OOC: New thread everyone

Almost if on cue as Dualis points at the doors, two drow appear.  One is male and the other female.  The female looks a bit like Trinny.

The male drow says "I hope I'm not interrupting.  The name's Trysk."

Actions?

--DM2

Trysk is a male Drow with long silver hair, jet black skin and violet eyes.  He appears to be of average height (5 feet) and weight (100 lbs). He is plainly dressed in a simple tunic, leather pants, high soft boots and a fine hooded cloak.  You see a sheathed long sword slung across his back (right-hand draw) and a footman's mace hanging at his left hip.  A pair of pouches also hang at his right hip.  Occassionally, peeking out from under his cloak, you can see what appears to be a bracers on each forearm and a ring on each hand.  He is currently carrying a backpack in his right hand.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 2):

A human man dressed in green breeches and a yellow shirt. He wears a dark forest green cloak. He bows to you and says, "Well met, Trysk, I am Morteft Atac of Calator."

He has long black hair that is currently tied into a pony tail with straps of leather. He is nearly six feet tall and stocky of build. On top of his head sits a simple steel helm studded with a single small emerald. He wears a few rings of silver and gold. One has a ruby inset into the band. On his leather belt are a few pouches, a dagger and a small quiver that looks to be of drow make. It does not, however, contain quarrels, but in it are four different sticks. One looks to be polished oak, another looks to be painted red, another looks to be a badly carved piece of pine and the last looks to be made of polished and intricately carved ivory.

You notice a very simple amulet made of silver or mithril pinned to his cloak.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 2):

Shorty places a hand near his hilt at the sight of the dark elf.  Then he looks at Dualis with concern.  "Dem always makes troubles in underground place lookin fer magics.   If lookin fer baby me nots gonna be nice."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 4):

Dualis gives Shorty a reassuring smile.  "It is OK Shorty, he is a good guy.  We checked him out before we brought him.  He is here to help.  That is Trinny next to him."  Dualis turns to face Trysk.
"Everyone, Trysk is expected to join you on your little quest and beyond.  He is quite skilled and offers some nice intangibles.  His background is well suited for our mission.  Take some time to get acquainted, I am sure there are many questions.  Trysk, I am Dualis, your host."  Dualis is the one in black robes with the long red hair.

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 3):

Trysk bows back to Morteft, "Well met, Morteft.  Are you a practicioner of the magic arts?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 6):

Morteft nods. "Yes, I am a mage. I am glad to hear Dualis speak highly of you. Can you tell us more about yourself?"

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 5):

Trysk smiles at Dualis, "Thank you for your hospitality, Dualis.  I look forward to learning more about your little quest and lending my skills toward its success."

Trysk turns to Shorts and smiles, "Rest assured, Shorty, I have no interest in looking for any babies.  By the way, that's a fine looking sword you have there."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 7):

Trysk nods, "I, too, am a practicioner of the arcane arts, although, my skills are geared specifically towards investigation and infiltration.  I was working for an intelligence agency in Delith when Trinny recruited me.  Based on what I can tell, there may be a link between this Set and some newcomers wearing dark clothing with one of three symbols, a snake, a wolf, or a bear.  So far they've been spotted in Delith, Cafan, Urith and Maranta."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 8):

"I am sure you are."  replies Dualis, to the others  "Trysk has been briefed a little on the mission but not all of the particulars."

Trinny reverts back to her normal form.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 10):

Trysk frowns at Trinny, "Hmmm...my bad for assuming that was your true form..."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 5):shorty sighs and relaxes some.  He then mutters, "Trinny better udder way."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 11):

Trinny smiles, "I just wanted you to be comfortable with the meeting, figuring if I also come in drow form you would feel better about the situation you were about to encounter."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 13):

Trysk shrugs, "They would have learned soon enough that I take on any form necessary to accomlish my goals."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Mon 02 Sept 2013.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 14):

Morteft asks "Oh, are you a shape changer?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 15):

Trysk shakes his head, "Not a true shape changer, but one of my psionic abilities."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 16):

Morteft shakes his head. "Ah, you are psionic? That is good to know. I have always wondered about psionics and how they work. So, are you a drow or another race? If you don't mind me asking?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 17):

Trysk nods, "No worries, I am a Drow.  Perhaps we can have a discussion on psionics later.  I'm more interested right now in learning more about this mission and what I need to do to prepare for it.  You should know that I am not well verse in a straight up fight.  I only have a few of the basic offensive mage spells and usually avoid combat unless I have the element of surprise."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 18):

Morteft says, "Well, that should be interesting. We are going into a maze full of traps and golems to seek a dragon orb. That is the quest boiled down to the bare essentials."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 19):

Trysk nods, "OK, that's a little more information, but what do we know about this maze and what types of traps and golems we will encounter?  What research have you done and what preparations have you made?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 20):

A medium height dwarf with a brown beard and brown eyes.  He has a dwarven battle axe attached to his belt and a light crossbow with a quiver of quarrels slung across his back.  He also carries a backpack in which he carries some of the possessions that aren't arrayed on his belt.  He wears a gray cloak over his platemail and a helm.  Around his neck he wears the holy symbol of Reorx, a hammer striking an axe blade atop an anvil.  And strapped to his right arm is a shield with the same symbol.

"Name's Warwick Forgemaker, laddie.  Glad to have yer help.  We can certainly use all the assistance we can get."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 20):

Shorty grins broadly.  "Me ready.  Me got crackers."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 22):

Trysk smiles and wonders if anyone understood what Shorty meant.

A small, fairly unassuming human steps up.  By his statue and dress in robes, you'd judge him as a mage, or possibly a sage.  He does have a shortsword on his side which makes most think he's not a mage.

"Well Met.  Aztar Silverbane.  Master Alchemist."  He says the last bit simply and without arrogance, but as if its simply a tile. "We have spoken with a dragon ally and consulted with books and sages, but there is much that is unknown of this place and the details of exactly what we will face.

However, here is what is known so far."  He pauses, closing his eyes and he formulates his thoughts for a moment.  Some of what flows out of his mouth seem to be his own words and the majority of it seems to be perfect recall of what someone else has previously told him:



"We were told about the Orbs, the vault and the building containing the vault as well as known dangers.  The main building itself is massive over 500' on a side and 100' high; but is fairly easy to reach.  It is protected from magical transport into the area out to 100' from the building.  The building itself is heavily trapped both magically and mechanically as well as constructs.  The vault is in the middle of the building, itself being 200' in diameter.  The entrance is highly magiked and can only be opened by a key held by one of the guardian constructs.  You must find and defeat that construct to have any chance to enter."

"The whole complex is secured against any magical displacement such as teleport, dimensional or planer travel.  Once we have the key we have an hour to get to the vault or it is reset and we'll have to find the new golem."

"The vault itself has it's own dangers and probably the worst.  The inside of the vault is guarded by an abomination.  Then each individual door is guarded, one for each Orb and finally is the Orb itself."

"The abomination is an experiment of those same golden age mages.  They wanted to make a formidable guardian and they succeeded.  Combining dragon,  ancient beasts known as dinosaurs on some worlds and a bit of themselves they created a creature with the form of a dragon.  The creature has many powers of a dragon; but also characteristics of the others.  Dragonkind curses the mages that did this and have vowed to destroy any we find."

"Our wits and weapons, you will need both.  we will not only have to handle golems but traps of mechanical and devious nature.  The building was designed by wizards so there will probably be thought problems to get thru.  Once inside the vault you will need the amulets that Dualis gave you.  To open a door in the vault, once you get by the guardian, you need a combined rating of 67; which is a combination of your level, wisdom and intelligence."

"To get past the guardian you should prepare as you would to face a dragon against one of the energy type breathers.  They are rumored to be as intelligent as Gold and have magical ability to even surpass them; so be aware of extra magical traps once in the vault.  Unfortunately you may not be able to tell behind which vault the Orb resides."

"One last word of warning, if you need to open more than one door, make sure all are closed before you open one, as the Orbs can combine power as well."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 24):

Trysk listens intently to Aztar's words.  When Aztar finishes, Trysk exhales deeply and replies, "OK, a couple of questions...1) What type of magic items, weapons or spells do you have to combat golems and dragons?  2) What are these amulets that Dualis provided you and what do they do?  3) How many orbs are there?  4) Do you know the location well enough to teleport there?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 25):

Dualis: "Since I made the amulets I shall answer your second question,  they provide telepathy between each of you, Teleport w/o Error and +1 protection.  Twice a day for the Teleport.  They also have the ability to combine an ability with another, which will be useful once inside the vault."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 26):

Trysk nods, "Very useful.  Although, will the Teleport work within the complex?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 27):

Dualis:"No, the whole complex is closed to teleports similar travel."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 28):

Trysk nods, "OK, so no Teleporting into, out of or within the complex itself."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 29):

Dualis:"That would be correct.  Just regular travel."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 30):

Trysk nods,"So how long before we leave?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 31):

Morteft says, "Good question. I think we should go soon."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 32):

Dualis:"It appears you have what you need.  I can send you anytime."

Aztar can be done his little project, the last thing is to determine what goes in the Chest.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 33):

"Dualis, I will need enough time to memorize a different set of spells before we leave.  Morteft, what spells will you have?  I plan to memorize:

1st - Magic Missile x3, Shield
2nd - Knock x3, Vocalize
3rd - Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Sepia Snake Sigil
4th - Ice Storm, Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer x2, Stoneskin
5th - Cone of Cold, Fabricate, Telekinesis, Wall of Force"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 34):

Morteft says, "I typically carry the following:

6xmagic missle, color spray, sleep
alter self, esp, insivibility, knockx2, rope trick, mirror image
lightingbolt x2, fireball x2, vampiric touch, dispel magic, non-detection, slow
stoneskin, polymorph self, wizard eye
wall of force, teleport, passwall

He then says, "Although I suppose I should reconsider some of the lower level spells...and maybe all spells. Maybe utility and buff spells would be a better choice since the party will be facing golems."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Wed 11 Sept 2013.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 35):

Trysk replies, "Do you have Polymorph Other?  I don't have that spell in my spellbook, but I can memorize it if you don't want to.  I think that we may need a rust monster at some point."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 36):

Morteft nods. "Yes, I have that spell. You are welcome to copy it if you want. Good idea on the rust monster. We should probably bring some small animals for conversions."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 34):

"You can go to the first door on the left."  Dualis indicates the direction  "It has time dilation so you can adjust time up to a factor of 5."

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 37):

"Trysk nods, "Thanks, Morteft.  I will memorize Polymorph Other.  Can I get a couple of rats and 12 vials of acid?"

Trysk looks impressed.  Once he gets the spellbook and 12 vials of acid, he will cast Item on the acid to reduce it to 1 vial of acid and then head through the first door on left (setting at factor 5) to sleep and memorize the following spells:

1st - Magic Missile x3, Shield
2nd - Knock x3, Vocalize
3rd - Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt
4th - Ice Storm, Polymorph Other, Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer, Stoneskin
5th - Cone of Cold, Fabricate, Telekinesis, Wall of Force

The man with the silvery gold hair says:"Sure, that will not be a problem.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 41):

Trysk nods, "Thank you.  I would appreciate it if each rat was in it's own small wooden box."

'We've just been told that most of the golems will be mithril and adamantine, both of which are immune to rusting.  Otherwise, I was going to make some more rusting potions myself.'

Turning back to Dualis, 'Any scrolls you have of either Mage or priest that yo think might be helpful would,probably be good to take along.  I can't memorize spells, but I have a nearly perfect chance of casting from scrolls.'

Trysk nods, "Good to know.  Are they affected by magnetism?"



Trysk smiles, "I'd be interested in knowing what mage scrolls you have, too."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 43):

Dualis:"I do not use scrolls any more Aztar my friend.  None laying around anyway.  I believe that Korial has helped Warwick with a number of priest scrolls however.  Both of those golems are magnetically neutral so no."  referring to Trysk on that last part.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 45):

Morteft says, "I suppose Warwick and I could make scrolls if you want to specify what you want."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 46):

"Sure I can make scrolls."  says Dualis  "I will only do one however, up to 7 spells."

--DM2

Aztar gets a mischievous look on his face, '7 spells, but is there a level limit on the seven?'

'Hmm, I should just make a few more items of spell storing.  Much easier than making people pen scrolls.  But, I don't think we have the time.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 48):

Dualis:"I suppose not, except for 10th level. I have to draw the line there.  Those may be beyond you anyway my friend."

--DM2

Trysk nods, "What are their vulnerabilities and special attacks?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 48):

Dualis:"Now what spells would you like on the scroll?"

--DM2

'Do you think a divination spell like Discern Location or locate creature will work inside the structure?'

'I would think. A few spells like Mages Disjunction, Time Stop, or even shape change might be useful, but I'd always take anything you think might be useful.  Any direct spells for dragons, protection from their breath or the like?'

Ooc:  if my spells aren't correct, assume Aztar knows the choices... I'm just so far removed from 1st edition that I don't remember what the higher level spells actually were.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 52):

OOC: 2nd ed spell list and Delithian spells are what I use.

Dualis: "Mages Disjunction does not differentiate between friend and foe, plus I could destroy an artifact; so that one would be out.  Shape Change maybe helpful.  I will put scroll together and I can entertain a specific request."

--DM2