Slowly, gradually, the sounds of a summer’s late morning return to the grassy clearing—grasshoppers’ whirring, song sparrows’ calls, the cry of a far-off loon, the irritated chirruping of a Douglas squirrel on a nearby pine.  These homey sounds are punctuated by the harsh breathing of the survivors of the battle in the clearing, and the death rattles of those who were not so fortunate.  Orc bodies, ogre bodies, and the bodies of the fallen blink dogs litter the open grassy space that surrounds the ancient, mossy stone standing in the middle of the clearing.

Leaning against the large obelisk, exhausted and fatigued, Totmacher places his right hand on the hilt of his mammoth Great Axe, blade down in the dirt.  Blood runs from Totmacher's arm down the shaft.  Blood rhythmically emenates from the blade like a punctured artery, soaking the grass and dirt.

Totmacher absorbs the ripeness of the devastation.  He surveys the lifeless amalgam of orc and canine flesh and bone littering the ground and the large Ogres twisted and mangled smothering the lesser corpses.

Totmacher is hit with fleeting thoughts back to the combat with the Gnolls.  He closes his eyes and reflects on the costly mistakes made in that battle.

Totmacher then reaches into the small sack with his left hand and pulls forth the now readily decaying head of his brother from the sack.

Looking down at the half-elf head Totmacher inquires, "what next my brother?  Yes, Totmacher agrees, the caves.  Finish the filth."

He lifts his head and looks for the lone dog ally and nods in acknowledgement of the courage and determination of this new friend.

Shoving the head back into the satchel, Totmacher pushes off the obelisk.

"Good fight Dwarf and you, Monk," pointing in his direction.  "This battle is not yet complete.  Totmacher will continue the extermination."

OOC:  Map link to the lake and surrounding area is HERE

and the map link to the obelisk is HERE

Both maps are also up on the website, accessed from the Game Info link above.

At the sight of the half beast conferring with the head of his slain brother, Asher's left eyebrow jumps reflexively towards his hairline and his head cocks slightly, "were taking instructions from dead now?" he silently questions.

Agreeing with the plan, despite the methodology, Asher nods to the half-beast, "I agree. Let's descend."

From his brow Perrato wipes sweat and traces of blood, presumably a mingling of his own and that of the monstrous opponents felled by the valorous, if desperate, efforts of the party and the inspiring and selfless contributions of their well-found canine allies. Though reluctant to engage in violence, Perrato is more aware than ever of the thrill afforded to the baser regions of human nature by brutal conflict and viciously won victory. "Amigos, shall we assess our health and options first?" asks the priest as the stirring humours within his agitated flesh envelope simultaneously exhilarate and disturb him. "This was one conflict from which we emerged by...¿Cómo se dice?...the covering of our teeth?" As he reels and surveys the situation, Viatomagne rues the loss of the Travelers' Best Friends, their broken bodies strewn about the field of battle.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Thu 12 Jan 2006.

Seemingly oblivious to the conversation taking place - Gilrak slings his Urgrosh over his shoulder, and moves closer to the Obelisk for a closer examination..


07:43, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 16 using 1d20+9. Obelisk Examination.

_______________________________


OOC:  Gilrak will go either way WRT the Cave Assault or Hanging out & Healing

A rustle of leaves, and a small shadow moves into the clearing surrounding the obelisk.  Caylin looks around at the carnage, fishes into his belt pouch for his pipe and tobacco, and remarks mildly, "Ye've had a go o' it, looks t' be.  Good on ye.  Th' ogres at th' cave mouth be dead or drownded."  The archer finishes his brief report, and bends to examine the arrows from the quiver of one of the fallen orcs.

Noting the rest of the party gathering on the cliff-top, Gilrak looks over his shoulder and calls out casually -

"Oi - Over 'ere..."

Gil nods in the way of the obelisk...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Fri 13 Jan 2006.

OOC:  Totmacher is still leaning against the obelisk.  Is Gilrak gesturing to the side that Totmacher is on?

OOC:  Gilrak is checking out a different side of the obelisk--Totmacher was/is leaning against one of the sides that doesn't have the wooden door indicated on the map.

Totmacher will move around the Obelisk to the side which reveals the door.  What does he see?

While others examine the obelisk, Perrato examines the corpses of the fallen enemies, especially the Orcish Shaman. Overcoming an initial reluctance to disturb the heathen dead, the priest searches the bodies of the ogres and orcs, with especial attention paid to the belongings of their holy (unholy?) man, seeking any items which would illuminate the current situation and the nature of the totem the party's foes were apparently guarding.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:05, Mon 16 Jan 2006.

Garryn examines looks upon the carnage and immediately set to examining the fallen blink dogs in the hope that a spark of life may remain. "Perrato, a hand if you will? There may yet be survivors," Garryn calls out as he moves from one dog to the next. If he finds a survivor he will quickly use one of his two healing potions on the noble beast.

Totmacher moves to the side of the obelisk that has drawn Gilrak's attention, and notes that an opening in the obelisk exists.  A series of heavy, cross-braced wooden planks, of clumsy but nevertheless sturdy construction, serve as a door to the opening.  Currently, the door stands open, and a stone stairway descends into darkness.

Gilrak makes out a series of oddly regular moss growths on the obelisk, and is able to scrape away the primitive plants and organic debris to reveal deeply-incised dwarven runes that cover a portion of the obelisk.

Perrato, Caylin, and Totmacher investigate the fallen bodies of the orcs and ogres.  Perrato pays particular attention to the body of the orcish shaman.

Garryn's investigation draws the attention of the blink dog pack leader, and the rogue does indeed find three members of the fallen pack that are yet living, albeit sorely wounded.  Two of the dogs are brought back to consciousness by Garryn's potions--his ministrations are aided by the pack leader nuzzling and nudging the fallen dogs, inducing a swallowing reflex as the rogue administers the potions.  The third dog hovers on the brink of death, however.

Garryn fumbles around the unfamiliar anatomy trying to locate some way to stop the bleeding as he calls out, "Perrato, hurry this dog needs healing! Someone give me a healing potion!"

OOC: Garryn rolled a 1 trying to stabalize the blink dog.

A thorough search of the bodies of the fallen orcs and ogres garners the following, piled into a small heap near the obelisk:

1153 Paldorian copper spokes (1 cp ea)
757 Paldorian silver drakes (1 sp ea)
224 Paldorian silver griffons (2 sp ea)
143 Paldorian silver quinces (5 sp ea)
127 Paldorian gold nobles (1 gp ea)
1350 Rimsedge golden markers
1 ring, pewter, designed with the head of a snarling badger--from shaman
1 scroll case, marked with unknown sigils--from shaman
1 wave-edged black dagger, of fine make--from largest fallen orc
1 set of bracers, copper, of particularly fine design--from shaman
1 bracelet of silver and onxy, worn as a ring by one of the ogres
10 small jars of a particularly foul smelling unguent--Totmacher recognizes these as minor healing salves of the orcs (each administers 2-5 hp of healing, with appropriate scarring and tissue deformation)

OOC:  Please, have someone make a running treasure/party equipment list.  Things will only get more complicated here on out.  And PLEASE continue to update your own character sheets.

Ignoring the acts of animal husbandry going on about him, Gilrak reads the runes aloud to the Party -

"Here lies the upland boundary of Torin the Grim's holding, son of Mim the Hapless.  Enemy, friend, traveler, or otherwise creature of Arret's earth--be warned;  Grinning, Gilrak turns to the party as he finishes his translation - " here dwarves rule."

Totmacher responds, "Can you decipher the age of the runes or the obelisk, Dwarf?  Totmacher asks who is this (intentionally juxtaposing the letters) 'Gorin the Trim?'  Does not sound like much of threat to Totmacher."

[OOC: 23:53, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 19 using 1d20+12. Heal Check, Blink Dog.
Having a crappy week. Identity theft being the most interesting of my worries. Whee. Will post more regularly. Promise.]

Relieved to discover that not all of the stricken blink dogs are dead, Perrato heeds Garryn's request for assistance in their healing. He produces a healing potion of his own to give the Travelers' Best Friend once he as attended to its non-arcane first aid requirements.

Garryn's attentions to the last surviving blink dog are sincere, but rather inept.  Perrato, on the other hand, succeeds in stabilizing the animal, and then brings it back to consciousness by administering his potion.  Of the pack members, the alpha male and three of the pack are yet alive.

OOC:  The party receives 600 xp for each blink dog saved (the xp award for your level and their CR)--totalling 1800 xp.  Good ideas, Garryn and Perrato.

The crude wooden door stands ajar, and the smell of dank subterranean depths and the rank odor of orc and ogre waft forth from the open doorway.  Stone stairs descend steeply, leading to a small landing and continuing out of sight at a right angle turn.  The way looks somewhat cramped, and will admit only a single file procession.

OOC:  Moves?  Healing actions?  Gather loot?  Let me know...

Looking to the blood still flowing from the gash in his left shoulder, Gilrak turns to Perrato - "Cleric - if your god wouldn't object... would you be so kind???"

With so many fascinating illusions in play, Asher is not sure what to focus on: the blink dogs, the Dwarven runes, the pile of loot amassing on the ground. He decides in the end that the bleeding wound on his chest is the most difficult to ignore and quaffs his last remaining potion in order to prepare him for whatever may come next. The potion sends a brief warming flush across his skin before dying away and leaving him feeling... not half bad, but less the great.

Turning his attention for the moment to non-cash items in the pile of loot, he asks "are any of these pieces enchanted?"

OOC: 17:02, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 4 using 1d8+1. Potion cure light wounds. Asher is now up to 16 hit points.

Peering into the obelisk, Totmacher inhales the dank air deeply and exhales, "Totmacher does not smell any dwarves down there."

Garryn leans back, exhausted by the days activities, and he looks upon the carnage surrounding them. "Thank you, Perrato. You should ask the surviving dogs if they would like a hand with the remains, but before that we should probably deal with the healing issue...I just used my only potions, have you any spells remaining?"

Perrato responds to the several requests and questions which occupy his mind as he and his comrades evaluate the aftermath. After gathering the booty from the fallen orcs and ogres, the Palonish priest utters a prayer for the Divine Gleaning of Arcane Energies [Detect Magic] as he further examines the items, "Vagrane, per potestasque sophiam tuas, illumina res magicas." With the assistance of his just and generous deity, Perrato attempts to distinguish which items from the haul, if any, possess magical properties.

Perrato then announces to the group, "I have one remaining Prayer for Salubrious Mending and Well-Being which Vagrani has granted me today. I will use this to restore some of Gilrak's health, his combat ability being crucial to the group's survival and progress. I give my remaining healing potion to Garryn, owing to his poor condition and the practical insight he grants to our effort. For Aidrin, Totmacher, and Asher, I will exchange my remaining orisons to grant each of them whatever minor divine healing arts remain to me. This leaves one orison, which I will reserve until we see the results of our medical efforts." Perrato then proceeds to distrubte his divinely granted magicks.

[OOC:02:43, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 8 using 1d8+5. Cure Light Wounds--Gilrak.
Asher, Aidrin, and Totmacher should receive 1 HP apiece through the cashed out orisons.
Perrato can make individual Heal checks for long-term care, if the party decides to rest and heal before plunging into the dungeon crawl. Successful Heal checks will double the natural rate of healing overnight, pending DM approval, of course.]

"That' more like it.."  Gilrak offers a nod of appreciation to the young Servant of Vagrani..

Gilrak moves over to the pile of loot and scoops up one of the salves of healing.  Looking around at the collective condition of the party, the Dwarf elects to apply one of the jars of unguent to his wounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Sat 21 Jan 2006.

Aidrin looks around clearing, glancing at the jumbled bodies and gore. "That's a right mess an' no mistake."

The wizard gingerly wipes off his damp robes and stands next to Perrato while the priest mutters words of incantation over the pile of sundries.

Garryn gingerly stands up, carfully of wounds but knowing that he cannot allow the inevitable stiffness to enter his muscles just yet. "How shall we proceed? We've still got to finish off the survivors in the tunnel below and the longer we wait the greater the chances that reinforcements will arrive. Gilrak, Tot, what have you learned of our obolisk there?"

Perrato's murmured prayer, the Mithran Divine Gleaning of Arcane Energies, has its intended effect.  The small pile of valuables gathered from the orcs and ogres shows several signature magical auras.  The copper bracers register as conjuration magic, with a moderate strength associated with the aura.  The pewter ring shows a faint aura of transmutation.  The dagger shows a moderate enchantment aura, and the scroll case shows both divine and arcane auras of relatively faint power from the schools of divination and enchantment (divine aura), and the schools of divination and transmutation (arcane aura).

Perrato examines the scroll case more closely, opening it to examine its contents. He unrolls whatever parchments he gathers and says a prayer for the Sacred Insight into Arcane Inscriptions [Read Magic] as he looks over whatever writings they hold. "O Vagrane, mihi confere sapientiam tuam haec scripta magicas intellegere." Momentarily wondering whether such haste to uncover the secrets of these scrolls was prudent as the final syllables of the Mithran incantation leave his lips, the Palonard looks more closely at the discovered documents, hopefully now intelligible to him.

Perrato notes that the scroll case is covered in characters that proclaim it to be the property of the Merchant Mage guild.  Upon undoing the case's stopper and pulling out the rolled parchments, the priest further observes the watermark of the Merchant Mages on the parchments.

And parchments they are--two in total.  One has the aura of divine magics about it, and the Palonish man's prayer for the Divine Gleaning of Arcane Energies reveals that Read Magic, Command, and Comprehend Languages spells occupy the parchment.  The other parchment shows an arcane aura, and contains a Comprehend Languages and an Eagle's Splendor spell.

As the party examines the loot gathered at their feet, Gilrak turns and quickly relays the following to the group:

"A history of this Torin is unknown to me.  However, Mim the Fatherless is well known among the clans of Turgad.   He was responsible for leading some of the Dwarven Clans from the East in the destruction of the Kra Kaan - many years ago." with a shrug he adds - "In human time anyway..  If it is indeed his Son whose clan resides below - they've not given up ground to these scum without a fight."

With that, Gil finishes adjusting his gear and makes ready to descend.

_________________________

OOC:  Gilrak is intent upon moving below to check on the status of his dwarven cousins..  Full HP or no..
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Sun 22 Jan 2006.

While Gilrak is a third of the way through his lecture, Totmacher starts the descent, "see you at the bottom, Dwarf."

Perrato emerges from his concentration over the cryptic parchments to once again return to the stream of events which surround him. Handing the arcane scroll to Aidrin and quickly describing its contents to the mage, the Palonard tucks away the document of divinely-empowered inscribed spells in his own scroll case and moves to intercept his hulking ally, Totmacher, as he prepares to enter the obelisk. "Discretion is the better part of valor, amigo, though perhaps the least part of barbarism...ah...ó...¿Cómo se dice?...barbarianism? Allow us but a few moments to gather our thoughts before we plunge into these unfamiliar depths. Not all of us share your prodigious courage and gusto for battle."

Perrato, hoping that Garryn will quaff the potion given him before the group faces any dangers below, asks Gilrak, "Have you told us all that you have deciphered from the archaic inscriptions on this obelisk?" The priest holds his last orison in reserve as he glances about to gauge the intentions of the rest of the group.

"For my part, I am eager to descend; but I must agree with the priest, a little wisdom may save a lot of our own blood shed. We should at least don the items before us, and make use of the healing salves."

Way OOC: I'll take a Wag at the item identifications: I think those are braces of protection-- +3 or +4, a +2 dagger, and a ring of Greater Magic Fang (okay maybe that last one is just wishful thinking). Anybody else willing to risk a guess, or maybe try something on?

Pausing in the preparation of his gear, Gilrak turns to the Cleric.  With an even stare from his dark dwarvish eyes he adds - "Aye Servant of Vagrani.  That I have.."  Beaming a brief smile to Perrato, Gilrak then returns to his preparations..

__________________________

OOC:  Unless there are any objections, Gil is going to apply one more salve.
WRT to the gear - good call Brian.  Makes sense to pick up the goods before we descend..

Garryn shakes his head ruefully at the ever impulsive half-orc and with a tosses his head back to quaff the potion the amusingly talkative priest had offered him. "Dammit Tot! At least give me a chance to examine the area before you blindly crash through!" Garryn growls as he stalks over to the obelisk. Before he ascends it he turns to Perrato and asks, "After you speak with our friends about thier dead, would you invite them to wait for our return from below so that we may travel back to the plains together, both enjoying the added safety of numbers and allowing us to further heal their wounds?" That done he turns back to the obelisk and begins to climb it.

My money is on +2 bracers of armor, +2 dagger and a ring of masculinity/femininity...finally a chance to make Tot a little less girly.

"Ah, yes...indeed, Señor Garryn, I will attempt to communicate with them, but I cannot guarantee that their path will be the same as ours." Perrato turns to the revived Travelers' Best Friends and attempts through pantomime and clumsy monosyllables to infer their intentions, evaluate their health, and gauge their willingness to join the party and avenge their comrades' deaths.

[OOC: Should I make some sort of Survival or CHA check for this, Kevin?]

Totmacher stops, seemingly catching himself and drops his Axe to his side.

Kev, what does Tot see?

Asher rubs one of the orc salves onto his wounds; he seems preoccupied by the items as the others go about their business of checking out the obelisk, and speaking with dogs. Finally, his empirical mind out ways his disbelief in magic, and he slips the badger-ring on his right ring finger (his left being occupied by the ring of jumping) and walks through the following series of actions:

He balls his right hand into a fist and punches his left open palm (magic fang)
     Anything Kev?
Next he climbs the obelisk and jumps down, tracking the rate of his fall. (Climbing, feather fall)
     Anything Kev?
Depending on the results, Asher may contemplate jumping off of the cliff into the lake (swimming), but first he will meditate on the previous actions to see if he can discern any effect the ring may have had.

OOC: Do you want me to make hit, climb, or jump checks for the above actions? and if so, what mods should I use? <grin>

Garryn the Grey:

My money is on +2 bracers of armor, +2 dagger and a ring of masculinity/femininity...finally a chance to make Tot a little less girly.

LMAO. Yeah my guesses were probably strongly influenced by wishful thinking.

The tough part now is trying to have the celebate, asexual monk prove that it is a ring of masculinity/femininity. Maybe my next question to Kevin will be, "does Asher feel like drinking a wine cooler or a beer?"

10:42, Yesterday: Asher Willbourne rolled 2 using 1d4+1. orc salve.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Wed 25 Jan 2006.

Asher performs a series of actions after donning the badger-headed ring.  None of his actions seem to yield definitive results.

Totmacher halts his hasty descent into the obelisk, and elects to examine just what it is that he is entering.

Well-made stone steps descend steeply into the earth, curving tightly around to form a right-angled spiral and continuing out of sight.  The smell of orc and ogre remains strong, but the barbarian notes that there is a slight movement of air past his face and outward--clearly, some venting of subterranean regions is occurring via the obelisk.

Patches of barely-phosphorescent fungi are scattered across the stone walls of the interior, although none occur on the steps themselves.  The steps bear the unmistakeable markings of having been used roughly--the half-orc reflects that neither orcs nor ogres are renowned for their careful natures--but the dwarven-crafted stone appears to have held up well.

OOC:  Rudimentary map up on the website, under 'Obelisk interior'.  Moves?

After applying a second Salve to his wounds, Gilrak moves closer to the stone steps - and takes a knee - intent upon finding what the earth has to reveal..

___________________________________________


18:09, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Track - Obelisk Entrance.
18:06, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 5 using 1d4+1. salve 2.

OOC:  Gil is now at 24/27 HP

"I believe this ring may well suit one of our less armoured members." With that he tosses it on the pile and slips the copper bracers on. He moves his hands though a series of moves remeniscent of a Kata and then meditates a moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Thu 26 Jan 2006.

Asher's movements appear unimpeded, but the monk receives the sense that invisible yet tangible forces are providing him with some degree of protection.

OOC:  In game terms (and in the interest of moving us along), the bracers are +3 Bracers of Armor, and the ring is a +1 ring of Natural Armor.  Asher cannot use the bracers and retain his wisdom bonuses to AC, but he could wear the ring of Natural Armor.  Of course, anyone else can wear either of these items.  The dagger has a slightly stronger aura than Totmacher's axe, allowing Perrato to conclude that it has a +2 enchantment.

Totmacher, turns towards the Dwarf as he enters the obelisk, "Orc blood was here last, Dwarf.   There is still more yet to spill."  Totmacher then continues down the steps.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Mon 30 Jan 2006.

"Asher, why don't you keep the ring for now...and Aidrin, you wear the bracers. We'll finalize who gets what later. Tot slow down, and be quie," Garryn says speaking every more quietly as he approaches the door and follows Tot down.

"Let me listen for a moment," Garryn whispers as he nears his hulking companion.

Garryn the Grey rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Listen check.

Asher picks the ring back up from the pile and slips it on before handing the dagger to Perrato and the bracers to Aidrin. He then hands two Orc Salves to Perrato, two to Aidrin, two to Garryn, and uses the last on himself. The rest of the loot, he scoops into his sack and drops into his backpack.

"What do you hear, Garryn?"

OOC: Let's get moving, we can discuss redistribution later. I guessing on who needs the salves, I don't believe Cay or Tot are lacking in HP. Correct?

12:15, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Orc salve. 
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Mon 30 Jan 2006.

Aidrin gingerly sniffs the vessel Asher has handed him and screws his face in disgust. "Smells like something that recently made its way out of a bugbear. Which end I'm not sure. Thanks just the same," he says and nods at the monk.

After stowing the salve in one of his many pouches the wizard dons the bracers and flicks his fingers about, testing their mobility. "I believe these will do nicely." Aidrin also stores the parchment handed him by the priest in one of his scroll cases.

Gilrak examines the surface of the stone stairs as Totmacher begins his descent.  The dwarf is forced to agree with the half-orc's untrained assessment--all evidence points to the stairs having seen much recent traffic, all of it clearly consisting of the hob-nailed boots of medium sized creatures, and the boots and hand-prints of large creatures as they half-walked, half-crawled up and down the stone stairwell.

Garryn puts a restraining hand on Totmacher as the big barbarian starts down the stairs, attempting to glean any aural information from the depths.  The sound of air moving gently up the shaft of the obelisk, and the surrounding noises of his companions' breathing and the shifting of their feet, is the only thing the rogue hears...but wait, thinks the rogue.  Is that...a voice?  Yet it seems...far away.  Wafted upon the foul-smelling breeze is the faint, barely heard sound of guttural syllables that Garryn cannot understand.  The source seems distant, however.

Asher quickly distributes the items identified as possessing magical auras, keeping the ring for himself.  Then, the party enters the obelisk's aperture, beginning the descent down the stone steps.  Orcish graffiti, done in chalk or occasionally blood, is sporadically scrawled along the walls leading down--all of it scatological and representing a stunning degree of stupidity, as Gilrak notes ("I fuk ur mom, Greeshka."  "Me to!"  "Hoo mom?" represents one such apparently interactive exchange).

The stench of urine, feces, and general fetor of orc and ogre is strong.  Totmacher, while not regarding the odors as pleasant, nevertheless was raised among similar smells and is not particularly fazed.  The rest of the party, however, find themselves gagging occasionally as they gradually adapt to the foul air.

Upon descending approximately 25 feet underground, the stairs terminated in a branched corridor, each branching leading to a heavy stone door, partially open.  Air is moving along the corridor, flowing from both of the open doors.  A circular set of carved runes adorn the floor at the corridor intersection.

OOC:  New map up on the site under "Obelisk interior", also available on the link HERE.

Prior to the party's descent down the obelisk's stairs, Perrato attempts to communicate with the remaining blink dogs.  With ensues is a remarkable degree of interspecies communication.  Perrato and the pack leader are able to establish several things clearly.

The leader paces towards Perrato, then bows its head and forequarters down before the priest.  It follows this display by rearing up on its hind legs and laying its forepaws on each of the Palonish man's shoulders, drawing its head towards Perrato's and touching its nose to the priest's own.  It then drops back to the ground, approaches Garryn, and performs the same series of displays.  Each of the surviving blink dogs emulate their leader's actions, focusing their attentions on Perrato and Garryn.

After this seemingly ritualistic set of behaviors, Perrato is able to establish three facts, through his communications with the intelligent canines:
1.  The blink dogs will remain on the surface, guarding the obelisk
2.  The blink dogs will descend to aid the party if sounds or smells of battle are noted.
3.  The blink dogs will travel with the party as long as they remain outside of civilized lands.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Tue 31 Jan 2006.

Looking up from examining the various tracks on the steps, Gilrak catches a glimpse of the interaction between Perrato, Garryn and the canines.  With a raised eybrow that betrays his obvious amusement, he adds under his breath -

"...How touching.   Fer feck sake..."

With that, he descends with the rest of the party.

Tot cautiously moves towards the west door - located in E10 and gesturing Garryn forward so he is within whisper range.  "Totmacher does not fear the element of surprise.  Can you tell which direction the voices are coming from?"

Tot will then listen at E10.

21:21, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 13 using 1d20+5. Listen (w/mods).

OOC:  Kev, is there any light radiating from either door?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Wed 01 Feb 2006.

Perrato does what he can to express gratitude on behalf of the whole party to the surviving members of the pack before he turns to the obelisk and prepares himself to descend with the group.

He uses his last orison to restore a bare fraction of his health, then eyes the orcish salves with some trepidation. Though a man of the cloth, Perrato is also a Palonard, and the idea of healing agents which leave the patient scarred by design is ill news to his inherent vanity. "¡Qué medicina cruda! ¿Cuandó he sido un gran ejemplo de belleza de todos modos?" the priest mutters as he applies two containers of the foul unguent to whichever of his wounds are easily covered by his clothing.

Finally, Perrato seeks the assistance of his deity once more to improve the rate at which he travels over land, "Per potesta Vagrani minister suus cum celerita magna movebo!" His sect's Prayer for Expeditious Travel by Foot is no sooner complete than his colleagues notice his unusual spring of step and nimble traversal of ground. He files into line with the rest of the group and his newly lighter feet take to the stairs.

[OOC: Perrato should be at 28 HP now. The things I do for my health...
23:23, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 5 using 1d4+1. Apply first unguent.
23:24, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 4 using 1d4+1. Apply second unguent.
There are four unguents left by my calculation.
Perrato has cast Longstrider on himself. The only spell he has remaining is Heat Metal, a domain spell which cannot be switched out for healing.]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:56, Wed 01 Feb 2006.

Seeing that the party is about to enter the obelisk, Fiach swoops down and alights on Aidrin's shoulder.

Garryn gives his large companion a look that suggests he doesn't fully grasp what was said but he decides that now is not the time to discuss the vagarities of language and he steps ahead to the point where paths diverge. Garryn is completely still while he listens, trying to determine the direction and distance from where the sound originates.

Moved to E13
Garryn the Grey rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Listen check.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:06, Thu 02 Feb 2006.

Lacking Darkvision or trapfinding skills, Asher stays towards the middle of the pack as the party descends. At the bottom of the stairs, Asher pricks up his ears.



OOC:12:23, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 24 using 1d20+6. Listen check, correct mods. Asher is at the foot of the stairs, C13
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Thu 02 Feb 2006.

Totmacher advances to the western stone door, pausing to listen at the half-open portal.  Asher, poised on the last few steps of the stone stairway, likewise pauses to listen intently.  Garryn glances down at the runic carvings in the floor, and tilts his head slightly, attempting to hear beyond the ambient noises of the party.  The fetid darkness of the former dwarven hold is relieved only by the little oil lantern held by Caylin.

Distant, guttural mutterings are heard by both Garryn and Asher, but neither can understand the far-off, muted vocalizations.  Totmacher is unable to make out any sounds beyond those generated by the restless foot shifting, breathing, and small movements of his companions.

That all changes in a moment.  It starts as a sound of falling cutlery in a distant kitchen, progressing rapidly to the noise of coins spilling through a nearby merchant's hands, and ending with the din of a blacksmith's forge.  Something strange this way comes...

OOC:  I need initiative rolls from everyone, please.

Totmacher will pull forth his Great Axe.

11:48, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Initiative w/mods.

OOC: ...at that rate after the battle is over.

OOC:14:58, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Ashers Initiative. Gee. Looks like you and I were distracted Tot-bag.

Kev, What's the ceiling height and are the walls/ceiling smooth or rough?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

OOC:  The story of Asher's life - blinded yet again by Tot's handsome aft.

Gilrak moves to F13.

"Step aside ladies"

Once there, he readies his Urgrosh and takes a moment to study the runes Garryn has placed himself in the middle of..


22:02, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Gil's Initiative.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:15, Sat 04 Feb 2006.

[OOC: Oh, yeah...
14:58, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
For the moment, Perrato remains in B13]

Perrato readies his morningstar, and looks ahead to see what the more roguish members of the party have determined.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Sat 04 Feb 2006.

Aidrin hangs back near the entrance to the obelisk. B14

20:16, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

I'm pretty sure Aidrin has used almost all of his spells, except for a few cantrips maybe. Anyone have a better idea than I?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Mon 06 Feb 2006.

Garryn the Grey rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

16:59, Sat 04 Feb: Caylin Direbrook rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

Caylin, his attention a bit distracted by the dwarven runes, is somewhat slow to react.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Mon 06 Feb 2006.

(23)
Gilrak is the first to react, as a bizarre...thing...powers through the half-open stone door in front of the dwarf.  Appearing as something like a four-legged, metal lobster with spiked wedges instead of claws, the thing has a round opening instead of a head at the top of its body.  Crudely drawn runes, appearing as if they were rendered in charcoal or soot, cover its body.

OOC:  Gilrak is up first, followed by Aidrin on 12.  I'll move us along as soon as I get moves back from these prinicpals.  New map up on the site under 'Obelisk interior', with a link
HERE.

"What the..."

Seeing the bizarre beast make its approach, Gilrak let's loose his dagger...

______________________________

IGA:

-Free Action:  Draw Dagger
-Standard Action:  Throw Dagger
-Move Action:  Tactical Withdrawal to D13


21:29, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 23 using 1d20+5. Dagger Throw - Metal Lobster.  aiming for the round opening

If it's a hit -
21:31, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 7 using 1d4+3. Dagger Damage - Metal Lobster.

_______________________________
This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Wed 08 Feb 2006.

Hearing the dwarf's exclamation, Aidrin fumbles for his crossbow and attempts to load it.

I'm assuming here Aidrin can hear Gilrak at all, or at least the lobster-thingy. I can make a roll if necessary.

Also, I can't remember if loading a light crossbow is a full-round action or not. If so Aidrin will only draw the crossbow, and load next round.

(23)
Gilrak wheels around and shoulders past Garryn, his urgosh in one hand as he draws a dagger with the other.  Turning again, the dwarf hurls his knife past Garryn, spinning right towards the weird construct.  The missile clangs off of the anterior part of the thing, digging a deep gouge in the metal.

OOC:  18+5=23-2(range increment penalty)=21.

(12)
Aidrin, unable to see the activity from around the corner of the stairs on which he stands, draws his crossbow.  With a quick flick of his wrist, the wizard snatches a quarrel from his bolt case, quickly drawing back the crossbow's string and loading the missile into place.

(11)
Both of the constructs, with clanging steps, move into position.  Lowering the anterior portion of its body--the one with the hole--both constructs let out shrieking sonic blasts.  The lobster-creature to the south of Garryn catches Garryn, Gilrak, Asher, and Perrato in its sonic attack.  All of the characters wince at the reverberating howl, and find themselves making gestures of fending off the sound.
OOC:  Garryn, Gilrak, Asher, and Perrato each take 1 hp of sonic damage, and each must make a Fortitude save with a DC of 13.   Please do so.

Totmacher, Caylin, and the hapless Garryn are caught in the second construct's sonic blast.  The high-pitched, extraordinarily loud sonic emanations set each of the three's teeth on edge, and cause lancing pains in their heads and ears.
OOC:  Totmacher, Caylin, and Garryn each take 4 hp of damage, and must make a Fort. save vs. a DC of 13.  Thus, Garryn takes 5 hp of damage and has to save twice.

(9)
Caylin shakes off the debilitating effects of the sonic blast.  His back to Garryn, the halfling realizes that he is limited in his most effective options.  Yelling to Totmacher, Caylin calls out, "Get th' door open all th' way, big man.  I'll cover ye!"

OOC:  The halfling elects to drop down in the initiative count, acting after Totmacher goes on 8.  Garryn is up next (and must make two Fort. saves prior to taking any actions).

12:30, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 26 using 1d20+6. Fortitude Save (w/mods).

OOC: Ouch! 17:45, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Fortitude save.

18:09, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 27 using 1d20+8. Fortitude Save.

OOC:  29 if the sonic blast could be considered a spell or spell-like effect..

[OOC: Ugh...bloody ears.
19:17, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 11 using 1d20+7. Fortitude Save--Sonic Attack.]

Kev, what is the thickness of the stone door, are there any locks on the door - like a wood or metal lever?  What is the ceiling height?

OOC:  Stone door is ~1 inch thick, ceilings are 15 ft. in height.  Stone door handle on this door, no apparent lock.  Waiting on Garryn's saves and actions.

His head spinning from the sonic blast in stereo, Garryn stumbles back towards the stairs as he reaches for a dagger to throw at the construct in the passageway. He slithers and dodges his way past his companions as he distances himself from the malicious metal adversary. The dagger ready, he lets it fly towards the construct.

Garryn the Grey rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Attack Rd 1.
Garryn the Grey rolled 1 using 1d4. Damage Rd 1.
Garryn the Grey rolled 19 using 1d20+3. DC 13 Fort Save #2.
Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+3. DC 13 Fort Save #1.

(9)
Thrown with accuracy and some degree of power, Garryn's dagger nevertheless clatters harmlessly off of the construct's metallic carapace.

Asher finds himself overwhelmed by the pure aural energy of the construct's sonic blast, and is unable to act this round.

(8)
Totmacher is up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Fri 10 Feb 2006.

14:41, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Knowledge: Arcana.

OOC: Perhaps a bit late to the party.

The juggernaut's call returns Totmacher to the Orcish horns of Nishrek - the place he wandered in his hastened after-life.  For a moment Totmacher had fleeting thoughts of withdrawing from battle.  Then, just as the echo begins to subside, Totmacher hears a familiar chuckle from his rucksack.  "Yes," Totmacher shows a toothy grin, "indeed, this wench does look like Totmacher's last lay."  Then he calls out loud enough for the others to hear, "But does she PUT OUT?!"

Totmacher opens the door and attacks the mecha-beast with his Great Axe.

01:13, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 27 using 1d20+9. Attack w/ Great Axe.

01:13, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 20 using 1d12+8. Damage w/ Great Axe.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Sat 11 Feb 2006.

(8)
Totmacher shoulders open the partially ajar stone door, and the heavy granite hinges grumble earthily.  Wielding his great axe with both hands, the barbarian whirls the heavy-bladed weapon down in an overhand, cleaving swing.  The axe bites deep, denting and then shearing through the metal carapace of the dweomered construct.  With a rending shriek of shattered or displaced gears, the lobster-thing, its carapace split asunder, cants over to the side and collapses--its four legs pistoning into the air in a futile semblance of motion as the steel-drill forelimbs spin spasmodically, grinding to a halt.

Totmacher thinks it looks broken.

Staying his ground, Gilrak sheathes his Urgrosh, readies an arrow with his Longbow and lets one loose.

21:22, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Attack Lobster in G13.

OOC:  I think we're waiting on Gil(?).  Kevin, if Gil needs to drop his Urgrosh for this move combination, he'll do so.  The language in the rules was a tad vague - (..."If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you can combine one of these actions with a regular move. If you have the Two- Weapon Fighting feat, you can draw two light or one-handed weapons in the time it would normally take you to draw one."

(7)
Caylin watches as Totmacher destroys one of the constructs, and then springs into the space recently vacated by Garryn, firing two arrows at the oncoming second construct.  The first arrow ricochets harmlessly off of the metal carapace of the thing, but the second punches through the metal.

New round...

(23)
Gilrak fires an arrow from his longbow, dropping his urgosh to employ his bow.  The arrow hits the metal body of the construct, only to shatter harmlessly against the thing.

(12)
Aidrin is up.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Tue 14 Feb 2006.

Not wishing to impede his more combative companions, Aidrin scans the party's flank out through the obelisk's entrance, crossbow in hand.

12:33, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Spot check.

(12)
Aidrin moves back up the stairs, cautiously.  The obelisk's opening appears as it had when the party descended--the wizard can see the late summer's sunlight spilling through the entrance, and some faint hint of the smell of woods and the outer air permeates the fetid odor of the obelisk interior.  The Phanarian wishes he could just continue up to the surface, but for now, he simply keeps an attentive eye on the entrance above him.

(11)
With a clanking lurch, the four-legged construct clatters forward, its razor-sharp steel forelimbs spinning in a blurring motion.  The thing lunges towards Caylin--gracelessly.  With a shriek of grinding rock, one of the construct's drill-limb's lodges into the stone wall of the passage, twisting it around.  The thing turns its attentions to diengaging itself from the inadvertent maneuver.

(9)
Garryn is up, followed by a no-longer-stunned Asher.

OOC:  11:14, Today: DM rolled 8 using 1d20+7. First construct attack v. Caylin.
11:14, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d20. Critical miss check.
Latest battle map is up on the website, under 'Obelisk interior'.

Garryn decides that discretion is the better part of valor and steps to the side to allow Totmacher to pass.

Despite a clear line of sight over the heads of Gilrak and Caylin, Asher cannot see a clear shot with a ranged weapon; he opts instead to move for flanking, and then lashes out with a wild stunning strike.

OOC: Ash tumbles to G13 and swings poorly:

10:24, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 25 using 1d20+11. Tumble check.
10:42, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 11 using 1d20+7. Stunning fist.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Wed 15 Feb 2006.

(9)
With remarkable agility and grace, the Narvilian monk makes use of the relatively high ceilings of the subterranean complex, somersaulting through spaces occupied by allies, and ening with a vaulting flip over the metal construct--landing lightly on the other side of his foe.  The following blow by the human, however, lands awry, and no damage to the automaton occurs.

(8)
Totmacher is up, followed by Caylin.

Tot, somewhat surprised by the ease at which the metal "Manowar" dropped - Totmacher's ears perk up as he hears some "whiffing" sounds from the hall.

Tot, minding Garryn, trots to the intersection and plants his right foot (E13).  The hulking barbarian twists his torso hard left and like a massive spring activated mechanism, swings his mighty Great Axe through the fetid air.  "Now pay attention, Monk," Tot barks, and with a side sweeping arc the blade collides with the machine.

22:07, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Attack w/ Great Axe.

22:21, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 17 using 1d12+8. Damage w/ Great Axe.

OOC:  I guess it was meant to be - sorry about the first damage roll Kev, got d20 happy.

(8)
The massive half-orc quickly moves from the darkened room where the shattered machine lays, back into the hall. Springing from around the corner, the barbarian confidently plys his axe, striking the metal carapace of the other construct.  And is surprised as the axe head rebounds without damaging the metallic thing.

(7)
Caylin, taking advantage of the constructs attempts to free itself from its badly-missed attack, moves out of the threatened area without incurring an attack of opportunity.  The little archer darts past Gilrak and gains the foot of the stairs, turning to loose a masterwork arrow back at the construct.  The arrow shears off a bit of the construct's metalwork, joining the first arrow still quivering in its carapace.  The whirring of the thing's gears sounds a bit more labored...

OOC:  10:35, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 5 using 1d6+3. Damage.
10:34, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 26 using 1d20+13.
Perrato is up on segment 4--no longer stunned this round.

The sound of the ineffectual "clink" of Tot's great axe against the metal carapace, brings a slight curl to the corners of the Narvilians mouth; were he a little less stoic, it may have become a grin.

In the pace of a second his mirth is gone and the monk focuses on maintaining a defensive posture.

"OOC: Asher will be utilizing the Dodge feat against our single opponent.

As the aural distress begins to dissipate, Perrato takes stock in the positions and predicaments of his colleagues and the armored constructs. He concentrates his attention on the remaining construct's armored carapace and what he guesses to be the housing of its most crucial bits machinery. Then Perrato begins to chant the Mithran Prayer for the Calorific Convection of Residual Solar Energies into Metaliferous Minerals*, focusing on the quasi-thoracic cavity of the mechanical beast and attempting to avoid extending the effects of the holy invocation to its limbs. "Calor Solis Invicti metallo pervagor per potesta Mithrae invoco!"  Then the priest attempts to position himself at Caylin's side and prepares to strike with his morningstar.

[OOC: *Say it three times fast. Means "Heat Metal", and Perrato is focusing on the trunk segment of the thing. Then, if possible, Perrato will move to E,12.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:22, Fri 17 Feb 2006.

Gil calls out to Caylin -

"Oi - Caylin, move behind me.  Your Bow will be better served from here.."

IGA:  Gil Chooses a Delay Action this round.  Intent is to trade places w/Caylin - and move after his turn..

___________________________

OOC:  Headed to work.  Thought I'd throw Gilrak's move out there before I left..

Jas
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Fri 17 Feb 2006.

(4)
Perrato invokes the powers of the Unconquered Sun, focusing the Mithran powers of Light on the metal construct.  The prayer takes effect, and the Palonish priest notes that the air around metallic body of the automaton is showing a barely-discernable heat shimmer.

(23)
Gilrak drops his long bow, stoops to retrieve his urgosh, and springs forward to engage the automaton.  Swinging his weapon, the dwarf slams the axe head into the construct, and the edge bites deeply into the metallic body of the thing, staggering it.  The dwarf's follow-up strike with the spear-end of his weapon misses completely as the automaton whirls aside.

(12)
Aidrin is up.

OOC:  Slightly revised map up on the website and available HERE.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Wed 22 Feb 2006.

Moving next to Perrato, Aidrin leans around the corner and fires his light crossbow at the metallic abhorrence.

OOC: 13:58, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 10 using 1d20. Ranged Atk (-4 mod).

(12)
Aidrin clambers back down the stairs, swinging past Perrato to fire a crossbow bolt at the automaton.  The shot is misplaced, however, and the bolt ricochets off of the stone walls.

(11)
Recovering from its badly-aimed blow at Caylin, the automaton frees one of its drill appendages from where it had sheared into the stone wall of the tunnel, and directs its other at Gilrak.  With a shrieking whining sound, the drill tears into the dwarf and his chain shirt, staggering him.

(9)
Garryn and Asher are up.

OOC:  12:25, Today: DM rolled 11 using 1d6+5. Damage to Gil.
12:23, Today: DM rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Construct attack v. Gilrak.

OOC - my bad.  I didn't include Gil's flanking +2 bonus from his last attack (given Asher's position).  That would have given him a 22 on his attack roll.  Does that change things???

Jas
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Sat 18 Feb 2006.

Garryn, with no obvious attack retrieves a jar of the orcish healing salve so it is on hand should it become necessary.

Asher swings once and fails to damage the creature; he swings again and meets with disaster...


OOC: The die roller hates me.
13:56, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 4 using 1d20. Critical miss check.
13:53, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 6 using 1d20+5. attack 2.
13:53, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Stunning fist.
Thanks for getting that salve ready G; I think I just hurt myself.

Totmacher will continue his attack from E12 and fails to hit the mark.

19:55, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 19 using 1d20+9. Attack w/ Great Axe.

A smiling Totmacher, apparently amused by the party's inability to strike the beast calls out, "Don't wait for Totmacher, Monk, whenever you are ready--let him have it!"

(9)
Garryn, his options limited, elects to dig into his pack and retrieve a jar of the orcish unguent.

Asher's first blow merely rebounds from the metallic shell of the automaton.  His second blow is badly mistimed, and the monk finds his balance to be utterly compromised.  Barely avoiding a fall, the Narvilian is nonetheless staggered and off-balance.

(8)
Totmacher's axe head once again slams into the construct's carapace, and once again is deflected away from the metallic surface.

(7)
Caylin, his view somewhat obstructed by Gilrak (OOC: construct receives +4 AC for soft cover), nonetheless manages to skillfully thread two arrows through the space between Gilrak and the construct.  Both slam home to devastating effect, punching into the construct's metal carapace with loud clangs.  Smoke rises from the thing as gears and ratchets scream and then grind to a halt.  The thing topples backwards, crashing to the floor, shuddering mechanically for a long second, and then ceasing to move altogether.  The heat emanating from fallen construct continues to increase, as Perrato's spell runs its course.

OOC:  Give yourselves 228 xp each for defeating the constructs, and update your character sheets to reflect the xp change and any hp of damage sustained.  I'll need a straight Intelligence check from Gilrak and a Knowledge, Religion check from Perrato.

[OOC: Oy.
 13:29, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Religion Check. ]

18:57, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 17 using 1d20+2. INT Check (w/INT modifier built in).

Gilrak, upon examining the cooler of the two fallen automata, notes that the metal bodies of the things are covered in dwarven runes physically carved into the metal.  The black runes that also cover the bodies are scrawled in soot or black paint, and are cruder (but use the same dwarven runic alphabet).

The dwarf reflects.  These automata were obviously of dwarven manufacture, probably for simple tasks like mining or quarrying material.

Perrato can glean no significance associated with either of the two groups of runes covering the constructs, and Aidrin is equally at a loss (12:41, Fri 10 Feb: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Knowledge: Arcana).

OOC:  Moves?

Totmacher will return to the room where the first automaton was struck down.  Are any of the doors ajar?  "How about checking these doors Garryn?"  If so what does Tot see?  If not, Tot will listen at the doors starting counterclockwise from the door in C8.

Tot puts his Defe' Douche' ear to the doors...

22:52, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Listen (w/mods). (c8)
22:52, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Listen (w/mods).(c7)
22:52, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Listen (w/mods).(g8)

"If someone changed the function of these things, when did they do it? Can you tell anything about the age of the black runes?" Asher asks Gilrak.

Gilrak tugs at his beard and thinks about that a moment...

"Tot, doesn't orcish use dwarven runes?" Garryn asks as he contemplates the origins of the newer markings.

PMs

After examining the runes for a few moments, Gilrak stands up and turns to the Human Monk and Thief -

"These runes are unfamiliar to me"

With a shrug, Gil retrieves his Urgrosh and prepares to move out.

Gilrak examines the runes that are carved into the metallic carapace of the construct.  While clearly dwarven, the meaning of the symbols twists and evades Gilrak's understanding, leaving him perplexed as to WHY he can't read his native tongue.  Perrato and Aidrin fare no better in their examination of the wrecked automaton.

The companions gather in the room that Totmacher had felled the first of the two constructs.  Asher and Caylin remain in the outer corridor, guarding and examining the second of the two constructs.  Caylin has relinquished his lantern to the rest of the party, lighting a torch to provide Asher and himself with their own illumination.

This subterranean complex, as foul and fetid as the air within it is, nevertheless shows a skill in its construction that can only be dwarven.  Seamlessly joined stonework walls and floors provide a solid framework for the rooms and passageways that the party notes on their initial investigations.  None of the worked wall stones appear displaced or misaligned, and the ceilings are an even fifteen feet above the smooth, flagstoned floors.

Totmacher listens at the various stone doors in the room.  The only door to yield any information is the one to the north--the half-orc can hear faint, guttural vocalizations of indeterminant origin and meaning.  The door in question leads down a short corridor to another descending stone stair way.

The door to the west leads to a T-corridor, and the one to the south leads into what appears to be a small storeroom, with a crate, sack, and open chest in this room.  The southern door to the corridor that the party had originally entered--investigated by Asher and Caylin, seems to lead to another branching T-corridor.

OOC:  Moves?  I've modified the Obelisk interior map on the website, linked HERE.  Note that the scale is now 10' to a square.  I've also reduced the pixel resolution soemwhat, relative to the size of the map.  Let me know if you have troubles with discerning stuff.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Mon 27 Feb 2006.

OOC: my personal motto is: "leave no crate, sack, or open chest unturned"... beyond that I feel that muttering gutterally is rude and that the offenders should be chastised by the half-beast.

Following Caylin's lead, Asher draws a sunrod from his belt and keeps it at the ready. Asher will follow Caylin, if he decides to join the rest of the party.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Tue 28 Feb 2006.

Despite the recent combat ruckus not having noticeably alerted the murmuring beings to the north, Perrato does everything he can to avoid making an audible stir, saying in an earnest whisper, "Perhaps Señor Garryn should examine the chests and crates to see if any useful implements are to be found within."

OOC:  Do we press on or do we allow our spellcasters to rest?  Totmacher is in favor of pressing on.

If the team is going to examine the store room, Totmacher will watch the north door.

Garryn tosses the healing salve to Gilrak, figuring that his own survival may depend more on the dwarf's fighting than his own, and then begins a search of the rooms contents.

 Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+10. Search of storeroom.

13:21, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Move Silently.
13:21, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Hide.

OOC:  think I just blew our cover..

13:02, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Move silently check.

OOC: 15:00, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 15 using 1d20+8. Hide.
15:00, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 23 using 1d20+10. Move silently.

I rolled a hide check as well (call it un-monkish hubris) but I doubt it helped us out.

22:36, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Hide.

At the hint of noise Garryn presses against the wall and into the shadows.

Garryn the Grey rolled 30 using 1d20+11. Hide Check.

[OOC: Me and my dumbass rolling...
 02:12, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 11 using 1d20+2. Hide check.
 02:12, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 3 using 1d20+2. Move silently check, if needed.
 Seeing as I only needed to make a Move Silently check, can I use the first roll, Kev? Ack. Beg, plead, whimper...]

Quickly, Garryn searches the small storeroom, with its sparse contents--crate, sack, and open chest.  The rogue deftly examines and manipulates the items, peering inside them and shifting them from their locations on the storeroom floor.  The chest and crate alike are both empty, and the sack contains only moldy grain.  Garryn gives a quiet grunt of satisfaction, however, as he shifts the chest and uncovers an oddly loose stone in the otherwise tightly joined dwarven masonry that comprises the floor.  The rogue examines the stone and surrounding area for traps, and is confident none exist.  Carefully levering the loose stone up and out of its socket in the floor, Garryn locates a small, wrapped bundle nestled in the revealed cavity.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:06, Fri 17 Mar 2006.

11:58, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Spot.

12:25, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 5 using 1d20+4. Spot.

OOC:  Maybe hiding in the sealed burlap sack is not such a good idea...

Garryn carefully examines the tormaline and clasp before tucking the loot into his backpack.

Garryn the Grey rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Spot check.
Garryn the Grey rolled 12 using 1d20+11. Move Silently.
Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+9. Appraise Check.

[OOC: Perrato can at least appreciate the big visible target that is he.
 02:17, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 21 using 1d20+3. Spot check.]

OOC: 07:58, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Spot check.

OOC: 14:54, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Spot check.

PM

After Garryn completes his search of the small storeroom's contents, the party elects to follow the faint, guttural mutterings that seem to echo up the stone stairway to the north.  With Caylin's lantern in hand to provide illumination, the companions descend the steps.

At the base of the stairs, the faint hint of air movement--though still dank and fetid--provides a subtle indicator that some link to the outer world might exist in this subterranean complex.  More immediate concerns, however, occupy the party's minds.

A T-shaped passage branches at the base of the stone stair, and what appears to be a cavern lies to the east.  The lurid glow of charcoal braziers and two smokey torches throw a dim, reddish light over the scene, and it quickly becomes apparent where the muttering originates...and a few other facts emerge, in addition.

Two large ogres crouch behind natural stone columns, but their awkwardness and size render them laughably easy to see.  The glow of the braziers illuminates an orc, dressed in tattered robes, applying a charcoal stick to another of the automata that the party had encountered on the upper level.  The orc appears to be drawing runes or symbols to the thing's metal carapace.  Another such automaton stands at the ready nearby.

OOC:  Please roll initiatives, and see the new map on the website under 'Obelisk interior'--or check the link HERE.  I'll post a more spatially explicit map (w/appropriate coordinate points) when I get everyone's initiatives.

The monk surveys the scene with the methodic caution valued by his order.

OOC: 16:24, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Initiative.
Apparently the die roller doesn't like to see Asher do anything too rash; cursed thing.

Gilrak, fumbling with his gear seems momentarily distracted...

________________________________

17:00, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

OOC:  nice...

The stench of Ogres awakens Totmacher from his "slumber"...Great Axe readied.

22:45, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Garryn quietly readies his bow.

Garryn the Grey rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

Aidrin gags and covers his mouth with a corner of his robe.

10:04, Today: Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

(25)
The halfling, noting the ogres attempting to hide and the orc muttering and doing something inexplicable with a piece of charred soot, darts around Gilrak.  Caylin snatches one of the golden pendants suspended from the necklace he wears and hurls it into the cavern.  With a low-pitched *fwooom*, the little golden missile morphs into a fireball that blossoms in the cavern's air.  The flames engulf the orc, the two constructs, and one of the ogres.  The magical fiers burn the orc, ogre, and one of the constructs badly, and the other construct is reduced to a smoldering ruin.

OOC:  15:52, Today: DM rolled 15 using 1d20-4. Construct 2 save vs. fireball.
15:52, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d20+2. Construct 1 save vs. fireball.
15:52, Today: DM rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Orc shaman save vs. fireball.
15:51, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 1 using 1d20. Ogre reflex save vs. fireball.
15:32, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 23 using 6d6. Fireball damage.

Perrato is up on 19 (I'll give Tom a day to post, then I'll NPC).  New Combat Map up on the website, also linked HERE

Perrato, observing the conflagration of Caylin's fiery missile, elects to slip past Asher and deploy his crossbow against the wounded ogre.  The Palonish priest's crossbow bolt, loosed from his weapon, thuds home, toppling the big ogre.

OOC:  10:50, Today: DM, on behalf of Perrato Viatomagne rolled 7 using 1d8. Crossbow damage.
10:50, Today: DM, on behalf of Perrato Viatomagne rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Crossbow attack.
Garryn is up on 14, followed by Totmacher on 11.  Updated map is up on the website.

(14)
Realizing that he has his foes flat-footed, Garryn attempts to make a well-placed arrow shot to the remaining ogre--moving to an open position in order to do so.  Unfortunately, the combined toughness of the ogre's thick skin and its hide armor handily deflect the rogue's arrow.

OOC:  12:22, Today: DM, on behalf of Garryn the Grey rolled 14 using 1d20+7. Bow attack on ogre.
Totmacher is up on 11, followed by Aidrin on 10 and Asher on 9.  Updated combat map is on the website.

Totmacher will move through G-7 then in a straight line to K-7.

Aidrin moves past Gilrak to F4 and loads his crossbow.

PM

PM

Asher moves into the cavern and loads his crossbow.

OOC: Asher ends his move in H-9.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Thu 13 Apr 2006.

(11)
Totmacher elects to move to engage the remaining ogre, but is careful to keep out of the reach of the monster.

(10)
Aidrin steps to Gilrak's side, carefully readying and loading his crossbow as he does so.

(9)
Asher moves into the cavern, likewise loading his crossbow.  Taking a cue from the hulking half-orc barbarian, the monk also stays well outside the reach of the ogre.

(6)
The orc, the remaining automaton, and the ogre act virtually simultaneously.  With a final flourish and a drawn out, muttering moan, the orc puts the last of the charcoal runes on the automaton, which immediately shudders to life.  With an orcish cry of "Destroy the humans!" the orc exhorts the construct to action.  With remarkable speed, the automaton clatters over to one of the rock piles, turns its forward aperture towards Garryn and Asher, and lets forth a piercing shriek.  Meanwhile, the orc fishes something from the patched leather satchel at his side.

The still-living ogre growls out an incoherent bit of horrible Paldorian, in which the terms "kill", "smash", and "puny" are  the only recognizeable bits.  With a half-step, the ogre rears back its great club with both hands, bringing the weapon around in a whistling arc that smashes into Totmacher, staggering the half-orc with its brutal, bone-crushing impact.

OOC:  Both the orc and ogre go on 6.  Activating the construct is a standard action for the orc, retrieving *whatever* is a move-equivalent one.  The automaton has a full action this round, as does the ogre.  Garryn and Asher must make a DC 13 Fortitude save to avoid being stunned next round.
12:01, Today: DM rolled 6 using 1d8. Damage to Garryn and Asher (sonic).
11:39, Today: DM rolled 22 using 2d8+7. Damage to Tot.
11:38, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Ogre attack vs. Tot.
Revised map is up on the website, and Gilrak is next on 4.

OOC: 14:06, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 13 using 1d20+5. Fort Save.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Thu 13 Apr 2006.

Urgrosh in hand, Gilrak makes for the remaining Ogre..

__________________________

OOC:  Gil runs - path of travel:  G4 - G7, G7 - I7
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Fri 14 Apr 2006.

Garryn, though nearly unconscience, retains his wits for the moment.

Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+3. DC 13 Fort Save

(4)
Urgrosh in hand, Gilrak makes for the remaining Ogre.

New round...
(25)
Caylin nocks another arrow, intending to send the missile into the chest of the orcish shaman.  The halfling mistimes his movements, however, and fumbles his arrow and bow both--essentially incapacitating him for the time being.

(19)
Perrato, noting the halfling's difficulties, elects to reload and fire his crossbow at the oricsh shaman.  The Palonish priest's aim and subsequent shot are both accurate, and the crossbow bolt tears a long, shallow slash across the orc's arm as it speeds by.

(14)
Garryn is up, followed by Totmacher on 11.

OOC:  10:31, Today: DM, on behalf of Perrato Viatomagne rolled 2 using 1d8. Crossbow damage.
10:31, Today: DM, on behalf of Perrato Viatomagne rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Crossbow shot.
10:23, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Critical miss check.
10:22, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 11 using 1d20+10. Arrow shot 1.
Updated map on the website.

As the wave of shock retreats from Garryns body and he shakes of its stunning effects he realizes that it has also weakened him to the point that he cannot continue to fight without healing. Foolishly, Garryn had given the remainder of his healing salve to Gilrak and now found himself with no option but to retreat so a safer location. With no alternative, Garryn begins to withdraw.

The numbing blow from the Ogre makes it difficult for Totmacher to shake off his desire for blood frenzy.

Sensing the Dwarf's approach, Totmacher is able to refrain from instinct.

Totmacher chooses to fight defensively and takes a five foot step into K8 and attacks the Ogre with his Great Axe

21:34, Today: Totmacher of the Wilds rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Attack w/ Great Axe.

This message was deleted by the player at 08:53, Tue 25 Apr 2006.

(14)
Garryn begins a cautious disengagement from the nearby automaton, moving to put some distance between himself and the thing's sonic attack range.

(11)
Totmacher employs a similarly cautious approach to his melee with the ogre, opting to use a series of feints and defensive moves.  Unfortunately, however, the barbarian is unable to obtain a clear shot at his ogrish foe.

(10)
Aidrin is up, followed by Asher on 9.

(10)
Aidrin quickly reloads his crossbow, then levels the weapon and fires at the orcish shaman.  The human wizard is rewarded with the sight of the bolt shearing through the shaman's leather armor...drawing blood and a shriek of pain from the creature.

OOC:  23:36, Today: DM, on behalf of Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Critical hit check for crossbow.
23:34, Today: DM, on behalf of Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 2 using 1d8. Damage to shaman.
23:34, Today: DM, on behalf of Aidrin ap Gynwir rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Crossbow attack vs. orc
Asher is up on segment 9.

Seeing the shaman reaching for something, Asher hops across the pit and attempts to stun him with an unarmed strike. Then he turns a wary eye on the automaton.

OOC: 22:00, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 25 using 1d20+7. stunning fist vs shaman.
22:10, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 4 using 1d8+2. unarmed damage.
Path of travel H-9 to H-14 to G-15. Asher chooses to use his "dodge" feat against the automaton, should it attack.

(9)
With a quick burst of speed and an agile leap over the gaping pit in the cavern floor, Asher is in front of the orcish shaman.  A hard, straight jab from the monk catches the orc squarely on the chin, rocking the creature's head back.  A glazed look replaces the evil gleam in the orc's eyes, and a small vial of liquid drops from his hands to shatter on the cavern's stone floor.

(6)
The ogre and automaton act next.  The automaton spins about with a whirring sound, then charges toward Asher.  One of the whirling, drill-like forelimbs of the thing is brought to bear on the monk, just barely catching the Narvilian but tearing into his torso when it does.

The ogre, using its club as a battering ram, slams the end into Totmacher's chest, two-handed.  Totmacher feels his ribs breaking as he loses consciousness.

OOC:  23:32, Today: DM rolled 8 using 1d6+5. Automaton damage vs. Asher.
23:29, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Automaton attack vs. Asher.
23:24, Today: DM rolled 15 using 2d8+7. Damage vs. Tot.
23:23, Today: DM rolled 27 using 1d20+8. Ogre attack vs. Tot.

Gilrak is up on 4.  The shaman is severely wounded and stunned for this round (losing his action).  Tot is at -6 hp, and Asher is at 12 hp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:03, Fri 28 Apr 2006.

Gilrak, seeing Totmacher fall from the Ogre's blow, takes a step towards the Giant and swings fiercely with his Urgrosh...

___________________________

5' move to J8
06:57, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Critical Miss Check.
06:56, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 15 using 1d20+6. Ogre Attack 2.
06:56, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Ogre Attack 1.

OOC: Damn, not much help here Tot.  Blasted Die Roller
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Fri 28 Apr 2006.

(4)
Gilrak's attempt to engage the ogre is successful, but the dwarf's use of the difficult-to-master urgosh are clumsy and ill-timed.  The dwarven ranger avoids a serious mishandling of his weapon, but his sweeping blows are wide of their target.

(25)
Caylin, still suffering from his poorly executed attempt to use his bow, is only able to shift his position a bit and fire a single arrow--rather than his customary two arrows.  Nonetheless, the little halfliing archer's shot is very well-placed, and the arrow buries itself to its fletches in the ogre--eliciting a roar of pain from the monster.

(19)
Perrato is up next.

OOC:  13:09, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 9 using 1d6+3. Damage w/in 30'.
13:09, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 25 using 1d20+13. Single arrow shot, w/in 30' & MW arrow.
Our wayward cleric is up next...PLEASE post, Tom, as this weekend represents an ideal time to wind some of this up.  Very slightly modified map is up on the website.

Aware of the predicament his half-orc friend finds himself in, Perrato elects to reload his crossbow and move into the chamber at Caylin's side. Once there, he readies himself to take aim at the threatening ogre.

[OOC: Perrato reloads and moves to G,8.]

Garryn leans heavily against the wall and makes a futile attempt at treating his injuries.

Garryn the Grey rolled 9 using 1d20. Untrained First Aid Check.

(10)
Realizing that things were looking a bit grim, Aidrin moves into the cavern, pulling the wand of suggestion from his robes as he does so.  The wizard points the intricately carved sliver of wood at the ogre, and mutters a fluid-sounding series of syllable.  In a clear voice, the Phanarian commands the ogre in Paldorian.  "Stop!  Smash the metal thing, not us!"  Aidrin winces a bit at the simplicity of his order, but reasons that the language must be accordingly crafted for the recipient.

An instant change of feature overtakes the ogre, and it looks to the automaton, tensing its muscles to leap towards the construct.

13:28, Today: DM rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Ogre will save, DC 15.  Asher is up on segment 9.

Asher makes two attempts at pummeling the Shaman... with dubious results.

OOC: Kev, will the 18 do the trick?
16:01, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 4 using 1d8+2. Unarmed Damage?.
16:00, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 14 using 1d20+5. stunning fist vs shaman (attk 2).
15:59, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Unarmed attack 1 vs Shaman.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Mon 01 May 2006.

(9)
The shaman, stunned by Asher's previous blow, collapses as the monk follows through with a solid punch to the orc's jaw.  The monk's fist rocks the orc's head backwards, and the creature collapses heavily to the ground.

(6)
Acting on Aidrin's magically-produced suggestion, the sole remaining ogre leaps at the automaton, wielding its club visciously.  The big, iron-studded timber crashes into the construct, crumpling it and sending it crashing across the cavern floor.

OOC:  10:49, Today: DM rolled 22 using 2d8+7. Ogre damage vs. automaton.
10:47, Today: DM rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Ogre attack vs. automaton.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:58, Tue 02 May 2006.

OOC: Posting for Jason who is traveling this week

Gilrak slips up behind the obedient Ogre, and swings his Urgosh in a fierce arc.

OOC: 16:14, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 17 using 1d20+7. rolling for Gilrak - correct mod.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Wed 03 May 2006.

(4)
Gilrak sidles up to the ogre, who views the dwarf's approach with a snarl--but the lingering effect of Aidrin's suggestion causes the monster to hesitate to attack.  This changes instantly as Gilrak employs his urgosh, cutting a deep slash across the ogre's thigh and causing the creature to roar out in pain.

New round
(25)
Caylin, awaiting his chance, sends two arrows thudding home into the ogre, toppling the beast as the missiles bury themselves in the creature's chest.  The cavern lies empty of conscious foes.

OOC:  06:54, Today: DM, on behalf of Gilrak Kilring rolled 7 using 1d8+4. Damage to ogre.
14:14, Yesterday: Asher Willbourne rolled 17 using 1d20+7. rolling for Gilrak - correct mod.
10:57, Yesterday: Caylin Direbrook rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Arrow damage 2 w/in 30'.
10:57, Yesterday: Caylin Direbrook rolled 8 using 1d6+3. Arrow 1 damage w/in 30'.
10:56, Yesterday: Caylin Direbrook rolled 24 using 1d20+11. Arrow shot 2, MW, w/in 30'.
10:56, Yesterday: Caylin Direbrook rolled 24 using 1d20+11. Arrow shot 1, MW, w/in 30'.

Perrato rushes toward Totmacher and after a cursory examination of the barbarian's wounds performs whatever emergency healing arts seem appropriate. "¿Por qué tienes tan prisa para encontrar la muerte, Señor Orque?" mutters the priest as sets himself to his task.

[OOC: 17:10, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 26 using 1d20+12. Heal Totmacher.]

Perrato, employing his expertise as a healer and apothecary, is able to staunch the flow of blood from Totmacher's wounds, bringing a measure of stability to the half-orc's admittedly critical condition.

OOC:  Tot stabilized at -7 hp.

OOC: Posting for Jason, again. Let's have some fun.

Gilrak gleams with self-congratulatory praise over the fact that the two height-challanged party members felled the long-limbed foe.

Out of morbid curiosity he wanders over to see how the less fortunate half-Orc fares. As he approaches, his nose wrinkles in disgust. "What is that smell? That is not the normal stench of Orc I sense. Priest, are you sure he is not dead? Something wreaks of morbid decay." The dwarf contines sniffing the air around the half-orc until he nears the sack slung over the barbarians back. Urgosh still in hand, the stout rogue slices the strap and removes the sack. As he peers into the bag the dwarf begins to wretch, "For the love of... (wretch) What is... (wretch)"

Unable to finish his declaration of disgust, Gilrak lobs the sack containing the head of Vilhallas into the nearby pit.

"What, in the name of Thorin, was that?"

OOC: There, that will be enough of that. <grin>
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:03, Fri 05 May 2006.

Gilrak neatly divests the wounded and unconscious Totmacher of the half-orc's bizarre necklace.  Peering into the bag at the decaying and maggot-ridden head, the dwarf disgustedly tosses the head and bag both into the nearby pit.

A low, barely audible moan emanates from the pit as he does so.

Perrato feels that, without additional healing, moving Totmacher would be a bad idea.

Intrigued by Gilrak's irreverent display (and the resulting low moan), Asher weaves through the carnage of metal scraps to stand at the edge of the pit. He draws a sunrod from his sash, stikes it and drops the glowing stick into the depths of the pit just to see the result of the bag hitting the bottom.

ooc:  ...uh oh...

The sunrod falls to the bottom of the pit, some 30 feet below the floor of the cavern.  A man lies at the bottom, ragged, bloody, and savagely beaten--but still living, though only semi-conscious and lying in filth.  Aidrin, joining the monk at the lip of the pit, exclaims softly, "Gwydion's teeth!  That's one of the merchants from the caravan I was with."

Meanwhile, Garryn and Caylin begin a search of the fallen ogres and orcish shaman.  The ogres carry crudely-stitched leather satchels, and amid the trash of bones, rocks, sticks, and shards of pottery are numerous pieces of gold--all of it minted in Rimsedge, it seems.  There are a total of approximately 200 of the gold coins.

In addition to his ragged robe and hobnailed boots, the shaman possesses stained leather armor, a curved black dagger, a silver ring, and a pendant of leather with a small leather bag depending from it.  A pouch of cured skin holds a black iron key and several semi-precious gemstones--8 in all.

Meanwhile, Totmacher is breathing shallowly and remains unconscious and badly wounded, but stable.

Moves?  Activities?  Ideas?  RPoL is back, and the weekend offers me some time to move us along.

Asher removes the rope from his pack and hands it to Aidrin. Then, utilizing a skill he picked up in Borderton, Asher steps from the edge of the pit, lightly tapping and kicking the wall as he drops 30' at an unnaturally slow rate.

OOC: Asher uses the feat "slow fall" for 20' and "jump down" for the last (or first) 10'
13:48, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 37 using 1d20+23. Jump down reduce damage DC 15 ; ).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Fri 19 May 2006.

Perrato divests himself of his armor as quickly as he can and asks Aidrin and Gilrak to hold one end of a rope for him as he uses it to make his descent into the pit. The object is to provide whatever healing arts he has remaining to the injured merchant.

Upon reaching the bottom of the thirty foot pit, the servant of Vagrani tends to the wounds and ailments of the unfortunate traveler.

[OOC: Well, look who didn't fall flat on his face.
 03:06, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 19 using 1d20+1. Climb check...cross your fingers.
 03:08, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 31 using 1d20+12. Heal check, merchant.
 Yezzah...]

Gilrak offers a grunt of agreement to Perrato's plan.   Grabbing the standing end of the rope, the Dwarf passes it behind his back and back around to his chest - forming a natural belay for the Cleric.  He then takes a seat next to the pit - and braces his feet agains the rock ledge -

"Ready when you are Cleric..."


________________

08:38, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Strength Chk - Hold Perrato.
08:37, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Belay Perrato.

Both Asher and Perrato descend into the noisome pit, Perrato by the more conventional means of a rope, Asher using only his extraordinary skills as a monk to slow his fall--kicking off from the wall and landing lightly in a three-point stance.  Perrato's descent is a bit more awkward, as Gilrak's hold on the rope and his footing are a bit tenuous.  Nevertheless, the Palonish priest's climbing is sure and steady, and he soon reaches the floor of the pit.

Perrato employs his healing skills, and renders the semi-conscious human stable enough to be moved.  Soon, Asher and Perrato have rigged a harness for the man, and Gilrak and Garryn have hauled the man out of the pit.

"I believe his name is Arkexis--he was one of the senior teamsters in charge of the caravan," says Aidrin.  "He was in a position of some authority over the drovers."

The human moans a bit as Perrato arranges him on the cavern floor--pillowing his head and generally making him comfortable.  The man's eyes flutter open, and he weakly attempts to pull away from the priest's ministrations.  Perrato simply puts a hand to the man's forehead, saying, "You have been grievously wounded, but are as safe as you can be for now.  Please, be still."

The man's eyes clear somewhat, and he nods his understanding to the Palonish man.  Weakly, he begins to speak...
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:12, Wed 24 May 2006.

"I...we...the caravan..." Arkexis trails off exhaustedly, and then resumes.  "It was a slaughter.  Orcs, ogres, and a band of humans ambushed us.  The orcs and ogres provided the muscle, but it was the sorcery of the humans that proved our undoing...wizards out of the darkness of Thrail."

"But who are you, and where am I?  The last clear memory I have is of fires and screaming horses.  What has happened?"
This message was last updated by the player at 17:46, Tue 23 May 2006.

While Perrato, Asher, and Gilrak work to remove Arkexis from the pit and offer some aid, Garryn and Caylin begin a very cautious search of the lower level.  The dwarven outpost is just that--an outpost, and not a very large one.  Off to the northwest, the corridor terminates in a large room that probably previously served as a storage area or workshop.  The orcs and ogres used it as a common room, and the evidence of dirty blankets and lice-ridden rags gathered as sleeping pallets abounds.  A fire, banked, smolders in the middle of the room, and a number of sacks, crates, and barrels line the northern wall--all containing dried foodstuffs such as jerked meat, hardtack, and salted fish.  Broken tables and benches litter the room.  A well--a simple shaft bored down to the level of the lake--occurs in the southeast corner of the room.

A door leads off of the main commons area and into a smaller chamber.  Clearly, this was the shaman's room.  An actual rickety cot is found in the southeast corner, with a small, locked chest at its foot.  A couple of open, empty barrels are set on end in the northwest corner of the room, and a broken chair and larger, closed barrel serve as an ersatz desk set in the northeast corner.

The corridor to the east of the shaman's room leads back into the cavern to the south, and opens onto the cliff face to the north--allowing a panoramic view across the lake.  The corridor continues to the south, where it apparently dead-ends in a structural collapse.

OOC:  A new and updated 'Obelisk interior' map is up on the website, also conveniently linked HERE.  Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:14, Wed 24 May 2006.

Garryn carefully inspects the chest in the shaman's room. Assuming he discerns no traps he will try to open it with the key.

Garryn the Grey rolled 28 using 1d20+10. Search of chest.

Prior to successfully removing Arkexis from the pit, Perrato speaks briefly with the man.

"Amigo Arkexis, I have several questions," begins Perrato, "But first we should attend to your comfort and well being. Do you feel you are in healthy enough condition to leave this pit? We will assist you however you can."

Perrato calls upward to his colleagues that there remain 4 portions of the orcish healing unguent that may be best used to treat Totmacher. Also, he confers with Asher and Gilrak regarding the best means to transport Arkexis from the bottom of the pit. Perhaps some sort of seat can be fashioned using the rope, if there is anyone skilled enough to tie such a contraption.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Sat 27 May 2006.

Hearing the Priest's request, Gilrak grabs his rope and makes an attempt to construct a webbed harness of sorts.

Studying the fine-boned human without any visible signs of concern, Gilrak asks - "Is she in condition to be lifted out Priest???"

If so, he will hand his gear to the Priest, secure the human to himself as best he can - and make for the top of the pit.  If not, he will make an attempt to splint the woman in place - then grab the rope they used to descend into the pit and secure it to Alexus' webbing harness (figure-8 knots tied to the harness - one at the chest, one below the waist) - and get her ready to be hoisted out..

__________________

20:18, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Strength Check for the Climb.
20:06, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Use Rope - Tie Harness for Injured Human.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Fri 26 May 2006.

Seeing the familiar face, a rush of memories flood through the Narvillian Monk. It was Arkexis, afterall, that had given Asher his first job after he was forced to leave the Monastary. It was that job that led him to Borderton and into the company of the men who now try to save Arkexis' life and health.

But, more than that, the mention of the Wizards of Thrail burned the young monks ears and brought the flush of bloodlust to his cheek...

"Tell us of the wizards Arkexis. How many were they? And how was it you could not fend them off?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Fri 26 May 2006.

The attempts to extricate Arkexis from the pit meet with decided success, and Arkexis now lies on the floor of the cavern, removed from the noisome depths of the pit.

Asher recognizes the man, and both he and Perrato have questions.

A dim gleam of something like recognition comes to Arkexis' eyes.  The weakened merchant answers,"They were few in number, but powerful.  At least two Fire Mages were among them, and three battle mages...a summoner...  Our own mages had no skill to match theirs."  The man draws a ragged breath.  "The wizards commanded a small band of armed men, as well as the orcs and ogres.  I heard one of them call out, 'Destroy the caravan as you did the others, but leave the spice wagons.'  I cannot remember more than flashes of fighting and fire."

Garryn locates a series cunningly-hidden holes, designed to look like mere knots or imperfections in the grain of the wooden chest.

OOC:  Disable Device DC is a 20.  Give me a roll.

Garryn pulls the appropriate tools from his belt pouch and prepares to set to work on the trap, pauses and advises those near him, "You may wish to give this area a wide berth should anything go awry." As he sets to work he briefly considers waiting until he is healthier but dismisses the idea out of impatience and a compelling urge to leave the area before anyone else shows up. After a some time Garryn feels satisfied that the job is done, makes sure the area is clear and gingerly inserts the key into the lock and turns it.

Garryn the Grey rolled 29 using 1d20+12. Disable Device DC 20.

Garryn successfully disables the poison pin mechanism that guards the small wooden chest, and then simply unlocks the chest with the key.  Inside, there is a small pouch and a bundle of papers and parchments tied together with a bit of twine.

The pouch holds a number of small opals, and two large emeralds.  The papers and parchments appear to be written in two or three different hands--all using the dwarven script, but Garryn cannot make out the uncouth words spelled out by the dwarven characters.

OOC:  An appraisal roll will get you some gem values, Bret.  What is the story with Totmacher?

[OOC: Couldn't resist.
 23:11, Today: Perrato Viatomagne rolled 17 using 4d4+4. Perrato applies Unguent to Totmacher.]

With Arkexis safely escorted out of the pit, Perrato turns his attention, however ruefully, to getting the brash barbarian back on his feet. The Palonard retrieves the four remaining containers of orcish healing unguent and does his best to avoid inhaling too much while he opens them. As he applies the crude salve to his comrade's wounds, he grimaces as its arcane power begins to bind and repain the worst of the damage, leaving truly grotesque scars as it does so. "Pues, no es mi obra mejor, pero, a Señor Orque, no le molestará de todos modos." Satisfied that his efforts have done all they can for Totmacher, Perrato turns to Arkexis to submit some queries of his own.

"Amigo Arkexis, what sorts of spices were you transporting?" asks Perrato, "Were any of them of an unusual nature, perhaps with arcane uses?"

Seeing the Human Rogue attempting to read the parchments - upside down - Gilrak offers an amused snort and extends his barrel fingered hand - gesturing for the Rogue to hand them over.

"Oi - Thief.  I'll translate for ya..."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:54, Wed 31 May 2006.

Garryn hands Gilrak the sheafs of paper and, extracting his magnifying glass moves closer to the light and begins examining the gems.

Garryn the Grey rolled 20 using 1d20+11. Appraise Check.

Being of no use in the aid and comfort of the injured, or the appraisal of gems, Asher turns his attention to the thought of securing a safe place to sleep for the night, and the thought of travel, "Perrato, I assume that your patients can be ready to travel tomorrow?"

"Arkexis, we will do what we can to escort you safely to..." Asher stops, realizing that he is not sure where the party is headed. He turns to Gil, Garryn and Perrato, "I am assuming we are returning to Borderton?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Wed 31 May 2006.

Pulling away from the brackish red light, a feint voice can be heard bouncing off the shades of red.  Totmacher recognizes the voice as Vil, "...check your sack bro...no not that one...your other sack!..."

Totmacher's eyelids snap open, revealing the whites both above and below the corneas.

He inhales deeply, filling his lungs with the subterranean air.  Rising to his feet, he surveys the damage.

PM

While the rest of the party discusses plans for departure, Gilrak takes a few moments to take a look around the Dwarven Outpost...

 08:47, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Track Cavern.
08:46, Today: Gilrak Kilring rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Search the Cavern.

Gilrak - having taken a considerable amount of time searching the darkest most recesses of the Cavern - returns to check on the Party.  Perhaps they may have returned to their human homelands by now - he thinks to himself as he makes his way back to the party's location - hearing no signs of their usual post-combat jocularity..
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Sun 06 Aug 2006.

Totmacher calls out "Totmacher demands to know where Vilhalas is..."

After a slight pause, Totmacher finishes, "...now."

Gilrak, now peering curiously over the edge of the pit (scanning the chasm with his darkvision) - hears the Half-Orc's inquiry, looks up and adds:

"So who is this Villhalas the Barbarian keeps going on about anyway??"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Mon 14 Aug 2006.

Totmacher shifts his eyes to Gilrak.

In a steady voice Totmacher delivers the message, "Whilst Totmacher was netherbound he was thieved.  Who dares to trespass against Totmacher?"

Totmacher lifts his Great Axe.

"Speak now for the Heathen will have his way."

"easy, half-beast..."

13:05, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Initiative order.

"Uh, by 'heathen' I presume you refer to yourself...is that correct? And which way do you want it? You don't seriously mean to kill all of us because Villhalas has gone missing do you? A lot has been going on since you fell in battle and it is possible that somebody here is responsible for Vil's departure, but that doesn't mean others know anything about it so why punish them. Furthermore, since you spoke to Vil how can you be certain that he wasn't ready to move on, perhaps it was time for him to seek new adventures? Think about the consequences, Totmacher, my brother, set aside your axe and let us search for the errant extremity," Garryn proposes with open palms and an almost sincere look on his face.

Garryn the Grey rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Bluff Check. Dammit!

"Step aside Rogue, Garryn has fought by Totmacher's side many times and knows that it not be you.

New blood stains the party and that new blood shall stain these chamber walls if Villhalas is not returned."

"Ay, caray...la ley de la selva no fue nunca tan crudo," mutters the fatigued Palonard as he turns to the irate half-orc, "Amigo Orque mio, what more use do you have for your valiant brother's remains that cannot be carried better by his memory in your soul? We are in...¿comó se dice?...diffcult circumstances. Our situation presents us with some urgency. A warrior must respect the battle as it lies and seek his valor among the living. We should not waste time and energy with...ay...eh...insoluable quarrels. You brother's honor is not diminished by a practical concern for his colleagues' survival and the satisfaction of their objectives."

Perrato pauses, thinks about his current inablility to provide anyone with the fruits of his patron deity's favor, and waits for Totmacher's reaction.

Unsure as to who this Villhalas is the Half-Orc keeps referring to, Gilrak simply shrugs his shoulders and adds These ogre carcas' are startin to get ripe...  Are we off then?  I suspect the lot of you are anxious to return to the surface.."