Old School Essentials Campaign

Game Master Asmodeus

"Well, if we cannot return the way we came then it will be best to use these robes as disguises. We will find a safe place to hide these sleeping elves until we can find a reliable way out of this place" said Albur.

"Let us explore the rooms in the hallway starting with the single door on the left; I imagine that the double doors lead elsewhere. Remember, stealth is our friend."

"Wisely spoken, Albur." said Egspen. "The Draconic words for Worship and Shield sit above the alcoves in this room. My guess is that Worship leads to the main hall of the Temple and that Shield may be a guardroom or be connected to the temple guardian somehow."

Ulrik and Armolas donned elven robes and moved to the hallway door. Armolas pressed his pointed ear to the door - listening.

"It is quiet beyond, but not silent. Some sort of rasping - like something heavy dragging back and forth. It comes and goes."

The Knight's sword sang from its scabbard. "Be ready." He yanked the door open and dashed inside - revealing a plan chamber ten paces wide with tiled stone walls. A jagged tunnel stood in the far wall, extending into shadow.

Great, terrible eyes opened in the dark - vertical pupils studying the heroes. A forked tongue tested the air as the great serpent rasped forward out of the tunnel on scales of silver, copper and gold. Dagger teeth gleamed.

"A little surprise left by the Rahib, no doubt," Sir Ulrik exclaimed, moving to meet the great serpents advance."To arms!"

Giant Serpent Round 1

The Knight rushed towards the giant snake, sword held high as Armolas nocked an arrow and prepared to fire.

The snake hissed sibilantly in response - ghostly serpents manifested around the knight and wood elf, paralyzing the pair in the magical coils.

Rahasia reached for a dagger and hurled it, drawing blood and an angry hiss from the snake.

Trying the other style of Old-School Essentials Combat.
Each round is broken down into phases.
Movement
Missile
Magic
Melee
We are in the Missile segment.

"If it were left by the Rahib it wouldn't be attacking those wearing its Masters robes, fool!" yelled Egspen to Ulrik.

"Wyrm, who are you, and what are you doing here?" Egspen addressed the giant snake in Draconic.

I'm unsure if declared actions "fire" regardless of the encounter ending or not but we'll try and see. I see that Cure Light Wounds can also be used to end paralysis. Albur will elect to use Magic this round and remove the paralysis from Sir Ulrik should the giant snake continue to attack after considering Egspen's words.

"Were I blind and deaf, I would still never mistake such as you for the Siswaru scholars of the temple. If you have brought harm to those who wore the robes you have stolen, I will crush your bones to powder. I am Ular-Taman, and I guard the way." The great serpent reared upwards, the magical torchlight sending prismatic waves dancing along the walls and floor - gleaming from scales the colors of precious metals.

"Explain your presence in these halls. Now. If you fail to convince me - you will have used your last breath."

The grasping snakes faded away as Albur prayed. As his fingers touched the knight, his mind flashed a momentary image of an elderly man - white bearded and carrying a pale stave, a serpent with prismatic scales draped around his shoulders

Ulrik's face darkened as he stepped towards the great serpent - his sword menacing.

Technically, each round we are supposed to call our actions and then roll for initiative.
We are learning.

Spreading his arms slowly and bowing deeply before the serpent Egspen cleared his throat and began:

"Ular-Taman, I am Egspen D'Able student of Elyas Whitestave and companion to Albur, Sir Ulrik, Armolas and Rahasia. We have entered this temple at the behest of the elves of Kota-Hutun. The Siswaru have been charmed by a dark magic brought on by a man known as The Rahib. We are here to free the Siswaru and defeat the Rahib and his minions. The Siswaru who own these robes are magically sleeping, for roughly 30 more minutes." Egspen explained in Draconic.

Albur stared at Egspen. "Are you quite all right? You have spent more time talking like a snake than you have the tongue of man."

Ular-Taman hissed. "Elyas Whitestave used his magic to shape me as I am and set me as guardian over the approaches to his buried tower. I have kept watch ever since. I know the name, Rahasia, as I have had dealings with her father - once friend to my maker in years long past. He healed my wounds after I battled The Rahib and his ebony panthers and as reward, I have allowed him to use my vault to house wealth meant for his daughter. She should not have come though her skill with daggers does her credit. Two other elven maids were taken - hosts for foul spirits trapped by Elyas before his fall. Rahasia is to be the third - the freedom of all raising the powers of the coven three to a deadly danger. This must not come to pass."

The great serpent slid aside and moved a heavy floor tile with a sweep of his tail. The tip dipped into the cavity beneath and emerged wearing an ornate ring of gold - a great black stone set in the band. He reached out - offering it to Egspen.

"A token - one of two needed. Ring and Pendant. I fear the Rahib has found another path into the forbidden tower of Elyas. Somehow, he has done what no other has ever managed. He must be stopped."

"I thank you for this, Ular-Taman." said Egspen in Draconic, taking the ring from the tail. "I would suggest Rahasia stay with you, though I imagine her will to see people rescued will quash any arguments I make."

Egspen turned to the others and spoke in Common: "Time grows short. The Rahib has found a path in to the forbidden tower of Elyas Whitestave. There, the Rahib seeks to free the spirits of a coven of witches offering three elven maidens as hosts. These are the same witches that were imprisoned by Elyas, his final battle."

Egspen glanced to Rahasia. "The Rahib has two of these hosts already. You, Rahasia, are to be the third. I suggest you remain with Ular-Taman, or return to Kota-Hutun. Ular-Taman has offered your father use of this vault to house treasures for you. Perhaps there are items or weapons that will be of use should you choose to stay. Know that you are what The Rahib wants; we are to search for the Pendant that matches this ring." said Egspen, who then slipped the ring on to his finger.

Rahasia looked from the wizard to the great serpent and back. "You are wise beyond your years, Egspen. though I yearn to represent my people, it seems foolish to risk The Rahib gaining the last piece of his puzzle. I will not suffer you to risk what I dare not without all the aid I may offer, however. Ask the serpent to take us to this vault - if it holds aught that may of use, take it with the blessing of the elven people until the evil of The Rahib is removed from these lands."

Ular-Taman listened and then slithered through the tunnel it had emerged from. It paused for a moment before a massive fall of stone that blocked further movement - and then slithered through as the pile of stone blurred into transparency. "A simple illusion, but effective."

"Bring the Siswaru to my chamber before they recover. The magic there releases them from their enchantment, but it returns if they ever leave."

The tunnel ended in a large rectangular room - an iron door set in the far corner of the near wall. Treasure lay heaped in the chambers center and Ulrik whistled. "Now this is something else. A sword. A staff. A ring. A potion. Urns, and jewels and these little birds.....silver? No, platinum. I didn't know riches like these were hidden in the northern forests."

"There is much you don't know about my people or our lands, good Sir Knight. I know little of your lands as well. The sword is called 'Asar-Threyla' - Eternal Promise. You would look very far to find a sharper blade. The ring is similar to the ones worn by the Druids of the Sacred Bole. The potion could be anything. Take them. Bring us victory." Rahasia said.

"And the staff?" Ulrik asked."It kind of looks like you, Ular." Egspen could see the stave was covered in carved scales and bore an end piece shaped like the head and open mouth of a great snake.

Ular hissed."It once belonged to a priestly companion of my master and played a part in raising me from a mere snake into the majestic being you see before you. He would prefer to see it do good again - in the hands of one worthy of it's power."

Armolas moved to the iron door and listened. "Where does this lead?"

Ular-Taman shook his head. "Locked. The key lost. I know not. Mayhap you will discover it on your explorations. Make haste and gather the Siswa. They will be rousing themselves soon."

"Come. Let us bring the Siswa to Ular-Taman's chamber before the enchantment ends." said Albur.

"Once they are secured we can decide where our path leads us next. Sir Ulrik, it may be wise for us to leave our old weapons here to help the Siswa protect themselves and Rahasia in our absence."

"I believe we have a set of double doors, a door across this hallway, and two potential teleportation alcoves to choose from." Albur continued.

"Yes, one is inscribed with Worship and the other with Shield." Egspen explained.

"Come. Let us bring the Siswa to Ular-Taman's chamber before the enchantment ends." said Albur.

"Once they are secured we can decide where our path leads us next. Sir Ulrik, it may be wise for us to leave our old weapons here to help the Siswa protect themselves and Rahasia in our absence."

"I believe we have a set of double doors, a door across this hallway, and two potential teleportation alcoves to choose from." Albur continued.

"Yes, one is inscribed with Worship and the other with Shield." Egspen explained.

Ular-Taman hissed. "Worship leads to the Hall of the Siswa, Shield back to the Shrine. Once freed of the enchantment, I'm sure the Siswa can further expand on the layout of the temple."

I guess, stuff happens now? The Siswa are brought to Ular-Taman's chamber, old weapons are left if their owners wish, then I guess we will go through to the Hall of the Siswa as the Shrine would lead us back out the way way came?

Stuff does indeed happen. The Siswaru recover their wits and pledge to help guard Rahasia from the Rahib's forces, which you learn also contain hired mercenaries from the south.

The magic of the archway whisked the heroes into a long hall lit by guttering torches. Tables and benches lined the space - some littered by half-formed baskets, blankets, or other crafts. Double doors stood in the side walls and another archway stood in the far wall.

Unlike the other arches elsewhere, this one was shrouded by darkness - offering no hint to its contents.

"Interesting." mused Albur. "Our first meeting with the Siswaru implied they were students of war. Perhaps other practical lessons were taught within these halls prior to the Rahib."

[b]"Let us hope that their martial studies took less time than these other...endeavours." replied Egspen.

"Let us listen at these doors to determine which we investigate first."

Albur moved to the double doors on his left and felt a strange sensation.

Depending on the point of reference, one could say that any point in this room were 'North'. If the doors here were drawn pointing to the top of a map, as most maps follow, they would be North...or the Alcove...

Albur's eyes widened with a horrific realization. I am the pivot point. I am the needle, and the signs and directions of my deity is the force that guides and points the needle...

Albur heard a small rock drop and roll near to the North Door. He peered down to see what had moved and thought he saw the flash of a number.

The rules indicate the Referee should roll this so the Player is left unsure of the ultimate outcome. I like this! Albur will continue to save the 'blessing' card from earlier. I believe it was to be used in the next 10 dice rolls, I think we've only had three since then which was initiative with the Siswa, a save against the sleep powder, and initiative against Ular-Taman.

Armolas pressed his ears to the northern doors. "Chanting in elven. Low to even my ears."

He repeated the ritual at the southern door. "Nothing."

"I would avoid another conflict with the Siswa, unless we are able to lure them in to the guardian's room again. While I suspect that we will not be facing warriors, any one of them could sound an alarm." said Egspen.

"You are correct, Egspen. Stealth must remain on our side." replied Albur, who shook his head as if he had water trapped in his ear.

"Perhaps it is best if we proceed down the south corridor."

"Yes." said Egspen. "We know there is a group here, let us keep that information in mind as we head through the Southern door. We will close it gently behind us to prevent suspicion."

The companions slipped through the southern doors into a wide hallway that hugged the Halls dimensions.

Torches lit the passageway, orange light splashing across a row of curtains set across the space - denoting a row of small cells lining the far wall. Low chanting reached the group, carrying around the hallways western corner - where the beginnings of a staircase was just visible.

A second stair lay at the eastern end of the hallway as the passage turned northward - passing out of sight.

Armolas frowned and held up a hand to stop the heroes. He whispered in the ancient tongue of magic and extended a hand toward the curtained alcoves - his eyes closed.

Long moments passed.

The elf shook loose of his trance. He pointed to an alcove to the right, whispering. "Danger. Do we choose the other side and the far stair or test our fate?"

"If you are being warned of danger, Armolas, then we should heed that warning and not leave things up to chance. The far stair is our target." replied Albur.

Armolas nodded. "An artifact of an ancient promise made when my people were made new. The natural world has a voice. It tells many tales, thought it is very taxing to render meaning from it's story. Not all can hear it, and the gift grows rarer with each passing generation."

The group moved quietly towards the staircase, climbing to a rectangular landing that split into two sets of risers.

The companions stepped up one set and emerged into an octagonal room ten paces across - domed with delicate stone filigree. Well-made floor tiles were all but buried beneath dirt and dust. A statue of Elyas Whitestave stood in the rooms center - an armored figure sprawled at its feet in a pool of blood. Beyond the wide archway on the far wall, a large chamber opens but its features are hard to make out in the gloom.

"Curious." mused Egspen. "We have encountered no armoured guards. I wonder if this one crossed the gaze of the statue or perhaps stepped on an incorrect floor tile."

Egspen avoided the gaze of the statue and attempted to see what it was looking at. Where are you leading us now? Egspen wondered.

"This wizard a vindictive sort? Ulrik aasked Egspen. "I though you said the gaze thing was to keep people from finding the secret entrance or something. Traps that kill is a whole other thing, entirely."

Egspen noted the statue's gaze looked out through the archway. No way to leave without crossing it. But the body is five paces from the door. If it is a trap, it doesn't kill you immediately.

Armolas knelt and began studying the floor. "If there is a trap laid on these stones, perhaps I will be able to discover it in time. Time, I fear, is against us, however."

Albur looked to the fallen warrior. Are those claw marks?

Is the statue facing towards us, or away from us towards the Alcove? How is the body on the floor oriented? Do the claw marks appear animalistic, draconic, or more like a swinging axe?

The statue faces away from you, towards the entrance/exit on the rooms far side. The body is lying on its front, facing away from you. It's garb and weaponry look foreign to your eyes. You can't be sure from here as to the origin of the claw marks but they are from a large creature, not something like an axe.

"It is best to be cautious when dealing with the puzzles of Elyas Whitestave. The claw marks do not appear to be from a trap, but from a creature. We should look up at the ceiling." said Albur.

The terrible thing above peeled its lips back from bloodied fangs as it was spotted.

It released its hold on the stonework and fell. It's wide, bat-like wings did little to slow its descent, its bulk shattering floor tiles on impact.

A horned demon of living stone, the creature rose to its clawed hind legs and stalked forward with outstretched claws.

The heroes react first!

Movement: Armolas backs up and readies his bow. Sir Ulrik draws his magic elven sword and advances on the monster. What do you do?
Missile: Up next.

Movement: Albur will ready his magic staff and shield and advance toward the monster.

Egspen will move to stay out of reach of the gargoyle.

No missiles.

Albur will declare a melee attack against the Gargoyle.

Egspen will not.

Sir Ulrik attacked, carving a bloody line in stone flesh.

Elven Sword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Albur is up.

Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

I am unsure what the bonuses to Albur's magic weapon are.

The Stave grants a +1 bonus to hit and damage.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I am unsure what the bonuses to Albur's magic weapon are.

The swing, wider than intended to not interfere with Sir Ulrik's blow clacked against the beast without leaving lasting harm.

The Gargoyle slashed out with it's claws, ripping rents in in Sir Ulrik's armor and flesh. As the knight staggered back, the gargoyle lunged at Albur, biting trying to plunge its stone horns into his flesh without success.

Magic is next!

And magic we shall receive!

Egspen's arms moved in a familiar arcane pattern, once again summoning a glowing golden dart.

Egspen completed the movement with a flourish by pointing violently toward The Gargoyle sending the golden dart streaking towards it.

Magic Missile Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Welcome Back!

Claws of Stone Round 2

Declare Movement Phase
Armolas Moves to get a good vantage for his bow, keeping clear of the archway.
Sir Ulrik Stays put, hoping to put the beast down before it can finish him off.

Go Ahead and Declare Albur and Egspen's movement plans.

Thanks!

Albur will stay within melee range of the Gargoyle and ready himself for another attack.

Egspen will watch the staircase, alert for approaching guards or observers from below

Posts are getting to be several days apart. Time to move on? This format is sometimes hard to sustain with it's glacial pacing.

The gargoyle erupts into rage upon being harmed, tearing and ripping at Sir Ulrik mercilessly.

Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20claw damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4claw damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

The Knight staggered, reeling from the pain of his wounds and the gargoyle pounced, stabbing with his jagged horns and biting.

Horn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9Horn damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11Bite Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The Knight struck, his blow swatted away by the fiend.

Elven Blade: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8Elven Blade Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Albur is up followed by Egspen as the only member of the Magic Phase.

Nope, I just need to work it in to my routine.

Albur will attack with the magic Staff
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Albur's +1 cancels his -1 from Strength.

Egpsen is out of juice so no spells will be cast from him this round.

Claws of Stone Round 3

Movement
No changes. The Gargolye will remain in melee.
Missile
Armolas continues to try to distract the Gargoyle with arrows in an attempt to aid Sir Ulrik and Albur.
Melee
Sir Ulrik continues to strike as does Albur. The Gargolye will attack any pc it can reach.
Magic
Egspen is out of Spells.

Armolas takes aim and looses, his arrow glancing off a stony wing.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sir Ulrik slashed, the elven blade finding nothing but air.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Albur is up again.

Albur will attack with the magic Staff

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The gargoyle snarled and lashed out a the cleric, drawing blood.

Claw Slash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18claw dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Claw slash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11claw dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 2

It stabbed at Sir Ulrik with its horn, striking just as the Knight straightened from his earlier off-balance miss. The horn drove through the center of the knights open faced helm - stabbing through the back of Sir Ulrik's head in a spray of blood, brains, and bone.

The noble gurgled and collapsed to the floor, slain in an instant.

The enchanted elven blade clattered to the floor.

Horn Stab: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21Horn damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Armolas screamed in horror.

The fiend returned his attention to Albur, snapping and biting, pushing his defense aside to tear at his flesh - drawing blood.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17Bite damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Well, that was horrible. What does Egspen do?

This gargoyle has some hot dice! Rest in Peace, Sir Ulrik.

Egpsen will ready his dagger but will not engage in melee.

Claws of Stone Round 4

Movement
Armolas will rush to grab the elven sword.

Missile
No Missile Attacks

Melee
Armolas will engage the Gargoyle with the Elven Blade
I assume Albur attacks with the stave.

Magic
No Magic Attacks

Armolas rushed across the chamber and rolled gracefully beneath the gargoyles rending claws. Elven blade in hand he released the war cry of the Woodland realm and struck!

Amolas Elven Blade: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18Elven Sword Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The gargoyles head sprung from its neck, rolling across the floor to land at the base of the statue.

It's body stood for a moment, quavering, before crumbling to rubble.

"For my friend," Armolas said, "Hahl eth est nuur Sehanine."

The wood elf sheathed the elven blade, his face grim. "This Rahib has much to answer for."

Claws of Stone Round 4

Movement
Armolas will rush to grab the elven sword.

Missile
No Missile Attacks

Melee
Armolas will engage the Gargoyle with the Elven Blade
I assume Albur attacks with the stave.

Magic
No Magic Attacks

Armolas rushed across the chamber and rolled gracefully beneath the gargoyles rending claws. Elven blade in hand he released the war cry of the Woodland realm and struck!

Amolas Elven Blade: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16Elven Sword Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The gargoyles head sprung from its neck, rolling across the floor to land at the base of the statue. It's body stood for a moment, quavering, before crumbling to rubble.

"For my friend," Armolas said, "Hahl eth est nuur Sehanine."

The wood elf sheathed the elven blade, his face grim. "This Rahib has much to answer for."

Albur nodded solemnly and spoke a soft prayer over the body of Sir Ulrik. Looking up at his companions Albur spoke: "We are battered and bloody. It would be foolish to press on, exhausted as we are, though with an unknown number of cultists behind us, it may be best to cross that darkened threshold and find a place to rest."

Egspen stared at the remains of Sir Ulrik. ...did he even feel it?

Tearing his eyes from the gore, Egspen determined that Albur was suggesting they move on and rest. Egspen nodded in agreement.

Albur looked to Armolas. "I will not force your cooperation, Armolas, I swear to you that we will see this Rahib dead for the death of Sir Ulrik."

The elf nodded slowly. "Too few were the numbering of his days. Let us find what rest we may in the chamber ahead. My eyes see it more plainly than yours in the dark dim. A great cathedral and a pulpit platform reached by rising stairs. And a fountain set at its heart. Passages that lead I know not where."

Armolas looked to the sword at his side. "I would wear this if I may, and through it's kiss bring what revenge Ulrik's soul demands if it suits the will of you both?"

The companions gave their final respects and moved across the great chamber to another alcove like the one they had just left, a statue of a Elyas at its heart.

Here they took their rest and tended their wounds and minds - reinforcing lost enchantments and prayers.

Healing: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Brutal. Where shall we go from here?

You run the show. Player's Choice. There is a fountain. A pulpit. Some passages. Maybe other options.