Story Master's page

It seems all good things must come to an end…

Two life changing events have occurred that are preventing me from staying on top of the game.

First, I have been battling a serious health issue for about 6 months, which has taken its toll. I have had to devote considerable time visiting doctors, getting stuck by wide assortment of needles, etc. A royal, and expensive pain to deal with.

Second, in March 2015 my wife and I formed a new company, and we have been designing and writing a new kind of role playing game. We are about to launch the first major product next week, and the work involved in getting it ready for production and distribution has eaten up the rest of my spare time.

So, it seems that these events must take precedence currently, and this will be the end of the game for now. I appreciate the participation of everyone who joined this online adventure, and hope I brought at least a little excitement into your life.

It seems all good things must come to an end…

Two life changing events have occurred that are preventing me from staying on top of the game.

First, I have been battling a serious health issue for about 6 months, which has taken its toll. I have had to devote considerable time visiting doctors, getting stuck by wide assortment of needles, etc. A royal, and expensive pain to deal with.

Second, in March 2015 my wife and I formed a new company, and we have been designing and writing a new kind of role playing game. We are about to launch the first major product next week, and the work involved in getting it ready for production and distribution has eaten up the rest of my spare time.

So, it seems that these events must take precedence currently, and this will be the end of the game for now. I appreciate the participation of everyone who joined this online adventure, and hope I brought at least a little excitement into your life.

The sun has set. Night has fallen. The temperature continues to drop, as the frigid wind blows around the hilltop...

Velcore and Roran each take an attack of opportunity at the Wolf Man who is attempting to stand up, and they each swing wildly, missing the target!

Roran then swings his weapon in great arcs, trying to strike the same target, but the wildly gyrating Wolf Man manages to parry each blow!

Cananthir? Your turn...

Uldar swings his sword at a wolf man, but the creature easily dodges away from the blow...

Velcore tries to decapitate the prone wolf man, but its wounds heal just as fast!

Trane tears into the wolf man who is biting Cananthir with a fury of fangs and claws...and seems to not hurt the creature.

Kalizama uses a scroll to cast Protection from Lycanthrope upon Cananthir, and she rapidly passes out silver weapons to her allies. Her dagger attack does not occur, as that is too many actions for this turn.

Group 2: The wolf men

The wolf man at Roran and Velcore's feet stands up and attacks Velcore!
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
It misses with both attacks!
You may each take an attack of opportunity.

The wolf man that is biting Cananthir attempts to trip him:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
It manages to trip Cananthir, dropping him prone, but it loses its bite grip in the process.

Cananthir, now wounded, is feeling strange...
The spell cast by Kalizama provides you another chance at a Fortitude save please, Cananthir...

Group 3: Roran, Cananthir

Roran swings his weapon in great arcs, landing one blow on a wolf man causing 28 points of damage! The wolf man drops to the floor, apparently dead, but you can see his wounds starting to heal themselves!

Group 1: Uldar, Kalizama, Velcore, Trane

Cananthir strikes the wolf man with his weapon, causing 8 damage! He tries a bite of his own, but the shaking motion of the wolf man's own bite doesn't give him any purchase...

Are you all joining Imowen at the location by the stable?

Uldar whirls around and tries to stab one of the wolf men with his short sword, but the creature manages to avoid the blow!

Velcore readies his sword and prepares to attack!

Trane seems to be transforming himself...

Kalizama seems puzzled...

For the purpose of this encounter, everyone is crammed together, either in the small room or the adjoining hallway. Just assume you are close enough to attack (and be attacked) without worrying about exact placement on a map.

Group 2: The wolf men

Aaarooooooooo! Both Wolf Men howl and continue to attack, swinging their swords and trying to bite:

Roran
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Cananthir
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Their flurry of weapon attacks are dodged, but one of the wolf men manages to inflict a bite upon Cananthir! Its jaws close hard, and it shakes its head to and fro to clamp down! Need a Fortitude save please.

Group 3: Roran, Cananthir

Imowen and Flug make their way to the west side of the stable, where a bridge made of rope and wooden planks spans a narrow ravine. The bridge is already covered in ice and snow, and it sways alarmingly in the icy winds blowing through the gorge. The turbulent waters of a fast-moving creek surge through a couple of waterfalls far below.

So...who is going where?

Velcore attempts to cast a cure spell upon Uldar, but it fizzles, as if he has lost connection with his deity in this location!

Then, you all are horrified to see the Wolf Men stand back up, their wounds rapidly healing! Arrooooooo! they howl, and they attack again!

Attacking Roran
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Attacking Cananthir
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Roran manages to dodge the attack upon him, but Cananthir is hit by the wolf man's sword 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 for 13 points of damage!

The encounter continues!
Group 1: Uldar, Kalizama, Velcore, Trane

Those with perception at or above 20 see that the dirty pewter ware is actually silver, 15 items worth 10-60 gp each. The bottled herbs are 18 sprigs of wolfsbane. The cupboard cabinet holds a dagger +1, a short sword + 1/+ 3 vs. lycanthropes and shapechangers, and five silver daggers, under which is a scroll of protection from lycanthropes (all) flat and upside-down, as if shelf-paper. Under a loose floor stone, found only after a careful search, is a hole containing 1,629 sp.

The pile in the corner contains the following:

22 arrows, normal
19 arrows, silver-tipped
1 long bow
2 short bows
4 cross bows, light
4 cross bow bolt cases (empty)
82 cross bow bolts
5 daggers
1 flail
1 hammer
1 holy symbol, normal
3 holy symbols, silvered
1 mace
2 mirrors, silvered
1 morning star
3 quivers (empty)
3 spears
1 sword, long
2 swords, short

Uldar and the lion cub maneuver around the remaining Wolf Man, and combine to inflict enough damage to kill it!

End of Encounter.

You see a bare-walled 20' square room which is permeated by a feral odor. A pair of nest-like heaps of cloth and pillow lie by the east wall; bones and litter cover the floor. A large cupboard stands against the north wall. A pair of rust-red cloaks hang on pegs by the secret door, the only apparent entrance. A few pieces of dirty pewter ware are on the cupboard shelves, along with two bottles of wine and a bunch of cooking herbs in a glass bottle. You notice a jumble of weapons and other items in the northwest corner.

Good perception rolls will reveal much in this room...

Cananthir moves forward and strikes the second Wolf Man, causing 10 points of damage...

Group 1: Uldar, Kalizama, Velcore, Trane

While the group is discussing its plans, the sun sets. You see lanterns being lit within the lodge, and several people occasionally moving about in the light.

Roran attacks one of the Wolf men in the doorway, and confirms a critical hit that cleanly removes the creature's head from its neck, killing it instantly!

Should we use my previous move and action?

Yes, if that is what you choose to do. Or, you can modify them based on what has happened during the encounter.

Kalizama moves into position and casts a spell upon herself...

Group 2: The wolf men

Both Wolf Men snarl in glee and continue to attack Uldar:
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Their flurry of attacks are dodged...

Group 3: Roran, Cananthir

I am totally confused.

Yes! Yes you are!

What happen to the Angel beings?

Good question! Can you determine an answer?

We never got an explanation from the GM or other players that may have seen thru the magic.

An explanation from the GM would only be revealed through good knowledge skill rolls, or revealing spell results...

Trane sends his lion in to attack, but its attempt to bite is easily fended off by the wolf man.

Velcore moves up and prepares for action...

Kalizama's turn will finish this part of the round.

Both maps are updated.

Uldar and Roran manage to open a secret door in the north wall of the corridor, revealing a bare-walled 20' square room which is permeated by a feral odor.

A pair of nestlike heaps of cloth and pillow lie by the east wall; bones and litter cover the floor. A large cupboard stands against the north wall. A pair of rust-red cloaks hang on pegs by the secret door, the only apparent entrance. A few pieces of dirty pewterware are on the cupboard shelves, along with two bottles of wine and a bunch of cooking herbs in a glass bottle. You notice a jumble of weapons and other items in the northwest corner.

Inside the room are two muscular creatures who have a man's body but the snarling head and fur coats of wolves. They immediately attack with long swords and snarling bites!

Wolf A (at Uldar):
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Possible crit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 no crit
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Wolf B (at Roran):
Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Wolf A swings its sword down on Uldar's head, inflicting 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 12 points of damage!

Continuation of Round 1: Kalizama, Velcore, Trane

Uldar carefully unlocks the door and opens it...and reveals a hallway going east for 30 feet before turning to the north...

The map is updated.

Imowen successfully disarms the trip wire leading to the crossbow trap.

Kalizama casts Detect Magic and tries to think if she knows about the arcana of this place...

Trane summons a young lion to join the group...

End of Surprise Round.

Round 1: Uldar, Kalizama, Velcore, Trane

It is late afternoon, and the sun is hovering over the western horizon, preparing to set soon...

You all observe the lodge and its surroundings, and perceive the following information:

- The interior of the lodge is being lit by lanterns, and you can see several persons maintaining a watch out the eastern windows that look out over the path upon which you are approaching.

- The small building immediately south of you appears to be an outhouse.

- Imowen natural 20! sees a crossbow set up on the eastern porch of the lodge. The crossbow has several strings tied to a stack of pots and pans near it, and a single string that proceeds directly from the porch toward the area in which you are all standing. She cautiously examines the snow in front of the group, and spies a trip line across the trail...

- Nastrod natural 20! notes that the High Sentinel Lodge is constructed of heavy timber and stone harvested from the forested highlands of the Sharpened Hills, a jagged, nigh-impassible region southeast of the lodge. Unless otherwise noted, all of the doors in the lodge are constructed of strong wood (hardness 5, hp 20). He also notes the numerous horse and human tracks that cross back and forth through the snow near the back porch of the lodge. The small out building south of the lodge has its twin doors closed, but is definitely a stable.

After climbing at least a hundred feet into the hills, the snowy trail finally levels off. In a clearing among the trees, a large wooden lodge overlooks a ravine spanned by a long rope bridge. Smoke rises from the lodge’s two snow-covered chimneys, and large woodpile is stacked against the outer wall. A small outbuilding stands east of the lodge, and a stone well nearly blanketed by snow is barely recognizable to the north. Several tracks lead southwest toward a detached stable. Numerous horse and human tracks cross back and forth through the snow near the back porch of the lodge.

You are entering the clearing from the northeast. A new map has been created. Please do a perception roll, plus any other skill rolls you deem appropriate, before continuing.

Uldar moves forward to the door in the southern corner of the east wall and tries to open it...and finds it is locked.

Velcore channels Positive Energy within the room...and for some reason finds that it has no effect, as if something is blocking him from his deity!

Kalizama and Trane have their turns to accomplish, before everyone else rushes in....

You all watch as Thomi the warrior quickly runs away into the woods and disappears.

In the opposite direction you can see fireplace smoke drifting above the trees at the top of the next hill...

I have had some trouble connecting on occasion recently as well. Hopefully they will sort it all out soon.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Initiative Order:

Group 1: Uldar, Kalizama, Velcore, Trane
Group 2: ?
Group 3: Roran, Cananthir

Round 1: Surprise Round

Everyone can take an action in this surprise round.

The map is updated - Room 207.

I swear it! Please let me go, I will run away and never return!

Roll for Initiative...

How many does he command? Well, we were around 15, but you have killed a few, so we're probably down to around 10 or 12. The lodge sits at the top of the hill. This way approaches the back of the lodge, so you can probably get to the building without being seen...

@Story Master

How do you view the Leadership feat?

I have never had a player use the feat, so it would be a learning opportunity. I have no objections, and your charisma is certainly high enough to attract a cohort and perhaps some followers.

Aaah, you do not trust us, we can see that is evident from your cautious approach to our offer of assistance. The choice is yours, of course, but we are offering to provide a boost to all of your items, not just a select few.

I am called Thomi. Rohkar is leader of the Raiders. I am out here being rear guard to our fortress, the High Sentinel Lodge. Look at the top of the hill...you can see fireplace smoke from the Lodge above the trees. Look, I am just a guard, nothing more. We have failed to guard the lodge, so Rohkar will end up killing me. Let me go, I will flee away and not return....

Anyone else going to roll Sense Motive?

I am a member of Rohkar’s Raiders. I work for Rohkar...

Imowen ties the warrior up tightly with her rope. He stands shivering in the cold as the paralysis wears off. He looks at each of you, trembling...

The brighter of the two radiant figures now speaks again:

Now, good folk, place each and every weapon you possess, all of your holy symbols, magic items, silvered items, and magical herbs before this crystal — the Window of the Planes of Weal — and then quickly step out of the west door. Count slowly to 77, and do not return in that time, for we shall send a Ray of Just Might through these items. Any flesh in the place would be blasted to oblivion by the ray, and any mortal eye beholding its glory would be forever blinded. But all your items will be made more effective by a factor of + 1, recharged by seven, or otherwise doubled in efficacy — though this power lasts but seven hours. Hurry! We must act now, for our time is fast running out. We can help but once per seven days, you know!

The full poem:

The Two united, in the past,
a Place to build, and spells to cast.
Their power grew, and took the land
and people round, as they had planned.

A key without a lock they made
of gold and gems, and overlaid
with spells, a tool for men to wield
to force the powers of Good to yield.

But armies came, their weapons bared,
while evil was yet unprepared.
The Hart was followed by the Crowns
and Moon, and people of the towns.

The Two were split; one got away
but She, when came the judgment day,
did break the key, and sent the rocks
to boxes four, with magic locks.

In doing so, She fell behind
as He escaped. She was confined
among Her own; her very lair
became her prison and despair.

The Place was ruined, torn apart
and left with chains around the heart
of evil power — but the key
was never found in the debris.

He knows not where She dwells today.
She set the minions' path, the way
To lift Her Temple high again
With tools of flesh, with mortal men.

Many now have gone to die
in water, flame, in earth, or sky.
They did not bear the key of old
that must be found — the orb of gold.

Beware, my friend, for you shall fall
unless you have the where with all
to find and search the boxes four
and then escape forevermore.

But with the key, you might succeed
in throwing down Her power and greed.
Destroy the key when you are done
and then rejoice, the battle won.

Roran starts to trust these creatures; if this is a ruse, it's too elaborate for him too pick through. "Any idea where the full poem or this orb or gold might be?"

You folks found the full poem earlier on the first level of the temple. It is on a file in the Facebook group. I will reproduce it in the discussion page.

This room is a place of refuge, and as far as we know is the only such place within this Evil temple complex. We have no means to construct a map of this place, and such a thing would be based solely on old memories that are outdated.

But, we digress. That old poem surely exists within the walls of this place somewhere, and the compete text would provide you with important information. The best we could do at this moment in time is to offer a means to strengthen your arms and magic items.

What are we doing here? Why, our attention extends to this place because, when the Temple was overthrown, Iuz, in His generosity and renowned kindness, placed this haven here, so that opponents of the Temple might find refuge in need and gain help against their foes. We will harm any servant of Evil daring to enter this sanctuary of Good.

Have we any mead? Nay, being nearly immortal we have no need for food or drink.

Warrior Will Save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Flug points to the fleeing Warrior, and suddenly the man running through the snow becomes paralyzed, and he freezes in place...

He is about 60 feet away from you. You have 6 rounds to subdue him, or less, before the spell wears off or he becomes unheld through a Will save.

Uldar inspects the eastern door in the hallway, and finding no locks or traps he slowly opens it to reveal room 207 the map is updated.

The floor here is of white marble, the walls and vaulted ceiling sheathed in pearly alabaster. There is a "right feel" to the place, as a place of safety in a storm of evil. The room is bare and clean. A sheet of cloudy crystal substance seems to be set into the northern portion of the east wall. As you look, it begins to brighten, its radiance actually lighting the room! Two manlike creatures with wings of snowy feathers and radiant faces, robed in purest white, appear amidst golden tinted, cloud-like billows. A pale blue sky can be seen behind them. They first peer out at you, and then one speaks in dulcet tones, "What are fair and just folk such as you doing in this foul place of pain and base wickedness?"