Clarence walks up to the same door he had been investigating before. He once again inspects the door, but this time he also looks to see if there is any sign of it having been opened recently.
Search Posts
I will be out of town for a wedding, from Thursday through Monday, and will not have reliable access to the Internet. Please feel free to DMPC my character until I am back.
Clarence is up early the next morning, refreshed and ready to get back to exploring the Ancient Thassilonian architecture under the Old Light. He waits impatiently at the designated meeting place in front of the Glassworks for his companions. When Blake arrives, he jumps up and greets the young man, happy to see him refreshed and in good spirits. "Well, my boy. It looks like some sleep has done you good! I hope you haven't developed arachnophobia after that incident down below. I wonder where everyone else is."
DM, how do you handle spellcraft vs. appraise? I was never really certain what each skill is used for in terms of identifying items. Clarence has the key and the treatise, since he's interested in that kind of thing. He can carry some of the food items, though they may be better off in Nornan's bag of holding. I think Nornan and Blake should take one of the potions each (or Brinda, if she wants) because Lysa and Clarence can cast curative magic. The oil of magic weapon should go to someone who may actually attack (Clarence is not the best choice, and he may end up with a magic weapon anyway). Anti-toxin can go to anyone really.
"Well, well! This appears to be a magically enhanced dagger. No wonder it appears to have avoided rusting, and I bet it is sharp as ever. Does anyone want it?" Clarence's only protection is a non-magical dagger of his own, but he still believes he will have no use for such items. He'll gladly hand it off to anyone who wants it, but will consider keeping it if a good argument is made to him.
"Well, I believe I know how this man got in here." Clarence holds up the key that appears to be similar to their own. "And these coins indicate that perhaps this man was a treasure hunter..." Clarence will then cast Detect Magic on the silver dagger, speaking a few quick words to the deity or deities that have taken an interest in him. "Gods grant me the power to see magical truth.".
Clarence walks over to the corpse that Blake was inspecting. He taps it with his foot to shake off any leftover spiders before reaching down to continue the search. "Blake, if you are feeling too weak, I suppose we can come back tomorrow. It may not be a bad idea to grab some sort of vermin repellent, or perhaps just a torch or two should we encounter another batch of spiders or other insects."
The site was down for a while due to some ISP issues... Last I checked they switch back to an older ISP and are trying to work out what was going wrong with the new one.
Still here. I think we're all waiting on Lysa? If not, I'll have Clarence do some more healing.
Clarence cries out as Blake is overcome by the nasty critters. Once his surprise fades, he hurries over to Blake and lays a hand on his arm. "Unseen forces, please aid Blake in this time of need." A white light appears beneath his hand and some of the wounds and bites from the creatures close up.
I'm here. I'm waiting on my turn in initiative, though I guess I could post now.
Clarence plans on giving you a hand as soon as his initiative is up :)
Clarence, finally ready to move on, having exhausted his knowledge on everything he knows about the Runelord of Wrath, looks towards the three possible ways to go. "Well, we have two hallways and a door. The curious side of me says 'open the door'! But the practical side of me thinks that what we are looking for will be deeper in. Still, there may be some important knowledge to find behind that door there." Clarence walks over toward the door and inspects it for traps.
"Well, it appears as if this may be the Runelord of Bakrakhan, which, as you may have guessed from the previous room, is the domain of wrath." Clarence will continue to ramble on, whether anyone is listening or not, about the size of the statue and what material it is sculpted in, and how all the clues point to his conclusion. He is very clearly excited about this find!
Clarence, though relatively quick to react, was not nearly as quick as the rest of his friends. Before he had a chance to so much as blink, the battle was over. "Guess I don't need to move back at all, with you and the others to protect me, my boy!" he says to Blake. He then enters the room and looks dispassionately at the corpses. "I wonder how long these have been here..." But it isn't long before his attention is drawn to the same statue Lysa is examining. Clarence steps up to it and tries to recall whether he has seen this figure in any of his books or not. Recalling that he has Brodert's Treatise with him, he pulls it out and skims for any additional information.
Haha, looks like Nornan just single-handedly defeated the second centipede! Should I even bother with an action?
I think I'll wait to take my action until after the centipedes have acted, since they are before me in initiative.
Ooohh, creepy! Looks like we've got our first real encounter!
Congratulations on making it as far as you did! I really like the flavor behind your monster, but I do think the technical concerns were just too much for most people. I hope you'll try again next year because I think you have some really great ideas.
Nornan:
MythrilDragon beat me to it, but here's the direct links anyway, if you want them: Round 1: Cayden's Cup
I'm enjoying my character far too much to be discouraged because the GM has made it to Round 3 of RPG Superstar. The fact that you are doing so great bodes well for this game, in my opinion! Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see what you have to offer for this round! The twist is doozy! Congratulations!
Barely noticing the roach, Clarence explains to the rest of the group what he has discovered. "Yes, yes... Hmmm... Well, it appears to me as if this ring of runes is meant for summoning something rather nasty. If a living creature passes into this circle, it is highly likely something very nasty will emerge. I suggest we steer clear and head on our way." Clarence steps away from the well, not wanting to accidentally trigger it, and dusts his hands off. He moves over towards the stairs, and waits for the rest of the group to be ready.
Clarence walks forward and speaks a few words while holding his arms out in front of him, "Show me the light of magic, divine ones.". Suddenly, he is able to see much as Lysa, and can identify the same auras within the well . "Oh yes, quite interesting this is. The conjuration aura coming from the circle of runes could be many things... As I am sure you know, conjuration is the school that specializes in transporting things, whether between planes or from here to there in the material world. It is possible that this well is a trap of some kind, meant to spring a vicious beast upon us should we try to use it. However, conjuration also deals with Healing magics, so this well may have once been used for restoration." He continues. "As for the transmutation aura, it is difficult to know what exactly that is coming from. Transmutation deals with the altering of a being or object. I suggest we do not drink this water without further study. Give me a quick moment and I will study the runes further."
If he is unable to decipher the runes through his own knowledge, he will call upon his divine benefactors for assistance. Pulling out a clear prism and holding it over the runes, Clarence mutters "Gods of knowledge, grant me the ability to read this magical inscription."
DM, I'll be out of town for the rest of the weekend (for a wedding), so feel free to DMPC me at this point. I'll be back on Monday.
"You know, those statues appear to be armored Thassilonian knights. That is quite fascinating indeed. That rune is the Negative Thassilonian rune of wrath, and I postulate that it has to do with the triggering of the trap, though I can't be sure without more extensive study. That would be quite dangerous, of course, without proper precautions, which could take some time. The experiment would have to involve..." Clarence, realizing he is going off on a tangent, stops and clears his throat in embarrassment. "Yes, well, where was I... Right. Given that the symbol for Wrath has shown up here on the statues, as well as the appropriate keyhole in order to enter, I believe we have stumbled upon the lair of a Thassilonian who was affiliated with Wrath. He could have been a warlord, or perhaps an arcanist. We should be very careful here."
Congratulations! Good luck going forward! And we understand if you need to take time to work on the next few rounds. We'll be here, even if things slow down!
"Watch out!" Clarence yells out to Lysa, but she has already ducked out of the way. "Oh my... That was close, wasn't it." Clarence then takes out Brodert's scroll tube, and, using the light from Nornan's axe, skims through it for help in identifying the statue. He also searches his memory and knowledge for any information regarding the rune on the statue.
"Wrath is key, huh? E B must be for Edik the Bold... But there doesn't appear to be a keyhole. Brinda, do you see anything else?"
Along the way, Clarence stops everyone and points to a name on the wall, written in graffiti. "Edit the Bold... He is one of the most notorious smugglers and pirates of this area in the last century. He was said to have vanished near the Old Light. Why he vanished can be debated, but the most likely cause is that his crew mutinied. I daresay we may have found where he went to. Keep an eye out for his bones!" Upon arriving at the seven pointed star with glyphs surrounding it, Clarence opens his mouth as if to explain what it all means, but Nornan manages to speak up first. Clarence stares dumbfoundedly at Nornan for a moment, his mouth open wide before he realizes how rude he is being. "Nornan, I did not take you for the studying type. You are quite correct, of course!"
Clarence just wants to study the key. He can share it! :) DM: I think Floating Disc is on the Magus spell list? So Blake could try and learn it if he wishes. Not sure about Detect Secret Doors.
Here is the treasure our DM has provided us:
Clarence would most definitely claim the scroll tube with Brodert's treatise as well as the key. I think the two healing potions should go to those most likely to need it (probably Nornan and Blake/Brinda). Clarence cannot use either of the scrolls (Detect Secret Doors and Floating Disc).
Clarence almost opens the scroll tube to read the notes on Thassilonian history right then and there, before remembering what the immediate task at hand is. To Ilsoari, "I may be old and lame, but I am not incompetent. Not yet, anyway. Besides, my expertise in history may turn out to be quite important." Looking longingly at the scroll tube, Clarence decides to put it away for now. He'll have a chance to read it later. Clarence will cast Light on another party member's weapon and then stays toward the middle of the group as they enter the dark tunnel. "Yes, Lysa, this is quite exciting! Sandpoint had a history of smuggling before it was settled, and these tunnels were probably used fairly often for that purpose. But even more exciting is the fact that ancient relics from Thassilon may be here, right under our noses, so to speak!"
"I could brief someone on Saul's notes, but it would be much more efficient if I were just to tag along. I may be a little slow, but that doesn't make me any less capable, I assure you."
"If I recall, Saul mentioned a ruined Thasilonian complex underneath town. If this weapon is Thassilonian, that is definitely our best bet for figuring out how it works and how to stop it in the future."
"Why yes, Blake, of course! I had forgotten in all the excitement!" Clarence pulls out Saul's journal to show to the rest of the group. "You all remember Saul, yes? Apparently he discovered some tunnels underneath the Glassworks. He had been planning an expedition, until the Late Unpleasantness happened. Perhaps we should check it out?"
Clarence slowly climbs down the ladder that has been placed for him, his leg giving him only a little trouble. He's been quiet, shocked by the sudden devastation that has been caused. But now that things are finally over with, Clarence starts to recover. Brodert is okay, his friends and acquaintances are all okay, and it sounds as if there is only one death, though Clarence couldn't hear who it was. Clarence murmurs his thanks to all those who have helped, especially Brinda and Lysa for entering a burning building with him to help someone they barely know. Clarence also thanks Nornan and pats him on the shoulder for doing everything he could to help as well. Finally, Clarence walks over to Blake. "Blake, are you okay? You were really shaken back there. This must have been tough on you, but you did well. I'm proud you, my boy."
Clarence stops at the doorway, "I may be slow, but don't underestimate my reflexes!" As he says this, however, he is startled as Nornan suddenly appears behind him. Clarence had assumed the crash was more of the house coming down, but its actually Nornan, come to help! "Nornan, am I glad to see you! I think Brodert went for the chimney over there." He points off towards the women.
Clarence drops down, but not in time for the blast of hot air, debris and fire to sear him badly. The pain of the flame licking across his back is almost unbearable, but Clarence gets up and helps Brinda and Lysa back away from the new flames. Remembering his newfound "abilities," Clarence mutters a few words to the unseen gods that have taken an interest in him, and lays his hand on Brinda's shoulder. . "Let's move, I can do more, but we need to find my friend and get out of here." Clarence heads off towards the master bedroom, alongside Brinda and Lysa.
Clarence looks up at the flag coming from what would be Brodert's bedroom. "That's his bedroom! There is a chance he is still alive. We have to help him!" Clarence looks around for an entrance as well.
"Lysa, we need to go in." Clarence touches Lysa on her arm. [i]"Grant us guidance, that we may help those in need."[i] Both A feeling of someone over them overcomes Lysa and Clarence. Clarence then enters the house.
Clarence will lead Lysa to Brodert's house, the western most house on the street in the shadow of the Old Light. Once there, he looks around to take stock of the situation, and hopefully spot Brodert himself. "It is this one here. Do you see Brodert anywhere?"
Clarence, unable to help with most of the physical work, grabs Blake's shoulders forces the young man to look directly at him. "Blake! Get a hold of yourself! Use that scroll of yours to help out Nornan. You can do this. Go!" He pushes Blake towards Nornan, hoping the young man can use the scroll of Create Water he carries around to open a way for Nornan to get in to whoever might be inside. Clarence can't see anyone himself, but one of the Sheriff's men had mentioned Volio might still be inside. He then follows Lysa over to the injured men and women nearby. "Good work, Lysa. Though I have a feeling we'll need more where that comes from..."
Clarence follows Blake out the back door, through the smell of kitchen and into the courtyard out back. He sees Brinda and Lysa up ahead, and calls out to them as he and Blake hurry toward the Old Light. "Brinda, Lysa! We could use some extra help, I think. We're heading for the Lighthouse. I know a man who lives nearby there who may have some important information about this phenomenon." Without waiting for a response, Clarence continues on, his limp slowing him down a little.
Clarence gasps when an idea forms in his mind about where the light could be originating. "I believe that light may be coming from that ancient ruined lighthouse everyone calls the Old Light. Brodert Quink had a theory that the lighthouse was actually a weapon of some kind. Could he be right?" Then, remembering where Brodert lives, Clarence almost topples off of his chair. "Brodert lives right near the lighthouse! He might be in trouble! If he's right about the building being an ancient weapon, then we must help him. He could be our only hope in stopping the thing!" Clarence steps off of his chair and looks at Blake expectantly, hoping the young man will aid him. He also looks around and spots Nornan helping direct folks out the door. We'll probably want more volunteers.
Clarence follows Blake to the window to look out at the bright light. He is jostled and pushed on his way there, but thankfully no one manages to knock him over, even with his limp. Looking out the window, he reaches inside his own mind, seeking answers to his own questions. Where is that coming from? What is it? I wonder if something like this has happened before...
I went ahead with the hook, DM, I hope that was okay. We can always retcon if necessary.
"Have a splendid evening, Nornan." Clarence gives the large Shoanti man a pat on the shoulder and hobbles over toward Blake, seeing the man for himself now. On his way, he notes Brinda sitting on one of the stools, tapping her foot to the music and looking over toward Blake. Clarence has only a passing acquaintance with Brinda, having met her before in the Rusty Dragon Inn. Though he knows of her penchant for the Harrow Deck, Clarence has not yet asked Brinda to perform a Harrowing on him. Perhaps I should ask her... But not now. Clarence also notes Lysa, who appears to be enjoying herself. From the looks of the other patrons nearby her, she must have just recently performed for the crowd. I do hope she'll perform again. She is quite talented. Finally reaching Blake, Clarence pulls up a seat at his table. He doesn't waste any time before get right down into it. Blake, do you remember those journals that Sabyl's and Ilsoari's oracle friend wrote? They left them with me at our last meetup. Anyway, the man's name was Saul. He went blind, but miraculously gained some extraordinary abilities all at around the same time. I had asked about it, you know, because of my limp." Clarence takes a deep breath while looking for Blake's confirmation, and then he continues on. "Well, I've read through the journals, and while I can't say they have given me any direct advice to my own situation, they have provided me with something interesting that I thought you might want to look at." A this, Clarence opens the journal to the last few pages. "There's a series of underground tunnels..." Realizing he spoke a little to loudly and hoping that everyone is paying closer attention to Ameiko than him, he quiets himself. "...under the Sandpoint Glassworks." Clarence looks around before continuing, keeping his excitement in check. "Saul had been planning a trip to Magnimar to convince an old friend of his to come to Sandpoint and investigate with him. Unfortunately, that's where the journal ends, as Saul was murdered by Chopper, the pour soul."
|