Expedition to the Demonweb Pits (and possibly more)

[DM_Darkmeer]

At the Oarsman:

Spoiler:

"Well, now. My friends, cohorts, allies," the Githzearai begins, "The hive is a wondrous place of the poor and destitute. Quite a bit of it has gone away, disappeared, been absorbed, as it were, and it is easy to find that tree. Any tout'll take you right there, usually for a nominal fee. He smiles, and pulls a few gold coins from his own pouch, these'll get you there, as you are helping me, myself, the man I am to end this... problem."

At the Sensorium:

Spoiler:

The gnome waif comes back into the room, and smiles, "So, you're the happy couple that's been in here three times longer than what you were slated for. So, how was it flying? Most folks don't make it eighteen minutes, you've been in here Three HOURS!" She says, silently admiring your apparent endurance with the crystal. "But Fair's Fair, you paid for this experience, and I do ever so hope you enjoyed it." She escorts you out to the foyer. "Do come back, we like people who can sit through the entirety of sensations. Our collections are vast... and varied." She lowers her voice... "We have the Society of Sensation to thank for that." She smiles, bows, and nods a farewell as she begins the explanation for the next couple on the shared experience. You hear something about leather and spilled milk in the explanation, and determine it would be best to stop listening at that apoint...

At this point, I believe everyone can meet at the Sensorium, since everyone knows the way from the Oarsman to the Sensorium, as well as hire a tout from there as needed. And... hopefully, this experience in the Sensorium helps Basil to believe more in the wonders of Sigil, not just its evils/immoralities.

Something to fork to the Discussion Thread:

Spoiler:

Given Kara and Basil's conversation, what would you like to recruit a cleric?

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

"Well, it seems we really enjoyed the flight, to be in there so long. Guess we should warn them next, huh? Let's wait here, in case our friends are coming here to meet us."

"As for my ancestery, it seems strange to be in me, out of everyone in my family. Silver dragons are noble creatures on the side of good and law, and I went against my parents wishes. Fate has a strange sense of humor.."

[Onyx Ironhands]

Onyx accepts the coins for the party bows.

"Take care of the problem, that we shall."

Someone remind me, how did we find the last tout we used?

[Finrod Moruin]

Aren't Touts all over the place? Especially in crowded areas?

[Darkmeer]

Finrod Moruin wrote:

Aren't Touts all over the place? Especially in crowded areas?

Yeppers. They're the cabbies of Sigil... but all you have to do is follow them. As I said, you can all make it to the Sensorium with ease, and from there, you can hire a tout to take you to the tree.

[Onyx Ironhands]

Let's do just that. DM, do you want us to roleplay going to the Sesorium and getting a tout?

[Huergar]

"Until we meet again." Huergar smiles in farewell as they take leave of Rule of Three and the Styx Oarsman.

He does his best to keep pace with the others as they head to the Sensorium, trying to hide from them how much effort it takes to ignore the pain in his knee. He worries about all the tramping through the Beastlands and how he will keep up with Finrod. Right now, more than anything, he wants a long sit to stretch his leg, followed by a long sleep in a warm bed. He is relieved to be well away from the watchful eyes of demons.

"I hope Lyra and Basil are doing well. A complimentary tout ... well, Rule of Three is a class act all the way. Our last tout was a welcome source of comic relief. Coins well spent as long as the next is no worse."

[DM_Darkmeer]

As the trio makes its way to the sensorium, a strange quiet comes over the bustling metropolis as they pass. Nothing out of the ordinary appears to be around, but people are quieter as they pass.

After meeting, the party begins walking across a large thoroughfare centered around a large, wondrous, water fountain. The party is approached, with directness, by a pair of the Ursine celestials, wearing the robes of the members of the order of the eye. They cast accusatory fingers (if they can be called such) towards Finrod, Huergar, and Onyx, while casting dark glances towards "Lyra."

One speaks up, his voice already in a deep, dark yell "While [u]one[/u] of you may be pure of heart, [u]you three[/u] are most certainly not. Why in the NINE HELLS did you visit that... that..."
The celestial, obviously fuming, stutters some more and completes his thought with "THE OARSMAN!"

"What, did you have the harlot here," indicating Lyra, "'entertain' your pure friend with the pleasures of the flesh here in the Sensorium?" He sneers, "Only the most debauched of individuals go in there! Why would you want to experience the seven things that the fiends love the most?!"

The other celestial, interrupting the first, shouts anew "And you, did you honestly think that these sodding bubbers, whore, and knights of the post are actually helping you?! They're a burden and you should shake them off, lest you forget your quest!" He finishes, his roar scattering the last of the crowds, while a few coming out of the sensorium seem to be vying for the best view.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil, though somewhat taken aback by the Ursines rage, remains calm.

"You Sirs..are not in your right minds...If you seek to provoke a confrontation then we will not give you the satisfaction of striking a blow against you."

"Move on my friends..this is not a fight we should seek"

He turns back to the Ursines..

"I will continue my quest Sirs ..but i cannot do it alone..a single tree is an attractor for the lightning..ina a forest it might survive a while longer..I give you good day Sirs"

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod's eyes narrow in suspicion.
"Strange to find celestials swearing by the hells..."

Looks for Illusions--
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

"I have been called many things by many people, but none have ever chosen to use language so foul. So right now it seems like mortals are better judges of character than you two!"

A puff of frost on her breath, like you see on a cold winter day, adds emphasis to her words. Her blues fade fade to silver as her pupils become slitted like a snake's... or a dragon's.

"My bloodline is noble and true, and an insult to me is an insult to my family! If you continue to do so, I will not be responsible for my actions."

[Huergar]

"The chicken at the Oarsman is tasty. You might give it a try."

Onyx:

"I could use a bearskin rug."

[Onyx Ironhands]

Huergar:

Spoiler:

Onyx chuckles.

[DM_Darkmeer]

The ursine celestial sneers at Lyra's comment. "We've found that even the noblest of dragons carries a bit of demonic blood, so don't be chiding me about 'not being responsible for one's own actions,' little girl. Stand down, and stop assisting these demon-worshippers!"

The other ursine is a little less... tactful. When he hears that the oarsman serves chicken, he lashes out at Huergar, striking him with his claw. 9 damage "YOU FIENDS! Never trust a fiend, you are corrupted and need to be purified!"

Upon seeing the strike, the other celestial steps back, and takes a defensive combat posture.

Finrod:

Spoiler:

I hate to say this, but this is their true form. They really are the ursine celestials. Very rash Ursinals, to be honest.

Someone roll for the group's initiative.

[Onyx Ironhands]

Init 1d20 ⇒ 1

Aargh! Sorry ...

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Kara's hand goes to her her sword, knuckles clenched so tight they've gone white.

"We've been told not to trust fiends or celestials. I see why now. Please back off and calm down, or we will be forced to defend ourselves against your overreactions. If we have to get information from both sides to save our world, so be it. If I must lose my soul so others do not, I will! Strike any of my friends again and see how determined I am..."

That little outburst probably won't stop battle, but it fits. She'll attack if they do.

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod's eyes narrow.
"There is something wrong here. Something keeps the Celestials and Infernals from each other's throats. Something which may intervene if we take up arms against them. Perhaps... Perhaps if we attracted it's attention?" He looks at the Ursines reactions.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

"If I remember correctly, you're thinking of the Lady of Pain, the city's ruler. She likes it if everyone plays nice, but it seems not everyone does so."

I remembered something about a ruler keeper order in the city, so I went back over the past few pages. She's mentioned by one of the guides, and was made general information by Darkmeer too. I can't wait to see the Ursines reaction to her name!

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil draws his sword and adopts a defensive position..

"Holy ones..please...we do not wish to fight you..consider the consequences if good turns upon itself"

"My friends if you would defend yourselves I pray thee strike only to subdue"

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod slowly pulls a signal arrow out of his quiver and holds it loosely in his hand...

[Huergar]

Huergar attacks the ursine celestial that wounded him:

1d20+18=24 (dmg 1d10+10=14), 1d20+13=31 (dmg 1d10+10=18)

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

"I said strike to subdue you idiots.." cries Basil.

[DM_Darkmeer]

"Her Serenity has not jurisdiction here, clueless fool!" The Ursine Celestial screams as he tears at Huergar again, missing with his bite and first claw, but solidly landing the second strike with his off-hand claw 15 points of damage

The other celestial moves towards Basil, "I am sorry you must witness this, holy one." He says as he initiates a grapple with Basil, provoking an attack of opportunity as he does so.

Huergar's strikes back at the Ursine Celestial would fell a lesser foe, but as he strikes, he feels a resistance to the blow, and he sees that the strikes haven't done near as much damage as the tears in the Archon's tabard would indicate. His attempt to grapple Basil will be successful, regardless of the attack of opportunity.

Finrod, their eyes are alight with holy fire. They truly believe what they are doing is for the greater good of the cosmos.

Anyone want to make a Knowledge: The Planes roll to figure out what they are?

A note for myself:

Spoiler:

Countdown Round 1

[Onyx Ironhands]

Deeply confused by the encounter, Onyx tries to remember what he has read about these ferocious bear-like beings.

Knowledge Planes 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

[DM_Darkmeer]

Onyx Ironhands wrote:

Deeply confused by the encounter, Onyx tries to remember what he has read about these ferocious bear-like beings.

Knowledge Planes 1d20+10

Onyx:

Spoiler:

[ooc]These are Warden Archons, easily mistaken for Ursinal Guardinals, a deadly mistake indeed.
They are known to believe that they know the "mortal" existance better than any other archon, primarily because they deal with mortals much more.

Game rule stuff:
DR 10/Evil
They can detect alignments, thoughts, locate creatures, see the invisible, and have natural spells that defend them from magical onslaught (on top of SR 25).
They can teleport at will.
They can Rend with their claws if they get both of them into a character (thankfully Huergar didn't get that!)
They have all of the Archon traits.

[Huergar]

"What are you all waiting for? They already attacked!"

Huergar continues to attack the ursine celestial that has wounded him twice now:

1d20+18=21 (dmg 1d10+10=12), 1d20+13=18 (dmg 1d10+10=16)

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

AoO Basil strikes at the celestial using the flat off his blade, a ringing blow on the side of its befurred skull

nonlethal attack(-4 to hit)1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Critical confirmation(-4 to hit)1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
critical damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

on his turn he makes his sword a merciful +2 weapon and attempts to break the grapple

CMB check 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

"Defend yourselves..they have lost all reason..but please my friends do not kill them and put my soul in peril"

[Huergar]

Ironwood Company:

Huergar is down to 39 hp. One successful rend and he could be a goner. I wish I had gotten some better rolls in round 2!

The ursine celestial attacked first and he is not doing subdual damage. Huergar is fighting for his life and I don't think anyone can blame him.

EDIT: In his mind Huergar calls out to the US (the cranium rats). Who knows, maybe they can hear him even here? He remembers what they said on their first trip to the Oarsman: "We mean victory for you and defeat the Spider Queen." He hopes it was a true prediction, but it will do little good if he is dead... Please, if you can hear me, help us.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

If Basil is involved in killing a celestial I would expect to be adding the word ex- to my character class

[Onyx Ironhands]

Onyx throws himself down before Huergar's assailant.

"Oh great Warden Archon, please forgive my cousin's impudence! He is but an ignorant mortal! Please spare him, I beg of you!"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Basil, you have no control over the actions of others, and did try to find peaceful ways to avoid a fight. Even now that the Archons have attacked(one to kill), you are not trying to kill them. It's up to our DM, but not one thing you have done seems evil to me. Just my opinion.

Kara moves quickly, getting an angle that won't hit Huergar.

"Chill out you glorified grizzly!"

She takes a deep breath and exhales a blizzard onto the celestial.

Breath Weapon(DC 15 Reflex save for half):4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 6) = 14
Angled(if possible) to not hit any allies.

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod fixes the celestials with the cold eye of an executioner.
"Fools" he rasps; "and worse than fools. No doubt you are catspaws of some infernal agent. You may not kill us. And you've had your last chance."

Finrod will step back, target Huegar's opponent, and fire three signal arrows for blunt nonlethal damage and a loud owl screech.

Full round attack, rapid fire, point blank, deadly aim, nonlethal.

Shot 1: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 1 - 3 - 4 = 12
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 18 plus 1d6 ⇒ 3 lightning.

Shot 2: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 - 3 - 4 = 19
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 14 plus 1d6 ⇒ 1 lightning.

Shot 3: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 - 3 - 4 = 6
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 12 plus 1d6 ⇒ 3 lightning.

"Now imagine what I could do if I shot to kill."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

[DM_Darkmeer]

Basil:

Spoiler:

DM Soapbox: Defending onesself from a lethal assault, as well as those you 'steward' over is a clearly lawful and good act. It matters not the source of said threat. Basil is clearly torn on what is right to do in this instance, but your friends have committed no crime other than visiting the Styx Oarsman, apparently. Generally, even the most seedy bar in Faerun doesn't cause such a ruckus.

The Warden Archon attacking Huergar spits at Onyx, and reaches out with his claws. attempting to snag Onyx (both claws hit, doing 22 points of damage, with a rend doing 20 points of damage, a total of 42 hit points of damage) "Stand down, heathen!" He roars as his bite just barely misses Onyx's head.

The second Archon begins to try to subdue Basil, resisting his attempts at escape (he does 10 points of subdual damage to Basil).

Both Archons failed their saving throws.

Huergar's strikes skitter off the Warden Archon's armor, while Finrod's barely glaze the surface, while each of the bears laugh off his feeble threat. "You couldn't hit a thing with that, demon-friend! The one grappling Basil yells at him."

Everyone needs to make a will save.

A note for myself:

Spoiler:

Countdown round 2

[Finrod Moruin]

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
(+2 if enchantment)

[Finrod Moruin]

The blood spraying from Onyx decides Finrod.
"No need to imagine now."

Targeting the one who hit Onyx.
Full round attack, rapid fire, point blank, deadly aim, lethal.

Shot 1: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 1 - 3 = 24
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 19 plus 1d6 ⇒ 1 lightning.

Shot 2: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 1 - 3 = 25
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 17 plus 1d6 ⇒ 4 lightning.

Shot 3: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 - 3 = 16
Damage if hit: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 13 plus 1d6 ⇒ 5 lightning.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Will save 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Basil strikes at the Archon holding him..

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

damage 1d10 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + (6) + 5 = 15non lethal

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

[Huergar]

Will save 1d20+7=14 (does not include +2 vs spells and spell-like abilities; does not include +4 vs fear)

If he is able, Huergar attacks the ursine celestial that is rending Onyx:
1d20+18=20 (dmg 1d10+10=13), 1d20+13=27 (dmg 1d10+10=11)

[Onyx Ironhands]

I'll try to take a five-foot step away from the archon.

Will 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Will Save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
(+2 if a fear effect)

Knowing this battle could end badly, Kara steps back and begins to sing.
Inspire Courage. +2 to attack/damage rolls and to saves against charm and fear effects for my allies.

The Song:

Lyrics(slightly edited) - Erin Bowman - Battle Cry (Stand Up!):

"Sometimes, it's hard to know...
Which way you're supposed to go...
But deep inside, you know you're strong,
If you follow your heart, you can't be wrong...

Sometimes, it's hard to see...
Just what's your destiny...
But when you find the path that's true,
You know that's the one for you!

STAND UP! (STAND UP!)
For what is right!
BE BRAVE! (BE BRAVE!)
Get ready to fight!
HOLD ON! (HOLD ON!)
We're friends for life!

And if we come, together as one,
Complete the quest we've begun,
We will win the battle,
no matter what!

Woohoo!

The time is now, the game's begun,
Together, we will fight as one,
Each of us, in our own way,
Can make this world a better place!

STAND UP! (STAND UP!)
For what is right!
BE BRAVE! (BE BRAVE!)
Get ready to fight!
HOLD ON! (HOLD ON!)
We're friends for life!

And if we come, together as one,
Complete the quest we've begun,
We will win the battle,
no matter what!

Just when it seems that you are lost, and all alone,
You will find the courage and the strength to carry on!
And if you fall along the way,
Have the faith, you'll be okay,
'Cuz you're friends are there for you,
Reachin' out to pull you through!

STAND UP! (STAND UP!)
For what is right!
BE BRAVE! (BE BRAVE!)
Get ready to fight!
HOLD ON! (HOLD ON!)
We're friends for life!

And if we come, together as one,
Complete the quest we've begun,
We will win the battle,
no matter what!"

[DM_Darkmeer]

Everyone succeeded the first save.

The Warden archons each square off against their respective enemies, snarling and attacking. The one facing Onyx and Huergar attempts to trip Huergar (provoking an attack of opportunity from Huergar) and succeeds in tripping him. "Stay down and you will not die, heathen!" He snarls.

Two of Finrod's arrows strike true on the Archon, proviking him and after he trips Huergar, he turns to Finrod with a much more intense look on his face, "You're next." He growls, completely ignoring Onyx as he moves away.

The Warden Archon grappling with Basil is unable to damage him this round, despite his efforts to do so (a natural one, but not a fumble).

Currently Kara, Onyx, and Finrod are outside of the Archons' reach, with Basil Grappled, Huergar on the ground, and two very angry Warden Archons.

A note for myself.

Spoiler:

Countdown Round 3

[Huergar]

AoO: 1d20+18=20 (dmg 1d10+10=17)

DM:

I assume you remembered Huergar's +4 CMD vs trip, a dwarven racial trait)

Huergar lands on his back, both feet in the air.

He uses a move action to get up. If the ursine celestial is within range of a 5-foot step, he does a standard attack. Please ignore the following attack if I'm forgetting something that prevents him doing it:

1d20+18=31 (dmg 1d10+10=17)

[Onyx Ironhands]

Trying to ignore his profuse bleeding, Onyx casts magic missiles at the archon attacking Huergar.

Magic Missile damage 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 3) + 4 = 15

[DM_Darkmeer]

Onyx Ironhands wrote:

Trying to ignore his profuse bleeding, Onyx casts magic missiles at the archon attacking Huergar.

Magic Missile damage 4d4+4

Roll against the SR of the Archon.

[Onyx Ironhands]

Rolling against SR, my caster level 8 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

[DM_Darkmeer]

Onyx Ironhands wrote:

Rolling against SR, my caster level 8 1d20+8

Spot on! (This was exactly what you needed). Now awaiting Basil, Kara, and Finrod, then I will adjucate.

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod takes another 5' step back.

"You called this tune; now it's time to pay the piper."

Targeting the one who hit Onyx.
Full round attack, rapid fire, point blank, deadly aim, lethal.

Shot 1: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 - 3 = 23
Damage 1: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 14 plus 1d6 ⇒ 5 lightning.

Shot 2: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 1 - 3 = 31
Damage 2: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 16 plus 1d6 ⇒ 3 lightning.

Shot 3: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 - 3 = 28
Damage 3: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 18 plus 1d6 ⇒ 4 lightning.
Confirm critical for triple damage?
1d20 + 10 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 - 3 = 27

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Finrod, you forgot the +2 to attack and damge rolls from my song.

Kara charges the planar bear, sword flashing as she strikes out at it.
She nevers loses her place in her song as she does this though, and it actually seems to pick up the pace.

Using Arcane Strike: +2 to damage for 1 round and my weapons are considered magical

Shortsword:1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 34
Damage:1d4 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 + 2 = 9
The charge, song, Arcane Strike, and flanking bonuses are included in the above rolls.
Current AC: 26

[Huergar]

Now I remember that getting up from a prone position while threatened provokes an attack of opportunity. I guess if Huergar is threatened, then he would also likely be in range of a 5-foot step for his attack (see above), so he'll brave the AoO in that case. If not, then he uses his second move action to close the distance (with the same ursine celestial that was moving away to attack Finrod).

EDIT: I also did not include the bonuses from Lyra's song

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil continues to beat on the Archon with his sword

attack 1 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

attack 2 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

confirm critical1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Damage1d10 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + (4) + 8 = 17 non-lethal

[DM_Darkmeer]

The Warden Archone charges Finrod, and as his blow comes down upon him, Finrod's arrow pierces his heart, and he looks down where the arrow pierced him. His body begins to burn, as if it were made of paper until there is but one ember left, which bursts into a brilliant flash of energy and light. Lying on the ground is a single bear's claw.

The other Archon releases Basil, his jaw agape. "Humbart will hear of this!" He stands, his posture defensive, but he does not strike out at anyone, and he takes a 5-foot step away from Basil.

Yes, everyone, Finrod killed the celestial with his critical hit, while Huergar's strikes had taken him down enough to do that.

Half of what's left of the crowd watching cheers, the other half looks in shock at what has happened. The moment of silence during the battle is deafening. Over the silence, you hear, "Sons of Mercy, coming through!"