*Kaine "The Answer"* |
Kaine contemplates the decisions he made to lead up to this point, then starts looking for a way down the pit besides just jumping and hoping for the best.
Death-Lok |
Before when you came over the wall....
You find Sssabol leaning against the obsidian wall when he sees you come over the wall. The smile on his face disappears when he sees Grymm carrying Kaine's body. "Well, I toldsss ya that places wasss evil. Not ssssurprised you ssssuferred a casualty. I wasss expecting more actually. Well, you're probably leaving now to get him raised. I'll make my way home. You can tell Tenser my debt to him is paid." With those words spoken, the lizardman bids you all farewell and heads back to his hut.
In Greyhawk…
After resting, Posh feels his mind opened to the complicated castings needed to bring Kaine back to life. After the rituals for the ceremony are performed, Posh intones Pelor's mercy for a minute before Kaine is brought back to life.
Now, a week later..
The party stands at the pit in the center of the ziggurat the evil emanations quite disturbing to the party, especially Posh. The sense of pure evil emanating from the pit is nothing you have ever felt before. Ypu look down to the edge of your darkvision, yet the pit keep going, without end.
Posh Stemtimple |
Posh puts on a stern face, "we've all been here before. With Pelor's blessing, we shall prevail and cleanse Oerth of this malice." However, his gnomeness creeps in with a smile, "but if I'm wrong, it has been an honor to shed my blood with all of you."
Orlanna Norbelos |
Orlanna floats nea the edge of the pit.
I can fly down, if you want to jump down I can feather fall you down but that might not be idea.
Clovis Hatchlock |
"I have one potion of fly that I am saving as a escape route."
"I would rather not featherfall into a pool of acid at the bottom of the hole."
"I will probably just walk down the walls."
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
Kaine took the jibbing with his trademark stoicism all while staring down the hole.
Seeing no easy way down, Kaine stows his shield and begins testing the walls to see how difficult the climbing will be.
Grymm Bloodstone |
Um, we knew we had to go down this pit for a week now. Orlanna and myself (now) can fly; Clovis can spider climb with boots. Shouldn't Posh have prepared Air Walk and Orlanna maybe a Fly spell for Kaine, since she knows all 1-3 level spells?
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
The problem is there could be people with dispel in the hole waiting, or something along those lines.
Orlanna Norbelos |
Before we descend into the pit Orlanna activates her wands of shield and mirror image, casts extended heroism on herself and activates a barksking scroll.
Images: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
UMD, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 2 = 23
UMD, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 2 = 24
UMD, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 = 28
UMD, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 2 = 34
Orlanna Norbelos |
I have 4860gp and 2000gp of diamond dust listed in my inventory but I may as well convert the gold into diamond dust as it is interchangeable with cash. That gives me enough for 4 possible casts if really needed
Orlanna Norbelos |
I dont generally prep stonskin so it isnt an issue
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
Kaine spends a moment to cast a spell, and an powerful looking black horse who's legs trail off into mist appears next to him. He then takes a moment to buff himself and then mounts up, ready to proceed.
I have Heroism (extended from Rod), Heroe's Feast (from Posh); I just casts Phantom Steed and Freedom of Movement on myself. At my level, Phantom Steed has Air Walk.
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
Look at my race.
Orlanna Norbelos |
If anyone lacks darkvision I will cast an extended one on them the day before we see out. It will last 26 hours.
Death-Lok |
After the casting of Posh's Fly spell, the party is ready to begin the trek down the evil pit of despair. Grymm realizes he can fly at will with his piece of the Rod, as he is propelled along on drafts of air, given that the Rod of Seven Parts was used by the Wind Dukes of Aaqa, powerful lords of the elemental plane of Air.
As you head down the pit, a foul rancid vapor continually flows upwards, causing you discomfort but no harm. As you head down the shaft for the first 100 feet, you begin to notice that the shaft is pocked by dozens of 10' wide cave openings forming tunnels leading into the stone. Continue down the shaft or side trek through a tunnel? You 60' darkvision still does not see the bottom of the shaft.
Orlanna Norbelos |
I suggest we head to the bottom, I dont want to get lost in a lot of winding side tunnels.
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
"Agreed. We can always work our way back up as needed."
Having said that, Kaine still paused on his horse to take a look at the side tunnels, trying to determine if they were manmade, natural, or created by a creature.
I get at least 30 on any knowledge check.
Posh Stemtimple |
"To the bottom it is then. In my experience, as you go down in a dungeon, or up in a keep, the challenges become increasingly greater. This way, we can bypass a lot of the lesser challenges, and hopefully move right to the root of the evil!"
Grymm Bloodstone |
Before..
Grymm loved flying under the Rod's power and the joy on his face was clear as his blonde hair got swept up in the air drafts.
Now...
"I don't know how wise that is. Something must inhabit these tunnels and to think it or they're going to let us pass by undisturbed seems highly unlikely, If we ignore it, we can find ourselves flanked later on the flight down or worse, when we engage whatever inhabits the bottom of this shaft. My 2 cp." I believe these tunnels will flank us from all sides as we continue traveling down, correct, DL? I've got high survival skill so likelihood we get lost is remote.
Death-Lok |
The tunnels are natural and yes, there are cave openings on all sides of the shaft (3-dimensional) so if something came out of each one, you would be flanked on multiple sides and levels. Clovis does hear faint movement in the tunnels further down the shaft, but he cannot pinpoint the exact cave opening.
Orlanna Norbelos |
Orlanna sighs a little, Ys, that does make sense but I dislike the idea of crawling through these tunnels, tight confines and the risk something comes up frm behind us are not an enticing prospect. But you are probably right she whispers. Let us pick a tunnel and explore...
Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32
Posh Stemtimple |
"When I was a child, we played a game to decide such important matters. 'Stone, Parchment, Dagger.' Stone is represented by a full fist, parchment by a laid flat hand, and dagger by the first two fingers being extended as if ready to stab." He demonstrates each move as he describes it. "Stone is covered by parchment, and parchment can be cut by dagger, while stone crushes dagger. The two opponents recite the following 'Stone, Parchment, Dagger, shoot,' at which time they both place their hand forward, as such. A match consists of a total of three rounds, with the winner defeating their opponent two of the three times. I suggest Orlanna and Grymm play a quick bout to determine our course of direction."
I propose 1d3 random 3 times (all at once). 1 beats 2, 2 beats 3, and 3 beats 1. Whomever wins, we go their path. So, Grymm and Orlanna could roll a quick 3d3, and we see how they match up.
Grymm Bloodstone |
"Really, Posh, that's how the Church of Pelor has survived all these years resolving their disputes?! I'm amazed you've made it this far." Grymm throws the gnome a wink and picks a tunnel, where he zooms in. "I'll lead, just want to know what we're facing...." Famous last words? Lol..
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
Kaine and his horse follows behind Grymm.
Death-Lok |
Assuming the rest of the party follows the dwarf..
The dwarf follows the 10' wide curving dark tunnel for about 60' in when his DV sees a vile bloated worm with a thick green body 10' long emerges from a southern corridor 55' ahead. The creature has a vaguely human head covered in stringy green hair and its mouth is a round sucker-like orifice ringed with rows of tiny teeth! Pic
Only Grymm and Kaine can see the creature clearly since it is within their 60' DV; against everyone else, it has concealment and vice versa. Kaine's mind races and he correlates the creature's appearance to that of a naga, aberrations who specialize in spell casting. The most common nagas have serpentine bodies, but he has heard of extremely rare ones who have worm bodies. Hence, he identifies the creature as a worm naga. All nagas have a poisonous bite so he assumes this one does as well and Darkvision. Other than presuming it is a spellcaster as well, Kaine does not recall nagas having any special immunities or defenses.
Initiative:
Worm Naga: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Clovis: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Grymm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Kaine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Orlanna: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Posh: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Orlanna is up.
Combat Map
*Kaine "The Answer"* |
"That's a worm naga. Careful Grymm, it's bite is poisonous. Also, it's likely a spellcaster."
Orlanna Norbelos |
Orlanna flies forward until she can see the creatue.
Knowledge, heroism: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Religion +32, Nature +17, other ID knowledge skills +26
My actions may be determined by what I learn, as usual I am generally interested in immunities, resistances and saves
Orlanna Norbelos |
Orlanna readies an action to magic missile the horrid thing if it tries to cast a spell.
Force damage: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 1, 1) + 5 = 12
If possible in these tunnels I will be in the air so we dont form a helpful line for stuff like lightning bolt
Death-Lok |
Round 1: Initiative 23
Orlanna's strategy is wise, as the Worm Naga raises up like a cobra "Intruders, your kind is not welcome!" and begins casting magic, when she is struck by the energy missiles! Her focus is strong, however, and she completes her spell, buffing herself.
Concentration: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 vs. DC 23...success!
From around the corridor to the south, another worm naga appears, sliding past the first one and ending her round 15' from the party.
Clovis, Grymm, and Kaine must make Will saves first at the beginning of their turn. There are 2 nagas, red and blue to distinguish them. Party is up!
Grymm Bloodstone |
Will save: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22...will assume that is successful!
Round 1:
Grymm activates his Boots of Speed as a free action, rages as a free action, takes a 5' step and full-attacks the blue worm naga with his longhammer! "Ya got too close!"
Power Raging full-attack:
Hasted attack: 1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 23 + 1 = 40
Damage: 2d6 + 31 ⇒ (6, 4) + 31 = 41
Normal attack: 1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 23 + 1 = 36
Damage: 2d6 + 31 ⇒ (1, 3) + 31 = 35
Second attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 1 = 39..threat
Confirmation: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 1 = 29
Damage: 6d6 + 93 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 2, 3, 5) + 93 = 116
Third attack: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 1 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 31 ⇒ (2, 3) + 31 = 36
AC: 26
HP: 167+39 temp
Rage rounds used: 1
Boots of Speed rounds used: 1
Death-Lok |
The DC for the Will save is 20.
As this Worm Naga did not buff, its AC is 29, so the critical confirms!
Grymm catches the Worm Naga's gaze and for a second feels his intelligence and personality being drained, but he resists the effect. The dwarf rains two powerful blows on the creature, but the third one crushes its body to green paste!
As a result of the Blue Naga's death, Kaine does not have to roll a Will save on his turn, only Clovis.
EDIT: Posh, Grymm went before you on the initiative, so you can redo your action.
Clovis Hatchlock |
will: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 = 25
Can't see the map right now, I'll try again in the morning.
Current AC: 31/23/24; 3 mirror images, Shield Spell; HF: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects