Phantom Phenomena (Inactive)

Game Master Shadow Dragon

"What can you tell us about the legends you mentioned relating to Diremark?" enquires Victor, who has also inscribed The Eye of Gorum onto his armour.

Daegon paints the Gorum insignia on his cloak.

I hope that Gorum isn't offended that I am not a devotee... he says with a shrug.

Cannoli claps Daegon really hard on the back, ”Love it! Welcome to the club. Gorum accepts all who are willing to fight. He’s pretty badass like that.”

She turns to the doc and extends her climbing claws, ”Climbing won’t be an issue for me.”

Quinn gives the matter some thought. He's not generally fond of this superstitious mumbo-jumbo, but the last few days have certainly shown just how . . . weird . . . Ustalav is. And if the group is going to be climbing a mountain called Diremark, that certainly seems like an indicator there's still danger ahead. With a sigh and a tinge of embarrassment, he paints the Eye of Gorum onto the back of his armored coat. It better wash out after this is all done . . .

As Cannoli whoops up on Daegon, Dr. Quolorum takes a slight step away from her while answering Victor, "Diremark has legends of large animals, disappearances, strangely colored lightning, hallucinations, and strange dreams. Sounds familiar doesn't it? But so far away from Dunhob...it must be growing in strength over time! Aside from the typical problems one finds when traveling up mountains —landslides, exposure, dangerous beasts — I think whatever is causing these disturbances will almost certainly assault our minds. Guard your thoughts, and watch your step.”

To Cannoli he says, "Ah yes claws! Surely those will be a help. Are you strong enough to lift some of us in case we slip?"

Watching Quinn's reluctance he offers some advice with a wink, "Remember Quinn: There are no atheists in foxholes."

Cannoli flexes a bicep, ”Strong enough? Yes. Quick enough? Also probably yes. Observant enough to notice… maaaybe.”

She looks ready to go.

Guardian takes his Eye of Gorum and affixes it to his own scale mail.

Large animals eh? That sounds like an interesting challenge...

ready to go

If there are no other questions for the good Dr., we'll begin the final chapter tomorrow!

Vreekka, and anyone else, can attempt a Knowledge (Geography) check to learn more about the Hungry Mountains and Diremark.

k. geo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Cannoli thinks for a second, tapping her chin.

”Those mountains remind me of something. Hmmm.”

Her eyes go wide and she starts digging in her pack, ”Oh yeah! Forgot I put this here.”

She pulls out a kebab wrapped in wax paper. Tearing off a corner and unpeeling it she takes a big bite. Chewing, chewing, chewing a bit more. Then a big drag of water before adding, ”Bit dry, but not bad.”

While Cannoli slurps down a rat tail like it's spaghetti, Daegon recalls the following information from his studies:

The Hungry Mountains are a major mountain range in Ustalav. They run east to west through the center of Ustalav, mostly through the counties of Ulcazar and Versex.

The eastern Hungry Mountains are known for driving rain and violent lightning storms. Lately, strangely colored lightning has been troubling the area north of Lantern Lake.
You encountered the same "strangely colored lightning" before - it's red!

Diremark is one of the tallest peaks in the eastern range. Its name comes from not only its treacherous terrain, but also from the exceptionally large animals rumored to live there. The few residents of the area report ghostly images and hallucinations on the mountain paths of Diremark. It is said the mountain tries to mislead the wary and take their lives. Many people have simply disappeared.

As the group begins their ascent the wind howls and storms darken the skies. You all can see a few scrub trees growing amidst the crumbling granite and snow at higher elevation. The trail is not particularly difficult to climb and offers some dramatic, if harrowing, views of the forest and Lantern Lake.

harrow draw: 1d6 ⇒ 2 ⇒ DEX

Vreekka puts the Experimental Herbicide in her backpack.

---

Knowledge: Geography t: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Well, that was going to happen sooner or later.

"Do you also see these lights hovering off the side of the mountain? I have no idea where they are coming from..."

”Swamp gas. I can smell… wait no, that’s not it. Much too pungent. Carrion. Definitely carrion, big too. Time will tell what type. It’s over there.”

She points in the direction the smell is coming from.

Hmm, why is it particularly warm here? Guardian remarks, not even thinking to check if others feel the same.

He heads in the direction Cannoli is pointing to inspect.

So you think something died over here?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Quinn purses his lips, deep in thought as he tries to make sense of the place. "And notice how the thunder sounds . . . muffled? I've got a bad feeling about this."

And to add to the weird goings on, we might have someone following us. I am not sure...so be wary...like we aren't already... he says as he grasps his hanbo a bit tighter.

Ahead the trail ends at a place where the mountain has split. A fifty-foot-wide crevasse separates one side from the other, and the only crossing is over a massive boulder that has broken off the mountainside to the east and become stuck as it rolled down. The trail continues on the other side.

Dr. Quolorum, looking around as if he's seen his own ghost, stammers "Th-th-this must be the correct path. The etheric compass signal indicates a close proximity to the source of the phenomena. We must go...over...the boulder."

He looks at the party to see which of you will climb first.

The confidant catfolk pulls out a rope, ties it around her waste and sets forward, ”Watch where I go, it’ll be easier for your climb. Plus you’ll have this rope to help.”

She hands the other end to Guardian and starts picking her way over the boulder. Bouldering, if you will.

Take 10 for 16 with climb speed 20ft.

"Is that you asking questions?" Victor telepathically enquires of his harboured phantom weapon after hearing the whispers.

"Is it worth one of us using that Ectoplasmic Ointment we have if it looks like we are close to the source of the phenomena? If I remember correctly it lasts 24 hours and sounds like it would be useful to protect the mind." he then asks the party after reaching the bolder.

Once the party start crossing the bolder Victor will provide everyone with magical help before they try and cross (casts guidance on each party member)

Cannoli uses her claws and natural agility to scamper up and then down the boulder safely.

Unfortunately due to its rounded nature Cannoli's rope won't help with the two Climb checks required (one up and one down) but Cannoli and Guardian XI will be able to make Strength checks to keep the PC from falling down the ledge - a 30' fall. PCs may use Victor's Guidance on the Climb check up the boulder but then they're on their own for the climb down. Make sure to include ACPs if applicable. Dr. Quolorum would wait for one other PC to cross before attempting to cross but I'm going to roll it now so I don't forget.

Dr. Quolorum - He can't Climb! With Guidance: 1d20 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 + 1 = 6

Dr. Quolorum - He can't Climb!: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Dr. Quorlorum attempts the climb up the boulder but, even with Victor's Guidance, he loses his balance!

Cannoli and Guardian XI give me Strength checks please.

Victor waits until he has given everyone guidance and then climbs across the boulder himself...

climb + ACP + guidance: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 22
climb + ACP: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 2 = 14

Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Cannoli is watching a butterfly flit between pinkish-orange flowers instead of paying attention to the screaming climbers.

Quinn shouts out "We might have incoming!" He scans the skies, blade drawn, for any signs of aerial assault.

There is a crevice a bit higher up...I think someone...or something...is there watching us... the dhampir grabs his crossbow and makes sure a bolt is seated before shouldering it.

Guardian shrugs off Dr. Quolorum's fright and approaches the boulder. He pauses to let Cannoli tie a rope around him.

Hearing Quinn's shout, he remarkes Then we'd better get moving!

Climb (untrained, ACP, guidance): 1d20 + 4 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 3 + 1 = 8

... and then proceeds to eat it.

How many times can we try here?

Guardian shrugs off Dr. Quolorum's fright and approaches the boulder. He pauses to let Cannoli tie a rope around him.

Hearing Quinn's shout, he remarkes Then we'd better get moving!

[dice=Climb (untrained, ACP, guidance)]1d20+4-3+1

... and then proceeds to eat it.

How many times can we try here?

** spoiler omitted **

I'll keep Guardian XI's first Climb check but, in case it wasn't clear, Dr. Quolorum has fallen from the boulder and is looking at a 30' fall onto the ledge below without a Strength check from Guardian XI. Cannoli's 4 isn't going to save him.

Victor makes quick work of the climb over the boulder and joins Cannoli on the other side.

oof

Guardian tries to grab and secure the rope to arrest the doctor's fall but is not successful... he sheepishly approaches the edge to see the results.

oof

Guardian tries to grab and secure the rope to arrest the doctor's fall but is not successful... he sheepishly approaches the edge to see the results.

Sorry I wasn't clear again. I'll keep Guardian XI's Climb check for his Climb - not the Strength check. Go ahead and roll a separate Strength check. :)

Would there be room for Victor to help hold the rope on the other side once he gets there?

aaaaah, I see, I thought you'd just keep/convert the climb check because for him it's the same (untrained, acp, guidance)

Strength only: 1d20 + 4 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 3 + 1 = 9 yessir, the good rolls keep comin'!

Would there be room for Victor to help hold the rope on the other side once he gets there?

Certainly! :)

aaaaah, I see, I thought you'd just keep/convert the climb check because for him it's the same (untrained, acp, guidance)

yessir, the good rolls keep comin'!

For this particular roll the ACP would not apply but you also wouldn't have had the time to receive a Guidance from Victor yet plus Guardian XI's prodigious Strength means:

While Cannoli's claws can't grasp the rope, Guardian XI saves the Dr.'s day by holding tight and a now-dangling Dr. Quolorum whimpers for help, "Could you lift me back up please? I barely have the strength to hold onto this rope."

With Victor, safely on the other side, pulling in concert with Guardian XI, Dr. Quolorum is brought back to the relative safety of the path although he still faces the climb over it.

"And you all do this sort of thing for a living? I'll take my boring papers and books and studies any day of the week thankyouverymuch!"

Making sure the rope is secured tightly around his midsection this time Dr. Quolorum gives it another go:

Climb check with Guidance: 1d20 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 + 1 = 18

A slightly hyperventilating gnome gives the climb down a shot:

Down the fast way?: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Which leaves Dr. Quolorum swinging - again - above the ledge.

At this point if Guardian XI will stabilize his side, Victor and Cannoli can muscle through to get Dr. Quolorum up to their side of the ledge. So from here would Guardian XI like to be the 'anchor' for Quinn, Vreekka, and Daegon? It's up to you all.

Guardian is happy to play big metal anchor. any checks needed for that?

Cannoli grins and answer's the Doctor's question with one word, drawn out by each syllable.

"Ad-Ven-Ture!"

She helps pull him on up, dragging him to safety.

Guardian is happy to play big metal anchor. any checks needed for that?

Strength checks. I remember you're on vacation starting Wednesday so if we don't complete the boulder climbing by then I'll bear it in mind. If you want to PM me about botting instructions please do so; I suspect we won't finish the final encounter before you depart.

Cannoli grins and answer's the Doctor's question with one word, drawn out by each syllable.

"Ad-Ven-Ture!"

She helps pull him on up, dragging him to safety.

Looking at Cannoli with a mixture of relief and disbelief, Dr. Quolorum sits quietly waiting for the others to climb the boulder.

Anchoring STR: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21

If you want to PM me about botting instructions please do so; I suspect we won't finish the final encounter before you depart.

I have a doc linked on his profile. It has a little bit. I can add some more tomorrow.

Quinn decides to climb quickly, while there's still time.

I'll try Take 10 for a 12 (includes ACP and Guidance).

Daegon waits to see if the others make it up first before attempting his ascent.

Quinn decides to climb quickly, while there's still time.

I'll try Take 10 for a 12 (includes ACP and Guidance).

Since Quinn had his sword out looking for danger I would classify this as "distracted" under the 'Take 10' rules and thus Quinn would need to roll a Climb check. The good news is he has help on both sides of the rope to keep him from falling.

Quinn tries to make the ascent while keeping his eyes open for trouble from above.

Climb (w/ACP & Guidance): 1d20 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 - 1 + 1 = 5

Quinn tries to make the ascent while keeping his eyes open for trouble from above.

[dice=Climb (w/ACP & Guidance)]1d20+2-1+1

Quinn goes for the same tumble Dr. Quolorum did but Guardian XI's prodigious power keeps Quinn from taking a dive!

Really gettin' too old for this #$@!#! says Quinn, as he redoubles his efforts.

Climb w ACP + Guidance: 1d20 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 + 1 = 3

Vreekka looks at her comrades attempts to climb the boulder and sighs.

No way I'll struggle like them. I will conquer this obstacle with the power of my mind: using alchemy!

She sits down and mixes herself an extract for climbing and swimming. This takes one minute, filling her open slot with monkey fish.

When it's her turn, she downs the extract, grabs the rope and starts climbing.

Take 10 on climb, monkey fish: 10 - 2 + 8 = 16

The +8 racial bonus comes from the climb speed provided by monkey fish (see climb skill).

Vreekka uses the power of Science! to climb the boulder. Quinn's second attempt is even worse than his first!

Str Check Guardian XI: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

And is once again reeled back up by Guardian XI.

Current status: Victor, Cannoli, Vreekka, and Dr. Quolorum have traversed the boulder. Daegon, Quinn, and the AnchorMan have yet to cross.

Daegon tries his skilkl(or lack thereof...) at climbing.

climb: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Daegon tries his skilkl(or lack thereof...) at climbing.

[dice=climb]1d20

Daegon triumphantly reaches the top of the boulder! Can he make another sure-handed climb to get down to the other side?

One more Climb check please. :)

climb: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Daegon climbs the boulder like a pro!

Quinn and Guardian XI are the last to cross.

I know Guardian XI is on vacation so I'll bot him but it sounded like he was willing to 'anchor' and be the last one to cross.