Wrath of the Righteous - Rise of the PCs! (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Manticore

Current HP: 8/13. Ouch!

[dice=Fortitude] 1d20 + 5

+ any android racial bonuses that apply!

"I appear to be damaged, though the threat is now passed, as predicted."

Sarasanna checks her wounds for any sign of poison or other affliction.

[dice=Heal] 1d20 + 7

No warning signs are posted in your HUD. No internal damage detected.

As Sarasanna and Lucifer debate matters of metaphysical nature, Akkramar sets about and carefully searches both the body of the fallen dwarven undead, and the premises.

Taking 20 on Perception

[dice=Perception]20+3

BTW, Taking 20 means that you spent at least 20 minutes thoroughly rolling the body. I just wanted to make sure that you knew that.

Going through the undead dwarf's things, you find in a pouch 2 filled vials, and a gnarled gold ring on his left hand. The warhammer that he threw at you as a distraction is of masterwork quality.

Sarasanna nods again to Lucifer, and then joins Akkramar in searching the premises of the room. She specifically seeks a way forward.

There are no other exits in this room. It would appear that, whoever built this temple also built this main room as a sleeping chamber. There is a small alcove behind the alter that would be a likely place place bedding.

Lucifer picks up the hammer if none of the others move to take it, and then moves to the bedding area to search around.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Indeed, I've never seen any medical evidence of the existence of a soul. But perhaps there is no need for such a metaphysical concept to have a physical counterpart..." The words roll out of his tongue in a similarly flat tone as his companions as he aids Sarasanna in seeking a way forward. " But I certainly feel I am me and you are you, Perhaps soul is a synonym of conciousness."

Sarasanna pauses for a moment to listen to Bethune's commentary. "What you say is plausible. However, it raises the question of what consciousness is. There are those who are restored to life from death, as I was. Further, evil is a real substance among the planes. What is evil other than corrupt consciousness? Both of these things suggest the possibility that consciousness or 'mind' may be a kind of substance. It is unclear where to proceed from there. However, it would be problematic, for my case, if consciousness were a quality rather than a substance."

After sharing her response to Bethune's thoughts, she nods to her counterpart. After that, Sarasanna investigates the bedding area as well and then searches the walls for secret doors.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Dakkar considers the discussion going on around him, shrugging he states I think, therefore I am."

Waving off the offer of the hammer, he takes a look at the signet ring and the two potions, after activating detect magic.

know:history: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

@Dakkar: What are you trying to determine with your Know: history roll?

Lucifer picks up the hammer if none of the others move to take it, and then moves to the bedding area to search around.

[dice=Perception]1d20+8

Since Akkramar was doing the search, I am assuming he has the warhammer - do you want it Lucifer? What about the others? Any of you guys interested in it? Not sure if I could benefit from it myself - can it be 2-handed?

The signet on the ring should be of a particular house/order/entity.

The signet on the ring should be of a particular house/order/entity.

OK Fair enough. You look the ring over, it is clear that the ring belonged to a particular group of men who lived in the Mendev region who were advocates for improving the economic policy of the nation. The group, who's name you can't remember off the top of your data archives, went back about two centuries, but you do not know if they operate today.

I figured I'd take the warhammer as an extra option in case the shovel ever fails to work out, or if we're in a situation where I need a one-handed weapon. Of course, you can keep it if you like, you'll probably get better mileage out of it than I would, actually. And warhammers can be wielded with both hands, yeah.

Anything can be wielded two-handed I believe. It's two-handed weapons that can only be wielded with two hands.

"It appears there is nothing more here," Sarasanna observes. "Perhaps we should now scout the other tunnel."

The android pauses momentarily, then speaks again. "How long has it been? We were given an hour to explore, before we should regroup with Archie and the others."

Should I roll a separate check for searching for secret doors, or was that already covered with my previous perception?

Anything can be wielded two-handed I believe. It's two-handed weapons that can only be wielded with two hands.

"It appears there is nothing more here," Sarasanna observes. "Perhaps we should now scout the other tunnel."

The android pauses momentarily, then speaks again. "How long has it been? We were given an hour to explore, before we should regroup with Archie and the others."

Should I roll a separate check for searching for secret doors, or was that already covered with my previous perception?

You're right about 2-handed. You get to add Str Mod *1.5 in the event that you, for example, use a rapier with both hands. Also, your Perception check included secret doors. There is nothing else in this room, other than what I had previously mentioned.

Hate to be this guy, but the rapier is actually one of the very few one-handed items you specifically can't wield two-handed to get extra Strength. But warhammers are totally okay.

Lucifer nods at Sarasanna's comment. "Yes, let's continue moving."

I didn't know that about rapiers. I suppose that's because the power comes from a gentle but deadly piercing. Can someone use weapon finesse with a rapier?

Sarasanna nods in return to Lucifer. "Let's go."

The feminine android gathers up any of the things she may have set down in order to search more effectively. She then steps out of the temple, and walks back to the juncture of paths. Sarasanna stops periodically to be sure her counterparts are following.

While your chronometers are still not functional, the timers setup in your HUD indicates that it has been slightly under an hour since your last burst transmission received from Archie.

As far as the warhammer goes, I am cool if someone wants to take it. My plan on Akkramar is making the best out of reach weapons eventually ;) Only real advantage for now is that his to-hit numbers are not very impressive, so masterwork stuff helps. I see you have a to-hit of +7 with the shovel Lucifer? That is kinda impressive :D Will it be the same with the hammer?

Guys we still need to find a way to at least compile a list of what we have found so far :D

Also, I was under the impression that no light weapons can be 2-handed. Am I wrong?

Akkramar falls into place after Sarasanna and Lucifer as they move towards the next available path - "Perhaps we should confirm if our charges are well?" - he offers.

As far as the warhammer goes, I am cool if someone wants to take it. My plan on Akkramar is making the best out of reach weapons eventually ;) Only real advantage for now is that his to-hit numbers are not very impressive, so masterwork stuff helps. I see you have a to-hit of +7 with the shovel Lucifer? That is kinda impressive :D Will it be the same with the hammer?

Guys we still need to find a way to at least compile a list of what we have found so far :D

Also, I was under the impression that no light weapons can be 2-handed. Am I wrong?

Akkramar falls into place after Sarasanna and Lucifer as they move towards the next available path - "Perhaps we should confirm if our charges are well?" - he offers.

No, you're right. My rapier was a bad example.

Rapiers are finesseable, yes. And I'll only have a +6 with the warhammer--the shovel's +7 is thanks to picking up Catch Off-Guard and my Surprise Weapon trait (negate the -4 penalty for improvised, +2 attack with improvised respectively), and it's the same I'd have with any melee improvised weapon. And IIRC, you can two-hand a light weapon, you just don't get any benefit from it.

Lucifer blinks. "My chronometer suggests we are nearing the hour mark. We should return to the main group and relay our findings to Archie."

"Agreed. An hour is nearly passed, and we have lost contact with Archie. Let us return to see if the others are well."

Sarasanna looks around at the various cavern passages. "We return from the North and the South is an unexplored tunnel. Therefore, it is this way," she induces, pointing with her halberd.

Sarasanna begins heading West, haldberd in hand, back down the long, large tunnel, previously designated the Eastern tunnel as the 'droids were initially exploring the passages.

Sarasanna stops after about 45 ft., and looks back to be sure all of her counterparts are following. She waits for anyone lagging behind to catch up.

Akkramar follows suit.

It takes about 10 minutes to get back to the chamber in which Archie and the wounded are. You see that everyone, except Archie, are unconscious. You recognize the condition that the three people are actually asleep and not injured (any more) or dead. Before you can say anything, Archie holds up one finger to her lips, in a ''shushing'' motion. She then transmits,

I am glad to see that you are not injured. The wounded are currently sleeping; it was clear that they needed to recharge. It would appear that we can transmit/receive within a few feet of each other. That being said, max prob suggests that some form of radiation is preventing communications at any kind of distance. There's a short (less than one second) pause, before Archie continues. You were gone for 17 minutes, 39 seconds beyond the point that I asked you to return. Do you have anything to report?

Big snake, dead. Big fly, not dead. Not dead dwarf, now dead, again.

Sarasanna smiles at Dakkar's laconic recounting of events. Perhaps this is an echo of her "former life", or a glitch in her programming.

"Dakkar correctly summarizes the creatures we encountered," Sarasanna confirms in a soft voice, "The undead dwarf was in a temple of the dwarven god-entity. In the chamber where we met the snake, there had been a collapse. As of yet, we have found no access to the surface."

Lucifer nods. Additionally, we recovered a well-made warhammer, and there is a second path apparent to the south of the chamber that led to the temple. Scouting will most likely take an extended period of time.

Akkramar confirms the report with a nod, producing the well crafted weapon for Archie to observe.

"Though now I do not need it, I have memories of sleeping, when I was human. I recall it was a pleasant experience. Rest. That is perhaps why humanity is so capable of irrationality. Their need for rest often distracts from what is obvious," Sarasanna observes in a quiet voice.

The android seems thoroughly immersed in her reconstructed personality in the moment, so much so that she appears to be in reverie, and almost looks human in her reflection.

Then her expression returns to the usual neutral blank.

We should likely maintain this area as 'camp' until we are more certain of the way forward. It would be inefficient for the wounded to have to retrace their steps should we led them down a false path.

Com: Sarasanna: Is this 'temple' a good place to setup as a forward camp? While the escorted are currently sleeping, max prob suggests that they will also need nourishment soon.
Com: All: Is there any idea, based on your analysis, of how long it will take ot get our of here? Statistical analysis suggests to me that, the longer we as a group are down here, the lower the morale will become. If we stay down here too long, depression will likely set in with the organics and it will be harder to keep them motivated to stay with us. already I am seeing unreast in the person called 'Horgus, despite his 'attempts' to keep his opinions to himself.

Sleepers Perception: 1d20 - 10 ⇒ (1) - 10 = -9 Apparently, everyone is comatose. ;p

COM: I don't think we have enough data to formulate a conclusion on the required time in returning to the surface. I will focus my attention on the one named 'Horgus' - trying to maintain the motivation at higher levels, and preventing unnecessary delays. - Akkramar retorts.

COM: The 'Temple' is a defensible, closed in area, so it may be safer to camp there. However, there is the corpse of re-dead dwarf within. The sight and stench, analysis suggests, would lower morale more than anything. Unless there is reason to suspect danger here, I advise further scouting of unexplored areas, seeking forward camp or exit.

Com: All: I do not yet wish to wake these people; it is likely that they will wake up soon of their own accord. Given the injured states of at least two of the three, how long do you think it will take us to reach this temple?

Com: It is not far. We should see about gathering materials to build a couple of liters for the wounded. Our only other option is to let them fend for themselves. We do have our own mission to pursue.

Com: In addition to building liters, I advise we remove the corpse of the creature in the temple before we bring the wounded there. This will take additional time.

Com: Dakkar: That is true. However, it would go against our 'conscious' to let these people fend for themselves. I agree that we should make at least one liter for the one named Aravashinal. He is unable to see, and will have a hard time maneuvering. The one called Anevia can walk, but her leg is not fully healed and she cannot walk fast. Suggestions for her, or do we just make do?

Com: All: I can assist Anevia with our reallocation to the temple, although in the future further action may need to be taken. However it may be best to reassess our options later on.

2nd wake up call: 1d20 - 10 ⇒ (5) - 10 = -5 Yup, definitely comatose...

Com: All: I agree with your assessment. We should wake our escorts and take them to this temple, so that we can plan out from there. Akkramar and Sarasanna, move ahead to the temple and take care of this corpse that you mentioned. From there, we can map out strategy, and we can send you forward. Of our escorts, my assessment shows that Anevia is at least marginally combat operational. Aravashnial can cast spells, but his blindness will keep him from targeting. Horgus is a civilian, with little or no combat effectiveness. He is also rude and surly; we'll need to keep him protected nonetheless. Assuming that we get him back to the surface, he has offered us resources that could be used in our primary mission.
Akkramar and Sarasanna: Head out now. The rest of us will wake the escorts and be along shortly.

DMPC'ing Akkramar Com: Archie: Confirmed. Heading out now. Akkramar then turns around quietly and prepares to leave, waiting for Sarasanna to confirm as well.

Com: confirmed, Archie. I shall proceed with Akkramar, and prepare the Temple for camp. As parting advice, should you have difficulty waking the escorts, I advise striking them with a blunt object in the thorax. If memory serves, this always worked with my brother. He was not pleased after such awakenings, but they never failed to rouse him from even the deepest sleep.

Halberd in hand, with a slight smile, yet expressionless eyes, Sarasanna strides after Akkramar. She follows down the path that leads to the Temple.

Com: Acknowledged.

Dakkar stands ready, waiting for Archie.

3rd and final wakeup call: 1d20 - 10 ⇒ (13) - 10 = 3

Looking around, Archie says out loud, "I don't think waking them that way will make them happy to work with us." She then walks around and gently shakes everyone awake. Once they seem to have their faculties again, Archie says to them, "Ok, the scouts have come back with some news. They have not yet found a way to the surface yet. However..."

"...And what kind of news is that? IF they haven't found the surface yet, then why are they still standing around here?" Horgus seems to have taken great delight in raising the point. The others are just looking at him (or in his general direction, faces downturned.

"I was going to say, Mr. Gwerm, that they have instead found a better place to hole up for the moment. There is a temple, about a third of"

All of them (Horgus, Anevia, and Aravashnial) interrupt Archie again by asking about the temple.

Sighing, Archie attempts to try again. "I don't know what kind of temple, I didn't think to ask. My point is that this place will allow us to get some real rest, and we have enough food and trail rations to feed us well for the next several days, or if we ration it, we can make it last at least a fortnight. Dakkar, if you can help Aravashinal, and I'll help Anevia. Mr Gwem?"

The elven mage looks around, still not used to having lost his vision, when Dakkar takes his arm (I am assuming that will be the case...) Aravashinal looks in the general direction that the hand is on his arm and says, "Um, thank you for the help, um, Mr. Dakkar, was it?"

"Yes, sweetie?" Standing, Horgus looks only a little surly at this point, but he seems a little more relaxed for the circumstances.

Ignoring the jibe, Archie looks at Horgus and says, "Will you be able to keep up, or will you need someone to help you?"

"Oh, don't you worry, dearest. I can easily keep up with you." At this point, only the undead dwarf previously met could have missed the not very subtle innuendo that this statement came across as. It's as if the statement hung there, waiting with its hand out, expecting some kind of reward. Anevia harrumphs at this and offers her arm to Archie. For her part, Archie continues to ignore the man and smiles grimly at Anevia.

"Oh dear gods, if I had eyes, they'd be rolling around in the back of my head, just rolling until they fell out of my eye sockets."

Co͡m: q̵u̵er͏y:̢ ̨can͜ ̶w̛e̷ p͡ut͡ th̴e̕ ̡b̡ig ̷one͠ ͟back̨ ̢to s̴ĺee͜p͢? ͡H̶e se̷e͝ms̛ tó ̴l̨ac̶k ͏a̡ny f̶a̡cult͠y ̶e̷nab͘li̴ng re͝spec̡t f̡or tḩe fem͞a͝le̴ ge̷nde͜r, ev͟en t́h͟o̵ug̸h̵ ̷h̴įs̕ ̡l̀ife is͞ ͏in t́he ̨h̨an͝ds̨ of̶ mixęd͘ c̛o̕m̕pany̕.̡ Sarasanna transmits her question with a facial expression that seems forced, an arched brow and grimace.

Her face quickly returns to neutral as she continues on her way with Akkramar to clean up the Temple.

Although Sarasanna may have already passed beyond the range of transmission, it was a question that really needed to be asked. (~_^)

You get the impression that the comment was received, but was wisely not replied to. ;P