In the mind link: Seeing as how Namaster is no longer with us and I am in charge by default. I hereby appoint Llevonic as our interim leader until this mission be completed. I will resume my duties as the battle field leader. Now back into formation and lets move out. Caerwyn your point but only go 50 feet ahead then we will follow. I will go solo in the front line. Astinios move to the front of the mages and control their fire. Fox in silver with your protector to the back of the mage group, and Llevonic you have the rear. Lets move we have a goddess to save then our own hides to so lets move. May we all live to see the dawn.
I accept only til the Goddess is freed. Only because we have no more time for agrument. A leader needs to have the trust and respect of others. It's clear I never had that here. I am still planning on leaving when this is all resolved. I have seen nothing to change my opinion to stay. But I will endeaver to see that the Sun Gods Sister will be rescued.
Kosan
** spoiler omitted **
In the Mindlink: kaluna, Aahz I need you with the casting group if you don't mind. Astinios may have need of your visions Aahz seeing as how you are having them so often now. Please my little godling. Iunius please follow Caerwyn he seems to be the expert here and only 50 feet ahead. Caerwyn, Iunius move out.
Kemnebi stares after June as she strides silently forward, raising an eyebrow in interest as her costume shimmers into something better suited to stealth. He murmurs,
"Wow. That's,... Ni,... er, Impressive! With the silent movement I mean,... I mean how she moves quietly in those heels,... I mean,... " The feline mage's mouth shuts with an audible click, and he tightens his grip o his staff. He looks straight ahead, not meeting anyone's eyes directly. But his gaze is primarily focused on the front,... towards June,...
Decidio and Iunius are not casters; well; guess they could throw something; they have a few odds and ends abilities; but mostly they are melee types, ie long fingernails; though they dont like to fight; they tend to awe peeps into submition; and whats with this dear Kalona stuff, sounds very unlike you, though I enjoy all the players; would have to say Kenembi makes me laugh the most; hehe
any more of this discussion should go over to the discussion thread please or email or phone or such.
** spoiler omitted **Kosan
** spoiler omitted **
<wink and smile at Kenembi then quietly scampers forward to her place>
Aahz: <walking back dragging his feet> Awe man; I cant see nothin; you guys are so tall <then brightens up and stands right in front of Astinos>
Ok Pally; stick with me...uhm; I dont see nothing other than those wierd swirls around you.
<Looks at Decidio>
how come you dont look like everyone else; your all wierd looking?
<Blushes>
Maybe it is because I am a fair maiden ripe in my womanhood; perhaps it is love...
Aahz: well, maybe...Kosan; we moving out or just standing here till we grow moss? <ponders> you know; they say moss grows on the west side or the east side or some such; but in my experience; it grows all over the whole trunk of a tree...
Though he stands at the front, the grin that comes across Astinos' face is unmistakable, his aura seems to pulse.
Fox nods to the dwarf giving orders and she and her cohort move to follow the catfolk as the party proceeds. Interesting, this ability to communicate silently. What a wonderful idea!
In the mind link: Keep moving and keep your intervals. Caerwyn, Astinios, Llevonic let me know if anything is happening in your sectors. Keep the mind link clear of useless chatter and lets move as fast as possible in and then back out.
is the party heading left; right, or straight?
Straight
Straight
due to Caerwyn's silence "Straight" it is.
ok; that party set out straight ahead Caerwyne some distance ahead checking for traps, finds one of the floor which he marks how to travel <hug right side of hall 20 ft in that section>
The demeanor is dark and somber; stray thoughts of desires appear as quick phantom images and fade; perhaps showing what is on anyone in the parties mind at any given instant. Some perhaps, like a 25' figure of Lolth, the Spider Queen gives a start and intake of breath; others, perhaps more amourous give one or two a blush while images of weapons and other treasure abound and fade as well.
Allways in the background, like a tickle in the back of your mind is the whisper of the the restless dead, that way lay maddness so the tales tell; to listen to such, but also power yet the oppressive nature of this enourmous crypt tells it would be all for naught.
the party walks alone; step after step; 10 of doors turn to hundred of doors; thousand years of dead restlessly slumber here; truely the living are outsiders; and sure as the night is black; something moves in these corridors for scratches can be seen and dark mutters stronger than the others can be heard; on the walls flair symbols of power of various dieties; always on the floor is the symbol of Hades; Lord of the Underworld; but this region is marked in White; and the walls contain the symbol of Zeus; father of the grecko roman dieties. Within these walls must be those concecrated to him; sacred to him for this that or the other task, deed or heroic act; but also those to be pities; those he chooses to punish in one form or another; ever fickle these dieties.
The party pauses twice to rest and gain sustanance; avoiding two more hallway traps, and unles otherwise noted or chosen by the party; avoiding all the doors, especially those cracked or partially open...
At the end of the day, about dinnertime; the party reaches the end of this hall; having passed many other hallways; each spaced apart about that of a city block.
the hall ends in a T the party may choose left or right or go back the way they came.
Caerywyn; Kenembi and Kalona all notice that the hallway here is far cleaner than the rest. Kosan- this stone is not newer if they mention it; just much cleaner like some maide came through and swept the sides, walls and cieling clean.
The demeanor is dark and somber; stray thoughts of desires appear as quick phantom images and fade; perhaps showing what is on anyone in the parties mind at any given instant. Some perhaps, like a 25' figure of Lolth, the Spider Queen gives a start and intake of breath; others, perhaps more amourous give one or two a blush while images of weapons and other treasure abound and fade as well.
Allways in the background, like a tickle in the back of your mind is the whisper of the the restless dead, that way lay maddness so the tales tell; to listen to such, but also power yet the oppressive nature of this enourmous crypt tells it would be all for naught.
The party pauses twice ...
At the end of the day, about dinnertime; ...
Caerywyn; Kenembi and Kalona all notice that the hallway here is far cleaner than the rest. Kosan- this stone is not newer if they mention it; just much cleaner like some maide came through and swept the sides, walls and cieling clean.
Val: Do I know of a object, Creature, or other item that would clean the walls, Ceiling and floor all at the same time that is subterranean?
Knowledge Dungeoneering: 14 (1d20) + 11 (Adj) = 25.
Caerywyn; Kenembi and Kalona all notice that the hallway here is far cleaner than the rest. Kosan- this stone is not newer if they mention it; just much cleaner like some maide came through and swept the sides, walls and cieling clean.
I will search for secret doors in the cleaner area:
Unless Kosan's knowledge indicates imminent danger or I find a secret door, will continue guiding the party in a straight direction.
"Odd... it almost looks as if a large gelatinous cube has been here."
"What makes you think that?" Nebibit asks breaking her long silence
yes, kosan
Any of several of Jubilex minions; ie; various slimes; jellies; puddings; mosly likely in this case; a black pudding, gelationous cube or grey slime.
It also comes to mind that various spells would also do this; notably a cleaning spell.
also; if a water elemental or cone of cold was used; might do the same things.
Also, there are more than a few old stories of ghosts of cleaning persons or acolytes killed while leaving tasks unfinished and are stuck cleaning the same thing for time unending until the poor souls can be put to rest.
The party pauses twice ...
At the end of the day, about dinnertime; ...
Caerywyn; Kenembi and Kalona all notice that the hallway here is far cleaner than the rest. Kosan- this stone is not newer if they mention it; just much cleaner like some maide came through and swept the sides, walls and cieling clean.
Val: Do I know of a object, Creature, or other item that would clean the walls, Ceiling and floor all at the same time that is subterranean?
Knowledge Dungeoneering: 14 (1d20) + 11 (Adj) = 25.
No secret doors found in this region...
Caerywyn; Kenembi and Kalona all notice that the hallway here is far cleaner than the rest. Kosan- this stone is not newer if they mention it; just much cleaner like some maide came through and swept the sides, walls and cieling clean.I will search for secret doors in the cleaner area: 1d20+11
Unless Kosan's knowledge indicates imminent danger or I find a secret door, will continue guiding the party in a straight direction.
"What else would dissolve all material along the surfaces equally? Although if it is, w e would be dealing with a rather large one."
Let us move on quickly and alertly through this area. Hurry we have a mission to accomplish. If at all possible avoid this area and go to the next Caer move out.
ok; I believe it is more or less lunchtime for the pc's so you guys probably should take a break and have a meal soon lest you run out of energy later; more important for those wearing armor than those not in the long view, once you start fighting the bad guys you may not get another chance for a meal for some time, maybe days depending on how things go; hehe this could be your last meal...
AFter a time, the tension drains out of Kemnebi, and he begins walking more-or-less upright. He attempts to ignore the brief materializing images, muttering under his breath and dismissing them as 'amateurish attempts at mental influence'. However, when they do appear, he stands a little closer to the others. He at first tries to examine each door as they march along, but soon gives that up as a bad idea. At each small rest, he does take time to scribble notes in his journal. But the rest of the time his gaze seems to be in front of the group, watching the cautious advance of Caer, and June,...
so; are you guys breaking for lunch or gonna keep going; makes a difference for difficulty modifiers and things like long term exhaustion....
so; are you guys breaking for lunch or gonna keep going; makes a difference for difficulty modifiers and things like long term exhaustion....
We will pause to refresh. While we have a daedline, surviving to the end is paramount. We will conserve strength until it is needed.
ok; assuming the party pauses for about a half hour; no incident from wandering monsters as long as people keep making a fairly good effort of keeping their thoughts and desires under control and dont get the dead's attention.
Afterwards; the party travels on for many hours; passing many more corridors and tens perhaps hundreds of doors when June calls out:
Caer:
I see a change up ahead; about 200 ft the corridors change symbols and colors from that of white, Zeus' color I believe; to that of Black; the color of magic and Hecate; the region of those dead consecrated to her. I suggest you apply extreme care for several of our group did attack and do damage to an altar of Hecate yesterday; her wrath may be at hand...
Llvenoc and Kosan:
you guys know that it is nearly 5pm ; Kosan; you would realize as well that it is about hour give or take from sunset on the surface world
Caer
the map from the guild shows that the encoursion from the snakes, which are incidentally - more active at night, is definately inside the area that Iunius told you is Hecate's area; probably about a half hour or so more travel through the tombs of the dead.
True enough. As the Sun is starting to wane. Her powers, and that of her Champions will increase in the darkness. I believe Kosan still carries the sundered armour and sword of the Champion he had slain from the alter room. It would make sense she would send another Champion to reclaim what was taken from her.
hehe gm thickens the plot as pc's become aware of things set in motion months ago...
"The map I received from my guild shows that the area that June mentions has suffered an incursion from snakes, maybe in a location about half an hour away, through the tombs of the dead."
"Snakes. Why'd it have ta be snakes?" Kemnebi grumbles under his breath.
He looks around sheepishly and hastily amends,
"Er, Um, Snakes? Snakes I can handle!" He says with an grin of almost-bravado. He suddenly pays an inordinate amount of attention to his rations,...
Caer and June find us a place to stop for the night. It must be defend-able in case we are attacked by the next upstart champion.
Stop? In Hecate's region, are you certain? Do you not think we could vanquish these snakes and be done before the Sun rises yet again? All I see here is crypts and more crypts.
Kenembi, can you make one of those mage shelters like Magus do; Leomunds shelter or like that, Fystor is known to make them all the time or you Kosan; do you have an Iron Tower like your legendary brother?
Aahz: there is probably a storeroom down here somewhere; you know; I used to hide in them and barrels and stuff when I was littler; just gotta check for snakes first; most dont look in the storeroom it seems; medial work and all...I aint seen one; am just sayin.
<just ad lib stuff waiting for the party to respond with an action>
wow; pretty quiet; like....a crypt hehe
Fox and Duur do their best to maintain their vigilance over the spellcasters.
In the Mind link: Caer, Iunuis, Aahz have you found us a secure location to hole up in yet? Kaluna fly ahead and see what there. Send back information through the mind link. W need a place that can be defended for at least the night or an alternative to staying out her like sitting lets move before its to late.
"I will scout ahead for a resting place, will either come back for you or give directions on how to get there in the Mindlink."
Hide:
Move silently:
Kemnebi shakes his head, then shrugs apologetically.
"I don't have any of those spells in my tome, although I DO have a spell with Rope Trick on it. But that's a hideout of last resort until I get 5 minutes to copy it into my spellbook. And I'm not really sure that we'd all fit in there." The furry mage replies with an apologetic smile.
"I must confess, I could use the rest break, and a quick snack, but I reeely don't want to be here any longer than absolutely necessary. And I know I wouldn't sleep a wink in this place!" He adds, glancing swiftly at another partially materialized phantom image. He relaxes considerably when the dog-shaped phantom fades away,...
Tread lightly Dom. I don't know if snakes are as sensitive as spiders are... But a spider can feel the slightest vibration anywhere its web, and knows where it came from.
Dom:
the hallway continues on as far as you can see crypt after crypt; to your memory of hours of walking; you have passed no doors in this corridor other than crypts; religious orders usually are fairly orderly and repetative so probably group their store/supplies/barracks all in the same places probably with a central altar; it is apparently not in this hallway; you have passed miles of hallways and countless crypts; could be anywhere; might take a short or long time to find one. Without some kind of guide; your not sure how to fulfill Kosan's order.
LLvenoc, do not your race and dwarves have a natural talent for finding secret and hidden things? Perhaps you could look around a bit, but I doubt Caer missed anything...
Aahz: I gotta pee!
<squirms a bit>
runs around the nearest corner;... water sounds....
"uhm; nothing in this hall...just more of the same and some wet bugs...hehe".
Nebibit:
It occurs to you that the most aggressive and active; meaning able to move about like vampires and mummies; have most likely left for the surface and parts unknown; the dead here are probably not strong enough or motivated enough to leave their crypts without some kind of invitation or stimulous; with the presence of the literal Hellgate in close proximity; lesser spirits and the like probably cannot travel far from their resting spots without getting pulled by the Hellgate. It is those who may have been murdered or died in these halls that woudl be bound to the halls and be most likely to wander it. With all the miles of walking; you literally have not seen a living soul other than the party; so most of the religious binding on the crypts must be still active and working; ie the crypts are consecrated ground and a barrier from the hallway. It is the wandering oppurtunist creatures like gnolls and jellies, slimes, slugs, giant spiders, giant and the like that would most likely be trouble in the hallways; at least that is what is the problem in the crypts in Eygpt. The set up here and the set up back home seems strangly similiar; as if the cultures development and religious styles were once very very closely related.
"What makes you think that?" Nebibit asks breaking her long silence