles out into the darkness of the hallway, gripping his axe tightly and readying himself to strike as soon as he sees an enemy. He should've been able to see where the doorway so I moved him to just beyond that, he can't do much else until he has light so I'll ready an attack.