Sky Piracy by the Stormborn (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

"there's something necromantic in the shed that tried to intrude into my mind. "

He then casts a spell as he tosses some sort of powder into the air. It briefly forms a perfect circle around him before vanishing.

macid circle vs evil

After observing Sparel's initial scouting from afar, she approaches and joins him in the circle, similarly keeping a safe distance. She sweeps the area with Arcane Sight (Assuming she learns nothing new) to confirm Sparel's observations.

"Well, we don't seem to have much of a choice about the matter. Unless you have some Disintegrate prepared, it looks like we're going through the front door."

Assuming that it's been a minute or so, Keiko's back to full health

@leinathan - Now that there isn't anything actively trying to distract us, can Lu tell if the small headstone fit (or close enough that it might be a different stone) in the slot on the door?

"indeed I do have that prepared. I'll take out the wall if you take out whatever is inside. "

"Fair enough. However, are we thinking that the front door is trapped? I can look for any, if you'd like. No need to expend such a valuable spell if you don't have to."

"Please do"

Keiko nods, then vanishes once more. She carefully makes her way towards the front door, scanning the area for signs of anything strange or dangerous, magical or otherwise. Upon reaching the door, she very carefully examines it for any mechanisms, and assuming she finds none, moves to gingerly open it. If locked, she pulls out a Traveler's Anytool to pick said lock. If she encounters any traps along the way, she notifies the party and begins trying to disable it if possible.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33
Disable Device (door): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25
Disable Device (trap, if any): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

When Keiko drops down in front of the door, it leans open ever-so-slightly, creaking on its hinges at it swings. The porch is rickety and groans under Keiko's weight. The inside of the house is dark, but Keiko can see a hallway with a kitchen off to one side.

Approximate dimensions of the house?

After making absolutely sure there are no hidden surprises about the entrance and a quick scan of the immediate interior, she hurries to report back.

"Front door's wide open, no apparent traps. It seems abundantly evident that the Arena Master wants us to proceed through here. If those ghouls are the sorts of things he's throwing at us, I'm quite happy to play along."

30' by 50', approximately. It's two stories, as well. Probably about 2500 sq. feet.

"I'm sure there's more involved than Ghouls, but I think you're otherwise correct. Would one of the more lithe companions care to take the lead?" (As everyone is more lithe than Sparel that basically means anyone else. lol.)

Sparel enters the shack behind one or more of his companions, though if no one takes point Sparel will do so himself.

(Assuming everyone's coming along)

"I'd be happy to take point, but I think Madame Lucrecia is better suited to the task."

"I shall take the rear so that Sparel doesn't get flanked and much more importantly so he doesn't hit me"

(So assuming no objections, looks like marching order is: Lu, Keiko, Sparel, Praet)

Lu pokes the door open with her rapier, and it swings easily enough on oiled hinges. Within is a T-shaped hallway extending into the house. To the left is an open doorway leading into a kitchenette. From within wafts the strong smell of mold and rotten food.

Ahead is a hallway containing three doors - two on the left face and one of the right, ending in a dead end.

To the right is a rickety-looking wooden staircase leading down, down into darker areas.

A whisper weaves its way through the air - "Iiiii knoooow whaaat yooooou've doooooone."

Following the marching order Sparel says "Hummm" when they reach the fork in the road. "So it's a maze. It's nearly clever."

Sparel pulls a small metal compass arrow that fits in his palm from his pocket and being chanting phrases from holy texts. You catch a few key words all having to do with guidance. At one point during the casting he presses his palm to his forehead with the metal arrow in between. His final words of prayer are very clear and resounding, "The arena exit."Then the casting ends and he removes his hand. The arrow is gone.

Cast Find the Path. The arena exit is the target location we're trying to find. Unless it fails for some reason this will guide us the most direct physical route to leave this place.

Lu looks around and sniffs in the air, seemingly unaffected by the stench from the kitchen. Oh... that do smell delicious. I haven't had a tasty morsel in a long time! She bit her lip and continued looking around. Maybe I'll have some blue cheese when I get back to the ship ... When the voice calls out, she grimaces and readies her sword agian.

"I zink zis is supposed to be a haunted house... Maybe just part of ze zeme yes?"

On alert Praetorius Grips his Greatsword and readies his force shield

like an idiot Praetorius replies to the whisper with his own
"Iiiii Diiiiiid yooouuur Moooooom"

find the path points towards the wall, to the door-thing that the party has already found (and tried the rock, which didn't work).

find the path points towards the wall, to the door-thing that the party has already found (and tried the rock, which didn't work).

"Well... Apparently the most direct path is that way" *points*"Therefore it's a 'path,' but we'd have to figure out how to access it. Thoughts?"

leinathan wrote:

find the path points towards the wall, to the door-thing that the party has already found (and tried the rock, which didn't work).

"Well... Apparently the most direct path is that way" *points*"Therefore it's a 'path,' but we'd have to figure out how to access it. Thoughts?"

I am of course referring to the OUTER wall, the outline of a door that you found already. Just to clarify. It is, of course, the most direct PHYSICAL route to the outside of the arena.

"So, less of a maze and more of a treasure hunt zen it seems. Noh?" Lu comments as they stand before the door again. With a discerning 'hmm' she leans in against the door and gives it a good push. "Can't hurt to try yes!"

Str check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

"Meh. Maybe ... more violence? Or we simply have to find ze key..."

Sparel will take a few moments to try to examine the nature of the magic on the exit door.

Detect magic+Spellcraft

1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35 + 2 more if it's "a magic item"

What is the underlying material without magic?

I'm thinking I can probably disable and/or destroy this door and walk out. However, if this is a DM fiat where the door is essentially un-passable please let me know and I'll forget about it and go through the maze.

The magic on the door is a variant of arcane lock combined with a magical wall that appears to only block teleportation - it seems that teleportation within the arena will work just fine, but any teleportation to the outside will fail.

It also is magically hardened, increasing the stone's natural density and integrity. Originally it is, as mentioned, made of stone.

Feel free to try and cast stuff at the wall, if you want. You might even succeed, but be careful of the consequences.

"Hummm." Sparel says appraisingly.

"I have an idea."

With a Strong word of power Sparel sends a green ray at the wall next to the door.

(Disintegrate. Theoretically it'll turn a 10' cube of the wall to dust with no save, but we shall see. :-) If so Sparel's targeting was intended to destroy both the wall and the section of the wall where the hinges were theoretically holding the door. As we didn't exit this door the hinge location is an educated guess. )

Engineering to assess where the hinges should be assuming he can't simply see them. Engineering 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Roll me a ranged touch attack and a caster level check, please.

Roll me a ranged touch attack and a caster level check, please.

Ranged touch 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Caster level check 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Sparel blasts a hole in the wall of the arena, cracking the illusionary facade of starlight that adorns the whole dome. The little door, lock and all, is reduced to dust by the power of Sparel's spell, revealing a room on the other side, lit by continual flame and containing a trio of efreeti janissaries.

One turns to Sparel, and hand flying to the hilt of the ranseur on his back, and he says, "You weren't supposed to do that." The other two, seated on benches, stand up in caution. "They said you couldn't do that!"

Sparel blasts a hole in the wall of the arena, cracking the illusionary facade of starlight that adorns the whole dome. The little door, lock and all, is reduced to dust by the power of Sparel's spell, revealing a room on the other side, lit by continual flame and containing a trio of efreeti janissaries.

One turns to Sparel, and hand flying to the hilt of the ranseur on his back, and he says, "You weren't supposed to do that." The other two, seated on benches, stand up in caution. "They said you couldn't do that!"

"That was never such a restriction as part of the agreement." Sparel says flatly.

"Escape was the name of the game, was it not? I did not make the terms, I simply abide by them. Will you?"

I'd to take a step across the door threshold. He'll stop if he's in range of their melee weapons and they draw them.

Over his shoulder to his companions Sparel says,
"To me please."

Also is the poison cloud still around? If yes is it now flowing into this room?

Edit: slight edits.

Lu looks in delight as Spa turns the door to dust. With a gleeful laugh she follows him trough - and her mood only improve upon seeing the efreetis expressions. With a nod of greeting she chuckles.

"Without any surprises, what would ze fun be my good gentlemen?" She follows up with a courtly bow, intent on being on her best behaviour. While she didn't particularly fancy the outsiders, she realized that fighting them here and now probably would be ... difficult given their numbers. "I believe we are outside of the arena now, are we not? No need for zese zen!" She adds and lowers her sword, pointing the tip towards the floor.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Keiko hustles over to where there is now a large hole in the wall and there are irritated Outsiders.

"I for one was kind of hoping to finish this game as the Arena Master had intended. It seems a shame to waste such a meticulously built arena, even if the first challenge was a bit tame."

She looks at Sparel and Lu, ignoring the Efreeti. "And do you really think the Arena Master will be pleased with this? The goal from the start was to placate him with a performance, no? As a connoisseur of violent entertainment, I'd give the show so far a solid three out of ten. My vote is to go back and finish the game."

Keiko hustles over to where there is now a large hole in the wall and there are irritated Outsiders.

"I for one was kind of hoping to finish this game as the Arena Master had intended. It seems a shame to waste such a meticulously built arena, even if the first challenge was a bit tame."

She looks at Sparel and Lu, ignoring the Efreeti. "And do you really think the Arena Master will be pleased with this? The goal from the start was to placate him with a performance, no? As a connoisseur of violent entertainment, I'd give the show so far a solid three out of ten. My vote is to go back and finish the game."

"He chose the game and the terms. He may not be pleased, but he's a lawful outsider and is compelled to keep his word. We can negotiate reentering, but I want our agreed upon payment first. Including your freedom. "

Praetorius chuckles to himself upon seeing sparel destroy the wall, bemusing to himself that perhaps Sparel can fight.... walls.

Then walking over several meters from the new hole in the wall Praetorius has his bats gather around himself then as loud as he can lets out a cacophonous boast
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED! IS THERE NO ONE TO CHALLENGE ME? OR SHALL I TAKE MY LEAVE OF YOUR SUPPOSEDLY GRAND ARENA?"

Keiko sighs and awaits the response of the Efreeti and/or the Arena Master himself, should he speak.

No, the poison gas has dissipated.

The three jannisaries draw their weapons to keep Sparel and the others outside of the room and they wait for a few moments, their faces stern and serious. After a few moments, the Lord of the Arena in all of his glittering glory teleports behind his three guardsmen carrying a huge (probably at least 1500 pages, sized for a Large creature, and bound in iron) book. "You may have taken my words far too literally." booms the Lord. "And for that, you have failed this challenge. Guards, take the oni back into custody and prepare her for her next match."

"You," he says, indicating Sparel, Lucrecia and Praetorius, "May leave this Arena. You have broken our rules of engagement and are as such not welcome here. The challenge was not completed in either direction, so I am not authorized to take you into custody. You are free to leave. However, do not attempt to return."

Know (planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"Wait! Your greatness, Lord of this Arena, would it be possible for us to proceed with the game in the spirit in which it was intended, and have our original bargain stand? It seems such a shame to waste such an elegantly crafted and orchestrated battleground."

If Keiko wasn't already visible, she reappears as the Lord makes his entrance. After her words, she looks towards the others questioningly, as if to ask if this would be an acceptable course of action.

Diplomacy (If needed): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44

Sparel will not cross the line if prevented in any way from doing so.

Planes 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

"Hummm, perhaps I took your instruction too literally. You did indicate escape was the goal. As we have not exited the arena have we truly broken the rules of engagement? As Kieko suggests could we be allowed stay and run your predetermined gauntlet and if successful claim the agreed upon reward? "

Sparel will not cross the line if prevented in any way from doing so.

Planes 1d20+20

"Hummm, perhaps I took your instruction too literally. You did indicate escape was the goal. As we have not exited the arena have we truly broken the rules of engagement? As Kieko suggests could we be allowed stay and run your predetermined gauntlet and if successful claim the agreed upon reward? "

Whispering quietly to the Lord, "at minimum surely this is very entertaining for the audience. Is that not the true goal?"

Praetorius walks up to the rest of the party when the Lord of the Arena arrives

addressing the Lord "I apologize for the actions of my wizard but I am here to engage in Blood Sports would you deny your audience the blood they desire for the shenanigans of an elf."

turning to look down at Sparel Praetorius quietly sneers "Sparel show proper respect to those in stations above yours"

Diplomacy is required: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
oh wow i rolled well

Sparel does his best to look humble

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

results may vary.

Sparel does his best to look humble

1d20+7

results may vary.

that's Bluff btw

Bluff: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

Lu attempts to look saintly and not at all inclined to engage in 'bloodsports' with several nearby targets *ahem* creatures. Somewhat successfully too, one might add.

The Lord of the Arena looks between the combatants, beady eyes regarding and valuing each of them. He slowly responds, "Very weeeeeell. You may re-enter the arena, and you may complete your challenge. Another stunt like that, though, and your lives will be forever forfeit. And next time, perhaps consider reading our Codex."

With that last word, he casts a spell, creating a glowing light blue wall in between himself and the pirates, sealing up the hole in the wall with a wall of force.

sense motive auto-fail

Okay, so...what ARE you going to do?

"See Sparel he is a completely reasonable man who wants his entertainment, lets us venture forth into that creepy house and kill s!&+"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36
(So close)

Keiko nods in approval. "A respectable gentleman. Now, shall we get on with it?" Keiko curtsy's with her robe of needles towards the Lord and then begins heading back up to the house.

The hill and house are silent on the pirates' approach, just as they were before. They door they left ajar is still ajar, the inside of the house still empty and quiet (at least, what they can see).

Keiko gives a glance over her shoulder to see if there's any more activity at the hole. Assuming no objections, she waits for the others and falls in line with the previously established marching order. She proceeds with caution, scanning the area with Arcane Sight and looking for any possible traps or sources of danger.

Sorry! Exams gnawing on my sparetime. Soon it'll be over and I'll be freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Yey! :P

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24 Bad dice! What have we said about this number?

It was tempting to ask Spa to disintegrate the wall of force and simply put the Lord of the Arena to the test. So very tempting! *Sigh* With a shrug she instead followed the others, mentally adding another name to the list titled 'Things to do when I get older'.

"Sore loser, can't take his word for anything. Comes dragging with some freaking rulebook even! Grr ..."

Lu mumbles to herself. Still, she takes some care and waits until they are back into the arena proper. Not that it probably mattered, since they were being scryed on, but it was not in front of the 'gentleman' in question at the very least.