Experience Points:
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CHARACTER SHEETS INDIVIDUALLY, NOTING THE LAST DATE YOU UPDATED EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CHARACTER SHEET.  IT SHOULD LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN YOUR CHARACTER SHEETS (just by way of example):

20,000 + 8,000 (4/5/15) + 10,000 (6/21/15) + 5500 (8/1/15) + 7000 (9/8/15) = 50,500 TOTAL

If you receive a wisdom bonus, please also add that as one of the numbers.


You follow Kahan out and through the exit, climbing up through the rubble, collecting the huddled gnomes and returning to the semicircular room.  There is no sign of the horde of acidic beetles that previously had chased you.

Gnomes: 6 remaining.



Here is a description of the room again for you again:

 This semicircular room has three entry/exit points:  the door you entered, a door on the south side of the west wall leading west (which is slightly ajar), and a door inset into a small niche in the eastern wall (see map).

 On the wall behind you (the west wall), there are intricate carvings, which read:

  "THE TEST OF THE FAITHFUL. Only those who prove true may transcend and descend.  Only those who prove true are worthy.  The seventh test revealed below."

  A tapestry is hung on either side of these engravings.  Though they must be old and are filled with dust, they are in impeccable shape, obviously preserved through magic.

  The left tapestry portrays the back of a black-cloaked man standing atop a mountain, his hands held high.  At the bottom of the mountain, hordes of followers bow in obeisance.

  The right tapestry portrays a silvery dragon with piercing blue eyes, its tail winding around a black-cloaked figure.  In each of its foreclaws, it also holds a black-cloaked figure, and yet another is crushed between its teeth.  The dragon peers out from a cave in a mountain, and at the top of the mountain, you see the small figure of the cloaked man, hands still raised.

  Below the wording and in between the two tapestries, there is another "shelf" that is closed to viewing.  You imagine it will open if the right conditions are met.

 On the curved section of wall in front of you, words are elaborately carved into the wall with gold insets.  There are three words on the left, and three words on the right.  Each word is repeated multiple times in several languages.  In order from left to right, the words are:

  1) DARKNESS
  2) CONFUSION
  3) MADNESS
  4) MIGHT
  5) FEAR
  6) EVIL


  The words DARKNESS, CONFUSION, FEAR, and MADNESS have a glowing luster to them that the others do not, as if they are magically lit up.

  Under each of the multi-lingual words, you see a square area where there is obviously some sort of shelf or casing built into the stone wall.

You already placed the gem in the Darkness, Confusion, and Fear shelves and retrieved the magic items.  Now, under the glowing word "MADNESS," the "shelf" has rotated down 90 degrees, revealing a small indentation the same size as the purple gem you recovered, and an item just above that indentation, back in the shadows of the wall cavity.


Shae's arm has slowed in the rotting undead infection, but none of you have seen anything like it before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Tue 08 Sept 2015.

Borimer grits his teeth as more health drains away from him due to the the poison in his veins.  He sees Shae's putrescent arm and the hidden item in the recess, and then shakes his head.  "Someone else needs to get that, I've only got one left myself..."  Borimer wipes some blood from the corner of his mouth.

Shae casts a cure light wounds on Borimer and a cure poison before turning to her own wound.  "I'm not sure there's any way to stop the spread of the infection, other than cutting it off."  She seems very distraught at this.  "It looks like between us, Borimer and I may only have two arms total."  She tries a wry smile before starting a tourniquet.

The ointment might help, it will preserve a body so that a simple raise dead spell will work after a long time, if we can not find a way to fix it now it may keep it safe until we find someone who can? If there is any way to I think we should avoid cutting anything off.

Looking over the tapestries and the wall Vuzyl continues

I assume two more tests then this dragon? Some how this is meant to cure a toxin? And these Gnomes why are they here?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Wed 09 Sept 2015.

Borimer feels the poison wear off as he is healed.  (Please make hp adjustments for CLW.)

The ointment might preserve the dead skin, but it will not revitalize the dead tissue or stop the progression.

Tahldar looks at Shae's arm with concern, but he is no healer and cannot help.

Speaking of healing, the mage rubs his foot and realizes he needs healing himself.

"Sorry to be a bother but could I have a healing spell or two?  I'm feeling a bit beat up, especially my foot."

OOC: Tahldar is down 20 and his foot is hurt causing him to move at half speed.

Shae will cast cure serious wounds on Tahldar before turning back to the platforms.  "Well, should we put the purple gem in the slot yet?"

Does Shae have the purple gem?

Yes, The last mention of it was that you have the Gem.

"As far as I can tell, we have two options when it comes to Shae's forearm. We can amputate it, then hope and pray we stumble upon a very powerful cleric who could help us by casting a Regenerate spell, or we can use the tourniquet and maybe some light healing spells to stem the tide, as it were, until we locate this magical pool of water which might be able to cure the gangrene. I will leave the decision up to Shae, as it is her arm we are talking about, but if she wishes I would be willing to assist with the amputation. Must be careful we don't get it infected and that we get rid of all the dead tissue, after all" Kahan finally pipes up after some deliberation.

"Well, a tourniquet will eventually require amputation anyway and I am not sure that would necessarily stop the rotting, but I am no healer", Leo adds.

Borimer's shoulders relax and his fists unclench after Shae stops the poison and heals him.  "Always grateful for the healers keeping us alive."  He hears Kahan's determination while trying to avoid having to look at Shae's arm again.  "We need to find that pool."

"We just have two more tests to go. Evil or Strength?"

Does it make a difference? Are the Tests themselves related to their name?

Vuzyl turns to the Gnomes, Speaking like someone who has lived and breathed the language he slipped into their native tongue

[Language unknown: El tater il etlo ssove manhisati Ma is oeranyess mewi Yinrearutnde? Rediouhousti ounte ck i il ni locon ol leta onentelar ul pr. ]I guess I know Gnomish?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Fri 11 Sept 2015.

So no one wants to investigate the magic weapon...?

While waiting for Shae's response, Kahan has a strange urge to check out the magical item in the crevice.

OOC: In all honesty, I had been planning on coming in here and posting that he would check out the item of Shae hadn't (or had I suppose) responded. :P

Shae will also check out the shelf and put the purple gem in the slot.

Shae puts the purplish gem in its spot, which releases the item below it.  You pull out two finely woven gloves, appearing to be stitched of leather.  The gem and its shelf disappear into the wall again, and the word MADNESS lights up with its preternatural light.

Casting the Identify spell, you learn the following:

Feldar's Gloves (intended for Lukas):
The wearer of these gloves gains the following abilities:
1) -2 AC (as per a shield +1)
2) Any blade caught in the hand will not sever the hand or gloves (must make appropriate dexterity and possibly strength check to catch a blade)
3) Any weapon used in a gloved hand is +1 to hit and +1 damage
4) Any backstabbing attempt is +3 to hit and +6 damage
5) Pickpocketing attempts and other rogue skills, including climbing, are done at a +20%
6) Subdual damage from punching or pommel is +1.


This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:34, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

Borimer grins at Lukas "Should've known as soon as it said madness."

Lukas looks down despondently and then raises his hand and pulls of the glove he currently wears.  His fingers have begun to blacken.  "I fingers are numb with pooled blood.  I have caught the Black Curse.  I don't know how much time I have left, but those magic gloves should go to another.  Should I succumb to the disease, release me from this life quickly."

"While your offer is definitely tempting especially for me, why don't you use them until such a time as you are not actually able to use them anymore and then it can be sorted out.  Those would certainly enhance the things I am good at for sure, but perhaps you will come through", Leo says hopefully.

Lukas says, "Maybe, but I fear my touch may infect them and any future wearer with the disease.  What about you, Vuzyl?  You are also of a roguish nature."

Vazyl takes the gloves and studies them carefully inspecting every stitch and panel, walking over to Lukas he places them in his hands and standing straight on places both his hands on the smaller rogues shoulders, speaking softly he says

Perfect, I agree with Leo. Lukas this gift was meant for you and if they serve you a day or a decade they will serve you well.
Turning to the rest of the group he continues in a louder voice
We better get this cure found so Lukas can make proper use of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:07, Fri 18 Sept 2015.

OOC: Lukas' player has had to drop out of the game.  So now the gloves are meant for Vuzyl.

"Well, I guess we should head to the Evil test, we should hurry with all of the bad stuff quickly. Shae and now Lukas are running out of time." Shapfren pauses. "Or maybe there is a way for Shae to live for a long time... It isn't pretty, but better than lose a part of you than doom yourself fully. don't you agree?"

OOC: I can not think of a really good way to take back what I said so just ignore my last post.

Vazyl takes the gloves and studies them carefully inspecting every stitch and panel, walking over to Lukas he places them in his hands and standing straight on places both his hands on the smaller rogues shoulders, speaking softly he says

I will except your gift for now my friend if we are to stand a chance of saving you we need all the haste we can manage. When we are done I will gladly return them.

"Is the Evil test the next one up?  There is a door to the south we have not yet gone through.  I say we go there and take on the first test we find as I doubt it makes much of a difference as far as lethality."

Yes there seems little more to do here. One test is as good as another, or as bad

This is the last map.  You went through the west door (MADNESS).  The east door is MIGHT.  You have not gone through the south door, but you probably assume it leads to EVIL.

"I am still feeling the effects of that electric shock from awhile back but I think a minor healing spell should take care of it if there is one to spare.  If not, I can manage for awhile", Leo adds a bit sheepishly since the much more serious ailments of some of the other party members was not lost on him.

Shae will cast cure light wounds on Leo and then asks Borimer sheepishly: "I hate to say this, but I think I need you to cut off my arm before the infection spreads."  She will bite down on some leather and have the others hold her down while Borimer can sever the arm and the flesh can be cauterized and bound.

"I have an idea for that. It will cost me a spell but I haven't been using this level of spell much so it shouldn't effect much," Kahan responds, casting a spell before a sword of flame springs from his hand. Once Shae is prepared he will use the flame sword to carefully, but quickly, sever her arm where the gangrene stops. It should cauterize the wound but if it doesn't he will use the heat from the blade to finish the job.

"If you need a hand to squeeze, you can use mine", Leo says as he offers his hand in comfort to Shae.

Borimer nods and secures Shae from moving once she's ready, and then looks to Kahan...

The blade cleanly slices through the arm.  Although Shae won't be clapping for joy, the spread of the undead gangrene disease has stopped.  (Shae now treated as one handed.)

You go next to...Might?  Or Evil?

Now if you are not in too much pain, we should make our move the sooner we we complete your tests the sooner we can leave this place. My vote is for Might how say you all?

Shae looks down at her stump of an arm and then back up.  "Might it is then."

Kahan discontinues his blade spell and begins heading towards the Might test. "If anybody is in need of healing ask now before we get in there. These tests tend to get dangerous very fast and we need to be in top form. Or as close to top form as we can get," the priest states, looking around at the rag-tag group of adventurers they had assembled.

Borimer checks his armor and then his blade.  "I'm good to go."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

"Sure, Might is as good as any.  If we survive, Evil awaits us no matter what", Leo adds.

If that last thing is anything to go by evil will be in both tests.

You go into the MIGHT test.  The square room, like the last one, has marble walls, ceiling and floors.  An ancient iron ladder, rotted with age, leads down into a deep square hole in the center of the floor.

As you enter with the cube, the MIGHT word lights up on one side of the golden cube, and the large stone door comes crashing down.  It is all you can do to have the last of you jump inside the room in time, but the gnomes are left outside in the stone halls.  You hope beyond hope that the acid beetles don't return to finish them off.

Gnomes: 6 remaining.

This room is of the blackest black, but your glowing jewel provides light, though it cannot reach to whatever lies at the bottom of the descending ladder.

Tahldar readies himself for the fight ahead, but he is nervous as he is anything but "mighty" in limb.

Borimer tries to open the stone wall to allow the gnomes in the chamber, but can't get it to budge.  He prepares to descend the ladder into darkness.  "Anyone want to follow me down..?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

Didit gets close to Borimer. "Can I borrow a rope?" she asks before moving forward with bow in hand "I will follow, I could be useful if we needed to climb"

"Here is one you can use."  Leo hands Shapfren his 50' silk rope.

I should go too, Borimer does more with one hand than most people would do with 2 but we don't know what we will find down there. Besides, I say always bring a thief.

Descending the ladder takes you down about 300 feet.  The ladder holds, and at the bottom, you find yourself in a roughly hewn round room made of brown bauxite.  Straight ahead of you, your magically lit jewel shows two steps leading to a large stone gate or portcullis.

Stairs:  The second stair of the two steps is not a typical stair.  There are ten stones about three feet square each that extend from the left to the right.  They are directly in front of the stone gate.  The stones have some sort of ancient carvings on them, but all stones are carved with the same runes. You do not understand the runes.  However, on the vertical side of each step is written in several languages the words, "Each must step on one."

Portcullis/Door: The door in front of you is about 30 feet from left to right and about 15 feet tall.  It is made of carved white marble.  In front of each of the "steps" are two cut grooves at about waist level (i.e., handholds).  Above the handholds, the rest of the marble door is carved into the familiar dragon symbol on the other doors.  Unlike the other vertical doors, this dragon is carved into the door from left to right, a long, snake-like bas relief.  Upon second look, the dragon appears to be inset in the door in sections, not carved straight from the marble.  Each section of the dragon is vertically aligned with the "step" below it.

Vuzyl studies the rune
Well I'm guessing we need to stand on these things each 'on one', lets just hope we don't need 10 of us to get it to work.
Considering the situation further he continues
Once this starts we may not be able to move, we should spread out the strongest of us in case we are attacked Borimer on one end, I'll take the other, Tahldar in the middle then Kahan and Leo next Shea next to me and Shapfren in the last spot. Leo, we should both check for traps before anyone does anything, two eyes are better than one.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

"Sounds good to me.  I would suggest though that if you have any protective spells you want to cast on yourself do it now."

Tahldar then begins to cast before stepping on his allotted stone.

OOC: Tahldar will cast Stoneskin on himself and Borimer.  He would cast more, but he only gets two per day.  He will then step on his stone.

"Thanks, friend." Borimer says to Tahldar before stepping onto the stone Vuzyl points out. "We're gonna need it..."

Didit circles the group and ties everybody together with the rope. "We don't want to risk getting separated again." After that she enters into position with the bow in hand.

Kahan approaches the door and inspects the handholds to see what they would be used for. Do they look like they would be for lifting or for moving left-right? He will also run his fingers along the handholds first then the dragon carving to see if any parts of it seem like they were pressure points or switches.

Shae will also get on one of the steps. "So we're all getting on one of the stones, right?" she confirms.

"Sure, what could possibly happen?", Leo says a bit dryly for a hobbit, on top of a half smile.

Tahldar casts stoneskin while Kahan goes to inspect the handholds.

What they appear to be are two handholds per square tile.  The user would grab the handholds and lift up to raise the gate like a portcullis.

Checking for traps doesn't reveal anything, except the bauxite stone surrounding the room and touching everything, including the ladder, had a lot of metal running through it.

OOC:
For stepping on the steps, please indicate which one you will step on (1 through 10), left to right:

|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|

Taking a spot in the middle, Tahldar steps on stone number 6.

Leo steps on 7.

Shae steps on 8.

[Borimer has stepped onto stone #1]

Vuzyl hops onto number 9

I'll wait over the weekend for final numbers.  If you don't post, I will assume you are not stepping on one of the steps, or I will pick a number for you if you didn't pick one.

As each of you steps onto a step, the step below you glows slightly from below.  A faint glow also appears on the handle and on the section of dragon immediately above your stone.

#2 next to Borimer.

Lukas waits off the steps in case something happens to those on the steps.

Kahan will step on #3.

Steps:

Borimer: 1
Shapfren: 2
kahan: 3

Steps 4 and 5: empty

Tahldar: 6
Leo: 7
Shae:8
Vuzyl: 9

Lukas: Not on a step.

You get on your respective steps.  As you do so, the the step below you glows slightly from below.  A faint glow also appears on the handle and on the section of dragon immediately above your stone.

Nothing else happens at the moment.

"Does anyone know the monster summoning spell?  I think we may need it to fill one spot."

We may well need to do that Tahldar but I feel we should at least try to lift it as we are and see what happens. If we use a spell here that was not needed it we may regret it later.

"No, well, I can summon monsters but they aren't real."

Shae will pull up on the handle to see if anything happens.

Is it possible to stand on more than one step at a time? If they are close enough, Kahan will stand on the fifth step as well as the fourth.

Seeing Kahan shifting his weight as if to straddle two stones Vuzyl says
Kahan, that may not be wise, they say "Each must step on one." Magic has a way of punishing you on a technically.

Kahan steps on the fifth step.  It too lights up with a glow like the other steps where people are standing.

Shae begins pushing up on the handle part of the stone gate.  It takes effort, but it begins to rise.

Immediately, the bauxite in the main room begins sparking with powerful electricity.  Everyone who is not on a step is hit with a powerful electric shock and paralyzed in place.  The electricity even flows up the iron ladder that extends to the floor.

Lukas is the only one not on a step.  Electricity flows through him, making him jerk and shudder.  (20 hp dmg.)

Seeing what she has done, Shae immediately puts down the gate, and the electricity stops flowing.  Lukas collapses to the floor.  He is alive and conscious, but wisps of smoke rise from his clothing.

Lukas gets up and stumbles to the steps.  "So much for my theory about not getting on the steps," he says as he gets on step number 10.

"Damn all this ancient magic..."  Borimer's hand fidgets near the ivory hilt at his side.  He remains solidly on the step despite his rising apprehension.

Shae says, "Let's all try pulling up on the gate together."

Yes, but Kahan may need help if he is to lift two. I think we should all try and lift one, if that does not work we will see what we can do to spread the load or magic up a 10th

(Shae reports that it was not that difficult to lift, requiring only about 30 pounds of lifting force--far less than you would expect for such a large door.)

Shae pushes up again on her portion of the gate.

As does Vuzyl.

Seeing that it apparently doesn't matter, Kahan will remove his foot from the second stair and stand firmly on one again (3) and  begin lifting.

"Well, it is the test of might..." Didit follows suit

Borimer grips the gate and attempts to pull it up when the others are ready...

You step on the tiles with all but two of them having someone on them, and begin lifting.  The tiles and the section of gate in front of each tile glows as you lift, and the bauxite begins flashing with the electricity flowing over it.  Just above the gate, the bauxite metal bits also glow, forming a figure that you recognize as the Ancient Allevian symbol for the number “8.”

The gate lifts slowly but steadily with all of you lifting.  (Total of 2400 pounds of lifting requirement.)  When it gets at should level, you each duck under into the far room.  The stone gate closes slowly behind you (10 inches per second).  When it closes again, you hear it latch closed and lock, and immediately the bauxite stops glowing and crackling with electricity.

Also happening exactly when the gate closes behind you, bluish lights begin lighting in procession along the large hall you have just entered.  The magical blue glow in the torches in their sconces begins on either side of you and then progresses forward to the far side of the great hall.


You find that you are in a hall 150 feet long, and 50 feet high with stone arched ceilings.  The main hall is 30 feet wide, except that there are nooks along each side.  To your left and right, the niches, nooks, or alcoves (whatever you want to call them) are about 30 feet long.  There are five on each side, extending the entire 150 foot length of the Great Hall.  Each alcove is 10 feet deep, and all but one of them has a giant statue in it.

There is another stone gate against the far wall 150 feet in front of you.  It also has the bas relief dragon and is 30 feet wide and 15 feet tall.  It does not have tiles in front of it, but it does have handholds just like the gate you just entered.

Immediately in front of you (10 feet in front of the gate) is another of those dragon pedestals, with the serpentine dragon winding around the pedestal and its head facing up.  In its long jaws and perched on its tongue is another one of the gems.  This gem is a dull yellow in color.

Ninety feet in front of you (60 feet before the far wall) is a 10 foot square pool of blue liquid (too blue to be water) inset into the ground.  There is a single step on each side leading down into the 2 foot deep pool.  Inscribed in many languages around the pool are the following words:  “REVIVIFY RESTORE REJUVINATE RESUSCITATE REPAIR REGENERATE.”

Looking at the statues, you see a large word carved in front of each in several languages, as follows:

          Far Gate
Wind     |       | Water
Underdark| Pool  | Fire
Vermin   |       | Earth
Magic    |       | Mind (no statue)
Ore      |       | Death
       Dragon Ped.
            PCs

The statues are ominous, each with its own unique structure and build:

Wind:  This is a 20 foot tall statue with its head like a sideways tornado and hands like briar thorns captured in brass.

Water:  This is a 15 foot tall statue, snake-like in appearance but with hands and feet looking like sharp shards of ice.  It appears to be carved from an ice-like crystalline.

Underdark:  This is a 20 foot tall statue of a dark, large browed humanoid with four arms and hands curved into claws.


Fire:  This 15 foot statue looks like a roughly humanoid creature carved from a reddish iron like magma and clad in armor.

Vermin:  This is a 20 foot tall horrific creature with claws and teeth.  It looks like spiderwebs were solidified into black metal to make the statue.


Earth:  This 20 foot tall statue is of a sexless, hairless human standing naked and carved from solid white granite.


Magic:  This 15 foot tall statue appears to be carved from a purple glowing amethyst, with sharp edges that make it nearly formless.  It is in the shape of a giant amethyst dragon.


Mind:  There does not appear to be any statue where “Mind” is at.

Ore:  Here you see a 25 foot tall statue of a powerful human warrior carved out of bronze.



Death:  This 20 foot tall statue appears waxy in nature.  It has a terrifying head of three skulls with decaying skin, and it carries a staff made out of a spine with a sharp toothed skull on top.




This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Fri 02 Oct 2015.

Kahan will inspect the "water" and if it seems safe he will cup some into his hands and sip it.

EDIT: I added pictures of some of the statues in the above post.  This morning, I spent over a half hour writing out the detailed post, only to have Explorer lock up when I went to insert pictures.  Grrr....I had to rewrite the whole thing from scratch.

Kahan goes to the blue liquid.  It is salty and acrid to the taste, but his hands tingle with rejuvenation wherever the liquid touches, healing any cuts or scrapes within seconds.

"No one touch the gem until all that need healing have had a chance at that pool.  I suspect we'll be fighting these statues as soon as the gem is touched.  And from the size of these things it's going to be one heck of a battle."

Shae will descend and fully immerse herself in the pool to see what happens.

Kahan will give Shae back her hand to see if it could be reattached by the water. "I don't know if this will work but I figured you could always try," he states. Once she has taken it he will approach the Mind space and attempt to feel if there was an invisible statue.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

"Let hope for the best", Leo says as he nears Shae in the pool.  He also keeps an eye on what Kahan might discover in the area of the apparent missing statue.

Vuzyl take a long draft of the water hoping it will work to cure his damaged mind at least in part. He will then begin searching the room for traps starting at the pedestal (he will not touch the gem).

OOC: find traps 80%,  when the fight/s start is there enough shadow in each alcove to hide ready for a back stab?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:18, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Borimer looks about the great hall without moving past the dragon pedestal.  His eyes narrow and he unsheathes the Godslayer, approaching the pool when Kahan attepts to help Shae.  He remains vigilant for any movements from the statues...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Didit walked towards the water, hoping to heal. She needed to rest before the bad things started.

Shae descends into the blue liquid.  It is clearly not water since it is not transparent.  Indeed, the liquid is so deeply blue that it is nearly opaque.

Instantly upon immersing herself, a tingling sensation begins to cover her entire body.  Even before Kahan approaches with the arm, she feels her arm growing back over the new stump.  Every placed immersed in the liquid is healed entirely; every scar disappears and every blemish fades.  The process takes about 30 seconds, but when she arises, she has two hands and is not only healed but fresh as though just woken from a long nap.

She notes that the bottom of the pool is lined with a grate.  The liquid clearly flows up through the grate from somewhere below.

Vuzyl looks around.  Given the low level light from the magic blue torches in their sconces, and the immensity of this room, there are many shadows in the room, though they are most thick in the niches where the statues stand.

Kahan does indeed feel something hard as stone where the "MIND" statue would be.  Some sort of invisible statue, as smooth as polished marble, is there.

OOC: To move this along, I will assume everyone heals.

You take turns immersing yourselves in the blue liquid.  You are all healed as you do so.  Borimer also finds, to his great pleasure, that his severed arm also grows back.  No longer is he a one-armed warrior, but is back to full strength with both arms intact and fully healed.

You imagine this blue liquid must be a mixture of the Earthsilver blue healing liquid that flows in veins and pools in these mountains, mixed with something else very potent.  (You also recall that the earthsilver loses its potency after about 10-15 minutes of being separated from its source.)

(It is earthsilver and the berry Lathia you seek to find in one spot somewhere below where the dragon waits.)

Kahan will take out his luminous paste and apply some to the invisible statue, on the chest, arms and if he can reach, the head.

OOC: Do we get back our spells after immersing ourselves in the liquid or does it simply feel like waking from a nap?

Sorry, but spells do not come back.


The luminous paste makes it appear that there is a smooth, roundish statue.  It is likely featureless (no eyes, ears, mouth or other features besides arms, legs, and body).

Shae is ecstatic to be healed and have her arm back.  "I feel like I could take on all these statues singlehandedly.  I mean, double handedly."  She says this pun with a wink and a smile.

"I'm very happy for you Shae", Leo adds with a smile.  "It seems we have all been blessed, even if it's fleeting."

Does anyone have any empty containers we can fill, I know it will not last but I don't trust these statues not to come alive on us and I don't trust the liquid not to drain away having the backup of being able to poor something over someone for a quick free heal may make the difference.

Not having any he looks over the statues again

If we get an option does anyone have any preference on who we fight first? I say we start with ore as its closest to whoever takes the gem.

Once a plan is decided Vuzyl will hide in the shadows behind the first statue

OOC: Hide in shadows 70%
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

Borimer steps out of the pool and regards his new hand, slowly clenching and unclenching it with skeptical satisfaction.  He nods at Vuzyl's suggestion as it mirrored his own, "If the water will stay powerful for even ten minutes while stored in a wineskin, it could be enough to save us if the pool disappears when a fight breaks out."

Shae says, "What is our plan here?  Before, we had to get the first jewel to get to the second jewel.  I think we have to grab that first jewel and then somehow get through the far gate.  Maybe there won't be any fighting of statues at all."  She looks across the 150 foot divide from one gate to the other, and to the jewel on the stone dragon's mouth.

Leo considers the latest conversation and adds, "Yeah, it's probably not going to be easy to get through that gate.  I think V has the right idea for me too"

Leo moves to hide in shadows behind a nearby statue as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

While the others are filling containers with the liquid, Shae will go back and take the jewel from the dragon pedestal.

Borimer follows after Shae while keeping an eye on the nearby statues for sudden unexplained movements.

Kahan will remain by the pool of liquid, watching to see what happens. "If I had to guess, I would say that the statues will either come to life one at a time so that we can fight them, or they will all come to life at once and we will have to try to stay alive long enough to make it to the door. I think I would prefer the prior to the latter, especially if the water doesn't drain out."

Tahldar will stand next to Borimer as Shae grabs the gem.

To clarify I am hiding behind Ore. Sword and Dagger ready.

OOC: Okay, this got complicated.

Shae goes to the dragon pedestal, with the others close after her, except for Kahan, who remains at the pool.  Since they didn't post, I assume Lukas and Shapfren are still by the entry gate.  I put Vuzyl hiding behind Ore and Leo behind Death.

          Far Gate
Wind     |          | Water
Underdark| Pool (K) | Fire
Vermin   |          | Earth
Magic    |          | Mind (no statue)
Ore      |          | Death (Leo)
 (Vuzyl)   Dragon Ped. (Shae, Bor, Tahld)
            PCs (Lukas, Shapfren)

Upon removing the yellowish gem from the dragon's maw, as you might have expected, statues come to life.  The Ore statue takes a step toward the large group, as does the Death statue.

The Underdark and Fire statues also come to life, both moving toward Kahan.  The blue liquid drains from the pool as the statues come to life.

Neither Ore nor Death appear to detect Vuzyl or Leo yet.

"Only the statues closest to people have come to life,"  Borimer unsheathes the Godslayer and then charges Death...

Shae also attacks death with her ancestral spear after pocketing the jewel, holding back her spells for now.  "I fear using my spells at this early stage," she says aloud as she stabs upward.

Leo attempts to backstab Death from behind.

As Soon as Ore comes to life Vuzyl attempts a backstab.


His Stealth cast aside he calls out

Shapfern, Lukus, Tahldar, see if you can help Kahan from here, do not cross past these alcoves I think Borimer is right, Kahan, just there and stay alive.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Wed 07 Oct 2015.

Tahldar freezes in his tracks and stays rooted in his spot.

Seeing Kahan beset by two statues he decides to cast a lighting bolt.

OOC:  Taldar will cast a 9d lightning bolt, primarily at the Underdark statue.  However if he can clip the Ore statue at the same time with the bolt he will.  (Since both statues are starting from the same latitude and both are heading east at I assume more or less the same rate...)

"You don't have to tell me to stay away".  Shapfren readied her bow to assist and shoot whenever convenient.

Lukas will focus his attacks on the Death statue.

"We might not be in the best circumstances to try to fight our way out of here. Perhaps we should try the door?" suggests the priest, casting a spell on himself with his Rod of Absorption.

OOC:
Hmmm.  I hadn't thought about how they might handle invisibility, other than the Mind statue.  I will need to review their descriptions.

FYI, each of these golems/statues is based on an actual golem from one of the Monster Manual volumes, with the exception of one or two of them that are of my own creation.

Also, if you want a picture of the invisible Mind Golem, here it is:






Don't see it?  That's because it's invisible, silly.  ;)

I must have boggled you pretty well if you can't figure out what to do after two whole weeks. ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

Yeah, that's it. ;)

The last two weeks have been me moving from one office to another.  I'm still not settled in.  I will start posting again as soon as possible.

ROUND ONE

Kahan goes invisible...

The Underdark and Fire statues which are in the horizontal plane with Kahan stop moving when Kahan disappears.

The Death and Ore statues attack...

Borimer strikes first, hitting the Death statue once but missing in the next stroke.  (32 dmg)

Shae strikes twice but only hits the death statue once.  (12 hp damage.)

Leo attempts to backstab death but misses.

Vuzyl successfully backstabs the ore golem.  (36 dmg.)

Tahldar casts lightning, which hits both Ore and Underdark.  (36 dmg each.)

Shapfren fires but misses.

Lukas backstabs death and makes a magnificient hit that pierces one of the three skulls held by the death golem.  (28 dmg.)

The death golem fights back.  First, it slashes twice with its sharp bone staff, hitting Borimer once for 6 damage.  Part of that damage is extreme cold, which slows Borimer as it stuns him.  (-4 to per round initiative, -1 hp per round cold for 3 rounds.)

It next activates one of the two remaining skulls on its head, looking right at Borimer.  Borimer feels the bones being ripped in his body.  Shards of Borimer's bones rip out through his flesh and fly into the structure of the death golem.  (12 dmg.)  These shards seem to heal it.  (7 hp healed.)

The ore golem attacks next, stepping forward and cleaving with its blades.  It hits Vuzyl once (12 hp dmg), Lukas once (15 hp dmg), and then misses with a pounding fist.



Death Golem:
AC= -1
HP= 13/78 (half damage from bludgeoning)
Immunities: ?
Speed: 20
Melee: Bone Staff (x2) 1d6 plus 1d6 cold
Ranged: Bne shard (1d6 +1d6 cold)
Special Action: ?
<red>
<blue>
Ore Golem:
HP=314/386
AC= -4
Immunities: ?
Attacks: Cleave x2
Dazing Fist
Special Attack: ?

Borimer can't keep back a groan of pain when pieces of bone break through his skin and then heal the creature attacking him.  He strikes out as a cold rage takes over...

Leo attempts to stab at death again.

OOC: backstab if that is still possible

Striking again with both weapons Vuzyl continues his attack hoping that Death is dealt with soon so he can get some more help

Talhdar weaves another spell.

OOC: Will cast grease in the square the ore golem is in.  With luck he falls for a round or two.

Seeing that the death golem is almost dead, Shae casts magical vestment on herself as the others attack the golems.  (This makes her effective AC= 1.)

Shapfren aims at the golem, the thing can't keep dodging out of the way forever...

Lukas turns his attention to the ore golem, striking while dodging.

I'm just waiting on Kahan's move.

"The statues stopped moving when I went invisible. Perhaps if you all moved out of the way of the alcove they'll stop coming!" the priest calls out, moving towards the door to see if it was possible for him to even try to move it.

When Kahan speaks, the golems move toward him again.  As soon as he moves north (still invisible) and out of the horizontal lines of the niches where they started, they stop moving yet again.  The final two statues on the northwest and northeast corners (Water and Wind) do not move.  Kahan tries to open the far gate but it is too heavy.

The rest of the party continues fighting the golems.  The death golem is taken down before it can attack again.

Shae casts magical vestment (AC 1), and Tahldar casts Grease near the ore golem's area.

Lukas attacks and makes one hit on the ore statue.  (7 hp dmg.)

The ore statue moves to strike but slips on Tahldar's grease, slamming to the ground with a thud.  (Critical miss on saving throw.)

Ore Golem:
 HP=307/386
 AC= -4
 Immunities: ?
 Attacks: Cleave x2
 Dazing Fist
 Special Attack: ?

The other golems are not activated, but the Underdark and Fire golems are moving back to their starting locations in the niches.  Here again is the basic map:

          Far Gate
Wind     |  (K)     | Water
Underdark| Pool     | Fire
Vermin   |          | Earth
Magic    |          | Mind (no statue)
Ore      |          |  (Leo)
 (Vuzyl)   Dragon Ped. (Shae, Bor, Tahld)
            PCs (Lukas, Shapfren)

Borimer charges through the debris of the death golem and then strikes twice at the ore golem...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

Shae will strike out with her spear at the ore golem while it is down this round but states, "What kind of spell will most effectively take down this statue?"

Leo will attempt to strike the ore golem with his Frehelian Claw Dagger to backstab if possible.

Vuzyl will attack the Golem on the floor again, We should make a brake for it, all together down the middle give each section as little time and far enough distance to make it with no attacks.

"Why not." Tahldar says after seeing his Grease spell work as planned.  Clanging his newly found bracers together, he moves to fight in melee.  A sight not seen too often from the spindly mage.

OOC: Tahldar will attack the Ore golem in melee.  He has a stoneskin spell running, as does Borimer.  He has not been hit so it's full (I think Borimer has used up one hit).  1d4+4 hits for Tahldar's caster level.

Kahan will pull a vial of oil out of his backpack and move in front of the Water golem, assuming he doesn't think that action will make him go visible.

Everyone except Kahan is fighting the ore golem.  This gives you a free round of attacks while it has slipped on the floor and is rising to its feet, as well as giving bonuses to hit.  (No backstabbing is possible while it is on the ground.)

Not all of your attacks succeed, primarily because the metallic surface of the statue is not easily pierced, but overall, some successful hits injure the thing.  (56 total damage.)

The statue rises to its immense height, ready to fight next round.


Ore Golem:
  HP=251/386
  AC= -4
  Immunities: ?
  Attacks: Cleave x2
  Dazing Fist
  Special Attack: ?


Kahan puts the oil around the statue representing Water.  Nothing happens and no statues come alive as he does this.

Borimer presses the attack as the golem rises back to its feet...

Vuzyl moves to around to that he is on the opposite side to Borimer so one of us can get the position bonus and strikes out again.

Tahldar continues to attack the Ore golem.  Though he knows he can't hurt it much, if at all with his bracers, he still tries to get the creatures attention away from his companions.  Being fully protected by the stoneskin spell he tries to get the creature to focus on himself, at least for this round.

Kahan will do the same to the wind golem, hoping that his companions are able to kill the ore golem quickly before anyone gets hurt.

Leo will continue to attack the ore golem.

"I think Kahan's idea is good," Shae says before making a break for it across the room to Kahan's side to help with the far doors.

Attacks on the giant iron statue continue.  Borimer makes a fantastic hit right at its neck, followed by another strong hit.  (Critical hit--78 hp dmg)

It fights back but falls again in the grease.  (Critical miss.)  This allows you to converge and hit it some more.  Tahldar, Leo, and Vuzyl hit it while its down, for moderate damage.  (22 dmg.)

Shae runs across to Kahan while Kahan is pouring oil around the wind statue.

As Shae passes each row of statues, they come to life.  However, as she passes into the next section of statues, the previous statues remain standing where they were, inanimate once more.

The only exception to this is the last row where Kahan stands.  The Water and Wind statues do not move at all.

The ore golem gets to its feet, ready to attack next round.

Map:

          Far Gate
Wind     |  (K) (Sh)| Water
Underdark| Pool     | Fire
Vermin   |          | Earth
Magic    |          | Mind (invisible statue)
Ore      |          |  (Leo)
 (Vuzyl)   Dragon Ped. (Bor, Tahld)
            PCs (Lukas, Shapfren)

 Ore Golem:
   HP=151/386
   AC= -4
   Immunities: ?
   Attacks: Cleave x2
   Dazing Fist
   Special Attack: ?

"Follow Kahan!"  Borimer takes two more swipes trying to keep the golem's attention while his other companions get to the far door.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Tue 15 Dec 2015.

Not needing to be told twice Vuzyldiin takes off down the middle of the room at top speed.

Tahldar takes Borimer's advice and moves for the door.

Shae says, "Where are you, Kahan? Let's get this door open."  She will take a place at the gate and try to open it, hopefully with a little help.

Seeing the rest move to the door, Leo follows.  "Something tells me it's not going to be this easy."

Here's what's going to happen:  As you run across the room, you will have to dodge the attacks of the statues if you do not engage them.  Shae has activated them (except the last two on the end), and they are no longer in their little niches, which means they may be able to get you if you are not fast or agile enough.  To that end, your characters can see that this will be the case and can take necessary precautions.

OOC: You are running for a touchdown through giant statue defensive tackles!

Seeing the problem, Leo relies on his dexterity to try and avoid the statues.

Kahan takes up a position at the door directly next to Shae, tapping her on the shoulder before attempting to lift the door.

RULE: This is how this section works.  You have to roll your dexterity or lower to make it past each statue that is attacking you.  Running together in a group, not everyone can be attacked at each row, so the statues target those who appear the slowest or closest.  If you fail, then you are stuck by the statue (while the rest of the group moves on).  Then the statue has to make an attack roll.  Since you are now left behind by the rest of the group, you are more vulnerable to be attacking by one (or both) statues in each row.

You begin running and dodging to get to the far side.  Tahldar is hit by an invisible force (the mind statue) at the first row.  (8 dmg.)  The rest of the group makes it past the first row of statues and into the second row.  They continue moving forward and make it all the way past to the end.

Tahldar makes it past the second row.  He is next stopped at the third row, but luckily the statues miss and he makes it to the far end.

Together, all of you lift, and the gate begins to open.  As it opens, the bluish healing liquid flows back into the pool in the room.

You look beyond and see the jewel that needs to be exchanged in another of those altars in a small, unadorned room.  The floor of the room is three feet above the floor of the main hall, requiring you to lift the gate high.  Shae rushes in and exchanges the gem, running back under the gate.

By now, the bluish liquid has created a one inch layer on the floor.  Those who have been hurt are now healed as the liquid covers their feet.  (Tahldar's wounds were short-lasting, but all your other wounds are healed too.)

While the healing seems to be a great benefit, you notice that the bluish liquid is also healing the statues it touches.  The two statues just defeated (death and ore) regain their health and vigor and return to their original positions.

You lower the gate, and the water recedes yet again through the grate of the pool.

I say we run back, does anyone have any spells that may help with this? Make them miss or slow them up a bit? Vuzyl waited for everyone else to come up with a plan, he had given his opinion but would go with the group.

Borimer keeps the Godslayer drawn and waits for the group's decision.  "I'm good to go if we want to run, or stay and fight them two at a time."

"I say we run for it.  Let me go first." Tahldar says as he casts a spell.

OOC:  Tahldar will cast mirror image on himself.  He rolled 6 images.  Then he will make a run for it.

"It is too bad that we all can't be invisible," the ghostly voice of Kahan chimes in before he strolls peacefully across the hall.

Shae will follow along behind Tahldar and his images.

Tahldar casts a spell and you carefully cross.  No one is hurt this time.  His plan has worked, but by the time you reach the far side, all of his mirror images have been destroyed by the statues, which lunge and destroy each.

Now you are at the exit gate, which is closed.  Again, you must push up on one of the numbers (1 through 10) to get the gate up.

Meanwhile, the revived ore and death statues are headed your way...

Borimer turns to face the incoming danger, "Anyone know which number to push..?"

Shae says, "I think it's just weighted, so we each get behind a number and hope we can lift enough weight."  She looks nervously at the statues and then takes her place back at number 8 again, ready to push.

Leo gets next to Shae on number 7 nervous about the approaching statues since he isn't hiding this time.

Jumping on 9 Vuzyl makes ready to lift.

"Get on the step you were before." Tahldar says as he hops on step six.  He looks behind him with worry as he hopes they can get the door opened before the giants come after them.

OOC:  Here is where we stood when the door opened:

Borimer: 1
Shapfren: 2
kahan: 3
Steps 4 and 5: empty
Tahldar: 6
Leo: 7
Shae:8
Vuzyl: 9

Borimer will wait and watch the incoming golems until his companions have taken their places, and then he will turn and step up to "1" and push.

As before, it takes 2400 pounds of lifting to move the gate up.  That will take about 18 seconds (3 combat rounds).  For each 200 pounds of lifting power added to that, it will take 6 seconds off of the total.

In the meantime, you are vulnerable to attacks from both the ore and death statues, which are attacking from behind and to the side of you.  Being hit by one will reduce your lifting capacity by half for that round.

Plan accordingly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Wed 20 Jan 2016.

as soon as either golem is close enough to strike at us then borimer will turn and engage it before it can attack anyone else (or at least that's his plan)

They will reach the group at about the same time, so he will need to pick one or the other.  The gate is 30 feet wide (3 feet per area to step on and push times 10 spots for people).

Tahldar begins to cast another mirror image spell...

OOC: Rolled for 5 images.  The mage will do his best to attract whatever golem Borimer does not attack.

Ore Golem:
  HP=307/386
  AC= -4
  Immunities: ?
  Attacks: Cleave x2
  Dazing Fist
  Special Attack: ?
Death Golem:
 AC= -1
 HP= 13/78 (half damage from bludgeoning)
 Immunities: ?
 Speed: 20
 Melee: Bone Staff (x2) 1d6 plus 1d6 cold
 Ranged: Bne s
hard (1d6 +1d6 cold)
 Special Action: ?
 <red>
 <blue>
 Ore Golem:
 HP=314/386
 AC= -4
 Immunities: ?
 Attacks: Cleave x2
 Dazing Fist
 Special Attack: ?

Borimer quickly decides to attack death based upon his previous combat with both golems "I may be able to take it down quick enough to make a difference..."

(am I supposed to roll for attacks now or wait...?)

You can roll as though this is the first round of combat.  I will have everyone lifting except Tahldar and Borimer.

Borimer steps forward and starts hacking at the death golem...

FYI, the party was fully healed when the golems were healed, so long as they wanted to be (instead of climbing up onto the shelf where the gem was at and where the healing water did not reach).

Kahan continues lifting as he is currently "immune" to the statues' attacks.

I'm guessing no one figured out their lifting scores.  That's good because it takes out some metagaming.  But since you are trying to lift this round, here is likely what your characters are figuring out.  According to the rules you can lift up to twice your maximum carrying load.  So what's your max carrying load?  I just posted a chart in the Rules thread; it is based on strength.  Here, you have the following lifting abilities:

Borimer 920 lbs
Kahan   300 lbs
Leo     230
Lukas   200
Shae    260
Shap    160
Tahldar 160
Vuzyl   520

So right now (without Borimer and Tahldar), your group is trying to lift 2400 pounds.  But your lifting ability is only 1570 pounds.  You can add another 920 pounds with Borimer and another 160 with Tahldar, so it looks like Borimer needs to be lifting no matter what.  This IS the Test of Strength, right?

Everyone gets in their previous positions except Tahldar and Borimer, who try to distract the statues.  Your backs turned to the statues makes you nervous and a feeling of helplessness overcomes you.

You begin lifting.  Without Tahldar or Borimer lifting in unison, it feels much heavier, but it begins to slow rise...but you can't get the gate any higher than your ankles.  Together, you simply do not have enough strength.

Borimer swings twice and hits the death golem a severe blow (critical hit), which dazes the death golem and he loses his chance to attack this round.

Tahldar casts mirror image, and five more Tahldars appear before you.  The iron golem begins hacking with his giant sword, striking down two of them.

You realize that without Borimer's help, you will be unable to lift this gate.

crunching the numbers shap can step off and Borimer on that gives us 2430lbs (saves everyone else doing the maths)

Yes, with everyone on, you have 250 pounds of freedom, but also see my post above about lifting the gate faster with more power lifting.

As before, it takes 2400 pounds of lifting to move the gate up.  That will take about 18 seconds (3 combat rounds).  For each 200 pounds of lifting power added to that, it will take 6 seconds off of the total.

In the meantime, you are vulnerable to attacks from both the ore and death statues, which are attacking from behind and to the side of you.  Being hit by one will reduce your lifting capacity by half for that round.

Plan accordingly.
By my estimates, Tahldar's mirror images could take the brunt of one round, leaving you only exposed for one round (if you are all lifting).
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Wed 20 Jan 2016.

Tahldar says "Please hurry with that gate!" as he weaves another spell.

OOC: Tahldar will cast a grease spell on the square the iron golem is attacking from in hopes of getting him to slip.

"Borimer, we need your help!" calls out the invisible priest, hoping that Tahldar's magic can help them survive.

Glancing over his shoulder Vuzyl says "I Don't like this, Maybe we should kill these two before we get out of here

"We need to take these two down first-" Borimer hacks three more times at the death golem.

[Private to GM: two hits including a natural 20:
14:43, Today: Borimer rolled 17 using 1d20+14.  att 3 hits ac -10.
14:42, Today: Borimer rolled 22 using 1d20+10.  att 3!
14:42, Today: Borimer rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  att 2!
14:42, Today: Borimer rolled 30 using 1d20+10.  att 1 vs death golem.

Leaping down from his pedestal Vuzyl re-antiquated himself with his old friend Ore.

For the first round, Shae also goes after the Death Golem with her ancestral magical sphere.

Seeing the problem with the golems and others jumping in, Leo attacks the ore golem.

Lukas does the same, dropping down to attack the ore golem.

One thing you should all consider:  What happens if one of you gets extremely injured and cannot open the door?  You will have to go to the healing water--but wait, the healing water went down the drain (literally) when you replaced the gem.  So you will have to use your own healing powers.  Or even worse, how will you lift it if someone necessary to your lifting actually gets killed?

imo if we don't kill these two now I believe the rest becomes academic :)

ROUND ONE
Borimer hits the Death Golem solidly twice out of 3 swings.  (51 hp dmg; one critical.)  In the process, he smashes one of the golem's three deadly skulls, leaving only two left.

The death golem strikes back while the others are still turning from the door to join the fray.  Amazingly, the golem misses all of its several attacks, not even coming close to Borimer, but it does destroy the remaining mirror images of Tahldar.

Shae attacks the death golem with her spear but misses.

Leo attacks the ore golem, but his weapons glance off it harmlessly.

Shap also turns to fight, but misses.

Vuzyl's attack unfortunately goes wide and misses the iron statue.

The ore golem also strikes out with sword and fist as Shapfren turns from the gate.  His fist swings and hits her in the gut, breaking bones and ribs.  As Shapfren falls, out of breath and in extreme pain, the golem's giant sword comes straight down, stabbing her through the back.  (Hit and critical hit.  59 dmg.)  Shapfren falls dead to the ground, bleeding out.

Kahan (presumably) turns and joins the attack too, seeing Shapfren dying before him.  His mace bounces harmlessly off the iron statue.

Tahldar finishes casting his spell, and grease covers the ground near the iron statue.  This time, the iron golem is wise to that tactic and takes a wide step away and out of the grease area.  (Saving throw made.)  It now stands near Borimer in the center of the hall (instead of the left side).

Borimer slashes twice at the death golem trying to finish it off for good.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Sat 23 Jan 2016.

Leo continues to try and attack Ore.

Tahldar watches in horror as Shapfren falls.  This battle is getting out of hand quickly and the mage decides drastic actions are in order.  He begins to cast.

OOC: Tahldar will cast wall of force to capture the ore golem in a sphere of force.

Dead and bleeding on the floor....

Letting out a guttural roar of rage as he sees Shap fall Vuzyl strikes again at the Ore.

Shae stops what she is doing and drops next to Shapfren on the ground.  She begins incanting her woodland spell to raise Shapfren.

[Shae is casting raise dead on Shapfren.]

Kahan continues to attack the golem, not knowing what else to do for once.

ROUND 2
Shae drops to revive Shapfren.

Borimer chops away, and the death golem falls under his sword.

Vuzyl, Kahan, Tahldar, and Leo attack the ore statue.  They each strike the giant statue, though their weapon damages are somewhat limited against its iron skin.  (24 total damage)

Tahldar finishes casting, and a wall of force comes between the party and the ore golem.  As it swings its sword, the sword rebounds off the wall of force.

Tahldar's spell seems to be completely containing the ore golem...for now.  It is on a diagonal, and it ends past the horizontal line beyond which the ore golem cannot pass.

Let us get this door open before the magic fades
Vuzyl moves to his pedestal and readies himself to lift with the others while looking nervously at the magical wall.

OOC: Maths time, Shae or Shapfern will be needed to hit 2400 (70 short without) so until the rez is finished we can not do anything else... unless someone has some other option

Shae jumps up to help with the lifting.

Borimer gets ready to lift, but keeps his eye on the ore golem.

Leo quickly moves back to his spot to help with the lifting.

Kahan attempts to either help Shae revive the fallen woman, or urge her to lift the gate so that they can be finished with the trial before the wall of force dissipates.

You run to the gate and push with all your might.  The ore golem is testing the boundaries of the wall of force.

The gate starts to lift, and then the ore golem discovers the height of the wall of force by lifting up and over the top.  It begins scaling the invisible wall.

You continue lifting, and the gate comes up slowly...too slowly.  The ore golem is heaving itself up and over the wall of force.

With renewed effort you pull upward.  The gate is knee high, then waist high.  The ore golem drops down on the far side of the wall of force.

The gate is chest height.  With a call of "Run!" you let go and duck under the gate just as the ore golem begins swinging its giant iron sword.

The gate slams shut behind you, locking you safely away from the golems.

And you have the gem.

You quickly return to the gnomes, finding that they are still safe.

Borimer stands near the gate and listens for sounds of the ore golem trying to find a way inside.

"That was close." Tahldar says after their escape.

"Shall we go back and place the gem?  Maybe another magic item will appear.  Then after that we can take the last test."

There are no more sounds.  Presumably, the golem has taken its place back in the niche.