RttToEE [3.5 D&D] (Inactive)

Game Master Stiehle

glaces over the pool looking for anything out of the normal

spot: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

It appears to Loren that the pool is maybe 8 to 10 feet deep on the northern end, but the druid cannot make out anything along the bottom, because the light reflects off the dark water in a manner that makes it difficult to see details. The pool gets deeper toward the south, where the cliff looms above, though she cannot see how far down the water goes at that end.

In order to better scope out the bottom of the pool, one would likely have to swim beneath the surface, using a light that couldn't be extinguished by the water.

Accessing the shelf of rock to the south is likewise problematic. Obviously swimming across the pool and climbing the cliff would be the easiest method of exploring the niche to see what it might hide or where it may lead.

Taking a look at the water below and the cliff face, Vorlan will say "anyone here a good climber?"

Looks at Vorlan

"Maximus and I can if i change forms again, I could possibly even examine the pool but I will have to be mindful of my strength"

I am an excellent climber (+15), do we need to take rope? and a light that will not go out, like one of the everburning flaming light providing ones that i could take with me?

ooc: does any of my weaponry glow?

Phaligast is reluctant to take the lantern light any closer to the edge of the pool without at least one Svaerd-sized buffer between himself and any potential predators lurking in the pool. He knows the light will make him a target.

He says, "I can change my shape, as well, but I'd prefer to reserve that ability for a desperate situation. Polymorphing gives me the runs."

Nods at the Gnomes words

Vorlan shrugs, pulls out a rope, and hands Svaerd one end. He then holds out the other end to the rest of the group, and when someone takes it, he notches an arrow and begins scanning for attackers.

Loren signs to Maximus about climbing to the shelf above the pool. The ape signed back his concern for what might be in the pool. He seemed determined to make sure the pool was safe before climbing

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about two hours.

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Sol casts an orison on Svaerd’s sword, causing it to shed a light equal in strength to that of a torch. The barbarian takes the rope held out by Vorlan and dives into the water, clad in his armor! But the breastplate is ridiculously light, thanks to the material from which it was crafted, and with easy strokes (+14 modifier is auto success for a Take 10 vs DC 10) gains the far side of the pool and begins to climb the relatively short cliff face (+14 modifier is auto success for a Take 10 vs DC 15) and encounters no dangers as he clambers at last onto the short ledge. The massive barbarian is forced to duck his head as he unsheathes the glowing sword and thrusts it forward into the darkness to investigate the area.

Svaerd finds that the high floor hides a deep and apparently empty ledge, the floor of which is particularly uneven and only five feet in height at the mouth. The ceiling quickly drops lower and lower as he moves further back in the recess, but his efforts are quickly rewarded when he finds a very old skeleton lying next to a thick column with a number of weapons and a tattered pack that has mostly rotted away. Still, the barbarian finds a very finely crafted battleaxe and a shield that have withstood the ravages of time and moisture combined. A couple other metal items, including a dagger and a grappling hook, are badly rusted and unusable. The length of rope attached to the hook is also rotted badly, as are a few other unidentified items held in the pack. There is, however, a vial filled with what looks to be a clear liquid and a rotted leather pouch that holds a good number of coins and a gem (92gp, 42sp and a tiger eye gem [value - 30gp]) Beyond that little treasure trove, the ledge tapers down until it reaches a point where Svaerd must kneel down to use the glowing sword to confirm that the recess dead-ends entirely.

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Current Map

Condition Table

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OOC: Let me know if you want to take either the battleaxe or the shield (or both), as well as the liquid-filled vial and I’ll presume you’re taking the coins and the gem for sure. Let me know if you want to investigate the pool any further, or if you want to leave and head southwest along the tracked passage.

From Svaerd's description, it seems pretty clear there's something special about the axe & shield. I would advise taking both and the vial (as long as it doesn't hamper your swimming). With a DC 25 Spellcraft check, I can take a 1 minute & find out if the vial is a potion (+16 on my check, or +18 if it's from the illusion school). I like big numbers.

Loren stares at the pool lost in thought trying to see if she can detect anything in the pool. Maximus stands beside her watching the party signing not noticing that Loren wasn't watching him.

Sol still waits patiently for the Companions to finish exploring the area.

"Lets go a head and move on before we are discovered."

"Agreed." says Vorlan, who turns and retakes his place in the marching order.

I will move the adventure forward this weekend, and then I'll be gone for about a week or so. Loren, how are you examining the pool? It is to deep to see the bottom, though if you dove in with a light source (like the spell), you could make a Perception check. Or did you have another idea to examine the pool? Let me know either way. Thanks!

Loren shifts her form from a Bugbear to that of a celestial moniter lizard before swimming into the pool

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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Shifting into a monitor lizard body, Loren enters the dark water and swims easily to take a look around, utilizing her new vision to find several interesting items that have collected at the bottom of the underground pool, which reaches a depth of nearly twenty feet at the base of the cliff. Three skeletal corpses are found, and after a period of time spent claiming them from the depths they are soon identified. Two of them appear to have been cultists, based on the fact that one bears a holy symbol of the Elder Elemental Eye and the other wears a symbol of dread Tharizdun. The symbols as well as their armor and weapons are badly corroded and rusted, and most of their equipment and gear is likewise unusable or barely identifiable. The only exception is an egg-shaped censer with a hinged lid made of a strange, dark metal that appears to be remarkably well-preserved.

The third body is that of a dwarf, its remains appear even older than those of the cultists based on Sol’s inspection of the skeletons. Most of the dwarf’s possessions have long ago rusted into uselessness, but the body has three items in surprisingly good condition, due to magic or the natural properties of the metal. The dwarf’s breastplate armor, a silver holy symbol of Moradin and a platinum ring are salvaged. With Phaligast’s arcane assistance, the magical items are identified, which includes the armor, the battleaxe as well as the black thurible – though the gnome cannot determine exactly what kind of magic the censer holds, save that is meant to burn incense and has a moderately powerful magical aura belonging to the very general school of magic known as Universal. Sol is able to identify the flask of non-magical liquid as holy water.

The adventurers leave the cave with a good haul, and after packing away their loot the group moves out to explore the passage leading to the south and east. After a hundred feet or so of a gently downward sloping corridor, the tracks end in cross-passage of dark and stagnant water like that of the pool they just left. But this water snakes to the north and south along a passage with a ceiling height of about fifteen feet or so and a width that seems to vary between ten and twenty feet. To the north the corridor is filled entirely with water, but to the south there is a narrow bank of solid stone that slopes upward along the western side of the water-filled passage. At a point about sixty feet away where a bend in the corridor cuts off any further line of sight, the west bank is about five feet or so above the water’s surface and still rising.

Battlaxe +1
Breastplate Armor +1
Heavy Steel Shield +1
Silver Holy Symbol of Moradin (Value – 10gp)
Platinum ring (Value – 60gp)
Tiger Eye Gem (Value – 30gp)
Vial of Holy Water
92gp
42sp

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Current Map

Condition Table

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OOC: And we’re back! Let me know if you head south along the bank that winds alongside the water, or if you explore the dark water (Loren is still in monitor lizard form), or if you head back the way you came.

I vote for the bank.

I am good with the bank, Loren will remain a monitor lizard for a while

Sol agrees; "Let's head along the bank"

Phaligast agrees to the course along the bank, but keeps a particular eye out for suspicious ripples in the water & or any other aquatic threats.

"I am certain that this thurible has some important purpose for the cult. We may be able to use it to our advantage... I'm just not sure how yet."

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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The party begins to make their way south along the bank of the underground river, with Svaerd in the lead, followed by Maximus, then Loren and Phaligast with Vorlan and Sol in the rear. And though the adventurers are watchful for any danger, they cannot detect what lurks beneath the dark surface of the river. Surging forth with a spray water that drenches most of the party, those in the rear are attacked by something that looks like an enormous glob of mud! (Phaligast’s Knowledge (Dungeoneering) Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19) The gnome recognizes it as an ochre jelly, a creature that will try to envelop its prey, secreting a strong acid that will break its victim down into food for the monster. The gnome is dismayed to see that the creature has apparently chosen him as its next meal!

Ochre Jelly Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 vs Phaligast’s Flatfooted AC = Miss!

But luck smiles on the gnome, and Phaligast evades the creature’s surprise attack! Vorlan is the first to react to the presence of the enormous ooze that has erupted from the dark river right beside him…

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Please post your actions for Round 1! Bolded act before the Ochre Jelly’s action.

Combat Map

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OOC: Back again! Let’s hope it stays this way. I do have another board I play 5e games on (Mythweavers), which is actually pretty nice with a dice roller and the ability to insert images into posts. However, I’ve dragged my players to a new board already and hesitate to do so again so quickly. But maybe it’s worth discussing anyway, especially if Paizo troubles continue.

Also, I have put some information in the Gameplay tab. Check it out to refresh your memory about a few journals found a long time ago. I'll also track information there, including treasure found, and other relevant information for PCs and monsters during combat and general exploration.

Vorlan will fire a pair of arrows simultaneously then move back.

Manyshot: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Damage Roll: 2d8 + 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4) + (2, 4) + 8 = 22

Also, per my auravision class features, does it have any magical auras on it? I can't identify them, but I do get to see the number of them.

Sol stops as the glob of mud rises from the water and attacks. He lifts his Sundisc and intones a prayer to strenghten them all in the battle. Then he draws his Mace.

Cast Prayer. + 1 luck Bonus for all companions. I guess the Jelly will be immune, though.

Svaerd hollers out "what in the muck did you wake up gnome? and why? what or rather how do we attack it, anything special?"

attack with weapon, full attack, try to flank, try to not get gobbed.
attack with greatsword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 252d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4) + 9 = 17

Maximus lets loose at the jelly

Claw attack 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13 damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

Claw attack 2: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18 damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

Bite: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24 damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Loren moved to the front and snaps at the jelly

bite: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 = 17 damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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Vorlan takes a step back and sends a pair of arrows streaking toward the ooze! The two projectiles penetrate deep, but instead of harming the creature it splits the ooze into two individual entities! Maximus rends another with his claws, and though it too splits apart, his thick fingers are able to pulverize one of them. Sol casts a spell that bolsters his allies while Svaerd unleashes a tremendous blow against one of the new creatures, splitting it again! Lorne surges past Phaligast and bites the injured one, demolishing it with her teeth, but it also splits!

The ochre jellies, now numbering four, attack the party, and only Loren is unable to avoid her foe [Damage = 10], though thanks to her lizard form she is able to slip free as it tries to constrict her!

Phaligast finally reacts and the gnome…

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All players can post their actions, Phaligast acting at end of Round 1, everyone else acting in Round 2.

Combat Map

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OOC: Since everyone’s attacks pretty much occurred at the same time during the round, I’m sticking with the multiple splits that your weapons caused. Figure that after the initial flurry of blows, you now realize that some of your weapons are… less than effective against this creature. Wasn’t sure if each of Maximus’ attacks should split separately, but I decided that they pretty much all occurred at the same moment, so it only split once (and was wounded by the bite as well.)

Surprised, Vorlan shoots one of the smaller ones to see if they split again, or if it was a one-time thing.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Damage ROll: 1d8 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + (3) + 8 = 14

Phaligast reels back in horror (5-foot step away from the blob), and then lets loose with one of his more potent spells.

Orb of Cold: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 244d8 ⇒ (1, 6, 6, 2) = 15

Though I may be firing into melee (-4 to hit), I figure hitting an ochre jelly's touch AC is about like hitting the broad side of a barn.

Sol steps forward and swings his mace twice against the closest blob, while protecting himself with the shield. Maybe the bludgoning damage would not split the thing further?, he thinks.

Full attack

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage Roll: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Second Attack Roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage Roll: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Maximus growls at one of the jellys and attacks
Claw attack 1:: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 = 14damage:: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

Claw attack 2:: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 = 22damage:: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

Bite:: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13damage:: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Loren snaps at one of the smaller jellies

bite:: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 = 20 damage:: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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Phaligast staggers away from the ochre jelly and conjures one of his more potent spells, sending an orb of frozen ice into the monster! The creature freezes over and slides into the river, disappearing from view. Vorlan nocks an arrow to string, but in so doing he lowers his defenses for a critical instant and the ochre jelly slams him with a slimy appendage that the half-orc easily avoids. And indeed the arrow appears to do it no harm, and instead splits it in twain, effectively replacing the one that the gnome killed!
Red Ochre Jelly AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 vs Vorlan’s AC = Miss!

Maximus mauls the ooze threatening himself and Loren into pieces with its massive clawed hands, then snaps at the one in front of Svaerd, dealing it terrible damage. Sol swings his mace, hoping that the blunt weapon will be more effective, and his glad to see that his hunch was correct! He strikes true both times, pulverizing it badly, but not enough to destroy it. Seeing Sol having better luck with the blunt weapon, Svaerd tosses his sword aside and draws his mace, slamming the weapon with a two-handed grip into the ooze, which turns it into paste!
MW Heavy Mace: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 vs Green Ooze’s AC = Hit!
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Loren snaps at the one that Sol battered, and her teeth mash it up, though it tastes awful! The remaining ochre jelly mindlessly attacks Vorlan again, and once more the half-orc is able to dodge aside, though just barely!
Red Ochre Jelly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 vs Vorlan’s AC = Miss!

Phaligast…

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Combat Map

All players can post their actions for Round 2. It is obvious to you now that piercing and slashing weapons don’t harm the creatures, splitting them instead – though there also appears to be a point where they can’t be split apart any more once they’ve been damaged enough.

Vorlen will back up, then ready a Manyshot on the first ooze that reaches the point of non-splitting.

Many Shot readied action: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Damage Rolls: 2d8 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (6, 2) + (6) + 18 = 32

Vorlan, you actually can't tell when it reaches that point, since I don't give HP information. You can take a guess though, if you want! Just let me know when you attack (after it's been struck once or twice or whatever).

Sorry, based that on your OOC statement. I'll shoot the first one that is hit twice and doesn't die.

Svaerd screams at the gnome "I am serious, when this is over, if you are alive, i may kill you"
drop weapon, free action draw
Masterwork Heavy Mace (M) \ +14/+9 (+16/+11 in Rage) melee attack \ 1d8 +5 (+7 in Rage) damage \ [x2] critical \ bludgeoning damage
full attack action against 1 or more of them if i can cleave through each one
heavy mace attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 301d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
if able to cleave
heavy mace attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 251d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

second regular attack, against same as first, damaged, or new target
heavy mace attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 181d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
if able to cleave
heavy mace attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 221d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Sol continues to swing his mace against the blobs.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Second Attack Roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Wanting to conserve his most potent spells for the vermin-sorcerer, Phaligast tries again to back away from the amorphous horror and casts a protective spell on himself.

OOC: I will take another 5 ft. step back -- if I can -- and cast mage armor on myself (which improves my AC to 21).

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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Phaligast is far enough away to risk casting a spell that sheathes his body behind a wall of force that is as formidable as steel chain links. Vorlan holds his shot for the moment, though he hasn’t seen his arrows have any effect yet, perhaps they will when the creature splits enough? Maximus holds back, protecting Loren as Sol and Svaerd rush to attack with their blunt weapons and the cleric and barbarian are easily able to finish the creature off.

Putting their weapons away and preparing to contine on, the adventurers are confronted by a deep, booming voice that speaks from the darkness ahead. “Oh now look what you’ve done to Smooshy. It was rather a boring conversationalist, but it was the only friend I had down here. What sort of punishment should I invoke for that sort of rudeness? I am open to suggestions…” Its tone is one of bemusement, but there is a dangerous edge to it as well. The voice sounds as though its coming from the water to the south. Loren's sharp eyes pick out something that appears to be floating in the water about fifty feet away or so, at the very edge of the light where her sharp lizard eyes are able to discern a shape that is about five or six feet long and vaguely reptilian looking itself.

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Map

Knowledge nature to tell what it is?

Vorlan draws his bow, then notches a pair of arrows but doesn't fire.

Loren, it is right at the very edge of your vision given the current lighting conditions. Your Spot check wasn't quite high enough to get a good look. If you move closer, you should be able to discern what it is.

Sol puts the mace back in his belt, but keeps the shield in hand.

"I am sorry my Friend, but your Smooshy really didn't give us any choice, jumping at us without warning", he answers the bemused voice. "We are just passing through, trying to find the Air Temple. Maybe you have some advice for us? My name i Sol Soendag, by the way, I am a Cleric from the temple in Leukish."

The bemused tone of the voice gives Sol a hope of avoiding a confrontation, even maybe finding an ally.

Diplomacy skill roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

The Prayer spell still has effect, I suppose

Inches closer to the creature

With another possible threat gliding through the water towards the group, Phaligast holds the light of the lantern up high -- as high as a gnome might -- so as to illuminate better the strange newcomer. If he can get a good look at the thing he will try to identify it, but he also draws out his wand in case the thing decides he & his friends are edible...

OOC: If my lantern allows a decent view of the creature, I'll attempt to discern the species. Also readying my wand.

Knowledge - Arcana check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Freeday, 28th day of Fireseek, 593 C.Y.
First day underground.
Early in the day, the party has been exploring for about three hours.

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The group edges forward, to get a better look at the speaker. Phaligast's lantern light falls upon the dark water where the shape can be seen floating in the middle of the channel. A three foot long form lifts away from the water, and after a moment the party realizes it is a reptilian head! Emerald scales of deepest green reflect the light as its yellow eyes fix upon the heroes, its mouth drawn back to reveal gleaming teeth as long as daggers. Phaligast estimates it to be fairly young, but can't be entirely sure. It is certainly not as gigantic as the ancient wyrms, or even the older adults, but this one isn't small by any means.

“Ahhh... so now you see. I forget that your kind possess such weak vision and hearing.” Its gaze fixes upon Sol, and it snorts as though in derision and a strong smell of chlorine washes over the party. “A cleric of Pelor? Well, perhaps you seek to bring the light into the dark place, yes? The Shining One is not loved by those that dwell here, as I am sure you have learned.” A tail that is like an enormous snake suddenly lashes out of the water, scattering a spray of liquid across the bank a few yards in front of the adventurers. It continues to watch the adventurers with its crafty gaze, as though testing their reactions.

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Map

Oh! Heh, I realize I didn't name the creature. Yeah, it's a dragon.

Looks at the beast preparing to defend herself if need be.

"What do you want, spellwyrm. It's clear that we're ready for a fight, but I don't get the sense that you want to start one." says Vorlan.