The Torture Chamber (Everquest RPG PBP)

Game Master Xenh

Abandon all hope, ye who enter the world of Norrath.


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Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn nods. "Right. Sorry. Time enough to discuss it later. As I was saying before, I might be able to fit you into my backpack, Noggy. It wouldn't be comfortable, but it's probably safer than Brontide's invisibility spell, since I'd imagine that a city full of spellcasters has guards who can see through such things. Any other ideas?"


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Nogglegrop’s bushy white eyebrows knit together momentarily, as he works through the lofty talk associated with nation-building. He was fully in agreement with the concept, though he had no clue how to put such a plan into motion. The gnome was such a small part of a very very large world, and did not see himself as important enough to even consider such things. Perhaps one day, but who can dream that far... "I will readily step to for Sajeek and help him find those he has lost, and should it come to the formation of nations, know that I will rule you all with an iron fist." The last is delivered so perfectly deadpan that it takes a moment to discern that Nogglegrop isn't being serious, and only from the context of what you know of him.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Though the gnome is generally the type that just goes along with the flow, and rarely seeking to place himself in a position to make waves, Nogglegrop does speak to one point that Gwendalyn had brought up, “I apologize if this is something you do not agree with my friend, but know that I will get involved if asked. I cannot stomach tyranny, and if the goodly forces that stand against it ask for my aid, they will find it.” The cleric does not try to meet the barbarian’s fury, nor compete with her volume, if anything he whispers the words. “The people of Freeport were being crushed under the heel of oppression. How could we not act.” The last question was rhetorical, for Nogglegrop's eyes are thousands of miles away remembering images of the fear of the general populace of the city.

Maps are easy to come by for Revery (cost is 50gp +1d20gp per map) in the city of Erudin.


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery nods at Noggy's last statement. "We didn't start anything, Gwen. It was started long before we got there. If we can help finish it in a good way (and we have), we should be proud."


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Listening to Noggy, Sajeek stares at the gnome for several long moments after he starts his ruling intentions. His mouth opens and closes as he tries to find the right words. Or words in general. When the cleric says that he would aid the forces of good against the oppressive nature of tyranny, the vah shir grins.

"Beware, o' iron fisted ruler, for I have allegiance of the dreaded assassin, Bast," Sajeek points to the snoozing Tiger. Hearing his name, Bast raises his head and looks over at Sajeek and Noggy, ears twitching a few times. Blinking his mismatched eyes, the tiger manages to look annoyed that he had been woken up and no food had been presented. With a grumble Bast lays his head back down. "See? Very fearful." Sajeek laughs.

"I promise not to start any fights, Gwen," Sajeek looks over and smiles at the barbarian woman cheerfully. He thinks for second. "Or wars, for that matter."

Looking at his friends, Sajeek, grins.

"Hmm, well, we are going to have to come with a way to get Noggy aboard a ship, and we are going to need some maps." The Beastlord scratches under his chin as he look at the ancient forests not to far away from them. "I would think that your people might have some really good maps of Norrath over all." He says with a nod to Revery. "I think that a larger city, or a more trade based city, would have more maps or knowledge of trade routes," the vah shir thinks out loud. Absently, he traces the white furred clawprint that grips his right bicep.


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

" Well since I have nothing better to do Sajeek, I'll give you a hand with what you are looking for. Iron fist ruler eh, we must have done wrong with getting you out of jail. Or did the jail change you, spent to much time with a few unsavory folks in there." Kwen says with a grin, showing he meant no harm. " Gwen I'm shocked! I never start any fights at all, I'm just an innocent bystander in all of this." The rogue finishes with a laugh, his humor couldn't be hidden any longer.
" Sajeek, stop picking at your tattoo, it could get infected, and we can't amputate your chest without a fatal event of death occurring." The rogue quickly darts out of reach, still laughing, not caring for a change on what could happen in the future.

sense motive:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Kwen wan't sure about about the gnome, perhaps he had been changed by his time spent in a cell. Trying not to let it bother him, if the gnome had snapped well then everyone could be in trouble.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Nogglegrop throws Kwen the most perfectly crafted wink of coldness (critical success) that even the rogue finds it difficult to shake it off.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"I will dub thee Sir Footstool...for my dog!"

Even the gnome cannot hold his facade for long, and it shatters so completely that everyone recognizes the trust of the ruse.


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery shakes his head and smiles at the Gnome, and hands Sajeek the scroll. "Let's go, we have another three day trek ahead of us. I can buy maps in Erudin. Which maps do we need?" And he starts to gather his stuff and don his backpack.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

The group easily makes their way to within Erudin's sphere of influence without issue.

Passage can be booked for 30 pieces of gold each to get to Qeynos.

Of course one will need to decide what to do with Nogglegrop.


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

" Easy we get a barrel of, fill half of it with apples, after we put Nogglegrop into the bottom of it, thus we have him hidden. We make it a short boat ride, thus Noggy doesn't have to pay for his boat ride. At night we have Revery cast invisibility on him, then hide him in our cabin." Kwen says, " Or I spend a few days in Erudin and see if we can get Nogglegrop smuggled in a boat, through some friends I might be able make. The problem with that is it might cost us a bit more coin."
" Still, Revery what do you know about Erudin, any shady elements that have been rumored around town... besides myself." Kwen asks with a grin trying to get enough information to start building a few likely places to look for a trust worthy smuggler. The concept was hard to wrap one's mind around, but some smugglers tried to keep their business alive by word of mouth with other rogues.


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

As the group stand at the very same forest's edge where the tents had been erected, near the meadow where the wedding had taken place, Revery looks at Nogglegrop. "Well, Noggy, this is where we say goodbye, I guess... Would that you could rule my people with that iron fist of yours. Unless the barrel idea works. Or the sack." He laughs at his own jokes, and slaps Noggy on the back.

Hearing Kwen's question, Revery tries to think of criminal elements in Erudin. He knows they exist, but knows little of them first hand.

Knowledge/local lore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Knowledge/street smarts: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

His eyes brighten. He's sure he's heard before about foreign criminals at the docks, among the foreigners who were there for regular trade. And he may know of others, all very peripherally of course....

"As far as ships go, we could book a foreign vessel. Then, if we're ever suspected of having an extra member in our group, I can always turn myself into a book or something, and they will be hard pressed to find me. Unless they have some wizards aboard.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Revery recognizes that if there is any interaction to be had with the criminal element then it will be he that is doing the negotiation because his people barely tolerate the human (dubious faction) and refuse to speak anything save their own language within the confines of their own walls. Erudin was built as a sanctuary for the erudite people, but other brutish races have failed to register; one need only ask the kerran about that.

There are no shady elements within Erudin. The shady elements have moved southward to the city of Paineel. Sadly those shady elements hate the gnome almost as much as they hate the rest of the group, and they do not have docks that you know of.

No foreign vessel is accepted in the waters off of Odus. Only the ferry's travel between this continent and Antonica. Other ships are treated as pirates and sunk.

Any ruse comes down to an element of luck: invisibility might fade, hiding might be discovered, or a ruse might be detected (a single bluff roll required for the latter two) and it might be more than Nogglegrop that faces the punishment that comes with a failure. Those that smuggle enemies of the erudite people into the city might find themselves decimated by arcane might.


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn considers how lucky they've been so far, and the consequences if their luck gives out. "What about getting out the same way we got in? Could we hire a wizard to come spell us away from here? They shouldn't mind getting a gnome *off* of the island, I'd think."


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

"Well, I think most of the wizards here are Erudite's, so that probable won't work out," Sajeek tugs on his right ear for a moment. "Did anyone happen to see a ship that was crewed by non-erudites?" He sees the answer to that in the eyes of those who were in town that it was not likely to be the case in this port. "Well, shitfire," Sajeek mutters. He falls silent for a few dozen heartbeats.

"Umm, how about..., no that wouldn't work..., maybe.., nah. Hmm, how do we pull this one off." Sajeek muses out loud as he scratches his chin thinking. Absently tracing the clawprint on his bicep, Kwen's comment pops into his head. "Oh this?" Sajeek points to the print that almost completely wraps around his arm. "Not a tattoo. It's a.., gift, from a friend of mine. Besides, to show off a tattoo, I would have to shave of a chuck of my fur. And that ain't happening," the Beastlord chuckles, looking over at the half-elf. "No tattoos for vah shir are more in the area of dyeing of furs...," Sajeek trails off and his eyes widen. "I am an idiot," he says with a shake of his head.

"Well, if the city is out of the question, how about the Kerran?" Sajeek looks at his friends. "The are more shamanistic in nature, however, they might be able to point us in the direction of a druid who we might make a trade with." The vah shir looks at Rev for a second. "Damn it. Yeah, Noggy and I might want to go first to smooth over the whole bringing an Erudite over."

"Or should we try to smuggle Noggy onto a ship. I mean it is his life we are gambling with after all, so we should probably avoid just winging it," Sajeek grins.


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Sajeek smacks his forehead. A long string of combine cursing rolls off the vah shir's tongue. Bast lifts his head, staring at Sajeek quizzically.

"I am truly dumb," Sajeek throws a few more curses his own way and shakes his head. Looking up at his friends, Sajeek rolls his emerald eyes.

"So, thinking of druids, how about we track back to where we arrived. In that druid circle. What are those things called? The big slabs of rock? Minhers? Miners? No, Menhirs, I think I heard them called," Sajeek shakes his head. "I can't believe I forgot about that place."

Sajeek frowns as he remembers back to when they first arrived on Odus.

"Okay, if I remember correctly, our first campsite was near the water, a great felled tree that had rotted from the inside," the Beastlord tugs on his right ear.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Nogglegrop accepts the ideas, and gentle ribbing, with good-natured stoicism, but even he cannot hide the occasional bead of nervous sweat, and the slight blanch that comes from some of the ideas offered up. He never forgets it is his life that is on the line.

Even in a forest as thick as Toxxulia finding an ancient ring of 60' high and 20' wide stone menhirs is not all that difficult, especially since the group has the landmarks of the water and felled rotten tree to guide them.

A decision must be made of whether the group will find the druid circle, approach the kerran, attempt to sneak Nogglegrop into the city, or try to commission a wizard.

Either way Revery is a 6 day journey away from buying a map, so a decision needs to be made on that front as well.

A druid may come in 4 months, or in 4 seconds, it is unknown. If there is a positive to standing amidst the menhirs it is that the erudites are not a druidic tradition. If there is a worry it is that they are most likely teleporting an erudite back home.


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery says, "Good idea, Sajeek. Amazing how quickly one forgets. If a druid can transport us that will be wonderful. We don't have much to offer such a one, perhaps only our services or some knowledge. My other suggestion was going to be that I would book a ship to come and pick the rest of you up on the shore somewhere. Not a good plan, I know. But if we do end up going to the Kerrans, I suspect they will be... less unwelcoming than my own people have been. Or, I could just be a rock for a while."


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Sajeek laughs at Revery's comment. The thought of the enchanter turning into a rock strikes him funny.

"No, I don't think that will needed, Rev," Sajeek chuckles. A few moments pass as the young Beastlord looks around at his friends. He clears his throat a little uncomfortably. "Okay, I think I need to clarify something real quick." The vah shir's ears lay half way back.

"Umm, yeah, so I never made it to Qeynos. It was I don't know how many weeks of travel away from where I landed on Norrath," Sajeek looks a little guilty. "The portal that I arrived at is a few days or so travel away from a druid circle. And, you can't miss the pillars that make up the portal, they make the menhirs look like small stones," he flashes a quick grin to his friends.

"I ended up at a massive gypsy camp, that I thought was Qeynos. It was like a city on the back of caravan," Sajeek's eyes glaze as he remembers his first few weeks on Norrath. A lecherous grin finds it's way to his muzzled face. Shaking off his memories, the Beastlord looks to his friends. "On the plus side, they were pretty friendly to me. And on the bonus side, we can get maps there. Along with other things." the vah shir smirks.

The Beastlord bends down to scratch Bast's ears, resulting in the tiger's thunderous purr.

"I think we should make our way to the druid circle and wait," Sajeek looks up from where he crouches. "That way, we don't have to track back and forth between the city and the woods. Plus, nobody has to hide, or change form. Because honestly, I think a city full of powerful casters would probably be onto our ruse faster then a cat gets into cream," Sajeek grins. "Not to dismiss your boat idea Rev. I just don't see a captain of an Erudite vessel letting Noggy get on. of course, that's assuming we could get him to stop the boat to let whomever get on."


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

"I agree, it is a last chance idea. I just wanted you to know it was out there. But we really have no guarantee there will be a druid at the stones, nor if he or she will help us," says Revery.

Revery tries to remember the landmarks near the storm. That river was within earshot, so that is a place to start...


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn nods. "This is starting to sound like a plan that might work. It depends somewhat on the vagaries of fate, but more in the timing than in whether we get killed. So we go find the menhirs again, set up camp nearby but not too close -- just in case -- and keep watch on them while living off the land. Hopefully for not too long."

Rolls:
Sense Heading: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Wilderness Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

"That is very true. It just seems like the safest chance for Noggy to get off the island alive," Sajeek says as he stands back up and stretches. "I mean, we could end up waiting for a while, which would suck, but give us time to brush up on our wilderness skills. Or languages, for that matter." He stops talking for a moment. "But thanks for putting the ship on the table." Sajeek blinks. "I mean the idea, not the actual ship."

Once everyone starts to gather themselves up, Sajeek will lead them back to the Druid's Circle(if everyone agrees). 'At least I hope I do,' the Beastlord thinks with a quick grin.

Ooc:
Wilderness Lore:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Menhirs are found after a few hours of searching.

It only takes just over 3 days before the first druid arrives. It is a wood elf in the company of 3 erudite, but they take no note of you, since Nogglegrop was wise enough to not stand in plain sight.

Random Arrival Time (higher is better): 1d100 ⇒ 72
Days for arrival: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Hours for arrival: 1d20 ⇒ 7

The druid agrees to a teleport, for what you will later determine is the lowest price one would expect for such a thing (level 15x80gp for an 8th level spell): 1200 gold will transport you instantly to the Karanas.

Nogglegrop sheepishly hands over 25 gold pieces, embarrassed that he has spent so much on himself.


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Nodding to the three erudite whom where to busy looking down their noses to actually notice any of the group. That was something the vah shir was rather thankful for. Not to mention Noggy's quick reflexes.

After they greet the druid, whom Bast went all kitten eyed for, Sajeek and the others have a chat. The druid takes the excuse to pet the reddish-orange tiger. Which was all part of Bast's plan to get attention.

"Okay, so I have a couple of gems and some coins. A little over a thousand or so," Sajeek says, rooting around in his backpack for his coin pouch. "I'm going need a little help to pay this one," he grins at the others.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Here the party was impossibly stuck, for the second time within the bosom of this singular year, and paying out moneys/debts beyond comprehension. Both times the same friend's life hanged in the balance, prompting unfathomable efforts to be employed.

By contrast it was inconceivable to comprehend the volume of wealth that one must have at their disposal to so casually commission teleportation as a means of conveyance. Their faces did not betray any sense of urgency, if anything it was completely the contrary: they looked bored of the whole thing.

Money is collected, and your teleportation is carried out (please post your contribution to the group expense in your next post). This teleportation is still much less jarring than a wizard's means of translocation, but no where as smooth as the one you experienced with Pandemic.

While the sums are ridiculous the ends are well worth it. Rather than risking the gnome's life, and possibly all of your own, not to mention possibly banishing Revery from Erudin forever, you are at your location risk-free in an instant, rather than after months worth of journey.

You arrive upon the Plains of the Karana weeks east of Qeynos. The Northern Plains of Karana consist of a small but dangerous area in the middle of the vast Plains of Karana. It is also the hub of most of the traffic on the western half of the continent, as it marks the area where the bridges from the east and south pass over the river that marks two of its borders.

Only the empty endlessness of the seas have prepared you for such nothingness, yet there is an unmistakable beauty here as well. The expansive Plains of Karana roll on farther than most people in Norrath have ever traveled. Farmers have hard-earned homesteads across the land, and they gather in small communities about a day's walk away from each other. Meanwhile, bandits, gnolls, undead, and hilll giants all seem to be in competition to see who can take over the plains first. Of course, this is practically impossibly. Even if the farmers weren't tough as shoe leather, the plains are so large that total domination is nearly unfeasible.

Noteworthy features include:
- an aviak town near the tall Mountains of Rathe
- the Mountains of Rathe, in southern Antonica, are home to many giants and their kin. Legend has it that an unknown number of sphinxes await those bold enough to take the challenge of a riddle that would yield unknown fates. Deep within the shadow of the mountains, the gloomy spires of the Temple of Malice ascend overhead
- the bridges across the wide, swift Serpent River to the south
- the huge gypsy camp in the northwest, perhaps as much as 2 weeks away, which caters to those suicidal enough to hunt the nearby griffons
- 2.5 weeks west with a dip south, the giant spires that provide a means of getting from Luclin to Norrath

The twisting Serpent River nearly halves Antonica, and it keeps the plains in the middle of the continent fertile and green. Starting inauspiciously at the lake near Halas, it flows quickly over sharp rocks down to a branching in the middle of the continent. Its west branch is used for barge, and small riverside communities dot the banks of the water. The east branch becomes the Lilfire river, the chief source of water in the Desert of Ro. The water wanders muddily in the southern part of Antonica before it empties into the Gulf of Gunthak.

Utilizing more luck than skill, Sajeek had managed to remain alive as he traveled across the weeks of searching. Heis last bit of information suggested that he travel to the Southern Karanas.


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

Kwen gives a chuckle, glad that they wouldn't have to risk smuggling the gnome on a ship, and agrees on using druid magic to teleport the party to Karanas. Ignoring the looks that the other Erudite's were giving the party, Kwen was used to it at this point. Kwen was also glad that Noggy had hid himself before there could be any trouble.
Giving Sajeek a look he says " Worry not, I'll shoulder some of the burden of spending coin to get us out of these lands." With that Kwen gives up 400 gold so that Sajeek could have something left over for a change, the beastlord had given up more then his fair share in the past.
After the teleport with the others, Kwen looked around at the plains, giving a sigh he says " Well this is lovely place, where shall we go? To the gypsy camp? or find a town? I'd would say the gypsy camp.." Kwen stops, his mind reeling at the last time that the group had traveled with gypsy's. Giving a shake he pushes off the memories of the desert, and the giant who had killed many of the gypsy's.
Clearing his throat the rogue continues " I'm sure that we will need supplies as well, or at the very least more information to find Sajeek's kin folk."


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Despite her tender years, Gwendalyn is starting to lose track of the number of times that she's been teleported. Let's see... to the underwater cavern by Alrik, then from there to Halas by firepot. To the desert by that wizard in Freeport, then later two hops in and one out by Pandemic. Then to Odus and now back to Antonica... so this makes eight? "It's a good thing I didn't buy those silk swatches after all. This should help." She holds out three opals worth 180 gp each (540 gp total), harvested from a wild earth elemental that attacked her while she was hunting spiderling webs.

When they arrive in North Karana, Gwen is interested to note that Sajeek's new tiger friend came along to a whole new continent. "So Bast is committed. Well, in that case..." She concentrates for a moment (forget Endure Cold), studies her spellbook briefly (take 10 on Meditation to prepare Talisman of the Beast), then begins to gesture and chant. A ghostly polar bear appears behind her, matching her gestures, and then taking the nexus from her hand as light spears out to once again bathe them in strength -- this time including the overgrown kitty cat. Like an afterimage left on dazzled eyes by water reflecting the sun, the spirit bear fades from sight, still holding the spell in one large paw (totem spirit).

She shrugs at the discussion of where to go next. "The gypsies sound fine." The displaced mystic tries to orient herself, and begins looking for ways to scrounge food and water in the plains.

Rolls:
Sense Heading: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Wilderness Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

The shaman recalls that Pandemic had teleported them twice in the initial teleport, once to the druid ring, and an exodus to the southern pyramid, before teleporting them back to the Commonlands. It really was a rather convenient way to get around, if one could afford it.

The closest town is weeks and weeks away. The Plains of Karana are an 800-mile wide stretch of rolling grass and hills. Crossing the plains takes ox-drawn caravans months, assuming they survie the trek at all.

In a world where horses are rare and wildly expensive luxuries one is forced to rely on shoe leather. Once Gwendalyn, and later Sajeek, learn the secrets of the wolf spirit line of spells (+50% speed) the party will be moving much quicker.

Gwendayln catches a waft of the north wind, and feels confident that not only can she find a specific heading, but she can also maintain that heading. Of course the group only has generalities to work from, and knowing something is northwest doesn't let you know if it is more north than west, but it will get you into the general area.

Gwendalyn imparts strength to all including the warder (please include a mana update in your posts when spells are cast).


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery offers all of his platinum, and suggests with all the gems and gold offered that each (save Noggy) pay around three hundred. Revery cannot offer that much, only 27 platinum coins, and he hopes someone else will offer a little more to make up for it.

He thanks Gwen again for the boon, which makes him feel good. He is starting to get used to it...

Again, the group is magically transported, and again it is to a place that may be dangerous. But it ought to be a little better than the desert. At least there is water here, and more food to scare up as needed. He looks to Sajeek, and asks, "So, Sajeek, where to next? Where do we start? "


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

After spending time in the sweltering heat and frigid cold of the arid desert, and the humid heat of Odus, it is a blessing to stand in a more temperate climate.

Rolling grassy hills cut your ability to see great distances, which is a blessing as well as a curse, for you can not see approaching dangers far from your position, but the dangers cannot see you either.

Your ears draw in the distant screams of two men, begging for assistance. You cannot see them, but they are close enough to be heard over the near constant breeze that glides over the Karanas.

Nogglegrop will slow you down, but in cases like these he understands the disadvantage of his armour, "I will catch up. Drop any bags that will slow you down, I will bring them with me."


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Grinning at Rev, Sajeek nods.

"Yeah, that makes more sense if we all pay 300," the vah shir chuckles. "I'll cover whatever is short," he says with a nod. Counting out the requested amount for the druid, Sajeek hands over the coins and gems with a smile.

The group gathers hands, (or lay a hand on Bast's head) to complete the circle and with a gathered surge of divine magics, they vanish. While the teleport didn't seem as.., smooth, as when Pandemic had teleported them, Sajeek wasn't about to complain.

Inhaling deeply, Sajeek looks out over the Plains of Karana once more. The rolling hills and the grass that shifts in the ever present breeze, makes the plains look almost like the waves of a green sea. This place had been almost like a home to the young Beastlord. He was happy to stalk the plains once more. 'Perhaps with the help of Bast and my friends, I'll be successful this time,' Sajeek thinks as his emerald gaze sweeps the plains. The breeze caresses his fur, as if remembering the vah shir.

"Well, I think that the gypsy camp would be our best bet," Sajeek says in response to the others. "And Gwen, thanks for including Bast within your totems magic." the vah shir smiles warmly at the large shaman. He had stood wide eyed and opened mouth at the sight of the ghostly polar bear. It was just as an impressive sight this time as it was before. Bast had looked over at them, ears twitching when the spell had taken effect. Purring the big tiger rubs against Sajeek and then Gwen. When his head bumped into Sajeek's hip, the vah shir had to readjust his balance so he didn't fall over. There was no question that the spell had worked.

His mouth opening to speak, the sudden cries for helped stopped whatever he was going to stay dead in his throat. Ears swiveling, Sajeek head almost snaps in the direction he thinks that the screams are coming from.

Looking down at Noggy after he speaks, Sajeek nods to his gnomish friend. It was either that or one of them would have to carry them, which would more then likely slow the carrier down. On the bright side, the cries sounded close, so the Beastlord had little fear of something snatching up Noggy while they ran off, and the gnome ran after them.

"Let's go!" Sajeek snatches up his spear and darts off in the direction of the cries for help.


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Bast could easily outdistance the rest of the group (40' base speed), but it paces Sajeek, matching its master's speed.

Nogglegrop's little armoured legs pump as fast as they can.

Cresting the hill you look down and see not 25' from your position two exhausted men, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, with long lines of blood revealing numerous wounds, harried by a single gaunt creature. One of the men is dressed in the garb reminiscent of serfdom, while the other is dressed in the finery of minor nobility. They are a strange pairing, but they pant and bleed the same way when all is said and done.

Cold empty eye sockets, complete with a bits of withered remnants of flesh, mark your approach as it raises up a rusted longsword and prepares to remove the exhausted men from the face of Norrath.

The men collapse, having expended their efforts to make it this far, understanding that they are dead if you are not their saviours.

Initiative
- Group
- Creature


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn shakes her head firmly at Sajeek's offer to pay the heavier balance. "You saved my life -- all of our lives -- from those thugs in Freeport. I still haven't made that up to you. Two opals from me then, Noggy can keep five gold for spending money, and that leaves twenty-five plat from you." At 20 + 300 + 360 + 270 = 950 from 1200, the young adult's rudimentary math skills are at least equal to the task of splitting a fee.

Though the Karanas are far from tame, the mystic feels comfortable re-casting Talisman of the Beast, because it is not a costly spell; if not for the intervention of her totem spirit, the Great Bear, it would last less than an hour. (46/50 mana)

When they hear screams, Gwen sees the wisdom in Nogglegrop's offer to carry their bags, though she is loathe to let her spellbook out of her sight. "Remind me to lighten my load, the next time we find merchants who speak Common." Unstrapping the tent, bedding, and lantern from her pack would be enough -- but it would take too long, so she shrugs off the whole thing and races after Sajeek, drawing her two-handed hammer while she runs.

Seeing a skeleton when she tops the rise, Gwendalyn calls upon the spirits to bless her with the strength and agility of a cornered wolf. (Fleeting Fury, +4 Str and Dex, +1 insight AC, 44/50 mana) Dashing down the hill with her weapon held high, the Northwoman yells in anger and exultation, in the tradition of her people; reaching the undead foe within seconds, she brings the hammer down in the most powerful blow of her life!

Rolls:
Free Action: cast Fleeting Fury
Move Action: move up to 30'
Standard Action: melee attack with two-handed hammer 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
...for damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 5) + 9 = 19


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

"Aw come on! Really?!?!!!" Kwen curses, taking off after the Gwen and Sajeek he pulls his scimitar out of its sheath as he moves after the others. The half elf might sound annoyed at the thought of another battle, but inwardly he was glad that there was combat.
Kwen moves up close to Gwen and Sajeek, and says " Dervish attack mode Sajeek! Hopefully they will not have poison on there weapons!" Right as he takes a swing with his scimitar, hoping to hit the and disable this skeleton.

scimitar crit 18-20:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

"Less complaining, more running," comes Sajeek's response to Kwen's curses, as the vah shir runs. It takes a few heartbeats for the Beastlord to figure out what Kwen meant by "Dervish attack mode."

The sight of the skeleton, what little flesh left on it's frame was weathered and leathered, Sajeek realizes what the rogue meant. The two had worked well together in the fight against the bandits. Of course, they had skin, muscle and internal organs which didn't react well to metal or claw. The skeleton would be stopped by a painful strike. There were times when Sajeek rally loathed magic. This was one of them.

With Gwen, Bast and Kwen running with Him, Sajeek made a quick choice concerning his spear. It's piercing tip would do little, but it's solid wooden shaft would do quite nicely. Plus, it would give him a little bit of distance between his fur and a rusty longsword.

Changing his grip slightly, Sajeek whips the spear through the air with a snarl, as he get to the skeleton. While he swung the spear like a big club, it moved through the air like a reed used for swatting misbehaving children. Only much more solid then a wavy piece of reed.

Right on the heels of Sajeek, Bast darts out from behind the vah shir and to the right. Seeing the vah shir strike the big cat follows suit. The big tiger lashes out with a paw the size of a dinner plate, making full use of his magically enhanced strength. The tiger was slightly unsure about this thing that the two legs fought with. It seemed like the well chewed remains of a two leg meal had put itself back together and went for a walk with a big metal tooth. Bast didn't like the smell the creature gave off, and rumbles deep in his throat.

ooc:
Sajeek's attack and damage:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 211d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8.
Bast's attack and damage (I don't have the book with animals, so I am guessing a little here):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery hears the screaming, and Noggy's advice, and acts as quickly as he can. He drops his heavy sack and starts running, following the others. Realizing there must be some kind of danger, he keeps an eye out for other threats that may want to surprise them.

Finally he crests the hill and takes in the scene before them. Gwendalyn is already running up to smite the creature. Revery feels a little bit useless, as his mind races through his possible spellcasting options. None suggest to him a good strategy, and he hopes weapons and claws will be enough to deal with this creature. He pulls out his club and runs to attack.

Attacks:

Attack:
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage:
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Bast bounces off the hill at an awkward angle, flying as a blind squirrel might catch some air under its armpits flaps, missing so completely (critical failure) that even the undead monstrosity stops to wonder what the f&%% the warder was doing. It really is an embarrassing way to enter the first combat with its new master. Luckily its orange fur hides any hint of its shame, if an animal brain can even process shame.

Kwen feels the sweep of the blade make contact with bone 'neath the skeleton's tattered garments, but it is nothing more than a glancing blow and doesn't dig in enough to bypass the creature's defences. The rogue is experienced enough to understand that a slashing weapon will not be ideal against a monster that cares not if its brittle shell of decaying skin is rended (takes half damage from slashing weapons). The mention of poison reminds the rogue that the group still has some poisoned arrows at their disposal, though probably not of much use in this combat.

Sajeek is wise to switch from a piercing weapon (takes half damage from slashing weapons) to a bludgeoning one, for this is a creature devoid of organs. His accuracy is nearly perfect, but there is seemingly no effect from the blow (damage reduction). Bast will be of nearly no use in this combat, unless he is magically enhanced, for then his claws and bites will be magically-buoyed (magical attacks will bypass this DR).

Revery employs the proper weapon type and is perfectly accurate as well, but he finds the same problem with the hardness of the creature's bone (damage reduction), and sees no effect from his blow.

Gwendalyn's blow is magnificent, providing a satisfying and resounding THWACK!!! that is heard many hilltops away. A section of the monster's ribcage caves in, and it only has eyes for her.

One of the men succumbs to his wounds and stops moving (unconscious). There is still respirations crawling forth from his mouth, but they are dangerously shallow. The other man, a peasant if you can trust his garb, lays with eyes wide and a sheen of desperate sweat clinging to his pale facade.

You have accomplished what you sought, which was to draw the creature away from the two men. You have its attention and the gods may have mercy on you for what it is about to do.

Nogglegrop, full of profanity and slowed by the shaman and enchanter's supplies, charges, though he will not make his presence known soon enough to affect the outcome of the initial blows of this engagement.

Two blows easily miss the shaman, but she understands that she will be the recipient of all attacks until she is dropped, or someone does something to attract this thing's attention.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

(end of round)
(start of new round)


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery recalls something about one of his new spells... He takes a step back and starts chanting, casting Eye of Confusion on the skeletal warrior (Blindness for 1d4 rounds, affects nonliving targets).

Revery's spells:

Eye of Confusion cast defensively (4 mana) DC 18
Channeling: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Victim blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds.
Save: Will negates, DC 22.

Mana: 86/90


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

The skeleton isn't the only one who pauses when Bast leaps past the undead. Sajeek stared at the tiger and shakes his head. He had a lot of work ahead of him... If they lived that long, that is.

"Gwen! Draw it back away a little ways so I can fix the downed guy!" Sajeek says as he takes a step back and towards the felled human. His hands still throbbed from slamming his spear into the skeleton. With absolutely no effect what so ever. If anything, healing the fallen would give him a few heartbeats of time to think of something else.

Once, (if), Gwen draws the skeleton away a few steps so that he didn't have to worry about catching a sword in the face, Sajeek concentrates on his spell. Having never actually cast it before, the Beastlord carefully goes through the ritual to summon up the spirit's aid to harness the divine magics. Not wanting to hurt the wounded human do to miscasting the healing, Sajeek doesn't rush the spell.

Bast snarls and turns around, mismatched eyes glaring at the skeleton for daring to move out of his perfect strike. The tiger eyes the battling two legs and waits for his chance to strike without getting hit by their long claws. Given the combatants space, Bast stalks over to Sajeek, giving the fight almost all of his attention.

ooc:
Taking a 5 foot step away and holding his Healing action until the skeleton is drawn away :)
Minor Healing:1d10 ⇒ 3


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Revery attempts to alter his magics to compensate for the alien nature of what passes for the skeleton's mind, but fails to bridge the gap and his spell simply fades into nothingness.

Caster Level Check (Spell Resistance): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 (fail)

Nogglegrop crests the top of the hill, drops his burden of supplies, and takes in the scene below him (full round move action) with hands on his thighs as he bends over and tries to remember where he put his air.

Sajeek casts his combat spell (free action to cast, no AoO incurred) without opening his defences unduly when cast (still can do full round worth actions, including warder's actions).

The minor noble coughs and joins his companion in staring at the ensuing battle with fear-flecked eyes. He will likely not die on you, unless the skeleton gets a hold of him again of course. With a voice that would sound too high-pitched to come from a mouse, though it is impressive that the man is attracting any attention his way, hardly believing that it is he that is speaking he squeaks, "We were travelling east of here and..." It is here that you recognize that the servant questions the truthfulness of the statement. Undaunted the noble continues, "...and we were set upon by a foul ghoul. Our companion is still back there." He points east, but it is actually northwest.


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn stifles a giggle at Bast's comical entrance of tumbling down the hill, suspecting that the tiger would be very embarrassed. Out of compassion, she extends the grace and strength of the wolf spirits to the clumsy feline. (Fleeting Fury on Bast, +4 Str and Dex, +1 insight AC, 42/50 mana)

"Just cast between swings, like this!" Demonstrating for Sajeek, she heals the frightened peasant at her feet with a gesture and a word, before continuing her assault on the aggressive undead. (Minor Healing, 1d10 ⇒ 10, 40/50 mana)

Though not as large as an ogre or troll, the hearty Halasite is not above throwing her weight around. Dodging the skeleton's clumsy swings, she suddenly drops inside its guard and slams into it with her shoulder, knocking it back enough to bring her hammer to bear in another solid blow.

Rolls:
Free Action: Cast Fleeting Fury
Free Action: Cast Minor Healing
Full-round Action: Full attack
Slam: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20
...Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Two-handed hammer: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 2 = 25
...Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

As had the rest of the party, Bast had previously been buoyed by shamanic magics (talisman of the beast +3 to STR), but with this latest spell he was nothing short of a flying ball of fur.

Gwendalyn steals the sting from all of the noble's injuries a moment before she accurately throws herself at the creature and follows it up with another devastating blow from her hammer. At least that was the intent, for the first blow fails to even register (damage reduction), and the second causes a crack to run along a single rib.


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Gwendalyn's eyes widen in apprehension when the foul magics animating the skeleton slough off whatever spell Brontide tried to cast, and her bone-crushing shoulder check fails to have any noticeable effect. Even her massive hammer appears to have not done that much. She struggles to articulate her fears. "Eeep!"


Vah Shir Beastlord and Bast Kejek Tiger

Casting his healing upon the formerly felled human, Sajeek turns his attention back to the skeleton. He was in time to witness Gwen slamming her shoulder into the walking bones.

Seeing the human breath easier and his eyes flutter open, Sajeek slaps the skeleton with the haft of his spear once again. The Beastlord wasn't overly confident that he was going to be able to do anything. Maybe knock it off balance if he was lucky.

Glancing at Bast, Sajeek tells the tiger to attack the bones. Given how little success his own attacks were having, Sajeek knew that the tiger's claws and fangs weren't going to do diddly. Unless the tiger was further magically enhanced, he wouldn't be doing much to the undead. Bast would be more distraction in the fight, then anything else. The tiger growled at the skeleton.

The vah shir did know a spell to fix that. However, he was still tripping over his spellbook and the complex rituals that he should have practicing. Not a mistake he was going to make again.

ooc:
Sajeek attack and damage:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 241d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Bast attack and damage:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 171d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

The man dressed in the finery of minor nobility starts to care for the peasant's wounds.

Sajeek finds the same results as an accurate blow fails to generate enough force to break bone.

Bast redeems the failure of the previous attack, though the results are just as futile.

Kwen stands there doing nothing, a line of drool hanging from the corner of his gaping maw, doing nothing at a time when his friends need him the most.

Throwing its shoulder at Gwendalyn the creature catches only air, but the momentum it generates is more than sufficient to help speed the longsword into her side. Rusted metal slides into the shaman's side, leaving a line of filth inside her body.

Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage (Longsword): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

(end of round)
(start of new round)


Revery (Erudite Enchanter) in somnis veritas // Kspress (Iksar Monk) Your pain is the breaking of your shell.

Revery is disappointed that his spell fizzles, and he is concerned that this creature is tougher than it first seemed. Not sure what else would work on it, he tries the same thing again after taking another step back. (Blindness for 1d4 rounds, affects nonliving targets).

Revery's spells:

Eye of Confusion cast defensively (4 mana) DC 18:
Channeling: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Caster Level Check (vs Spell Resistance): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Blindness for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds
Save: Will negates, DC 22.

Mana: 82/90


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

whoops sorry didn't realize that we were on the second round of combat. I deserved that line for sure, won't happen again

Kwen gives a shake, stunned by the lack of damage that he was able to do with the scimitar. Fighting the undead was something that he had never prepared for, taking a step, wishing he had something to bash the creature instead of slicing it's bones, trying to get into a position to help Gwen strike the skeleton with a greater ease.
Kwen didn't know how he felt about the being a mindless creature. The fact that it was dead and still attacking was slightly unmanning, feeling useless he swings again, hoping to get the skeleton's focus off of the shaman and perhaps knocking it slightly off balance. He swing is with the flat of the scimitar, knowing the it would be as effective, at least it was something.

to hit with flat of the blade:
1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5
Crit fail
damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Another spell shatters into nothingness off the alien creature making Revery question whether this thing is immune to such magics (critical failure, double spell cost incurred in failed attempt).

Nogglegrop takes in the scene in an instant, rolling halfway down the hill and leaving green grass stains on his greaves, as he closes a portion of the gap between himself and the others. Glancing down at the injured peasant he throws out his hand intending to alleviate the man's wounds with nothing more than a wave of his hand and a prayer to Bristlebane (minor healing, 48/50 mana). Frowning he casts another spell (minor healing, 46/50 mana). The bulk of the man's wounds have been stolen by the cleric's spells.

Minor Healing (free action): 1d10 ⇒ 1
Minor Healing (1 attack action): 1d10 ⇒ 5

Both the man of minor nobility, and the peasant, help each other to their feet, and start to shuffle off in the direction they had come from.

Kwen swings with the flat of the blade (nonlethal damage, -4 to strike) and botches the attempt so much (critical failure) that his scimitar develops a rather wicked curved bend in the blade, but rather than it being the sweep of the blade it is taking a left turn from hilt to tip. The rogue will be most effective if he can borrow a bludgeoning weapon, or start employing combat maneuvers such as providing positional advantages to his companions (a move action will provide a +2 to attack for flanking), or work to some higher ground (moving slightly up the hill, while a bad way to confer flanking bonuses, will provide a +1 bonus for melee attacks), or grapple, disarm, trip...


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Observing the ineffectiveness of her friends' weapons against the foul creature, Gwendalyn makes a suggestion between swings. "Maybe someone should go check on their companion?"


male Half Elf Rogue /Markus Vardin Human cleric (Giant Slayer Blackguard Kwenilithmor Eridosan)

" Great, now I'll need to steal another one." Kwen mutters to himself, dropping the broken scimitar and tries to roll behind the skeleton, hoping that Gwen would have an easier time hitting the d@#n thing. Springing up behind the the creature, he draws one of his Kurki' and growls in anger.
" Anyone have a club I can borrow for a few minutes?" The rogue asks not expecting an answer to his question, inwardly seething at the loss of another one of his better weapon. Hoping that if he survived making it into town, he would buy a mace, so the next time he wouldn't feel so useless.

move action for next round tumble to avoid AoA:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20


Barbarian Shaman (Luminary Gwendalyn Shaughnessy the Giant Slayer)

Since her body slam had no perceptible effect, Gwendalyn focuses on powering through the skeleton's guard with her two-handed hammer, in-between healing herself 1d10 ⇒ 5 and strengthening Sajeek. (43/45 hp, 36/50 mana)

Actions:
Free Action: Minor Healing on self
Standard Action: Attack with two-handed hammer 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
...Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 = 15
Free Action: Fleeting Fury on Sajeek (+4 Str and Dex, +1 insight AC)


Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress

Kwen does a shoulder roll, taking his skeletal foe completely by surprise, and finds himself opposite his companions (successful tumble movement, no AoO incurred). Setting himself opposite the barbarian likely makes the most sense (+2 to strike conferred for both attackers), since from now on Sajeek will probably be flanking opposite of Bast.

Sadly undead did not have anatomy that was conducive to sneak attacks (immune to critical strikes also makes undead immune to sneak attacks).

Nogglegrop holds up his tiny mace for the rogue to see. It was almost comically small to be considered as a real weapon, but he would give it up if the rogue was that desperate.

Once again Gwendalyn is able to pierce the undead's defences, and do decent damage, but this creature is made of sterner stuff than anyone might imagine.

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