Tomb of the Emperor Gods -- PbP

Game Master Tarren Dei

Ok!

Squinting with evil pleasure, Korian aims the rod at the Paracount and

Just joking ;) Think we're just waiting for Ixus' and the Paracount's prep spells, if any, yes?

Ok!

Squinting with evil pleasure, Korian aims the rod at the Paracount and

Just joking ;) Think we're just waiting for Ixus' and the Paracount's prep spells, if any, yes?

The Paracount has prepped his spells. What they are is between him and his infernal god.

Ixius casts mage armor, invisibility and mirror image om himself.

Once Korian sees all are ready he bestows a false smile upon the Cleric and, sweeping his arm towards the doors says "After you"

The cleric marches quickly through the door and turns sharply to the left without a word. Hrokon reaches out and puts a hand on Korian's shoulder, "Are you sure you want to follow him. We could just stay here and see if he comes back out."

"Let's just watch from here."

The young mage pats the large meaty hand and winks as he replies "Good idea"
He then though immediately turns himself invisible, looks directly at the invisible Ixus and whispers "Coming?"
And proceds to move as quietly as he can to the doorway where he stops and watches the Paracount.
He also keeps an eye out for the invisible sorcerer and makes sure he is not in his way. If Ixus moves to step past him into the room Korian puts out an invisible arm to softly stop him whispering "Let's watch from here"
Stealth:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Ixius follows Korian as best he can.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Never intending to enter the room, Sykala stops about ten feet outside of it.

The Paracount circles around the room instead of crossing the river of gold towards the island in the centre. He scoops up a handful of gold from the river as he walks. He's walking more quickly than you and paying less attention to stealth.

Hrokon quietly says to the dwarf, "Blindfolds off? Are we in for this one?"

"Eh, lad, Ah donnae know 'at t' do. Ah want t' be 'elpin' me friends - 'n even th' Paracount - but if'n Ah turn int' a monster 'n attack 'em...

"Ah think we wait 'ere 'n listen real good fer now. We talked 'bout 'em checkin' th' 'all fer runes, but we dinnae talk 'bout th' room beyond -- if'n you 'n Ah go 'n, we could be more trouble fer th' others 'an good.

"If'n ye want t' be takin' off yer blindfold 'ere, Ah think 'at should be fine. Ah'm gettin' used t' mine." His next feat is going to be Blind-Fight, I think, just because he's spent so much time with his eyes shielded in here.

Sykala steps up next to the blind folk, "You not look. Big sign there. Not want see. Kor-i-an?" Once Korian responds to her she points to the gold river and traces the sign of the desert in the air, "All gold make."

I love the fact she saw that one from the ceiling, very poetic...

Wow, great timing Sykala! I was Just about to have Korian fly up to the ceiling. Seriously. Phew!

At Sykala's warning Korian says quietly but sincerely "Thank you!"
Then, suddenly remembering something, he approaches the Druidess, puts an invisible hand on her shoulder and says quietly "Sykala, if you recall I gave you a magic bead earlier, could you please give it back to me?" and once she presents it, he plucks it out of her hand. "Thank you again" he says and continues "but perhaps it would be best if we keep our voices down, yes, after all we are not sure how well that undead abomination can hear."

He then makes his way back to the doorway and continues to give the room all his attention.
Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Which isn't much. Seriously, why do I even bother to roll? OK, does Ixus notice anything? :/

If memory serves Tarren, it's a Big room the Paracount is walking around, so assuming Korian has the time for all of that above...But also, do we notice anything on the walls we didn't notice last time? Now that I have a chance to hop on a computer today, looking back don't see any mention of anything on the walls at all...Also, how high are the ceilings anyway?

DM

"Thanks fer th' warnin', lass. 'at's 'at we 'r needin' t' know."

And, DA, I have to once again give kudos - I cannot get over how much I love how you play that wild woman.

Ovirid will leave his blindfold firmly in place and wait near the door, but out of sight of anyone within, listening intently for clues of what happens within -- or for signs of anything out in the hallway with him and H'roken.

Perception rolls:

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Correction: I thought there was a ledge around the room. Looking at the map, it seems the Paracount is in the river. He's still circling around instead of heading to the island, but he's wading in gold. (Note, he's not sinking too deeply ... just a foot or so as are the rest of you.) He is picking up pieces of gold and playing with them as he goes.

Realize it's.a busy time for many, and Happy Holidays all, btw :) but Tarren, whwen you get a chance, can you let me know how high the ceilings are? And also, sorry to be a pain but, but just trying to figure how long, in rounds, the Paracount is taking to walk around the room, so I can have an idea how long certain spells may last and when to cast them

Korian keeps peering arounbd the room, looking for any telltale bulge that indicates the location of the dragon.
He is also trying to figure out, based on the direction he is heading, where the Paracount may be heading to.

Some more Perception rolls:

If after some time he still can't find the undead horror he will, using his rod of extend, summon an Archon
and command the creature to fly high enough for the limit of it's ability to Detect Evil to still work and search for the dragon and report back
He only does this though if something else hasn't already happened before hand

At long last, a map of this room.

The Paracount is heading towards what would be 3:00 on the map walking around the outside. Entrance was at 6:00.

(Map does not show pillars on island.)

I'll check on ceiling height.

Some noise tells you that the undead is begin to slither around near the center island.

And, DA, I have to once again give kudos - I cannot get over how much I love how you play that wild woman.

Thank you. I assure you the feeling is very mutual. Exceptional group.

Sykala hands over the bead as requested to Korian (I had totally forgotten about it!). As the Paracount makes his way around the chamber she watches Esteban very closely. She asks with a quizzical expression as the unseen breezes continue to ruffle her hair, "We go when they get eaten?"

Korian smiles to hinmself at the Druidess' comment but does not direcrly address it

"Be ready, the creature stirs" the young mage whispers over his shoulder for those who may not have heard its movement

Korian then casts three spells, using using Rod of Extend: Fly and Summon Monster III-2 Lantwern Archons

He the commands the Archons to fly up near the ceiling but remain within range to attack the dragon should it appear.
He then whispers to Ixus "Remain here. And do not risk your invisibility without dure need. I intend to get a closer look at what that evil priest is up to"

The young mage then flies silently, only a few feet above the ground, until he is near enough to see clearly what the Chelxian is up to. Keeping his distance from the Paracount, as well as keeping eye and ear out for the dragon, Korian follows behind the untrustworthy cleric.

The evil cleric turns and grins. He holds up a coin that he's been playing with, blows on it, and drops it among the others. As it falls, half the room, including the part of the room that Ixius and Korian are in, is plunged into darkness.

The Paracount dropped the coin about 2:00, 15 feet in from the wall. This darkens about everything from 1:00 to 4:00.

You can hear the Paracount, within the circle, casting another spell.

You can hear the dragon starting to rise.

Hey Tarren, just want to make sure I have things clear, if the door is at 6 at the darkness goes to 4 wouldn't that mean Ixus, at the door, would be in the clear?

Smiling grimly to himself as he thinks of various ways to kill the devious Chelaxian, Korian rises straight up out of the darkness, pulls a copper out of his belt and uses his training to quietly cast a light cantrip on the coin, then drops it. He is also very careful not to look at the rune below him.
Can't remember which one it is, but I Think there's a skill that allows sneaky casting no? Sleight of hand? Spellcraft? Stealth??

Meanwhile the Archons hone in on the rising dragon. One on each side, staying 30' away, they launch their attacks
Archon attack & damage:
Archon1: Ranged Touch:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19,1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Light Rays Damage:1d6 ⇒ 2; 1d6 ⇒ 4
Archon2: Ranged Touch:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22,1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Light Rays Damage:1d6 ⇒ 4; 1d6 ⇒ 3

The light attack beats All DR. Also, where exactly is the Dragon rising? Finally everyone please feel free to act or RP or whatever! I kinda feel like Korian's hoggin the limelight hwre

Hey Tarren, just want to make sure I have things clear, if the door is at 6 at the darkness goes to 4 wouldn't that mean Ixus, at the door, would be in the clear?

Smiling grimly to himself as he thinks of various ways to kill the devious Chelaxian, Korian rises straight up out of the darkness, pulls a copper out of his belt and uses his training to quietly cast a light cantrip on the coin, then drops it. He is also very careful not to look at the rune below him.
Can't remember which one it is, but I Think there's a skill that allows sneaky casting no? Sleight of hand? Spellcraft? Stealth??

Meanwhile the Archons hone in on the rising dragon. One on each side, staying 30' away, they launch their attacks
Archon attack & damage:
Archon1: Ranged Touch:1d20+3,1d20+3 Light Rays Damage:1d6; 1d6
Archon2: Ranged Touch:1d20+3,1d20+3 Light Rays Damage:1d6; 1d6

The light attack beats All DR. Also, where exactly is the Dragon rising?

Ah, I thought Ixius was following Korian. I see now that was only until the door. Yes, Ixius is outside of the sphere of darkness but he can't see the Paracount.

Korian, who isn't looking down, cannot see the Paracount. The others cannot see the Paracount either.

The dragon is rising but you cannot see where from the door (or from above without looking down).

From the sounds of things, the archons seem to know where the dragon is.

Sykala shakes her head slowly, "Is bad. Now all black. No see." She says this and the following for the benefit of the blind duo. "We need go now."

So the light did nothing to dispel the darkness then?

Making sure to keep away from the sounds of the Dragon, Korian lowers himself enough so he's not in danger of seeing the rune. He then listens to see if he can tell what the Paracount is doing. Meanwhile he instructs his familiar ro locate the priest through scent and inform him of his exact whereabouts.

DM

So the light did nothing to dispel the darkness then?

Making sure to keep away from the sounds of the Dragon, Korian lowers himself enough so he's not in danger of seeing the rune. He then listens to see if he can tell what the Paracount is doing. Meanwhile he instructs his familiar ro locate the priest through scent and inform him of his exact whereabouts.

DM
** spoiler omitted **

Yes, the light did effectively cancel out the darkness. The others, however, did not see the Paracount when the light returned.

Sykala shakes her head slowly, "Is bad. Now all black. No see." She says this and the following for the benefit of the blind duo. "We need go now."

Just as Sykala says this,the light returns. She notices the Paracount is not there. She hears the sounds of the undead creature moving under the river of gold around 9:00.

I'm assuming the lantern archons wait for the dragon to surface before attacking.

The noise of the dragon stirring continues. It comes from 8:00. Those by the door can see the swelling in the river of gold as the dragon begins to surge towards the door from under the river.

"I've not been one to stay out of a fight," complains Hrokon. "Don't know if I can sit this one out."

Esteban pushes in front of Sykala, drawing his blade with his left hand and pushing her back with his right. "Be careful, gorgeous," he says. "This is going to get rough."

"H'roken, Ah don' want ye t' be a fool, but Ah'm unnerstandin' ye. If'n ye must 'n if'n ye fall, Ah'll be drinkin' t' ye fer all me days."

"Sykala, lass, Ah'm 'n yer 'ands. If'n ye think we must leave, Ah'll follow ye."

Ovirid is in Sykala's hands and will follow her instructions without dispute - lead away, DA!

Not ready to flee just yet,and not willing to abandon Korian anyways, Ixius steps back behind Esteban when the dragon begins to move towards them and casts true strike.

"So much for watching the dragon kill the Paracount". he whispers to Sykala.

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it.

Not ready to flee just yet,and not willing to abandon Korian anyways, Ixius steps back behind Esteban when the dragon begins to move towards them and casts true strike.

"So much for watching the dragon kill the Paracount". he whispers to Sykala.

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it.

Kids have opened their presents. My wife is wearing hers. I've been winning my presents-to-myself in ebay auctions all week -- vintage D&D.

"So much for watching the dragon kill the Paracount". he whispers to Sykala.

"If that was the plan," says Hrokon who is standing right behind Sykala, "you've misunderestimated the Paracount. He's hard to kill right. I've tried ... it was how we met."

Hissing at Esteban as he gets too close to her, she jumps back from the man. Noticing the light has suddenly returned, "Light back. Dragon come." She begins a prayer to Gozreh preparing to release a swarm of rats to eat away at the mummies bandages.

Didn't Korian cast See Invisibility earier? Sykala casts and holds Summon Swarm until the dragon appears and then releases it.

Hissing at Esteban as he gets too close to her, she jumps back from the man. Noticing the light has suddenly returned, "Light back. Dragon come." She begins a prayer to Gozreh preparing to release a swarm of rats to eat away at the mummies bandages.

Didn't Korian cast See Invisibility earier? Sykala casts and holds Summon Swarm until the dragon appears and then releases it.

Yes, Korian did cast See Invisibility. Invisibility is not the problem.

The dragon glides, still under the level of the gold, past 6:00, 5:00, 4:00 and then spins back around the island. He knows people are there, but no one is stomping around on the surface of the river of gold so he's a bit confused.

Korian, hovering above the level of gold at 3:00 or 4:00 I believe, hears nothing. He can see the rise and fall of the gold but he does nt hear a single clinking coin. Being near genius, he realizes that a silence spell has been cast in this area as well.

Are the clock directions sufficient or do I need an alphanumeric grid?

sorry y'all, been trying to get this post done all day. Tarren, if the count had been at 2:00 Korian would have been at like 2:15. And sure, of course makes sense archons would wait until they had a clear shot.[Ooc]

While keeping an eye on his friends at the door, Korian follows his familiar's nose and continues to fly silently along after his elusive foe. At the same time, he casts Detect Magic to help him pinpoint the Chelaxian cleric

[Ooc] oh ya also, two reminders: Ixus you got a few scrolls to use too if ya nred, these: dispel magic, enlarge and web.
Second, you may already be on this Tarren,but just remembered myself that we looted the Paracount's 'corpse', so he should have much on him any more, including minus is +2 Wis headband

Korian -- Jinx let's you know the Paracount is very close. You realize he's hiding on the other side of the riser that runs from about 11:00 to 1:00 near the north. The undead, dragon, however is also searching for the cause of the noises it heard. Dare you move?

Everybody -- a fight is surely brewing. Role for initiative or move down the hall out of the fight.

Initiative:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Korian calculates, based on the size of the room, how high he'd need to be to see the rune in the design of the room.
He then raises to a height safely below that and flies over (or around) the riser

At the same time, to try and help keep the dragon away from both his friends and himself, the young mage uses a simple cantrip to create the noise of a very loud, angry dwarf (that sounds suspiciously like someone he knows) stomping, cursing and yelling to appear around 9:00 at the edge of the room
Something along the lines of "Blast it ye clumsy half-orc! Watch where ye place 'em gi'nt feet o yers! Step on ma toes again an' I'll...!"
DC16 Will to the Dragon, Cleric or whoever

PS Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & an early Happy New Years everyone! : )

Something along the lines of "Blast it ye clumsy half-orc! Watch where ye place 'em gi'nt feet o yers! Step on ma toes again an' I'll...!"

DC16 Will to the Dragon, Cleric or whoever

"'at 'n th' 'ells 's goin' on 'n 'ere? Ah thought Ah was th' only dwarf 'n th' pyramid! H'roken, 'r ye trompin' 'n some other stonefolk, 'r 's 'ere two 'alf-orcs, too?"

Will save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

'appy 'olidays, all!

Ah,maybe there should be a slight bonus for disbelieving one's own voice? Lol ;)

Wisdom save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Sykala gives a mystified look, "Not know. You here but sound over there."

Roll for initiative everybody, or announce your intention of getting out of the room and/or doorway.

Regarding recognizing your own voice -- one reason you might think your voice sounds funny on a recording is because you normally hear the vibrations in your jaw as well. The recorded voice is closer to what other people hear. So, if you sound funny, you always sound funny. That's completely an aside though.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Ixius waits for the dragon do show itself and do something other than cruise the room. He has no interest in the gold or secrets of the Pharaohs, he just wants to see the Paracount fight the dragon.

This sucks, but I will be leaving for vacation tomorrow and won't be back until the 4th. I am going to miss this most likely. Khaladon, NPC Ix as you see fit in the meantime.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

I believe Ovirid is down the hall a short distance already -- that's why I had not stated I was moving away. Obviously he's close enough to talk to Sykala in a low voice, however, so:

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

The undead dragon finally surfaces near the center of the room, glaring at the place where the first dwarf's voice came from and then the doorway where the second dwarf's voice came from.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Fort. save vs. aura of menace: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The lantern archons fire rays of light at the beast, stripping it of bandages and patches of dessicated flesh. On its now exposed chest, is an encircled rune.

I think all of you have seen the rune of the desert as it was on the exit key. Ovirid cannot look at the mummy.

Initiative: Korian and his archons, dragon, everyone else.

Korian hadn't seen it, as he never looked at the exit rune, but he has now. Also, now that Korian has flown over the riser can he see the Paracount and what he's doing? I'll post Korian's actions after I get that info

Furious and fearless in their attack of an evil foe, the Archons continue to fly around the dragon, attacking from a distance with their light rays

Archon1: Ranged Touch:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10,1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Light Rays Damage:1d6 ⇒ 4, 1d6 ⇒ 2

Archon2: Ranged Touch:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22,1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Light Rays Damage:1d6 ⇒ 3, 1d6 ⇒ 6

Korian hadn't seen it, as he never looked at the exit rune, but he has now. Also, now that Korian has flown over the riser can he see the Paracount and what he's doing? I'll post Korian's actions after I get that info

Furious and fearless in their attack of an evil foe, the Archons continue to fly around the dragon, attacking from a distance with their light rays

Archon1: Ranged Touch:1d20+3,1d20+3 Light Rays Damage:1d6, 1d6

Archon2: Ranged Touch:1d20+3,1d20+3 Light Rays Damage:1d6, 1d6

Korian can see the Paracount lying on the surface of the river of gold not moving. "You could have just left," the Paracount bellows. "It would have been easier!"

Sykala releases her swarm of rats onto the mummy and then yells to Ovirid and Hrokon, "It have bad sign on body! You not look!"

The dwarf agrees, muttering under his breath, "N', lass, much 's 'is pains me, Ah'll not be fer lookin'. But what c'n Ah do? H'roken, c'n we 'elp if'n we canna look? Th' thin' destroyed 'asim, 'n 'e could see 't."