Several weeks have passed since the party's successful foray into Longshadows' Tower, where they fought through numerous minions and overcame many diabolical traps, eventually vanquishing the vampire that had taken up residence within the crypts beneath the abandoned tower. Word of the adventurers' deeds, whether they like it or not, travels throughout the city's taverns, inns and guilds. Already known for their exploits against the Horned One, among other feats, this latest victory only steels the group's growing reputation as adventurers par excellence.

For his part, Eagle largely retreats from the limelight, driven by increased responsibilities within his circle. The druid has now reached a point in life where he must heed his own calling, which largely involves matters his companions might not find all that interesting. He is often found drifting about Godswalk Park, where he nurtures the flora and fauna that struggle to thrive within that tiny bastion of nature despite the encroaching rot and filth that clings to Stormhaven's mildewing walls.

The others--Ben, Galadel, Inas, Rath and Saliq--are still driven to adventure, and yet find little solace in the simple things of life. Perhaps their times will come, but for them, each sunrise offers the promise of new adventures.

True, each has amassed considerable wealth, surely a far cry from their humble beginnings with naught to show but a meager coin-purse capable of securing no more than a mean meal and modest accommodations at one of the city's many flophouses crawling with lice, mites, and disease.

Those days are gone. Each can now afford luxuries none, perhaps save for Saliq, thought possible. But in truth, the calling to adventure is about more than coffers overflowing with jewel and coin. It is about hard-fought glory and having one's life written into the flowing quills of bards and historians, their exploits captured by gold-tongued minstrels and perhaps, one day rising to the upper echelons of society.

With these thoughts in mind, the party spends their downtime attending to mundane affairs best left to the imagination.

At some point, as is often the case, the day-to-day drudgery is interrupted, when each party member receives an invitation to an audience with the Lord Mayor of Stormhaven. This news is delivered by none other than the Seneschal of Stormhaven Keep, Ingelbern.

"At personal request of the Lord Mayor of Stormhaven, you are hereby called to give testimony to your recent endeavors at Longshadows Tower. Your utter discretion is expressly warranted, as you can understand," the stately man says in an even, disinterested tone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:11, Mon 18 Jan 2016.

There was a recent time when Rath would have met such an invitation with blusterous denials and, if lies failed, a knife to the gut of the messenger and a run to the woods to hide from the hangman, until desperation and boredom brought him back to the city.

He doesn't tell the Seneschal that.

Rath wonders for a moment, if this had been a lowly guard sergeant sent now to arrest a brute wanted for banditry and worse, would Rath have fought and fled?

Rath scratches his neck and tries to sound as disinterested as Ingelbern. "Discretion. Understood. When and where?"

Saliq calmly accepted the invitation, with all the dignity his princely blood demanded. He knew this audience would be difficult but while his magics afforded him an easier escape than any of the others he was not abandon his companions.

"Discretion? Of course. There are matters that certainly should be discussed."

Galadel settled in the first night, after taking a very hot bath, putting on fresh clothes, and having a light meal.  He was surprised he had any appetite at all, and yet he ate a steady meal, and usually an enjoyer of wine, he oddly had no taste for it.   He mostly expected not to sleep, but slept through the night, soundly and if he dreamt, he did not remember them.  Things went worse from there.  He awoke the next morning drenched in sweat and weak, it was as if he’d caught an illness but he knew it was not a normal one, he could cure those.  He spent the next few days going through a similar routine, his days spent weak, and dazed, his mind unfocused for much of the day, his nights full of nightmares, and his appetite disappeared, and he even tried one night to use wine to help fight the shakes, which just ended up making him sicker than before.   He tried to focus, to pray, to study, to make lists of what he needed to do, and even managed some short trips through the city to refresh supplies, make inquiries, but anyone who knew him well would inquire what was wrong, he clearly was not himself.

It was partly that he had expended every ounce of his magic, both arcane and divine, he had never done so much magic in such a short time and the impact was physical as well as mental, something far beyond what he’d ever experienced, but more than that, he was resisting releasing or admitting to his terror at what he’d seen, at how close he….they all, had come to death, or worse.  On the fourth night, he wept, openly.  He admitted to his fears, confessed to Ioun that he had been truly afraid and therefore, not had the faith he should have had.  The tension he was holding onto so tightly, unraveled.   That night he slept in peace and woke stronger, and hungry.   He went home the next day, and spent few days to visiting his mother and father, and by the time he returned, he looked his old self again.   He threw himself into studying the items they had recovered and studying the book most intensely.

It had become increasingly clear during the adventure that Eagle was spreading his wings in a new direction, so Galadel sought out some other means for healing this group if they decided to make another quest.   Although he had some minor gifts, without Eagle, they would need others.  He hoped they would seek more, despite his experience this time, they had struck a serious blow against evil, true evil, and that was worth the risk of his own life.

When the Ingelbern, Seneschal of Stormhaven Keep, makes his invitation, Galadel is surprised, “I am shocked the Lord Mayor knows of my existence, I shall of course accept at once”. He makes only a short trip back to the inn to put on his finest clothing, make himself presentable, and then will make his way to appointment.

Inas merely shrugs.  He doesn't say anything; his companions have spoken for him and there is no need for him to add anything.

A new outfit for himself, and a new outfit for each of his siblings was the first thing Ben purchased with his... his... he struggled to find the opposite of 'ill gotten gain' but the concept was foreign to him. It mattered not, all that, plus the pearl nighty and a new dress for his mother was where he began.

The giddiness of his success was numbed however at the loss of little black George, his five year old brother, who had survived only a few days after the blow delivered to his head by fate, in the form of a startled horses hoof. The family had been denied a funeral however, as the body had vanished from the doctors office where he had been taken, a mystery Ben attempted to solve, to no avail.

Still, death was part and parcel of life in these times, and even more so in this place, and as was the case when death was no stranger, his presence was soon put behind them all. Life had to go on.

Ben spent time checking his various investments, the few businesses he had fostered, the charities, and even a few street vendors he had subsidized. Though not all were profitable, the average was good, gold was coming into the families coffers, day by day.

He invited the party to dinner at his mothers house, including The Eagle whom he still considered a good friend, if no longer a traveling companion. He made special effort to introduce Saliq to his third eldest sister (the eldest being married already, and popping out babies of her own, the second being a Paladin, and a bit stuffy at the best of times.) He had high hopes of finagling a prince into the family, and even invited the master of illusion along on a picnic to the exterior of the tower, to show it all off to his family, stressing his hopes that the tower might someday belong to the prince from an exotic land.

When the invitation came, Ben leapt at the offer.

"I will be there, Master Ingelbern. Thank the honorable Mayor for the invitation." He had hoped for the proper occasion to brandish a potent 'I told you so' about Lord Myron, this seemed a likely time, both for a tad bit of gloating, and a chance to work on his plans to bring the tower of his vanquished foe into the fold, so to speak. His adventuring was all well and good, but someday, the Black Queen willing, he would want to retire, and when he did he wanted to do it as respected and well off member of the Stormhaven population.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:09, Wed 01 June 2016.

The party accepts their invitation (does anyone truly have a choice in the matter when personally requested by the Lord Mayor of the City?), and are led to Storm Heights, site of the formidable castle which occupies the upper slopes of the highest hill in the city. The streets of Storm Heights are a far cry from the rubbish-strewn narrow lanes of the Lower Districts.

Here, the streets are well-kept and tidy, with neat raised flower beds lining either side. Beyond, majestic manors and condominiums with polished marble edifices and statues flanking their entrance denote a district swimming in the successful commerce of the city. Here dwell men and women of consequence, each retaining their own private guard, to ward away would-be burglars and trespassers. Here too, the Storm Sentinels, Stormhaven's elite city guard, are regularly seen patrolling the streets, their red-plumed helms, ceremonial capes, and gleaming mail standing in contrast with the town guard responsible for patrolling the Lower Districts.

Eventually, the party beholds Storm Castle ahead, its upper spires protruding above the impressive outer bailey surrounding the inner keep. A few guards stand watch at the barbican, they being ready to receive the party upon their arrival. After a short exchange between Ingbern and a stoic guard, the portcullis is raised and the group is led inside the castle, through a narrow courtyard, and into a great hall.

Here, several courtiers are lingering about a tapestry-filled hall dominated by a regal throne at its far end. Seated there, in anticipation of the party's arrival, is none other than the Lord Mayor himself, Lord Eradan Thyrandas the Third. Sunlight filters in through a majestic stained glass window, casting colored rays of light over the scene, adding to the hall's ambience.

The courtiers take note of the party's progress into the hall, led by Ingbern the Seneschal, passing hushed whispers to one another as they pass.

Arriving within 10 feet, the Seneschal addresses his lord, "Lord Mayor. The adventurers are here, as you requested. Do you require anything further, my lord?"

"That is well, Ingbern. Well done. Nothing further. You may leave us, to attend to your other duties, if you please."

The Lord Mayor is a man of middle years, though still retaining some of the muscular, healthy form of his younger years. The man has keen, active eyes, like a hawk studying the horizon for prey. A jeweled scepter is seated across his lap, a magnificent sword within easy arm's reach. Looking around, the party sees no fewer than a dozen mailed guards standing watch over the proceedings.

"Welcome to Storm Heights!" the Lord Mayor intones. "You are no doubt wondering why you have been called here. Relax. None of you are wanted for crimes against the city," he says with the hint of a smile.

"The opposite in fact," he cuts in. "I have brought you here to thank you for your actions at Longshadows' Tower."

He leans forward slightly, "I have been led to believe the culprit of the recent murders throughout the Temple District were carried out by none other than a scion of House Talas. Is this correct?"

The Lord Mayor then awaits the party's account.

Stepping forward Ben, freshly washed, hair trimmed and scruffy beard trimmed in a middle-class fashion, bowed low, feathered hat in hand gently raking the floor.

"Your honor, if I may."

He may have looked odd to his comrades, clean and dressed in tailored finery. He looked like nothing more than a prosperous businessman.

Perhaps disguise was one of many skills?

Standing straight, holding his hat in hand before his chest, he continued.

"My name is Ben Scritos, Squire, of sorts, to Prince Saliq Musfara, and these others are our companions." [Private to Saliq Musfara: He does not mention his hopes of becoming said Prince's brother-in-law as well. It seemed premature. ]

Ben introduces them all. If The Eagle is here he adds the Druid Masters title, if not he will apologize for his absence, explaining the holy man of the lands responsibilities.

"In short, the answer to your question regarding the murders seems to be yes, Lord Myron was, as I had long suspected, the villain. He had become an evil being of much power, the term 'Vampire' may be familiar to you. The battle was dire and dangerous, but in the end we succeeded in putting an end to his reign of terror."

At this point the little thief paused to see if his honor had any questions, or his comrades had anything to add.

Saliq bows lightly, a mark of courtesy rather than subservience. "Lord Mayor, it is an honour. I am Saliq, nephew of the Sultan Baraz of Al Alayai Herat. My companion here gives an able account of all that has transpired."

Addressing the lord mayor directly: "By good fortune we had amongst our number a priest and a druid; the honourable Masters Galadel and Eagle. Even so your excellency, I would reccomend a detail of the city clergy investigate the tower, both to confirm the horrors we found there and to make sure the vampiric creature that Lord Myron became, or perhaps always was does not rise again."

He shuddered at the memory of the vampire and the thought of him coming back.

Inas is not unwilling to talk converse with nobles, but neither is he particularly eager to do so.  He's a loner at heart, and if his companions are willing to carry the conversation then he is perfectly content to let them do so.

Ben steps back as Saliq steps forward, then speaks again when his companion is done.

"In addition, we would be willing to volunteer to take over the tower, as there are uncharted depths beneath it which, I imagine, should be well guarded."

After a seconds pause, he continues.

"If you do send a party to scour the tower, I would ask they be gentle with the sole remaining inhabitant, Madame Drucilla, who takes the form of a speaking portrait. We have?" he glances at the others, uncertain of the parties thoughts on this, "We have promised her succor, and decent company, which again, we would be glad to provide."

Rath remains, to his own dismay, somewhat at ease. Sure, he's in a social circle far beyond his own, but the mayor no doubt has low expectations from adventurer rabble, so he can't go wrong if he just keeps quiet and lets Saliq do the talking.

And then, of course, Ben steps forward and take the lead, and Rath listens and watches with quiet amusement and more than a little admiration and only the barest hint of a smirk.

Galadel stays to the back, and is quiet, avoiding most any eye contact, even with his fellow....

Well, that was a question, fellow what?  He'd been commanded here, true enough, and by mutual interest, they had recently done some good at the tower, but...but...let it go....

Now was now, Galadel watched with great interest the Keep, he was almost rude in his slowness to be moved forward as he studied the great tapestries along the way.  The amazing stained glass.  The works of stone.  Great histories were laid down in such weave and artistry.

He listened, and stared about, it was very lovely, except, he noted, the guards.  Such wealth, or power, demanded a sacrifice.

Once in audience to the Lord Mayor, he stays quiet, and listens.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Mon 25 Jan 2016.

The Lord Mayor listens to Ben and Saliq's tales with great interest, nodding at key moments, but allowing both men to finish their piece without interruption. He hangs on to their words, his keen eyes watching each member's body language during the exchange. It is clear the news troubles him and he weighs each fact both on its own merit and in tandem with his own knowledge, of which he does not freely share.

Finally, when the party has relayed their accounting, he addresses the group once more:

"Indeed. You bring troubling news, but it is not wholly unexpected to learn of House Talas' possible connection to these ill tidings," he explains.

The Lord Mayor continues by stating his long-held suspicions about the powerful house, particularly in their assent from a noble house clinging to rapidly dwindling fortunes carried over from the Old Empire, to their recent windfall of riches that they have used to build influence among the craft guilds. While such political matters are somewhat obscure to the adventurers, even they could not have failed to notice the rising dissent and subsequent skyrocketing of commodity prices within the city.

He beckons the party to advance closer to the throne and continues in a half-whisper:

"I believe your encounter with Lord Myron is but a shade of the taint of this half-blooded House of questionable peerage," he adds with a distasteful sneer.

"Just recently, a The House of the Sun fell victim to mercenaries I believe to be Talas operatives!" he spits out in irritation.

The Lord Mayor further explains that The Temple of Pelor, of which he is a proud adherent, was attacked by foreign mercenaries aided by powerful magic. Their purpose: to steal three golden sun disks, holy relics of The Order of the Invincible Sun. The brave men and women of that order valiantly defended their relics, but in the end were overcome by their attackers. The Sun Disks were stolen. These Sun Disks, the Lord Mayor claims, are key to the city's continued prosperity under a wise and benevolent ruler.

"Should they be in the hands of House Talas," he adds in, "there is no end to the misery and suffering that they will inflict upon the good people of our beloved city!"

He then requests the party's aid retrieving the Sun Disks and helping bring to justice, whomever is responsible for their theft.

Galadel listens intently.

"Lord Mayor, if I may, there is something in the tower you may wish to have retrieved. While the House Talas' actions could be just a wish for greater wealth, there is fine woven carpet on the lowest level of the Tower, in Lord Myron's private rooms, it depicts a huge serpent crushing a tower with a hippogriff upon it.  It is a disturbing scene though finely crafted".

He suddenly seems aware he is talking to a Lord Mayor and fades back a step.

"Your Excellency, I am a wielder of magic myself and at least technically a foreigner in your country. Could you tell us more of these strange and formidable attackers?" Saliq stroked his trim beard, lost in thought.

"Could the House of Talas be working with, or perhaps for, a rival power?"

Lord Thyrandas' displays great concern upon hearing of the tapestry within Longshadows' Tower, and suggests similar displays have been reported elsewhere, though he does not share how these reports have come to his attention.

Answering Saliq's query, he responds, "Those few who survived the assault claim to have seen a horde of reptilian attackers, led by sorcerers cloaked in shadow."

He pauses a moment, then continues, "A terrible stench filled the temple as the battle waged onward, overcoming all but the hardiest of defender. The attackers showed no mercy for those who succumbed to the stench, moving through the temple and executing any whom they crossed."

The Lord Mayor further explains one of the sorcerers was heard to loudly proclaim, "The reign of the Slithering Overload is nigh! He will not rest until the usurpers have been made to bow before him, renounce their God, and swear total allegiance to their new master! All Hail the Slivering Overlord!"

"The leader of the Order, Rothgar, was captured during the battle, along with his trusted lieutenants, Galafried and Walafried. I shudder to think of their fate while in their clutches..."

This message was last updated by the player at 04:57, Wed 27 Jan 2016.

Rath listens and watches, and he tries not to show his skepticism when Thyrandas describes the Sun Disks as ... what was it? ... the key to Stormhaven's continued prosperity under a wise and benevolent ruler. More than a little self-serving, Rath thinks, but he shrugs to himself. A ruler may serve himself and his city. There are shadows of gray under Pelor's bright sun, and shadows are better than darkness.

As the tale unfolds, Rath confirms his first trepidacious thoughts -- the Mayor did not summon the company to offer his thanks. He's offering a job.

Pelor's well-lit arse! Aldo Rathmus thinks, with a sinking feeling in his gut. Lord Mayor thinks we can save his city.

Inas uncrosses his arms and hooks one hand on his belt and rests the other on his sword.

After a few moments he recrosses his arms.

Generally, he looks uninterested . . . and unimpressed.

Rulers come, rulers go, he thinks.  What does it matter?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Wed 27 Jan 2016.

Saliq wished Eagle was still one of their company. Galadel seemed a fine sort but with their longer aquaintence Saliq had taken to looking on the druid as their spokesperson for matters spiritual.

"Lord Thyrandas this is indeed most troubling news. What has the wizard's guild said on these matters?"

Listening to more of the talk, Galadel takes a deep breathe and sighs, his head is still bowed, he seems far away when begins to talk.

"My Goddess, all blessings upon her,  Ioun speaks to my heart, a game is in play, strings being pulled, a gambit at work,  very.....very high stakes, a razors edge must be walked.." he suddenly blinks and looks up at the Lord Mayor.

"The foreigners take their orders from far, far away, if they oppose the Order of the Invincible Sun, regardless, Ioun demands I stand against them.  I cannot speak for these others here, they are brave and skilled far beyond myself, but what do you ask of me?"

The Lord's demeanor shifts subtly upon Saliq's mention of the Wizard's Guild, a look of slight distaste overcoming him briefly.

"The Mage Guild has been quiet on the affair," he says diplomatically, "but have offered their support of the cause and have sanctioned its pursuit for guild members."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:30, Fri 29 Jan 2016.

"Thank you, Galadel. I would ask you to recover the three sun disks, and learn the fate of Rothgar, Galafried and Walafried. Take a stand against those who would see to the city's undoing!" he adds with gusto.

He further explains he will compensate the heroes for their service, offering a princely sum of 5,000 gold pieces from his treasury for retrieving the three gold disks and possibly, the three missing members of the Order, if they are still alive.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Sat 30 Jan 2016.

"We will attempt to find your discs, Lord Mayor," Ben adds, with a brief brotherly clap on Galadel's shoulder to show his commitment to joining in on the adventure.

"Rather than dig so deeply into your coffers though, perhaps you could sign the deep of the tower over to us? That way we both profit, we get a home and haven, and the town has a tower with dedicated guardians within it's walls."

He hopes the others agree, but if they do not he hopes they will allow him to find some other way to recompense them for the loss should they not wish part of the tower which he feels will give him an aura of legitimacy within Stormhaven, maybe even a minor title.

Saliq sympathised with the man's feelings. From what he had heard of the guild the illusionist did not look forward to joining, though it seemed he had little choice in the matter if he wished to practice magic here.

He stays silent as Ben speaks, curious as to the mayor's response.

The Lord Mayor waves his hand, wearily warding off Ben's request. "Things are not quite as simple as you suggest," he adds in a fatigued tone. "What you ask for, I have no power to grant, for it rightly belongs to the Talas family, whether occupied or not."

"If I were to agree to such a thing, which is impossible, it would certainly gain Lord Harvan's attention. While he and I have no great affection for one another, giving sanction to such a dispossession would amount to an act of war between the Houses. Stormhaven can ill afford such a thing," he adds warily.

Ben was not at fault for suggesting it. The party simply had no grasp of the tenuous political tapestry holding the city together. Behind the scenes, Lord Thyrandas had worked tirelessly to maintain his position, a seat of power he was not entirely certain would forever remain in House Thyrandas.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Sat 30 Jan 2016.

"Lord Mayor, is the loss of the golden discs known....I suppose what I mean to ask, is... are we to be discreet in our investigation, or will others be aware of our purpose and for whom we are working?"

The Lord Mayor indicates others are aware of the attack at the temple and the disks' theft, particularly among those frequenting the Temple of Pelor. He claims High Priest Harvan Lightbringer came to him, requesting the city's aid in the matter. As a longtime patron of the temple, the Lord Mayor felt obligated to help, and offered to use resources from his own coffers to secure the aid of adventurers of renown.

"Which is how I came to seek out each of you," he says.

"I had already heard the tale of your battle against the Horned One, and then when news reached my ears of Longshadows, I need look no further!" he adds with a satisfied smile.

He claims to have told no others of your involvement, save for his trusted courtiers, and High Priest Lightbringer has offered no reward of his own.

"Would we have your permission to attempt to get the Family to give the tower over to us of their own free will?"

"You are, of course, free to approach House Talas to gain the deed, should you choose to do so. The tower has sat vacant for some time, so it is not unreasonable to expect they might wish to profit from its sale."

Rath grows a sour smirk. He has barely started to think of the wealth already accumulated, and this proposed reward might as well be an offer of the moon itself. A man can only over-tip his barber and his ale-house wench so much. No doubt Ben can arrive at all manner of uses for this gold, and certainly Saliq's researches and princely lifestyle will eat into his reserves ... but Rath is at a loss. In truth, the potential rewards do more to give him a stomach-ache than to trip-hammer his heart with excitement. I must have gone mad somewhere along the way, Rath tells himself with a shrug.

But, in the end, the horse must come before the cart, even if the cart is full of gold, wanted or not.

He steps forward and nods, joining the others in agreeing to this task. Rath throws a small glance to Inas Eoinsson, who, alone among them all, seems reluctant to do this thing. Rath hopes he steps up. It will be stinky work, to be sure, but Rath can't think of another warrior he'd rather have at his side when facing reptilian hoards. Aside from Norion, of course, but that's not possible now, is it?

"Unless there is reason to start elsewhere, I believe a visit to the Temple of Pelor is in order.  Perhaps we can learn more about the missing, and about the nature of the enemy."

"Your thinking is on point my friend. Unless there is something more, Lord Mayor, we will begin our quest on your behalf."

He wondered if he had missed his chance to ask for some official title, but he did not wish to dwell on the reward, when the task was so important. He also felt no reason to press for more money, though he did wish his more well educated companions had asked over magical assistance. The fact that they hadn't probably meant they thought it was a bad idea, so he was willing to get moving...

Inas nods, although the covering on his face may make this hard to know.

Rath agrees to start at the temple.

After they left the lord mayor's presence Saliq draws Galadel aside.

"Thyrandas evidently does not think much of the Wizard's Guild but you are a member, right? Perhaps it is worth doing a little digging there too. For all we know renegade magicians may work with this 'cult', or even be the true powers behind."

He stroked his goatee thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should join too."

Ben kind of wished he too had a goatee, so he could stroke it in such a thoughtful manner.

"It is true I have recently joined the Guild, so recently in fact, I am myself just finding my way around.  But it couldn't hurt to make some inquiries.  I am guessing after we visit the scene of the attack, we may want to visit several of our contacts throughout the city and do some research.  Perhaps even a visit to Drucilla would be useful.  Ben, I am certain there are brokers in the city that could represent us, anonymously, and inquire about the availability of the Tower.  It should be discounted, I understand it is full of rotting dead, stirges, spiders, and has some significant fire and lightning damage, and is haunted to boot..." he smiles at this last.

Rath grunts. "And if the owners don't want to sell," he mutters, "well, that's just a bad sign."

"I was hoping to use our knowledge of a vampire family member to our advantage, but perhaps the gentle inquiry is the way to start."

If the mages are going to inquire with their guild, Ben decides to spend a little time doing the same with him. At the very least, the guild might be unhappy with such a high profile job without their permission. Or if it was with their permission, he might even learn more...

Having agreed to assist Lord Thyrandas, the party is excused from the Great Hall. The seneschal escorts the adventurers back outside the castle, finishing with a cautionary, "And I do hope it goes without saying, absolute discretion is needed in this, volatile, situation, particularly as it relates to our Lord's role as your patron." Having said this, the seneschal bids the adventurers farewell and leaves instructions to ask for a Mister Whitewood at The Galavant, an upscale tavern located in the Temple District, should they need to pass any messages to the Lord during their quest.

***

The group's first order of business is paying High Priest Lightbringer a visit at the Radiant House, the largest Temple of Pelor in Stormhaven, located in the heart of the Temple District. An attractice edifice offers access to the splendid temple, though not quite of the same caliber of opulence as exhibited at the Golden Hall, the Radiant House does possess its own charm, most notable of which is the magnificent stained glass ceiling looking to the east and west.

Once inside, the party is eventually introduced to The Lightbringer, as he is properly addressed. Garbed in flowing crimson and orange robes, the Lightbringer is a bronzed man with warm, kindly brown eyes, and a serene demeanor that puts all around at ease. Through him, the party learns more of the raid which resulted in the sun disks theft and the abduction of three visiting members of the Order of the Invincible Sun.

The attack was perpetrated by reptilian raiders, most likely troglodytes judging from the priest's description, particularly the overwhelming stench that followed these beasts. There were sorcerers among their numbers, though on this point the priest in uncertain whether these too were troglodytes. The three order members defended the temple as best they were able, but were ultimately overcome and fell to their attackers. The troglodytes captured the sun disks and carried the unconscious order members off into the night, escaping by way of a sewer tunnel located not too far away.

The Lightbringer claims the Order of the Invincible Sun had recently traveled to the city to pay homage and donate a substantial amount of treasure to the temple. These, the spoils from a recent crusade against Pserkipis, an evil naga that had taken up residence in The Cliffs of Abandon, a wild, trackless country located along the wind and surf-swept shores to the east of the city.

After the attack, some acolytes followed the troglodytes' trail into the sewers. Their blood-trail led deep into sewers, eventually growing cold upon reaching a cavern leading to the realms of the Darkness Below. There, they decided to try to enlist the aid of more skilled adventurers, and sought the Lord Mayor's assistance, a long-time friend and benefactor of the Temple.

"I assume," he says with a look of relief, "you have answered the call, and for this, we are grateful. A boon to have such accomplished adventurers as yourself to come to our aid. May the light of Pelor shine upon your future goodly endeavors!"

"Tunnels.  Sewers.  Yay.  Why can't we ever be called upon to travel in the nice outdoors?"

Galadel smiles at Inas' comment, but answers somewhat more seriously,  "Evil, for all its bravado, deep down knows it is evil and in its shame, seeks to hide in the deep, dark places of the world.  Thank you for the blessing High Priest Lightbringer, we shall likely need it.  The three visitors of the Order who were captured, can you tell us more of them, if we are to look for them, it would help to know who they were and what they looked like, anything that would help us identify them when we find them"

Saliq smiled politely at the priest, even if he shared Inas' concerns. Truthfully while he respected Pelor and his church he did quite feel comfrtable here. His patron goddess had always been the lady of the moon, known to the citizen of Stormhaven as Sehanine. It the temple of the sun it was hard not to feel things were a shade too bright.

"Hrothgar is the leader of his crusade. He is a Cleric of Pelor. His two loyal men-at-arms are Galafried and Walafried, twin brothers. Both capable warriors. There were others in their company, but sadly, these men and women were slain during the assault."

The Lightbringer provides physical descriptions of each man.

Hrothgar is a human male in his mid to late 30's, already beginning to bald so he keeps his dark hair cropped very short. The left side of his face is badly scarred, a token from a battle against a pack of hellhounds.

Galafried and Walafried are twins and both are pale with curly red hair and freckled skin. These men hail from the Northern Kingdoms and speak with the distinct accent of those cold lands.

This is Rath's first visit to Pelor's grand temple in Stormhaven. To him, familiar with the rustic shrines and the much less affluent temples scattered through the towns and villages surrounding the city, it seems strange and off-putting, a lofty, brilliant place -- no doubt suited to the god of the sun, but not a place suited to the men and women who most need to feel Pelor's warmth. He shrugs. Pelor's light shines on the rich and the poor alike, the wicked and the righteous. All are equally far from the True Sun, and all cast long shadows.

Rath has some difficulty not gawking at the colored glass above him, but his mind is working over some dark thoughts that he's not quite ready to put into words. Not, at least, in the presence of the Lightbringer.

"Thank you, we will do what we can to recover these brave men, and the discs.  I would like to extend an offer to the brave acolytes who went after the enemy to help us in this endeavor, at least for the first part.  It might make them feel good and give them valuable experiences.  We cannot guarantee total safety but they may hold back at the caverns for awhile, I could even make them unseen, and it could help us by saving time in finding the caverns and perhaps making use of what healing they possess before they come back to report our initial findings and resistance.  I thank you again, we have preparations and other places to visit before we embark...." he glances around at his mostly silent and uncomfortable new comrades..."I think...". 

Once Galadel has excused them to make the preparations and they are outside the hearing of the Lightbringer, Rath speaks freely but quietly. "Not a stretch to make connections between this trog raid and the Sir Kisslips naga. Might be they were riled up by the Invincible Sun. You all want to start at the Cliffs, or head through the sewers?"

Rath is already ticking off a list of necessaries for the expedition: fresh rope, lamps, a brace or two of javelins (since a longbow won't be of much good in a sewer), extra water skins, extra boots and clean socks, perhaps something pungent and nose-killing from the apothecary ... .

Almost as if reading the mind of the warrior, Galadel, walking along with the others pulls three light colored leather pouches and three dark colored pouches from his pack.  Each tightly closed.  "During my time at the Guild, I made these for you..." he hands over one of each color to Rath, Inas, and Ben.   "Inside each light pouch is a coin with continual light cast on both sides, and the dark pouch has coin with continual darkness on both sides.  They will each create a circle of either bright daylight or complete darkness about 30 feet in all directions.  If you take both out at the same time, they will negate each other and also dispel the magic on the coins, I can make more but it takes time I hope they will prove helpful to you. "

Rath smirks and tucks away the pouches. "Heh. Thanks."

"Thank you, Galadel."

After a moment:

"Much as I'd prefer not to go in the sewers, the sewers seem like more of a back door than the cliffs, don't you think?"

Ben takes the proffered pouch, examining the clever packaging, making the choice obvious between them.

But not obvious enough.

Ben takes the thread dangling from the dark pouch and ties a double knot into the end of each strand, allowing him to distinguish between them should he be made invisible again.

Pulling two that opposed each others purchase would, if he understood Galadel correctly, kill the magic in the coin, so he would be very careful with them.

"Many thanks, handy indeed," he says in gratitude to his mage friend.

Through his contacts in the thieves guild, Ben learns that the attack was in no way orchestrated by any within the guild. At least none have claimed responsibility, and likely for good cause. It turns out the thieves guild is quite critical of temple burglaries in general, especially as it relates to temple relics. The thieves guild primarily operates protection rackets as their main source of income, to include a few high profile operations among the various temples.

As to possible methods of ingress and egress, the sewer routes are well known guild members, and after a little probing, Ben learns some addition information which may prove useful. While mentioning the fact troglodytes may have been involved, Ben learns of a section of sewer not too distant from the temple district, with a little known access point to the Darkness Below. Troglodytes have sometimes been spotted within the sewers of this area, known as the Sinuous Tunnels among those who frequent the area.

Ben is given general directions to reach the Sinuous Tunnels and told the area supposedly extends deeper into the Darkness Below, and is primarily occupied by grimlocks, but there have been reports of some sort of turf war between troglodytes and grimlocks occurring within these tunnels, which reportedly extend several miles beneath Stormhaven.

Ben shares his anger that others would deem to invade guild turf. "Smelly bastards," he offers in regards to the Troglodytes. The with obvious humor in his voice implies more that he is offended at the competition in the field of odiferousness than anything else.

After the usual request for 'aid in the defense of the honor of the guild' in whatever form they might offer, he makes for his meeting with the others, promising (if they would like) to carve the guild sigil on any of guilty he finds.

Galadel inquires with his contacts at the Wizards Guild hoping to glean any pertinent information about the temple attack. The presence of a sorcerer in the troglodytes' ranks is of concern, particularly if there is a renegade high level wizard operating within the city, but nobody knows anything more about the matter. Troglodytes are not known to have faculty with arcane magic, so it begs the question as to how has enjoined their cause?

As to the stench, spells such as Gust of Wind might be useful, a guild member offers. That won't neutralize the stench, but it might direct it elsewhere?

As to the Slithering Overlord. This name is unknown. Perhaps a demon of some sort, one of them suggests, or a High Priestess of a cult of Zehir?

Galadel finds scant mention of the Order of the Invincible Sun in the library, save for what is already known. The battle against the naga is too recent to turn up anything. Digging through the library, Galadel finds a brief mention of a naga dwelling in a cave within the Cliffs of Abandon, backing up information they have previously heard.

Finally, when Galadel approaches Talanyn, the Keeper of Lore about the possibility for trading scrolls for illusionist scrolls, Talanyn reminds Galadel of Guild Rules and states he has a right to sell any scrolls to the guild for established rates, and he can then use these proceeds to purchase other scrolls.

"Well just think about how popular you'll be once you deal with those... er... smelly bastards," Saliq said to Ben after they reunited.

Saliq, after some hesitation had decided to join the Wizard's Guild and accompanied Galadel to the building. While he let his friend research Saliq interviewed for membership and tactfully inquired if any other illusionists were members. If not - or if he was the most senior of his specialty - it might be up to him train the new generation.

On reaching the Wizards Guild, Gal is surprised but seems very pleased to hear Saliq is planning to join.  He will give Saliq a very quick tour of the areas he knows, although newly joined he is only acquainted with the major rooms himself.  Before leaving to do the research, he stops Saliq. And hands him a scroll tube.

"I had planned to do this myself today, but if you are a member, you will have the same opportunity to do it and better understanding of what you need.  Inside you will find two scrolls from the fifth order I got from our last encounter.  The Guild masters will explain the policies, but I checked and you could sell these to the Guild and buy two third and one fourth level scrolls of your own for an equal value.  I would have been just guessing what you would like, based on what I haven't seen you cast...best you do this.  I'll be here in the library when you are ready".


Once completed, he admits that he has found precious little to be of help, but passes along to the others all he learned.

"If we are going to seek out these Sinuous Tunnels in the morning, I could make Ben invisible tonight, it would save me the spell tomorrow, if fact, I could make four of us invisible. Might make meeting up in the morning a bit tricky..." he smiles.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Mon 22 Feb 2016.

"I have traveled and fought with people who kept to cover.  While not fully invisible we were nearly so.  And even for those familiar with and trained in the effort it is a difficult endeavor.  I fear it may cause us more problems than it will solve.  We can try -- but we might be better off leaving one or two of us visible so that everyone has an ever-present reference point."

being invisible is almost Ben's favorite thing. He agrees.

"OK, catch up with me before we head off to rest Ben and I'll cast the spell.  Anything special we need to get for our...." he hesitates...thinking perhaps it best they don't speak too openly about their plans. "next destination?  Extra oil, ropes, I plan to buy a few things, I could pick up others".

Ben shares whatever he learned from the guild about the best ways to get down into the underneath and find the troglodytes. [Private to GM: Without revealing anything the guild expected him to keep secret, if there was anything. ]

Ben leads the party to a rusty sewer grate located in an alleyway behind the temple. The grate is bent out of shape and large enough for even the largest of party members to pass through with little difficulty. The distinct Stormhavian odor wafts up from the open passage. Peering into the sewer, the party sees a narrow channel with a narrow ribbon of fetid water barely flowing down its center.

The tunnel leads away to the north and south. Ben recalls the passage they seek likes to the north.

Assuming Ben in invisible, he will creep out in front of the others, and try to get a sense of the passage forward...

"I've smelled worse," Rath grunts. He lights up a torch and slips past the grate, following Ben, and making all due efforts to avoid stepping in the slimy fluid.

"Offal rhymes with awful."

Inas smiles at his little joke.

Galadel moves to follow the brave scout and two warriors into the sewers, catching a facefull of stench.  The young half-elf hesitates, he face suddenly strained.  It was true what Inas had said, surely the undead smelled worse, but they were not so overwhelming, the young mans stomach flips over a few times and he swallows as he concentrates on acclimating to the scent.  It takes several minutes, but finally his breathing becomes more regular and he follows the others.

Saliq follows, his expression queasy, though whether because of the odour or the danger is unclear.

"I miss Eagle but I doubt he would have enjoyed a trip through the sewers."

"Hold a moment friends," Saliq suggested. Glancing at the group (minus Ben), the illusionist began speaking strange and shadowy syllables, his hands and fingers drawing hypnotic patterns in the air. Finally, in more normal tones he said: "We are hidden."

OOC: Invisibility, 10 ft cast.

Ben scouts invisibly ahead into the darkness, perhaps aided with the magically illuminated coin Galadel furnished. Following the directions he received from his contacts within the Guild, Ben navigates through the filthy bowels of the city, into passages seldom traveled by any but the shadiest of denizens.

After some time, Ben reaches a tunnel leading off the sewers, this tunnel bearing witness to a time before civilized people settled this region. The tunnel's walls are unworked and covered with a phosphorescent fungi that provides faint illumination similar to what a candle might yield. Helpful indeed! The tunnel is about 8 feet wide with a ceiling about 15 to 20 feet above the ground. The ground is composed of uneven natural stone that is slick in spots.

The sinuous tunnel pitches downward sharply, eventually leading to a larger cavern with a high ceiling that rises perhaps four or five dozen feet above the ground. Short stalagites rise from the guano-covered floor. The flappings of hundreds of wings echoes throughout the cave. An overwhelming stench of animals hangs in the air. The cave is literally overrun with bats.

There seems to be passages leading off the large cavern, to the east and west, but what lies beyond is not visible from the entrance point.

Ben waits for the sounds of the others to come up behind him, then tells them what he has found.

"Being invisible might not help us much against the bats, so we need to be careful. Individually they tend not to be a threat, but this many could easily buffet us about and do us harm. Stay as quiet as possible.
Wait here, I am going to scout the two passages out, and move around the room to see if I find any other ways in or out."

Unless someone has something to offer, he will begin a counter-clockwise survey of the edges of the cavern.

Inas waits, trying to monitor Ben's progress by observing the faint light and listening for the ripples in the water.

Galadel checks out the floor of the cavern, though he is not a tracker, if a horde of smelly trogs dragging three human prisoners came this way, it should be fairly obvious even to an untrained eye.

Ben slips into the bat rookery, following the cavern's walls in counter clockwise direction. The bats above become more agitated as Ben enters the cavern, even more so as Galadel comes forward to search the cavern's floor for tracks. The flapping of wings is heard above, but as of yet, none have descended upon either Galadel or Ben.

Pushing on, Ben arrives at the passage leading off to the west. This continues for some distance, eventually turning south for an even greater distance forking off to the southeast at two different points.

Meanwhile, back in the rookery, a few bats begin to now swoop down lower, perhaps searching out the source of the disturbance in their lair.

Rath stands still, following Ben's orders, grimacing invisibly, breathing audibly. Seeing the bats does bring Eagle to mind, with a little bitterness that the druid left the company. Who would talk to the bats now that Eagle was gone?

As some of the bats swoop down closer to Galadel, he speaks softly and reverently in words of prayer.  Almost at once his voice becomes a series of high pitched squeaks and chits.


ooc: speak w/ animals cast

"My friends and I are hidden from your sight but you can hear us, we do not come to harm any of you and mean to pass through in peace if at all possible.  We are seeking to find three humans possibly brought this way by a band of troglodytes, smelly scaley beings, and some bright golden trinkets as well.  Any help you could offer in where these tunnels go and what dangers lurk within them would be greatly appreciated"

Rath gives Galadel a sideways glance ... or, at least, he glances at the invisible source of his vocalizations.  This is at least the second time the wizard has read Rath's mind.

Ben pauses and crouches, remaining still, hoping to bats will still themselves. If they do, he will continue his reconnaissance.

The cavern is filled with a chorus of hundreds, perhaps thousands of bats, all vying to say their piece in response to Galadel's communication. It is quite difficult for Galadel to discern individual words in the cacophony:

"No babble no quarrel babble screech babble screech any murmur echo pass babble echo if babble screech you babble screech babble murmur echo wish babble echo..."

"Babble screech babble echo SILENCE babble hush babble babble hush murhur QUIET! murmur babble"

The bats quiet down somewhat and a distinct 'voice' is heard.

"None of your kind here. The smelly things. Yes. They hunt here. We think you come to hunt. If not, we have peace. If you say truth. Go then. But, danger to you here. Slimetongues. Little-rock-men. Black-skins. Smelly things. Flying thing. Glitter-eater. And Eightleg Sithrim, worst of all. Other things too! They hunt us.

But Smelly things not here anymore. Sithrim is now master. It might know Bright gold trinkets! Can ask Eightlegs if you dare."

Sithrim, Gal thinks to himself, perhaps a better translation might be Slitherim the Overlord.

"Peace with you it shall be, and we do dare, where can we find this Eightleg Sithrim you speak of?  If it has what we seek, please keep a safe distance away, there will be a fearful battle and I do not wish any of you harmed, I am an admirer of your kind."

During the squeaking talk, Gal will translate what is going on the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

"Slimetongues," Rath mutters, resigned to future unpleasantness. He imagines eight-legged things, and he finds himself in the odd position of hoping it's a giant spider. But he has the feeling it's something much, much worse.

Rath checks his javelins and trident by feel, to make sure they're still where he can reach them, even if he can't see them.

Inas sighs.  "Never ends, does it?" he mutters, without identifying what "it" is.

"Deeper in caves you must go. Hidden ways, where the one we can't see stalks. Look to the wall. Eightlegs' hungry ones sometimes come through hidden ways to hunt us."

One of the bats glides down and flaps away to the west, near where Ben stands, before turning back toward the upper heights of the cavern.

"That way you go."

"Thank you, you have been most helpful, hopefully we can reduce the numbers of those that would hunt you in return..".

"I guess we head west?"

Following the bat colonies guidance, the party heads west, beyond the rookery. The group soon comes upon Ben, whom had been waiting at the end of the tunnel, peering to the south.

Two larger tunnels branch off this tunnel leading to the south, each veering out of sight to the east. The first offshoot tunnel is located about 80 feet to the south, while the second is another 40 feet beyond.

Ben stalks forward and looks around the corner at the first tunnel. The tunnel continues for another 30 feet before opening into a large chamber with a shiny, smooth black surface and walls, marbled with deep veins of a gold-colored ore and studded with crystals and gems. This chamber is large, about 40 feet wide and perhaps 100 long with a high ceiling that disappears into darkness.

Rath tries to stay near Saliq, checking in frequently in a hushed, raspy, disembodied voice, and he follows Ben's lead.

As they move forward invisibly, Galadel asks, "So, any thoughts on what those creatures the bats described translate to?  I think the smelly things are obviously troglodytes.  Slithrim Eightlegs and its kin sound like spiders of some sort.  I'd guess the glitter eater is a slime, or ooze, they reputedly can dissolve metals, and this is a perfect environment to find them.  Any guesses on the others?"

He will wait with the others for Ben to finish scouting.

"Just hopin' the eight-legged thing isn't an octopus."

Can Ben attempt to evaluate the gold and gems? His suspicion is that it's fools gold and quartz, but just checking...

Ben enters the large chamber and approaches a large vein of gold for a closer look. The thief uses his dagger to dislodge a piece of ore and begins to examine it. Strange clicking sound echoes in the chamber and a moment later, Ben slumps to the ground in a deep slumber.

Being invisible, his companions see any of this happen, though they certainly hear the strange clicks followed shortly thereafter by what sounds like a body hitting the ground.

OOC: The party is just outside the tunnel leading into the chamber. Ben is asleep.

Suddenly feeling a little . . . exposed? . . . Inas stops his advance and looks warily into the chamber's darkness.

"Did anyone else hear that, what was that?"

ooc: Did the clicking sound like anything we would recognize (mechanical like a device triggered or crossbow trigger, little arachnid echoskeleton clicking along on rock, maybe someone with a remote control changing channels???)

"Keep close together," Saliq hisses, trying to keep his calm. "Ben should stay invisible unless he's actively fighting, so he'll probably be safe."

In a whisper, "Douse the light for a moment, I'll go forward and see what I can with my elvish vision..."

Once dark, Galadel will move slowly forward till he can see inside the room and give it a look, then, depending what he sees, will likely slink back to report his findings.

"zzzzz.... snort.... zzzzzzz"

The clicking noises sounded like it came from an insect of some sort.

Galadel moves into the room, which is well illuminated thanks to the enchanted coin Ben had been carrying when he fell to the floor. Once in position to better observe the chamber's contents, Galadel notices a spider-like creature, a neuronea about the size of a pony, clinging to the ceiling. The neuronea's silverish carapace occasionally reflects the light, while eight hazy blue eyes look down into the room. One of the creature's legs lightly taps on the wall as it observes Galadel down below.

A moment later, a bolt of paralyzing energy pulses out of one of the creature's eyes, striking Galadel where he stands!

OOC: The neuronea is about 40 feet above the cavern's floor. Galadel takes 11 points of damage and must save vs paralysis.

Neuronea
AC: 4
HP: -8/??


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Sleeping
Galadel  4    6/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   56/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


OOC: PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:27, Thu 10 Mar 2016.

Inas mentally curses at himself for not following his instincts and pulling out his bow earlier.  He rectifies this error now.

OOC: I presume this takes the round for me; if not, I'll gladly roll to fire at the creature.

Galadel staggers back hard, nearly falling from the force of the impact.  Damn that hurt!  The others hear his muffled cry of pain as the energy pulses through him.  Shaken but still standing, at least for the moment, he pulls forth a small black wand and sends a few bolts of energy of his own back at this creature.


10:06, Today: Galadel rolled 10 using 2d4+2 with rolls of 4,4., damage magic missles
09:28, Today: Galadel rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  save.

Inas fires in the interesting new creature's general direction.

OOC: All of these miss unless you use the rule that adds one for the even-numbered levels for fighters on the "to hit" chart (the rule that basically moves the fighters along every level instead of every other level.  I have rolled the damage in case that rule is used.)



09:55, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Fire 1.


09:55, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 7 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 6.  Fire 2.

09:55, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Fire 3.

10:04, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 3 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 1.  Arrow 3 possible damage

Saliq steps into the chamber, trying not to look directly at the spider... thing. Instead he concentrates on the cavern roof around the monster, mumbling a few arcane words...

There is a distant cracking sound, as if of stone fracturing in an earthquake and to the front of the neuronea cracks start forming in the ceiling, as stone dust falls in a trickle to the floor - all suggesting the start of a cave in.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Improved Phantasmal Force

Rath drops his torch and scrambles into the chamber, edging left to spread out the party (and to keep out from under Saliq's illusion. He grabs his bow and, popping into visibility, send two arrows to shatter against the roof of the cave somewhere near the spider-pony.

He doesn't bother to shout for Ben. If the thief can answer, he probably doesn't want to be found.

Two missed shots.
07:46, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 8,9,3,6 using d20,d20,d6,d6 with rolls of 8,9,3,6.  two attacks with bow and damage.

The neuronea reacts to Saliq's illusion by quickly scuttling higher up the dark cavern's ceiling, disappearing into dark portal which blends into the surrounding jet black stone. The spider-like monster seems to have thought better of hanging around.

Closer scrutiny of the ceiling reveals what appears to be an oval-shaped tunnel at the apex of the large cavern

OOC:

Neuronea
AC: 4
HP: -8/??


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   13/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   56/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


OOC: PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:48, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

When the creature moves away, Gal keeps his magic wand out and carefully moves forward, "Ben, are you there?"  When he receives no response he makes his way to the source of the light that Ben was carrying, keeping his wand aimed at the passage the spider crawled into, just in case.

Galadel pinpoints Ben's location by navigating to the enchanted coin. Once there, he discovers Ben lying in the ground, asleep. With a forceful gesture, Galadel is able to waken the slumbering thief, who is no worse for the wear and perhaps even a little refreshed from his dangerous nap.

Rath keeps his bow aimed at the opening above them. His relief that Ben is alive goes unspoken. "What now?" He glances at Galadel. "Lighting?"

"Shorf... wha? Oh heck, I was having an awesome dream, too... what happened?"

"Everyone keep close together," Saliq instructed, giving the cavern ceiling an uncertain look. That thing, whatever it was, was still out there. He glances at the space Ben's voice seems to come from. "Ben are you alright?"

Inas holds his fire but keeps an arrow ready, just in case.

Gal quickly informs Ben what happened, and gathers what info he can from Ben.  "So, one of its eyes can put a person to sleep, another can do this..." he shows a severe burn to his side.  "It could sense us despite being invisible, oddly enough, I think it wasn't using its eyes to do that....like the bats we met earlier, which see with their ears, this thing tapped the stone a few times before it attacked both me and Ben, I think it was hearing or feeling the echoes.  If we are invisible and silenced, it might not be able to see us.  But I'm worried, if that is just one of the Eightleg Slithen's underlings, I fear it may be extremely powerful, especially if we are injured and depleted before we find it...."

"Perhaps it is Eightleg Slithen."

"Heh, ha, wishful thinking Sir Eoinsson.  Ben, what are these walls made out of?   I think we should continue on, and be on the lookout for those tunnels, the bats warned the helpers of Slithrem came and went from side tunnels..."

Galadel winces as he moves, the burns are pretty bad on him.  He takes out a bottle and drinks from it, one gulp, two, then finishes the bottle.


16:27, Today: Galadel rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  more healing, gulp.
16:27, Today: Galadel rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  more healing, gulp.
16:26, Today: Galadel rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  healing.

Getting to his feet, Ben rubs the back of his neck to work out some of the grogginess, then returns to examining the walls of the cave to determine if it is real or faux gold and gems.

Rath is ready to move on, but wary of ambush.

The gold-colored bands appear, to Ben's untrained eye, to be some sort of ore, perhaps even real gold!

Ben takes a small sample of a few things, then moves along.

Keeping a watchful eye trained above, Inas follows along with the party wherever it goes.

ooc: Not sure of the layout now but I re-read the description and the tunnel going west seems to have had two caverns off to the south, Ben was exploring the first of these when we encountered the creature.

"The bats seem to indicate what we sought was deeper along the western main tunnel, I recommend we follow it with only quick looks into any side tunnels, if we follow every branch, we could spend a year down here and never get anywhere".

Their ordeal with the neuronea complete and Ben's sack filled with a few samples of ore, the party decides to continue their investigation of the expansive cavern system.

Leaving the neuronea's chamber, the party turns left at the connecting tunnel. The tunnel grows slightly wider as the group continues along, eventually opening to a much larger cavern filled with strange rock formations and an overwhelming stench of rot and a vile musk. Toward the far end of this large cavern, the party notices a wide chasm with what seems to be a narrow natural staircase descending into the chasm.

The chasm is about 50 feet wide and 30 feet across, the natural staircase built into its sheer sides, and only about two to three feet wide at most. The chasm continues downward for what seems to be several hundred feet and a glowing pool can be seen at its very bottom.

Ben will suggest the others consider roping themselves together for the descent, then carefully scouts out ahead.

"Wait here, I will descend about half-way and see what I can see. If I do not return within fifteen minutes, come find me if you can."

With that, he heads down.

Ben scouts ahead while slowly descending the treacherous natural staircase which spirals around the face of the steep chasm, offering little room for error along the way. The steps are worn down and relatively free of obstructions, but one must still be careful to avoid plummeting over the edge.

The becomes thick and muggy as Ben continues downward, the stench more overwhelming with each step closer.

Ben draws to within viewing distance of a large cavern at the bottom of the chasm. The thief's eyes begin to sting, perhaps reminding the thief of a stretch of tanneries located on Stormhaven's outskirts. It's bad. Real bad.

Choking back the urge to vomit on the spot, Ben spies a large glowing pool filling the center of the cavern, broken by pockets of higher land here or there. A large number of grotesque, wart-ridden lizard-like creatures, troglodytes, lounge about atop these islands in the muck, though some wade through the fetid pools perhaps searching for food. In total, Ben spots about 40 or so trogs in this cavern.

This cavern is about 100 feet wide and roughly circular in shape. The chasm must have been much narrower at the top, because the bottom of the natural staircase spills out directly into the large cavern.

At the far end of the cavern, Ben sees a large tunnel leading away to the east.

None of the trogs seem to have taken notice of Ben, though he is about 40 feet above the cavern at the moment. Ben is only able to see down here due to the glowing, greenish colored pool, which casts the room is strange, flickering shadows.

Invisible Ben heads back up to the others to report.

"Is there anything our magical mates can do to protect us from the stench and eyeburn?"

"In the wild I might be able to concoct an ointment that might do the trick, but I doubt the ingredients are available here.  Perhaps a nice gust of wind would do the trick?"

Galadel nods at Inas and answers in a hushed voice.

"I have such a spell, but the wind is very strong, and very quickly disappates,  it might clear the air for a bit but the wind doesn't last long.  Given their wet feet and the treacherous stairs, if they were enticed to charge up here, the wind might blow a few of them off the ledge.  At any rate, if we held the top of these stairs, it would only allow a few of them at a time to attack and all those behind would be vulnerable to distance attacks, not to mention the poor footing."

"With 40 trogs, bringing them to a choke point is our best bet.  I just wonder if they will take the bait."

"They are known to hate humans, you folks could just show your faces, they probably like half elves, most everyone does..."

"Well at the very least, damp bandanas tied around our lower face should provide some protection."

OOC Yes? No? maybe?

Inas nods. "That should help some.  At least, that helps in a fire.  At worst, it does no good."

Inas looks for a bandage or tattered piece of cloth with which to effectuate Ben's suggestion.

Galadel follows the others in wetting a putting a bit of cloth to cover his face.

Saliq gratefully reaches for the cloth.

"I could use my magic to disguise myself as a native of the world beneath and question them," Saliq said thoughtfully. "An dwarf - or better perhaps one of the sinister priestesses of the dark elves - they might be wary of fighting one so powerful."

He smiled ruefully. "Or they might have a taste for elflesh."

Ben shrugs, then realizes that he cannot be seen so adds, "Sorry Saliq, I simply don't know enough about these critters to offer any advice on a thing like that, but I'm against putting you out front in case things go wrong."

"I do not wish to sound bloodthirsty, Saliq,  but even if you get some information from them, I believe they are extremely dangerous to leave alive, surely these are at least in part some of the tribe that raided the church.  If you wish to try that first, I have no doubts in your magically talents, I just hope you have an escape plan if things go awry."

"I think it's a bad idea, too.  If they don't like elves or dwarves, their numbers are sufficient that they will react . . . negatively.  And you may not be able to communicate with them.  I wonder, though: is there a way your magic can provide cover or distraction so that we can get past them to the tunnel at the east?  I don't relish the thought of fighting through that many."

"Nor do I relish leaving them alive behind us," Ben said thoughtfully, "though perhaps it might be the wisest choice."

Deep inside he felt The Eagle would have been a great asset during this encounter, but he said nothing. If wishes were beggars, as his very confusing old grand-da used to say.

"We should pass them by without a fight if we can," Rath throws in his two bits.

"Ben, you say there were a lot of them in a large chamber, but they were mostly in and around the glowing pool of water.  Did you have a clear line of sight to them, if you could help me get within about 100 feet of them, I could put a fireball into the middle of the group, how many were within...say about a 40 foot circle.  It would create a lot of fire and steam from the pool, I'd say any caught in the middle of it would be destroyed."

"That would also be a nice diversion.  And, perhaps, reduce their numbers to something we can handle.  I don't mind the fight; I mind exhausting our resources so early."

Ben answers as best he can, sneak back down if he needs to get the information....

Galadel takes a deep breathe to steady himself and to begin accepting the smell, he knows it will grow worse when they get close.

"Ben, tie a rope to me, I think if I'm careful and stay to the outside wall, I won't be visible to them.  My spell has a very good range, when I'm within 100 feet of them, if I can get a clear line of site, I'll send the fire down on them.  I'll count on you to be keep me from falling if I slip, when I walk to the edge, pull up all the slack so I can lean into the rope a bit, you'll be my balance,  but when you see the fire streak down from me, pull me back to the wall, and curl up and take a deep, deep breathe, the steam will be foul, and hot, cover your face and hands as best you can.  Everyone else should follow down, maybe 30 or more feet back.  Once the spell is done, anything left alive is going to mad and probably coming up those stairs in a hurry.  Shall we?"

Gal looks around to the others for any objections, counter offers, if none, he pulls the wetted bit of cloth over his nose and mouth and prepares to descend.

Rath readies his trident and takes his position 30 feet back. He's ready to stride forward to put himself on the front line if any survivors charge up the stairs. Rath doesn't think they will, but he doesn't intend to let anything get past him to reach the spellcasters.

Inas makes sure his bow is ready and rearranges his arrows so they can be quickly accessed.  He anticipates at least a few rounds of missile fire should anything come up the stairs.

Ben leads Galadel down the treacherous natural staircase that hugs the side of the slick chasm. Ben is sure in his footing and manages to negotiate the way with little difficulty, even while guiding Galadel.

The duo draw to a small ledge along the cavern's western wall, about 50 feet above the large pool. There, Galadel first sees the hideous troglodytes wallowing in the muck below. The vast majority of them are lounging near the fetid pool, a feature that is about 40 feet wide. Some troglodytes are located on the raised ground surrounding the pool.

Galadel judges the distance and begins chanting and gesticulating, readying his spell for delivery. After several seconds of arcane preparation, a couple of troglodytes apparently notice the intruder, and begin to grunt and squeal, setting off a wave of grunting and barking throughout the chamber as the monsters are alerted to something amiss in their lair. One of the creatures grunts and thrusts its finger in the wizard's direction.

A moment later a jet of flame issues forth from the wizard's outreached fingers. The streak of fire lights up the chamber and strikes a large patch of higher ground within the muck, quickly erupting into a ball of fire that envelopes the surrounding area.

A chorus of cries and screams rings out in the chamber. When the flames die down, nearly all of the troglodytes that had been within the pool, now float as charred heaps in the mire. A few troglodytes twitch and writhe in agony, none of which appear to now be in any position to  offer any resistance.

Those troglodytes who were outside the blast radius, along the edge of the pool, are now in a panic and appear ready to scatter at first opportunity. In total, perhaps 8 troglodytes remain!

The cavern fills with a horrible stench as the troglodytes are alerted to enemies, assaulting Ben and Galadel with their musk.

OOC: Ben and Galadel, please roll saves vs poison, with a +1 on your check for the wet rags.

Troglodytes
AC: 5
HP: 12/12, 11/11, 10/10, 10/10, 9/9, 9/9, 8/8, 7/7


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   56/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2



OOC: PCs are up!

Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water . . . Smoke in Inas' eye.

(I put the above in purple because I am borrowing from Deep Purple. :) )

Inas fails more spectacularly than anyone else, and challenges the others to aspire to his depths.


10:38, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 3,3 using d20+1,d6+2 with rolls of 2,1.  Round 1A.

10:39, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 2,5 using d20+1,d6+2 with rolls of 1,3.  Round 1B.

10:39, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 5,6 using d20+1,d6+2 with rolls of 4,4.  Round 1C.

Realizing he is standing on the stairs, seemingly alone with Ben being invisible, he is very vulnerable.  He will delay, to see if the trogs charge up the stairs, if they do, he will say a quick prayer.


11:52, Today: Galadel rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  save vs poison.

19:22, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 2 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 1.  save versus stench.

Any who glance in the right direction might be startled to see a spout of vomit appear from thin air. Ben staggers against the wall for a moment, to regain his balance, his strength ebbing away from the revulsion he feels at the odor, tears running invisibly down his face.

Should any of the Troggs appear to be heading for the stairs, he will untie himself, letting Galadel know. If not, he will do nothing.

"Wild thing
you make my heart sing
you make everything
groovy..."
The Troggs.

Galadel manages to keep the contents of his last meal within his body, but Ben is unable to perform such a feat. The thief finds himself retching, his innards turned into knots as the nauseating stench winnows into his very being.

Fortunately, the remaining troglodytes seem to be in no mood for a quarrel after witnessing the vast majority of their clutch floating in the polluted pool, all burnt and crispy.

OOC: Ben loses 1 point of Strength for the next 3 rounds.

Rath is thoroughly impressed by Galadel's wizardry and almost appalled by the devastation. He holds to his plan, despite the appearance that the trogs will not press an attack. He holds his ground at the top of the stairs to give protection to the spell-slingers, in the event that anything makes its way up there.

With the trogs not advancing -- and embarrassed by his incompetence -- Inas holds his fire.  But he has an arrow nocked, just in case.

The surviving troglodytes do not advance. Rather, they all flee from the blast zone, toward the tunnel leading away from the large cavern. Their screeches echo off the stone walls as they distance themselves from the advancing adventurers.

The pool is now filled with the scorched bodies of numerous troglodytes. There does not appear to be any enemies in the cavern below.

Shocked at the power of Galadel's magic Saliq takes a moment to recover.

"Perhaps not subtle my friend, but undoubtedly effective."

His smile falters a little as he sees again the scale of the destruction. As unpleasant as the troglodytes were it is not pleasant to see such destruction.

Ben unties himself, then heads down the stairs where he will search the room and bodies for anything of value or useful information.

Ben proceeds down the natural staircase into the carnage of the troglodyte lair, picking his way between the scorched monsters. Where he finds survivors, desperately breathing shallow breaths beneath blistery carapaces (and there are several), he quickly dispatches those with an efficient slice of his blade. None in this state are in any condition to offer much resistance anyway. The cavern smells quite horrible: the fetid pool, burnt trog-flesh and theur natural musk combine for perhaps the worst odor even Ben, accustomed to such things, has ever experienced. But he is a man on a mission and he executes a thorough search of the cavern.

Secreted away in a small cave in the cavern's north section, the thief finds what he is looking for: a sizable cache of electrum coins and gems!

Sifting through the hoard Ben collects the following:

4000 ep
Alexandrite gem (500 gp)
2 x Aquamarine gems (500 gp)
Azurite gem (10 gp)
Black Star Sapphire gem (1000 gp)
Blue Quartz gem (10 gp)
Chrysoprase gem (50 gp)
Fiery Yellow Corundum gem (1000 gp)
2 x Golden Yellow Topaz gem (500 gp)
Jasper gem (50 gp)
Moss Agate gem (10 gp)
Obsidian gem (10 gp)
Violet Garnet gem(500 gp)

Ben shares his find with the others, his voice bright and chipper for the bright shineys. He would have liked to have found magical weapons or potions or some such, but he was never unhappy with gems.

"Can someone tell if any of these are magical?"

Trying heroically not to gag on the stench Saliq wove a quick spell of detection over the treasure.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Detect Magic.

Rath descends cautiously into the hellacious cavern, breathing shallowly through his mouth. Knowing that if Galadel can throw a fireball into the confined space so could an enemy sorcerer, Rath keeps his distance (as far as he can tell when his companions are invisible) and sticks to the edges of the cavern. He spies out the crevices and openings, looking for watchers and ambushers.

Inas descends with Rath, arrow still ready.

His face, hidden as it is by his cloak, also covers outward signs of any feelings he has about the carnage.

Saliq does not detect magic within any of the coins or gems.

Galadel is exceedingly quiet after the casting of the spell.  He too makes his way down to the large carvern.  He does not react much to the finding of treasure, he had hoped, although only  in the wildest of hopes that the golden disks might be amongst the trove.  When he arrives beside the pool, he lowers his head and says a prayer for the dead, then, looking around, he tries to see if there is any other way out other than the one larger tunnel.

Save for the treacherous natural staircase the party traveled down to arrive at this cavern and the wide tunnel, there does not appear to be any other passages leading off the cavern.

"Well this doesn't seem right..."

Ben puts his talents to work searching for any secret or hidden doors.

Ben spends a considerable amount of time searching for secret doors, but finds none.

"Well crap..." He even took into account the directions the trogs had scattered in, then checks the pool of water in the middle for any underwater egress.

The troglodytes fled, by foot, down the wide tunnel at the far end of the tunnel. The tunnel is about 30 feet wide and seems to pitch downward, deeper into the Darkness Below.

"Down the wide tunnel, anyone?"

Assuming no one complains, Ben scouts the said path...

Ben scouts ahead, passing through the wide tunnel. The tunnel's floor and walls are quite smooth and jet black in color, volcanic glass perhaps, and on more than one occasion Ben has the sensation of his feet slipping beneath him due to its surface. The tunnel continues downward for quite a while, eventually terminating at a wide ledge overlooking a deep chasm disappearing into impenetrable darkness.

An obsidian bridge spans the chasm, which is about 30 feet wide, connecting to a distant ledge. Beyond that ledge, Ben sees flickering light through a portal on the distant end. The portal is about 10 feet wide, circular in shape, and not entirely level with the ground. Rather, the portal is located about 5 feet off the surrounding ground.

The sound of ominous chanting carries through the portal, beckoning one to come closer and flee all at once.

Heading back to the others, Ben warns the party about the slipperiness of the floor.

"There is a near hypnotic chant at the bottom. Is there any magical protection against such things? Or should we plug our ears?" Ben waits for the experts on such things to offer their opinions.

Inas rummages for rags amongst his belongings, in case ear-plugging is deemed a good idea.

"I would have to hear the chant to tell if I can make any sense of it.  Usually, chants are either tribal in nature, or a magical spiritual nature.  That second kind its often best not to let the chant finish."

"Obsidian can be quite strong, and quite slick.  I don't worry about the bridge's strength; I worry that a defender's tactic will be to upset our footing."

"I agree with Galadel. We may find out our friends are summoning something. I don't suppose we have any wax to stop our ears?"

Ben has some bee's wax candles, that should work well as ear pluggings, no?

"I daresay it would it Ben, good thinking.  Could I have a small amount, I'd like to have it if I need it but I want to hear what they are saying, I might be able to understand what they are doing, but so if start acting stranger than usual, keep an eye on me....".  If Ben gives him a small amount, he will warm it in hands till it is soft, and have it ready to use in his ears after he's heard a bit of what is going on down below.  Gal will follow carefully after the others when they descend.

Ben harkens back to a tale of a captain on a ship at sea who dared listen to the enticing songs of dangerous alluring mermaids, and suggests that if Galadel is going to do that, perhaps he should be tied to one of the stouter members of they party.

If everyone is ready, he will slowly scout across the bridge, walking low, ready to drop to all fours if the bridge should be too slippery...

Gal will gladly be tied to a stout member of the party.  When he gets within hearing distance of the chants, he will listen to see if its a language he knows, if so, what they are saying, if not, will try to ascertain if its magical in nature.

Ben leads the party across the smooth obsidian bridge spanning the chasm. Everyone makes it across with little incident. Once across, the group approaches the circular portal, drawing nearer to the source of the chanting. The language is unfamiliar to the party members but sounds vaguely elvish in so much as it is a lyrical tongue, yet filled with a hissed, percussive and sinuous cant.

Passing through the portal, the party continues in the tunnel, drawing nearer with each step to the chanting sounds. Eventually the tunnel opens into a vast room that looks like a veritable palace, with serpent-themed tapestries hanging on the walls and a slender bronze pillar in its center. Piles of treasure cover the floor and braziers with burning incense complete the opulent impression. Curled around the pillar is a majestic serpent with a crimson-black body and a human face, expressing extreme pride and bloodlust. He is flanked by two steadfast human warriors, brandishing hammers and wearing the Order's insignia, and a grey-haired man in priestly vestments, also obviously a member of the Order. The three seem strangely resolute to defend the serpent as they chant in unison. A handful of recently slain troglodytes lie at their feet.

Hanging on the far wall, three golden disks can be seen.

"Welcome to my lair," Pserkipis the Naga hisses. With a smile it continues, "I see that you have defeated many of my minions. I hope you don't mind, we took the liberty of finishing the task," he says with wild eyes. "You must be quite powerful and will make excellent additions to my cabal!"

"But first, you must be prepared for the ritual," he smiles while flicking his tongue. With a nod he gestures to his bodyguards.

The blank-faced guards march forward, their hammers drawn for battle, rushing forward to engage Inas and Rath.

Meanwhile, Hrothgar says some divine words and a glowing hammer materializes in front of him, this he sends flying toward Galadel.

Finally, the naga hisses something and a mirror image of the monsters appears right next to it.

OOC: Gala/Walafried are engaged with Inas and Rath in the front ranks. Hrothgar is about 20 feet distant from the party and sent his spiritual hammer after Galadel. The naga is about 30 feet distant.

Pserkipsis the Naga
AC: 1, Mirror Image x1 [Private to GM: (Shield, Freedom of Movement, See Invis, Aid]
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (50/50)]

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer (Galadel)
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried and Walafried, Holy Warriors of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -7/?? (Inas), -18/?? (Rath) [Private to GM: (20/20), (20/20)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible
Galadel  4   13/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   56/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:34, Mon 11 Apr 2016.

OOC - I don't notice the 'invisible' marker by our names, just double checking to make sure that is still the case.

Gah! Ben gets out of the line of fire between the charging humans and the beefier members of his party.

He has no idea why that freaky looking giant snake-critter has a human face, but it's disgusting!

The sight of the treasure whets his appetite though, so he hopes they survive the encounter!

Moving clockwise he began to circle the room, drawing Ilyra as silently as possible from her scabbard. Tell me my ally, he thinks to himself and hopefully to the blade, do we detect evil in this room, hmmm...?

His expectation is the snake-monster, his curiosity is towards the humans...

Rath's mind is racing. He has no interest in killing Walafried, figuring him to be an unwilling thrall of the crazy abomination, but one would never know it by the ferocity of Rath's attack. He meets the knight of the order with skilled and mighty thrusts from the Devilsbane trident, using the weapon to keep a distance between himself and the knight's hammer.

Rath, keeping his defenses up, circles to the left as he fights, trying to turn the fight and put his foe's back to the others (and, not incidentally, put Rath himself between Walafried and the naga).



Two hits for 18 damage (more in the unlikely event that this guy is Lawful Evil).

08:26, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 7,11 using d6+5,d6+5 with rolls of 2,6.  damage from two hits.

08:24, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 15,13 using 1d20+2,1d20+2 with rolls of 13,11.  attacks with trident.

The naga is definitely evil. The humans: not so much. More likely, ensorcelled thralls of Pserkepsis.

Galadel is immediately put off that the very folks they have come to rescue are fighting against them, it would be a cruel bit of irony if it were necessary to kill them in order to free them.  A host of possible actions fly across his mind, fire, lightning, missiles, but none suit, something in him says play defense, so this thing down, and he says a quick prayer, and the Naga and the hold priest of the order are enveloped in absolute silence.

ooc: silence 15' radius centered on the Naga

Saliq, still cloaked in invisiblity glances at the dead troglodytes at the Naga's feet and slowly begins chanting.

In a grotesque parody of life the dead reptile men seem to stagger to their feet and blindly reach for the Naga with their claws and jaws. Their eyes reflect a sickly green glow.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Spectral Force here!

"I have no desire to hurt you, friend," Inas says.  True to his statement, he tries not to make strike with lethal intent, hoping only to incapacitate his foe.

His first strike succeeds, but as he tries to mirror Aldo's movement and attempt at repositioning his opponent, his second attempt is well wide.



21:17, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 20,4 using d20+2,d20+2 with rolls of 18,2.  Attacks 1 and 1A (14 to hit).


21:18, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 7 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 3.  damage, attack 1.

Hearing the words of his comrades, and fearing closing with the creature that might or might now see him, the invisible thief moves in behind the humans...

[Private to GM: Curious, can I use the flat of my blade, and my back-stab abilities for subdual purposes? Basically, do I get the triple damage in subdual damage if I connect? It seems reasonable to me that I could, but best to ask first...]

The charmed warriors, Galafried and Walafried initially buckle from the combined might of Inas and Rath in the front ranks, but both manage to regain their stance and press the attack in defense of the Naga.

Inas parries away his opponents blows, but a glancing jab strikes Rath.

Hrothgar the Cleric sends his spiritual hammer after Galadel again, but is unable to command the weapon to score a telling blow.

Meanwhile, the naga attempts to cast a spell, but realizes Galadel has just cast a silence spell moments after the naga begins chanting the ancient words to weave its own magic. Seeing the troglodytes moving in to attack its, the Naga quickly slithers off the golden pillar and repositions itself further back, outside the spell's radius and away from the undead troglodytes, its mirror image slithering with it.

Once outside the spell's effect and away from the troglodytes, the Naga casts its eyes upon Rath, and attempts to command the warrior to its service...

OOC: Rath took 4 points of damage.

Silence spell ended up being targeted on the mirror image and the Naga made its save. Going to rule the silence spell is now centered on the golden pillar, casting the center of the room in silence.

Rath: please make a save vs charm.

Gala/Walafried are engaged with Inas and Rath in the front ranks. Hrothgar is about 20 feet distant from the party and sent his spiritual hammer after Galadel. The naga is about 50 feet distant.

Pserkipsis the Naga
AC: 1, Mirror Image x1 [Private to GM: (Shield, Freedom of Movement, See Invis, Aid]
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (50/50)]

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer (Galadel)
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried and Walafried, Holy Warriors of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -7/?? (Inas), -18/?? held (Rath) [Private to GM: (20/20), (20/20)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible
Galadel  4   13/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   52/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Tue 12 Apr 2016.

Sidling up behind the cleric, Ben takes a might swipe at the back of his head with the flat of his blade... but his blade goes swingly by without contact. Dammit.

21:59, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 8 using 1d20+5 ((3)).
the dice roller has been particularly harsh on PC's across all my games for the last month or so. SO many ones and threes! Sigh...
Can I use an action point to re-roll?

This business of "hitting but not hurting" is proving difficult for
Inas to handle.


00:10, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 4 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 2.  Attack 2 (14 to hit).
 

Private to GM
[Private to GM: DM Storm -
So, I saved. I'd like to break off combat from the thrall -- hopefully I maneuvered successfully as indicated in my last post -- and charge the naga. I'm sure I'll be opening up myself for attack from Galafried, and that's okay. If I charge, do I get both attacks with the trident, or just one? If both, can I direct one at each of the naga-images, or must they be directed at the same target?

Or would you prefer that I just try it and see what happens?

Saved! 06:30, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 16 using 1d20 with rolls of 16.  save vs. spells. Target = 13.
]

Seeing that the naga is on the run from one of Saliq's illusions, at least, he hopes its an illusion, Galadel takes hold of his holy symbol, maybe he can protect those of the order and free up Inas and Rath to fight the naga head on.  Saying a quick prayer, "Ioun, Goddess of knowledge, hold these good men in your tight embrace so they can do no more harm against their true selves, help me to still them until we can destroy the evil that holds them in sway".

ooc: hold person on the three of the Order

The zombie troglodytes shuffle and moan.

Saliq studies Hrothgar and begins to whisper strange and disturbing words. The next time priest hurls his spiritual hammer it shimmers in the air, seeming to split in two identical hammers - and one spins straight towards the Naga!

---

OOC: Saliq casts Improved Phantasmal.

Rothgar and Galafried resist the effects of Galadel's spell, but Walafried feels compelled to comply. Walafried's held state opens up an opportunity for Rath to break off combat and charge the Naga without risk of exposing himself to an easy attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:46, Tue 12 Apr 2016.

For a moment, under the naga's gaze, Rath falters, his certainty shattered. This creature, this beautiful serpent, surely such a thing that borders on angelic must indeed be a faithful servant of Pelor. Could Rath have misjudged ... ?

But he shakes the coils of the spell from his mind. He spits and he smirks, and he spins away from the ensorcelled thrall Walafried, and with Devilsbane extended Rath charges headlong across the chamber, his battle cry unheard in Galadel's zone of silence, lunging confidently toward the naga ... .

Fickle Fortune, Dame Avandra, throws down her dice on Rath's behalf, and Rath trips on them. He sprawls headlong onto the floor between Pserkipsis and its mirror image. Rolling onto his back, he looks up at the twin monstrosities.

Rath mutters a mild profanity.


Oof. Natural 1 to hit.
21:20, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 5 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 1.  charge!

"Well that's not good..."

The Naga cackles in bemusement upon seeing Rath fall to the floor during his charge and quickly coils its serpentine body slightly away from the warrior and the surrounding troglodytes. A moment later, the naga's form is sheathed in licking flames, bathing the surrounding area in a warm, orange glow.

"Come to me! Let the fire of my wrath bathe you of your hubris!" the naga hisses, its hypnotic eyes cast from one member to the next.

Rothgar the Cleric continues with his appointed task, directing further attacks against Galadel. At this moment, a second hammer jets across the room and flies at the Naga!

Galadel is struck by the hammer, a glancing blow. The second hammer strikes the fiery naga. At this moment, the illusory hammer and the mirror image disappears.

Galafried presses his attack Inas, but is unable to get the best of the ranger in one-on-one combat.

Finally, after Saliq directs the hammer to attack the Naga, the illusionist becomes visible once more.

OOC: Galadel took two points of damage.

Silence spell ended up being targeted on the mirror image and the Naga made its save. Going to rule the silence spell is now centered on the golden pillar, casting the center of the room in silence.

Galafried is engaged with Inas. Walafried is held by Galadel. Rath is lying on the ground next to the flaming naga. Rothgar is about 20 feet distant from the party and is commanding his spiritual hammer to attack Galadel. The illusory troglodytes are standing near the naga, but he has not reacted to them yet, save for sheathing itself in fire. The naga is about 50 feet distant.

Pserkipsis the Naga
AC: 1, Fire Shield [Private to GM: (Shield, Freedom of Movement, See Invis, Aid]
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (50/50)]

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer (Galadel)
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried and Walafried, Holy Warriors of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -12/?? (Inas), -18/?? Held (Rath) [Private to GM: (20/20), (20/20)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   11/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   52/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Tue 12 Apr 2016.

Ben tries his best to subdue the cleric... and fails miserably...

Dammit, rolled another f'ing 2.

Eyes widening, Saliq directs the illusionary zombie trogs towards the Naga. The foul aroma of sizzling reptile flesh fills the air as they near the creature but it seems to bother them not at all.

Rath rolls back away from the flames and gets his feet under him. He reaches back for a javelin and hurls it ... well, let's not talk about where he hurls it.

Another Natural 1. I'm thinking I might be better off charmed by Pserkepsis!

06:25, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 1,3 using 1d20,1d6+1 with rolls of 1,2.  javelin attack and damage.

ooc: sorry for this short post, I'm in a string of meetings and inspections today, so not much time to think on strategy or posting, so I'll just try something again, it seemed a good idea last time, it just didn't work.


Galadel again says a quick prayer, hoping this time the slickery eel won't be able to dodge it.


ooc: silence 15R on the Naga (fingers crossed, maybe he'll roll a 1, they seem to be going around!!)

Inas begins to accustom himself to attacking without hurting.  Sadly, he concludes the way to do this is to strike with less force (rather than adjusting the part of the weapon used to strike with.)  The end result is that while he lands a successful blow, it has minimal effect.


09:35, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 10,19 using d20+2,d20+2 with rolls of 8,17.  Attacks 3A and 3B (14 to hit).

09:35, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 5 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 1.  Attack 3B damage.

The tide of battle seems to be going the Naga's Way, but then the heroes catch a break when Galadel's silence spell seems to take effect against the Naga and everything within its immediate vicinity. If she were able, she would likely rebuke the heroes with some grating banter. Unable to, she instead turns her attention to the magic-wielders.

She casts her hypnotic gaze against Galadel...

Meanwhile, the Cleric continues his spiritual assault against Galadel, while dodging Ben's attempts to strike him.

The charmed fighter continues his battle against Inas to little effect.

OOC: Galadel, please save vs charm. I think you have a racial resistance against this as well. Roll that first.

Pserkipsis the Naga
AC: 1, Fire Shield, Silence 15' radius [Private to GM: (Shield, Freedom of Movement, See Invis, Aid]
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (50/50)]

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer (Galadel)
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried and Walafried, Holy Warriors of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -21/?? (Inas), -18/?? Held (Rath) [Private to GM: (30/30), (30/30)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   11/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   60/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   52/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Wed 13 Apr 2016.

After is sword swishes harmlessly by his foe, Inas expresses a most un-good thought:

"You know, it might be far easier for me to just try to kill you."


But he hasn't acted on this thought.  (At least, not yet.)




11:59, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Attack 4.
 

Rath scurries back five paces and sends a second javelin clattering across the chamber floor. Rath's more shaken than he will admit, but his aim gives him away.

Another miss.
21:10, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 5,4 using 1d20,1d6+1 with rolls of 5,3.  another javelin.

Deciding the find fresh pastures and easier prey, Ben ties up one of the two held gentleman, placing his weapon on the floor. If he finishes the first, he will begin with the second.

Saliq continued to direct his phantom troglodytes towards the Naga. Now that he was visible he tried to lock eyes with the serpent creature - tricky when he was trying to mob him!

Galadel almost has to concentrate not to run screaming from the room.  He isn't sure if the others have been charmed or what, but if not, their attacks seem to be going no where fast.  The spells in play are like playing a game of great strategy, it might be fun if everyone's life weren't on the gambling line.  Oddly, despite a host of spells at his disposal, very few could be used well or wisely.  He decides to try a new angle, maybe if freed up Inas to join the fight, it would somehow shift the odds back to their favor.

With a word, three balls of energy streak out and hit the fighter facing Inas.  Gal says a silent prayer that it might knock him down, but not kill him...

12:50, Today: Galadel rolled 9 using 3d4+3 with rolls of 3,2,1.  vs fighter on Inas.
14:10, Yesterday: Galadel rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  save.
14:10, Yesterday: Galadel rolled 67 using 1d100 with rolls of 67.  magic resistance.

Three bolts of energy slam into Galafried, but the charmed holy warrior soldiers on in his battle against Inas. He redoubles his efforts and strikes the ranger with his longsword.

The cleric ceases his control of the spiritual hammer and charges Galadel, his warhammer raised for battle! The cleric slams his weapon into Galadel's chest. The cleric is now out of the silenced zone and realizes this fact when he hears the blow strike Galadel.

The Naga smiles at this development and seems to pay little heed to the troglodytes. Let them strike, she thinks. Cloaked in flames, she trusts to her defenses to ward them off of any such effort. She slithers about and levels her gaze on Inas...

OOC: Inas, please save vs charm. Inas took 9 points of damage. Galadel took 4.

Pserkipsis the Naga
AC: 4, Fire Shield, [Private to GM:  Aid]
HP: -2/?? [Private to GM: (50/50), Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath]

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer (Galadel)
HP: ??/?? Uncharmed [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried and Walafried, Holy Warriors of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -27/?? Uncharmed (Inas), -18/?? Held and Bound (Rath) [Private to GM: (30/30), (30/30)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4    7/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   51/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   52/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:53, Thu 14 Apr 2016.

In what might be his last chance to act to try to change the tide, Galadel glances around taking in the space, as the priest has now moved up to him, he says a prayer.  Speaking the words and adding, "Please Ioun, make it a good one..."



ooc: casting dispel magic to center so that it reaches the three members of the order, it will also catch Inas and Ben in it as well, and maybe Saliq.  He will place it so it shouldn't reach but the front edge of the diaz.

Inas is stunned momentarily.  His gaze shifts to the enchanting, the wondrous, the most excellent snake creature . . .

.  . . But then, with a literal shake of his head, Inas sees the reality of things, and returns to his task.

Unfortunately, enough cobwebs remain that his first swipe is feeble.

Fortunately, Inas gains enough of his senses to deliver a strong swipe on his foe's chin with the pommel of his sword.





20:42, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  Saving Throw vs. Charm (13).
20:44, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Action Point to add to saving throw.



20:46, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 4,19 using d20+2,d20+2 with rolls of 2,17.  attacks 5A and 5B (14 to hit).

20:47, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 10 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 6.  damage, attack 5B.

With the naga's attention on Inas, Rath manages to clip her with his third javelin toss.

Hit AC1 for 2 damage.

 Aldo Rathmus rolled 13,2 using 1d20,1d6+1 with rolls of 13,1.  3rd javelin.
[Private to Saliq Musfara: Sorry, I accidentally sent this as a private message to you. I'm not going to try to post to RPOL on my phone anymore.]

If Ben can get a clear shot at the Naga, he will use his sling... not sure how high off the ground it's head is...

Ben whirls his sling over his head, the hurls a bullet as one of the side walls...

"Dark Goddess, why have you forsaken me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Thu 14 Apr 2016.

Saliq moved into the chamber to get a better view of the fighting and drive his undead trogs to the attack.

He felt the flickers of magic being drained away from them all and looked at Galadel in shock, unsure if the cleric had intended quite such power.

"Sorry about that," Inas mutters to his former foe.  "Let's strike at that charming snake."

Inas charges the naga.  However, the realization that his comment could be construed as a potential pun or, at best, a simple play on words, weighs heavy on his mind.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Fri 15 Apr 2016.

Galadel successfully rids the Rothgar and Galafried of the Naga's influence and both manage to slowly regain their senses. The cleric and holy warrior seem confused by the activity around them and struggle to make sense of the scene.

The Naga, positioned now about 15 feet and slight beyond the golden pillar writhes with irritation at Galadel's latest efforts to magically duel her for dominance, but there is little she can do about it at the moment. So, she resolves to dispatch the warrior dancing around her at the moment. She coils back and strikes quickly, hitting Rath with her venomous fangs.

Walafried continues to be held motionless.

OOC: Rath takes 3 points of damage from the Naga's bite and must make a save vs poison or he will continue to lose 3 points of damage every round.

Ben loses the following potions due to dispel magic:
Potion of Animal Control: Dogs
Potion of Treasure Finding

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1, Fire Shield, Silence 15' radius [Private to GM:  Aid, Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis]
HP: -30/?? [Private to GM: (50/50), Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/?? Held and Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   34/34   1   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4    7/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   1   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   49/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Poisoned (-3 hp/rd)
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:51, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

Inas' mind swirls, what with the naga's near successful attempt to charm, the transmogrification of time and space, and the general confusion that accompanies any battle.

He trusts to his skills, which prove sufficient on this occasion to deliver a satisfactory strike to the snake-creature's torso.





08:53, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  The Real Round 6 (15 to hit naga).

12:02, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 14 using 1d12+4 with rolls of 10.  Amended Damage, Round 6.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Fri 15 Apr 2016.

Saliq moved further into the cavern and, concentrating, had the undead trogs lash out at the naga, seemingly uncaring as her fire shield roasted their scaly flesh, filling the air with a foul odor.

Inas is seared by intensely hot flames as he reaches in to strike the Naga with his sword.

OOC: Inas takes 11 points of damage from the fire shield.

Ben gives his potion of extra healing to Galadel...

Rath's eyes go wide and he screams soundlessly as the naga sinks its fangs into him. He feels the venom burning its way through his veins. He barely keeps on his feet, and he drops his javelin. Rath scuttles backward even as Inas charges, and though his trident is close at hand, he's not desperate enough -- yet -- to spear Pserkepsis and risk the firey backlash himself.

Instead of pressing a dangerous attack, Rath steps back until his back hits a wall. He grabs for his bow and hastily thwanging a couple of arrows into the fray.

Failed Save 06:34, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  save vs. poison - target = 10.

Move to E-17. Hits once for 4 damage.

16:44, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 17,11,4,2 using 1d20,1d20,1d6,1d6 with rolls of 17,11,4,2.  volley of arrows.

Gal tucks the vial in a front pocket, he isn't sure what it does or if it survived the dispel magic, he quickly casts another spell and three bolts fly out into the Naga.


20:35, Today: Galadel rolled 10 using 3d4+3 with rolls of 1,4,2.  MMissle.

"Drink it, you damn fool, you think I was returning a library book? It's a healing potion... You were there when we bought them, weren't you?"

Pserkepsis the Naga appears injured now, the combined effects of the party's relentless assault on the monster taking its toll. The Naga withdraws slightly away from Inas and the undead troglodytes, the only opponents immaediately next to it, while casting its dark eyes about the chamber in hopes of formulating a plan.

Its gaze settles on Ben and it attempts to lure the thief to its aid...



OOC: Rath takes 3 points of ongoing damage from the Naga's poison. Ben must make a save vs Charm to avoid being compelled to defend the monster.

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1, Fire Shield, Silence 15' radius [Private to GM:  Aid, Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis]
HP: -36/?? [Private to GM: (50/50), Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath, Ben]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/?? Held and Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   46/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Poisoned (-3 hp/rd)
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3, Spiritual Hammer
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:01, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

20:51, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  save v. charm target 13.

Action point, heroes luck...
20:52, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  heroes luck add to save .
I guess the target was twelve...

Facing the party, teeth bared, Ben backs towards the naga in a defensive manner...

"Back off, back off!"

Once close enough to the Naga he turns and takes a swing... maybe a plus for surprise if he thinks I was charmed?

22:08, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 19 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 18.  swing naga-naga-naga...

22:09, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 7 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 5.  damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:09, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

Ben is greeted with a fiery blast as he strikes the Naga with his sword.

OOC: Ben takes 13 points of damage fromt he fire shield

Rothgar and Galafried have now gained some degree of situational awareness, though much is still unclear. The cleric's eyes then settle on one of the golden disks near rear of the cavern. Calling to his companion, he cries, "Galafried! Walafried! The disks!"

The cleric then limps gingerly toward the disks. Galafried falls in behind the cleric, he too staggering as he makes his way, all the while keeping a wary eye on the Naga at the other end of the cavern. The cleric and holy warrior are quite injured and reluctant to stand toe-to-toe with the magically fire-sheathed Naga.

At this point, neither man realizes Walafried is unable to control his own movement, or even his own mind!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:43, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

Rath grimaces, seeing even Ben entering the fray and getting burned for his efforts. He holds his position and sends two arrows flying, hoping to distract the naga both from Ben and from the priest and warrior. The first catches fire and bounces off the scaley hide; but the finds its target, plunging deep into the naga's flesh.

OOC:One hit for 6 damage.
07:54, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 7,15,4,6 using 1d20,1d20,1d6,1d6 with rolls of 7,15,4,6.  volley of arrows #2.

Gal takes out the potion given by Ben, looks at it, oh yes, it does look familiar.

"Rothgar, Galafreid, you have been under the sway of the Naga Pserkepsis, I dispelled the influence but Walafied is being held by my magic, it is not harming him just holding him so he cannot fight against us, he too was under the creatures charm.  The Naga is under a silence spell so it cannot cast spells other than its ability to charm, and poison...."

After this, he gulps down the potion, and is fully healed.

Saliq allowed the 'burned' zombie trogs to fall away 'dead' but not before he began chanting another spell. As summoned from elsewhere a large an lion like shape began to take form in the cavern - a manticore!

---

OOC: Saliq casts Shadow Monsters. He'll order it to use it's tail weapon to attack Pserkepsis

The Naga is now running out of options, as none of the heroes have succumbed to its charm and only one potential ally remains: Saliq. Were it able to cast spells, it could readily tip the odds in its favor, but that option has been removed due to Galadel's silence spell.

The Naga is powerful, but also highly intelligent, and as a result, looking for an angle.

At the moment the conjured shadow manticore appears and delivers a volley of tail spikes, the Naga settles on a plan of action.

It quickly slithers away from Inas, giving the ranger an opportunity to strike should be wish to, toward the golden pillar. Once at the pillar, it coils around the edifice and works its way up the pillar, through a large crevice in the cavern's ceiling. The Naga slips through the crevice and out of sight!

With no foes left, the party has a moment to catch their breath while determining their next course of action.

OOC: Rath takes 3 points of ongoing damage from the Naga's poison. Naga took 2 points of damage.

Ben/Inas: you may take an opportunity melee attack as the Naga flees from you.

[Private to GM: Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1, Fire Shield, Silence 15' radius, Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis
HP: -38/?? (50/50), Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath, Ben]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   43/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Poisoned (-3 hp/rd)
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2


Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/?? [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/?? Held and Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:47, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

He fled me too... but oh well. Can I get a back-stab in as he flees? Would the fire shield double the original damage of the weapon, or the full triple damage amount?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

Inas contemplates withdrawing when the naga beats him to the punch.  Inas reflexively strikes as the creature departs, but his moment of indecision impairs his accuracy.

10:12, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4.  Round 11A(?)  15 to hit.

OOC: I presume I only get one strike, even though this is the round in which I would get two.  If wrong, I'll gladly roll another miss. :)

Slightly insulted the Naga had not tried to hypnotise him Saliq moved over to check on Rothgar and Galafried.

"Are you alright? Your companion is magically bound, and I fear still under the Naga's enchantment but we'll find a way to break that."

Rothgar nods, "Yes. Yes. I am okay. Just still a little clouded." Glancing over at his companion, Walafried, he sees the dazed look in the man's eyes and shakes his head.

"The Naga's pull is strong. I resisted for as long as I could, but too eventually succumbed to her whims." His tone is one of disappointment.

Rothgar accompanies Saliq to Galafried's side to assess his well-being. Galafried is in a similar state. They both express concern for Walafried, who is still held immobile by Galadel's spell.

Rothgar reassures Galafried, "Your brother will be alright. He is magically held, for his own protection," recognizing the spell for what it is.

Galafried kneels beside his twin brother and examines him for a time.

Rothgar cuts in, "We probably haven't much time before the Naga returns. We should either prepare ourselves for her return or prepare to leave at once!" he says with a sense of urgency.

Glancing about the Naga's lair, the party sees what is likely 16,000 coins heaped up near the golden pillar, most of it silver and gold. Casual examination does not reveal whether any other treasures might be buried beneath the mountain of coinage. More importantly, the party clearly sees all three sun disks leaning against the cavern's far wall: The Rising Sun, Setting Sun and Splendorous Sun!

The disks are intricately carved with holy iconography of the Pelorian Faith and are of exceptional craftsmanship

Each golden disks is about 2 feet wide and easily 1 inch thick! The mineral value of these disks is obviously very great, though their significance as relics of the faith far exceed any such monetary value one might gain by melting them down.

These disks are not light--each weighs just over 300 pounds!

Ben charges part way up the pillar in an attempt to get in a parting shot on the Naga, but falls short. He is clearly quite upset that the beast got away.

Glancing at the disc, he decides he's not carrying any of them back up tot he surface by himself.

"Can we roll them perhaps?" Do that have an opening in the middle thru which we might run some sort of axle thru?

He silently thanks the spirit in his blade for her assistance, wipes the blade clean and resheaths it.



12:18, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  back attack on the Naga.

The disks could be rolled on their edge, like a large coin, but doing so might risk damaging their intricately etched edges. Additionally, rolling them up the natural staircase that winds around the deep chasm would prove very problematic, if not impossible. For this section, they would almost certainly need to be carried.

Realistically, it will take a team of two to carry each golden disk, given their weight and dimensions. This will be slow going, especially up the staircase, which might also prove dangerous. One slight slip and a member risks falling over the side!

There are no holes through the center one could use to affix an axle.

Rath is twitchy, keeping his bow trained on that crevice and glancing around wildly for any other holes or gaps from which the Naga might spring. He flincheS with each heartbeat that drives the poison through his system.

"I got bit," he mutters. "Probably won't make it ... out alive." Rath looks up at the roof of the cavern, with only a little bitterness that he won't see Pelor's light again in this life.

"Let me see your wound," says Rothgar the Cleric as he walks over to Rath. The cleric examines the small wound where Rath was bitten and continues, "I wouldn't worry too greatly over this wound. Yes, it will hurt, but it likely won't be the end of you."

"Fortunate for you the Naga does not possess a deadly venom. It's magic however, is another story," he says nervously.
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:38, Mon 18 Apr 2016.

"I have a healing potion should anyone need it.  In the meantime: I haven't heard an idea better than Galadel's."

Ben starts sorting thru the treasure looking for the lightest, and anything that looks like it might be magical...

"I could cloak us in invisibility and we can wait the naga out," Saliq suggests in a low voice. "If she can see us she'll have a far harder time using her magic and that gaze of hers. First though lets try and move the disks - and Walafried - to the cavern of the pool. She'll think we tried to escape until the moment we attack."

Rath appears unconvinced by the priest's assessment, and he shrugs. "Fortunate. Right. Avandra smiles on us all."

He pulls himself together, though, at Saliq's suggestion. "Might catch her with her pants down. Not that she ... wears ... ." Rath trails off, wincing again in pain.

Saliq stroked his beard. "There is one other possibility, though I have no idea if it will work. I can try and negotiate with her."

By the way he said it was clear he meant using more than just talking.

"Charm a charmer, eh?  Nice twist.  I'll go along with whatever you fine men want to do, but if we're voting, I'm still inclined to leave.  We are hurt and ill-prepared, we can accomplish most of our task by rescuing these three and returning the discs, and we can plan better with time."

"I am newest amongst you and will stay with you if you chose, but if we get the three men of the Order back safe along with discs, that is what we were asked to do.  This Naga will no doubt cause future problems, if we stay, I can say I am out of many of the defensive spells I've used thus far to try and slow it down..."

Rath looks horrible, with dark circles under his eyes and twinges of pain. "Your call, Musfara. I'll back you."

Rothgar remains within listening distance of the party, but his attention is divided between the conversation and the state of his charmed companion. If asked his opinion, he states he believes they should attempt to leave at once with the golden disks, put as much distance between themselves and the Naga should it return. "Now that it has seen and faced you, it will use the information it gleaned to its advantage. This is no dumb brute we are facing, but a calculating manipulator!"

Galafried listens in more closely and has of yet voiced any opinion on the matter, but he nods in agreement with the cleric's assessment.

Severa minutes have passes now while the party discusses what to do next. Surely Galadel's silence spell will wear off soon...

Having spoken his mind, Inas makes sure his bow is ready . . . just in case the party's hand is forced.

Ben continues to sort thru the coins looking for magic items, gems or anything else of interest.

While the party discusses their options, Ben continues to sift through the mountain of silver, gold and copper and snatches three sizable star sapphires (worth 800 gp each) and three steel tubular vials, each filled with a runny, dandelion-colored liquid that smells vaguely of hot peppers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:47, Fri 22 Apr 2016.

Ben reports what he has found to the others, then prepares to leave.

Inas tries to force the vote in his favor by moving closer to the discs, sizing them up, as if waiting for an enlarge spell to be cast upon him.

"Okay everyone, I'll use spells to conceal us to trap the Naga... but two different lairs of spells. Half of us cluster close to me - we shall be invisible. The others stick close to the treasure pile, lying low. I'll craft the illusion of gold and gems over you. That way even if she through one of my spells the other will hopefully fool her. Then-"

He clasped his hands together.

"We spring our trap."

As time has ticked away, waiting for the others to make a decision, Gal has begun praying like mad.  A dawning realization has come to him, as if Ioun herself was speaking to him.  These men you are with are heroes, and heroes stay and fight when everyone else, sensible or not, would run.  Against logic, and odds, they will not back down.  There is a reason there are wizards guilds, thieves guilds, merchants guilds, guilds of all kinds, but no heroes guilds.

Inas shrugs as casually as if he discovered he'd drunk the last swallow from a mug of ale and goes to the spot Saliq designates.

He elects to be ready with his bow, in case the naga tries to remain out of sword's reach.

Saliq quickly formulates a plan and briefs each member on their appointed role in the proposed ruse. The illusionist gathers everyone to his side and chants the familiar syllables of his invisibility spell. Were anyone looking, the entire party would seem to have blinked out of existence; however each party member is capable of seeing one another since they all became invisible by the same weave of arcane skill.

Then, Saliq instructs half the members to gather near the pile of gold and he proceeds to cast a second spell, this time concealing the crouching members beneath even more gold, silver and copper!

Galadel does not remain idle during these castings. The wizard casts his own succession of spells, the first two of which the effects are focused on the wizard himself. The next, a prayer to Ioun, imparting divine weal on his allies and woe on his enemies. The wizard begins to cast another spell, but stops midway through, remembering it will not work for what he has in mind.

But it makes little difference. At this point, several minutes have passed, and unbeknownst to the adventures, the Naga has been doing some plotting of its own!

Its own plan hatched, the Naga slithers forth from the crevice and silently coils once around the golden pillar while probing its slippery tongue from its jaws. Fortunately, the Naga is no longer sheathed in flames, that effect apparently already worn off.

The Naga casts its gaze down into the room, its hypnotic eyes seemingly focused on those members who elected to remain outside the magic hoard...

"I'm back. Let use resume our dance!"

The Naga cackles and begins chanting in eerie, sibilant tones...

OOC: Invisibility 10' radius on all PCs; Phantasmal Force (illusion) on Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar, Resist Cold (Galadel), Resist Fire (Galadel), Prayer (all PCs). Locate Object cannot be used on creatures.

Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar are near the base of the golden pillar. Galadel, Saliq, Galafried and Walafried are about 20' distant from the golden pillar. The Naga is located 30 feet up the pillar.

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1
HP: -19/?? (50/50), [Private to GM: Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis; Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath, Ben]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8   Invisible
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6   Invisible
Rath     2   43/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Invisible
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


Spells in Effect:
Prayer: +1 to PCs/NPCs attacks and saves, -1 to enemies' attacks and saves
Resist Cold and Fire: Galadel
Invisibility: All PCs/NPCs
Phantasmal Force: Over Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar.

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3
HP: ??/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/??, Invisible, Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:37, Sat 23 Apr 2016.

Rath, sweating and tense, holds his position in hopes the Naga will descend into reach of his trident ... .

As it's focus is on the others, can I attempt a backstab?

In reply to Ben Scristos (msg # 257):

It's 30 feet above us.

"Pserkepsis, I would negotiate with you. I am no mere adventure, I am a prince of a great dynasty and trained in magic. There must be a deal we can make to see you release the warrior Walafried. Let us talk like the great and royal persons that we are"

Saliq paused, ready the moment the Naga turned her head to look at him to cast Gaze Reflection.

Inas waits to see the outcome of Saliq's gambit.

Seeing the Naga is looking at them and casting something, it can clearly see at least those who are not by the base of the pillar.

Gal immediately circles to the right and begins casting his own spell.  A few seconds later a flash of lighting streaks forward, starting just at his fingertips and forking upward, one fork striking the Naga the other hitting the poles just a foot below where it is holding on.


20:02, Today: Galadel rolled 20 using 5d6 with rolls of 6,3,2,6,3.


ooc: not sure how far Gal can move and still cast, if he move off 10-15 feet, he'll do that, try to minimize area of effect spells. 

The Naga quickly coils itself out of taking a direct hit from Galadel's lightning bolt, but is still grazed by its magic energy, causing it to momentarily lose mastery over whichever spell it might have been weaving.

The Naga's body pulses in response and it takes all of its fortitude to remain clinging to its golden perch, high above the heroes heads. Gazing through lidless orbs it takes in the scene below and begins its chanting anew, this time more rapidly and with with a sense of urgency. It can ill afford to suffer many more attacks such as that...

It hisses out an admonishment in the common tongue, flavored with its own peculiar serpentine accent:

"Attack! Fight! Flee! Cower. Open your eyes, discover your power! Fight for me, fight for you. Fight anything, may it be the last thing you do! Run, run for your lives. Run for your deaths, run from your fears, open your eyes, close your ears. Taste the silence. Embrace the noise! Get low on high and high on low. Be in the know, know to be. Like the pain, pain to like. Muddle, Bewilder, Stupefy, Baffle!"



OOC: Naga took 10 points of damage. All PCs must make a save vs Spells (-2 to the check, not including any bonuses you may have due to spells, etc.) against a Confusion spell. Those who fail will act randomly during this next round, as determine with a d100 roll (go ahead and roll for yourself if your PC fails)

01-10 - Wander away for 1 turn
11-60 - Stand Confused for 1 round
61-80 - Attack nearest creature for 1 round (friend or foe)
81-00 - Attack Naga for 1 round

Phantasmal Force (illusion) on Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar, Resist Cold (Galadel), Resist Fire (Galadel), Prayer (all PCs). Locate Object cannot be used on creatures.

Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar are near the base of the golden pillar. Galadel, Saliq, Galafried and Walafried are about 20' distant from the golden pillar. The Naga is located 30 feet up the pillar.

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1
HP: -29/?? (50/50), [Private to GM: Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis; Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath, Ben]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6   Invisible
Rath     2   43/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Invisible
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


Spells in Effect:
Prayer: +1 to PCs/NPCs attacks and saves, -1 to enemies' attacks and saves
Resist Cold and Fire: Galadel
Invisibility: All PCs/NPCs
Phantasmal Force: Over Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar.

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3
HP: ??/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/??, Invisible, Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!

20:38, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 18 using 1d20-2 with rolls of 20.  target 13.

Ben feels the power of the spell wash over him, but manages to shake off the affect. Glancing up, he gauges the Naga's field of view, and attempts to scale the pillar without being spotted...

20:40, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 40 using 1d100 ((40)).

Rath feels the naga's metaphorical claws around his mind, sowing confusion, but he focuses on the feel of his weapon in his hand and the crisp scent of Galadel's lightning. With that blast, Rath knows that Saliq's plan is relegated to the dust bin, but Rath is still loathe to show himself. Regardless, the wizards are out there without protection, and Rath hustles out to place himself bodily between Pserkepsis and the spell casters, keeping the trident extended toward the naga.

If this draws attention from Ben Scristos, so much the better.


Rath saves. Everyone remember your +1 from Galadel's prayer.
06:21, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 17 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 18.  save vs. spells (-2, +1 prayer) Target = 13.

"No wait-" Saliq began to cry out as Galadel cast his spell, but he got no further when the Naga's words slid into his brain...

Shaking them off he started casting a response, pointing his figure at the golden pillar - which abruptly begins to glow hot at the base. After a moment it starts to sway and did begins to melt from the base upwards. The Naga is too high up to be burnt of course, but she can know doubt feel the heat and see the sway of the pillar around her - her perch won't be safe for long!

---

OOC: 15:10, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 12 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 13.  Save versus Spells.

Saliq casts Improved Phantasmal Force (heat and visual components.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Mon 25 Apr 2016.

Galadel looks over the battlefield and seeing Rath move between Saliq and the men of the Order, he feels a strange compulsion and raises a finger to aim at the warriors back.  Should he attack this man, it seems he should, he isn't sure why but yes, no, yes.....NO, speaking a few arcane words aims instead at the Naga and three bolts a energy fly from Galadel into the worm.


11:12, Today: Galadel rolled 12 using 3d4+3 with rolls of 3,3,3.  Magic Missle. 12 Damage
11:11, Today: Secret Roll: Galadel rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Hero Action Points, Momma needs a new pair of shoes!! Need 5 or 6 to add to SAVE.  5 + 7 = 12 Save rescued
09:30, Today: Secret Roll: Galadel rolled 61 using 1d100 with rolls of 61. attack nearest
09:29, Today: Galadel rolled 7 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 8. Target 12

Inas is confused.  "The naga wants me to attack it!" he thinks.

The naga's desire resolves any doubt in the ranger's mind.  Attack she wants, then attack he must.

But sadly, somehow, all of Inas' arrows fly well-wide.  It's as if the enchantment over his mind has put him in a fog that has seriously impaired his skills.

______________________________________________________________________

OOC: Or, it's that this damn dice roller is a piece of . . .
__________________________
10:16, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Save vs. spells (14; all adjustments cancel to zero).

10:16, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 91 using 1d100 with rolls of 91.  Result of failed save.


10:20, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 9 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 7.  Round 1A (15 to hit).

10:21, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 13 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 11.  Round 1B (15 to hit).

10:21, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 3 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 1.  Round 1C (15 to hit).

Rothgar stands at the base of the pillar, warhammer at the ready should the Naga descend close enough for him to employ it to that end. Unfortunately the cleric was compelled to use his spells to bolster the Naga's defenses and has no divine means of contributing to the battle.

Galafried is in a similar situation. Armed only with a longsword, badly wounded and well beyond anything approaching melee range, he sticks to the shadows waiting for an opportunity.

The Naga's confusion spell is less than effective, only managing to ensnare Inas, all other party members retaining control of their mental faculties.

Ben has climbed up the golden pillar and just reached to within striking range when Galadel blasts Pserkepsis with a magic missile, causing the monster to recoil in anguish as searing bolts smolder the creature's tough hide.

Saliq then causes the pillar to begin melting at its base. The Naga looks down at this new development and her demeanor becomes quite unsettled. She twists about madly in an effort to reverse course and retreat, giving Ben what could perhaps be the most perfect opportunity of his career to make good on that special skill known only to thieves and assassins!

He has already forsaken Avandra in favor of the Raven Queen. But has she forsaken him?


OOC: Naga took 12 points of damage.

Ben has one backstab attempt coming and then the Naga will disappear back into the crevice at the top of the cavern.

Inas must make another save vs Spells (-2 to the check, not including any bonuses you may have due to spells, etc.) against a Confusion spell. If he fails, he will act randomly during this next round, as determine with a d100 roll (go ahead and roll for yourself if your PC fails)

01-10 - Wander away for 1 turn
11-60 - Stand Confused for 1 round
61-80 - Attack nearest creature for 1 round (friend or foe)
81-00 - Attack Naga for 1 round

Phantasmal Force (illusion) on Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar, Resist Cold (Galadel), Resist Fire (Galadel), Prayer (all PCs). Locate Object cannot be used on creatures.

Ben is at the top of the pillar. Inas, Rath and Rothgar are near the base of the golden pillar. Galadel, Saliq, Galafried and Walafried are about 20' distant from the golden pillar. The Naga is located 30 feet up the pillar and getting ready to disappear into the crevice.

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1
HP: -41/??, [Private to GM: Freedom of Movement, Shield, See Invis; Attempted to charm: Galadel, Inas, Rath, Ben]


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   32/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Invisible
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


Spells in Effect:
Prayer: +1 to PCs/NPCs attacks and saves, -1 to enemies' attacks and saves
Resist Cold and Fire: Galadel
Invisibility: All PCs/NPCs
Phantasmal Force: Over Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar.

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3
HP: ??/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/??, Invisible, Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Ben is UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

A silent prayer to his goddess, and one to Ilyra, and Ben puts it all on the line...

and again he misses... the little thief is truly cursed.

Ben lunges at the fleeing Naga but manages to strike only the side of the crevice, a shower of sparks punctuating the Naga's retreat as its tails slips through the crack.

The crevice is about 5 feet wide and perhaps as much tall, gradually sloping upward to what looks like a smaller cavern some 15 feet distant.

Ben watches in dismay as the Naga slithers up and into the adjoining chamber, disappearing into shadows outside of view.

OOC: Bummer. Ben is in position to give chase, should be wish to.

"I think I see it's home!"

Ben sheathes his blade and leaps up into the passage in pursuit...

Ben leaps across the short distance from the golden pillar to the dark crevice and grabs holds of the ledge. The thief is a study in grace as he nimbly pulls himself up through the dark portal and begins creeping up the short incline in pursuit of the Naga.

It is a little steeper than a 45 degree angle, but no difficult task for Ben to ascend. Ben reaches the edge of the incline and peers carefully over the lip. A small roughly circular cavern about 20 feet wide with a low ceiling lies beyond. The Naga is coiled against the far well of the cavern, its dark orbs reflecting the light of Ben's enchanted coin.

The Naga chants lowly to itself...

OOC: All other PCs may post actions, but it will take at least a couple of rounds before any non-thief character will be able to climb the golden pillar.

Rath spots Ben slipping into the crevice above the melting pillar. He calls out to Saliq's and Galadel, "Get me up there! Ladder, magic rope, wings ... anything?"

Galadel hears Rath and almost instantly puts a hand on the warriors shoulder, "Don't resist this spell..." and speaks a few quick arcane words, and then points at the pillar, "Climb it, hurry, you are imbued with the climbing skills of a spider...quickly now..".


"Anyone else?  I can cast that one more time, and then I am out of useful spells.  Rothgar and Galafried, take your comrade and head out of here.  Beyond, you will find a chamber full of dead trogs, and a long staircase up.  Wait for us at the top of the staircase, if we don't show up in the next 30 minutes, we are likely dead, go back to the temple and relay all the details of what you've seen here, send this word to the Druid called Eagle as well, he'd want to know I think".
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

Rath smirks, stows his trident, and scurries up the pillar, hot on Ben's heels.

Inas' mind is still clouded.  Perhaps the reason he cannot hit the naga is because it is so far away . . . in which case the only reasonable thing to do is . . . Yes!! Of course!!!  Choose a target that is not so far away!

Inas looks for an easier target, and his eyes fall first on Rath.  But he does not see Rath; he does not see his friend and comrade in arms.  All he sees is a target that should be easier to shoot than the retreating naga.

And Rath is easier to hit than is the naga.  (So very sorry.)  Both of Inas' arrows fly true, inflicting 11 points of damage.  (Again, I cannot apologize enough.)


__________________________________________

09:27, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Round 2: Save vs. spells (14; all adjustments cancel to zero).

09:28, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 70 using 1d100 with rolls of 70.  Results of failed save.

09:29, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 1 using 1d2 with rolls of 1.  Who does Inas Attack (1 = Rath, 2 = Rothgar).

09:34, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 16 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 14.  Round 2A: 14 to hit Rath (so super sorry!).

09:34, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 18 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 16.  Round 2B: 14 to hit Rath (so super sorry!).

11:29, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 6 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 4.  Damage, 2B.

11:29, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 5 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 3.  Damage, 2A.

Ben isn't sure what the creature might be chanting about, but he assumes it is worse that it's bite. Redrawing his blade, he charges forward, broadsword swinging, but finds himself barely able to hold onto the hilt, much less connect... Ben begins to doubt that if he fell over, he could hit the ground.

Ben charges forward with his sword, hoping to slay the Naga, but manages to slay naught but perhaps any notion he may have still clung to regarding luck. Particularly, his luck, which seems to have been in short supply of late.

The Naga sidles away from the thief as he approaches. The beast is obviously injured, judging by the trail of blood she leaves behind, but still nimble enough to evade her pursuer. The two are locked in a strange dance within the relatively small cavern.

Drawing some distance between herself and Ben, the Naga rears backwards and looses a barrage of her own magical bolts, all of which strike Ben, nearly buckling the thief with their force!

Meanwhile, down below, Inas continues to be confused by his surroundings and takes aim at his companion, Rath, whom is now scaling the golden pillar to aid Ben. Rath is struck several times, but remains determined in his task--get to the Naga as quickly as possible.

Aided by Galadel's magic, Rath quickly closes the distance, in time to see Ben pummeled by magic missiles.

Rothgar does as instructed and escorts Waladel and Galadel out of the large cavern, back toward the troglodyte lair.

Saliq, Galadel and Inas remain in the cavern with the golden pillar.


OOC: Ben took 15 points of damage.

Inas must make another save vs Spells (-2 to the check, not including any bonuses you may have due to spells, etc.) against a Confusion spell. If he fails, he will act randomly during this next round, as determine with a d100 roll (go ahead and roll for yourself if your PC fails)

01-10 - Wander away for 1 turn
11-60 - Stand Confused for 1 round
61-80 - Attack nearest creature for 1 round (friend or foe)
81-00 - Attack Naga for 1 round

Phantasmal Force (illusion) on Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar, Resist Cold (Galadel), Resist Fire (Galadel), Prayer (all PCs). Locate Object cannot be used on creatures.

Ben is next to the Naga. Rath is about 20 feet distant from the Naga. Inas, Galadel and Saliq are the cavern with the golden pillar. Rothgar, Galafried and Walafried have retreated to the troglodyte's lair.

Pserkepsis the Naga
AC: 1
HP: Dead


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   06/34   0   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Galadel  4   17/17   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Inas     2   40/60   0   16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6
Rath     2   32/56   1   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4   Invisible
Saliq    7   19/19   3   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, Invisible


Spells in Effect:
Prayer: +1 to PCs/NPCs attacks and saves, -1 to enemies' attacks and saves
Resist Cold and Fire: Galadel
Invisibility: All PCs/NPCs
Phantasmal Force: Over Ben, Inas, Rath and Rothgar.

Rothgar, Priest of the Order
AC: 3
HP: ??/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Galafried, Holy Warrior of the Order
AC: 2
HP: -18/??, Invisible [Private to GM: (30/30)]

Walafried, Holy Warrior of the Order, Charmed
AC: 2
HP: -27/??, Invisible, Bound with Rope (Ben) [Private to GM: (30/30)]

PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:54, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

Feeling totally screwed by the fates, Ben spies Rath iout of the corner of his eye, and moves in such a way as to place the naga between them if he can, then he swings his blade, once thought blessed, now assumed cursed... and again misses miserably.

his only hope was that Rath would distract the beast...

OOC I gave my healing potion to Galadel, but I think someone gave one to me, does that ring true?

The cobwebs melt from Inas' mind.  Horror washes over him as he realizes what he'd done.

He takes no action this round, as he tries to cope with what he did and to understand what is going on.






21:46, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  Save vs Spells (14; all adjustments cancel).

This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

Rath glares at the naga. Inas' arrows protrude painfully through some chink in Rath's armor, barely noticed. He hefts the trident Devilsbane. Rath doesn't know if Ben will survive, but he knows Pserkepsis won't.

Without hesitation, Rath closes the short distance with confident strides and plunges the trident's tines where he thinks the naga's heart might be, if she has one, and with casual expertise pulls forth the fork and stabs her again in the throat, attempting to pin the naga to the ground. He meets her gaze with a bold smirk. That's got to hurt.



Two hits for 25 damage. I hope this wraps it up!
20:33, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 21,16,12,13 using 1d20+2,1d20+2,3d4+4,3d4+4 with rolls of 19,14,2,2,4,4,3,2.  two trident attacks.

Rath viciously drives his Devilsbane into the Naga's heart and the monster screams out in anguish as it reels backward, its muscles failing. The Naga's head lolls over to the side and the mighty fighter follows through with a sharp blow to its neck, pinning the beast to the ground, its heads thrashing about spasmodically, spraying a stream of dark fluid onto the cool stone floor.

A few violent thrashes later and all life vanishes from the creature's dark orbs and it eventually yields to death, a few impulsive whips of its tail fighting against fate before the creature ceases altogether.

The Naga is slain!

Rath still holds the trident in place. He glances at Ben. "You want to cut her head off?"

Ben does indeed...

"Thanks, though to be fair, the Naga is only acting as a surrogate for my unhappiness with my own ineptitude."

he wonders momentarily if any bits of the creature would be of value to the magical sorts of the party, but once he cleans and sheathes his blade he drinks the healing potion (if he has one) then begins to search for any more tangible treasure.

The small, low-ceiling cavern does not hold anything of note. Rather, this is simply a hidden retreat where the Naga likely slept. There are a few bits of scat here or there, but little else of interest.

Fortunately there is a large amount of treasure piled up below, in addition to the three golden disks and the three missing Order members. It seems the heroes are victorious in their mission and will likely return to Stormhaven as trusted allies of the Lord Mayor and saviors of the Temple of Pelor.

The party has come a long way since their humble beginnings at The Rusty Nail Tavern!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:36, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

After the party has returned the discs and their rescued hostages, Ben spends quite a bit of time at the temple to his lady, trying to figure out why she seemed to have abandoned him.

During the day he would go about his business, trying to buy up a few more small shops in the poor part of town if he can, and setting up a small shelter for the homeless.

He will of course invite Prince Saliq back to his house for dinner, their last efforts at relaxation being less than everything it could be. He invites the rest of the party too if they wish to come, but he makes sure Saliq gets to sit next to his sister, who has become quite smitten by the exotic adventurer.

Feeling nostalgic, he attempts to invest in the Rusty Nail Tavern, a ten percent share, but he wont push it if there is no interest.

The nights are spent within the temple however, trying to learn more about her dogma, and ways to please her. He will also, should the blade be willing, dedicate the blade to his goddess as well. For no real reason he feels as if the blade has more potential to become a useful ally, he hopes the temple is the place to explore this possibility.

Most seriously, Ben will see if his youngest brother has any interest and any potential, attempting to get the youngster enrolled at the mages guild. He will ask Saliq for help in this, and even though it is a second thought, due to the short time of their acquaintance, he will ask Galadel to help as well.

His mother badgers him to take a wife, and he does feel the time is right, but when has he had time to meet any women? His mother will act as match maker, and he will go on several dates during the peaceful interim...

Rath announces victory to the group below by kicking the naga's severed head through the crevice to bounce around on the floor below the pillar. Shortly afterward, Rath himself descends, all spidery and agile, down that same pillar, with a grim scowl.

He passes by Inas and, reaching around behind himself, plucks out the two arrows with a wince. He hands them to the ranger. "These yours?"

Rath stops near Saliq. He shrugs. "You know what they say about the best laid plans. Would have liked to see you turn the tables on that thing." To Galadel, he adds, "That wasn't the plan. Nice blasting, but that wasn't the plan."

In a move known by the others to be exceedingly rare, Inas fully removes the hood from his head -- the better to face Rath eye-to-eye.

His scarred face appears more twisted than usual (and that is saying something) but it is not hard to tell that the cause is anguish and not the scars.

"Aldo, my friend -- if I am still permitted to still call you that -- I am not a man of words.  I cannot express the hatred I have at myself for what did.  I cannot even imagine what I could do to make up for it -- it is feeble, I know, but I have no choice but to leave it to you: whatever you would have of me, name it."

Rath turns to face Inas, scowling, looking him in the face without flinching from his ugliness. Rath growls, jabbing a finger repeatedly into Inas' chest, "You ... sure, you can call me friend. But only my Mama calls me Aldo. Got it?"

Rath's bluster fades, and he gives Inas a weary, faint smile, clouded by some unspoken thought, and claps him on the shoulder. "You don't owe me nothing."

Gal winces a bit at Rath's comment, but only offers to heal him and anyone else, at least a small amount (he has 3 CLW's left).   Walking over to head of the Naga, stares at it a moment, there is a haunted look in the young man's face.

"Magic users are a complete pain in the ass" he says to no one in particular and then turns and leaves, goes and tells the men of the Order the battle has been won and releases his hold spell if it is still active, telling them the man is probably free of his charm now that the thing is dead, but they might want to be sure before they undo his bonds.  He will say they should come back and help move the Sun Disks.

Finally, he will cast, this time uninterupted, a locate object spell and slowly turn around the room, looking up into the chamber above as well as below.

ooc: he is looking for a book.

Inas slowly returns the hood to customary place over his head.  He doesn't say anything.

Eventually, he will seek solace with other worshippers of Melora.  In the meantime, he shows little interest in much of anything unless something is specifically called to his attention.

With the Naga now defeated and headless to boot, the party gathers up the loose coins and treasure scattered about her makeshift temple. Into sacks they go, and many are needed, for there is nearly 20,000 coins of various origin to collect. Not a bad haul for a day's work and more profits to heap into their already overflowing coffers. In total, the party possess nearly 60,000 gold pieces in coin, gems, jewelry and miscellaneous treasure, to say nothing of the real property they own outright. With their work accomplished, the party makes the treacherous trek up the chasm staircase, wary to not allow a careless footstep plummet them to their deaths.

Ben leads the way, as he is most knowledgeable of the wandering tunnels and sewer canals underlying the sprawling city. The party proceeds through these with little incident, stopping every now and again to ensure they are not being followed or walking into sudden peril. Eventually the party emerges onto a dirty lane in the Temple district, not too distant from where they initially entered, but not the same. Apparently there was a wrong turn along the way, but little does it matter. The party arrives back at the Temple of Pelor and is most joyously received by the High Priest and his attendant acolytes. There, the High Priest hears the adventurers account of their adventure and each is offered gracious blessings for their service to the Shining Lord and the City of Stormhaven. For his party, Brother Rothgar extends heartfelt thanks to the adventurers, as he and his men were likely doomed to a life of servitude to the evil Naga had the heroes not intervened.

Following their reception at the Temple, the adventurers accompany the High Priest to Stormhaven Keep, where they are greeted by an appreciative Lord Mayor. Here, the heroes are treated to a magnificent feast in honor of their service to the city, complete with the appropriate pomp and circumstance. Such a spread of exotic and expensive culinary delights is laid out for the heroes, the likes of which perhaps only Saliq has ever seen. Certainly such fare would be altogether unknown to Ben, Rath and Inas; while Galadel might have seen similar affairs, but only those of Elven variety, where the tastes in delicacies is not altogether congruent with those in human lands. Still, accommodations are made here as well and a tasteful selection of Elvish delicacies are on the offer as well.

Basking in the glow of their success, the heroes enjoy another evening of excess, perhaps a little disoriented by how their respective lots have considerably improved before embarking on their first adventures, all those years ago. But arrived they have, rising stars in a city of many thousands, each dreaming of their own shot at fame and fortune. This is no easy feat to be sure. Stormhaven is not for the faint of heart. It is the sort of city where heartbreak and disappointment is the norm. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Few are those who break this vicious cycle, whether through luck, merit or circumstance. In the heroes case, a little of all three can be held responsible.

Whatever the case, new opportunities will be afforded as the heroes move forward. Fortune favors the bolds, they say. And bold these men are.

In the coming years, learned scholars might put these heroes names to fine paper, illuminated with magnificent renderings of their exploits. There are already many tales lending to such endeavors, but others will follow.

The tale of the scrappy thief pulling himself out of the dredges and muck of The Narrows District. Through prudent business ventures and cunning guile, Master Scristos would go on to establish himself as a power-broker of consequence within the largest Thieves Guild in the Known World.

The tale of the foreign-born illusionist come to Stormhaven for his own motives, but always conscience of troubles at home. He would go on to learn a great many things about his chosen art, which would prove instrumental to reestablishing his family name among the gilded minarets of those distant lands.

The tale of the local mercenary and strongman who made good of his effort to go it alone. He would go on to attract and retain a sizable body of men-at-arms to his keep, whom he would employ to great effect securing the precious trade routes to the northern Hinterlands.

The tale of the mysterious ranger, drawn to the city against his better judgment in search of promising leads. He would go on to roam far and wide, ever the defender of those needing protection against bastions of evil, many are the tales of his exploits.

The tale of the the elven mage-priest of Ioun, thirsty for knowledge. He would go on to be high ranking member of the Wizard's Guild, where he would gain access to a vast repository of lore on a wide ranging number of subjects.

Of course, this is but a cursory overview of of the exploits of Ben Scristos the Thief, Saliq Musfara the Illusionist, Aldo "Rath" Rathmus the Fighter, Inas Eoinsson the Ranger and Galadel the Mage-Priest of Ioun.

Numerous are the colorful tales of Stormhaven: City of Adventure!

~The End
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:24, Thu 28 Apr 2016.

Galadel returns from the battle with the Naga a changed man.   Soon after his return to the city, he leaves and spends almost a full month with his parents at their vineyard, spending much time alone wandering the hillsides of his parent’s farm.   He has frequent nightmares and spends much time in deep discussions with his parents about his future.
The power he has so long studied and knowledge gained has turned him into something he never intended, a destroyer.  The Naga and even the Vampire were evil by most standards, but what made him judge and jury to destroy them.   He had burned an entire group of Trogs without so much as a warning or chance to surrender.  Again, evil but they had lives, mates, children, and to themselves those were of worth.
Was he to be any better than they, if he continued to walk the world, gaining in destructive power and using it to gain more power, more wealth, and more fame.   But would not evil win if good men did nothing, did not sacrifice to protect the weak.  Often in his dreams, he saw the slain Naga, but with his own face in place of hers.
All he ever really wanted was to study, learn, teach and find a good woman and to raise a family.  And so, at long last he returned to the Stormhaven Wizard’s Guild.   There to research but mostly to mentor young wizards.    He takes a vow to use his magic for good, but only in support and protection, never again in aggression or attack.   In time, he trades spells like fireball, or lightning bolts, for walls of ice, and walls of iron.  He becomes more scholar than hero, but occasionally, the need is great enough that he answers a call.
It takes many years, but at long last, he meets that special lady.  An elven woman, a young druidess in training with the Master Eagle.   He is swept away by her intelligence and the peace she seems to be able to bring him.   The rest is, as they say, history.

Saliq returned from the Naga's layer in triumph, but a little melancholy. In some strange and indefinable it felt that a chapter of his life was closing. Not long after he left Stormhaven, though not before helping Ben's brother join the Magicians Guild.

There where other adventures of course, travels that saw the exiled prince travese the known world. In the Wilderlands he sought out and exchanged secrets of magic with the wily copper dragon Cyriax and together man and wyrm discovered the lost city of Askos beneath the silt.

In the Dread Islands Saliq used his magic to trick and defeat the sea hag Thesia who had enslaved the islanders for a generation. To his misfortune the hag turned out to be the daughter of the sea goddess Melora and he bore curse for months before he performed a difficult quest on her behalf, the nature of which he never after spoke - save that ever after his hair and beard was bleached of colour and he carried with him the faintest scent of the sea.

In the furthest east of the Old Kingdoms he was forced to use his magic to take the form of Princess Meifeng to defend the young woman's public reptuation after she fell in love with a bandit leader. For fourteen months until the royal brat came to her senses a magically disguised Saliq held court in the city of Hsing-Lao, forced to come up with ever more inventive excuses for so beautiful a princess to evade marriage proposals.

Returning west he was seen again in Stormhaven for the first time in years. Much of the fortune he had gained had been lost in his travels and travails but he had enough left, and enough gained from selling some of his lore to the Magicians Guild, that he could settle into his tower and renew his friendships with his old comrades. It was in Stormhaven that he married the sister of his dearest friend Ben - though it is said by some bards that the goddess Sehanine wooed him first and had to be gently turned down. Then again bards will say anything.

In time Saliq and his bride left Stormhaven for the Empire of the Shifting Sands, where after many strange and difficult times he restored his family to their rightful place. Yet even so the illusionist never quite lost the love of adventure and in his fifth year of his rule as Sultan he appointed a regent and with his wife and friends led an expedition in search of the vanished Library of the Gods, said to lie somewhere beyond the Trackless Sea.

Perhaps they are searching still.