"Jeez," mutters Chandanar as a sickly smelling bolt of utter kick-your-assedness shoots from Izzick's palm and basically turns one of the gargoyles into so much instant powdered soup mix.  "Remind me to ask how high if you ever ask me to jump, 'kay?"

The other gargoyle stops, seeming to rethink the idea of trying to attack your group.  But it's then set upon by the three bearded devils.  Seems like they finally did your bidding Selvin

Laoris giggles.  "Someone has a new toy they wanted to play with!".  She nudges a probably-smugly-grinning Izzick

The gargoyle isnt' standing much of a chance against the devils.  It seems like another glorious battle is coming to an end...

A shadow comes from one of the doors, Lucky had spotted the 4 additional gargoyles a mere 50ft above the priest and the elven male and closing fast.  From across the way and knew by the look of the two adventures that they hadn't seen the gargoyles themselves so he called out to them to warn them while running to across to them.  "You have some company above you!  Lucky called out!

Charge 60ft forward to get to within 10ft of the priest and elven male.  Kukri's out and ready to defend himself.

You all see a guy emerge from a doorway across the courtyard, shouting a warning.

Chandanar reacts with a surprising amount of speed.  He shoves Selvin to one side and swings his own mace over his head.

He manages to knock Selvin sideways a few feet.  As the salacious summoner gets his footing back, a gargoyle smashes into the ground where he was just standing.

Chandanar isn't as fortunate as a goyle smashes into him from above.  His mace knocks his attacker slightly off course, so it isn't a direct hit.  But he gets his back split open from the claws.

Laoris raises a hand and smashes one of the landing gargoyles with magic missles.  It stumbles.

There are four gargoyles.  The one that Selvin sidestepped seems a bit woozy. 

There's one pouncing on poor Chandanar

There are two others landing nearby, one of whom Laoris just missled.

Oh, and there's some guy who shouted a warning to you.  But he seems like good people.

Selvin was surprised to be suddenly shoved from where he was, especially coming from his friend Chandanar unexpectedly. He let out a grunt as the air was driven out of him as he landed on his side. "OOF!"

He turned to look and several things vied for his attention - but the most immediate was the gargoyle that drove in to the ground right where he'd been. His eyes went wide and his jaw dropped open for a moment.

Then he stood back up and....probably for the first time since they'd met, Chandanar and Izzick and Zuni would notice that Selvin looked NERVOUS. Maybe even a little scared. He didn't have his main strength and armor and weapon with him. He felt naked. Small.

His eyes shifted back and forth. "Um. Uh." He licked his lips and made a decision. He quickly cast a spell on himself and vanished from sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Sat 30 May 2020.

Izzick looked around, catching whoever this new person was but at least he didn't seem like he was pulling the knives out on them. Then the half-orcs eyes refocused upon the surrounding gargoyles who'd managed to make their way out of the first fire. With it being so close quarters, this might be a bit difficult to pull off.  He had to concentrate, change the words, add to his movements. And then he released it - flames erupting around them as he dropped the fireball on top of the group, while focusing to keep the flames at bay. "Be careful...and don't move!" he warned, knowing the flames would die down quick enough on their own.

Selective fireball - I can exempt up to 6 targets which should be Selvin, Zuni, Myself, Chandanar, Lucky, and Laoris.

Reflex DC 20
09:37, Today: Izzick rolled 43 using 10d6+1.  Fireball.

When Lucky came running in to help these people he didn't know he knew he was doing the right thing but as the half-orc began to cast his fireball Lucky didn't feel so lucky at that moment.

Then as the fireball erupted all around him, burning the gargoyles and anything else in its path, Lucky grinned wide.  "Well done my friends."  Was all Lucky said before moving to a better position to make his next move.

With the commotion, Lucky will find some debris to hide behind till he can make his next attack.
15:50, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 27 using 1d20+23.  stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Mon 01 June 2020.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 6):

The flames die away, leaving two of the goyles roasted medium rare and one well done.  The one on Chandanar was too close to the priest.  He seems to be unscathed.

Zuni has her bow up and fires.  The goyle on Chandanar's back gets pierced twice.  The impact allows the priest to break away and stagger forward, blood erupting from his wounds as he fumbles in his belt pouch for a potion.

One of the singed gargoyles dives into the temple, having figured out Izzick is the main problem in his situation.  Laoris waves a hand and more magic missles slam into it, knocking it sideways.  It rolls across the floor and doesn't move.

So two gargoyles left.  Chandanar is now clear of the one that was on him.  That one has two arrows sticking into it.

The other one got flambeed by Izzy but is still up and moving.  The poor guy just seems really confused at the moment.  I've never rolled three 1s on a d20 in a row before.  My dice love you guys.

Your moves

Izzick's hands swirled in the cloud of smoke around his finger tips as his mind did it's best to stay focused. He caught the one coming for him, but Laoris' made the save just as he flinched. Perhaps she wasn't so bad after all....but she was still an evil cultist so maybe she was. He'd worry about the morality of working with her later.

Instead this time he took a note from her instead, his fingers conjuring bolts of magical force and releasing them to the standing toasted stone figure.

20:39, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile.

I rolled three 1s on this. Oof. Finally ran out of luck.

From his invisible vantage point, Selvin watched the fight. The gargoyles were losing. He glanced towards the bearded devils that were still some distance away (and likely still effing around with the other gargoyles). He shook his head.

He mentally reviewed his spells and let out a sigh. He was fairly reliant on his symbiote really. He, almost reluctantly, drew his light crossbow from his back, the weight unfamiliar in his hand. He sighted at the nearest gargoyle and loosed a bolt at it.

Move: Draw light crossbow and step a little bit to the side.
Swift Action: Arcane Strike.
Action: Shoot at gargoyle from greater invisibility (likely miss. Ac 13 for 5 dmg).

00:18, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 13,5 using d20+11,d8+3.  Light Crossbow vs Gargoyle.

Lucky could see the others and the gargoyles battling.  He had positioned himself in a spot that would allow him to get in his deadly sneak attacks.  He came out of his hiding then moving the 15ft to the backside of one of the gargoyles fighting the others.  With his kukri's in hand he slashes at the spine of the gargoyle hoping to kill it quick.

09:15, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 27,13,26 using d20+16,d4+9,6d8. sneak attack

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 10):

Zuni lands two more arrows in the angry one just as New/Hooded Guy</puprle> seems to come from nowhere and cuts it almost in two.  The one that had attacked <purple>Chandanar is deader than dead.

The confused one takes a snootful of Izzick's magic missles and then he's beset on by devils.  They seem to be intent on playing a game of old maid with it's liver.

The battle is over.

Chandanar quaffs a potion, wipes purple juice off his lips, and looks at the Hooded Guy. "So.  Thanks for killing him and not me.  Who you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:27, Sun 31 May 2020.

Selvin let out a sigh of relief. "If he's stickin' around, y'might wanna warn him."

He then immediately sat down and began a minute-long ritual to summon his ally, the bearded devils winking out of existence during it. He ignored the others for the moment. He didn't feel safe and wanted to correct that.

With the last of the gargoyles killed off, Lucky wipes his blade clean from the ichor of the gargoyle he sliced.

With a mere grin as the man drinks his healing potion and asks for his name, Lucky sticks out his hand for a greeting, it can be noticed that his gloves have an eye on the palm side of both of the well made black leather gloves.  "Fancy seeing you here as well.  Names Lucky Six-Fingers, I had thought I was alone and some weird happenings I suddenly wasn't anymore as I heard the fireball explosion and when I came out and saw all of you here, I thought I would help."  Lucky was shaking his head then still not really knowing what all had happened here only moments before he came to help.

"I had some companions here that seem have all been lost.  What year and month is it if you don't mind me asking?"  Lucky asked strangely.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 13):

"4708.  Month of Sarenth.  You not from around here?" The female elf giggles.  "I'm Laoris."

"I'm Chandanar," says the priest.  He nods at the male elf who seems to be meditating.  "Selvin.  And Zac will be by in a minute.  Zuni,"  The woman in black leather rasies a hand in greeting as she starts checking the gargoyle's bodies for loot.

"And Izzick." The last is the half orc who did all the damage.

4708? Lucky thought to himself..  How could that be?  To him just a few moments ago it was 3712... Lucky knew something was off and it was.  Everyone he knew was probably gone now, but that isn't always a bad thing, he thought again.  He could start new and carve out a new life once more.

"Hmmm, okay 4708 it is then.  I am not from around here no."  He answered a moment later.  "It is a pleasure to meet you Laoris."

Then as Chandanar introduced himself, the elf, and the half-orc, Lucky nods to each in turn.  "A pleasure to meet you all.  Glad I was here to help you with these gargoyles.  Could I inquire why you are all here?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 15):

Chandanar sighs.  "It's a bit of a tale. Those two..." He nods at Izzick and Selvin, "...have been at it longer than I have.  But the short answer is:  we're from the city of Korvosa.  The city has been taken over by an evil queen who is possessed by the spirit of the dead champion of Zon Kuthon, a dragon guy thing called Kazovon whose keep this is or was at any rate."

The cantankerous cleric takes a deep breath and then continues.  "We escaped the city and came to the Cinderlands so we could get eaten by a purple worm so the half naked guys could tell us about Kazovon.  They did and we came here to find a sword that was used to kill him many many years ago.  There's also an evil cult that servers Zon Kuthon but is kinda in the middle of an internal revolt, which is where she comes from..."

Laoris giggles and waves her fingers at Lucky  "I'm a bad witch but I promise to be good!"

"She also let us put a geas on her to not stab us in the back.  So she's trustworthy.  Sorta.  Anyway, we found a way into the secret chamber where the sword is probably located cos...you know how it goes...secret chamber equals things you're after.  But in order to get in we have to find some keys or things that will act like keys and of course time in this place sort of hiccups and burps a lot so we keep getting tossed around the time stream."

He stops, holds up a finger, reaches for a canteen on his belt, and takes a long drink from it.  He smacks his lips as he screws the lid back on the canteen, looking back at the others.  "Did I miss anything?"

Processing all the information that the cleric just gave him, Lucky wipes his brow as droplets of sweat had begun to form.  "I was beginning to think I was going crazy.  So, you all have experienced the time malfunction as well?  That is a relief at least!"

Lucky hoped that the witch would be good as well.  "Let's certainly hope so," he commented briefly before continuing.

Lucky began to replay what was said so he got the correct picture, "The spirit of the dead champion of Zon Kuthon, owned or owns the keep here?  You found the secret chamber but can't get in because you are missing a key?  Maybe the gods have a funny way of acting and they sent me here as the key..?  I am rather proficient with," Lucky pulls out one of his sets of lockpicks and says, "these!  Should we try again perhaps?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Thu 04 June 2020.

Selvin was fairly quiet, other than his chanting and meditating, channeling his will and funneling his connection to the outer planes with his magic. It took a full minute to complete but suddenly there was burst of blue and purple light, and then Selvin was enveloped inside a strange, otherworldly creature.

Like a suit of armor, he wears a being from the Outer Planes, protecting him and granting him other abilities. The being resembles a cross between a tiger and a centaur, the lower body that of a tiger more than seven feet long, before the tail and looks to weigh hundreds of pounds. Electricity seems to crackle along it at times, with fur that is striped white, black and blue. The upper body is a humanoid cat person, with a massively-muscled body and arms, sharp fangs and claws, eyes slitted like a cat's, gills on its neck, and on its back are wings like a bat. Around its waist is what looks like a belt, a thick leather affair decorated with huge metal buckles, though very large and odd-shaped to fit it.

From inside Selvin spoke, but the creature also spoke at the same time, giving it an odd echoing flavor. "Okay. I feel whole again." He seemed MUCH more at ease suddenly. He looked at the new person. "Sorry, I wasn't listening. Did you fill this guy in?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 17):

Laoris shakes her head at Lucky's lockpicks.  "Not that kinda lock sweetie.  Come see..."

Inside the room is a large chapel.  There's a really dead guy laying on the floor, but none of the others seem to pay him any mind Lucky.  So you are probably safe to ignore him too.

In the middle of the chapel is an altar.

The altar is five sided.  At four of the points are symbols.  The fifth is blank other then the remains of dried blood stains.

Sacrafices were made here, Laoris points at the blank point.

The symbols are

An axe dripping blood.

A dragon's wing.

A woman turned away from the viewer, clutching a dagger in one hand.

A circle surrounding three intertwined triangles, all of whom are pointed downwards.

Laoris points at the circle.  That's a symbol for Zon-Kuthon.  I don't know about the others.

Laoris leans on the altar and gestures at the symbols.  "It's probably a mystical one.  I'm guessing we need to place an object associated with the symbols in each spot."

Chandanar points at the glowy tiger/centaur/electrical eel thing surrounding Selvin and says, "Lucky.  Zac.  Zac.  Lucky."

He nods at the elf.  "Yeah.  I mean I summarized.  If we went through every detail, it'd probably take like seven years to get through it all."

Ba-dum-bump.

Seven years next month. Jeez.

"Anyhoo," Laoris waves a hand.  "Maybe we should talk about how we're gonna figure out these symbols.  I mean axe and dragon wing seem obvious.  Don't know what to make of that lady. Maybe the dagger?  And I guess we need a holy symbol of Zonnie baby.  Which I got.  But it may need a specific symbol."

Chandanar scratches his nose.  "Well. Anyone got any ideas on where to start?  Or do we wander for a bit?"

Group 0 map updated.  It is basically all of the first floor both Lucky and the group have covered thus far.

Everyone is standing in either the courtyard (area 9) or in the chapel (area 39).

Lucky, you came out of the door to area 6.  But you did so at a different time period.  So you know the layout of the areas east of it, but not what is there any longer.

I keep thinking how wild it is. I got a degree and switched jobs and got promoted at the job in that time

Hearing the cleric recount the tale was oddly nostalgic - at least as much as kidnappings, murder, and horror demonic possessions could be something so fondly remembered. And Chandanar barely covered half of it. "That about sums up the need to know for sure. Crazy how much can change in a matter of weeks," came the gruff chuckle after. The sorcerer knew they had something more pressing than memories on hand after all, even if they were out of the very literal fire.

Izzick tried to think of where they might find an answer. He really hoped they weren't back to square one. "Maybe we should check Sial again? He must have had some idea what was going on around here." It was at best a guess and at worst a prayer that some god besides Zon-Kuthon was watching. He offered the map they had to Lucky, wondering if there was any suggestions from their newest ally. "So far we've gone through quite a chunk of this place but the entire keep's enormous...and even more confusing when time keeps changing. Sometimes we've got guards, others gargoyles, others the actual dragon servant of an evil god. We might even need to try doubling back if part of the keys in another time."

When he was handed the map, Lucky looked it over quickly to see what they had explored already.  He then made the map so they all could see and pointed to all the areas that he had visited.  "My group met the undead black shadowlike dragon in this room(room 10), we ran to the main room(9) and to this room to get away(6).  Everything east of that we had been through as well.  But as you said the time thing messed with me as well."

As he looked at the symbols though, Lucky placed his picks back in the pouch he retrieved them from.  "I always hated riddles as a child.  But, I am thinking along your line of thought.  We get part of the dragon wing, a bloodied axe, perhaps the only symbol of this Zon-Kuthon, and for the woman?"  Lucky thought a little on it, "It could just mean fear?  Can we cast fear on the symbol?  I don't know.  That is a tough one.  Have you found any of the other symbols yet?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 21):

The cantankerous cleric considers carefully.

"Hmmm.  We met a dwarf in...I guess...two different time zones.  The living version who seemed to think we were involved in some plot he was involved with and later on as an undead creepy guy.  We didn't tangle with him.  But he was in the upper floor over the gate house if I remember right.

"Then we met that dragon.  Although it was still alive.  But it was dying.  At least we met it at the time it was dying before we came back here.

"Am I the only one getting confused?"  Chandanar looks around at all of you.

"No, most certainly not." Upstairs had certainly been a mess of the time burps they'd come in and out of. Hostages, corpses, undead alike. Maybe it was time to truly look for as much as they could find up there. There had even been the room with the Bone Devil. "We don't know when half the upstairs was in while there, maybe we should try there first." He dreaded to think that whatever these symbols corresponded to weren't here now...or in the future...or the present? But they had to have been here at some point - likely whenever it was made. Izzick had begun to wish he'd spent more time paying attention to courses on divination. "We didn't really go all the way to the top for more than a moment."

Lucky was, of course, confused but tried not to show it too much.  He was a thinker and it was time for thought.

In response to the half0orc named Izzick, Lucky responded, "that sounds reasonable to me.  There has to be some clues to what to do here."

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 24):

Izzy, you guys went upstairs at S3 if I remember correctly.  You came down from the roof.  So from what you know there are three ways up now:  Two sets of stairs inside the Keep at S5 and S6. You can also go up the tower at S7, but that may not connect to the Keep's roof.  You aren't sure.

Just need to know which way you go to head upstairs:  S5, S6, or S7.  Please see group map.

Thanks Ya'll.

Selvin let out a long sigh. "Honestly? I kinda hate this place." He waved a hand around in the air, which the tiger-centaur symbiote mimiced with one of the humanoid arms. "This back an' forth time crap, this shiftin' stuff all over..." He shook his head. "It's annoyin' an' confusin."

He looked upwards or maybe he leaned back and closed his eyes. It was hard to tell. "So are we goin' back t'the black dragon? Or we goin' back t'the suspicious angry dwarf? I mean, they were both alive at some points an' both dyin' at some points."

"Let us start with the angry dwarf.  I have no desire to meet the dragon, dead or alive, right now.  We will need to prepare our spells and defenses to face the dragon."  Lucky said to the others.

Selvin looked torn. "I mean...." He hesitated, but then continued on. "I s'pose yer right. When I met the dragon, he was dyin' an' we talked. No hostility, no battle, just a quick conversation. But I guess, who knows when we'll meet 'em, what state they'll be in."

He looked down. "I will say...I don't wanna meet 'im hale an' healthy. He was BIG. An' I think he took down a lot by himself." He shrugged.

"Let's rest up first.  Best have everyone at their best."  Chandanar yawns.  "Anyone need healing?"

Consider yourselves rested, at full, and full spell compliments.

Uploaded two maps.

Group 1 Map:  The area above the front gate house.

Group 2 Map:  Where stairway S17 leads/The last place you saw Frigid Dwarf.

The culinary cleric whips up breakfast via his magic.  Laoris spreads out her maps as she chews on a croissant smeared with raspberry jam.

"This area is the upper floor above the gate house out front," She informs Lucky And reminds everyone else.  See Group 1 Map

She points at a stairwell marked with an S17.  "We went up these stairs and..."

She sketches out another map on a fresh sheet of paper. See Group Map 2

"This is where we saw the dwarf.  Didn't engage.  But as I recall he had a cold aura goin' on.  Obvy some kind of undead.  But my guess is supercharged.  He was just kinda loungin' around.  We didn' get close and he didn't react.  Least that I can recall."

She settles back and finishes her croissant.  "I can get us back there.  That's assumin' we don't skip around to sometime else.  But why would things be that easy."

Will wait until Sunday and move us along.  Wanted to give everyone a chance to prepare or ask any questions.  Thanks.

After a bit of rest and relaxation, Lucky was ready to go once more, so it seemed the others as well.  "Thank you for making breakfast.  It is delicious."  Lucky said as he grabbed up a roll and jam for himself as well.

"Chandanar, did you detect that the dwarf was undead?  If you think he is, do you think your god-given powers would be able to stay his hand.  That is if he is still undead if we meet him.  Perhaps, he will be alive?  Or dead dead when we find him?"

Selvin nodded at resting first. He volunteered to take first watch and then afterwards un-summoned his outsider symbiote before going to sleep.  When he woke in the morning, he stretched and then ate some breakfast before doing another minute-long ritual to re-summon his friend. "Thanks, Chandanar." He let out a sigh of relief after they were joined once more.

He gave a shrug. "Fine with me. We go see the dwarf then."

Their power nap and breakfast was refreshing, one of the small benefits that made the fact they were somewhen all the more bearable - the same feeling it gave across the various pits, guts, and deserts they'd been stuck in. "He was definitely undead, no doubts about that even if I've got not-quite-so-god-given powers." Izzick could still feel the tingling in his hands from the spell that had led to him turning one of those gargoyles to dust. "And I'm starting to think those might do us a little better if it comes to it."

In reply to Izzick (msg # 32):

Chandanar chews a melon slice wrapped in ham.  "I doubt there's much I can do along those lines.  This place..."  He gestures to indicate the whole keep. "Is so chocked with negative energy, I don't think I could really stay any hands."

Laoris nods.  "Yeah.  Zon-Kuthon has been extra careful with his attentions to this place.  Not to mention all the death that occured here.  It's like the negative energy plane's version of a beachside retreat."  She giggles.  "So we'll have to do things the old fashioned way."

"Yeah.  Nothing like the rustic wholesomeness of getting the job done with your own two hands."  Chandanar glances at Selvin.  "And claws...and four tentacles...and...let's just get to it."

---

The Gate House is much different to both Lucky and the others.  The layout of the first floor is familiar.  But where Lucky remembers his group dealing with a snake demon, there's only broken furniture and holes in the wall.

You all ascend, moving to the staircase that leads up to the Dwarf's last known position At the bottom of S17 on the Group 1 map

Last time you were here Selvin and Izzick, you could feel the dwarf's cold coming down the stairwell.

And it's still cold, but it feels off.

"It's not as cold as last time...".  Chandanar is correct.  The air is slightly warmer.

A quick glance up the stairs shows why.  The Dwarf isn't where he was.  Last time, he had been crouched at the end of the tower above Southern end of Area 23 on Group 2 map.  Have I mentioned how much I hate this modules maps?

But the air above it colder.  He can't have gone far, if that's any indication.

Chandanar takes out his holy symbol and mumbles something.  He points upwards.

The Dwarf is outside on the roof of the tower it seems.

You can step out on the ramparts to the east and west of Area 23/Group 2 map and head up the roof from either or both sides.  Or get up top in some other manner.  But Dwarfie boy is up top.  Whether he knows you're coming or not is unknown.

Questions?

Selvin narrowed his eyes at the description by Chandanar and Laoris. "No need t'be so gloom'n'doom! We've made it this far, haven't we?" It was a rhetorical question, of course.

He shook his head as the dwarf wasn't where he was - but in this place, that was hardly uncommon or even strange. He looked at Chandanar and then gave a nod. He checked out way to go. "Alright. T'be safe, we should split up and go up both ways. I mean, I could just fly up there, but then it'd just be me with the dwarf an' that's a recipe for instant combat."

He nodded. "Why don't Chandanar, Izzick an'...uh...Lucky, was it? Go up that way...I'll....take Laoris with me." He didn't sound thrilled with that but wasn't really worried about Laoris either. Sending both...was Laoris a cleric?...Chandanar and Laoris together seemed like it might be a bad idea.

As they went up and didn't find the dwarf where they said he would be, the group looked about a bit and found that he was indeed here but up a level.

At the suggestion from Selvin, Lucky said, "Yes, Lucky!  And terms seem appropriate.  Do we attack or talk first?"

Laoris seems to be both cleric and wizard Selvin.  But she's not really been too clear on it

Chandanar passes a couple of purple potions to everyone from your large supply.  Everyone:  two potions of extra heal in your inventory please

"He didn't seem too chatty last time.  But you guys call.  You never know.  At some point we've gotta meet someone who isn't out to kill us."

The dwarf is on top of the roof, staring at the lake.  His skin is a distinct frosty blue color, his thick matted hair the color of snow.  The cold up here is palpable.  It feels like the tundra just on the way up.

The dwarf's armor looks dingy.  Old chain and leather with large portions cut off or missing.  His skin is laced with a jigsaw puzzle amount of cuts and scars.

He holds a battle axe in one hand.  It's an ornate number, with a cherry wood haft and forged of some kind of black metal that's inlaid with runes that glow a dull red.

He ignores you as you hover/crouch at a distance...

I will follow ya'lls lead on how you want to proceed.  Parlay or attack. Or other.  Your call.

Thanks.

Selvin looked at the healing potions, but then kind of twitched head, shrugged and accepted them. "Okay, thanks. But you better be comin' up the other side directly too." He shook the vials a bit. "These ain't no substitute for Chandanar's magic, wit an' humor."

He turned to make his way slowly and quietly towards where they thought the dwarf was. He hesitated when he caught sight of the...gross-looking fellow. He drew in a deep breath and flew a couple of feet and landed softly, making sure he would be the first target the dwarf saw if this went sideways.

He cleared his throat gently, "Hey there. Can we talk a moment?"

Yes, thank you, Chandanar, Lucky said as he grabbed the potions and tucked them away in his pack.  When Selvin began to move, Lucky too began to head up to the next level.  He let Selvin do the talking while he stuck to any shadow that might be around to hide him a bit better.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 37):

The dwarf eveeeeeeeeeeeeeer

soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

slowly

turns

his head

towards Selvin.

And just stands there.  Staring.  There isn't any light in his eyes.  If he weren't standing and upright, you'd swear there was no one at home.

He does seem to be listening though.

Lucky kept his eyes on the dwarf who seemed a bit listless.  Maybe there wouldn't be a fight after all.  The axe that he held was pretty awesome and deadly looking, Lucky hoped they could get it from him.

Izzick held back, not quite certain what they should do. Lighting up the dward in magical fire and electricity might have worked but they were trying to get help here too. The Dwarf's blank stare did not show any signs of intelligence but Izzick had been fooled before by that. Selvin had the man's attention, but he wondered if he should speak up instead, but it seemed better that they should hold their edge against the undead as long as they could. Instead Izzick prepared for anything, keeping a sharp look out for any sign the dwarf would turn violent so he could be on the assist.

OOC: So almost everything isn't the same color and some of it in italics, I'm not coloring his thoughts for this post, lol.

Selvin was staring at the undead dwarf and hesitated. He swallowed when no one else spoke up. Guess it was up to him. "Ah. Hi there! You might remember us from earlier?" Oh, man, he was off to a great start.

"I'm Selvin. These are my friends...an' allies." That might have sounded mean, but Laoris was back there. "Anyway. We were hopin' you could help us out. Is your axe, by chance, part of a key t'open a lock that you know of? Or maybe you know about the lock with several keys?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Sun 21 June 2020.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 42):

The dwarf sort of hesitates, and then glances down at the axe.  He looks back up at you Selvin.  And then he nods.

His mouth opens and a cloud of cold vapor comes out.  Not like a dragon's breath, but more like the breath from a warm person on a cold winter's day.  He seems to be trying to say something, but can't.

He points a thumb at his chest and then points at yours Selvin.  He does it again.  He seems to be pointing at his heart.  And then at yours.

Lucky had no idea what the dwarf was trying to say.  "Maybe he is wanting to come with us to see about the key?"  Lucky asked softly.

Selvin stared at the dwarf a moment. His eyes narrowed in thought as he tried to figure out what the dwarf was saying....or...wasn't saying but was...miming or whatever. He shook his head.

"Sorry. I don't understand. What do you want?"

09:09, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 6 using 1d20.  Intuition? That's a sucker's game.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 45):

Maybe Izzy will have better luck.

The dwarf does his pantomime again, pointing at his heart and then Selvin's and then he holds out the axe.  Like he's just going to give it away.

"Uhhhh...anyone else think this is too damn easy?"

Laoris giggles at Chandanar's statement-of-the-obvious.  "Yeah.  But it kinda makes you just want to run up and take it. Just to see what happens."  She giggles again.

"Someone else I mean.  Not me."

Softly Lucky says, "Take the axe Selvin.  Be careful though, I just met you and don't want to lose you already."  Lucky had no intention of being alone in this place once more.  He had lost quite a bit of friends already and wasn't ready to lose any more.

Selvin sighed very softly. This was probably a trap or a bad idea or both. Nevertheless, he slowly stepped forward and reached a hand out for the axe. "Okay. Sure. Let's see what our dwarf friend wants." Selvin smiled slightly. Surely he won't be about to grin evilly, cackle maniacally and chop me in half...

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 48):

Selvin and Zac reach out for the axe.  The cold gets worse the closer they approach.

8 pts damage.  Fort save for half, unless you are magicked against cold

The steel of the axe feels oddly warm...

And Selvin, have Zac make me a Will save.  14-

Selvin made a face, and leaned his head away from the dwarf slightly. "ugh...cold..." He made to grab the axe more quickly so he could move away just as quickly, and hopefully get away from the...

"oh, that's warm..."

16:36, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 29,17 using d20+10,d20+11 with rolls of 19,6.  Fortitude and Will Saves (Zac doesn't get his own).

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 50):

For the briefest of moments, upon laying it's claw/tentacle/ectoplasm-thing on the steel of the axe, Zac sort of freaks out.  His shape suddenly compresses and Selvin sort of falls out of him.

Zac seems to shift inwards until he's a dwarf size figure...

And then he's back.  He reforms around Selvin


Laoris isn't giggling for once. "The axe...I think it just tried to possess Zac..."

Chandanar shakes his head.  "I think it did more than that.  I think it tried to change him into...I guess...the dwarf."  He points at the dwarf.  "I think we were all busy looking at Zac.  But for a moment...that dwarf looked taller.  I think."

Lucky watched on as Selvin approached.  He kept his blades ready just in case something needed slicing.  As he watched on and saw the strange thing that surrounded Selvin act weird it worried Lucky that perhaps he had suggested wrong.  But, as things got clear again Lucky asked, "What was that?"

Lucky had also seen the change in the dwarf and asked the dwarf, "Are you okay?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 52):

The dwarf looks in Lucky's direction.  He points at his heart, and then at Lucky's and he holds out the axe.

Lucky knows better after seeing what he just did.  "No, that is okay.  Would you come with us?  You can keep the axe."

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 54):

The dwarf looks at you funny Lucky

Then he points at his heart, your heart, and holds out the axe.

"Maybe if we offer him a ghoul treat."

Laoris looks at Chandanar.  "Like what?  Someone's heart?"

The confused cleric shrugs. "Well...as long as it's not mine..."

Laoris rolls her eyes.  "Maybe we can make use of one of those dead gargoyles.  I can zombie 'em up.  Have it take the axe."

Selvin stood there a moment, almost shaking, the symbiote and the half-elf both. "Ah..uhhh...ahhh..." He licked his lips and backed away from the dwarf. "Nope. Can't do it. That thing tried to take Zac over, or made him not exist for a moment or somethin'...No, nope, nada, ain't touchin' it."

He made room for someone else. "We need a way t'get it without touchin' I think an' transportin' that way too." He sounded...uncertain and looked shaken visibly.

Lucky tried something different this time.  Instead of him reaching out for the axe, Lucky activated his cloak and summoned a mage's hand.  Then Lucky moved the hand to the axe and tried to grab it from the dwarf.  "Let my hand take the axe, please."  Lucky bade the dwarf with a kind smile.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 57):

The axe lifts off the dwarf's palm.  The moment it does, the dwarf's form seems to flicker and twist.

Suddenly, standing where the dwarf was is a large blue skinned ogre, dressed in an rather fine furs and wearing various jewels on his thick fingers.

He takes a deep breath.  "Finally!" he shouts, almost triumphantly.  He then raises the little finger on his right hand.  "Myzgak."

There's a great burst of light.

Everyone make a Reflex save 12-.  If not, blinded for 2 posts.

Lucky's mage hand took the axe and as it did the flash of light was bright but luckily Lucky was ready for some trick and had closed his eyes for the brief flash.

23:25, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 23 using 1d20+16.

Want initiatives now?

Zac was still freaking out a bit, his form mostly stable but not quite fully. Selvin was distracted and 'thinking' with his friend when the dwarf suddenly wasn't a dwarf. "Hey what the h-!" And then there was a flash. "AAAH! MY EYES!"

16:50, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 10 using 1d20+9.  Reflex Save.

Oh, screw you, dice roller! Where was this roll for my Reflex save?!? ROFL!
17:46, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Initiative in case it matters.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Fri 26 June 2020.

My init is 18.

Lucky, go ahead and post init, your actions, and any rolls.  I don't wait on everybody to take their turn.  I take all the actions posted and sort them out by order. You'll see as we go.

Izzy, post when you can.

Danka

Laoris is pinwheeling her arms.  She seems to be lost.  <Puprle>Chandanar</purple> has dug out his holy symbol. What he's up to you can't tell Lucky.  You can't see Izzick at the moment.

You hear Selvin.

The ogre magi, because that is what it seems to be, is backing away.  He's raising his other hand.

Lucky was concentrating on his mage hand and couldn't do much else or it would stop immediately so instead of attacking Lucky along with the mage hand moved back down the stairs to the floor below.  "I got the axe!"  Lucky called to them then began to move.

If it is allowed he will have the mage hand place the axe inside his haversack without touching it himself.
09:05, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 28 using 1d20+13.  initiative.

Izzick was quick to pull his forearm in front of his eyes, shielding himself from that sudden burst of light while some of the others were caught off guard. His own flickered and shaped themselves, conjuring a golden magic between them. A spring of his hand and the glitterdust spread around, sparkling lights surrounding the No-Longer-Dwarf, lights certainly just as blinding for the creature as whatever it just cast itself.

17:10, Today: Izzick rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Reflex.

Cast Glitterdust
Will DC 18 or it's blind.
And it now has a glowing outline and -40 to Stealth

In reply to Izzick (msg # 63):

The axe floats into your haversack, Lucky, neatly and without touching any sides.

Izzick, the ogre becomes all glowy and stand outish.  He frowns and finishes raising his hand. "Oquin!"

There's a thick pulse of magical energy radiating from his finger...

Will save 12-.  If not paralyzed for 2 rounds

If you can move, your turn.  Thanks.

Selvin didn't want to just flail around blindly, so he was in a defensive position. He felt the barest tingle of something else trying to affect him as well, but then it was gone. "Stop casting spells! Let's just talk for cryin' out loud!"

OOC: So blind, but not paralyzed - what a nat 20 time pssh, lol
19:00, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Will Save vs paralysis.

Izzick grunted as his head fogged for all of a second. "Get the hell out of there," he said to himself, one hand smacking the side of his head as he shook it off. He certainly wasn't used to being on the receiving end of magic, but with as much experience as he had it was easy to figure it out. "You feeling like some of your own medicine?</orange>" His fingers formed a new spell, this time chanting out, "<darkgreen>Zapom Niek!"

20:55, Today: Izzick rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Will Save.

Casting Feeblemind. Will Save DC 21
Target creature’s Intelligence and Charisma scores each drop to 1.
A creature that can cast arcane spells, such as a sorcerer or a wizard, takes a -4 penalty on its saving throw.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 66):

I really really need to do something about that feeblemind

The ogre magi smirks.  And then he flops on his butt.  And he starts poking his fingers into his mouth.

"Ah gihk uhddink!" he says with his fingers crowding his mouth.

Selvin, you're not blind any longer.  He's going to be stupid longer than you'll be blind.

OOC: Oh, I know, but he's shaking the effects of. =)

Selvin blinked away the bright spots as his vision returned. He let out an amused sort at the Ogre Magi and then turned back to Izzick. "Man. That spell." He shook his head.

Then he looked back at their...foe. "Sooooo...should we kill Mr. No-longer-a-dwarf? Or just leave?" He glanced back at Izzick. "If we let 'im live, think he'll come after us later?"

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 67):

I gotta admit it's pretty damn crazy.

Izzick breathed a sigh of relief as the spell saved him again. Debilitating curses had always been something of a specialty thanks to his cursed blood but truly the mind melting madness he could inflict had certainly proven quite the potent spell. "He seemed pretty ready to kill us now." He tried to look around, looking for the axe, remembering it had been grabbed by Lucky. "So what the hell was he doing with that? Is it cursed? Is he a dwarf? Does it turn someone INTO a dwarf?" He almost wished he hadn't reduced their foe to a blubbering idiot because he had more questions now.

Lucky heard something go thud above, and going against his better instincts he poked his head up over the ledge to see if it was friend or foe that made the noise.

Seeing that the ogre magi waste one that fell to the ground, Lucky came back up.  "What in the world happened to him?  Why is he acting like that?  Should we put him out of his misery?"

Selvin glanced over when he saw Lucky come back. He gave a smirk. "Welcome back, scaredy cat." His tone indicated he was just teasing.

He nodded. "Yeah, I think so! It tried t'take over Zac." He and the symbiote both shuddered. "Not a pleasant experience."

He shook his head. "Death t'ogre? I almost would feel bad but he DID try t'kill us, right?"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 71):

Chandanar sort of waggles his chin.

"Well.  Maybe we could put 'im in some kinda prison or something.

"Hey.  Don't we still have that thing that turns people into stone?"

It takes a while to find it, but he comes up with one of the treasures you (except for Lucky) looted from that vampire back at the Moon Tower.  It's a small stone shaped like a frog.

Chandanar tosses it up and down in one hand.  "Supposedly this dohickey will turn someone to stone.  You wanna petrify him?"

Laoris frowns.  "Ya know...slitting his throat is and option."

Selvin frowned, one eyebrow rising up. "Is turnin' 'im t'stone an' leavin' 'im here really much better than just killin' 'im?" He pursed his lips. "I mean, with the way this places changes up all the time, who knows what'll befall a stone not-statue here, right?"

Lucky had enough talk.  He pulled out his blade and moved behind the blabbering ogre magi and promptly slit his throat.  "We don't need to leave anything behind us.  Course with the way time works here he is alive some other time so I don't see a problem here."

Coup de grass the ogre magi.  Then Lucky rifles through what is on him.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 74):

Everyone watches while Lucky does the deed.

"Is it a bad sign that seeing that doesn't even phase me anymore?" Chandanar quibbles.

The ogre has a jeweled ring on each finger.  Four of them seem to be magical.

His furs are grimy, but if they were cleaned up would be worth a bit.

Oddly, despite his finery, he has a rope tied around his waist.  It of course is magical.

Rings:  Protection +2, Jumping, 2 Spell Storing (one has Knock 8th level in it.  Otherwise both are currently empty)

The rope is a rope of entanglement.

Jewels and furs are 8K GP

"So we have the axe.  Does that mean we try the dragon next?"

Selvin's mouth dropped open as Lucky just flat-out killed the ogre creature. He turned to look a bit wide-eyed at Izzick, mouth still agape. "That..."

He then narrowed his eyes and looked at Lucky. "I guess yer a bit beyond 'morally flexible', huh? There was a bit of judgment in that tone.

Izzick winced but then again, he'd seen it coming. "Well considering the time..." he stared at Laoris, "Time 'Burps'...He was already dead." It was a bit gruesome but the prison probably would be better saved considering they still had duties back when they were from. Still, there wasn't much going back now...unless they actually went back considering how this place worked.

Still as he managed to look back he confirmed with a simple enough spell, "The rings are definitely magic." He began to list the properies as he looked them over, "Protective. Leaping. Magic-manipulating." He hesitated a bit on the rings, considering the last one he'd tried on had his lovely cursed 'wife'. "The ropes magic too."

Izzicks got a Ring of Protection +1 already, not sure if anyone else needs the +2. I'm happy to grab one of the spell storing rings.

Lucky wiped his kukri off and put it back in its sheath at his side.  When Selvin made his remark Lucky looked at him, "morally flexible?  Not in the least.  He tried to kill us and we haven't the time to babysit the babbling fool.  We have to figure out what is happening and don't need to be watching out backs the whole way."

A quick smirk to Chandanar and then Laoris as he makes the comment about the dragon.  "I guess so.  Let us hope it is as easy as this was."

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 78):

Laoris pulls out her map.  "The dragon was around here, right Lucky?"

She points on her map.  See the first floor map on the Maps thread.  She is pointing around Area 10.  Lucky, your original group encountered it between 10 and 11

"Well.  As long as we don't go through another burp, it should be a straight shot, right?"

Suddenly the air is full of snow.  The sky has become overcast.  Below you all, men in the dark armor of the Warlord are marching the parapets.

The ogre is gone.  The towers across the lake that had fallen are back upright.  There aren't any dead bodies laying around.  It seems you're all in a different time period than you have been to before.  Sometime before the massacre.

"Okay.  Yeah.  So bad timing aside, that wasn't my fault." Chandanar mumbles.

Laoris gathers up her map.  "We need to hide before we're spotted.  It looks like we've arrived before Kazavon was overthrown.  So his whole army should be here."

As the time blurp happened, Lucky quickly looks to see if the items they just received are still with them.

Lucky then says quietly, "Agreed, do any of you have a mass invisibility spell you could cast to hide us?  Oh, and another thing, I doubt the dragon is where we knew he was.  It is curious that we are even here now.  What is the purpose and reasoning behind all this?  I have to say as soon as you said something about the time jump, Chandanar, we suddenly jumped again... is it all tied to our fears?"

Selvin gave a shrug. "I'm not wearing any rings currently." He closed his mouth suddenly and frowned. <goldenrod> I was gonna say that Zac an' I're probably the hardest t'hit an' hurt...but I guess we also get targeted more than everyone else so more protection wouldn't hurt."

He shook his head as a time shift happened right after Chandanar said something. "SHIFT. Time SHIFT. Burp just sounds weird an' gross. Like the universe is spittin' up on us." Which it might very well be doing.

He moved to where he could try and look down at everything below them. "So. I can't make everyone invisible....but I could make myself invisible an' scout if we like." He glanced back at the group. "Not sure I could carry all o'you, at least not at once. Bout...1200 pounds I think, give or take? Could fly us in groups over t'where we wanna go, goin' up high t'not be seen maybe."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 81):

Chandanar rolls his eyes.  "Shift.  Yes.  Because it's important to use the proper terminology when we describe what in particular is screwing us over at the moment."

"If we're done with the snippy bits..." Laoris motions for everyone to huddle up.  She makes a few motions and mumbles a few words.  Suddenly you all turn into guys wearing the uniforms everyone else is wearing.

"Best I can do.  Let's not waste an invisibility until we need it."

Below, in the courtyard, it appears there is some kind of ceremony going on.  A priest dressed in black and covered in blood is standing on the steps outside the chapel, intoning something in draconic.  For those who understand it sounds like the typical call for a blessing.

From behind the priest, a large man in black mail that somehow still manages to gleam comes out of the chapel.  He has a small crown of what appears to be bones sitting on his head.  Behind him is the dwarf you saw before.  Behind them is comes another large man, wearing black armor, his large mass of black hair somehow bound so it sits straight and spread out into two wing like shapes from the back of his head.  Beside him is marching a halfling.  A woman.  She wears a blood red dress with a long train.

Selvin and Izzick you recognize her as the maid you met before.

The party walks around the priest and across the courtyard, heading into the building to the south.  That is except for the tall man with the wing-hair.  He heads towards the north.  Into the area you were headed in your own time period.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 82):

How you guys wanna proceed?  Thanks.

Disguised as one of the guards, Lucky tried to move like them to make sure that he didn't draw any attention to himself or the others.  As they moved past the priests he breathed a little sigh of relief until he saw the tall man with the wing hair... he too was heading to the spot Lucky had seen the black dragon before.

A thought came into his head then, could this wing hair tall man be the black dragon?  He would certainly be easier to deal with in human form if he were.  Lucky would have to see...  One thing he did do was take a closer look at the man to see if there was anything else that gave him away to who or what he was.  Lucky kept going towards the area the tall man went.

08:44, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 24 using 1d20+15.  perception.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 84):

Wing Hair certainly could be the Dragon's human form.  He has that kind of majestic, conceited air about him.

Lucky also notices he seems to have no guards on him.  And no one seems to want to get too close.

I'll give tonight for any further questions, etc. And then we'll head to Area 10/the Stables.

Thanks

Selvin grinned at Chandanar "Hey, I gotta have the terms right in my head or I might make a mistake in battle thinkin' too hard!" He chuckled.

He looked down at himself and then at the others when Laoris cast a spell. Weirdly, despite the large symbiotic visual dual-creature he normally looked like, right then he just looked like the biggest damn guard ever seen, all rippling with muscles, as wide as he was tall almost. He snorted. "Nice. Weird, but nice." He gave her a nod.

He didn't under the hissing, sibilant words being spoken, so he ignored them for the time being. His eyes followed the man in black mail and the halfling 'woman in red', but he kept his stride and course constant as he lead the group along. Wasn't she a maid last time they saw her? She was likely in disguise then, since this seemed like she was not out of place.

He frowned as he saw the armored man heading the same place they were. Well, crap. That might complicate things, he thought. But he focused on what he could for the moment and kept moving.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 86):

The Keep is thrumming with activity and soldiers during this era.  Oddly, that makes your infiltration all the easier. No one gives you a second glance. From the half heard conversations you catch, it sounds like they are gearing up for some kind of military offensive.

"This must be in Kazovon's glory days," Laoris mumbles.

There may be some truth.  The Keep looks the best you've yet seen it.  It's bursting with people and decadence.  There are bowls of gems and coins on the table tops as you pass.  Beautiful women and handsome men in various stages of undress, 'playmates' as it were, scamper about, getting in everyone's way.  A string orchestra is playing in some room somewhere.

"Maybe it's a party?" Chandanar opines.

In the confusion, you make your way down through the Keep and into the Courtyard.  The ritual is winding up.  The crowd that was getting 'blessed' is disbursing, mostly into the Keep or the building to the south.

No one seems to be heading for the stables.

As you cross the courtyard, you hear something.  It sounds like a horse, screaming.  Not a whinny but an actual cry of pain.  There's a brief roaring sound and then something that sounds like something heavy and wet getting ripped.

One of the nearby guards shakes his head.  "Must be gettin' his grub on."

No one seems to challenge you as you head for the stables.

From Laoris' map, there are two ways in:  a northern door and a western door.  Wing-Hair went in through the north.

See map, the area around Room 10.  Need to know which way you want to enter.

Thanks

As the wing-haired man disappeared through the northern doors the group had moved up to the area.  Lucky heard what seemed to him like a dragon eating a horse and then began to question his other thoughts.  Were there two dragons?  If there were that would be an even bigger problem...

Softly, Lucky spoke to the others.  "I will look through both sets of doors without opening them and see what is there before we go through."  Lucky then moved to the western doors and made it look like he was going to open them but didn't and paused to look through them to see what was on the other side.

Lucky will activate his Gloves of Reconnesaince and see what he can find, then to the northern door.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 88):

Lucky senses begin to tingle.

On the other side of the wall is a large open space, set up more or less like a stables.  A couple of horses are set in stalls near the back, but they look bleary eyed.  Almost stoned.  A large brazier sits in one corner of the room.  It's lit and gives off a sort of bluish smoke.

A large dragon, scales so black they gleam in the light, is curled up around a horse in the middle of the room.  The horse is serving as dinner.

There is a large man with bulging muscles and oddly colored skin standing on the other side of the wall next to the door.  He doesn't seem to be breathing.

Lucky describes what he sees to the others quickly as he continues to look for the wing-haired man.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 90):

The wing haired man is nowhere to be seen.

Selvin frowned for just a moment and then a look of horrid understanding slid on to his face. "soooooo. yeah. I guess either he kept on walkin'.....oorrrrrr he's that dragon indeed." He gave a shrug.

He looked at the others. "I mean....interruptin' his dinner sounds...like not the greatest idea...Do we wait?"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 92):

Chandanar sighs.  "There's another consideration.  If we start mixing it up with him, do we think the rest of the Keep will just smile, shake their heads, and go, 'oh the kids are rough housing again'?"

"They might," Laoris seems to consider it carefully.  "If the old stories were true, Kazavon expected his lieutenants to defend themselves against assassination.  If they couldn't...what use were they to him?"

"Yeah.  'Assassination'.  Not 'Brou ha ha'.  I think we should take our time with this.  If worse comes to worse, and we time bu-er. Skip.  We can just try again in the era we end up at."

Laoris shrugs.  "I get what you're sayin'.  But...who knows what this dragon's gonna be like later on.  If we think we can take him as he is now, we should."

"There's the problem...can we?" Yeah they'd faced a lot but this guy was also presumably the same dragon that was running the show. "The smoke also doesn't sound like it's too good for us to be breathing. It might be what's keeping the horses dazed. If we go in there, we might end up in the exact same state as the horse. Let's wait."

Izzick made the call, but he didn't want them to stay there forever. "We can get him when he decides to leave, hopefully with some semblance of surprise. Preferably with all our defenses up and all of his down." He could list off a half dozen spells he'd like to have ready before they barged in and probably a half dozen more he'd want to be slinging as quickly as possible. "Once he's done eating and heads out, that's when we'll have our best shot if I had to put money on it."

Lucky had moved away from the door so he didn't look too suspicious as they all talked about what to do next.  Lucky liked the idea of preparing themselves for the attack, though waiting for it to come out may not be an option.  "I think prepping ourselves now is the best course as well and since our enhancements won't last forever we should just go in."

Lucky also commented on the smoke and what seemed like dazed horses.  "You could be right, but I doubt the smoke has anything to do with it, probably more like the horses are under a spell."

Selvin hesitated, head tilted to one side. "So do we like...need his...ACTUAL wing?" He glanced at the others. "Do we know? I ask because that would be awkward t'carry around an' get more than questions tossed at us by anyone we meet likely."

He then shrugged. "I don't have a lotta 'preparatory' spells really." He paused and then nodded, "Haste, I s'pose." He paused again, face scrunching up in thought. "He's....evil, right? I do have Protection from Evil."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 96):

"Yeah.  So are some of us." Chandanar tries not to name names.  *koff*Laoris*koff*

"We should maybe come up with a strategy.  Maybe drug one of his horses or somethin'?

"That's a good  question about what we need from him.  Ya know.  There was a priest back there.  I mean...we are in a time period where there are people.  People who might know.  Maybe this is a good opportunity to figure out what we're doing as well."

"Should we...try and ask about it?" It felt even stranger since these people were presumably dead...maybe. How did this work? "I guess we are in disguise. If you give me a good cover story, I can probably take it from there with talking to whoever. Why do we need information - you think they'll buy that we're just new and curious about this whole evil henchmen thing?"

"Maybe we can go to the place where we need to use the 'key's and see what is there?  Honestly I just don't know what to do.  We could just wait for another time jump but I think getting some kind of information is a good idea.    Lucky suggested equally not knowing what to do.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 98):

Laoris smiles, evilly.  "Actually...that may work.

"If the cult here works like my cult does...and it should.  Evil cults kind of all stitch from the same tapestry...then there's a pecking order.  And near the bottom of that pecking order is an assistant priest.  One who has to hold the incense burner at the ritual but never gets to cut open the screaming victim.  You know:  the putz.

"Anyway, that guy or gal will know what's what.  And they'll be so beaten down, that if you come on with a show of force, they'll probably knuckle under.  You just have to pull off that you are someone they have to obey."

You all follow Larois' eyes.  A procession of priests is coming out of the chapel, heading to the southern building.  One priest brings up the tail end.  A thin, young elf with a haggard kind of expession.  He stops at the top of the steps, holding a broom.  The other priests are chatting merrily, heading inside.

Broom Priest sighs despondently and starts sweeping off the steps.  He then sighs and turns around inside.

"Wow.  The universe just served us up a putz.

"I can change the disguise.  How do you guys wanna handle this?"

Ask and ye shall receive.  Let me know who is making the approach and what they want to look like/the back story they are giving off.

Thanks

As Laoris discussed some typical cult attributes, Lucky listened to them closely.  What was funny was that in a lot of organizations, it was pretty much the same.  Lower rung players were always the ones doing the cleanup and other menial tasks that the longer-tenured members no longer needed nor wanted to do.

When the procession of the priests showed up and they each saw the 'putz' as Laoris had explained, Lucky smiled slightly.  Too funny he thought to himself as he looked on.  The putz was certainly not having a good time and seemed quite bored.  Now while Lucky couldn't go up and sell someone on an idea, he was more than capable of selling someone something they 'wanted' for themselves and bluffing his way around it.

"Well, I think we could be disguised as higher-ranking priests that just arrived and ask about the 'lock'?  What do you think?"

Selvin frowned at Laoris. She certainly didn't make it difficult to remember that she really wasn't 'one of the good guys'. Or girls. She may not have been hard on the eyes, but she was a bit of evil on the soul. He was both thankful she was with them and forced to be on their side, and equally wishing she didn't have to be either of those things.

"I..." He let out a small sigh. "I don't really wanna be part o'that plan. But ya'll do ya'll as needed."

Couldn't beat the logic of that, shrugging a bit at Selvin's own disagreement. "Evil's evil. I don't really feel too bad spooking someone who decided to join up with the Dragon Death Cult." Dark. Brooding. Spooky. That's all he really needed to look like...and maybe with a scar and an eyepatch. A higher up in the cult, someone who made the call of who was next to be sacrificed. All it took for him was getting the act behind it. The look, the walk, the talk.

And so Izzick approached, almost looming as he saw the elf slump to herself, steps between the doorway and her. "You. What is your name?" he said, trying to keep his voice raspy. He waited for an answer...pausing for just long enough before he continued, "You shall be tested. Your faith will be proven now in our rites. Explain the rituals - the axe, the wing, the woman, the circle - what do they mean?"

21:28, Today: Izzick rolled 21 using 1d20+12.  Intimidate.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 103):

Putz is sweeping when Izzick/Scarred Up Scary Priest Guy walks up behind him.

He almost leaps upwards when he hears 'you'.  It seems to be a reflex that's been trained into him.

He moves the broom so it's between him and his most recent tormentor, gulps, and says "Uhmm...Abner..."

He gulps again.  <Golden>"Uhm.  Okay.  I know this.  Sure.  Uhm.

"The circle is the never ending life of our scaled lord.

"The wing is they symbol of his form.  His scale is more...wait.  I got this...his scale outshines a thousand stars!"</Goldenrod>

Abner beams at Izzick, who glowers.  Abner clears his throat again.

"The axe is the talon given to man to smash down on the foes of his enemy.  And...the woman?"

Abner looks confused.  "I don't know what you mean by...wait. Are you talking about Lady Ousan's dagger with her blood?  Oh!  You're referring to the gate keys and not the mantra!

"Oh yeah.  That's just a scale, The Axe of the Claw, and the dagger of our Lady Ousan with some of her blood.  Easy peasy!"

Making a mental note of all that was said, Izzick thought about what more they'd need to know and just as quickly began to quiz the priest. "<grey>Correct. And where or by who are each of these keys held?</grey>" he asked in that faked raspy voice. If this was normal time, it might have been good to keep him from being recognized but Izzick supposed he didn't really have to worry about that now...it still added to the fear factor though as he tried to memorize the location of each key. Assuming the axe was one, they had three to go.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 105):

Abner licks his lips.

"Well Kilmnon is carried by Bloodsoak.

"And the dragon scale...well I guess any ol' dragon scale would do.

"The dagger?  Isn't that the one Lady Ousan carries with her?"

Lucky was marking in his mind all that was said by the putz.  Lucky had heard just a tad about some of the names like, Killnmon, and Bloodsoak.  Were they here at this time?  Lucky didn't know, but if he had to guess his answer would be a resounding, YES!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Wed 29 July 2020.

Lucky...and those who need a refresher...you can look at the Who's Who in Scarwall thread to see what info ya'll have on the various people you've met thus far.

Lucky, you can assume Chandanar and Laoris have given you the basics i.e. told you at least what's in that thread.  Feel free to ask questions.

Izzy and Selvin, that goes for ya'll too.  It's been a few months since we started this book, so I don't mind giving out refreshers.

Thanks

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 108):

Let me know if you have anything else for Abner.  And let me know how you want to proceed with the Dragon.

If you're stumped, let me know that too.

Thanks

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 109):

Chandanar hmms. "So we have one of the keys.  The axe.  And we know where to get a dragon's scale.  Though I am wondering...

"Do we really need to try to take on that dragon?  Can't we just...I dunno...steal a scale?"

Lucky really didn't want to take on a dragon either, but if it were the only way to get a scale then that was what must be done.  Though when Chandanar questioned if there was another way, Lucky remembered the black-winged hair man.  "Perhaps the suit of armor that one guy was wearing is made of dragon scale?  Or did we figure that that was actually the dragon in human form?  It would be worth a shot?  We could go through the same door he went through and act as normal as possible and perhaps we can find him?  If not we attack the dragon."

Selvin, still not standing near the 'acolyte', gave a shrug to Chandanar and Lucky. "I dunno. I mean...do dragons like...shed? Or molt? Or whatever?" He shook his head. "Don't know much about dragons."

He glanced at Lucky and gave a small nod and shrug. "Sure. Why not? I mean, it only hurts t'try sometimes. An' we at least have a disguise t'help for now."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 112):

Laoris grins.  "Actually...yeah.  They do."  She giggles.

"The dragon should have a nest somewhere over there.  Though maybe it's just a bed room since he's staying humanlike.  Anyway.  If we can find that and sneak in...well.  There's a chance."

With it decided that they would go check it out, Lucky moved to the door where the black hair-winged man went.  Throwing caution aside he opened it up and took a look.

"Good, you have passed. For now. Speak not of this or you may not find the test so easy next time," Izzick said before he turned on his heel and retreated back, explaining to  the others what he'd learned.

-

"Well that's two," he said, no longer doing the voice once they were safely privately away from any onlooking cultists, guards, or whatever else was wondering the halls in this time. "But who the hell is Lady Ousan? Or well, where, " he said, certain they hadn't seen the last lieutenant around anywhere. If she carried the weapon with her, he wondered how dangerous she was as a second in command of an avatar of evil's consort. "Well, we can work on getting the scale and hope we catch her lecturing someone on how to be more sinister." He looked around and said, "Should we try to see if there's some scales left behind in the stables if they're gone?"

In reply to Izzick (msg # 115):

Someone's bold. Luckster, you are opening the door to area 10

As Lucky opens the stable door.

The room beyond is much like you 'saw' it earlier.

The scent of flowers wafts out and over you as the brazier smoke collected in the room finds a release...

Fort save vs 10 everyone.  Or you can take -1 on all rolls until you make a fort save 10-

The brazier is in a stall in the northwest corner of the room.  Two horses are barely managing to stay upright in the stalls next to to it.

The rather messy corpse of a horse is draped across the ground in the northwest.

Hair Wing is standing above it, sucking his fingers, licking off every last delicious smidge of that horsey horse goodness.

He looks over at you all, rather dreamily, and waves a hand at the horse carcass.

"Oh. You're prompt, aren't you?  Take it away.  Take it away."

He giggles and heads for the door in the northeast corner Area 11

Selvin followed shortly after Lucky and looked around slowly. He restrained any facial expression of disgust at the mess and dead horse. He just gave a little bit of a nod at the 'command' to get rid of things.

But he made no immediate move to do so until the....dragon...left. Then he stepped forward and crouched down, looking to see if there were any scales lying about.

12:42, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 27 using 1d20+10.  Fort save.
12:57, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 31 using 1d20+14.  Perception.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 117):

The thick scent of the incense rolls over all of you.  Lucky and Selvin, you seem to be able to shrug it off.  Laoris has to step outside.

Wing Hair shuts himself in the room in the northeast corner.

An examination of the stables shows that, other than the corpse and the catatonia-inducing incense, there's nothing out of the ordinary.

No scales.

"Ugh.  Why did this incense have to be jasmine scented?  I feel like I'm choking in my grandma's bathroom."  Chandanar waves a hand in front of his face.

"I don't see any scales either.  He must not...uh...'shed' where he eats."

ba dum bump

He nods towards the stairs in the northwest. "Maybe his lair is up there.  But...if I was a bettin' man..."  He looks at the door in the northeast Area 11

Having found no scales in the immediate area, Lucky had the same idea as Chandanar.  Lucky knew they needed to head into the room where wing hair went.  Lucky though didn't like the fact that Laoris wasn't able to come into the area.

Lucky leaned into Selvin and whispered, "we are going to have to go into that room.  Let's first check out all the areas to make sure we don't find anything else, including upstairs."

08:32, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 35 using 1d20+15.  perception. NAT 20 got to love that.

See Maps thread, 'Upstairs from the Stables' Map.  Since you specified you were checking everything else including upstairs first, let's deal with that.  We'll move to the room after.

Assuming you're still alive that is...

Outside of some manure, various farming implements, and hay, there isn't much in the stables.  You do find a couple of blocks of a bluish-black incense next to the brazier.  It doesn't seem magical.  But it smells just like that awful wooze-inducing odor you've been keeping from retching on since you came in here.

Lucky is able to get a good sense of the layout of the floor above just by peeking around the corner at the top of the stairs

Area S9, which is where I am assuming at least Lucky is currently located.  Lucky, I am assuming you are hidden at the moment.

Most of the floor is taken up by a large room Area D.  There are some thin wooden doors, which are closed.  But there must be some kind of natural light source inside, like a window or skylight.  There's light like daylight spilling out from under the cracks.  Something is moving around inside.  There are shadows occasionally crossing the door frame.  But whoever or whatever it is, it is silent as the dickens.  It makes no sound and the shape of the shadow isn't distinct enough to tell much by.

To the west seems to be some kind of rampart Area L.  It is set against one of the outer walls and has arrow slits built into it.  There should be guards, but oddly, there aren't any.

There are indications there's been quite a bit of movement to what may be a closet Area J.  The floor on this level is unusually clean, so there aren't tracks in the dust or such to go by.  But the floor leading to that closet seems very worn.  It looks like there's a path of this 'worn' area that starts at that door, goes around the general area without entering any of the other areas, and then goes back to the door.  The general sense you get Lucky is that there might be some kind of equipment in that area that might be brought out and moved around the floor here on a fairly regular basis. That equipment is pretty heavy, whatever it is.

There's another oddball chamber to the east Area K.  You can scent an odd, floral smell which you don't think is just incense fumes from downstairs.  You think you can hear singing.  But you can't be sure.  The door over this area seems to be pretty thick.  And barred from the outside.

Let me know what questions you have.  Thanks

Drunk and intoxicated - that was how Izzick felt nearly as soon as the smell hit him. He'd always had a sensitive nose. His eyes glazed a bit and he seemed as much in a daze as the horses - so much for it not likely affecting them. His companions at least seemed to be preoccupied looking for something, instead that jasmine took him on a nice relaxing trip - maybe it was a reward for the last few months fueling the fires of a rebellion and being hunted by an evil demonically possessed queen - it sure felt that way.

17:31, Today: Izzick rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Fort.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 121):

Izzy is Dizzy, Iz he?

I've been waiting for so long to use that line.

Izzy, make sure to keep making fort until you clear it.  But until then, all rolls are at -1

Lucky was now using hand signals to the others and as he passed by each of the areas except area J he had waved his hand and shook his head indicating not to go in.  As he listened to area J and heard the singing though he motioned with his hand at his mouth, slowly opening it open then closed, unlike quickly as if someone was talking.  He didn't know if they knew what he meant but he continued.  Lucky didn't think the door would be trapped so he checked to see if it were unlocked and if it was then he would enter the room like he was supposed to be there.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 123):

Just to clarify Lucky:

Singing is coming from Area K.  There is a bar across it, but it's on your side.  So it's keeping the occupants (if there are any) trapped inside.

Area J is what you think maybe some kind of closet or storage area.  It is quiet in there.

Just to be clear, you are taking the bar off Area K and entering in to face the singer, acting as if you belong there, correct?

Thanks

Ah well guess I read all that wrong.  Yes, I think I will take the bar off and enter.

Selvin looked around a bit but let Lucky take the lead. He moved to the closet and opened it to peek at what was inside real quick, while Lucky was taking the bar off the door opposite. "Gonna take a quick peek at the equipment first."

OOC: Sorry. I got super-confused at first since I was looking at the Game Map area and not the Maps thread. I finally figured out what map we are using. =)

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 126):

Lucky?  You holding up raising the bar while Selvin takes a peek inside the closet?

Only for a moment till it is open and nothing happens.

Izzick followed after them and as they went their separate ways, the half orcs eyes seemed to drift side to side before settling on following behind Selvin. At least he wasp pretty sure it was Selvin. "Equipment? What for? Zak can't wear people clothes. He's a kitty cat."

18:25, Today: Izzick rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Fort save 2.

Is he dizzy? Izzy is-y dizzy.

Thanks Lucky.

Buuuut...

Selvin, you swing open the 'closet' door.

Standing inside is a large stone statue of a man in tribal warrior garb. In one hand is a large push broom.

As you swing the doors open, the status steps foward.  It starts to move the broom along pushing along the floor.  In fact it's pushing against you as you seem to be in the way.

Selvin opened the door and blinked a few times. He glanced over at Izzick with a friendly but lightly annoyed glare. "He's NOT a kitty c-OOF!"

The statue man pushed him back and began...sweeping? Selvin quickly moved out of the way. "It's...what? An animated...cleaner?"

He realized it was likely going to sweep the whole floor. He sighed. "Sorry, gang."

As the golem began its work once Selvin had stepped aside, Lucky could only shake his head.  He could use one of those, it could come in handy.  Maybe a little tinkering could get it to wield a blade even and swing on command?  "Just be a little more quiet!"  Lucky whispered as the blocking slide was removed.

The golem begins to sweep the floors.

The bar is raised and Lucky swings the door open.

The room beyond is an odd mix, even for this place.  An iron maiden leans against one corner and manacles hang from the walls.  There are old, dried blood patches, many next to the four poster canopy bed which is draped with light pink and cream colored gauze and silk sheets.  A big stuffed manticore toy is leaning against the goose down pillows.  There is a night stand next to the bed with a set of thumb screws and cat of nine tails, dried bits of flesh stuck on the ends.

On the other side of the room is a small make up table.  There is a frame for a mirror set on the wall next to the make up table, but there is no mirror inset into it.

A woman is seated at the table, her back to you, dabbing perfume onto a cloth which she is rubbing onto the smooth pink skin of her delicate hand.

She is the one singing.  The song is a lullaby.  She's singing of a woman whose rocking her baby to sleep.

She doesn't move.  It maybe that she hasn't heard your entrance.  Hard to tell.

Everything seems a bit off to Lucky as he looks into the room at the woman singing.  The frame without a mirror is another strange thing as well and Lucky's hairs on the back of his neck are beginning to raise.  Perhaps it wasn't wise to open this door.  Instead of heading inside he closes the door once again and places the bar on its spot once more and tells the others all that he had seen.  "It all seems a bit suspicious for me, and I don't like things that seem off.  We should check the other rooms before heading down to the room where wing hair went."

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 134):

So Room D then?

There are two doors into the large room that seems to take up most of this floor.  Both are thin wood.  Someone suffering from Izzick's famous weakening spell could kick either one open easily.

Light spills out from under each door.  The light seems natural.  Maybe there is a large window or sky light of some kind.

There is someone or something inside.  Shadows flit under the door jam like something moving very quickly is circling the room inside.

But there is no sound.  No smell either.  It just seems something is in there.  What you aren't sure.

I am assuming you are standing by the northern door as opposed to the one to the northwest.  I am assuming you have not opened the door yet.

Let me know what you want to do.  Thanks.

Selvin frowned deeply as Lucky just ignored the woman singing completely. He looked at Izzick and then at Lucky's retreating back. "What the hell?" He gestured confusedly towards the room with the woman. "What if she knows something useful? We're just gonna ignore her?"

Lucky softly answers, "If you want to walk in and go speak to her you are more than welcome.  Something about the whole room and thing seems terribly wrong to me!"

Let me know which way you guys want to go.

Thanks

Izzick nodded as if he was lucid enough to agree with lucky. "Yeah off. Like a burp." Or maybe he was coming to. It took long enough for the stuff to wear off. "Maybe...maybe we should talk to her though. We are looking for a woman after all." One hand wiped across his forehead, rubbing the fog away, or so he hoped as that sickeningly sweet scent lingered in his nostrils. With a grunt of frustration as dizziness turned to hang over, he asked, "What if she has the dagger?"

08:44, Today: Izzick rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Fort Save.
Took long enough

Lucky was happy that Izzick was a bit back to normal for they needed to be on their toes here.  "She may very well have it.  We can open the door but I suggest not looking at her.  I am not sure why I think this but I think it is a medusa.  I can't say why it is a feeling."

Selvin peeked in at her and then pulled back around the doorway out of sight. "Uhhh....well. I mean, I'm happy t'go in an' talk but..." He looked down at his symbiotic and freaky-looking form. "I may freak her out. I mean, assumin' she AIN'T a Medusa." He shuddered at the thought of being turned to stone.

He frowned. "Do we have anythin' if she IS a Medusa?"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 141):

Chandanar thinks on Selvin's question.

"I.....think so.  Yes.  Maybe.  Yes.

"We definitely have something.  I'm pretty confident we can turn you back from stone."

He blinks.

"I mean...you know. Probably."

Laoris rolls her eyes and nods.  "Yeah.  Shouldn't be too big an issue."

Lucky gave a meek giggle at the word probably when it was said.  "Okay then, let's give it a try.  Who has the silver tongue and wants to speak with her that isn't also the person that can turn us back to flesh?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 143):

Chandanar shakes his head.  "I get shy with the ladies..."

Laoris waves a hand. "Oh!  I ca-"

"No," Chandanar says without any hesitation.  He looks around at the rest of you.

Without hesitation, Selvin pointed at Izzick, with a straight face. After a few seconds he relaxed and grinned widely. "Actually both Izzick'n I're pretty charismatic I think."

He gave a shrug. "I s'pose I'm a bit more durable than 'im, an' he's possibly better if I get turned t'stone." He gestured down at his symbiote. "But Zac might freak her out so I vote Izzy, unless he don't wanna, in which case I'll go."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

There was certainly no way the half-orc was going to be letting Laoris go, but at the suggestion it be him....well maybe he was still a little bit dizzy because Izzick rolled his neck and nodded, "Alright. Let's pray I'm not seeing snake bits all over." He wondered though if they should go in as guards or as noble heroes. They'd been trying a mixed bag of tricks and it had mostly worked, but they didn't know anything about her.

He thought about it a moment, but if this was the right hand, there was no way he was passing off being some sort of cult leader. Maybe what Laoris had told them would help if this was Lady Ousan. "Laoris, you said that Kazovon was growing bored with Ovada Ousan right? Should we try to leverage that?"

In reply to Izzick (msg # 146):

Laoris considers.  "The tales don't really get too specific.  They say the two of them were having a falling out.  But in terms of Kazovon having multiple lovers, he always did."

Chandanar looks at the bar leaning against the wall.  "Since she seems to be a prisoner...the bar's on the outside, not inside...she may be more of a forced consort than a hopeful contender."

"Or might be the dragon's lover.  Not Kazovon's."  Laoris shrugs.  "The tales don't mention if the dragon had a lover.  But she is being kept above the stables."

"Izzick, I have your back.  I will sneak in after you enter and make sure to keep an eye on you as you move to speak with her."  Lucky said as they were speaking about their past knowledge.

Izzick chanted a few words, a spell of protection, before he touched Lucky and Selvin, giving them an aura of protection from evil. It would hopefully suffice to defend them from whatever was behind the door. Then he turned to it, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door, they could at least try to be polite if they were going to try and talk to her instead of kicking it in.

"Whoever is in there, we're hoping to speak to you privately." Izzick said it with a powerful sternness, hoping that she wouldn't try to kill them immediately if she was just slightly on edge by their brazen approach.

Casting Communal Protection from Evil - 4 minutes of protection each for Selvin, Lucky, and Myself

In reply to Izzick (msg # 149):

"Just a miiiiiiin-ute!" comes a muffled though excited and sensuous sounding woman's voice.

The door opens a moment later.

There is nary a scale or snake head in her long, thick chestnut hair.  And the only kind of hardness that this face might inspire has nothing to do with stone.

ba dum bump

She is perhaps one of the most beautiful women any of you have ever seen.  Her face is a study in perfect symmetry.  The proportions of every bit of her body is exactly the way it should be.  Neither too much nor too little.  Her skin is the color of a light cedar.  And the faint scent of flowers and vanilla clings to her.  Not overpowering.  But enough so you know it's there.

Whatever kind of devil this one is, you are at least getting one moment of heaven out of her.

She leans against the door frame, looking you all over with a soft, pouty kind of expression.  Like she's been waiting for you all day to come home from work.  She sighs just a little.

"You know...I could hear some of what you said through the door.  Not tryin' to eavesdrop.  But I got good ears.  Didn't hear all of it though.  You fellas wanna come in?  I think I still have some brandy around. You're welcome to a glass."

When the woman came over to the door frame, Lucky's eyes couldn't stop looking at her.  She was gorgeous, perhaps she was a temptress and she lured you in with her good looks?  He didn't know but what he did know was it was working.  Lucky though was a strong-willed man and wouldn't let it sway him so easily.

"One can only be so cautious.  What are you locked in here for, if you don't mind me asking?  Someone want to keep those good looks all to themselves?"

She was certainly easy on the eyes but the half-orc did his best not to fluster over his words like a boy in the Academy having his first crush. It was obvious plan A wasn't going to work but she hadn't tried killing them...yet. "Well, I do hope you didn't find it too rude. We're not exactly in friendly territory but we most certainly didn't want to kick down the door with weapons drawn. Civility seemed priority here." He paused as he took the first step into the room, hoping the others weren't far behind as he offered, "Hopefully we can both come to an agreement because there is something we need of you..." he paused and then asked, "Lady Ousan, I presume?"

In reply to Izzick (msg # 152):

She chuckles, both to your question Lucky and yours Izzick.  But she addresses the Happening Half-Orc's question first.

"No.  That's not me.  Though I can pretend if you want."

She smiles at Lucky, and then the rest of you.  She sweeps an arm inviting you inside.  "Answering a lot of questions makes me thirsty.  Let's have that brandy I was talking about."

Selvin, for once, stayed quiet. He also stayed out of the room and in the hallway, to one side of the doorway and just a bit away. He didn't want to spook the woman - though in a place with dragons and whatever else, she might not spook easy regardless.

He listened as the others spoke with her, moving closer to the doorway once they moved in to the room with her, but still staying out of sight.

Lucky moves into the room slightly and nods when asked about some brandy.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 155):

"Real name's Gilly.  Gilly Giverson."

Any questioning looks at Laoris just merely gets you a shrug.  The old tales Laoris knows don't mention a 'Gilly'.

Gilly moves to a cabinet set under the table she was at and opens it, bringing out a crystal decanter and some glasses.  She sets up the glasses and starts pouring shots.

"So I'm guessin' you fellas aren't from around here, right?  Otherwise you'd never be up this way.  Here ya go."

She hands a shot glass to Lucky and Izzy than moves to hand one out to the folks still in the hall.

She picks up the last one and raises it slightly.  "To new friends."  She downs her shot in one easy gulp.  Gilly then lifts the decanter up and waves it, asking if anyone wants a refill.

"So.  What brings you here?  Really.  I'm no friend of the Warlord's.  So you can speak safely here."

Izzick didn't take the drink insisting, "No thanks, think I already have enough of a hangover from...whatever they use on the horses," hoping she'd accept the excuse with sincerity. "Most certainly not from around here and hoping to get out with our heads. Before we do, we're looking for a couple thing here however." He didn't want to giveaway too much, not yet, but if they could get any information from her at all, it was one step closer to getting the dagger and getting out.

Lucky took the shot and downed it as the woman now named Gilly had.  "Why are you here Gilly?"

Selvin raised an eyebrow if she came out to offer him a drink and shook his head. He'd probably have to dismiss Zac to be able to easily drink, possibly at all, and he wasn't about to do that. Hostile territory, time jumps - who knew they'd have a full minute to summon Zac back.

So he waited in the hallway and listened.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 159):

Gilly smiles vaguely at Izzick, but doesn't immediately respond.  Instead she turns to Lucky first.

"I would think that would be obvious.  I'm a slave."  She shrugs.  "Some would say I'm a concubine.  But honestly, it's hard to call me that when I'm here against my will, don't you think?

"The dragon wanted a lover."  She offers the rogue a refill before refilling her own.  "Lucky me.  I got the job.  What exactly are you fellas looking for?"  She lifts her glass to her lips, suddenly addressing Izzick's probing statement from before.

Izzick stared right back, trying to pierce the mask that he was sure she was putting up. She didn't seem to unhappy for someone held against her will, but maybe he was reading the entire thing wrong. "Something is sealed here and we need it. Unfortunately, each of the generals is holding just one part of the key to the whole ordeal. As dangerous as she sounds, we were hoping you were Lady Ousan. We haven't seen her around yet but we've managed to at least see the other generals here or there." She hopefully didn't have questions beyond that, at least not yet, not until he'd figured out her gameplan.

15:12, Today: Izzick rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  sense motive.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 161):

"Ousan usually looks like a pretty young halfling woman.  Though sometimes she'll change it up.  You'll know it's her because of the purple earring."  She touches her left ear.

<Red>"The Warlord gave her an earring made out of some odd kind of purple gem.  You'll see it hanging in her ear.  She never takes it off."<red>

Lucky took the refill and downed it similar to the first.  It was a good tasting brandy for sure.  When he heard the description of the woman he was glad for it, for something that doesn't change will make it easier to find her.  "So, the dragon lover of yours.  How often does he require your services?  Does he have a set time or just on a whim?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 163):

She shrugs.  "Not really a schedule.  But he usually eats a couple of horses, takes a power nap, and then swings by."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:50, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Selvin perked up at hearing the dragon's 'schedule' thinking it may not be too long before they 'swung by' then. He did take special note of the purple earring information as well. That was just the sort of thing that they really needed to know!

He quickly cast a spell and peeked around the corner to discreetly point at Izzick, and mouth inaudibly.


OOC: Cast Message at Izzick. DC 25 Perception check to be overheard.

14:47, Today: Secret Roll: Selvin Larst rolled 19 using 1d20.  Stealth, if needed.

"Well, we might want to leave soon then, we already found him eating horses so I expect he'll be here soon." Izzick said, trying to play off what he'd heard from Selvin and work it in, "We really only need a scale from him. Maybe we'll be lucky one will fall off." It would be one more thing in the bag if she offered one up, if they were lucky she'd offer one already. If they weren't, well they might need to be 'Lucky' instead.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 166):

She laughs.  "He doesn't turn into a dragon you know.  He stays human looking."

She seems to consider a moment.  "But he's usually here for a while.  He's got a nest. The entrance is in a back room in the stables.  You might try to sneak in while he's...occupied."

With what the woman said Lucky had already made the plan to do such a thing for surely there should be some scale there that they could use.

Luck had a bit of sadness hit him for this woman though.  She was a captive but what could he do?  It wasn't his time and didn't know if it would matter if he did try something.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 168):

Assuming no objections to braving the dragon's den, ha ha.  If so, let me know and I'll edit.  If not...

You shut her back in and head down the stairs to the stables, finding somewhere to hide.

After a few hours, the door in the back of the stables opens and Wing Hair emerges, his hair slightly messy.

He is yawning and carrying a candlestick made of ebony.  A blood red candle is lit atop it.  It smells vaguely like ginger and orange peel.

Scratching his butt as he passes, he heads up the stairs...

Once the dragon heads upstairs, Lucky waits a bit longer just in the case that he forgot something and returns.  After 5 mins or so Lucky makes his way to the door the dragon just left and checks for traps just in case.

09:06, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 34 using 1d20+15.  check traps.
09:07, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 34 using 1d20+25.  disable device if there is one.

Selvin watched silently, and stilly, as the dragon in human form passed a bit from him. He even held his breath. He'd unsummoned Zac before hiding just to make sure. It wouldn't due to catch the dragon's eye with a glowing blue tiger-centaur-like creature. He assumed they would have some time once in the 'den' and could resummon Zac then if they wanted. He certainly HOPED that there wouldn't be any combat inside there. That would be messy.

He waited until the dragon was true and well gone. He took the time to re-summon Zac while Lucky was still waiting and then checking for traps.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 170):

The door is protected, first by a series of intricate poison tipped dart traps.  Lucky, you're quickly able to disable those.

"There aren't any magical defenses," Chandanar mutters.

Laoris frowns at him. "Yeah?  And?"

The cleric shrugs.  "Just seems weird..."

Door is clear and ready for opening.  Let me know how you wish to proceed.  Thanks

Selvin, now whole again with his extra-planar ally summoned once more, walked over just a small bit behind Lucky. He glanced over at Chandanar and Laoris. "I call that a good thing, personally."

He gave a shrug. "Well? Shall we?" He waited for Lucky to open the door and confirm no more traps inside.

Izzick nodded in response. The plan was set and they were hopefully getting a dragon scale with a little less creepy horse eating. "Ready when you all are." Now they just had to get in nice and quiet and quick and hopefully without seeing a naked dragon or fighting one for that matter. "And then we'll figure out where to get that dagger."

With the traps disabled, Lucky looks at the lock and tries the door to see if it is locked.  If it is Lucky picks the lock.


19:38, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 28 using 1d20+25.  Pick Locks

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 175):

There is no lock.

The door swings open.

The room beyond was once probably a large storage area for both the stables and this section of the keep.  But the floor was dug out and the door now opens halfway up a deep shaft.

You can see the bottom below, perhaps about 75'.  The roof overhead is another 50' or so.

At the bottom of the shaft is a large loose collection of coins and trinkets.

But before you can consider any of that, you see the mirror.

Across from the doorway is a large mirror with an intricate frame and glass of a bluish tint.

Instead of the Lucky's rugged, handsome visage peeking through a halfway open door, there's an image of Lucky beating against the glass from the other side, cheeks puffed out, at the bottom of some vast river, obviously only seconds away from drowning...

Let's get a fort save please from Mr. Lucky and anyone else who was peeking through the doorway.

Thanks

Peering into the room Lucky saw the mirror and immediately thought that it was like a two-way mirror with the one in the womans room.  That was until he felt something...


12:00, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Hope it is enough.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 177):

The Lucky at the door suddenly coughs out a large spray of water from his mouth, as if he'd just come to the surface of a lake after nearly drowning.  Lucky, you sputter up some water, but seem fine. Until...

Mirror Lucky is gone.  The surface of the mirror seems to swell and pulse.  Then it becomes a large geyser of water that shoots across the gap and smashes into the doorway....

You are in combat with a very large and angry water elemental.  Everyone took 22 pts dam, reflex save/10- for half.   If you do not save, make a Str check 9- or be knocked down.

Your move.

Selvin watched but waited for Lucky to make sure there were no more traps. "You okay, Luc-" Apparently, there wasn't a trap, per se, but there was an...elemental creature of water? It tried to do something to Lucky, Selvin though, and then it sent a geyser at them!

Selvin and Zac weathered the water and sprang forward in a half-flying, half-leaping pounce, electricity dancing across the outer form as they unleashed their dizzying array of natural attacks at the creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Wed 23 Sept 2020.

Recovering from something he had no idea of what happened, Lucky sees out of the corner of his eye, between coughs, a huge spout of water coming from the mirror.  He manages a soft shout of, "MOVE" before he too moves out of the way of the water coming at him. 08:59, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 30 using 1d20+16.  reflex save.

Lucky got a little wet but the geyser had no effect on him at all as he managed to get behind the doorframe.  Lucky saw too though that following the geyser was a being of water rushing at them as well ready to defend its ordered area.  Drawing his blades in the blink of an eye Lucky was ready to slash out at the water being with his magical blades. 09:08, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 33,11,25,10 using d20+16,d4+9,d20+11,d4+9.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 179):

The deluge that flies sideways knocks Laoris off her feet, but the rest of you remain standing You can thank my dice later Izzy

The torrent rises, resembling a thick column of water with watery tentacles sprouting from around it's base, filled with malignant and evil looking...water.

Anyway.

As Selvin/Zac and Lucky smash into it, the tendrils whip around, give everyone at least some kind of smack...

Dam as follows:

Lucky:  4 points

Selvin:  8 points

Izzy:  19 points.  My dice got their revenge at the end.  Bwah ha ha.

Your guys go

The half orc grunted in pain, slamming against a wall on top of being slammed by the water, and seemed a bit out of it for a second. But as he shrugged it off, knowing he'd been in worse, he began to chant out, drawing symbols in the air to draw on his sorcerous power. Crackling electricity formed into orbs - one, two, three - all spinning around before forming fully and diving into the elementals writhing form.

Three Ball Lightnings
If a globe enters a space with a creature, it stops moving for the round and deals 3d6 points of electricity damage to that creature, though a successful Reflex save negates the damage. Creatures wearing metal armor take a -4 penalty on this Saving Throw.


DC = 21
20:10, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 3d6.  Ball 1.
20:10, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 3d6.  Ball 2.
20:10, Today: Izzick rolled 11 using 3d6.  Ball 3.

Lucky had hopefully given the water emental some pain but had no way of knowing quite yet.  The thing whipped him with a watery appendage that hit his shoulder cause a minor inconvenience.  Lucky returned the attack with more slashes of his kukri's.


10:18, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 25,9,24,7 using D20+16,d6+4,d20+16,d6+4.  Attack

In reply to Izzick (msg # 182):

As Izzick electrifies and Lucky stabifies, the watery column thing continues to smackifiy...

Dam:

Lucky: 12 pts.

Izzick:  7 pts.

Selvin got off with 2 pts.

Lucky tries to dodge away from the large tendril that came at him but with the limited area to maneuver it was nearly impossible and he got slammed by it hard this time.  Not one to give in, Lucky stabbed out with his blades again and again.

08:51, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 23,5,18,6 using D20+16,d6+4,d20+16,d6+4.  stabby stabby.

As Izzick took another hit, his green skin was quickly turning black and blue. Grabbing for a vial at his side, he commanded his spell to keep up the assault, hoping such things would distract the elemental until he had a chance to take a drink. He was definitely going to feel this in the morning otherwise.

Grabbing a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds but not drinking it yet, that way I can also instruct the Ball Lightnings to move.

Reflex DC21
08:15, Today: Izzick rolled 15 using 3d6.  Damage 1.
08:15, Today: Izzick rolled 11 using 3d6.  Damage 2.
08:15, Today: Izzick rolled 13 using 3d6.  Damage 3.

Selvin let out a growl as the water-thing attacked them once more. He unleashed another flurry of claws, teeth and slams at the creature, electricity dancing all around him as he did so. "Die already!"

OOC: Full attack again. Hit AC 31 for 22 dmg and 5 electricity.
Hit AC 29 for 24 dmg and 2 electricity.
Hit AC 27 for 28 dmg and 2 electricity.
Hit 19 for 27 dmg and 3 electricity.
Hit AC 19 for 20 dmg and 5 electricity.

19:29, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 31,29,27,19,19 using d20+14,d20+14,d20+14,d20+14,d20+14.  Full attack on elemental.
19:29, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 22,5,24,2,28,2,27,3,20,5 using d8+18,d6,d8+18,d6,2d6+18,d6,2d6+18,d6,2d6+18,d6.  Claw, Claw, Bite, Slam, Slam - Damage (d6 following each is the electricity).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Sun 27 Sept 2020.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 187):

The water column seems to consider <purple>Selvin's<purple> instruction carefully.  And then does just that, succumbing to all the stabby/shocky/clawy/etc goodness you have all dealt to it.

The mirror on the other side no longer contains a reflection.  It is just ocean blue.

There seems to be a 'hoard' below, at the bottom of the shaft.

Stepping into the dragon's lair?

Selvin shook his head and let out a breath. "Short but intense workout." He looked down the shaft for a moment.

Then he turned and held out his arms. "I could fly us down, couple at a time, but..." He grinned broadly. "We could just cast Featherfall instead an' float down, right?" He looked at Izzick.

Lucky had looked down the shaft after spying that the mirror was indeed clear.

Feather fall seems like a better idea.  Let me find something that I can tie a rope off so we can climb out, unless you want to cast that fly spell and do it then?  Or if the spell will last long for you maybe that is the right option to start.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 190):

Chandanar is glancing back across the stables.

"Whatever we do, we probably wanna do it quickly.  Maybe leave someone outside to guard in case you know who comes back."

If you want to feather fall and Izzy doesn't have it memorized, Laoris does.  Your call.  Thanks

Izzick shook his head, "No featherfall here," but he looked to Laoris and said, "But if she does, that sounds like a good plan." He chugged the potion in his hands, relief passing over him as he put the empty bottle away. No need to leave it whenever they were.  Wounds began to heal across his body as he looked over into the pit. "Ready to head down?"

18:45, Today: Izzick rolled 21 using 2d8+11.  Potion.

Selvin had a lightly surprised look on his face for just a moment, but then nodded. "Ah. Okay. I wasn't sure since you had Fly." He gave a small shrug. "No problem. I got it."

He made a gesture to have them all follow him and he spoke an arcane-infused phrase, "Feather Fall!"

Then he stepped off the ledge to the shaft to float down towards the bottom.

Lucky accepted the spell and just before he jumped off the ledge to float down he said, I think we should all head down.  Leaving one behind while a good idea might end up being overmatched by the dragon.  Then Lucky jumped.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 192):

Chandanar shrugs and follows Lucky's lead.

The trip down is the most relaxing part of your day.  You whift and whirl like...well.  Feathers.  It's very relaxing.

When you land, you are standing on a mound of treasure.  What kind of depth, you have no idea.  But the floor you're standing on is treasure.  Gold.  Silver.  Diamond necklaces.  Swords with emerald encrusted handles.  A harp with strings of pure platinum.  An original signed edition of Tenser's How I Made My Disc Float.

Treasure.  Unimaginable treasure.

In the far northwest corner, is what looks like a large mound of pillows.  It fills that corner of the room.

In the southeast corner is a large wardrobe.  One of its doors is slightly cracked open.

No signs of scales on first glance.

As Lucky touches down on the rather large pile of wealth he has to fight the urge to take anything for they are not here for that they are here for a scale.  "Spread out and let's find a scale!"  Lucky said loud enough for the others to hear.  With one more look down he moved to the area of pillows.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 196):

The pillows are super comfy looking.  Soft and downy with only a slight dragon-y smell to them.

As you search through the pile Lucky, you notice several thin plate looking objects, jet black in color, shiny to the eye.  The air around them is a little chilly.

These are probably scales.

Picking one up?

Selvin began searching the pile of loot...for scales, sure, sure. That was his main goal, sure. But there...was treasure. Lots of treasure. He didn't even know if it would stay WITH them when they moved to the next time jump thing. But he looked for scales....and anything interesting and portable. He even cast Detect Magic, purely for scholarly reasons, of course.

00:37, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 28 using 1d20+14.  Perception.

Lucky found a few of the shiny black objects that he thought were scales and even though he could feel the cold emanating from them he picked one up and would place it in his pack as soon as someone commented on what he said.  "Found one, I think?  I can feel cold coming from them.  Is that normal?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 199):

Laoris nods at Lucky's question.  <Pink>"That would be the negative energy plane influence.  That's our ticket.  Don't touch 'em directly.  They might zap some of your essence."</Purple>

Selvin, you cast Detect Magic on a dragon's hoard.  It's like lightning crashes right next to you.  The glare is almost blinding.  But as you rub your temples, the pain behind the eyeballs dies down and you can make out the spots that glow more than others.

There are four rings, a sword, 12 decanters filled with various liquids, a suit of chain mail, and 2 gems.  Oh, there's a partridge in a pear tree too.  But you're not going to be able to lug that around, so best to let it stay were it is.

Go ahead.  Take some of it.  I dare ya.

When Laoris told Lucky that he shouldn't touch it directly, Lucky knew what he could do.  Lucky had a magic item that would allow him to use a mage hand to pick up things so by sheer will he activated his cloak and an wisp of a hand came into shape.  With a mental command Lucky told it to pick up the scale and drop it in his pack.  "Problem solved!"  Lucky called, "Thanks for the warning!  The scale is in my pack now."

Izzick had jumped a moment after. They had a scale then they could leave - the treasure? That was just icing on the cake truly. As Sselvin pointed them up, Izzick followed up, looking for any indication of what each magical aura might mean. His own eyes lit up as he read the magic, but hopefully one item at a time to prevent himself from going blind, and reading the sword, the vials, the rings for any arcane runes, inscriptions, or some hint of their meaning and origin. "Hmmm."

08:49, Today: Izzick rolled 25 using 1d20+18.  Spellcraft checks to ID.
08:48, Today: Izzick rolled 27 using 1d20+18.  Spellcraft checks to ID.
08:48, Today: Izzick rolled 36 using 1d20+18.  Spellcraft checks to ID.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 202):

Izzick, being the show off that he is, gets a fair sense of some items.

Whatever the sword does, you don't want it.  It's a curse.

Two of the rings have some sort of protective magic.  One seems to be geared towards a specific kind of movement.  The last one...you aren't sure what that is.

Ring of Protection +1 and +3.  Ring of Jumping.  Last one is a mystery ring.  It's powerful but what kind of powerful you have no idea

Ten of the vials are purple.  Healing.  You know what that is.  One is a bluish color and you would guess has to do with water breathing.  The last one is jet black.  Really black.  You aren't sure what it is.  But you could always take a slug and see what happens.

Selvin didn't touch any of the items yet, but he specifically pointed them out to Izzick as he moved slowly and carefully around. He occasionally stopped to nudge things to make them more visible but otherwise left well enough alone for the moment.

Thinking taking something from the hoard of the dragon would be a bad idea, Lucky says, "We should probably not touch anything.  He would probably know we took it right away and be here a moment later.  Let's get out of here."

"We're already taking the scale, I don't think we need to be any more worried about the items. That said, last time I grabbed an unknown ring, I got married, so osmeone else can have this one. It's powerful but no idea what it is." As he looked over the items, he pointed out each and what he was pretty sure it was. The healing potions would be more than helpful where they were now. And even the water breathing potion might be a good backup plan if something went horribly wrong. "Think I'll grab this one now though. Safety First."

Izzicks going to switch his Ring of Protection +1 for the +3. We can re-divy later if needed.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 206):

As Izzick dons the ring...not much happens really.  He just gets a feeling of being safer.

You guys want to dig through anything else here? You have a couple of rounds before things blow up. Not that they will.  Maybe.  I just use that as an expression.

Yeah.  That's it. An expression.

Selvin shrugged and scooped up the unknown ring and pocketed it - he didn't wear it, though. He didn't like using an item he didn't know what it did. And he avoided the sword since he didn't use weapons and he didn't want to be cursed.

He snagged a couple healing potions as well and the black one. "So I can fly back up but how're we gettin' everyone else up? Am I flyin' ya up two atta time?"

As the others pocketed items Lucky said, "Just take all that is magical that is easy to carry.  As for getting up again, sure fly us up.  Climbing may take too long."

Izzick and Lucky, as Selvin sets you down on the door sill, you can hear something ominous:  absolute quiet.

Lucky, you spot them first:  lifeless bodies, laying in one corner of the now empty and cobwebbed stables.  It is the bodies of your former party.  The ones that died to the shadow thing.

The air is suddenly cold as well.

---

Selvin, you deposited Izzick and Lucky up above and then turn flew back to get Chandanar and Laoris.

As you turn, you notice your cleric looking up at you, waving.  You suddenly realize all the gold and treasure you guys had been standing on is gone.  Only a few coins remain.

The air has suddenly gotten colder as well.

Chandanar states the obvbious.  "Another time skip..."

Selvin eyed the corpses, cobwebs and quiet in the stables. But only for a moment, then he turned and flew back down to grab the rest of the group. The cold was there too. He didn't shiver, but only barely stopped himself.

He raised one eyebrow at Laoris, "Watch those hands." Which was a joke since he was inside the symbiote picking her up.

He flew them back up to the stables and set them down. "this is creepy."

The eerie quiet has Lucky's eyes darting all about.  That is when he spotted the corpses, his former companions.  A sadness crept into him briefly but so too did the cold of the area.  Lucky knew then that another one of the time jumps had occurred.  He looked to Izzick and asked, "When are we now?  My former companions are over there."  Lucky pointed to the corpses in the stable area.

Lucky then opened his pack and looked inside to see if the scale and axe were still there.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 212):

The scale and axe made the trip with you Lucky.  That's not the problem.

The problem is:  it is very cold inside the stables.  Very.  Cold.

As your breath puffs out in little clouds, you notice something about the bodies.  The blood is still flowing fresh from their wounds.

Like they had been attacked only moments ago.

By that thing.  The thing that was huge but leapt in and out of the shadows.

Not that you see it around at the moment...

"If they've been dead....maybe we're actually back to the present...or I assume the present. I'm sure it was the present for you too." Izzick said, trying to figure it out, at least as well as he could from the limited clues before the full impact of hat Lucky said hit him. "Oh...OH! Sorry...for your loss I mean." But another look and the bodies were fresh - so now he doubted even that. "Do you...know why it's so cold?"

Lucky had no way to tell which timeline each of the groups were from.  "I don't know which time you are all from to be honest.  My companions and I wereoriginal party went into the stables, you were attacked by a shadow that was vaguely dragon shaped.  It used an acid breath against us then but if the thing is now an undead dragon the cold here make sense.  Can any of you detect undead?

Lucky did tell them what time period he was in before all this happened.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 215):

Lucky, please check your post.  I accidentally over wrote part of it.  I think I restored it correctly.  Sorry about that.

Lucky's party 'arrived' about a month before you guys Selvin and Izzy.  So the two groups are in the same time frame more or less.

Selvin looked around slowly after setting down the last two passengers. He shook his head at Lucky, uttering a quiet "Only when they attack me." The ghost of a grin played along his lips when he said it, but died quickly thereafter.

He fluttered to the air and in to the stables, looking around and up, and keeping his senses alert in case something was hiding and ready to pounce on them. "Should we check for invisible things?"

20:50, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 32 using 1d20+14.  Perception.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 217):

Selvin, the cold is very unnatural.  But you already knew that.  It's also very quiet.  Kind of the epitome of 'too quiet'.

Lucky and Selvin you both notice something that just screams Uh Oh

It seems Izzick is casting two shadows.

Lucky caught out of the corner of his eye that Izzick was casting two shadows. "Now that isn't natural, Izzick."

Lucky moved to the same position and looked down to see if he too had two shadows.

Selvin narrowed his eyes as he noticed the second shadow. He frowned. "That isn't good."

He stepped forward slowly as he cast a spell and reached out a hand to touch Izzick. "Let me see if I can help you with that, okay?"

OOC: Casting 'Protection From Evil' on Izzick if he allows.

Will take protection

The warning was right, they probably should look for something invisible. And then when  he saw the second shadow, he knew something wasn't right. His fingers touched, grackled, and exploded in a shimmering dust. Most certainly magic as the glitterdust avoided each and every one of them, hopefully sticking to anything nearby as an outline.

Casting Glitterdust on top of us. But I will make it Selective so it avoids up to squares (aka the 5 of us)

Will DC 18 to not become blind. Invisible things are outlined and have -40 to stealth

In reply to Izzick (msg # 221):

The air goes all glittery.  The second shadow peels itself off the ground, going from Izzick shaped darkness to sort of long sinewy neck with a big gaping maw at one end pitch blackness as it does so.

I am acting on Init rd 22.  Roll init and state your actions please.

Bring your A game with this guy folks.

Lucky knew something was fishy and so was ready for when Izzick cast his spell.  When the 'shadow' became form, Lucky was there and ready to attack.  Lucky didn't even really have to move to attack and just flashed his blades across the form of the large gaping maw.  "What the hell is this thing?"  Lucky asked even as he attacked it.

23:04, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 27 using 1d20+13.  initiative.
HIT AC17 for 43damage, AC24 for 55damage, AC31 for 42damage crit check AC14 for 13 damage.
23:15, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 17,12,31,24,13,42,31,13,29 using d20+16,d4+9,6d8,d20+16,d4+9,6d8,d20+11,d4+9,6d8.
23:18, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 14,13 using d20+11,d4+9.  crit check.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 223):

You hit the thing with your last shot Lucky.  It's like cutting fog.  You definitely did...something.  But there wasn't much resistance on the slash.  The shadow does seem to dance back though.

Selvin has the same results.  Zac lands some solid hits, but they don't seem to faze it much.

The shadow snaps forward twice in quick sucession.  The first time he smashes Chandanar, sending the heavy healer sailing across the room like he was nothing more than a fickle feather.

The second hit smashes into Laoris.  She tries to side step, but the shadow lurches onto her arm.  Her limb disappears into darkness and then the elf is screaming.  Her arm has been removed at the shoulder.

Izzick immediately backed away from whatever had just popped out. It grabbed Laoris so fast he barely had time to react so clearly they needed to be faster. He dropped for a second, touching one of the tattoos on his ankle - and instantly the magic released from the enchanted inks. Time sped up for all of them, a blur of motion encasing each in Izzick's pre-set up spell. "Watch out, all of you..." he said, staring at the elf's wound as he grit his fangs together.

Backing up from this thing as much as possible
Activating my Haste tattoo-scroll on all of us

When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature’s full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. (This effect is not cumulative with similar effects, such as that provided by a speed weapon, nor does it actually grant an extra action, so you can’t use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round.)

A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 225):

Izzick's mojo makes you all start to get into the groove.

The shadow thing rears back...

You are all now hasted.  Your moves.

Lucky felt the world around him slow somewhat and knew then that he was under a haste spell.  "Thanks!!"  He said even as he lunged and swiped his blades at the shadowy figure.


Hit AC22 miss, AC36 no crit for 38 damage, AC37 with crit for 51 damage, AC17 miss
15:54, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 22,13,33,36,11,27,37,12,27,17,12,39 using d20+17,d4+9,6d8,d20+17,d4+9,6d8,d20+17,d4+9,6d8,d20+12,d4+9,6d8.
15:56, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 23,13,36,12 using d20+17,d4+9,d20+17,d4+9.  crit checks.
Also it takes 2 bleed points of damage.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 227):

The shadow rears back as Lucky and Selvin/Zac tear into it again.

The hits are solid. But this thing seems to sort of ooze around the points of contact.  It's like striking water.  Just...undeadish water...made out of shadows.

The head whips around, knocking into Zac causing him some distress.  It then snakes around and lunges at Lucky, but the wily six fingered man side steps.

Zac got pretty smacked up.  Selvin will be healing him.  And probably calling for Chandanar to heal him.

Ya'lls move

Lucky dodged the lunge of the shadowy figure, thankfully he was quicker than it and it missed.  He was growing more and more frustrated at the lack of any evidence that the thing was even being hurt by his attacks.  It felt as if he were just slashing at a dense fog or smoke.  No one had yet responded what in the world this thing was and so he repeated, "What is this thing!?! I don't even know if I am hurting it!"

Lucky didn't want to get his by the thing so took a second to increase his defenses.  Lucky took a step back from the thing and Cast shield on himself.  A glimmering transparent shield materialized before him then disappeared.  He knew it was still there and would aid him in his defenses, he hoped.

Cast shield adding +4 shield bonus.

Body, shadoes, water, whatever. It didn't matter what the thing was made of, what mattered was tearing it apart before they ended up on the wrong end of it's teeth. Izzick chanted, cursed magic gethering in his hand until he pointed a finger towards it, firing a ray beam forward. Anything it would touch would be disintegrated - Izzick could only hope that same could be said about whatever this was.

08:05, Today: Izzick rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  Touch Spell Disintegrate.
Saving Throw DC = 22. Fort save to take 5d6 (5+5+4+6+3 = 25 damage)
08:06, Today: Izzick rolled 91 using 24d6 ((5,5,4,6,3,6,5,6,1,5,6,3,3,5,5,2,2,2,3,2,4,1,5,2)).

In reply to Izzick (msg # 230):

There's the spell I was waiting for...

The Shadow does seem to have taken some damage from your attacks Selvin and Lucky.  Just not much.

But then Izzick blasts at it.

It <b>really</i> does not like that.  Not in the slightest.

The shadow lurches back and leaps at the wall, splashing into a shadow cast by one of the stall walls.

And it's gone.

"Maybe we could run?" Chandanar mentions.

Your move

When the shadow disappeared into the shadows Lucky blew out a sigh of relief.  "Good spell Izzick!"  Lucky said as he made sure to be ready in case the thing came back.

When Chandanar suggested that we could run Lucky turned and asked, "Where we going to run to?  That is the question?  We have two of the items and need to find the others!"

"Yeah, got a couple left too," he said, but he kept his eyes open as he searched around the shadows. He doubted it was still there but it wasn't a risk he wanted to take. Even as he scanned he didn't see anything, but he was sure the shadow beast was none too happy with him either. "We definitely have to make sure we're not letting that thing catch us off guards. Who knows if it will come back. Maybe we should head out, not sure where but at least out of here."

You are standing outside area 11 on the first map in the Maps thread.  Chandanar wants you guys to head to area 9.  Quickly.

Area 9 is the courtyard where you faced the gargoyles and first met Lucky.

Questions?

With a direction in mind now, Lucky made for the doors.  When he got there he opened it just wide enough to peer out and if it were clear he squeezed through.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 235):

The courtyard is still full of dead gargoyles.  So you guys seem to be back around the same time you left.

When Lucky saw the dead gargoyles he knew then that he was back at the time when he met the others.  Lucky turned and said, "Looks like we are back to when and where we met.  Let's find somewhere to hide and see what else happens."

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 237):

Just let me know the location/area number you want to go and we will proceed.

Thanks

ooc:  I think down by the blue circle in area 9.  What do you think Izzick?

Let's go with that.  Izzy, we can change up as needed

You regroup around the fountain in the south of the courtyard.

Chandanar pushes a gargoyle corpse out of the way and then sets about healing up Zac.

"Seems like just yesterday we were blowing these guys up with a fireball.  With all these time jumps it may have been yesterday.  Or two months ago.

"Seems like we got the axe and the scale.  Now how do we track down this woman?  Wasn't that the halfling we met before?  If it was, we've seen her coming out of the chapel..."

He nods to the chapel to the west.

"...and upstairs on a balcony."  He points up to the second floor in the east.

He then points to the south.  "Only place we haven't really been is there."

The half-orc looked to the cleric asking, "Hey uh...How's Laoris?" He figured she would make it but how well being armless was going to work out for her. He knew they had to move forward...and she was technically evil, but she was also closest ally they had in all of this. Still, he nodded once they'd decided on the chapel's second floor. It was so easy to get lost in this place, it was nice to know they were finally narrowing it down. "Let's grab this thing and hopefully get back to our time as soon as we can."

Lucky hadn't the time to wonder how Laoris was doing.  He knew she lost her arm to that shadow creature but she was up and moving so knew that she was dealing with the pain and loss of the arm.  They needed to get somewhere safe or at least away from any action so they could look at taking care of Laoris.

When the stairs were suggested, Lucky made his way to them and stood ready for the others before heading up.

Sorry.  I seem to have messed up something.  The direction Chandanar was pointing at the end-the only area you haven't been-is in the direction of area 12 on the map.  It would be west.  I forgot the stupid map had the compass pointing east, because it is difficult enough to deal with.

So just to make sure I am on the same page, when you say the Chapel's second floor, you mean up the stairs at either S14 or S15, correct?

Thanks.  Sorry this got confusing.  The map for this always gives me troubles.

ooc: Want to check out 12 first before heading up to the chapel?

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 244):

Area 12 it is

You approach the south wing cautiously.  The entrance stands slightly ajar.  Beyond you see a dusty stone room.  The remains of tapestries do not hang so much as they are smeared on the wall.

Everything beyond is quiet.

No.  You can hear the faint sounds of music maybe.  It's far off and not consistent.  It seems to come and go.  But it is coming from the south.

"What do you think?" Izzick asked as he heard the mysterious music playing. This place didn't stop with the strange stuff and his hands were at the ready to begin conjuring magical force. They'd had one too many weird encounters here. "Do you think we should look into it?"

Selvin crept along, for once not flying since required him to flap his wings and...it was so quiet, he felt bad disturbing the silence. But Izzick did it anyway. Selvin shrugged at him, "might as well. who knows what we might need or find..."

He moved along quietly and headed towards the music.

Lucky heard the music as well and when asked if they should check it out Lucky nodded and advanced with the others with his blades in his hands and ready to strike.

You creep out the southern door, heading into the wide hall beyond.

You are south of the room marked 'J'.  Inbetween the rooms lettered 'E' and 'F'

The music grows just a little louder, but not any steadier.  It seems to fade in and out.  But it is definitely wafting down the hallway running south.

That hallway is lined with doors.  Some of the doors are slightly open doors marked 'H'.  Some seem to be firmly shut.  Doors E and I.  There seems to be some kind of liquid seeping out from under one of the shut doors 'I'.  But all you can tell from here is the liquid seems dark in color.  A brownish black.

The music seems to come from around the bend at the end of the hall Either areas 13 or 14.  You can't tell from here.

Laoris, who has been out of it due to a sedative, mutters "...ballroom...".  She sort of gestures that way with her one good arm.  "...that'd be...the way to...the ballroom...probably real danger..."

Her chin starts to droop towards her chest.

Chandanar whispers, "I'm gonna hang here with her.  Try to get some more energy into her.  But I can't treat her arm.  That thing seems to have sucked the life force out of it.  It's past my ability to treat."

Selvin glanced at each door as he passed it. The ones partially open he would stop to take just a quick peek in for anything out of the ordinary or dangerous. He grimaced and avoided the 'liquid' coming out from the two doors. He wasn't sure what that was and wasn't sure he wanted to find out.

He otherwise kept moving quietly down towards the music, perhaps to the 'ballroom' mentioned.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 250):

The rooms beyond the slightly open doors are mostly in ruins now.  You may be glad of that.  Seeing them during the day would have been a horror show.

Each one of the rooms seems to be its own little torture chamber.  The remains of devices you can only imagine the function of lay in heaps inside each room.  It's almost like you can still hear the echoes of screams and the smell of blood as you tip toe down this particular row of tulips.

Speaking of blood...

You get to the puddle.  You can tell that's what it is.  Blood.  The door has a handle with a keyhole lock on it.  A thin stream of blood is pouring out the keyhole and collecting on the ground outside the door.  The blood isn't drying up.  It's just...pooling there.  Looking groovy.

I am assuming you have not tried to pass over the blood pool yet.

When lucky came to the door with the blood leaking out of the keyhole he said in a low tone, "Now that looks ominous.  Not thinking we need to be going in there."

Is the blood going completely across the hallway so we have to go over it to continue?

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 252):

The blood puddle covers most of the hallway, leaving about a half foot space on the other side.

You can try to step in the clear space and over.  Or you can try to fly over.  Or what have you.

But I do need to know how you want to try to cross it.

Thanks

Selvin hesitated at the blood pool. It was...large. And gross. All sorts of scenarios for what had caused it tried to flit through this mind but he shut that down quickly. He didn't want to  know, and it was probably someone who had in actuality died long ago anyway. Sure. That was it.

He flew over the puddle to see if anything happened.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 254):

It does.

The pool suddenly flares up, rising like a waterspout.

It slams into Zac.  The goo is both sticky and acidic.  Zac is burning.

Fort Save 17-.  22 pts damage or save for half.

Lucky was about to climb the wall on the clear side of the hall when he saw Selvin fly up and start to fly over.  Lucky saw the 'blood' rise and lash out at Selvin as he crossed its border.  With a gasp, Lucky called out, "Don't cross the blood!"  Of course, it was too late for Selvin but not the others.

Lucky moved back away from the blood and hoped that Selvin would be able to return to the safe side.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 256):

If you guys want to post actions you may.  I will respond when I get back next Friday

Happy Thanksgiving to all you in the States.  And a good week to everyone

Izzick shouted out , "Selvin!" as he got hit, the blood animating on it's own. Then again, Laoris for all her delirium had been able to warn them this place was dangerous, maybe that was why. Was this truly part of the castle, something that had moved here, or a trap laid by evil dragon gods. What really mattered was how to deal with it now.

Izzick didn't have any spells to mop up blood but the way the burns formed gave him an idea. He shouted out a spell of protection. Arcane words flowed from his lips "Su-o-ja ha-pol-ta" almost like a chant. Channeling the magic deep inside of him, he rushed to grab Lucky's arm, a faint glow coating them both in the abjuration. "That should help. Still, be careful if you have to get close." The barrier that surrounded them would provide protection from acid, probably enough to get by, but he still wouldn't want to risk it.

Protection from Energy Communal - if I can get to Selvis I will, but it is touch range so I doubt I can get more than me and Lucky. For the next hour (or 40 min if I include Selvin), we all have 120 points of immunity to acid damage

Selvin and Zac let out a simultaneous cry of pain when the 'blood' lashed out at them and hit them HARD! They recoiled from the pool, wings fluttered as they fall back, and then crashed to the ground away from the pool.

"Owowowowow!"

Selvin quickly cast a spell on the symbiote from inside it, wincing at the burning pain.

20:05, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 15 using 1d20+10.  Fort Save.
20:09, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 30 using 3d10+10.  Rejuvenate Eidolon.

Thankfully Selvin was able to fly back as he crashed to the ground on his side of the pool.  Lucky ran to his side and though he couldn't do much but lend support, Lucky was there incase he needed anything.  "Can I help with anything Selvin?"

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 260):

Chandanar starts towards Zac.

The power you channel into your friend Selvin eases out the initial wound. But you can 'feel' the blood continuing to sizzle

New Fort Save 15-.  10 pts dam, save for half.

Izzick, you reach towards your glowy friend...Izzy, make me a Dex check vs a 10.  If you beat it, you can slap the protection on Selvin/Zac before the spell sets

Lucky, the well wish leaves your lips as a noise draws your attention towards the puddle again.

Another batch is rising again.  This stuff isn't blood obviously.  Some kind of jelly or something maybe?

More of it is pouring out of the key hole in the door. But now instead of oozing out, it seems to be gushing.



In combat people.  You will have the init though.

20:34, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 33 using 1d20+13.  initiative.

"What in the hell is this?  It looks like some kind of ooze, but is it?"  Lucky asked cause he didn't know if he could affect it or not.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 262):

A sudden gush of water slaps against Zac, wiping the acid off him.  Chandanar finishes waving his hand from the enchantment that created the water.

"It's acidic," the observant acolyte intones.  "Try maybe fire or cold.  One of those usually works."

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 263):

Forgot to add:  you guys get init based on Lucky's monster roll.  Your move(s)

Izzick manages to connect with Zac and Selvin

Zac began to slowly calm and stop writhing in agony as the pain subsided from both the healing and the protection spell from Izzick. Selvin wanted to fly back and up, away from the thing. He didn't want to get hit again - more importantly, he didn't want Zac to be hurt again.

But he couldn't let the others get hurt instead of him and Zac either. So he grit his teeth and said, "I don't really have fire or cold right now - just electricity."

And he charged in to the thing, Zac's natural attacks flying.

OOC: I didn't add the +2 for charging, since I'm not sure how far the ooze-thing is.
If it's not far enough to charge and not close enough for a 5ft step, only the first attack counts.

Hit AC 29 for 22 dmg and 1 electricity.
Hit AC 23 for 26 dmg and 3 electricity.
Hit AC 33 for 23 dmg and 4 electricity.
Hit AC 29 for 28 dmg and 6 electricity.
Hit AC 25 for 29 dmg and 5 electricity.

11:50, Sun 29 Nov: Selvin Larst rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Fort Save.
18:16, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 29,23,33,29,25 using d20+14,d20+14,d20+14,d20+14,d20+14.  Attacks.
8:18, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 22,1,26,3,23,4,28,6,29,5 using d8+18,d6,d8+18,d6,2d6+18,d6,2d6+18,d6,2d6+18,d6.  Damage (d6 following each is the electricity).

Lucky didn't want to just sit and do nothing while this thing seemed to be getting bigger and bigger so he slashed his blades through the bloody muck hoping that his magical blades would cause damage.


09:52, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 34,11,31,13,22,13 using D20+16,d4+9,d20+16,d4+9,d20+11,d4+9.  Attacks on this thing

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 266):

More of the bloody goop pours through the key hole as Lucky and Zac/Selvin slash away.

Each strike is like punching into pudding.  You feel some resistance and give.  But are you hurting it?  Even if you are, more is coming through the key hole, replenishing what might have gotten slashed or torn.  Small droplets land on your skin/etheralness.  They sizzle on contact but thanks to Izzick's charm, they do nothing.

"I think we're in a stalemate," Chandanar eyes both of you for any potential wounds as well as the growing wall of icky-acidic-ickiness.

Laoris is mumbling something, but it's not a spell.  She is gesturing at a pouch on her belt.  There's a small cache of scrolls inside.  Thankfully, she has them labeled.

Firegush

Iciness

Flame Out

Hold 'Em

Selvin frowned at the....pool. "But..." He let out a small sigh and moved carefully back from the..."ooze" or whatever, taking great care to avoid any of it. "I dislike this place. Have I said how much I dislike this place?" He grumbled something about 'time', 'leaping', and a few curse words.

OOC: Withdraw action."

Izzick began to chant while Laoris hunted for scrolls. He had his own spells for things like this. The words left his lips almost effortlessly considering how many times he'd conjured the rays of fire, hoping they'd burn up whatever the hell it was assaulting them per the suggestions of fire and ice.


Scorching Ray:
09:36, Today: Izzick rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  attack 1.
09:36, Today: Izzick rolled 11 using 4d6+1.  Damage 1.

09:36, Today: Izzick rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  attack 2.
09:37, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 4d6+1.

09:36, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 1d20+9.  attack 3. (Nat )

Izzick, your trusty bolt of hot searing goodness slices across the pile of bloody looking goo.

There's a nasty odor as it singes the stuff.

And then fizzles out.

The goo starts to ooze down the hallway towards the lot of you.

Fire does not appear to be the way to go.

Lucky grabs the scroll that said iciness and read through it to cast the spell.  He had done it a few times before and hoped that he was skilled enough to do so now, even as the ooze began to head their way.

09:20, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 20 using 1d20.  Nat 20 to cast whatever spell it is on the scroll.  You can roll damage.  Aiming the spell at the ooze.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:23, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 272):

The arcane script reads like a dirty limerick Lucky

As the last word leaves your lips, your breath puffs out like a cloud.  That cloud wafts down the hall and grows.  In the space of a heartbeat, the cloud has settled over everything in the hall ahead of you.

The temperature seems to drop of a sudden.  Before your heart can beat a third time, the hall ahead is a winter wonderland.

A thick layer of ice and frost coats every surface.  Including the ooze.  Which has become an ooze-cicle.  Even the flow coming out of the keyhole has frozen in place.

It seems 'cold' was the answer.

The music continues to drift down the hallway...

You guys boldly striding forward?  Or you want to check out anything here?

Thanks

Lucky was amazed at the effect reading the scroll had on the ooze thing.  Everything was FROZEN solid including the ooze, which was a good thing!  Wanting to still check out the music Lucky began to move towards the noise cautiously.

There were so many things that were wrong about all of this and honestly, Lucky just wanted to find himself a drink, a cutie, and a bed, and not necessarily in that order.

Selvin leaned back and stared with his eyes and mouth open wide for a moment. He turned slowly to look first at Lucky, and then at Laoris.  He turned back to the oozicle and scratched his chin. "Well....damn. Alright then." He chuckled. "Good guess apparently."

He shook his head and began slowly flying forward down the hall, especially watchful.

09:39, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 15 using 1d20+14.  Perception.

Izzick stayed behind Selvin, trying to remember the ice thing for next time since fire had fizzled out. Still he kept one eye on the ooze as they continued forward. He definitely didn't want that thing to break free anytime soon. "See anything?" he asked, hoping the summoner would catch whatever sprung out next.

Towards the music we go! You are arriving in Area 13

The hall turns and ends in a foyer.  This area was obviously once very posh.  The remains of gold and bronze enamel still cling in bits to the walls.  A couple of decorative lamp stands, each about the height of Lucky are spilled over.  The nubs of blue, black, and silver candles still adhere to some of their scones.

At one end is a set of massive mahogany doors.  Like everything else they were probably once quite impressive.  They are engraved with old runes and symbols.  Nothing seems actively magical about them.  The runes are old Draconic and read

Let the Music Play

The doors are cracked open about a foot.

Beyond them Area 14 is what looks to have once been a grand ballroom.  The marble floors are covered by a thick layer of dust indicating no one has been inside the room since at least your grandparents day.  Frescos on the wall seem to depict scenes of debauchery and excess.  But because of the layers of grime and the distance from your vantage point at the  doorway, you can't be sure that is exactly what they portray.  But given what you've seen thus far, it is a fair guess.

There is a massive chandelier hanging from above.  Even for massive chandeliers, this one's pretty big. The crystal spokes and scones still give off a faint light, probably the result of illumination magic cast upon it.

The music is coming from the far northwest of the room.  A stage is set up there and it appears there is a harp and harpsichord set on one side of the stage.  Both the harp and harpsichord glow with a soft blue light.  A somber waltz is being played on them.  Whether they are playing themselves or some unseen musicians are playing them you cannot tell.

You have not yet entered area 14. You are standing at the door looking in.

Everything in this room radiates magic.  Everything in this room radiates evil.  There is no point in even asking.  The answer is yes.  And both evil and magic have their volumes turned up to 11.  It is so high that you can't make out a single source.

All of your characters, due to their experience with such situations and their various trainings, get the picture:  this room is bad.  It is very.  Very.  Bad.

Bring your A game.  This is an area of the game where I have taken a lot of PC lives.  You have been warned.

As Lucky looked into the room and then to the others he said, "Um... so we found the source of the music.  Is there a reason we should enter?  Do you think any part of what we are trying to find is inside?  I don't want to just go in if we don't need to."

"Hmmm.  Well," opines Chandanar. "We're looking for the halfling woman.  It's probably she has the dagger.  Or whatever it is we need to open that doorway in the chapel.

"We came across her once.  But that was...er...in another time period.  And that was up on the second floor.  The only other time we saw her was also from another time slip.  And she was headed into this wing of the castle."

He shrugs.  "We could check out the upstairs.  Who knows.  Maybe we'll get lucky. But..."  He glances back through the doorway.  "Have we really gotten lucky yet on this trip?"

Lucky looked to Izzick and Selvin then to see what they wanted to do.  If they wanted to enter then he would be checking to make sure it was clear to enter.

Selvin hesitated. He looked around slowly but didn't move forward right away. He drew in a deep breath and then flew towards the doors that were open a bit. He landed and carefully peered inside. His mouth formed an "O" as he looked beyond, eyes flicking this way and that to try and take it all in.

He glanced back at Chandanar with a lopsided grin and very quietly said, "absolutely. know how i know? we're still alive, an' that ain't all by skill an' talent."

His face then settled in to a thoughtful frown. After a moment he spoke up again, "not gonna lie, not super excited t'go in there. feels...bad. Zac's itchin' a bit even."

He pursed his lips and then shrugged. "i'd say we go upstairs first but that just feels like delayin' the inevitable." He glanced at the half-orc, "izzick?"

"We can go check out the upstairs first.  No use leaving any stone unturned.  Perhaps we do get lucky and find what we are looking for without heading into that room."  Lucky said following along with the thought to head upstairs first.

Your intrepid party climbs the stairs to the south and arrives on a small balcony overlooking the lake.

The air is warm.  You still seem to be in your 'time' at the moment.  Though in this place, who knows how long that will last.

You spy a few gargoyles prowling the skies high above.  They don't seem to be approaching the keep though.  What you did to the majority of their numbers before seems to have them skittish.

To the east, the balcony runs onto a larger mezzanine.  It appears the mezzanine has an entry to the area above the chapel.

"Should we head to the chapel? Or think we should set ourselves up for whatever mess is down below," Izzick said, somewhat cynical, it definitely had a bad aura about it in more than one way. But then again, this place had been giving him the heebie-jeebies the entire time. Maybe the best option was to breath here and get ready for whatever was in there because there was no getting around taking down another evil god hench person, even if they'd avoided fighting the other two themselves so far.

Selvin stayed low, stayed on the ground, since the gargoyles....well, they weren't close, but he didn't want to tempt them in to returning. Just to be safe. So he stalked forward, the tiger-hybrid-centaur body moving along with ease, wings folded on to its back.

He frowned and pondered for a moment. "We could at least check out the mezzanine, maybe peek at the chapel..."

Since there didn't seem to be any other option at this point Lucky agreed with Selvin.  "Let us see if we can see below.  I am not sure how much it will matter but we can see.  If in the end, we must head into the chapel, I think we should prepare ourselves with spells.  Something against the undead I am thinking will work if you have it." Lucky commented going with his gut feeling on this.

You creep onto the mezzainine, heading for the parapet that overlooks the courtyard Area 20 on the map

At the other end of the parapet is a stout door of oak, apparently undefiled by the ages.  There are some symbols scratched around it's handle, but standing on the parapet, you cannot really see their detail or tell what they are.

The edges of the door have all been lined with lead.  As if someone had tried sealing the door shut from this side.

Lucky moved towards the door to get a better look.  As he moved he cast his detect magic and once within 5ft he would look for any traps.

09:08, Today: Lucky Six-Fingers rolled 19 using 1d20+15.  perception check. not the best roll but also not a 1

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 289):

The runes glow magic.  But they don't seem to be the 'read-me-and-blow-up' type.  They seem to be more some kind of warding magic. But it's directed inwards, not out.  Someone was trying to seal this door shut from your side.

Despite that, there is no lock.  You'll need to pry the lead seal around the frame loose.  But that's easy peasy kind of work.

Selvin crept forward slowly and tried to keep quiet...just in case. He let Lucky inspect the door while he kept an eye out. However, he did made a note of some peculiarities. The symbols. The lead. Lucky seemed to determine there was magic.

"Sooooo...anyone else gettin' the feelin' that somethin's locked in there?" He spread his hands. "Maybe we shouldn't open it."

Lucky saw the magic on the door runes and said as much to the others, "Well, the runes are definitely magical.  I am kind of in the same mind to leave it be.  If something was sealed inside, it probably was a bad thing."  Lucky kept concentrating on the runes though to see what type of magic it was.

In reply to Lucky Six-Fingers (msg # 292):

Chandanar studies the runes.  Then shrugs.  "Okay. But that kinda limits our options.  We gotta find the halfling.  And the only places we haven't looked are in there,"

He points the way you came.

"The creepy ballroom of certain death we just avoided..."

He points across the courtyard to the structure on the gatehouse roof. Area 18

"and there.  Whatever that is."

He scratches his chin.

"Ya know...the way these things usually work...the one place you don't wanna go is usually the place you have to go."

Izzick looked between the others and asked, "Well, this place reeks of evil. We've gotta pick. Do we wanna flip a coin for it?" He pulled out a silver just in case the offer was taken. "We are looking for a servant of some evil immortal accursed dragon. I don't think they'd be locked up, but maybe it's something that can help in that ballroom down below." He didn't think the halfling was in the sealed doorway in front of them but his curiosity was peaked for what was.

Lucky didn't like the prospects, a sealed door or a spooky ballroom.  "I would rather take my chances with the door.  Who can unseal it?"  Lucky asked looking to Izzick.

Selvin looked at Chandanar and let out a little laugh. "I have no idea what you're talkin' about." He grinned widely. "If we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all!"

He turned to Izzick. "I could cast Dispel Magic, if you think that would do the trick? Or you can if you have it."

11:13, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Knowledge Arcana for the rune (especially how to disable).

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 296):

Selvin's study of the runes indicates no action is needed on your part.  The runes are cast to seal something inside.  Lucky isn't able to see any kind of trap or such either.

The only thing the door needs is a good solid tug to open.

Having not found any traps, Lucky grabs hold of the door handle and gives a good solid tug hoping it was enough to get the door open.

The door opens without even an ominous creeeeeeeaaaak.  It just swings wide with almost no resistance after the first push.

There is a second, similarly sealed door just behind it The letter J on the map.  Moving us along. It seems to be the same set up even down to the lead seal.  A quick pull and you are past it.

The air has an odd smell to it.  You've all robbed enough crypts to recognize the musty smell of places where the dead things are.  The air here checks that box.  But there is also a kind of spoiled honey smell to the air.  Like sugar candy left on a hot skillet.

Past the second door, there is another door leading to the west.  The hall continues past this door, winding eastwards, before turning to the north.

At the north-east juncture, there is a door leading into a room that is marked on your map. Area 35.  The door leading into it is metal.  The head of a black dragon is etched upon it.  Beneath the dragon's head, a woman is reclining, drinking from a cup of nectar.

At some point, someone graffited the door.  The paint has decayed over the centuries, but you think someone wrote

All the sweet things in life come through bleeding

in Draconic across it.

The hall that runs to the north deadends.  There are two doors leading off it at the far end.

Selvin opened the first door and then pulled up short suddenly in slight surprise. He blinked at the second door. "Wow..." He shook his head. "Someone really wanted this sealed."

Nevertheless, he opened the second door as well and headed in. He headed the only way available until there was a choice....and a weird saying. "Well....that's creepy."

He looked one way then the other, then glanced at his allies. "Well? What do we think?"

Lucky had gone through the doors and when Selvin seemingly read the strange writing and said it was strange Lucky had to ask, "What's it say?"  When Selvin told him Lucky could only shake his head and say, "This whole place is weird.  So which way do we want to go?"

Chandanar is frowning at the bloody-honey-woman door.  "Well.  Whichever way we go, what say we magic ourselves up to the gills?"

Laoris groggily says, "...no idea.." and then falls back to sleep.

"All the sweet things...come through bleeding," Izzick said, sounding oddly poetic before he explained, "S' what it says." The door was ominous but they weren't exactly in a field of flowers with rainbow paths left and right. "Let's open it," Izzick said, though he paused one moment, chanting out a spell and touching each of them. "Should help."

Protection from Evil Communal - 3 minutes for myself, Lucky, and Selvin. (2 min for Chandanar, 1 minute for Laoris)

First, the subject gains a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures.

Second, anyone under mental influence gets a new save now

Third, the spell prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures. This causes the natural weapon attacks of such creatures to fail and the creatures to recoil if such attacks require touching the warded creature.