Vi Olaro's page

Party loot - I assume that the pile of loot in the party treasure doesn't include Fendir's portion, as he changed his into gems? The rest of us have a 5-way split of everything in there?

"It matters most how people are with you when things get difficult, when action is needed instead of pledges of devotion. Promises are just pretty words, they can't lift you up like the hand of a friend, or be the reassuring touch of a lover."

Vi reached out an gave Dusk's hand a squeeze, then did the same for Bronwyn. "Dusk is right. We're here for you, and always will be. You've had more fun with us, than your time in Sharn anyway, angry monkeys notwithstanding. And now we get to see the highlife in a new place."

As the group is discussing where to land, Fendir pipes up and says "Regalport is bigger and more expensive, but Port Verge will be cheaper and more dangerous."

Mei'Vi raised her hand and said, "My vote is Regalport! Bigger and more expensive means better beds and nicer food. Might as well start there."

**

Catching Fendir alone of the ship later, Mei'Vi approached him and said, "I know that your Mark is causing you a lot of distress. I have a lot of experience with make-up and disguises - I could show you how to cover it up if you like."

Just realized that Vi didn't react to the news that the marks might be lethal. I'll add this onto the end of my last post.

"We do the fetching."

She caught a look of disbelief from Bronwyn, and the full import of what Sur'kil had said finally registered. This thing could kill me?![i]

She pushed her billowy sleeve up, then concentrated on her Mark, coaxing it up onto her arm where she could see it better. The strange pattern glowed slightly, as it always seemed to on her, and her alone. Frowning, she noticed that it had "avoided" the scar on her arm...[i]did you do that on purpose? It was the only other mark she'd never been able to use her changeling abilities to cover up. The word ICE, carved so deeply into her flesh she'd hit the bone. Now a bumpy scar, with the strangely coloured Mark seeming to flow around it.

"Lethal? Really?" she asked, her voice quiet. She looked up at their benefactor and said, "I hope those relics are worth it."

Action 1

Vi stared at Palisade, her mouth hanging open. "You know," she said, "that's actually a really good idea. Not unlike dinner theatre, but for the more educated crowd. If done right, it could be amazing."

Giving Palisade a careful hug, she said, "The Creator-Goddess really outdid herself with you. Just when I think I have you figured out, you go and surprise me again."

Action 2

Is Palisade wearing its new beard yet?

Action 3
To be clear, the missing crown is the Dragon's Eye?

Vi quickly consulted her mental map, then sighed. "We have to take this boat to the Lhazaar Principalities? Home of all the pirates in the world? And find record of some guy almost a thousand years dead? Where would we even start? I thought you did the research. We do the fetching."

Hear ye, hear ye! Quite unlike the clearly superior Finnish language

That. Is. Not. Real!! Seriously? No wonder you're such a good writer - English has set you free!!! :)

"A reasonable suggestion, Lady d'Deneith. Query. Do you have an idea what kind of a book previous companion Lucina Mindragus might enjoy? This one was thinking of a romantic novel of some sort, since it seemed her quest for a wealthy mate had not advanced much when this one last met her to query her progress."

Vi stifled a laugh. She'd forgotten that the ill-gotten mission to find Lucinda a husband had started because of the Warforged's insight that shopping would be a suitable hobby for the bored druid.

”Perplexed. This one was not aware books were flavored. Query. Would sprinkling sugar and powdered pepper on the pages help achieve the required result?”

Oh man, this will be good!!

The changeling raised her hand to interrupt the machinations of the machines, then subsided. Whatever the two of them managed to cook up between them would certainly entertain, and probably annoy, their glum friend. She made a mental note to find Lucinda a book on the plants of the region, and leave it at that.

Action 5

As they settled themselves around what passed for a "high end" restaurant in these parts, Vi leaned forward and asked softly, "So, what do you make of Sur'kil wanting 3 days here? It makes me suspicious. Should we be following him, see what he's up to?"

"Observation. It is shame previous companion Lucina Mindragus is no longer with us," Palisade thought aloud. "If this town's level of available shopping is inferior, it would have served as a good trial run for the purpose we sought to construct for her. Suggestion. Perhaps we should buy her a souvenir? This one believes such action is considered appropriate when one is traveling while a companion remains behind."

I don't remember what Palisade is talking about here?

***

Vi watched Fendir head out with his money. She agreed with Bronwyn - she wasn't going to risk changing her money here. It should be safe enough on the ship, especially if 152 consented to watch it for them.

Speaking of... Moving to Squeak, she said, "Have you spoken to 152, to see what she wants to do, now that we're back? Is she going to continue to travel with us? Or would she rather go her own way?" It didn't occur to Vi to ask the 'forged herself - 152 seemed barely sentient, especially compared to Squeak and Palisade.

Bronwyn gave an unladylike snort, "This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."

Mei'Vi slung an arm around Dusk and Bronwyn's shoulders. "Rest assured, if there is high end anything in this town, we're the three to find it. Come, let us find clothes without holes! And food without bugs! And alcohol! Definitely lots of that."

Thanks for the inspiration!!

"And the Dragon's Eye?" Vi asked. "Do you know what they were referring to?"

tag

Sur'kil's admission that he knew of a previous group who'd experienced the same phenomenon put Vi into alarm mode. Perhaps this was the true purpose of this trip!

"What do you want to stay here for 3 more days? What are you hoping to find?"

I don't know how we can avoid him knowing that at least some of us have the Marks. Fendir and Palisade's are obvious, Bronwyn's is different (so I guess he may or may not notice), and Vi's is likely to appear at some point. I think he's more likely to be able to help, and probably won't spread rumours about us.

”Addendum. After which you shall be turned into sausages, cooked and served to dogs of questionable pedigree,” Palisade repeated the relevant parts of its earlier promise matter-of-factly.

Vi sighed, sounding tired. "It takes so much work to make sausages, Palisade. Can we just cut him into chunks and throw those to the dogs?"

"This is as new to me as it is to you, and I just have one thing to ask of you. The desire for female company over male is as ingrained in my psyche as your ability to change your body is in yours. So, when we're enjoying each other's company, would it be alright with you to remain as you are? As a woman?"

Dusk is quite the romantic!! Vi has little heart eyes right now. :)

Vi listened to Dusk with a storm of emotions swirling through her. It took her a few moments to gather her thoughts into something coherent, and she appreciated that the tiefling patiently waited for her to be ready.

"If you'd spoken to me of trust a few years ago, I'd probably have laughed, or just been confused. Before I met Bronwyn, Squeak and Palisade, I never had a non-changeling friend who knew who I truly was. I was always taught to hide my nature, that the only way to be safe was to deceive. But through our adventures together, I have learned that love and trust are gifts, and we have to give them to receive them." She smiled over at the others, where the 'forged were currently discussing something that either had to do with sausage recipes or rat-training - she didn't want to know which.

Turning back to Dusk, her expression softened and she said, "For you to offer such a gift, after so short a time, speaks to the generosity of your soul. It is even more beautiful than your physical self. You inspire me to reciprocate in kind." Squeezing her hand, she said, "Whether in friendship, or whatever friendship evolves into, I will always give you the truth. And a female form."

Reaching up, she ran a finger along one of Dusk's horns, then gave it a gentle tug. Grinning, she added, "As for these, I'm excited to discover what advantages these love handles will give me!"

**

"The others haven’t mentioned theirs causing pain, I take it yours doesn’t hurt so much as provoke some discomfort in you?"

"I'm sorry to hear that yours hurts. Mine is only mentally annoying. Perhaps slightly warm, but I might only be imagining that - translating the light into heat. We must be able to find somebody in Sharn who can help you - help us - understand or even remove them."

Action 1

"No you can't just go," Vi said, her voice incredulous. "You can come with us, and be turned into the authorities, or be killed, at our pleasure."

As they rested, she saw Bronwyn studying their new treasure. "Any chance one of those things is actually called the Dragon's Eye, and we just didn't realize it?" she asked the wizard.

tag

Action 2

Dusk's touch on her leg sent goosebumps rippling across Vi's flesh. As if drawn to the touch, her new Mark swirled up her leg, glowing faintly through the torn clothes. With an effort, she pushed it away again, not caring where it was, as long as she didn't have to see it.

Catching Dusk's eye, she asked, "So...it doesn't bother you that I'm a changeling? Most people aren't...interested...in us, unless it's their kink." She'd was more than a little surprised that the tiefling's flirtation survived the revelation of her race.

tag

Running her finger along the edge of the pauldron, she saw Dusk flinch, rather than shiver. "Is yours bothering you?" she asked, clearly meaning the Mark.

Action 3
I'm happy to tell Sur'kil everything. It was his job, after all, and we haven't done anything for him to complain about.

After they told their employer everything, Vi asked, "Who else knew that you hired us? Is it possible that there was a leak at your end, and that's why we were attacked?"

Levelling up! Hurrah!!

HP +7
Expertise: Perception and Insight.
Huh - I guess that's it.

***

Vi added her own questions to Bronwyn's. "Who exactly hired you? How much were you paid? Did you get paid in advance? Were you hired individually, or where some of you already part of a crew?"

"So where'd you fancy then? Nice beach with sand in your armor? Somewhere up market to spend your new coins on and shop till you drop? A little cottage in a forest clearing, all remote and undisturbed like?"

Mei'Vi shuddered dramatically. "No sand, please! I've had enough sand for a lifetime. And while a quiet cottage might be nice for a day or two, I'm a city girl at heart. Back to Sharn for me. A suite at the Grey Dragon; their girls there give the most amazing massage. Dinner at Sannid's, chef's choice, and keep the wine coming. Maybe some cards or dice to round the evening off, or a show. Then sleep in those pillowy soft beds for at least 24 hours." She sighed, imagining the luxuries she could now afford. Imagining Dusk under a silk in the bed beside her, being massaged and pampered together.

Smiling, she said, "What about you? Where do you call home? How do you want to unwind after this debacle?"

Healing dice please!!

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Fendir! No!" Vi jumped up in an attempt the shifter from summarily dispatching the remaining two thugs. "We need answers from them!"

Is she able to stop him?

rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (4, 5, 4) = 20

Taking advantage of Palisade as a distraction, Vi lunged forward against his foe, and skewered the uninjured thug straight through the belly. Her rapier came through his side, leaving a ragged hole when she pulled it out.

Vi collapsed under the onslaught of fire, but moments later found herself roused to consciousness, filled with the familiar grace of the Creator Goddess. Mumbling a prayer of gratitude to Her, Mei'Vi pulled herself to her feet, drawing her sword and preparing to defend herself from the attackers surrounding them. Dusk vanished from her side, and Vi caught a glimpse of her battling the priestess - hopefully she would succeed where Vi had failed.

Thanks, Palisade!! So if Vi is now stable and conscious, can she act this round? Or do I wait until next round? If I can't act, can I at least stand up?

She failed her deception roll, took my critical sneak attack damage, and is still only at serious wounds? Woman is a machine!!

death save: 1d20 ⇒ 17

EDIT: Vi as uncanny dodge - so should still be up??

Max damage?! OUCH!

Vi cried out as the arrow lodged firmly in her hamstring. She had to take her weight off her left leg as she continued to study and fire at the leader.

As Dusk put herself in between Vi and further incoming arrows, Vi nodded gratefully to the tiefling. "Now who's being the idiot?" she asked fondly.

insight vs deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Hell yes! Hope for a deception fail for the critical SA damage!!!!
critical damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 = 13
critical SA damage: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4, 3, 1, 4) = 21

There! A weakness - the woman was moving slightly back and forth between the two bodyguards, using a steady, swaying rhythm. All Vi had to do was account for the movement, and hope Fendir didn't move, adjust for the slight wind....she breathed and released, and the arrow flew true.

It struck the woman in the chest, definitely piercing a lung, and her heart if Vi was lucky. The woman staggered, dropped to one knee, (and fell, her heart pierced/OR/ but managed to pull herself upright again)."YES!" she crowed, stepping forward, then nearly falling as the arrow in her leg sent a jolt of pain through her body.

The woods were suddenly alive with archers, and Vi had an arrow slice across her calf to prove it. She considered retaliating in kind, but decided that it would probably be more efficient to take out the leader. Studying the woman, she tried to gain some insight about her movements that would allow the rogue to strike where it would hurt the most.

insight: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Insight vs her deception.
shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (5, 1, 5) = 15 SA damage if insight won

Grateful that her hands were in much better shape than they'd been against the mummy, Vi nocked, drew and released in one smooth motion. The arrow flew straight between the two bodyguards, lodging in the woman's abdomen. Curling in on herself with a grunt, the woman looked satisfyingly less sure of herself. Vi wasn't sure if she'd hit her spleen as she'd intended, but if she didn't this time, she'd try again with her next arrow.

Action 2

Mei'Vi looked around, but didn't see anybody own up to saying anything. "I certainly didn't hear that, big guy. Come on, arms up, let's take a look at you."

She walked around the 'forged, looking carefully for a dragonmark.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Action 4

Vi felt a range of emotions as her friends responded to the new threat. A thrill of excitement at Dusk's wink and deadpan threat. A suppressed groan as Squeak started to derail the threat, then a surge of pleasure as he salvaged it.

Rummaging around in her pocket, she pulled out one of the teeth she'd extracted from the "unruly children". "I've got a Dragon Tooth, if you want to buy that. Didn't take any eyes, though."

When Vi opened her mouth to speak, Squeak pushed on, as if replying to something she hadn't said. Looking at the others for a moment, she confirmed that none of them had spoken. "What point? Indeed what?" She turned to 162. "Did you say something?"

tag

"Are we sure you didn't get one?" Mei'Vi asked, concerned. "Put your arms up, turn around. Let's take a look at you."

Since Vi ended up with False Life, I figured she won't discover it until there's another fight. No reason to realize she has "more hit points" until she's low on them.

"Firefly?" Vi considered it as she allowed her skin to lighten back to Mei'Vi's tan. "I actually kind of like it." Pulling her spare clothes from her pack, she got dressed, enjoying the feeling of clean clothes against her recently healed skin.

Action 3

Vi watched in amazement as the others seemed to perform one miraculous feat after another. "Wow!" she watched Dusk try to pull the armour piece from the tree. "Was that magic? I didn't even see you move!"

Rolling up her sleeves, she said, "Well, what did this annoying mark give me? Other than a glowing butt?" She pointed her finger at a berry bush and concentrated, but nothing happened. She tried waving it around, and saying some strange words, like Bronwyn did, but it was in vain. "No fair! I don't get any cool powers!" Pouting, she sat down and watched the others experiment.

Dammit! Just lost my post! And not even through lack of saving! It just vanished while I was still typing!

spell: 1d25 ⇒ 13 False life. That'll come in handy. I'm going to choose glowing light and mood swings, to mix things up and avoid nightmares, which Vi has done already.

Mei'Vi. Mei'Vi. Mei'Vi.
Vi woke up as she always did, taking a moment to remind herself who she was waking up as. This immediately led to a wash of memories about yesterday, and she took immediate assessment of her body. Her skin still itched and burned a bit, especially the palm of her right hand and forearm, but that was to be expected after the acid shower she'd taken yesterday. Overall, she felt much better.

Stretching luxuriously in the enormous bed, she yawned loudly. About to ask how the others were doing, the words died on her lips as a string of vile curses suddenly joined the jungle sounds that had awoken her.

Leaping out of bed, Mei'Vi ran to Dusk's side. "Are you okay? Then her eyes widened - the tiefling had a strange, glowing red mark etched into her skin. Placing her hand over it, Vi asked, "Khyber below! Is that what I think it i...?"

The words faded from her lips as she realized that the hand she'd placed on Dusk was softly glowing with a similar mark. Blue instead of red, but otherwise almost the same. A twisting, pulsing, glowing mark that encompassed her hand and forearm. "What the....?"

She buried her face in her hands, "I'm going to be disowned." . To make matters worse, a loud hissing sound emitted from the still glowing dragonmark which caused a new round of sobbing and the wizard began to hyperventilate.

Vi moved to her friend's side, rubbing her back. "Hush, it'll be okay. We'll figure it out."

You are the objective of my heart.

HEART EYES!!

Squeak's words brought tears to Vi's eyes. Once again, the inhuman Warforged proved his humanity in a way that nearly broke the changeling's heart.

With a focused exhaled breath she sat cross legged and composed herself. Glancing around she saw she was not alone, the others each exhibited similar signs.

"Bronwyn, it is evidently some magic, either the temple or the pieces we are carrying. No doubt it can be removed don't fear."

With teeth still clenched she leaned over to her kit and swept up her pauldron.

"This better work..."

She settled it on her shoulder and watched as it *snicked* in to place. A measure of stress passed from her face, immediately replaced by a frown as she saw the insignia on the pauldron had changed to match that of the dragonmark underneath, a miniature copy of the unfinished pattern.

"Blood of the Six, what in Khyber's realm have we stumbled upon!?"

Seeing the design on Dusk's weird shoulder-armour change gave Vi the chills. For some reason, that spooked her more than the appearance of the marks in the first place.

Turning her attention to her arm, the changeling focussed on her skin, changing the pigment, erasing the mark, turning it back to the tanned colour skin she'd chosen for Mei'Vi. For a moment the mark seemed to wiggle up her arm, as if escaping the change. Frowning, Vi changed the pigment cells of the entire arm, and was relieved when the mark vanished. "There! That takes care..." The mark had reappeared on the other arm. "Now listen, you!" The changeling concentrated on that arm, and was gratified to see it fade to nothingness. Only to have it reappear on her leg.

What followed was a hilarious game of chase across the changeling's skin. The mark moved up her leg, across her back, down the other leg, across her belly, as she tried to erase it. Her curses became increasingly elaborate, and she tore the remains of her damaged clothes from her body she she followed the migrating mark around, trying to erase it.

Finally, in pure frustration, she turned her skin black...almost pure black, with only the whites of her eyes and teeth showing. "Ha! Suck on that, blue mark!" she crowed.

The moment was ruined by a giggle from Bronwyn, who was pointing at her backside. Twisting around, Vi saw a strange blue glow coming from her rear. "It's on my ass, isn't it. Is my ass glowing?"

Vi didn't realize she'd been worried about revealing her true nature until she felt herself relax at Dusk's accepting words. Interesting. I really like her!

After they'd convinced themselves there were no more secrets hiding down here, Vi said, "Okay, let's go back upstairs. I feel like I could sleep for a week. We have our sentinels to keep watch...you know, I really feel badly for you two sometimes. I can't imagine not getting to, or even wanting to sleep, especially after something like this."

She led the way back through the chamber, to where the shifting platforms were. "Khyber below, I'd forgotten about this. Do you suppose those uglydogs will come back?" Nobody knew, so she added, "I guess there's only one way to find out." She stepped onto the platform and pulled the chain to set it moving again.

Assuming nothing happens....Is that gate at the end of the hallway open now?

When they arrived at the treasure hoard, Vi couldn't help smiling. "Right. Treasure. The whole reason we're here." Turning to Squeak, she said, "We'll have to ask your friend to come help us with this, she looks strong enough to carry the lot."

Finally arriving back in the main temple, Vi was relieved to find it deserted. Even the kindly cleric was gone. Collapsing into one of the oversized beds, the changeling closed her eyes and waited for healing sleep to wash over her.

Let's go get a shawarma, guys. I don't know what it is, but I want to try it.

Vi laughed weakly at Palisade's assessment of the situation. "Yep, Bronwyn saved our asses. All hail the queen of fire." Limping over to the others, she said, "Nobody's dead, not yet. But Squeak needs a blessing. And these new guys as well." And me, she thought, flinching as she looked at the damage to her hands, and feeling it on her face. But she could still move, so it could wait.

After Squeak was up, she gave her friend a ginger hug. "What happened there, Squeak? We almost lost you. Please, never try to blow yourself up again."

Moving to the tiefling, Vi brushed hair from the woman's forehead. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

As Palisade's blessing brought Fendir back to consciousness, Vi checked to make sure all his bones were in place. Slapping him on the shoulder, she said, "You may be a brave idiot, but I'm glad you're our brave idiot."

Both Warforged were now fussing over Bronwyn, so Vi gritted her teeth and assessed her own damage. The changeling had come close to death before, but nothing like this acid, which still stung and burned, despite the potion she'd taken.

When Palisade had assured himself that Bronwyn was okay, Vi asked, "Do you have enough energy to give me a wash? It's still burning, and I think I need to see the damage."

She gasped as gallon after gallon of clean, cool water poured over her. It took away the blood and ash, and most of her clothes as well. Staring at the damage to her body, hands and arms, chest and belly, and the tops of her legs, Vi flinched as the salt of her tears stung the burns on her face.

Closing her eyes, she focussed on healing her skin. Well, not healing, not really. But she could rearrange her resources to make her skin less raw. The cells of her body shifted, smoothing over the acid burns, rebuilding skin over the exposed muscle and bone. An ache started, deep inside her gut, as her cells there lost cohesion, as she transferred the damage to somewhere less vulnerable, to a part of her that wouldn't hurt with every gust of hot air.

Finally, gasping, Mei'Vi opened her eyes again. She'd kept the elven Face, not feeling up to more change than necessary. Looking at her hands, feeling her cheeks, she saw that she'd succeeded. Mostly. Her skin was red and pocked and blistered, but at least it was skin again.

Also, she wasn't glowing purple any more. Staring at the ring on her finger, she said, "And what, by the seven, was that about? Invisible some times, and glowing the other? Gotta say, gnome, not impressed with your work."

Action 2

Hobbling around the room, Vi looked for signs of the missing crown. She checked the alcoves for secret spaces, then rummaged around the sarcophagus, wondering if the mummy had liked the crown so much it slept with it.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Is that big necklace it was wearing around? Or did it vaporize with our villain?

shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Nope! Good thing B's doubled damage will do it!!

Feeling Squeak fall as the impact of his weight vibrated through the ground, Bronwyn wanted to cry. First Palisade and now Squeak. She couldn't let it get Vi. "Vi...run! There's no reason that all of us should die."

For a moment, Vi almost dropped her bow and ran. So great was her desire to flee, that as Bronwyn said the words she was ready to act. Until she saw that the hasty sorceress wasn't heeding her own words. Vi couldn't run while Bronwyn stayed to fight.

Vi fumbled arrow after arrow, though this one came closer than the others. "No, no, no nonono..." she moaned in despair.

However, her complete and utter incompetence in the face of the horrific dragon mummy suddenly ceased to matter. Bronwyn's fire finally finished what the others had started, and the creature erupted in a gout of flame and ash. It took a teetering step towards Bronwyn, then fell in a swirl of ash and smoke and the wizard's feet.

For a moment there was silence. Vi's ears rang with the aftermath of the flames and the battle. Finally she shook herself free of terror, and scrambled along the floor towards the others. Reaching Squeak first, she looked for something she could do, somewhere she could apply pressure, but was at a complete loss. "Healing, we need healing," she moaned, tearing through his bag, looking for a potion, or an unguent, or anything that would help.

Can I do Aid Another (or the equivalent) to help a death save? Also, anybody have a potion in their bag that Vi can find?

I've never been involved in a TPK. I'd be sad to say goodbye to Vi and the others, but if we're gonna go out, let's do it with a bang! I don't think we can drag the injured out of here.

shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
shortbow adv? pretty please?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (2, 6, 2) = 14

Glowing purple, sobbing in desperation, Vi nocked another arrow, aimed with trembling arm, and released at the demon that was destroying her family.

If I get advantage because the mummy is surrounded and because it's crap damage anyway....

The arrow narrowly missed deflecting off Squeak's adamantium plating, and hit the mummy in the torso. It didn't seem to do much damage, and Vi reached for another of her dwindling supply of arrows. It seemed she was doomed to watch her friends die, one after the other, and then be torn apart last.

Thanks for the help and advice! My kingdom for a nice flaming arrow!

shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Good grief

Vi gave up rummaging for the flask, and strung another arrow. They were being swatted down like flies, and most of them were a drop of acid away from death.

She fired at the horror that was savaging Bronwyn, but her arrow went wide. Cursing, weeping, the changeling grabbed another arrow with shaking fingers. "Oh, why won't you stay dead!"

EDIT: I'm off to Disneyland with the kids tomorrow, until the 18th. I'll have wifi at the hotel, so should be able to post most days, but will probably be a bit erratic. Bot Vi as needed.

Will post on the morn. What do I need to roll to toss the alchemists fire? Can't find the info online

Vi began to root through Bronwyn's bag, looking for the alchemist's fire. As the mage spoke to Squeak, she realized that the 'forged had frozen up. "Squeak! You got this! It's no worse than the time that the troop of gnome scouts came into the restaurant, and we got the fondant mixed up with the nitro. You almost panicked, but you pulled it together and saved everybody. You can do that now. Come on, big guy!"

Aid another

shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Weak and shaky, still afraid to look at her hands, Vi grabbed for an arrow and aimed at the mummy. But she gasped in pain as the string bit into the muscles of her fingers, and she released far too early, the arrow skittering across the stone floor.

I haven't mentioned it lately, but Vi has Uncanny Dodge, and should only be taking half damage if she can see the attacker. I assume that's why she took half damage for the acid attack? (Thank goodness!!!)

Sorry for the delay, no time for a post. Vi will grab Bronwyn's potion and drink it

Action 1

Vi found herself unaccountably growing warm at Dusk's words. Well, we are in a very hot lava room. That must be it. Still, she found herself grinning as she regarded the tielfling in what she had to admit was a new light.

wis save 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

The pain was like nothing she'd ever experienced before. She'd been stabbed and sliced, pounded and punched, but she'd never felt anything like being drenched in acid. As a changeling, she was uniquely connected to every cell in her body, and perhaps that was what caused this soul-wrenching agony. Or maybe everybody felt like this. She could ask around, assuming she survived the next few seconds.

Her hands had taken the worst hit, as she'd reflexively covered her face as she'd leapt aside, trying to dodge the gout of acid. Now, as she fumbled with her arrows, she could see skin and muscles sloughing off, tissue mixing with blood as it oozed onto the floor. She was unaware of the low whimpering sound she was emitting as she tried to fight back.

Unable to make her fingers work right, she cursed, then noticed a gleam of silver through the gore on her hands. The ring! If she was invisible, she wouldn't be a target again.

Trying to focus, she whispered, "Goblin farts goblin farts. Kaplan Poto!"

invis ring.: 1d100 ⇒ 99 oh no!!!

The ring flickered with a strange, purple light, which suddenly exploded around her. The rogue found herself completely encircled with glowing violet motes of light. Confused, blinking, crying, Vi stumbled back, trying to get away from the spell. However, it followed her as she moved. Crying in pain and frustration, Vi found herself in eve more pain as the salt of her tears stung the wounds in her cheeks.

Vi is covered in fairie fire

Action 1

Vi shook her head. "Too risky. We'll end up with Acid in our eyes. Let's leave it here for now. I don't want to risk it blowing up."

Action 2

Vi winked at the tiefling. "All sorts of things hidden under these leathers. Are you feeling adventurous?"

Mei'Vi was already in striking position, and half-way into an attack when her brain finally registered what her eyes were seeing. "Khyber below!" she cried in fear, scrambling backwards from the horror before her. Dropping her sword, she fumbled for her bow - there was no way she was getting close enough to that thing to try and stab it. However, in her fear, she dislodged the string and had to spend precious moments fixing it.

save vs fear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
shortbow disadv: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
shortbow disadv: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Wow, that's one scary mummy!

I would very much like to read the Creator-Goddess's holy book in it entirety.

Mei'Vi drew her rapier and held it two handed over her head, ready to stab downwards into whatever popped out of the sarcophagus. "Ready."

Action 1 Assuming Squeak still has "fly" active

Vi looked at Squeak, who was still having a hard time getting his feet on the floor. "Can you fly me up there, big guy? I'll take a look for traps and the like?"

Before Squeak took her up, she asked Palisade, "Any chance the Creator Goddess could give me a little boost? I don't want to miss something up there." Shamelessly begging for Guidance

Safe in the iron-grasp of the Warforged, Vi took a good hard look at the dragonshard, trying to determine if it could be safely removed.

perception: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19

Mei'Vi wasn't very reassured by the lack of response to her arrow. Squinting her eyes at the swirling marks on the walls, she asked Bronwyn, "What do you make of these? None of them look quite like yours, but I don't know much about other types." That wasn't quite true, as she'd sketched lots of dragonmarks in the past, but she didn't trust her memory of them.

Keeping an eye open for traps, she moved carefully towards the sarcophagus, to see if appeared to be open, or had been opened.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

”Declaration. Serves you right,” Palisade said, then turned to give aid to their brave shock trooper.

I wish I could make a heart-eye emoticon in this!! <3 <3 <3

Vi nocked an arrow, then shot it towards the stone slab at the end of the chamber, watching to see if the movement triggered any sort of trap or response.

insight vs deception on hanging canodog: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (6, 4, 2) = 24

Vi could see that the dangling uglydog was about to become the more dangerous threat. Taking a moment to really study its strange movement upwards, she then aimed carefully and shot again for its tongue.

This time she was successful, and her arrow severed the tongue clean in two. With a short-lived howl, it fell down into the lava, where it thrashed only for a second before burning and melting before their eyes. Mei'Vi crowed in triumph, even as she prepared for another shot.

shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

It had been a long time since Mei'Vi felt this helpless. Her arrows were little use against such a tough enemy, and she was loathe to get onto the moving platform and join the melee. She sent another arrow at the uglydog on the platform, but the Warforged were in her way and her arrow glanced off one of the dangling chains and vanished in a puff of flame in the lava below.

There was really very little she could do other than stay where she was and shoot. The more of them on the platform just increased the risk of somebody falling in, and Vi wasn't strong enough to be much help pushing the creature in. She couldn't even rush in and drag the idiot Fendir to safety, as there was nowhere to drag him.

Instead, she kept shooting arrows, hoping eventually the uglydog would succumb to its many wounds. Her arrow found purchase in what would have been an eye, if it had one, and she prayed that it penetrated into what was hopefully the brain beneath it.

shortbow on one on platform: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (2, 5, 4) = 20

Dang I miss those 19s being criticals

Well hell, I wish I had a magical weapon about now!!

So the middle platform is staying still, but the two other ones are both headed north?

Seeing that her arrows were doing little to actually damage the horrid beast, Vi took careful aim at the tongue clinging to the overhead chain. [i]If I can just slice its tongue, maybe it'll let go.[/ooc] However, the thrashing uglydog proved too hard a target, and her arrow sizzled into the lava.

shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (4, 6, 5) = 23

"Professional idiot, maybe." Vi muttered as she shot a second arrow at the uglydog. This one took the beast in the...shoulder? Chest? Hard to tell. But her arrow stuck out, quivering, and the beast made a strange howl that she hoped was one of mortal pain.

shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (2, 2, 4) = 13

At least I get SA with Fendir engaged in melee...

Releasing her arrow, Vi watched with pleasure as it flew unerringly into the creature's mouth, and lodged in between the rows of teeth. To Dusk, she said, "I don't know if he's local or not. We found him with another gal, who scarpered out of here when things got hairy. We don't know anything about him. He's a right nutter, though, that's for sure."

She watched as he tried the same tactic with the conyugouglies as he did with the statues - push into lava. "Please come back here!"

"WOAH-UGLY!!" Vi cried, stumbling backwards. She nearly ended up on her backside, but caught herself before she toppled. Fumbling for her bow and an arrow, she finally got one nocked and aimed. "Are we shooting these cano-yugo-uglies? FENDIR! GET BACK HERE YOU IDIOT!" she cried, as the battle-hungry barbarian raced past her and leapt over the void.

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"Not just magic," Mei'Vi added, "a regular, old-fashioned pressure-plate would do just fine for death-by-burning." She continued to cautiously inch out onto the platform, aware of every potential wobble or movement.

Watching Fendir destroy the statues, Vi shook her head in wonder. He really was an odd fellow.

Taking out her rope, she tied herself into a tight harness. "I'll see what's up before we start using magic." Handing the rope to Palisade, she said, "Hold tight, give me just enough slack to jump, but don't let me fall into the lava."

Gingerly, she stepped out onto the first platform. She kept one foot on the solid ground, and one of the platform, and waited several seconds to see what happened.

Assuming this doesn't trigger a trap, she'll inch her way cautiously to the edge of the first platform, and see if she can see anything different from there.

Action 1

Mei'Vi gave the portcullis a kick once they were safely on the other side. "What's the point of you?! Why have a gate that won't open?"

Action 2

"It's not sacrosanct! It's just hair!" Vi dove at Bronwyn, mussing up her ponytail.

Vi screamed all the way down into the lava, the last thing she saw was Palisade's face looking down at her, saying, "It is Known."

Vi stared at the bridge, eyeing up the distance she'd need to jump, and if there were any obvious traps she could see from here.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Is it a 20 foot jump to the platform?

"Come on! Everybody, focus your efforts here!"

Vi reversed her grip on her sword, and began hammering at the stone alongside Palisade.

I assume that Palisade has the highest strength, so Vi will help him take the wall apart.

Ah, yes, that makes sense, thanks!

I don't understand what you mean by Dusk is on the side of the portcullis that is meant to get out. Do you mean her side is meant to go to the outside of the temple?

Seeing Dusk teleport to the other side, Vi shouted, "Don't suppose you can do that with a passenger?"

She extended her search to the rest of the hallway, looking for loose stones or finger-sized holes that might have the release in them.

***(In case of success)***

The stonework here was old, but well done, and the stones were tight together. Vi pressed each one as rapidly as she dared, hoping one of them was loose, or sticking out slightly, or anything that would set one apart from the rest.

She didn't find anything like that, but down low against the floor she did find one with a corner chipped out. It was so subtle she almost missed it. Hoping it wasn't just damage from some poor soul previously triggering the trap, she felt around with her finger, trying to determine if it was a mechanism of some sort.

"Aha!" she cried, as the she wedged the chipped piece of stone out with her fingernail. Behind it was a gap, and within the gap was a wire. Curling her finger around the wire she gave it a pull, and the ....A) Stone door ground to a halt AND/OR B) the portcullis gears began to grind into motion, lifting the iron door with a squeal.