As the heroes returned outside with the swords, they noted that the wagon they had left there, guarded by two of Alexander's servants, wasn't waiting for them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:04, Wed 23 July 2014.

"Where could they have gone?" said Des, beginning to look around for signs of departure, struggle, etc. "This does not bode well."

Alexander looked around, dropped to a knee as he looked for tracks. "I don't know, I don't see any tracks."

Jeram came out of the place and looked around, hearing the questions of the others his face creased into a frown. "Where is he!?" he said, making a jogging effort to look around the area.

The man was confused and a little disappointed that his company had failed to protect a simple caravan.

"Let's spread out, then.  See if you can pick up any tracks of the missing wagon."  Olven sets the swords he's carrying down outside the entrance and begins to circle the area where they left their wagon.  No tracker himself, he nevertheless hopes that at least one of them will be able to find traces of the missing guards, wagon, and the items they've scavenged thus far from the Lyceum.

"Don't spread too far, we have to be careful not to obscure the very tracks we wish to find."
D'aden starts thoroughly examining the ground, starting where he knew the wagon was, to figure out where it went.

OOC: 18:45, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 12 using 3d6. tracking (-13) but I might have rolled before, last year sometime.

Jeram looked for the wagon, Olven suggested looking for tracks, and both D'aden and Alex did so. Des looked for any signs of a struggle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Sat 26 July 2014.

Jeram nodded as he wondered around and looked at the ground with some semblance of effort to find where the caravan and his allies had gone. "I'm not really very good at this..." he said, looking around to notice something that might help but taking extra care not to stand on any of the softer ground.



10:53, Today: Jeram rolled 15 using 3d6. observation?
I guess i'm not going to find anything :)

Olven nods his head.  "Good point, D'aden," he says, and steps carefully around, attempting to avoid adding to all the tracks of their arrival.

OOC:  So we have the wagon wheel tracks from where we arrived here.  Do they stop or go anywhere?  Use Tracking at Per default.

"They appear to have headed back towards the town. We could follow them, but I'm not sure if that would be necessary. On the other hand, if I came out from a barracks and found a good disguise waiting, I might be tempted to head to the nearest enemy encampment using that disguise."

"Again, D'aden makes a good point. Perhaps we should follow the tracks back to town, something feels amiss."

Grinning wolfishly, Olven says, "D'aden always makes good points.  I agree, let's follow them.  They weren't supposed to leave, and we need the cart to haul back anything we collect from the Lyceum.  Let's hide the swords somewhere and then track that cart down."

He scans around for a good place to stash the swords.

OOC:  Olven will look for someplace to hide the swords, under a bush or undergrowth, and then he will follow the cart tracks.

Olven hid the swords and the heroes started back towards town. When they had traveled some distance and were approaching a portion of the road lined with trees, they could suddenly hear nervous horses from among the trees.

And when they came into view, they had found the wagon and their horses, still turned towards the town but not moving. The servants were doing their best to calm the nervous horses.

"What's going on?!" Jeram asked as he jogged closer to the wagon trying to assess the situation. It looked like the horses were a little spooked butthe men should have been able to control skittish horses.

The stern visage crept upon Jeram as he looked over the men that were fooling with the horses.

"A number of draconians approached," one of them said. "So we decided to hide. I guess they went inside as they haven't come this way. As for the horses, they were fine until you approached."

[OOC: Just to make things clear. Their reference to "you" talks about the group as a whole, not Jeram specifically.]

Jeram was a little frustrated at the comments of his soldier. "Well, go get them back under control  and then we can haul everything needed back. " he said before turning to the rest of the group

D'aden looks thoughtful for a moment, then says, "If the draconians entered after we did, it's doubtful they were the ones that we faced while inside. That means there are more, and it certainly is beginning to look like an encampment."

"It makes sense to keep the wagon and the horses in a relatively secluded place, especially with more dracs in the area," Olven says, rubbing his chin.  "We can take trips out here as we need to.  If the Lyceum is seeing more traffic, then we should keep our supplies as safe as we can."  He takes a look back up the road toward the Lyceum.  "I'll go fetch the swords and bring them here."

He turns and heads back for where he secreted their captured weapons.

Olven left to get the swords. The servants settled the horses, but the horses panicked again as Olven returned with the swords.

"We should have seen about securing some horses that weren't so easy to spook," Olven says, frowning, but then he shrugs his shoulders.  "Alexander, perhaps your men can camouflage the wagon as best as they can?  At least it's not sitting in the middle of the road."

He turns and looks back in the direction of the Lyceum.  "Shall we continue on, then?  Those kids might still be inside, and apparently a small army of dracs is setting up base inside."

OOC:  Olven will wait for the others to do whatever they need to do and then head back to the Lyceum to continue to explore it.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Wed 30 July 2014.

Alexander nodded, "Yes, do try your best to remain hidden and camouflage the wagon won't you?

We must find the children, if we can."

"Don't forget the task the king set us to," Olven says.  "Yes, I hope we can rescue the children as well, but our primary job here is to secure any resources we can from the Lyceum to rebuild Kalaman."  Making sure the swords are stowed away in the wagon, he says, "All right, shall we get back to it?"  Spear in hand, he heads back toward the Lyceum.

As Alex's servants took care of wagons and horses, the heroes returned to to the Lyceum.

Back inside, the heroes were able to retrace their steps through a D-shaped room filled with onyx colored benches facing a lectern, behind which was a secret passage, through a corridor to a large room with a domed ceiling supported by pillars and a huge statue, hiding another hidden passageway downstairs.

But they pressed on and through a dining room, that just like the two previous times they'd past through here no one had cleaned up since breakfast. And then they were back to where they had fought the last group of draconians. Several groups really.

And then turning right. As it had been everywhere else, the floor was light marble. The walls were masonry and most walls so far hadn't been. They could see one door in each wall before the corridor turned a corner to their left.

"Eenie, meenie, miney, moe."  Olven looks at the two doors, and then moves to the door on the right.  "Get ready, guys," he says, and with spear in right hand, his shield on his left arm, he opens the door.

OOC:  Open the righthand door.  Spear in right hand, shield on left arm.

Like all the previous doors, the handle, in the shape of a hand, grabbed hold of Olven's hand as he started opening the door and didn't let go until the door was fully open.

Inside was nothing but a room that probably hadn't been cleaned in quite a long time. It was about 25 by 25 feet in size. Half of the left wall and half of the far wall were hewn stone, while the rest were the same masonry walls as outside the door.

Des moved in slowly, looking around for anything useful or noteworthy.

"Doesn't look like much is in here," he said. "Shall we move on?"

17:11, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7 using 3d6. Scrounging 12.

GM passing a message

Jeram nodded as he wandered through the place, sticking close by his allies and friends.

Alex wandered through, following his companions.

The heroes opened the door on the other side of the corridor, but the room beyond the door was just as exciting as the previous room, not at all. Nothing to see here either.

Frowning, Olven says, "It looks like these two rooms are empty.  Let's press on, then."  He walks toward the corner and looks down the hall that turns to the left.

Around the corner, the corridor soon turns right. And around that corner, there were two doors in the left wall and a corridor between them leading to the right.

Olven takes a moment to scan the room.  "Doors, doors, and more doors," he says quietly, and then steps up to the door on the left, tugging it open.

This room was as big as the previous two rooms and slightly more exiting. In the center of the room, on a small stand a crystal globe was resting at about chest height and dark purple lights twisted upon themselves within the globe.

D'aden eyes the stand in the center of the room warily. His trepidation such that he doesn't pass through the door. Standing at the threshold, he exclaims, "My mom always said 'only fools and wizards mess with orbs'."
"Then she'ld make me put down the snowball and get back to chopping wood."

"Your mother was a font of wisdom," Olven says, keeping well away from the sphere.  "What's the safest way to get that thing out?"

Alexander looked into the room, "I guess that's my cue, eh?" He began chanting in an arcane language.

The globe lifted from the stand and floated slowly, but surely, towards the heroes.

[Alex spends 2FP]

Spear in his hand, Olven takes a few steps back.  "Uh, is that safe?" he asks.  Whatever was in the orb, he didn't like not knowing what it was.  "Have you ever seen anything like it before?  Is it some kind of trap, or something beneficial?"

"I have no knowledge of this," said Des. He eyed the object warily, pacing the room around it and looking for anything else unique.

Frowning, Olven keeps away from the object.  "Well, let's pop it in a sack or something.  We can figure out what it does later, I guess."

Jeram involuntarily raised his shield to ensure that if it moved towards him it would crash harmlessly upon his defence.

He looked at the others and offered a small shrug, indicating his equal ignorance. "Careful, though... it might explode..." he offered

Alex caught the orb as it floated towards him and put it in his backpack. "Well, there's no trap involved in picking it up off the stand at any rate. Shall we go explore the rest of the room now?"

As soon as Alex touched the orb, the purple light writhed out of the crystal, rising higher and higher. Flashes of lightning ran through its tendrils. The light folded upon itself suddenly and with thunderous crashes formed into the figure of a huge dragon highlord mask.

And the mask started to speak: "I, Rugoheras, have sealed myself within the holy place. I shall emerge only when I escort the Queen beside me, and only then will I respond to your need. Speak your need and location and I shall contact you at my pleasure."


[OOC: This occurs before Alex places it in his backpack, so the orb is still in his hands.]

"By the gods!"  Olven takes a step back, expecting to be attacked by the form that appears from the orb.  A dragon highlord?  This wasn't good, not at all.

"Let's take the orb back to the queen.  She can decide what to do," he says, though he doubts that Rugoheras is referring to the Queen of Kalaman.

D'aden starts at the apparition, but when he speaks his words are careful and sound lethargic. "I don't think that's a good idea, Olven. If the being sealed in the holy place can hear someone speaking to the orb, it's possible the being can influence someone listening to the orb. I don't think I want them to notice me, in any case."

Olven frowns.  He's not one for meddling in the affairs of wizards.  Their arcane machinery is beyond him, and the closest he gets to understanding them is to get out of the way when one of them is casting spells about on the battlefield.  What if we wrap it up securely in something, then?" he asks.  "Anyone have an extra sack or something?  It doesn't seem like the sort of thing to leave just lying around."

Suddenly the mask and lights collapsed back into the orb, returning to its writhing origin.

"It seems safe enough," said Des. "Either way, let's continue on. There is surely more to explore."

"Oh my." Alex said to no one in particular, it wasn't everyday you met a dragon highlord, let alone carried him around in your pack. He continued putting the orb into his backpack. "Speak your need..." he mumbled to himself. "Fascinating"

Olven waits until the orb is in Alexander's backpack, then says, "OK, ready?"  He turns and exits the room, coming back out to the hallway with two doors and a continuing corridor.  "We checked out the door on the left, so let's try the other room now," he says, and moves to open the door on the right.

The heroes continued further down the corridor. Looking to their right into the branching corridor, they noted one door on the right in the branch and one double door at the end of it.

They also noted a door on the right of the corridor they were in just before it turned to the left. Olven opened the second door on the left side of the corridor. Inside they saw rotted cots lining the walls of an otherwise empty room.

Stepping inside cautiously, Olven scanned the room for anyone who might be sleeping, given the large number of draconians they'd found thus far in the Lyceum.  He checked through the cots, looking for anything that might be useful to their group.

OOC:  Spend a few minutes checking through the room to see if anything of value is here.

The following is a map of the current area.

       S . . . .
       S . . . .
             . .
             . .
             . .D1
         D   . .
D. . . . . . . .
D. . . . . . . .
             . .
             . .D2
             . .
             . .
             . . . X
           D . . . X

S. Where you came from
X. You don't know what's around that corner
D. Door
D1. Door to the room where you got the orb
D2. Door to the room with rotten cots.

GM passing a message

Rooting around the rotting blankets for a few minutes, the mercenary comes up with nothing.  His search complete, Olven shrugs his shoulders.  "If there's anything here, I can't find it," he says.  "Shall we continue?"  Olven walks back out into the hallway and frowns.  "Somebody needs to make a map of this place.  We could get lost roaming around these hallways."

He turns left and walks down to the end of the hall and tries the door on the right.

OOC:  That's the southern-most door on the bottom of the long hallway we've been exploring.

Beyond the door is a straight corridor. At the end of the corridor there's a door on the right hand side. In the middle of the corridor there's a spectral figure dressed in a white robe.

"What is your name," the spectral figure asked.

Halting when he spots the spectral figure, Olven adopts what he hopes a non-threatening stance is, as non-threatening a guy can be when he's holding a four-pound spear in one hand and a sturdy shield in the other.  He keeps his spear pointed toward the floor as he responds to the challenge.  "I'm Olven Wolf, and these are my comrades.  They can introduce themselves if they wish.  We're exploring the Lyceum by order of His Majesty Eisen Dragonword, king of Eastlund."

As soon as Olven answered the question, the spectral figure vanished.

Impressed again with Olven, Alex decided to say so with a pat on the shoulder. "Well spoken, Olven. Very good form, indeed."

Warmed by his companion's praise, Olven nods his head gratefully, but he says, "I guess he didn't like my answer, though.  Stay alert.  We may see whoever that was again."

D'aden tilts his head to one side, and speaks, "That's two ghostly figures in a row asking, admittedly in different fashion, for our names. For safety's sake, from this point on please call me griffin-door."
He replies to the quizzical looks following his statement with little hesitation, "Recent events will make it easy for me to remember that phrase, and if it is used to address me it will obscure my real name in the event such is to be used against us."

"Griffin door?" Olven asks, cocking an eyebrow.  "This is more wizardly business, huh?   Well, maybe I can draw whatever ill attention comes our way long enough for you guys to whack 'em in the back."  He continues toward the door and opens it slowly, half-expecting a spectral figure to appear a third time and drag him off to only the gods know where.

Beyond the door was an L-shaped corridor that turned to the right and ended in a door. And in the middle of it, as Olven had guessed, was a red robed spectral figure.

"Why are you here," it asked.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:49, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

D'aden begins to nonchalantly hum a tune, the melody reminiscent of a ditty he had composed concerning draconians. After a moment or two, he addresses the spectral figure, saying, "I'm just a singer in this loosely knit clan."

Again, Olven avoids taking a threatening stance.  Keeping his eye on the spectral figure, he says politely, "We're on a mission for the king.  He has need of the resources here in the Lyceum.  Are you friend, or are you foe?"

Instead of answering, the spectral figure vanished.

[OOC: In the previous post I didn't post that there was a door at the end of the corridor. There is and the previous post has been amended.]

With his usual optimism, D'aden interjects, "Well, at least this one didn't ask our name."
Shrugging, he continues down the corridor to the door at the end, looking carefully for the chinks in the wall through which the apparitions are coming.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Sat 30 Aug 2014.

Grettanah considered their explorations of the complex and the encounters with the spectral figures. Glancing about the group. Do you think the spectral figure have any specific personage they are seeking?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Tue 02 Sept 2014.

ooc Bother double post
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

Like other doors, this one is iron clad wood and a fist like door handle. And the corridor has masonry walls.



[OOC: I'm sorry, I didn't note that D'aden edited his post until now.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:49, Wed 03 Sept 2014.

D'aden grins back at Grettanah as he grasps the (OOC: assumed to be) hand-shaking door knob. Before actually moving the lever, he says, "Oh, it just wants to get your name so the next spectre that pops up can wiggle its fingers mysteriously and intone 'I know you, Flan the Butcher!'"

In reply to D'aden Tor VIII (msg # 73):

Has that happened to you much?; as I would not have taken them to be so familiar. Mind it isn't every day that one chances upon a spectral entity, let alone those who be so inquisitive, or polite

D'aden waits for the others to ready themselves before he pulls on the door, but he smiles and answers Grettanah, "Not so much now that I learned to boil my water, first."

D'aden's hand was grabbed by the door knob. And it didn't release his hand until he had opened the door. On the other side was another L-shaped corridor, but there was no door at the end of this one. Walls were masonry and the floor and ceiling were hewn stone.

Inside was a black robed spectral figure. "How long have you been in this building," it asked.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 76):

Smoothing the folds of her gown  Grettanah glanced at the Shade Who are you Grettanah asked
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Thu 04 Sept 2014.

The black robe ignored the question and just repeated his own. "How long have you been in this building?"

D'aden looks at the spectre, and shrugs, "I believe we've been here through several thousand heartbeats. It could possibly be a full day, or even two if we count the time spent on the grounds. What boundaries does your question entail?"

OOC: I can't help but wonder, do you mean in 'African or European' time?

The spectral figure answered  D'aden's question by repeating his own. "How long have you been in this building?"

[OOC: The spectral figure doesn't specify. And if you'd ask him, he wouldn't know Africa or Europe anyway ;)]

Grettanah gave a slight shrug, content to listen to the discourse and wait for an outcome.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Thu 04 Sept 2014.

D'aden looks at the spectre, shrugs, and says, "not long enough" before confidently walking down the corridor to look around the corner.

Before D'aden could make it past the spectral figure, he, out of nowhere, conjured up a folded black hooded cloak that he presented to D'aden resting upon both of his hands and most of his lower arms.

For just a moment, D'aden stops and stares at the cloak. Then he breaks out in a grin, and exclaims, "well, why slogging not?"
Subsequently, he takes the cloak and puts it on.

So... You're a black robe then; interesting I would have suspected one of your kind a tad more suspicious than to take a robe from a rival.

D'aden pointedly looks down at his attire, then back to Grettanah. "To tell you the truth, I prefer earth tones, sometimes offset with that bluish-white stuff the Solamnics are so fond of. But I didn't want to look a gift robe in the mouth."

As the heroes talked, they could see that the corridor ended a few steps behind the corner. Apparently it had come to the center and there was nowhere else to go but back.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 87):

While the others conversed Grettanah sat waiting patiently for them to decide what next to do.

GM passing a message.

Board by the waiting Grettanah rises absently smoothing her gown and glances about before turning towards the others Are we going to take up residence or press on. she prompted.

D'aden would have been bored, but had taken the time to work out a new tune on his mandolin. As they appeared to be at a dead end corridor, he attempts a few dummy lyrics while he's at it, singing:
"Bad robes are black, good ones are white
So they can be seen when worn at night.
The night is black, the day is light
So farmers can plow and soldiers fight
They need the light."
His brow is furrowed in concentration, there's something wrong with the lyric but he can't quite put his finger on it.

"Well, so much for this way," Olven says.  He grins at D'aden's song and says, "It's hell fighting at night, that's for sure.  Shall we go back out to the main corridor and see what else we can see?"  Olven retraces his steps back down the hallway.  When he exits the door where they last encountered a spectral spirit, he looks down the hall, and then turns left.

"Let's try these other doors," he says.

OOC:  We've been here only two days?  Are those African days, or European ones?

OK, from Msg. 55, we explored the door in the bottom left, right?  Olven will glance down the hall in the bottom right to see what's down there and then go up and try the doors in the middle left.

The heroes left the spiraling corridor without any additional spectral encounters. Continuing forward and around the corner, they could see a long corridor. And from what they could see in the half darkness, there was one corridor leading off to the right.

[OOC: From msg#55, the only place you haven't been is the side corridor on the middle left and the bottom right. And this takes you to the bottom right area.]

Peering down the hall, Olven frowns.  "You reckon the black robes have finished their bit, now that they've converted you, D'aden?" he asks.  Turning left, he walks up the hall and turns left, walking forward to open the doors.

OOC:  Olven will open the doors in the middle left of the corridor.

Following Olven, the perplexed look returns to D'aden's face. "Converted? I don't feel any darker. Besides, I couldn't wear black all the time. Of course, black is best for temple."
Because it seemed the most logical thing to do, D'aden has taken to walking with his quarterstaff. It seems everything else was getting caught in the folds of the robe.

"It does a good job of hiding travel stains.  Blood stains, too, I'd wager," the mercenary says.   "Hey, maybe now that those mysterious spectral figures have given you one of their robes, they won't pop up anymore."

Olven opened the door on the side of the corridor, the doorknob grabbed his hand and didn't let go until the door was opened.

The leftmost wall, like the floor and ceiling, were hewn stone. The other three walls were masonry. Close to the hewn stone wall was an altar, on top of which was a statue of a five headed dragon flanked by burning incense. Whose smoke filled the room and whose scent filled the heroes nostrils.

A figure dressed in a black robe knelt at the altar, but didn't notice the heroes entering the room. The room was big enough for all of them and the female, going by her voice, was barely in reach for a rush attack.

And from the female's mouth: “... that day of your doomful coming again at hand. The shards of your temple we have saved as you commanded us. We have them now below and through your terrible corruption of innocence we may open a new way for you to enter the world.”

[OOC A rush attack, in this case, is a Move and Attack maneuver.]

Black-robed figure, five-headed dragon on the altar, a prayer about the corruption of innocence - Olven Wolf has seen and heard enough.  She's probably referring to the missing children, who are probably being held below.  That the supplicant is female only gives him slight pause as the mercenary charges forward, his spear out.

OOC:  Spend +1 FP for a Heroic Charge if you allow that.  Otherwise, Move and Attack!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Sat 20 Sept 2014.

D'aden calmly steps in and to one side of the door, clearing the way for anyone else that wishes to enter. Setting aside his quarterstaff, he prepares to use his bow.

The man Jeram follwoed in suit, moving into the space - attempting to stay hot on Olven's heels and support where needed. His aim would be to protect.



All out Defence (double)
Move with Olven as far as possible

Sorry for the delays, i've basically been moving out of my house and so my internet access has been sporadic, at best.

"Just silence her! Don't kill her!" said Des. "We need her to tell us how to get to the children!"

The monk charged alongside Olven and thrust stiff knuckles into the woman's back.

Move and Attack: Heroic Charge (-1 FP)
08:58, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,7 using 3d6,3d6. Karate 18-4(DA) = 14; Pressure Points 15.
09:01, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 9 using 1d6+3. Punch Damage 1d+3 cr.
     If at least 1 point of damage penetrates DR, target must roll HT-8 or suffer Suffocation.

HP: 11/11     FP: 11/12

Grettanah followed the others into the chamber, and was taken slightly aback by the its interior; the black robes comment about corrupting the innocent only just registered as the others rushed forward to attack the foul witch

Olven hurried towards the female to thrust his spear through her back. And though she tried not to, she got the point.

Jeram moved forward on the defensive.

Des punched her in the back, despite her efforts to avoid being hit, and hitting the pressure point he was aiming for, the female could no longer breathe.

But she seemed to ignore this and with a simple twirl, she was not merely standing, but she was facing the heroes. A beam of heavy blackness rushed forth from her left palm, barely missing Olven, and accidentally hitting Alex, who was instantly brought unmoving to the ground.

A quick thrusting jab of his spear, defensive and aimed to distract more than anything, was slung forward by Jeram as he saw one of the members drop to the ground. Gritted teeth and caution ensured that Jeram held his shield high and defensive.

Des jabbed at each of the woman's arms, aiming to disable her supernatural attacks.

Attack: Rapid Strike (-3) Targeted Attack: Arm (-2)
13:32, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 5,13 using 3d6,3d6. Karate 18-2(arm)-3(rapid) = 13.
13:32, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,9 using 1d6+3,1d6+3. Punch Damage 1d+3 cr.
13:33, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 6,11 using 3d6,3d6. Pressure Points 15.
     If any damage penetrates DR, both arms are paralyzed and effectively crippled for 5d seconds.

HP: 11/11     FP: 11/12

Hum!! Grettanah exclaimed attempting to determine what manner of witch this black robe was, seeing how it obviously doesn’t breath, whilst carefully moving towards their fallen companion she crouched beside him and attempts to assess Alex's condition
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Tue 23 Sept 2014.

D'aden nocks an arrow, braces himself against the wall behind him, steadies his breathing, and calmly aims.

"Right, Desisdras!" Olven says, and thrusts forward with his spear once more, this time aiming for the woman's legs.

OOC:  Two attacks vs. her arms.

Jeram stabbed his spear, which the female avoided. She had less luck with Des' dual attack and both her arms fell unmoving to her side.

Gretta crouched next to Alex and D'aden nocked an arrow.

Olven thrusted his spear twice, first missing her left leg and then hitting her right leg, which buckled under her.

The black robe mumbled a few words of magic, to no apparent effect.

[OOC: Olven, as you mentioned attacking the legs in the IC portion of your post and her arms are already taken cared of, I'm redirecting this attack towards her legs.]

[What do you do?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

Moving around behind the woman, Des grabbed her neck.

"Hold!" he said. "I've got her."

The monk began to apply pressure to her throat.

"Tell us how to find the children and your death will be quick."

Move and Attack: Heroic Charge (-1 FP); Grapple: Neck (-3)
08:02, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 4 using 3d6. Judo 18-3(neck) = 15.
     Normally she would defend at -2 for a runaround attack, but that is a critical success, so she has no defense.
08:17, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 12 using 3d6. ST 11+5(2h) = 16.
     She must roll ST-5 to break free.

If she fails to break free, I'll begin to Strangle.

HP: 11/11     FP: 10/12
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Sat 27 Sept 2014.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 109):

Grettanah conceals her hand movement from the Witch, as a sheen of moisture appears on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

Des rounded the woman, her hood having fallen down and revealed her Attractive olive complexion, long black hair, and brown eyes, knelt behind her and grabbed her neck, asking for the whereabouts of the children.

Grettanah cast a spell, to no apparent effect. D'aden continued to aim. Olven attacked her other leg. His first attack missed, but his second did as much damage as he had done on her other leg.

The woman moved her arm, turned her palm to face Des, and shot another beam of heavy blackness at him, but even at this close distance he was able to dodge it.



[What do you do?]

Des maintained his grip and applied pressure to the woman's throat.

"Tell us where they are!" he said.

Attack: Choke Hold
12:10, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 8 using 3d6. Choke ST 11+3(hold) = 14.
     Victim rolls the higher of HT or ST at -6.
     She takes her margin of failure as crushing damage to her neck (x1.5 after DR).
     Victim also loses 1 FP, either way.

As Des squeezed the woman's throat, she went completely limp.

[OOC: She is either in a coma, dead, paralyzed, sleeping, or unconscious. You have to make an appropriate skill roll to find out which.]

The monk checked for signs of life.

"By the gods, I must have gone too far," he said. "Let's see if she's still alive."

13:11, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 10 using 3d6. Esoteric Medicine 15.

Jeram held his shield high, and had been standing to try and defend the dark blasts that emanated from the woman. Upon her falling to the ground Jeram aimed his spear at her and ensured that the monk would not be caught by surprise if she were to suddenly awaken.

GM passing a message

"She's dead," said Des. "Let's try to find a way to the children."

13:51, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7 using 3d6. Scrounging 12.
     Searching the room for any way to get down to the children, clues, or anything else relevant to that task.

GM passing a message

If the witch is truly dead I suggest you make sure by removing its head. As One can never tell about the dark powers they wield. she suggests

As the others begin to search for a way down, D'aden steps towards the depiction of the multi-headed dragon and says, simply and quietly, "We need to tear this down."

Des concentrated for a few moments, then put his fist through the woman's skull, just to be sure she was dead.

"I'll try to take care of this statue," he said.

He took a few steps back and centered his chi for a moment. Then he ran, leapt, and punched the statue, hoping to at least knock it out of the way, if not break it. He then sits and focuses on resting and recovering his spent energy.

Execution:
09:18, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 14 using 3d6. Power Blow 19.
     Costs 1 FP.
09:19, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 8 using 3d6. Karate 18-7(skull)+4(telegraphic)+4(AoA) = 19.
09:22, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 11 using 3d6+8. Power Blow Damage 3d+8 cr.
     Damage is x4 after DR (2 for the skull).

Statue:
09:28, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 16 using 3d6+8. Flying Leap 19.
     Costs 1 FP.
09:29, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 10 using 3d6. Jumping 16.
     Accidentally used the wrong dice the first time.
09:30, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 12 using 3d6. Karate 16.
09:31, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 12 using 3d6. Breaking Blow 15.
     Accidentally used the wrong dice the first time. Again. >_< Costs 1 FP.
09:31, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 39 using 5d6+14. Flying Leap Damage 5d+14 cr.
     The damage receives armor divisor (5), and the object is treated as Brittle.

Rest:
09:34, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 8 using 3d6. Breath Control 15.
     Takes 5 minutes to recover my FP.

Des punched his fist through the woman's skull, painting the floor with gore. He ran, jumped, and punched the metal statue, causing it to fly off the altar, hit the wall behind it, and fall down on the floor, seemingly without any serious damage, if any damage at all.


[So Des is resting for 5 minutes. Alex will wake up another 10 minutes after that (15 minute total), but will need more healing before he's back on his feet. So everyone has time to rest and anyone who can heal is needed.]

Jeram turned away as the monk released the woman's brain matter across the floor; filthy business, it was amd the man wasn't too fond of seeing it. "Not right, it isn't" he said under his breath.

The statue was less disagreeable to Jeram but the whole situation had left a bitter taste in his mouth. "Might be worth resting somewhere out of the way" he suggested while moving away from the corpse.

Being a Devout Grettanah was used to the sight of all manner of injuries, so was not overly perturbed by the witches demise. Turning she set about rendering what assistance she could to those who were injured  and recouping from her efforts.

ooc could I get an idea who's injured and by how much thank you
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

Grettanah cast another healing spell on Alex, to no apparent effect.

Returning his arrow to the quiver, D'aden began to systematically search the area with an eye towards noting where people entered and left the area.

His companions didn't seem to be listening to Jeram. D'aden was too interested in exploring the confines of the single room, Grettanah finding the status of the others, Des resting, and Alex being unconscious.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:31, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

When Desidras rams his fist through the dead woman's skull, Olven's face twists in distaste.  "There was no call for that, monk," he says.  "I trust that you're not going to start desecrating every enemy corpse from here on out."

He joins D'aden in scrounging around the room, searching for anything out of the ordinary.  He considers Jeram's suggestion.  "I don't think it's a good idea to move Alexander, at least until he regains consciousness.  We can move the woman's corpse, though."  He walks over to the dead woman.  He has seen bloodshed many times, but he has not often witnessed such brutal ferocity towards a fallen foe."

OOC:  Olven will attempt to move the woman's body to one of the already explored rooms.  If he has time before Alex wakes up, he'll rest for 5 minutes.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:25, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

Olven and Jeram left with the body and returned a little time later without it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:37, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

OOC: Jeram would have likely helped to ake the body out, would it be possible for this?

Jeram understood that the others might be pre-occupied with the collection of information and the notion to keep Alex still until his consciousness had recovered was sound "He'll be okay, I trust?" he said, nodding to the fallen of the group.

Jeram's skill lay entirely outside the healing arts and therefore his contribution to the situation was minimal - he instead resigned to moving the body of the fallen foe, being careful to avoid spoiling himself with the gore that flowed from her head.

"Ensuring enemies are fallen and incapable of surprising, or fighting again is a sound tactic. I'm not sure this one may have posed a threat after the damage she'd taken. But I'll admit I am all too unfamiliar with anything mystical" he said, while moving the body. He had finished opponents in the past and supposed that the unsettled feeling inside was due to the fact that she was female. He had no issue getting a job done, that was needed, but always felt a little less after fighting in such situations.

In reply to Olven Wolf (msg # 129):

Master Wolf I can but presume Master Desidras did so in responce to Our suggestion that the Witches Head be removed Grettanah informed in support of Desidras'es action. I percieve he did not consider it's overtly gruesome exercusion
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

"Indeed, master Wolf," said Des. "My actions were only taken by recommendation. I see no reason to make a habit of it."

"Besides, using another method might have meant dulling one of the King's new blades. That would mean less value to rebuld the city with."
As is often the case, it is difficult to tell whether D'aden is completely serious.

Grettanah continues to kneel beside the fallen companion praying  A gentle warmth flows from her hands into Alex, as she rests she gives a slight shake of her head apparently annoyed by her failing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Mon 06 Oct 2014.

Grettanah continued to heal Alex. Everyone rested. And Alex woke up, though still in need of healing.

Unless we assist Master Alex out to the wagon I will need to a short time before attempting trying this again; and this may not help, as his injuries are quite considerable, and have drained my capacity to provide healing to any for the remainder of the day She informs the others leaving the decision to them

Crouching down near Alexander, Olven Wolf looks the white wizard over.  "How do you feel, Alexander?" he asks.  "Are you well enough for us to help you back to the wagon?"  He straightens back up and frowns.  "Time's ticking, but he'll be safer back with the horses.  I'll help take him back if the rest of you need to rest here.  I'm worried about what we'll face down here without Alexander's expertise to guide us."

"I'll be able to get back with help," Alex said. "I'm not feeling very well. These injuries are quite taxing."

So with that, the heroes helped Alex out to the wagon so that he could recuperate.


[OOC: At this point everyone, other than Alex is in great shape. So what do you do now?]

After Alex is safely back at the wagon, Olven turns to the others.  "Once more into the breach, eh?" he says, and heads back to the Lyceum.  Once inside, he heads for the one remaining door in the hallway where the group fought its last battle and opens the door.

As the heroes examined the double door, they noted that it, like one previous double door in the Lyceum, had been melted shut.

"Looks like we're going forward," Desidras said. "Rest up and heal up. We'll need our strength for what lies ahead."

Maybe this will help?
08:34, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 8 using 3d6. Esoteric Medicine 15.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 142):

Grettanah watched on curiously at the Healing method Master Rak-Mahl applied to assist Master Dross. Making some mental notes. As the group headed back to the passages pausing in front of a doorway that had been melted shut Grettanah considered this for a moment. With a shrug she moved along with the others
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Sat 12 Mar 2016.

Glancing at the door for a second, Olven examines the melted doors, then turns and looks down the corridor.  "Sing out if you see anything interesting," he says, and then he heads down to the hallway they haven't explored yet.

OOC:  OK, Olven will head down the last hallway that leads to the lower right area.

As the heroes went down the corridor, now with both walls of hewn stone, they soon saw one branch to the right. But that branch came to an end at the edge of their light without a door in the wall.

But not much beyond that branch, someone seemingly had broken through the wall leaving some rubble on the hewn stone floor in the corridor and a hole in the wall to something beyond, while the corridor itself continued forward and turned to the right at the edge of their light.

Looking out through the hole in the wall, the heroes saw a room with smashed wooden benches and a smashed wooden lectern scattered throughout the room, which in its entirety was bathed by their light, which was fairly even sized, though not square on their side of the room. The tools used to break through the wall remained among the rubble.

On the other side of the room, was a steel bound wooden door, like most the other doors they had seen in the Lyceum, the walls of this room were all hewn stone like the floor and the ceiling.

[OOC: After some comments, I'm trying to make your traveling options more obvious in my posts. I hope that works for you. Let me know if you have any feedback on how I can improve the game or my GMing style.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Tue 14 Oct 2014.

Jeram had positioned himself to the front of the group. If they were to come across anything further it was likely that a shield at the front would help the group most. His eyes were peeled and his head turned, following the corridors and rooms as his eyes roamed hungrily. Natural stoicism, of which he had plenty, was lost in the foreign environment. Here, he was certainly out of his element and much more accustomed to sprawling battlefields, sieges and the life of a soldier in general. Small groups and meandering through depths and dungeons was still very new to the shield-wielding warrior.

The man pressed on pushing, keeping step with the other mercenary as he watched for any possible threat.

The group he was with was interesting indeed, beautiful women, men seemingly creating miracles with his hand - using techniques of healing that Jeram had never even seen before. He himself was capable of helping an injured person, but was more used to putting the wounds into people than helping rid the world of such issues but nothing like he saw.

Hidden talents, some complimentary characteristics and interesting people. They would work well in his company of mercenaries. Jeram considered the idea with a slightly bemused attitude and wondered how well they'd handle being rained upon by archers, or charged by heavy plated warriors. A grin spread on his face.

"Interesting door..." he said offhandedly at the melted consturct.



Observation/perception, keep an eye out

"What do you make of this hole?" said Desidras. "I am not beholden to exploring the room, but its desecration is enticing."

He poked his head in the hole. Master Rak-Mahl was not usually the inquisitive sort, but the room's haphazardness was cause for intrigue.

If there are no immediate objections, he will go in and take a look around, see if there are any clues. (Perception roll.) the

OOC: Edit was epic. Subsequent post just as epic! Keep them coming folks!

Des went out the hole and into the room, looking around among the debris. All walls, as well as ceiling and floor, were hewn stone just like in the corridor. He took a peak outside the door, but not carrying a light source, he couldn't really see anything out there.

As the others joined him, light spread into the corridor beyond the door, and they could see that it went straight away from the door for as far as they could see. The ceiling continued to be just inside the edge of light where they were standing, but quickly vanished in the darkness beyond the further away from the light they looked.

Close to the edge of the light one statue on each side of the corridor were housed in alcoves. And though the heroes could only see the legs from where they were standing, it appeared that the statues would be tall enough to reach the ceiling.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

"Not sure what was in here, but whoever destroyed the formerly-secret door seems to have gone to great lengths to do so."

Des returned through the hole.

"Nothing terribly interesting in there, I'm afraid," he said. "Whatever it was seems to be gone. Shall we continue?"

Unless someone wants to take a closer look at the room, He will try the door on the opposite side.

In reply to Desidras Rak-Mahl (msg # 150):

Master Rak-Mahl I suspect a cursory glance of the room was not sufficient to assess the breath of its interior. Look here its entrance is flanked by two large statues. I surmise such would not be installed in a chamber that could be explored in less than a minute. Passing through the hole Grettanah looks about
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

D'aden moves to the hole in the wall, and looks up and down the corridor. After looking over the rubble, he expresses his assessment, "Considering the location of the damage, it's a fair bet that whatever was inside has broken out."
As he steps through the hole, he smiles and adds, "Whether that would make it safer to be in the room or out in the corridor is anybody's guess."

Grettanah cast a spell.


The heroes continued out the corridor and stopped briefly at the statues. As they had approached, it had been revealed that there were four alcoves in total, two on each side of the corridor.

The robed statues were made of blood red marble and their heads nearly reached the ceiling just inside the globe of illumination radiating from D'aden's lantern. The hods obscured the statues' faces in darkness and shadow. The right arm of each statue was extended at the elbow and a dull red globe rested in each of the four upturned hands. And on the left shoulder of each statue perched the dark figure of a gargoyle, also made of the same blood red material.

The heroes continued on to the four way intersection they could see from the statues, hewn stone all around them. In the center of the junction was the faded outline of a red circle and on the ceiling were etchings of shadowy runes.

Straight ahead were statues in new alcoves and a corridor that led further than the light allowed them to see. To both the left and the right were additional four way junctions but they couldn't see what was beyond them.

D'aden turned left and the other heroes followed him and his light. They soon saw a door beyond the intersection. There were some leaves on the floor and a faded black circle in the middle of the intersection. The carved runes in the ceiling had continued in this corridor. The other two side corridors also led to doors.

The heroes recognized their surroundings now. They were back to the beginning, just via another route.

[OOC: You have already explored both rooms on the left side of the "main corridor" and you are pretty sure that there is a third room on that side too. You have explored the middle room on the right side (the room you just came from). But you have not been further down the main corridor than the middle intersection. Nor down the corridor leading to the middle room on the left, as you entered that one from the behind just like you did the last room you explored.

And yes, I let D'aden take the lead because he had figured out where you were.

And just let me know if there's something we passed that you want to look at more closely and we can do so as we pass.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Fri 17 Oct 2014.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 153):

As they moved Grettanah turned to face different directions moving slightly as she did
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:20, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

As the heroes continued to explore close to the exit, they discovered another set of statues, these in black marble, without the gargoyles, and with the globes in their left hands, while the right hands are pressed across their chests.

The room beyond looks much like the previous one, except that all the furniture are still in working order. And they did discover another secret passage on the far side of the room, but not how to open it.

Back in the main corridor, the heroes went further inside, beyond the intersection where they had recently returned to it, and soon they saw a trio of spectral individuals, seemingly in deep discussion and without any light of their own. Like the previous intersections, there were another circle in this one, white this time. But unlike the others, the dust was undisturbed on this one.

As they came closer, they heard that they were discussing the three orders of magic and that they couldn't agree on the interpretation of their findings.

The three corridors they hadn't used all ended in doors. To the left and the right went past alcoves with statues in before reaching the doors. And the double doors straight ahead seemed to be melted shut like all the double doors they had encountered so far.

[OOC: What do you do?]

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 155):

Hoping not to disturb the trio of spectral individuals Grettananh paused and  if possible listened to their conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Mon 20 Oct 2014.

Jeram had remained quiet, for the most part, taking in the sights of the room and paying more attention than he might have normally. The rooms led to places and were grand and told tale of magic - something entirely outside of his particular area of expertise.

As the group approached the end of the corridor they came across another set of rock that had been melted. "I wonder what melted that door closed. I wonder more what might be beyond it "

Despite the fact that the heroes now both should have been seen and heard by the spectral figures, they seemed to be too engrossed by their discussion to pay any attention to them.

As he spoke Jeram realised his folly and hushed quickly to catch glimpses of the converstion.

Relieved that their presence didn't disturb the trio Grettanah continued to listen to their discourse

“The Order of Black robes is the best,” one of them said. “They focus on themselves and nothing comes in their way as they pursue increased power.”

“But power for power’s sake is nothing,” another added. “It is the compassionate and unselfish use of power to help those in need that will give you true power. It is the Order of White robes that is the best.”

“On the contrary,” the third interjected. “As White and Black are entrenched in their diametrical opposition, and always will be so, their tug of war distracting them from the truth, that one swift stroke of the blade of balance will cut the rope that are holding them up and both will fall in the muck. No it is the Order of the Red robes that is the best.”

The three continued their argument, endlessly trying to get the other to agree to their own point of view. Always failing. Never giving up.

Intriguing One wonders about the result of this discourse if each were to place themselves in the position of another. but that would only work if there were an even number both black and white switching with red whilst the reds switched places with the red and black she comments

"An interesting thought," the spectral figure arguing for the white robes said.

"Wizards conjuring a while in another's robe," the spectral figure arguing for the red robes said.

"But ultimately it would fail as no mage would like to try such an experiment," the spectral figure arguing for the black robes said.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 163):

Especially those who lacked a desire for knowledge; how would it be if the first Evokers felt that way. Choosing not to explore the unknown and remained content in their blissful ignorance. Would all that you know of the arts be available to you. Is it not true that the Arcana employed by the Robes has been afforded unto them by the Divine. She prompted introducing a separate issue deserving of much deliberation.

"All know that the gods of magic granted mortals high sorcery to temper the destructive powers of wild sorcery," the advocate of black said.

"It is so," the proponent of white agreed.

"Wild sorcery was too dangerous," the defender of red said. "And the gods rightly took step to control the powers laid in mortal hands."

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 165):

Grettanah smiled Then you are in accord, upon that which should allow a common reference for further discourse and deliberation upon similar grounds.

As they watch the spectral discussion, D'aden calmly puts away his weapon and takes out his mandolin. Quietly plunking a tune, he sings under his breath in counterpoint to the discussion, "Hey, did you ever think
That there might be another way
To just feel better, better about today

You know if you never want to leave
Why go away if you might feel better,
You might feel better if you stay

I bet you haven't heard a word I've said
If you've had enough of all your trying
Just give up the state of mind you're in

If you want to be somebody else and you're
Tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you want to be somebody else change your mind"

OOC: when you're to having a chat with 3/4 of the pac man's enemies, I figure a little impromptu music would help

"There has been no dispute on the fact that the gods brought us magic," Black said. "But my colleagues and I were talking about how infinitely more powerful the order of the black robes are compared to their puny brethren."

"No," White disagreed. "You were trying, in your insufferably foolishness, to assert that. But all know that it is the compassion of the white robes that grant them true power."

"You are both fettered in your preconceptions," Red said. "In your struggle for supremacy. It blinds you for what is clear to everyone else. That balance and freedom from restriction is what makes you truly powerful. And the red robes, because of it, is the most powerful order of high sorcery."

The spectral figures heard D'aden's music, but due to their discussion with each other and with Grettanah, as well as the fact that he was singing under his breath, they didn't hear his words. But the music was not enough to lure the trio into discussing something other than magic.

"It matters not who is more powerful if you do not live to use the power," said Des. "We are in search of children who may not live to find their way into any color of robes. If you can direct us as to how we may find them, we may find use to this discussion at that time."

"Children," Red said. "Rare they have been in these halls for many years now."

"But we have seen some of them lately," Black added.

"Downstairs," White concluded. "But not alone. No, not alone."

"We must go immediately," he said. "To the children!"

Des headed downstairs to find the children, hoping to Majere they were not too late.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Thu 23 Oct 2014.

The heroes left the spectral figures to their philosophical discussion on the merits of color the way they had come. Turned to their right into the other middle corridor, past wizards of blood red marble, just like on the opposite side, with gargoyles on their shoulders and globes in their hands.

The door was decorated with two panels, the upper one depicted great oak trees battling a thunderstorm and the lower one showed a single wizard encircled by a whirlpool, her hands outstretched as if she was fighting it as the trees above was fighting the storm.

Nothing had changed in this room since they were there yesterday, all furniture still destroyed and everything a mess. They spoke the password someone had scratched into the other side of the secret door located in the back of the room, causing it to open. THey followed the corridor to the right.

They soon exited in the large hall where they had met Estigon for the first time, the ceiling beyond what their light could illuminate, but it did show the intricately detailed and vibrantly colored fresco that covered the walls.

They then turned to the great blue marble statue next to them and opened another secret passage way. Downstairs, theirs was no longer the only light illuminating the room.

The floor was made of highly polished indigo marble that reflected the light, divided into square slabs that were wide enough for two warriors to fight next to each other. The slabs were separated by half a foot of what seemed to be a more durable form of mother of pearl. And the room was four slabs wide and ten slabs long.

The walls were covered by carvings that turned and twisted, weaving in upon themselves almost as if a living thing. Or as of snakes writhing below the surface. The ceiling was vaulted, supported by gilded plain pillars in the walls every two slabs turning into carved covered arches when they became part of the ceiling. The ceiling itself was of the same indigo marble, but not so polished as the floor. And maybe twice as far away as their torch would illuminate.

And compared to other places they had seen in the Lyceum, this place smelled clean.

In the middle of the room and evenly spaced out across its length, three gilded pedestals of curious workmanship had been purposefully placed. Above each floated an unsupported sphere of light around an object. Closest to the heroes a finely polished black rock was surrounded by a violet ball of light. Over the center pedestal, that was in the very center of the room, floated what looked like an exquisitely cut ruby surrounded by a crimson light. And furthest away was what appeared to be a diamond of purest quality surrounded by a white light. Each of the rocks were about the size of a human fist.

There were three doors in the left wall, each of them in a straight line from one of the pedestals. And one door in the right wall, in a straight line from the middle pedestal. The imagery on the doors now something the heroes were quite familiar with, robed wizards whose faces could not be seen because of the hood or the direction they were facing and their closed fist formed the doorknob. Behind the wizards were constellations of the night’s sky, each door with a different constellation than the next.

[OOC: For those players who have been here before, I messed up. Last time I failed to include the door in the right hand wall, even though it has always been there. That was my bad and hopefully that won't happen again.

What do you do?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:57, Thu 23 Oct 2014.

"If no one has any suggestions as to which door to try first, I shall meditate on it," said Des.

He sat cross-legged and tried to relax, but the thought of the children prevented him from focusing on nothing.

"Gods' sakes," he cursed himself. "Suggestions?"

16:23, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 16 using 3d6. Meditation 12.

Interesting she thought catching the specters comment You say the children are not alone, would you be willing to provide details of who or what is with them; or is that beyond the scope of arcane potential possessed by those of the robes?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

"Nothing is beyond the scope of a truly powerful wizard," Black said.

"Except the dragons," Red corrected.

"And the gods," White added.

And as Grettanah repeated her question about the children.

"Ah, the children," White said.

"In trouble they are, of magic most foul" Red added.

"Beyond the scope of wizards will their trouble take them," Black finished.

[OOC: This is a retroactive post regarding things that happened before you left the spectral figures upstairs. They do seem to be selectively hearing impaired, so there might be a trick to getting an answer out of them.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:49, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

D'aden walked a short distance into the room and looked around. "This is a fascinating place, but what I find most surprising is the lack of, well, supplicants. Most of us had heard of this place, before, so we should assume others had heard, as well. So why aren't these halls filled with wizards and would-be-wizards trying to prize the secrets from these walls?"
"Anyway, I would bet we can't go forward without choosing which robe we will wear."

Grettanah nods at D'aden's suggestion. An excellent idea, do you think this would also require knowledge of a password or such.

ooc added or is that beyond the scope of arcane potential possessed by those of the robes? to her question

While considering how to move on, the heroes checked the doors and despite the fact that none of the four steel doors had locks, the three doors to the left where locked. While the door to the right was not.

Beyond that door was a corridor that soon turned right in a corridor of hewn stone floor, walls, and ceiling.


[OOC: So, taking the easy way out or trying to figure out how to open the other three doors? And as a reminder, from last time the group was here (though not all players was part of the group at that time) the pedestals and the gems are enchanted.]

D'aden cocks his head sideways, looking at the gems and pillars. "You know, if this were a place dedicated to teaching magic, figuring out how to unlock those doors would be some sort of test. It would also make sense if the key were something given to the students."
Divesting himself, temporarily, of his mandolin and bow, D'aden removes the black cloak he had previously received. Addressing the others, he asks, "You don't suppose this thing could have something to do with it, do you?"

Grettanah moves over to one of the three locked doors and examines the area

ooc looking for symbols possible means of opening it ie does it look like the person requiring passage stood in a specific location or such. Have any of the others attempted to open the other doors used forced entry.

Grettanah went over to one of the doors, trying to find secret ways to get it open.

[OOC: Please specify which of the three doors you're looking at. Forced Entry has not been tried at this point. Do you have a tool in mind or do you want to kick the door in?

There is nothing wrong with taking the door that is unlocked. You can always come back to these later.]

Did any of you notice the way the images are portrayed she asks as she moves over to the door the images are staring at and starts to examine it then pauses turning to face the others Would you mind standing near the three doors as if you were the image. I'll point to a spot on thins one and you let me know if that's what the image there is focusing on.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:31, Sat 30 July 2016.

D'aden shrugs, says "couldn't hurt", and moves to the image he judges to be looking towards the door Grettanah is at. Carefully mimicing the images position, he nods to Gret and waits.

In reply to D'aden Tor VIII (msg # 183):

Grettanah points at a spot on the door then gets D'aden to adjust this location until it's resting on the spot the image may be focused on.

D'aden and Grettanah moved about according to her directions.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 185):

With a shake of her head Grettanah moved away from the door Oh well no harm. Thank you for assisting me Master D'aden

D'aden nods, then re-dons the black robe as he says, "My father always told me to give the healers my best. It was part of his claim that I would inevitably stretch their powers to the limit by foolishly rushing in where fell beasts would fear to tread. Like right now, for instance."
"I can't help but feel enormously curious about these pedestals and the doors they appear to be keyed to. I know what they say of curiosity and kitty cats, but I'm not feline."
Gathering his stuff, and putting away all but his quarterstaff, he steps to the door opposite the pedestal with the black marble above it. As he grasps the doorknob, he says, "Come, then, tell me your secrets that I may have power!"

The doorknob doesn't grab D'aden's hand back.

"Still locked. There you go, then. It's not about wearing a robe or announcing some philosophy. Probably requires some magical something or other at the pillar, and then the doors unlock on their own. Might as well press on, then."

The heroes abandoned the locked doors for now and continued the other way. Floor, walls, and ceiling remained hewn stone. The corridor turned right, right again some distance later, and left.

As they pressed forward, a roaring noise grew in volume, and having turned the third corner, they could see four alcoves, two on each side, filled with cascading water running upwards towards the ceiling.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 190):

Without entering the room Grettanah admired the display then turned to the others.
How novel... Water flowing up the wall; I suspect this would have taken some exceptional Magery to construct

As the heroes tried to move past the reversed waterfalls, the water coalesced into shapes and moved away from the walls, preventing them from continuing on. Four water elementals now standing in their way.


[What do you do?]

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 192):

Grettanah focuses for a short time
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Sun 14 Dec 2014.

D'aden trades his staff for his mandolin as he peers intently at the creatures, memorizing every detail, before saying, "Are we so fortunate that one of you can speak our language?"

"We were warned of elementals, but frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect." Olven Wolf straps on his shield and draws his axe.  "I don't suppose one of you knows some kind of freezing magic, do you?"

"I do not," said Des.

"Right."  Olven eyes the water elementals, wondering how he is supposed to fight a living waterfall.  "So these water fellas are guardians, right?"  Speaking to the elementals, he says, "OK, then, are you lot going to let us past, or are we going to have to get physical?"

The water elementals did not reply. Instead they attacked.

WE1 slapped Grettanah for 6hp.
WE2 slapped D'aden, but he was able to dodge the blow.
WE3 slapped Olven, but he to avoided being hit.
WE4 slapped Des, who expertly avoided the slap.


[What do you do?]

The monks hands flew in rapid succession towards his foe.

Attack: Triple Rapid Strike (-6)
09:46, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 6,4,13 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Karate 18-6(3xRS) = 12.
     Success. Critical success. Failure.
09:49, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,9,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Critical Hit Table.
     Accidentally rolled three times. Sorry!
     "If any damage penetrates DR, treat it as if it were a major wound, regardless of the actual injury inflicted."
09:51, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,8 using 1d6+4,1d6+4. Punch damage 1d+4 cr.
     First one is for the regular success. Second for the critical.

Knocked back by the solid blow Grettanah falls to the ground, tumbling into the adjacent wall.

D'aden skips back, and chides at the water, "Either you calm your wet selves down or I swear I'll throw dirt in you."
Then edges towards towards Grettanah in an attempt to make sure she's not seriously injured.

"Fine.  If you want to play rough, you'll find plenty here," Olven Wolf says, stepping back towards Grettanah even as he attacks the closest water creature.  His axe flashes through the air at the elemental once, then again.

OOC:  Two attacks.

Des punched one of the elementals twice and it felt like hitting hardened water, but the second strike brought the elemental to the ground.

Grettanah sat on the floor with her back against the wall and D'aden took his time trying to make sure how serious it was.


Olven Swung his axe twice against the elemental facing him, it sort of felt like swinging his axe through water, but slower. He hit both times.

One Water elemental stepped forward towards Grettanah and kicked her, but with luck beyond luck he hit the shield strapped to her arm.

Another followed D'aden, but its slap missed. And the one attacking Olven did likewise.

WE1 On Grettanah
WE2 On D'aden
WE3: On Olven
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

[OOC: As I forgot to take Grettanah's shield into account last attack, it saves the day this attack.]

[What do you do?]

"Are we hurting these things?" Olven asks, swinging his axe twice more against the closest creature even as he tries to maneuver closer to Grettanah.

OOC:  Two more attacks.

The Elementals blow winded her, taking a few deep breaths before trying to scramble to her feet.

ooc evade

Des crouched and struck fast at the downed elemental just to be sure.

Attack: Deceptive Attack (-2/-1)
21:23, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 13 using 3d6. Karate 18-2(DA) = 16.
     Target defends at -4 (-8 if stunned).
21:28, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 5 using 1d6+4. Punch damage 1d+4 cr.

D'aden side steps attempting to get between WE2 and the elemental attacking the Grettanah. As he does so, he whips out the borrowed sword and cuts at the water elemental.

OOC: 00:51, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 7,10 using 3d6,3d6. resist On The Edge (15), Overconfidence (12).
That's good, I don't have to try a push kick on the water elemental
00:56, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 6 using 3d6. fast-draw sword (15).
That's good, too, now I can try to hit him with the sword.
01:02, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 8 using 3d6. hit WE2 (smallsword - 14).
Yes, I actually managed to cut the water... oh... water...
01:03, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 10 using 2d6+2. sword damage.
sigh

Another two swipes of Olven's axe sailed through the elemental's water as he better positioned himself near the healer.

Grettanah rose to her feet.

Des crouched and punched again. The water elemental did not try to evade the strike.

D'aden moved and sliced his sword through the water elemental facing him, the movement of the sword feeling like it does when swung in water.

Olven used his shield to block the elemental's strike.

But Grettanah wasn't as lucky and her elemental struck her again, despite her efforts to avoid the attack. And she collapses on the ground. (Lose 7hp)

And D'aden received a wet slap too (lose 4 hp).

WE1 On Grettanah
WE2 On D'aden
WE3: On Olven
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

D'aden retreats, muttering "aiowwater" and sheathing his sword.

OOC: would you believe I'm retreating and sheathing my sword?

Des meditated for a moment, preparing his next attack.

Step to standing posture and Concentrate

"Keep fighting them!" Olven Wolf says, swinging his axe again.  "The priest said these elementals could be injured."  His heart sinks as Grettanah is struck again, but there is little the mercenary can do but continue his attack.

OOC:  Two more attacks.  Olven will try to place himself between Grettanah and the elementals.

Olven kept attacking the water elemental, the first swing connected, but the second did not, while taking up a defensive position over Grettanah.

At the same time Des was meditating and D'aden retreated, having sheathed his sword.

Two of the elementals now focused their efforts on Olven. But one of them missed and Olven blocked the other's attack with his shield.

One elemental swiped at D'aden, but missed.

The last elemental swiped at Des, but not only did he avoid the swipe, his will kept an iron hold on his concentration

WE1 On Olven
WE2 On D'aden
WE3: On Olven
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

[OOC: Des made a Critical Success on the Will roll to keep his concentration.]

[OOC: What do you do?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:13, Fri 30 Jan 2015.

The monk made an astounding jump towards one of Olven's foes, attempting to bury his fist in the elemental's midsection.

Attack: Flying Leap targeting WE1.
14:58, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 16,16,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Flying Leap 19-5 = 14; Jumping 16; Karate 18-2 = 16.
15:00, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,15 using 3d6,3d6. Luck Reroll.
15:02, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 34 using 5d6+15. Flying Leap damage 5d+15 cr.

”Come on, then!” he calls to the water elementals.  ”D’aden, see what you can do for Grettanah!”  He swings his axe again at the elemental he connected with last time, once, then again.

OOC:  Two more attacks.

D'aden nods, lifts a leg and pushes the flat of his foot against the water elemental to get past it, and then stumbles on towards Grettanah.

OOC: attempted a push kick to get maneuvering room, failed to connect by 2, and if it had connected would only have moved someone with ST of ten or less
13:53, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 13,4 using 3d6,d6-1. Push Kick (11), damage.

The heroes kept fighting. Des flew through the air and delivered what would have been a devastating kick with little impact.

Another two swings of Olven's axe brought a second elemental to the ground.

And D'aden clumsily stumbled towards Grettanah.

Des parried the elemental's swung arm.

D'aden dodged the arm of the other elemental.

WE1 On Des
WE2 On D'aden
WE3: Was on Olven. Face up.
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

[What do you do?]

Des struck three times at the elemental before him.

Attack: Triple Rapid Strike (-6)
10:19, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 10,8,9 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Karate 18-6(3xRS) = 12.
10:21, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 10,6,5 using 1d6+4,1d6+4,1d6+4. Punch damage 1d+4 cr.

His axe once again collides with one of the water elementals, and at the satisfying slap of steel on water, Olven Wolf once more lashes out with two attacks.  "I don't know if these are dead, but keep hitting them!" he calls out.

OOC:  Two more attacks.

Even as he moves to Grettanah, D'aden begins to ready his staff. Apparently he has decided that slicing the things with steel didn't work, so he'll try hitting them with wood. But he'll try that after he does what he can to aid the damaged acolyte.

Des hailed a barrage of punches over one of the water elementals, each punch hit home.

Olven drew the attention of the remaining elemental away from D'aden as his axe sliced water both times.

D'aden checked Grettanah.

One elemtal swiped at Des, but missed. The other swiped at Olven, but had his arm blocked.

WE1 On Des
WE2 On Olven
WE3: Was on Olven. Face up.
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

[What do you do?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:28, Thu 05 Feb 2015.

Des continued his assault.

Attack: Triple Rapid Strike (-6)
10:12, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 11,14,14 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Karate 18-6(3xRS) = 12.
     Stupid dice roller… LOL.
10:13, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7 using 1d6+4. Punch damage 1d+4 cr.

"Come on, then!" Olven says, swinging twice more with his axe, his blade slicing through air and water.

OOC:  Attack twice vs. the closest water elemental.

Deciding that the aid Grettanah required was a more pressing matter than the aid required by Des and Olven, D'aden warily attempts to aid the woman. "She doesn't look good, what we need is a healer of some sort. Yes, I do know but it helps to voice the frustration."

OOC: 03:43, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 14 using 3d6. first aid (-14).
sometimes all you can do is all you can do

ooc not sure but suspect she continues to bleed... slowly drainng of life with every second that passes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Sat 16 Jan 2016.

Des barrage of strikes mostly hit empty air, but one of them hit home.

Olven's axe kept slicing through water.

D'aden wants to help Grettanah, but he doesn't have any bandages to bind her wounds with.
[OOC: Using First Aid takes 1 minute, so that would be all you do for the next 60 combat rounds. You also need something to bandage her with.]

Both water elementals missed their attacks.


WE1 On Des
WE2 On Olven
WE3: Was on Olven. Face up.
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

[What do you do?]

"Can't help with healing," Olven Wolf says as he swung his axe once, then twice.  "Only have some bandages."  He concentrates on the water elemental before him.  These things are being hurt, weren't they?  Their alien bodies make it difficult to be sure.

OOC:  Two more attacks.

D'aden rips into his backpack and starts cutting up his tent. "All I can do is all I can do."
As fast as he can, he cuts the tent into makeshift bandages and attempts to prevent the injured woman from losing too much blood. As he works, he starts to sing nonsense, mostly to keep his rhythm.
Tunefully, he emits, "oheeman wellkantuzzle reelpizantu cudthengu inderdatay bell."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Sun 17 Jan 2016.

Des repeated his assault, landed more punches this time.

Attack: Triple Rapid-Strike (-6)
13:04, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 13,3,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6.  Karate 18-6(3xRS) = 12.
13:06, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 10,10 using 1d6+4,1d6+4.  Punch damage 1d+4 cr.
13:07, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7 using 3d6.  Critical Hit Table.
     "If any damage penetrates DR, treat it as if it were a major wound, regardless of the actual injury inflicted."

As D'aden started working on his makeshift bandages, Olven continued swinging his axe, missing the first time, but hitting the second. And Des continued punching the other, missing the first one, but also making one really solid hit, bringing the water elemental to the ground.



WE1 Was on Des. Prone. Likely dead or unconscious, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.
WE2 On Olven
WE3: Was on Olven. Face up.
WE4: Was on Des. Prone; likely stunned, but could be heart attack, agony, choking, daze, or ecstasy.

Grettanah is likely unconscious or dead, but could be in a coma, paralysis, or sleeping.

[What do you do?]

Des took a step toward Olven's foe and concentrated.

Once more, Olven lashes out twice with his axe in quick, sharp strokes.  "Keep it up!" the mercenary calls.  "They're falling - I think!"

OOC:  Two attacks.

With both Des and Olven teaming up on the last water elemental, it didn't stand a chance. It took a little while, but it was a forgone conclusion and it ended up on the floor like the others.

D'aden was able to cut a portion of the tent into strips and bandaged Grettanah.

[OOC: Do you have any way to quicken Grettanah's recovery from unconsciousness?

You have a buyer for elemental water back in Kalaman. Are you taking it with you? And if so, how are you going to transport it?]

The last of the water elementals dead, Olven Wolf wipes his axe of the excess water and sheathes it.  He kneels beside D'aden.  "I have bandages if you need them," he says.  He looks over at the pools the water elementals left behind.  "I suppose I can empty my wineskin and fill it with their essence," he says.  "Does anyone remember if we've passed some containers or flasks we could use to put their water into?  Maybe in that laboratory we found?"

He turns to look back down at Grettanah.  "We should rest here until she regains consciousness.  After that, maybe we should help her back to our camp for her to recuperate."

Humming under his breath, D'aden wracks his brain attempting to divine a method to heal the healer. Perhaps he passed something medicinal? Perhaps he had seen something useful? Carefully taking his time, he took a more careful look at Grettanah to assess, again, her condition.
Absently, he sings an answer to Olven,
"Don't mix your wine with that water, boy,
It'll stand and slap you down.
Don't try to swim in that clear blue pool,
You'll be pulled down and drowned."
Making more sense, he says, "There's a water skin in my backpack, you could dump the water and use it for a container."

OOC: looking for something to help the acolyte, succeeded in herb lore by four, succeeded in observation by four. Assessing the injuries of the acolyte made roll by two.
Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 7,9,12 using 3d6,3d6,3d6.  herb lore(11),observation(13),first aid(14)

As both of them filled their waterskins with elemental water, they recalled that there had been glass tubes and beakers in the wizard lab and they had run into a kitchen previously too, so there might be additional containers to fill. Though some of them might be difficult to keep closed.

They waited for their companion to regain consciousness and it took about an hour before Grettanah was back among the wake.

[OOC: It's been an hour. If you want to spend some of that time getting more containers that's fine. Though you would either risk leaving Grettanah on her own while recuperating or going back upstairs alone.]

Olven waits while Grettanah remains unconscious.  He takes the opportunity to clean his weapons, particularly his axe.  "I like your songs, D'aden," he says at length.  "We soldiers normally have marching songs, but it's nice to hear another tune."

Once Grettanah wakes, Wolf gets to his feet.  "How are you feeling, Grettanah?" he says.  "Feel like walking back to camp?  If not, maybe we can fashion some kind of makeshift stretcher for you."

He turns to D'aden and Desideras.  "Let's go back and get some more containers if we can.  We'll pack up what we can of this elemental water."

OOC:  Here's my suggestion.  Backtrack to get containers from the lab and kitchen.  Everyone go together.  Come back here and fill them if we can, then escort Grettanah back to the camp (or heal her here?).  Then proceed to explore some more.

Grettanah was stiff and sore from her injuries which prevented her from fully absorbing any events that were taking place around her. Slowly sitting up she focused on her Paladine catechisms quietly repeating these as she did.

Grettanah called upon Paladine and soon she was healed from all of her wounds.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 238):

Roused and healed from her injuries Grettanah gives a prayer of thanks to Paladine for his blessings then rises and enquires about the condition of her companions. Seeing what she can do to assist with their injuries.

ooc Guys please recall she'd previously cast healing on some, so she may not be able to provide magical healing to them again today. Each additional casting places a -3 to her skill.

"I'm not injured, Grettanah.  I don't know about the others."  Olven checks to make sure he has all his gear, and then stands to his feet.  "After everyone's wounds have been tended to, let's take this water back to camp and then explore more of the Lyceum."

OOC:  Olven wants to return to camp to drop off the elemental water.  Let's get everyone healed up, and then return to our exploration.

Can we get an update of what we've explored already?

Grettanah gave the others a quick medical look.

D'aden happens to be the kind of guy that gets knifed, keeps going, and says it's 'only a flesh wound'. He did get a wet slap from that mean ole water, but that bit of bruising won't hold him back, much.
As it is, he's more interested in what they're planning to do next than in being healed. "It might be a good idea to scout a bit around the camp. Wouldn't want our horde overrun by dracs, would we?"

Olven Wolf nods his head.  "Couldn't hurt," he says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.  "I'm concerned about the children who might be held on this floor, though.  A quick scout, and then return here to keep on exploring this place?"

Glancing around the group she stepped forward Prayed to Palandine and rested her hand on Daden. Following this she agrees they should return to the campsite to appraise them of their progress. ooc Just a flesh wound aye Daden...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Sat 06 Feb 2016.

Grettanah cast a spell on D'aden. The heroes returned to their camp without incident. Except, when they arrived at camp, the horses were nervous. It took some time for Grettanah's people to calm them down.



[We got you back to camp and you can decide how long you want to scout the area surrounding it.

And with the return after our prolonged hiatus, the people guarding your stuff in camp, now work for Grettanah.]

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 245):

Greeting those at the campsite Grettanah asking them how things went while they were away.

"Skittish horses we have, eh?" Olven says when they reach camp.  He looks around the area, shading his eyes with one hand.  "I don't want to spend too much time scouting.  What do you guys think?  Scout for maybe an hour, and then return to the Lyceum?"

OOC:  About what time is it?

In reply to Olven Wolf (msg # 247):

Considering what we just encountered, I'd suggest that splitting the group isn't prudent, especially for an Hour.

Olven shrugs.  "Then in that case, let's return to the Lyceum."  He turns to the servants watching their mounts.  "Have you noticed the horses acting strangely, or heard anything out of the ordinary?"

"Not at all sir," one of them said.

"Here, let me try something."  Olven Wolf sets off back toward the Lyceum.  "I'll be back in five minutes," he calls over his shoulder.  "Just talk amongst yourselves until I get back."

OOC:  Olven will walk about 500 yards away and then turn around and come back to camp.

Looking about the others she considered the situation. Do you wish to return to Lyceum or shall we continue to explore this complex. she asked them

Olven walked away and soon enough he returned. As he approached, the horses were spooked again and their minders had to calm them down again.

"See?  They're just reacting to us returning to camp," Olven says.  "OK, after we finish lunch, let's return to the Lyceum."

Olven digs into his pack, digs out a package of dried fruit and nuts, and begins eating.

OOC:  OK, take 30 min. for lunch, and then return to the Lyceum.

In reply to Olven Wolf (msg # 254):

Really... Would you care to try that again after the horses have completely calmed down without adding And there isn't a possible threat lurking about watching and waiting. She prompted Olven, before looking at Dross, Tor and Rak Mahl waiting for their reply to her question.

Olven shrugged.  "Sure.  We can try it after lunch.  The horses are just sensing us, that's all."  He munches a handful of dried apricots.

The heroes ate their lunch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:38, Sat 13 Feb 2016.

D'aden wanders around the camp trying to figure what has been through the area by examining the tracks, saying, "maybe we can get a rabbit, or two. If you find one that's been eating the right greens, you can make a great stew with nothing else."
As he does so, he alternately looks at the sky, and then at the ground. Occasionally he'll remark about a cloud "that one looks like a one-eared mule" or some plant he finds "shouldn't these little fronds be blue?"

OOC: tracking to figure out what has been through the area around the camp (made by 3), weather sense(13) to get an idea of what the weather will be like after their next excursion to the lyceum, naturalist(13) to gather anything that might be helpful for future healing.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Sat 13 Feb 2016.

The heroes spent an hour scouting the area surrounding their camp. They didn't find anything of consequence.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:04, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

Olven shrugs his shoulders.  "It's a good idea to stay alert, anyway.  Let's head on back to the Lyceum and continue our search there."

OOC:  Return to the Lyceum.  Continue to search the 2nd floor, starting from where we left off with the water elementals.

D'aden prepares to return to The Lyceum with the others, but attempts to lighten his load. Other than his mandolin, lantern, and weapons, his other accoutrement is left behind. "It's not like we'll need a tent while we're inside."
"I saw only the tracks of small animals around the caravan, and it's probably going to rain, anyway. I figure my stuff will be just fine here with the wagons."

The heroes returned to the Lyceum. Back to where they had encountered the water elementals. As they moved further down the corridor, they saw two barred doors, as if leading to cells. They could hear sounds of pain coming from the one to the right.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 262):

Glancing in Barracks direction she indicated her intention to check out the sound. Cautiously moving across to the door which she assesses. Ooc does it have a lock, is it timber, a small shutter & window?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:19, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Olven tries the door on the right, quietly seeing if it will give way.

"Is anyone good at picking locks?" he asks quietly.  "I can try to force it open, but it may be pretty loud."

In reply to Olven Wolf (msg # 264):

Perhaps. Grettananh replied as she peered through the bars, slowly scanning the area in an attempted to locate the source of the groans.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

They discovered a human male teenager chained to the ceiling. When he saw the heroes, he addressed them.

"Help me."

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 266):

Who put you in here and why? Grettanah asks.
Ooc she'll attempt to detect magic in the room.

Olven's heart goes out to the boy chained to the ceiling.  "This could be a trap," the mercenary says, "But we need to help him."

To the boy, he says, "Are there any other prisoners?"  Olven examines the chains to see how the boy is held captive, testing them to see if he is strong enough to break them.

"There's probably a key around someplace.  Let's see if we can find it."

OOC:  Examine the chains.  Try to find out what the boy knows about who did this to him and where they are right now.

"I don't know," the teen answered, his chains attached only to the ceiling 12 feet above them. "They have my sister. I think they have taken her to the center of the maze."

Grettanah cast a spell.

[OOC: The chains are out of your reach.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

His eyes on the chains, D'aden begins to trace them back to their origin, while he says, "Ah, the missing children. Did you see where they pulled the chains to lift you up, or did they just climb on a bench and hoist you bodily?"

"The latter," the boy said. "Please take me down." His voice was very pleading.

"We'll help you," Olven reassures the lad.  "OK, the key to his chains ought to be here somewhere nearby."  Olven scans the room, looking for the key.  "We should probably check the nearby rooms."

OOC:  Search the room for a key or anything else interesting.  If no key is apparent, continue to explore this area.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sat 20 Feb 2016.

Olven tried both doors, but both of them were locked.

D'aden surveys the room trying to note tracks into or out of the doors. "You say you don't know who put you there, do you know what they were?"
As he talks, he is preparing his bow and examining his arrows, looking for the straightest one.

Olven leans on his spear.  "Tell us everything you can about your captors," he urges.  "How many of them are there?  Are they men, dracs, or something else?"

"I think I can reach those chains," said Des. "Give me a moment."

He backed up a few yards and concentrated for a moment, then darted forward and leapt up, taking a swing at the chains.

11:53, Today: Secret Roll: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 9,9,9 using 3d6,3d6,3d6.  Flying Leap 19 (1 FP); Jumping 16; DX 16.
     I have a 19 foot vertical jump with a running start and time to concentrate. The DX roll was for a safe landing afterwards, though I'm not sure whether I needed to do that or not.
11:56, Today: Secret Roll: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 11,15,31 using 3d6,3d6,4d6+17.  Breaking Blow 15 (1 FP); Karate 18; punching damage 4d+17 cr.
     That's 31 crushing damage with armor divisor (5), and it treats the chain as Fragile (Brittle).

"Help me down and I'll answer your questions later," the teen said.

Des almost literally flew through the air, his foot hitting one of the bars, barely missing the lock and that bar exploded like shattered glass, though each sliver was too small to do any damage to anything it hit in its path away from where it had been.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:22, Mon 29 Feb 2016.

"Perhaps I can shoot the chain free," says D'aden, "assuming you can hold very still."
He has chosen one of his arrows, and holds his bow in his other hand. Staring at the child trapped at the ceiling, D'aden imagines his shot, looking at the chains, his focus narrowing until it encompasses but a single link. The chain appears to be iron, and each link has been forged so it shows no weld line. The straightest and truest arrow in his quiver is calmly nocked in his bow. As he lifts the bow and rotates his wrist to bring the bow into a vertical alignment, his other arm draws back. Standing and sighting along the arrow, his thumb resting just behind his cheekbone, D'aden focuses on a single link at the ceiling. Carefully bringing his focus to nothing but the shot, D'aden takes his time to aim. He has been calmly breathing in and out, but as he feels the shot waiting to be made, D'aden exhales and stills himself. His hand gently releases the arrow as a tree releases a leaf. Through the air the shaft flies, the arrowhead entering the link D'aden had focused on, spreading the link, and breaking it. The chain falls free of the loop in the ceiling.
"I'm pretty sure I can do it."

OOC: using his visualization talent to imagine the shot before he makes it, IQ roll succeeded by four, so a possible bonus of four, as modified by GM, 22:55, Today: D'aden Tor VIII rolled 10 using 3d6.  IQ (14) roll for Visualization.

D'aden released the arrow and it flew straight and true and hit the link, but harmlessly bounced away. Clattering as it landed on the floor in the cell.

"Desidras, can you break the rest of the bars like you shattered the first one?"  Olven looks around the room.  He can't help thinking this is a trap, but surely this is the young man that the farmer told them was missing.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 27 Feb 2016.

Stepping away from the warriors as they attempt to break the gate, Grettanah looks through the bars at the room beyond. Scanning the room for signs of recent activity, possible threat and a means to unchain the Teenager; consulting with Barrack as she does.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

"I could try," he said, "but it will be quite taxing, especially if I keep missing. I'll give it another shot."

He again attempted to destroy the lock mechanism with his fist.

21:18, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 7,15 using 3d6,3d6.  Flying Leap 19 (1 FP); Jumping 16.
21:20, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 12,8,33 using 3d6,3d6,4d6+17.  Breaking Blow 15 (1 FP); Karate 18; punching damage 4d+17 cr.

FP: 8/12

Olven Wolf waits patiently as the monk continues to try his attack.  Desidras's abilities are quite potent.  Wolf is glad that the monk is on their side.

OOC:  Scan the area for hostiles.  Listen carefully in case someone is sneaking up on us.

D'aden looks forlornly at the arrow on the floor beneath the chains.
"Well, I did hit the chain. Mayhap after it's broken I can claim to have weakened it for ye."

This time Des hits cleanly and the lock shatters in so many tiny little pieces.

Looking up as the lock to the bar door shatters she glances at Barrack giving him a nod.  Interesting technique don't you think Master Barrack she quietly asks.

"Nicely done, Desidras! - ah, and D'aden, too."  Olven pushes open the door and looks into the holding cell.  He looks around for traps, suspicious of this place.

OOC:  Open the door but don't go inside yet.  Look for anything suspicious.

GM passing a message.

Olven enters the cell and examines the chains holding the boy, looking for a weak link.  "Desidras, how strong are you?  Can you yank the chains out of the wall?"

"My strength is limited to small bursts," he said. "And I must be wary of tiring myself out. If there is no other way to release the prisoner, I can attempt one more attack."

I figure it would be more than just a single chain keeping him shackled to the ceiling. If not, the flying leap/breaking blow combination could work.

D'aden ranges about the area, looking for something to stand on. While doing so, he retrieves the arrow he fired at the chains and returns it to his quiver. "We really need to find some way to get to the lad, otherwise removing the chains will precipitate a fairly bad fall."

GM passing a message

"Shall we pause here to let Desidras rest, and then continue on with our exploration?"

Olven turns to the boy chained to the wall.  He grimaces in apology.  "I'm sorry, lad.  We'll try to get you out of those chains as soon as we can.  For now, just try to stay calm."

OOC:  Olven suggests resting until Desidras is ready.  Then, close the door to make it look like it hasn't been broken open and continue our exploration.  Surely the keys are around here someplace.

"Don't go," the boy cried. "You cannot leave me here!"

Olven looks at the boy in concern.  The youth's plea tugs at the mercenary's heart.  "We need to get you out of those chains," he says.  "Do you know anything about the people who put you there?  And where is the girl who was abducted?  We need to find her, too."

"I've already told you about my sister," he said. "Please take me down." His pleading request ended in convulsing tears.

Looking around for the room there didn't appear to be anything they could use to climb on to reach the youth. Grettanah mentally ran through the contents of the rooms they had passed through hoping to determine if there was anything in one of them they could use to reach the Youth.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Thu 10 Mar 2016.

"Right, you mentioned she was in a labyrinth."  Olven rubs his chin and considers the situation.  "Well, I can stay here to keep the kid safe," he says.  "You lot can look for the key or the girl, but I'd rather not split up."

He turns back to the boy.  "We will get you out of here, you have my word.  But in order to do that, we need to find the key to release your chains.  And we need to find your sister, too.  I need you to be brave for her and wait for us to come back."

GM passing a message

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 299):

Barrack if you don't mind I'll need you to assist me with some furniture Grettanah quietly prompts.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:30, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

"I'll see if there's some trail to follow, if we could track the creatures we could probably catch up with them... we're not trying to move a girl."
D'aden begins to study the floor and try to piece together which way they went, not because they weren't told but because he needs to become familiar with the traces the other party had left.

Leaving the others to their own machinations Grettanah left the cell heading to retrieve the furniture.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Sat 12 Mar 2016.

Olven Wolf coughs politley.  "Must be my camouflage," he says, smiling.

D'aden is too busy deciphering the trail of footprints in the dust to pay any attention to any slight, intended or otherwise. On the other hand, D'aden doesn't appear to pay attention most of the time, anyway. This is, probably, a poorly executed ruse to obscure the fact that he's planning ways to neutralize his fellow heroes in the event they turn bad.

D'aden looked for tracks as Grettanah and Barrack left.

[OOC: There was a little skipping ahead there. No one left until this post.]

Olven waits patiently for furniture and further clews.  While Grettanah and her giant dwarf are gone, he tugs experimentally on the chains shackling the youngster to the wall.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 305):

Returning to the Cell carrying a Table between them, the pair crossing to a spot under the Youth where they placed the table. Its pleasing to see that there are such co-operative and helpful people about wouldn't you agree Barrack.

"I'll be with you momentarily," said Des. "I will be more useful with a bit of rest." He sat meditating for a few minutes, while the others moved furniture and searched the ground for tracks.

09:13, Today: Desidras Rak-Mahl rolled 15,12,7,10 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,3d6.  Breath Control 15.
     Assuming I have four minutes to spare, that should recover the lost FP.

Returning from an examination of the vicinity, D'aden has a puzzled look on his face. "I can't seem to find any  tracks indicating a group of people took a hostage from here. How long ago did you say they took your sister?"

"I don't know," the teen responded. "Please get me down. Please."

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 310):

That's what we are trying to do. she informs the Youth. Why do you think we brought this table here?

Olven crosses his arms.  "We can't stay here all day, kid.  We have to rescue your sister, too."

The mercenary examines the boy's chains, looking for a weak link, a keyhole, anything to give an indication of how to get the chains off.

OOC:  Examine the chains.

GM passing a message
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 10:51, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

Olven examines the keyhole in the chain.  "We need some lockpicks, I think.  That or the key to these chains."  He thinks for a moment more.  "Perhaps a magic spell could be used to open these chains as well."

He looks around at the others and back at the scared teenager.  "Can anyone pick this lock?  If not, we'll need to hunt down the key."

Perching on the edge of the table Grettanah changed positions allowing her dress to slide onto the table top. She then rose standing slightly to the right of the youth. Looing up she calculated the distance from her to the chains.

ooc can anyone reach them or will the chairs be needed for this?

D'aden wanders over from his examination of the tracks in the area, and starts looking closely at the youth hanging at the ceiling. "I've taken a good look around, there doesn't appear to be a key nearby. We'll likely have to break the things."
After he retrieves the arrow he shot and returns it to the quiver, he divests himself of his weapons and ammunition. As he sets the things carefully aside, he says, "I wonder how much weight the anchor points will hold, maybe if one of us just grabs the chain and adds a little force it'll pop loose."
Climbing to the table top next to Grettanah, he positions himself beneath one of the chains on the boys ankle and says to her, "ware, I'm going to jump" before he gathers himself and leaps to grab the chain as near to the ceiling attachment as possible.

OOC: vertical jump 38", made roll to jump by six, made roll to catch chain by 4

In reply to D'aden Tor VIII (msg # 316):

Grettanah looks in shock at the man's comment; just as he jumps up to grab the chain. Don't forget the anchor attached to the Youth's ankles are you intending to break these in your attempt to get him out of them.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:49, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

D'aden jumped up, grabbed one of the chains, and hung there.

Its apparent from that they are not high enough to reach the youth. Perching on the table she wonders what else they can do.
Barrack do you think there is anything else we can use to reach the boy, without having to spring off the table and hang from chains. She asks looking intensively at the other party members.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

Rising she glares at the others Simpletons. she comments. before rising to stand beneath the locks, her arm extended attempting to reach the chain as she focuses and after a snort time the lock clicks open. Changing position she repeats the process three more times, Releasing the boys legs first to allow him to reach the table after a minute the boy is free from the chains that bind him. Grettana assesses his injuries and casts a suitable healing spell on him. ooc how badly injured was he?
[
19:22, Today: Secret Roll: Grettanah Ulgrur rolled 4,13,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6 with rolls of 1,2,1,6,5,2,1,2,3.  2nd,3rd&4th locks

18:47, Today: Secret Roll: Grettanah Ulgrur rolled 10 using 3d6.  lockmaster @19.

19:27, Today: Grettanah Ulgrur rolled 8,7 using 3d6,3d6 ((3,1,4,1,5,1)).
First aid and Major Healing for 6 points.

FP 0 of 10
]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Tue 22 Mar 2016.

D'aden hangs from the chains for a moment, and replies when Grettanah asks about a better way to reach the boy, "you know, if there were another way to reach the boy, only a fool would have sprung from the table and hung from the chain."
Kipping his feet to the ceiling, D'aden pulls as hard as he can on the chain. "Unnnh, on the other hand, perhaps I was attempting to show off for a pretty lady. That wouldn't make me a fool... just a man."
Finally, he releases the chain and drops back to the table as Grettanah is opening the locks, "even wise men can't say what made them wise, but all men know what makes them foolish."

After casting her spells, Grettanah was very tired, so she sat down to rest for a few minutes.

"Thank you so much," the boy said and cried tears of joy.

[OOC: All of you have all of your FP back now. And the boy has been freed. What do you do?]

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 322):

Fully rested Grettahan, looks at the youth. Right now we can find your friend. she states; slipping off the table she had been recuperating on, giving Barrack a smile she exits the room. Once in the hall she moves to Barrack's left as they travel along the hallway looking for this maze the Youth had mentioned.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Wed 23 Mar 2016.

D'aden picks up his gear, and re-distributes it as necessary. "She means your sister, lad. We heard you'ld gone missing on our way here. I guess the two of you got a little bored with the milking and shoveling. Do they have the youngsters spread the manure at home? I remember that like it was yesterday. Sometimes there'ld be a fair portion of straw, and if it got left to dry for fuel, it'ld shoot up sparks at the hearth. I used to save the ones I thought were especially good to toss in when the cook made me mad."
As he prepares to head out, he says to the boy, "Did you see which door they left by?"

When Grettanah unlocks the chains with her magic, Olven Wolf says, "Finally."  He collects his gear and picks up his spear.

"Lad, do you want to accompany us?  It may get dangerous.  We have a camp not far from this place where you can rest and wait for us if you want."

He steps out into the hallway so he can watch where Grettanah is going.  Turning to D'aden, Olven smiles wryly.  "At least you tried something," he says, grinning.

"They took her that way," the boy said and pointed in the direction Grettanah was going. "And I would very much like to go to your camp."

Nodding his head, Olven asks the others, "Shall we escort the kid back to camp?  He'll be safe there.  Then we can go find the girl."

OOC:  Unless someone objects, Olven will lead the boy back to the camp and return.

Moving along the pair continue to search the this girl.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

Olven excorted the boy back to camp and returned to the others.

Grettanah came to an intersection with corridors going forward, left, and right. A door baring the way in each direction.