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15:30, 21st May 2024 (GMT+0)

The Cursed City (Main)

Posted by DragondogFor group 0
Dragondog
GM, 1149 posts
Mon 25 Sep 2023
at 03:21
  • msg #1

The Cursed City (Main)

As they hid and waited in the darkness, the group and the camels suddenly were caught in a coughing fit. And they could see the light approach them.

[What do you do? They haven't seen you yet, but you still have darkness to worry about.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 521 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 25 Sep 2023
at 03:34
  • msg #2

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 1):

Aladin will lead the coughing dumb beasts away from the light...thinking about what illusion would explain this.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Wed 27 Sept 2023.
Dragondog
GM, 1159 posts
Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 04:24
  • msg #3

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 423 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 05:31
  • msg #4

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth pulled back with the rest of the group and again took up a spot to watch down the tunnel towards the entrance.   He drew his axe-hammer and waited in case the intruders to get closer.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 528 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 05:34
  • msg #5

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 4):

Aladin suggests an illusion of a wild camel...that runs from any that approach it very fast.

"If we get far enough away from the rest, even if they follow the camel and it leads them to us, the sound of combat will be so distant so the rest will be unlikely to hear. Lets get moving then."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Wed 27 Sept 2023.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 84 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 09:41
  • msg #6

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel had been taught her illusions so that she could create images that would ago along with her music and dancing. "I've made illusions of palaces, figures of legend, armed samurai, horses-but this will be my first camel." she whispers. She draws on her magic to create an illusion of a wild camel; since she doesn't want to draw attention she unusually does not dance or sing while using her powers. With Aladin's help, she does her best to make her illusionary dromedary convincing.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 384 posts
Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 10:38
  • msg #7

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira's shadow slid along the tunnel, following the rest of the party.

OOC: Let's go with that then. I get a feeling they will follow a wild camel (because - free camel!), but maybe they have better things to do.
Dragondog
GM, 1160 posts
Thu 28 Sep 2023
at 10:26
  • msg #8

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin suggested that Larathiel should use her magic to create the illusion of a camel and then he led their camels further into the tunnel.

Larathiel weaved her magic and the illusion of a camel stood before them. And as the worshippers approached the tunnel they were in, she ordered it to run, and it left the tunnel in a gallop. When it came too close to the worshippers, it turned away from them, and continued running.

The light continued approaching them.

[What do you do?]

[Aladin is now a turn's movement further into the tunnel than the rest of the group. And Keira is still a shadow on the ceiling.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 529 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 28 Sep 2023
at 11:08
  • msg #9

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 8):

Let me understand, the Camel is running away from the other group towards us?
Dragondog
GM, 1164 posts
Sat 30 Sep 2023
at 04:12
  • msg #10

The Cursed City (Main)

The group moved further into the darkness of the winding tunnel, touching either wall as they moved to make sure they didn't walk into them. Drawing the worshippers further away from the main chamber.

As the others caught up with them, one of their pursuers said some words, made some movements, and illuminated a 10-yard radius area around himself, encompassing all of them. The four pursuers all dropped their torches and drew weapons. Two of them, including the caster, held swords, one held an axe, and one held a spear.

[What do you do? They are about 10 yards away from you.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 532 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 30 Sep 2023
at 04:23
  • msg #11

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 10):

Seeing their target light themselves up nicely, Aladin will ask

"Why are you attacking us? We are not bothering your worship...do you attack all you see?"
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 85 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 30 Sep 2023
at 04:46
  • msg #12

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel does not make any hostile move, but prepares to cast her armor spell if trouble breaks out.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 424 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 30 Sep 2023
at 19:02
  • msg #13

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth took a couple of steps forward to place himself between Larathiel and the intruders.  He held his axe-hammer at the ready.

"Go away! This is our tunnel!", he bellowed in guttural, accented Imperial hoping to intimidate the attackers.


OOC:  Gurth was not very intimidating.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 387 posts
Sat 30 Sep 2023
at 22:35
  • msg #14

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira kept quiet, staying on the ceiling a few steps in front of the party.

OOC: Keira's plan is to drop down behind them when they attack and hit them in the back. Unless there's too many of them for us to fight.

00:32, Today: Keira rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,2,4.  Stealth (14).
Dragondog
GM, 1165 posts
Mon 2 Oct 2023
at 01:22
  • msg #15

The Cursed City (Main)

Both Aladin and Gurth tried to talk to them, but they didn't listen. Larathiel prepared for trouble, and Keira remained on the ceiling in her shadow form.

The worshippers aggressively moved closer, their weapons still drawn.

[They are now about 5 yards away from you. What do you do?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 533 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 2 Oct 2023
at 02:32
  • msg #16

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 15):

"Power from the devil, huh. Then may what is right prevail!"

Aladin will ready his weapon and shield, and form up with the others...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 389 posts
Mon 2 Oct 2023
at 19:38
  • msg #17

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira's shadow slipped down from the ceiling behind the cultists as they pass under her. Her form shifted back to solid, staff in hand.

Ready staff, move down and leaving shadow form when they pass by, ideally so that Keira is a couple steps behind them. GM can make another stealth roll for Keira if one is needed to do that.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 86 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 3 Oct 2023
at 09:12
  • msg #18

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel prepares to cast and moves her weapon into her hand.
Dragondog
GM, 1167 posts
Wed 4 Oct 2023
at 16:36
  • msg #19

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin and Larathiel prepared for the battle to come and Keira moved on the ceiling as a shadow until she was above and beyond the worshippers.

One of the worshippers cast a spell on Aladin, but he shook it off.

The man with the spear gripped it with both of his hands, advanced until he was two yards away from the group and thrusted his spear at Larathiel, and she barely avoided it.

The axe wielder rushed in and swung at Aladin and he avoided the swing.

And the elven swordsman moved towards Larathiel with his elegant elven scimitar in hand, and his swing found it's way home.

[Larathiel lost 7hp, 2/9hp remains. Your speed, move, and dodge are halved.]

[Spellcaster is 5 yards away from the group. Spear is 2 yards away from the group. Axe and scimitar is 1 yard away from group.

Keira is 6 yards away from the group and on the ceiling.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Thu 05 Oct 2023.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 534 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 4 Oct 2023
at 18:26
  • msg #20

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 19):

Aladin will move in on the Elven swordsman and attack him, trying to take the pressure off Larathiel, but ready to retreat if he needs to.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Thu 05 Oct 2023.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 393 posts
Thu 5 Oct 2023
at 20:29
  • msg #21

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira's shadow slid down the tunnel wall and behind the spellcaster before she took on a physical form once again, her staff held in front of her.

OOC: Going to (stealthy, if possible) move right behind him, but I'm not going to attack. Move and attack maneuver is less than ideal to say the least. If attacked, parry everything I can with my staff (15 for attacks from my front), dodge the rest. Oh, and switch to defensive grip.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 87 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 6 Oct 2023
at 10:05
  • msg #22

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel screams in pain and tries to defend herself.

All out Defense, parry.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 425 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 6 Oct 2023
at 14:59
  • msg #23

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth squared up with the axe man.  He stepped forward and swung his axe-hammer at the man.
Dragondog
GM, 1173 posts
Fri 6 Oct 2023
at 19:10
  • msg #24

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin closed with the elven worshiper and swung at him, but he avoided Aladin's attack.

Keira slid along the ceiling, down the wall, and along the floor in the shadow form. She then returned to her normal form right behind the spellcaster.

With all the damage Larthiel had taken, she assumed a defensive stance.

Gurth approached the axe wielder and brought him to the ground.

The spellcaster now turned to Gurth and cast another spell. A piece of hot metal about the size of a finger short forth towards the ogre. And despite his best efforts, it penetrated.

The spear wielder redirected his spear to Aladin, but he protected himself with his shield.

The scimitar man turned to Gurth and this time the gladiator was able to avoid the attack.



[Larathiel is at 2/9hp remains. Your speed, move, and dodge are halved.
Gurth lost 3hp and now has 14/17hp remaining.]

[Spellcaster is 5 yards away from the group. Spear is 2 yards away from the group. Scimitar is 1 yard away from the group.

Keira is 1 yard behind the spellcaster.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 536 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 6 Oct 2023
at 19:43
  • msg #25

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 24):

Aladin turned his attention to the Spear wielding individual who was attacking him, swinging his knobbed club at him as he maneuvered to get behind the elven swordsman...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 394 posts
Sat 7 Oct 2023
at 14:42
  • msg #26

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira carefully lined up her strikes, then swung her staff at the back of the spellcaster.

OOC: Should have tried something fancier, even that critical roll of 3 did nothing more than minimal damage. Anyway, switch to normal grip before attacking and parry any incoming attacks I can (parry is 14), including spells if possible per parrying missile weapon in melee range rule.
Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:28, Today: Keira rolled 12,3 using 3d6,1d6+2 with rolls of 4,6,2,1.  Telegraphic Rapid Strike 1 (attack, damage).
16:28, Today: Keira rolled 3,3 using 3d6,1d6+2 with rolls of 1,1,1,1.  Telegraphic Rapid Strike 2 (attack, damage).
16:29, Today: Keira rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,4.  Critical.

Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 426 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 7 Oct 2023
at 22:53
  • msg #27

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth rushed in at the spear man, moving to his offhand side and getting inside the reach of his spear.   He swung his axe again hoping for the same result as last time but missed.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 89 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 9 Oct 2023
at 08:43
  • msg #28

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel swipes her weapon at the spear wielder, hoping attacks from different directions will overwhelm him.
Dragondog
GM, 1174 posts
Mon 9 Oct 2023
at 09:15
  • msg #29

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin swung his club at the spear wielder, but he avoided him.

As the spellcaster was focused on the rest of the group, Keira got two swings in with her staff into the spellcaster's back.

Like Aladin, Gurth went for the spear wielder too. And though he tried to avoid the ogre's swing, he couldn't. And another worshipper was brought to the ground. His spear bounced a couple of times, the tip making metal on rock sounds, before coming to a rest.

Larathiel moved with the men towards the spear wielder, but they dealt with him.

The elf followed Gurth and another swing of his scimitar connected with the ogre for a devastating blow.

The spellcaster turned around and faced Keira. He cast a spell at her, but she knocked his hand out of the way with her staff and it missed.




[Larathiel is at 2/9hp. Your speed, move, and dodge are halved.
Gurth lost 9hp and is at 5/17hp. Your speed, move, and dodge are halved.]

[Spellcaster is 4 yards away from the group. Scimitar is 1 yard away, in the other direction, from the group.

Keira is 1 yard behind the spellcaster, on the opposite side of him than the rest of the group.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 537 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 9 Oct 2023
at 09:39
  • msg #30

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin will move around the elf and swing, his club, but his real purpose is to take his attention away from his friend, as he prepares to dodge the expected return attack.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 395 posts
Mon 9 Oct 2023
at 20:49
  • msg #31

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira focused her strikes on the spellcaster, hoping to finally bring him down.

Just keep hitting him until he goes down. Two hits, but no crit as Keira's effective skill is 13. If he tries to retreat, make a step after him.
Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
22:32, Today: Keira rolled 12,6 using 3d6,1d6+2 with rolls of 1,5,6,4.  Rapid Strike 1 (attack, damage).
22:32, Today: Keira rolled 5,4 using 3d6,1d6+2 with rolls of 2,2,1,2.  Rapid Strike 2 (attack, damage).

Switch to defensive grip after attacking, then parry whatever I can (parry 15).
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 90 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 11 Oct 2023
at 20:57
  • msg #32

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel also joins the attack on the Elf with her dueling glaive, wishing she had her more familiar naginata.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 427 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 02:29
  • msg #33

The Cursed City (Main)

The ogre growled in pain after the elf struck him.  He moved towards the elf and tried to get a flanking position on him before he struck again with his axe.


OOC:   All out attack, determined.
Dragondog
GM, 1175 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 07:09
  • msg #34

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin moved around the elf and his club missed its target.

Keira continued her barrage on the spellcaster and though he was able to avoid the first swing of her staff, the second swing connected.

Larathiel swung her polearm at the elf, but he ducked out of the way.

Gurth made a berserker-like swing at the swordsman and by sheer power he brought the elf unmoving to the ground despite his best efforts to avoid the strike.

The spellcaster moved to about the halfway point between them, uttered a prayer and self-immolated in an explosion of heat and fire that engulfed everyone. But ended just before it reached Aladin and barely singed him.

In addition to the unmoving Larathiel on the ground, there were three worshippers in a similar state, while the fourth's body was burned to a crisp.


[Larathiel lost 7hp and is at -5/9hp. She barely failed her HT roll and is now unconscious.
Gurth lost 9hp and is at -4/17hp. Your speed, move, and dodge are halved.
Keira lost 6hp and is at 4/10hp.]

[OOC: Combat is over and you are no longer acting in turn order. What do you do?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 538 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 10:30
  • msg #35

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 34):

Aladin will start healing everyone, starting with the unconscious elf...
Dragondog
GM, 1177 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 10:42
  • msg #36

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin quickly moved to Larathiel, placed his hand on her face, and with the first pulse of healing divine energy she returned to consciousness. And with the second, she was as good as new.

He then continued to Gurth, touched the ogre's hand, and after three pulses of divine healing energy all of his injuries were gone.

And finally, Aladin came to Keira, and touched her face. And with a single divine pulse of healing energy, not a single trace of what the worshippers had done to her remained.

[You are now all back to full hp. What do you want to do?]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 397 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 11:02
  • msg #37

The Cursed City (Main)

"Thank you. That could have gone better." Keira commented as she quickly checked the fallen foes for anything interesting they might have been carrying.

"Where to next? Should we keep going down this tunnel, or go back?"

OOC: I think this is all that we know about these tunnels:

quote:
One tunnel has rubble in it. One led further downwards. One ended in a set of stairs going downwards. One was filled with fear. One was wider than the others. One tunnel was winding left and right. And there is one tunnel that has collapsed.

The two tunnels heading most toward the mystic marker are the one with the stairs and the scary one.

The worshipers went into the tunnel that led to the stairs.

The group went into the winding tunnel.

Any ideas?
Dragondog
GM, 1179 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 12:21
  • msg #38

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira took her time going through the stuff the downed worshippers and found a fair bit of stuff. The only thing that remained of any use on the crispy body was his holy symbol.



[OOC: As a reminder, the worshippers may be dead or unconscious. You'd need to examine them to be certain.

I'm assuming that Keira has gathered their belongings, but left their clothes and robes on. If you want to take those too, let me know.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 539 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 18:29
  • msg #39

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 38):

Aladin will suggest all don worshipper robes, and Larathiel can take the holy symbol.

The coins can be put in one pouch and rations in another, with other items distributed as folk see fit. The rest put on the camel in the sack...

He suggests making sure they are dead, and hiding the bodies, before continuing down the corridor.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 398 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 20:10
  • msg #40

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira piled up what gear the cultist had for everyone to take their pick, but left their clothing and robes on them. Assuming she noticed that some of them were still alive, she did not go out of her way to finish them off, but neither did she particularly care about what happened to them.

OOC: There's three robes and four of us, but Keira could probably follow after the group (or run recon in the front) using stealth in shadow form. But, is there a robe that would fit Gurth?

Aladin, when you say continue down the corridor, you mean the winding one we are in? And are we taking our mounts with us?
Dragondog
GM, 1180 posts
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 20:28
  • msg #41

The Cursed City (Main)

[None of the robes are large enough to fit Gurth. You have to explicitly take the time to examine each person/body and make a skill check to determine if they are dead or unconscious. So Keira doesn't know.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 540 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 12 Oct 2023
at 23:45
  • msg #42

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 41):

Yes, I assume we are in the winding one, so continuing in that one. We don't need to make a check to see if they are dead if we use a knife to make sure of it...I think we have talked enough to cultists...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 428 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 00:59
  • msg #43

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth went back and check the spear man and the axe man in turn to see if any of them still survived.  He knelt down next to them and gave them a not so gentle slap.

OOC:  If any are still found alive, he will call Aladin over so that he can question them.  If theyare dead, he will strip them down and pile their belongings  with the other stuff.
Dragondog
GM, 1181 posts
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 01:04
  • msg #44

The Cursed City (Main)

[What skill do you want to use to find out if they are unconscious or dead?]
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 429 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 04:18
  • msg #45

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth has first aid - 13.  I suppose that he would know how to check for a pulse on the neck.  He was a gladiator so he probably would know if someone is dead or not.

He mainly wants to make sure that none of them are playing possum and planning to attack again.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Fri 13 Oct 2023.
Dragondog
GM, 1182 posts
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 04:32
  • msg #46

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth checked on the two worshippers closest to him, but wasn't able to determine the spearman's condition. The axe man on the other hand was unconscious.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 541 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 04:50
  • msg #47

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 46):

Aladin will remove all weapons and armour regardless.

OOC: Would Aladins god have any objection to a coup de gras for evil cultists?
Dragondog
GM, 1183 posts
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 05:34
  • msg #48

The Cursed City (Main)

[All weapons have already been taken. None of them are wearing armor. The only thing they wear right now are clothes.

Paye is The Sacred King. God of the sun, the weather, virility, prosperity, and horses. God of Trade and luck. God of War, courage, and honor. And God of Guardianship. How do you think he would react to a coup de gras?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 542 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 06:09
  • msg #49

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 48):

Aladin contemplates things...
Dragondog
GM, 1184 posts
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 06:19
  • msg #50

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 543 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 06:37
  • msg #51

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 50):

And responding...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Fri 13 Oct 2023.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 92 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 08:55
  • msg #52

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel is healed but takes a moment to mentally recover. She is unused to this kind of desperate battle. She puts on one of the cultist robes. "Perhaps we could pretend Gurth is a prisoner of some kind? I'd rather do sneaking than more fighting if possible"
Dragondog
GM, 1185 posts
Fri 13 Oct 2023
at 10:06
  • msg #53

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 430 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 14 Oct 2023
at 00:44
  • msg #54

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 46):

Gurth waved Aladin over to the fallen cultists.

"This one here is alive.  Do you want to question him?  I don't think that we will get much from him from he way that the mage went out.", he asked.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 544 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 14 Oct 2023
at 01:12
  • msg #55

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 54):

"I do not believe these evil cultist would have anything useful to say anyway. We have already spoken to them, but they did not have any helpful information. If he lives, I will be obliged to try to convert him. Could bind him and take him further into the cave to see what we can get from him?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 399 posts
Sat 14 Oct 2023
at 15:46
  • msg #56

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira shrugged. "I doubt we will learn anything useful from him either. If you want to take this one with us, we can, but I'd just as soon leave him here. Leave it up to the gods to decide if he survives or not. Unless, of course, we want to make sure he does not."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 545 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 14 Oct 2023
at 20:38
  • msg #57

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 56):

"If he survives, his demeanor suggests he will get his friends if he is not restrained, while leaving him here restrained would not be right. But since he knows these paths, we could take him and have him redeem himself by showing us the traps I am sure he is aware of."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 93 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sun 15 Oct 2023
at 10:27
  • msg #58

The Cursed City (Main)

"I can try to persuade him, but I worry they may be fanatics. I mean, that one blew himself up!" Larathiel says.
Dragondog
GM, 1192 posts
Sat 21 Oct 2023
at 08:02
  • msg #59

The Cursed City (Main)

The group discussed what they were going to do with the survivor. And what their next steps were going to be.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 548 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 21 Oct 2023
at 08:13
  • msg #60

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 59):

"Well, you have my opinion. You decide among yourselves..."

Aladin goes off to load his camels, praying to himself as he does so.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 94 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 21 Oct 2023
at 08:40
  • msg #61

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel nods. "What do you think, Gurth? I would think he would be willing to reveal the traps to save his life, but after that explosion knocked me around I'm not so sure."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 432 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 21 Oct 2023
at 17:01
  • msg #62

The Cursed City (Main)

"I don't trust him at all.  After seeing the mage, I think he would lead us into a trap even if it means his own life, just to kill us.", Gurth replied.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 400 posts
Sat 21 Oct 2023
at 18:03
  • msg #63

The Cursed City (Main)

"More than traps, I am worried about him making a run for it to alarm the cultists the first moment he can."

OOC: If we are doing this, I guess we could tie a rope on him to stop him from running away. But between our special sense, Keira being able to turn into a shadow, her high awareness and (admittedly) mediocre traps skill, we should be able to avoid traps on our own as well. Probably.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 402 posts
Tue 24 Oct 2023
at 18:35
  • msg #64

The Cursed City (Main)

Taking Aladin's position into consideration, Keira offered a compromise. "Hmm. What if we just tied him up and stashed him somewhere for now? And if he is still tied up by the time we are leaving, we can set him free then.

OOC: Looking at my char sheet, I notice Keira doesn't actually have any rope. I guess I didn't think it important for someone who can tell gravity to sit down and shut up.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 551 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 24 Oct 2023
at 18:46
  • msg #65

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 64):

"No, that would be as bad as killing him ourselves. We should free him, which I am not in favour of, or take him with us."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 403 posts
Wed 25 Oct 2023
at 18:30
  • msg #66

The Cursed City (Main)

"How so? I see no reason he could not survive a day or two tied up. Granted, if we die and there is no one to set him free, he will die as well. But considering we would be dead in that case, that - or anything else, really - is not something that would worry me then."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 563 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 29 Oct 2023
at 09:52
  • msg #67

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 66):

"He will be my slave, doing as I command. Until he co-operated, he will remain bound and unfed. Because only slaves are entitled to food and water, so he must accept his new position."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 96 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 30 Oct 2023
at 09:25
  • msg #68

The Cursed City (Main)

"If you are sure" Larathiel says. "But we'll have to be careful with a fellow like that around..."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 564 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 30 Oct 2023
at 20:38
  • msg #69

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 68):

"Of course...if he turns on us, he will be dealt with as a combatant again."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 435 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Mon 30 Oct 2023
at 22:46
  • msg #70

The Cursed City (Main)

"Make sure that he knows where he stands now.  If he turns on us, I won't hesitate to kill him.",  Gurth replied.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 404 posts
Tue 31 Oct 2023
at 06:51
  • msg #71

The Cursed City (Main)

Confused by this choice, Keira just shrugged her shoulders and prepared to move on.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 566 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 31 Oct 2023
at 21:19
  • msg #72

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 71):

Aladin will remove the worshiper robes from the man, but ensuring he has enough clothes to be decent and then heal the injured man, waking him up. As soon as he is coming to, Aladin will explain the situation in very clear terms, making it clear that the man is his slave now, and any hostile acts will be seen as a threat to the whole party, to which the whole party is free to respond accordingly. That includes shouting for help, running off to get more folk to attack them or doing anything that would endanger them.

He will not be restrained, but he will suggest other party members be ready to respond to any of the hostile acts mentioned, or others.
Dragondog
GM, 1211 posts
Tue 31 Oct 2023
at 21:25
  • msg #73

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin removed the robe the man had worn over his clothing, healed him, and told him that he was a slave now. The man was clearly not happy with his current situation, but he did not resist, try to run away, or speak.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 567 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 31 Oct 2023
at 23:51
  • msg #74

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 73):

Aladin had some of the load taken from the camels to ensure he would not go anywhere, and directed him to lead them deeper into the caverns. He asked the others to follow him, while Aladin led the camels at the rear.
Dragondog
GM, 1214 posts
Wed 1 Nov 2023
at 00:49
  • msg #75

The Cursed City (Main)

He carried as much of Aladin's burdens as he could in his hands. And when Aladin wanted him to move, he turned around to speak.

"Isn't someone going bring a light source? I can't see where I'm going."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 569 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 1 Nov 2023
at 02:42
  • msg #76

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 75):

Aladin touched the mans cap. If he lacked one, he will find one and give it to him. Imbuing it with light, he will place it back on his head...
Dragondog
GM, 1215 posts
Wed 1 Nov 2023
at 06:36
  • msg #77

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin touched his slave's hat and with a prayer, it became a light source that illuminated the area around it out to 10 yards. And he headed down the curving tunnel. Some distance later, they came to a large cavern about 500 yards across. They could see several buildings and ruins in the cavern and closest to them was an obelisk that was over 25 yards high.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 570 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 1 Nov 2023
at 09:14
  • msg #78

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 77):

Is this a sufficient distance from the entrance that a coughing camel could not be heard?

Aladin will suggest searching the ruins. After he will try the amulet again and ask about this place.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 97 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 2 Nov 2023
at 07:50
  • msg #79

The Cursed City (Main)

"Oh my!" Larathiel says as the ruins come in to view. "I agree that we should search the ruins."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 405 posts
Thu 2 Nov 2023
at 09:00
  • msg #80

The Cursed City (Main)

"I agree, we should take a closer look. This is certainly not something I expected to find. Why would anyone build this place in a cave?"

OOC: Is the marker on our mental map in this cave?
Dragondog
GM, 1218 posts
Thu 2 Nov 2023
at 12:49
  • msg #81

The Cursed City (Main)

Going around the edge of the cavern to the left, they passed through a number of ruins that were nothing but crumbles until they reached an area surrounded by eight unadorned pillars that reached up towards 50 feet tall in 3 by 3 square. The pillars were topped by large capstones that spanned the gap between them. Instead of a ninth pillar, the statue of a giant man seated upon an immense stone chair stood in the center. This man had the head of a serpent. The crown he wore was adorned with seven stalagmites, the one at the center of his forehead was larger and more magnificent than the others.

The chair and the figure were both cut from a single piece of red-brown stone with no joints between the figure and the chair. But the head and the crown were made of jet-black stone and the eyes of the serpent sparkled in the in the light that illuminated this cavern. The right eye was a brilliant yellow gem and the left eye was a milky-white one.



[OOC: The marker is not in this cavern. It's in a different direction.]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 406 posts
Fri 3 Nov 2023
at 12:54
  • msg #82

The Cursed City (Main)

"Impressive statue. Are those actual gems in its eyes? If so, it's strange that nobody has yet looted them. They would be worth a fortune."

OOC: Possibly not a good idea to try to do so ourselves.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 436 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 3 Nov 2023
at 21:25
  • msg #83

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth turned to Aladin and asked, "would you ask your man here if he knows anything about these caves.  I have a suspicion that he's been here before since he was acting as a guard today.'

OOC: I was going to ask if the marker is still showing up too.
Dragondog
GM, 1221 posts
Fri 3 Nov 2023
at 21:47
  • msg #84

The Cursed City (Main)

"What do you know of these caves," Aladin asked his slave.

"Nothing," the slave said. "I've never been down this corridor before. I've only been down one of the other corridors."




[OOC: The marker is still pinging on your mental map, but as you have moved away from it, it is further away now.

What you do or do not do is up to you.]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 98 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 4 Nov 2023
at 06:44
  • msg #85

The Cursed City (Main)

"Some kind of idol?" Lathariel asked. "It must be magic to have stood when all around it are crumbling ruins."
Dragondog
GM, 1222 posts
Sat 4 Nov 2023
at 21:47
  • msg #86

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 437 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 5 Nov 2023
at 17:49
  • msg #87

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth looked around the room and at the statue in the center of the room.

"I've read tales of places like this.  I never thought I would get to see one for myself.", he said to nobody in particular.

Looking back towards the tunnel and then at the chamber, he looked at the floor to see if there were any tracks in the dust that were not made by the party.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 407 posts
Mon 6 Nov 2023
at 15:43
  • msg #88

The Cursed City (Main)

"Ancient monuments and huge statues. I have to admit, this is starting to look like a proper cursed city. Still not sure why anyone would go to the trouble of building one underground though. But lets look around some more."

OOC: If our goal is to get to the location we are feeling (and in the absence of anything else concrete to go on, that's as good a goal as any other), maybe there's another passage leading in that direction from here.
Dragondog
GM, 1225 posts
Wed 8 Nov 2023
at 21:57
  • msg #89

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin put on the strange amulet and spoke with himself as they had heard him do previously, alternatively with his own voice and alternatively in a sultry female voice. And when he spoke with the female voice, his face appeared as if he wore makeup.

They started with greetings and then Aladin asked the questions they had talked about.

"Do you know anything about the place we are in," Aladin asked.

"You are in the Holy City," Aladin's female voice said. "Almost to the place I need you to bring my amulet. Beware of the changes that may have taken place since I was there."

"We've run into some cultists who have tried to kill us. They say they are worshiping Bahal. What do you know about him?"

"Bahal is the Harvester of Souls, the god of death, undeath, fatalism, the underworld, mummification, embalming, and canines. But his followers don't run around and kill people. They're all about what happens after death."

"Do you know of a safer way to get to where we need to bring your amulet?"

"I do not know the way. You have to discover it."

"To whom is this snake-headed idol dedicated?"

"Nehebaku is the serpent-headed god. He is the god of earth, agriculture, vegetation, cemeteries, tombs, snakes, fertility, and earthquakes."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 99 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 10 Nov 2023
at 00:48
  • msg #90

The Cursed City (Main)

"Oh good, we're close" Larathiel says. "I can feel the magic in this place, but only the gems in particular are magic."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 409 posts
Fri 10 Nov 2023
at 13:58
  • msg #91

The Cursed City (Main)

"Earthquakes, huh? I'll definitely be staying away from those magical gems then. Let's look around this place some more."

OOC: Guess we could keep going in the direction we have so far (around the edge of the cavern to the left)?
Dragondog
GM, 1227 posts
Fri 10 Nov 2023
at 14:59
  • msg #92

The Cursed City (Main)

After Aladin returned to them, they continued their exploration. About 300 feet later, they came to the next place of interest. The columned temple was a brilliant white against the light. Twenty slim columns supported a low, pitched roof 30 feet above a simple platform. That platform was reached by climbing four deep steps on the north, south, or west side. A 20-foot-wide central aisle ran east and west, the eastern end completely closed by a wall pierced in the center by a single, 12-inch-diameter window six feet above the floor. A simple iron brazier stood in the center aisle towards the rear of the building.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 575 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 12 Nov 2023
at 00:33
  • msg #93

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 92):

Aladin will once again check both his slave and the necklace for information on this place.

Are any items found searching through the ruins?
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 439 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 12 Nov 2023
at 17:17
  • msg #94

The Cursed City (Main)

Again, Gurth carefully looked around for signs that others had been here recently. He checked for footprints or the smell of smoke from the brazier.  He managed to keep his nature to poke around in check for the time being.
Dragondog
GM, 1228 posts
Mon 13 Nov 2023
at 01:28
  • msg #95

The Cursed City (Main)

The slave reiterated that he had never been here before.

Aladin put on the amulet once more.

[OOC: Aladin, do you want to search for loot here?]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 410 posts
Mon 13 Nov 2023
at 16:39
  • msg #96

The Cursed City (Main)

"Wonder whose temple this was?" Keira turned into a shadow to slide on the floor and ceiling of the temple, looking for... she was not sure what herself. Secret chambers? Hidden stashes?

OOC: Our unique sense should make looking for secrets easier. And as a shadow Keira is less likely to trigger any traps. I hope.
Dragondog
GM, 1233 posts
Mon 13 Nov 2023
at 18:06
  • msg #97

The Cursed City (Main)

[OOC: That is absolutely true and so far, you haven't seen anything.]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 100 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 14 Nov 2023
at 08:27
  • msg #98

The Cursed City (Main)

"It's beautiful" Larathiel says, impressed, as she looks around the place for anything magical. "Hard to believe it has been abandoned..."
Dragondog
GM, 1242 posts
Tue 14 Nov 2023
at 08:52
  • msg #99

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel walked around.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 411 posts
Wed 15 Nov 2023
at 13:04
  • msg #100

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira went back to the party, but did not yet return to solid form. "As interesting as the local religious architecture is, I don't see or sense anything hidden here."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 440 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 15 Nov 2023
at 23:29
  • msg #101

The Cursed City (Main)

"What about that brazier over there? Seems to be the only thing out of place.", Gurth asked.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 101 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 16 Nov 2023
at 09:01
  • msg #102

The Cursed City (Main)

"There's no magic, but the window behind the brazier is a lens... Gurth is right, this is unusual."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 413 posts
Thu 16 Nov 2023
at 13:44
  • msg #103

The Cursed City (Main)

"Hmm. Well, there's no sunlight here for the lens to focus. You think it may have been used to focus the light coming from the brazier? Some kind of a ritual perhaps?"
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 586 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 17 Nov 2023
at 09:48
  • msg #104

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 103):

Aladin is willing to hold up something lit to test the theory...assuming he is finished in the other discussion at this time.
Dragondog
GM, 1260 posts
Sat 18 Nov 2023
at 11:44
  • msg #105

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin removed the amulet.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 414 posts
Sat 18 Nov 2023
at 14:27
  • msg #106

The Cursed City (Main)

"Next time you speak to the dead queen, maybe we should ask her what exactly we should do with her amulet. This is a big place and it would help to know what we are looking for." Keira said once Aladin took off the amulet.

From the pack on her camel she removed a small bundle of firewood. "Anyone wants to try lighting the brazier?
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 589 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 19 Nov 2023
at 05:20
  • msg #107

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 106):

"She said she will make that clear when we get there.

I will try to light the brazier when everyone is ready..."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 102 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 09:55
  • msg #108

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel tries to look through the lens. Perhaps it reveals something...
Dragondog
GM, 1266 posts
Tue 21 Nov 2023
at 01:57
  • msg #109

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 444 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 21 Nov 2023
at 02:47
  • msg #110

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth stood next to Larathiel while she peeked into the hole, ready to grad her and pull her away.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Tue 21 Nov 2023.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 416 posts
Wed 22 Nov 2023
at 16:27
  • msg #111

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira meanwhile tried to figure out just how was it possible for this place to be as bright as it was above surface.

OOC: Where is the light coming from? The ceiling above? Or some other source?
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 103 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 23 Nov 2023
at 05:22
  • msg #112

The Cursed City (Main)

"It's focusing light on the brazier... I guess that keeps it lit?" Larathiel said. "I wonder what would happen if it was blocked. Dangerous to try, maybe."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 418 posts
Thu 23 Nov 2023
at 06:46
  • msg #113

The Cursed City (Main)

"Then let's not try it. This place is weird."

OOC: This cave might be a good place to leave our camels, if we don't want to drag them with us further. There's light and nobody is around (I think). But we should look around more to be sure first.
Dragondog
GM, 1274 posts
Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 10:28
  • msg #114

The Cursed City (Main)

The group continued onward with their camels and their slave and for a while, the area became more hilly and more rocky. Slick even, as if after rainfall. They passed through these hills and later some ruins before they came to a blunt, angular, cross-like building with a ceramic dome on top. It was 104 feet from the southeastern "corner" of the cavern.

The building was obviously designed for permanence and simplicity over beauty. The exterior was rugged and no attempt had been made to smooth the surface of the walls or to make it pleasing to the eye. There were broad, squat arches that spoke of simplicity and strength with no hint of the grace or beauty found elsewhere in this cavern on the northwest and southeast sides of the building allowing entrance to the interior.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 420 posts
Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 13:31
  • msg #115

The Cursed City (Main)

"This one looks different. Shall we take a closer look?" Not waiting for an answer, Keira's monstrous shadow form slid along the wall of the building and headed for the closest entrance.

OOC: Probably best if Keira took point again. Sooner or later we are going to run into those traps this place is famous for.
Dragondog
GM, 1275 posts
Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 14:20
  • msg #116

The Cursed City (Main)

Four, broad steps led up to the arch. Shadow Keira entered the building and the walls were not thick. The interior was dimly lit. It had a coffered dome ceiling with alternating coffers removed to provide light. The walls and the ceiling were covered with a thin layer of yellow powder. A large semi-circle with a lowered floor dominated the room. A two-step staircase was part of the semi-circle and led down to the bottom. Only remnants of the mosaic that once used to cover the floor remained. The lowered floor became more and more lowered the further away it came from the stairs.

Keira's Spatial Awareness told her that the room on the other side of the wall was a mirror image of this one. The lowered area completed a perfect circle bisected by the wall. In the center of the wall and the lowered area was a square pillar. There were openings at the bottom of the pillar that led underground to a 12-foot diameter pipe. A sewer system in this cavern that they hadn't been paying attention to as they had been exploring what they could see.

There were additional capped drains in the floor, each cap gleaming of gold through a film of yellow powder.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 421 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 16:39
  • msg #117

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira went back outside and left her shadow form to report what she could, which was not much. "Looks safe, whatever it is. Maybe we could leave the camels in there?" She then walked back inside to scratch at the yellow powder on the nearest wall, examining the residue on her fingers and trying to figure out what it was.
Dragondog
GM, 1276 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 16:57
  • msg #118

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned to her normal form, reported what she had seen, and went back inside.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 591 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 22:34
  • msg #119

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 118):

Aladin will check it out as well, especially the sewers. He will check out any entrances he can find for them, as well as checking his spatial awareness senses.
Dragondog
GM, 1277 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 22:55
  • msg #120

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 592 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 06:37
  • msg #121

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 120):

Aladin will open the sewers to see what is there...
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 105 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 08:53
  • msg #122

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel reacts to the sewers the way one might anticipate one whose whole life has been dedicated to beauty would react. "Eww! Let's stay away from those!"
Dragondog
GM, 1278 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 10:56
  • msg #123

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin removed the 8 by 18 by 1 inch cap from the drain. It looked like it was made of gold and fortunately, it wasn't one solid slab of gold, as that would have been a lot heavier, but most of it had been removed so that water could pass through the grill while keeping items out of the 6 by 6 inches pipe going straight down to the sewer five yards underground.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:16, Mon 04 Dec 2023.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 422 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 12:55
  • msg #124

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira wiped her fingers on her robes. "This place just keeps getting weirder. Does anyone have any idea what this yellow stuff is? And why is it covering everything in here?"

OOC: I don't suppose anyone has alchemy, chemistry or some similar skill? Kiera has some points in poisons, but even that at a dubious level.
Dragondog
GM, 1279 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 16:13
  • msg #125

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 593 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 1 Dec 2023
at 09:34
  • msg #126

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 125):

"Sulphur. A lot of it. It could have come from a volcanic explosion, but that would usually be accompanied by even more ash. More likely some other source, perhaps more demonic..."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 447 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 1 Dec 2023
at 16:24
  • msg #127

The Cursed City (Main)

"This sulphur is probably related to whatever buried the city way back whenever.", Gurth speculated.

He walked around the room, looking for signs of any hidden doors.
Dragondog
GM, 1280 posts
Fri 1 Dec 2023
at 16:40
  • msg #128

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 423 posts
Fri 1 Dec 2023
at 19:10
  • msg #129

The Cursed City (Main)

"Huh. Maybe it's somehow connected to those pipes. A hot spring or a bathhouse of some kind."

OOC: Should we leave the camels here or keep looking for a better place?
Dragondog
GM, 1281 posts
Sat 2 Dec 2023
at 08:49
  • msg #130

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin left the building and started looking around on the ground.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:50, Sat 02 Dec 2023.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 594 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 02:00
  • msg #131

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 130):

Aladin looks for a stone from a sling to drop down the tube.

"If the city was burned with Sulphur, how come the buildings are not burned? Kiera could be closer. But this does seem as good a spot as any to leave the camels. Or maybe we don't lave them...they have all the supplies and the tent."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 448 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 04:52
  • msg #132

The Cursed City (Main)

"Maybe the city was buried not burned.  I don't think we we will find out what really happened. It must have happened hundreds of years ago.", replied Gurth.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 107 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 09:52
  • msg #133

The Cursed City (Main)

"I think it would be best to leave the camels here" Larathiel says. "A couple of hundred years isn't as long for elves... it can't be an unsolvable mystery."
Dragondog
GM, 1282 posts
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 19:17
  • msg #134

The Cursed City (Main)

They stabled their camels in the sulphur-dusted building and continued their exploring the cavern. They passed some serpent-infested ruins before coming to the next building. The 170-foot-long building was constructed of glowing gray-pink stone. The stone in the east and west walls were carved to form very attractive frescoes of young men involved in various games and gymnastics activities.

The north and south walls of the building were carved in the same way, but each side also had two arched entrances. The building had a peaked, clay-tile roof that was longer on the south end of the building than on the north. So there had to be an open court inside.

Within, the open, peristyle court was dominated by the open area and colonnade. On the north side were three enclosures. Wall paintings of various athletic events decorated the white marble facades. On the other three sides, small alcoves were set into the outside walls. inside the open area was a large pool, now filled with sand, dust, and some of the clay tiles that once protected the roof. The surface of the sand was scalloped and littered with debris.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 595 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 20:28
  • msg #135

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 134):

The serpent infested ruins were of some concern to Aladin, who sought to understand what destroyed the buildings, and also what the serpents ate. He looked for signs they traveled beyond the ruins. Signs in the sand, etc.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 424 posts
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 21:14
  • msg #136

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira tried to orient herself in this strange place.

OOC: Got a couple questions. First, how much of this cavern have we explored so far? And second, did we notice any passages leading out besides the one we came through?
Dragondog
GM, 1284 posts
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 21:36
  • msg #137

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira looked around the cavern. It was about 1500-1600 feet in diameter. Even with their ability to know the exact distance to an object, it still was difficult to make an accurate estimate of the diameter as the distance changed as they moved. It was difficult to maintain a level, straight line for their measurements because of hills, buildings, and ruins.

So far they had gotten about halfway around the circumference of the cavern, so they had the second half and the center left. Though there seemed to be less to see in the center.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 596 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 5 Dec 2023
at 03:03
  • msg #138

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 137):

Aladin spread out from the others a little to cover more ground as they searched the area. They continued on looking around the cavern.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 449 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 5 Dec 2023
at 04:46
  • msg #139

The Cursed City (Main)

Looking around at the ruins, Gurth was reminded why they were there in the first place.

"Be alert for signs of that woman and her party. We still have to return that dagger to her husband if we want to get paid.", he said to his friends.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 425 posts
Tue 5 Dec 2023
at 15:52
  • msg #140

The Cursed City (Main)

"Might as well keep our eyes open, but I doubt we are that lucky. If I had to guess, I'd say she is on the location we sensed when we got here... and probably also where the cultists went to."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 108 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 6 Dec 2023
at 08:58
  • msg #141

The Cursed City (Main)

"I hope we don't run in to any more cultists... that really hurt last time" Larathiel says. Travelling with the group had toughened her, but she was still more a girl of art than of war.
Dragondog
GM, 1287 posts
Wed 6 Dec 2023
at 18:14
  • msg #142

The Cursed City (Main)

They continued to explore the cavern and the next building was less than 150 feet away.

This low, gray, stone building with a red tile roof had a single door in the northeast wall, close to the corner and the northwest wall.

Inside, the ceiling only covered the 15 feet closest to the walls and 16 columns supported its inner edge, forming a 20 by 20 foot open courtyard. Contrasting with the dull exterior, the interior was paved and lined with gleaming white marble. And the brilliance of the interior reflected the light that streamed through the central opening. But there seemed to be less light now than it had been when they first entered this cavern.

There was a weirdly shaped depression in the floor at each corner of the building. 10 by 10 feet areas, deeper the closer they came to the corner of the building, and two "arms" with staircases leading down into the central area.

In the middle of the central area was another 10 by 10 foot pool, almost completely filled with debris.

They had seen a lot of bathhouses in this cavern. Either cleanliness was really important to them, their bathhouses were much better built than other buildings, or something else was going on.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 450 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 05:20
  • msg #143

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth looked around the courtyard and then at the stairs going down.

"I think this might be a rooftop. The rest of the building is probably buried.", he said, giving his educated guess.


OOC: 22:18, Today: Gurth rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,3.  Carpentry -12  (construction/architecture default?).
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 109 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 08:56
  • msg #144

The Cursed City (Main)

"It's getting darker, want me to magic a bit more light into the situation?" Larathiel says. "My people bathe often, but this is a bit much. I wonder if it wasn't water that went into these pools."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:56, Fri 08 Dec 2023.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 427 posts
Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 17:13
  • msg #145

The Cursed City (Main)

"It is a bit strange. Hopefully it's just because they really, really liked bathing." Keira took a closer at the debris in the central pool.

OOC: Anything interesting in there? Or just rock/sand?

edit: Adding a Perception roll, in case one is needed, though it might make more sense for the GM to roll such things in secret. Keira also has some of listed skills (Observation, Tracking, Traps), but I am unsure if any of them apply here.

21:44, Today: Keira rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,1.  Perception? (16).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Fri 08 Dec 2023.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 451 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 9 Dec 2023
at 18:59
  • msg #146

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth was fascinated at the idea of finding a place like this, where time has stood still.  He tried to get a sense of what this place was and how the people lived there. He circled around the garden and then stopped to look at the debris in the pool. Occasionally, he poked at it with his sword.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 110 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 07:47
  • msg #147

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel was an artist, not an architect, and she knew nothing about buildings. Still, she did what searching she could. "A religious structure, maybe?
Dragondog
GM, 1291 posts
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 23:40
  • msg #148

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth looked around. He seemed particularly interested in the debris in the middle of the building and he went through some of them.


Keira looked at the debris in the central pool as well as the three smaller pools in the corners further away from the entrance.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 428 posts
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 15:30
  • msg #149

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira examined one of the golden caps with a speculative look on her face. "Gold is gold."

OOC: Can these caps be removed? Also, could our special sense tell if there is anything interesting in the debris besides rock and sand?
Dragondog
GM, 1292 posts
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 16:11
  • msg #150

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira stepped into one of the smaller pools and with some effort, she removed one of the gold slotted caps. It was sort of heavy, but not so heavy that she couldn't lift it with one hand if she wanted to. But still was too heavy to willingly carry around when there were other options.


[OOC: Your Spatial Awareness gives you the same information about a thing as your eyes would if you saw that thing. It cannot see inside solid things, so you wouldn't be able to find a sword hidden in sand. Putting the sword in a box and hiding the box in sand would let you see inside the box because there is empty space there, but only if it's covered with less than a foot of sand, as that's how much stuff you can see through. So it doesn't help very much sifting through this stuff. And most of it is covered by too much stuff to be seen anyway.

It weighs about 35 lbs.]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 429 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 13:55
  • msg #151

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira dropped the golden cap on the ground next to the pool. "Hmm. Not sure if this is really solid gold, but either way, it certainly looks like something worth picking up."

OOC: A bit too heavy to casually carry around, but we should probably loot as many of them as we can and stash them with our camels.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 452 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 22:00
  • msg #152

The Cursed City (Main)

Not finding anything of interest, Gurth shrugged his shoulders and moved on.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 111 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 14 Dec 2023
at 07:47
  • msg #153

The Cursed City (Main)

"I think being clean may have had some religious significance to these people, with all the baths... does that match any faith we know?" Larathiel asked the group.
Dragondog
GM, 1294 posts
Thu 14 Dec 2023
at 15:46
  • msg #154

The Cursed City (Main)

They left the golden slotted caps with their camels as they continued exploring this space.

Towards the right, and the center of the cavern, there were two buildings, both of them somewhat deteriorated, but not into ruins like some of the structures the group had encountered. And to the left, and closer to the edge of the cavern, was a larger building that seemingly had withstood the test of time, like the buildings they had investigated so far. Both sets of structures were about 200 feet away.

[OOC: Where do you go?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 599 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 05:22
  • msg #155

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 154):

Aladin is all for checking the building near the cavern, and the cavern itself...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 454 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 05:31
  • msg #156

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth nodded in agreement.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 112 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 07:28
  • msg #157

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel also agrees,
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 431 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 09:06
  • msg #158

The Cursed City (Main)

"Fine by me, just keep your eyes open. For a place with such dangerous reputation this city so far been surprisingly safe. That can't last forever."

OOC: Gonna have Keira take point in shadow form again.
Dragondog
GM, 1297 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 14:34
  • msg #159

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned to her shadow form and headed on as they explored the buildings and ruins of this cavern. And the others followed.

They left their camels at the bathhouse and stacked the three gold slotted caps next to them.

And as many of the previous buildings they had encountered, this was another bathhouse. A vaulted ceiling was held up by simple columns. Several other columns stood, partially broken, at regular intervals as if they had supported additional sections of the ceiling. One empty pool remains at the northern end of the building and near this circular depression, they could see a body clutching a familiar golden object.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 602 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 01:29
  • msg #160

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 159):

Aladin will move up and investigate...
Dragondog
GM, 1298 posts
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 05:53
  • msg #161

The Cursed City (Main)

After picking up a pebble from the ground, Aladin went to the empty pool and dropped it into the drain. It made the noises of landing on a hard surface.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 603 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 06:03
  • msg #162

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 161):

Aladin listened to hear if anything came to investigate...
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 113 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 07:14
  • msg #163

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel stifled a gasp on seeing the body, since she didn't want to interrupt what Aladin was doing. She readied herself to cast if she had to.
Dragondog
GM, 1299 posts
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 07:42
  • msg #164

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 604 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 03:42
  • msg #165

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 164):

Comforting. Aladin relaxes a little as they continue their investigations.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 455 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 05:51
  • msg #166

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth followed along with the group, his axe-hammer in hand.   It was ready to be a tool or a weapon.  Hopefully neither would be needed.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 114 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 07:52
  • msg #167

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel looks at the body. "An old death or a new one?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 432 posts
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 08:23
  • msg #168

The Cursed City (Main)

Meanwhile, Keira's shadow looked more closely at the item the body was holding.

OOC: What is this item?
Dragondog
GM, 1300 posts
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 07:18
  • msg #169

The Cursed City (Main)

The body had not been there long. Days perhaps. And it was holding one of the golden slotted caps.

As they were getting the first look around the place, a half dozen human-sized snakes were slithering towards them from the other side of the building.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 116 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 23:06
  • msg #170

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel clamps a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. After she calms down a bit she frantically whispers to the others "Snakes! What should we do?" She's clearly frightened.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 605 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 21 Dec 2023
at 04:19
  • msg #171

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 170):

Aladin fals back to the rest of the group, getting ready to deal with the critters...

"Guess we know how he died..."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 436 posts
Wed 27 Dec 2023
at 20:01
  • msg #172

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira left her shadow form a couple steps in front of Larathiel, her staff at the ready. She briefly wondered if the snakes were poisonous before kicking herself over it. Of course they were poisonous. "We convince them to look for an easier meal."

OOC: Waiting to rapid strike the first one that comes into range. Parry to defend, using retreat as well if attacked the second time. Btw, what happens when parrying animal/monster bite or claw attack? Do the rules for Parrying Unarmed Attacks (p. 376) apply?
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 607 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 27 Dec 2023
at 22:54
  • msg #173

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 172):

Parrying is always hitting the weapon/body part used to attack. In this case, it would be inflicting damage to the head...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 458 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Thu 28 Dec 2023
at 23:27
  • msg #174

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth stepped up next to Keira and readied his axe-hammer.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 119 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 16:46
  • msg #175

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel begins to dance, calling on her power and getting ready to cast.
Dragondog
GM, 1307 posts
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 12:28
  • msg #176

The Cursed City (Main)

The snakes advanced and soon they were about 5 yards away from the group.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 610 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 22:42
  • msg #177

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 176):

Could we identify any choke points that would reduce the number that could attack at once?
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 461 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 12 Jan 2024
at 15:33
  • msg #178

The Cursed City (Main)

Looking around, Gurth didn't see any choke points that would restrict the movement of the snakes.   However, the debris from the ruined building made the footing here treacherous and would put them at a disadvantage during the fight.

"Move back.  We should not fight here in this rubble.", he advised.

He reached down at his feet and picked up a rock and threw it at the snakes to discourage their advance.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 612 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 13 Jan 2024
at 00:03
  • msg #179

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin also moved back to a more defensible position.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 123 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 13 Jan 2024
at 09:26
  • msg #180

The Cursed City (Main)

Not being a warrior, Larathiel doesn't need any encouragement to retreat. She fades back with the others, following their lead, although she is still ready to cast or fight with her glaive.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 439 posts
Sat 13 Jan 2024
at 12:10
  • msg #181

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira followed the others while trying not to turn her back to the snakes.
Dragondog
GM, 1310 posts
Sat 13 Jan 2024
at 18:25
  • msg #182

The Cursed City (Main)

The group retreated out of the ruins to get to better footing and the serpents pursued them. They traveled at about the same speed as the heroes did and remained at about 5 yards away from them.

[OOC: What do you want to do?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 613 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 14 Jan 2024
at 08:01
  • msg #183

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 182):

We retreat in such a way as to ensure that the number of attackers is as limited as possible, pulling to the most useful side to get closer to some than to others to break up the attack further.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Sat 20 Jan.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 464 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 04:51
  • msg #184

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth pulled back and found a place next to Keira that seemed to at least give them a fair fighting position.  Better than the unsteady footing of the ruins at least.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 127 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 10:49
  • msg #185

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel takes a position behind her friends, her glaive in her hands. "I wish I could find a decent naginata" she says as though it were a shopping trip, mostly to try to avoid thinking about the snakes, which frighten her.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 442 posts
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 11:16
  • msg #186

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira readied her staff and waited for the snakes to come within her reach.
Dragondog
GM, 1320 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2024
at 10:20
  • msg #187

The Cursed City (Main)

As they moved away from the serpents and to the side, the serpents followed them. Their left flank was now covered by the ruins so they couldn't be attacked from that direction.



[OOC: The below table show how far away everyone is from Keira.]

7 yards6 yards5 yards4 yards3 yards2 yards01 yards2 yards3 yards
Serpent 1Serpent 2Serpent 3Serpent 4Serpent 5Serpent 6KeiraGurthAladinLarathiel

[What do you do.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 620 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 25 Jan 2024
at 19:02
  • msg #188

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin will prepare to defend (Retreating Parry)...club and shield.

Please refresh my memory: Do you want us to roll attacks/defences if we are not sure if they will be needed?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Fri 26 Jan.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 444 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2024
at 21:24
  • msg #189

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira quickly struck at the snake the moment it came inside her reach, then took a step back next to Gurth, her staff held across her body.

OOC: Rapid strike the closest snake at skill 13, both are potential hits.

21:53, Today: Keira rolled 10,6 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 1,6,3,6.  Rapid strike 1 (attack, damage). – 10,6
21:53, Today: Keira rolled 11,3 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 3,4,4,3.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 11,3

Then step back next to Gurth, keeping him between Keira and the wall if possible. Also, switch to defensive grip to get my parry up to 15. Gonna parry any hits, and use Feverish Defense for extra bonus if needing to do so a second time. Aladin's question is a good one, do we need to roll for defense?

Also also, using luck to reroll critical hit against Keira, should one happen. I think we are in a decent position here, with the snakes just far enough to need to make a move to attack us. Probably.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 131 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 26 Jan 2024
at 23:10
  • msg #190

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel dances for a moment to focus her power. She initially learned magic to accompany her dancing, and while she no longer needs to do this, she often does so anyways. She finishes, raises her right hand and cuts loose with a Sunbolt at one of the Serpents (Serpent 4).

16:06, Today: Larathiel rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,1.  Innate attack (Beam). – 9
16:09, Today: Larathiel rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,4.  Damage. – 14
They take one additional die of damage if they are weak to sunlight.

Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 465 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 26 Jan 2024
at 23:30
  • msg #191

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth watches the lead snake slither up, looking for the perfect place to place his axe.

-------------------------------------------------

OOC:  Gurth uses Evaluate maneuver.  If attacked, will perform a retreating dodge.
Dragondog
GM, 1324 posts
Sat 27 Jan 2024
at 00:14
  • msg #192

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin prepared to defend himself.
Larathiel danced and despite casting a spell, nothing happened!
The closest serpent closed with Keira and she beat it until it didn't move. She then stepped away from them.
The next serpent moved in on them and attacked Gurth, but he avoided it and stepped away.
The next serpent slithered forward and attacked Keira, but she slapped it aside with her staff.
The other serpents closed on them.


[OOC: The below table show how far away everyone is from Keira.]

2 yards1 yard01 yards2 yards3 yards
Serpent 1Serpent 2Serpent 6 Serpent 3Serpent 4, Serpent 5; KeiraGurth, AladinLarathiel

[What do you do.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 622 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 27 Jan 2024
at 04:20
  • msg #193

The Cursed City (Main)

No one injured, Aladin will prepare to defend (Retreating Parry)...club and shield...again.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 132 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 29 Jan 2024
at 07:11
  • msg #194

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel gasps in horror. "My magic! It's not working!" she wails. As a High Elf, her magic was natural to her species. To have it blocked was like losing a part of herself. "Something is blocking it" She gets out her bow; it's a poor substitute for her magic, but it should do the job.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 445 posts
Mon 29 Jan 2024
at 19:57
  • msg #195

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira tried to again strike at the snakes, but missed both of her attacks. "Great, just great."

Switch to normal grip to attack. And two misses this time. Bah.

20:37, Today: Keira rolled 15,3 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 3,6,6,3.  Rapid strike 1 (attack, damage). – 15,3
20:37, Today: Keira rolled 15,3 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 6,5,4,3.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 15,3

Taking another step back. Going to parry to defend, with retreat the first time (15) I need to defend and with feverish defense (14) if I need to parry the second time. Hopefully I won't need to parry the third time or things might get ugly. Again, using luck to reroll critical hits against Keira, should one happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Mon 29 Jan.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 466 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 01:58
  • msg #196

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth grunted and swung down at the angry serpent.

"You will not feast on us today!", he said through gritted teeth.
Dragondog
GM, 1325 posts
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 04:39
  • msg #197

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin remained in his ready stance.
Larathiel got her bow into her hands.
Keira swung her staff again, but this time she didn't have much luck. And then she stepped back.
Gurth swung his axe and one of the serpents stopped moving.

One of the snakes pursued Keira and as it tried to bite her, she deflected it with her staff as she continued to back away.
One of the snakes moved up on Gurth, but the bite missed.
Another snake moved in on Aladin with better luck as it avoided the cleric's parry and bit him.
The final snake went for Larathiel and she was unable to avoid it.




[Aladin was bit for 4hp and lost another 11hp to the poison. He's at -3 out of 12hp. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up. He will have to make an HT roll at the beginning of his next turn to remain conscious. If he does and chooses to Do Nothing, he doesn't have to roll to remain conscious. But if he acts, he has to roll every turn.

Larathiel was bit for 6hp and lost another 3hp to the poison. She's at 0 out of 9hp. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up. She will have to make an HT roll at the beginning of her next turn to remain conscious. If she does and chooses to Do Nothing, she doesn't have to roll to remain conscious. But if she acts, she has to roll every turn.

The dice did not go our way this turn.]

[OOC: The below table shows how far away everyone is from the middle point.]

[Bows are slow in GURPS. On turn 1 you take a Ready Maneuver to get an arrow. On turn 2 you take a Ready Maneuver to nock the arrow. And on turn 3 you can fire. If you want to aim to increase your chances of hitting, that takes an additional turn. If you successfully fast-draw an arrow, you can fire every other round. With the Heroic Archer advantage, you might be able to fire every turn. But that depends on your skill with the bow.]

01 yards2 yards3 yards
Serpent 6Serpent 4Serpent 5(K); Serpent 3-Gurth, Serpent 2(A)Aladin, Keira, Serpent 1-Larathiel

[What do you do.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:23, Tue 30 Jan.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 623 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 04:56
  • msg #198

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin will defend again (Retreating Parry, don't forget the shield) as he heals himself.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 133 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 08:21
  • msg #199

The Cursed City (Main)

Cursing in a manner you wouldn't think such an elegant young woman would know, Larathiel switches to her glaive since the snake is close.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 446 posts
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 13:53
  • msg #200

The Cursed City (Main)

Kiera turned on the snake attacking Larathiel and struck at it with her staff, more in the hope of drawing its attention than actually doing real damage. "Get off her!"

Rapid strike again, for maybe minimal damage. Not good at all.

14:37, Today: Keira rolled 8,1 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 1,4,3,1.  Rapid strike 1 (attack, damage). – 8,1
14:38, Today: Keira rolled 14,4 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 3,6,5,4.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 14,4

As for defense, parry first hit, parry second hit with Feverish Defense, and a dodge + retreat in case I need to make a third defense roll. Again rerolling critical hits against Keira.
Dragondog
GM, 1327 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 21:01
  • msg #201

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin remained on his feet and as he tried to heal himself, nothing happened.


Larathiel started swapping weapons, but she couldn't remain conscious, and she fell to the ground.

Keira attacked the serpent next to Larathiel's body with a flurry of her staff and her first attack struck it.

The serpent Aladin had fought with earlier pursued him, but its bite missed.

As did the serpent who had brought Larathiel down when it turned on Keira. The serpent she had fought with earlier pursued her, but she was able to swat its head away.

[Aladin's at -3 out of 12hp. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up. He will have to make an HT roll at the beginning of each turn to remain conscious, unless he chooses to Do Nothing.

Larathiel's at 0 out of 9hp. She is unconscious. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.
]

[OOC: The below table shows how far away everyone is from the middle point.]

2 yards3 yards
Serpent 3-GurthSerpent 5-Aladin, Serpent 2-Keira-Serpent 1-Larathiel

[What do you do.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 624 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 04:36
  • msg #202

The Cursed City (Main)

Failing at healing himself, Aladin falls to the ground.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 467 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 04:52
  • msg #203

The Cursed City (Main)

Another serpent appeared before Gurth.  Again struck down at it with his axe.



OOC:  21:51, 21:50, Today: Gurth rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,6.  Attack with axe -15.
Today: Gurth rolled 12 using 3d6+3 with rolls of 3,4,2.  possible damage - axe 3d6+3. – 12 
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Sun 04 Feb.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 448 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 20:12
  • msg #204

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira kept striking at the serpent, hoping to wear it down.

Rapid strike... serpent 1? The one that was attacking Larathiel.

21:07, Today: Keira rolled 13,2 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 6,6,1,2.  Rapid strike 1 (attack, damage). – 13,2
21:07, Today: Keira rolled 11,3 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 1,4,6,3.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 11,3

Same deal for defenses, parry first hit, parry second hit with Feverish Defense, and a dodge + retreat in case I need to make a third defense roll. Again rerolling critical hits against Keira. Also, are Keira's parries hurting the snakes at all?
Dragondog
GM, 1328 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 05:56
  • msg #205

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin crumbled to the ground.
Gurth swung his axe at the serpent attacking him and stopped it in its tracks.
Keira continued to fight the serpent that had fought with Larathiel and both of her attacks struck it.
And that serpent attacked Keira in return, but again she batted it aside, and this time it brought it to the ground.
The only remaining serpent went for Gurth, but its teeth did not penetrate his armor.



[Aladin's at -3 out of 12hp. Unconscious. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.

Larathiel's at 0 out of 9hp. She is unconscious. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.
]

[OOC: Thank you for pointing that out, Keira! I had not done that. I have gone back and looked at each of your parries to see what happened and I have downed another serpent because of it. And yes, Serpent 1 is the one that attacked Larathiel earlier.


The below table shows how far away everyone is from the middle point.]

2 yards3 yards
Serpent 3-Gurth-Serpent 5#Aladin, Serpent 2 Keira-Serpent 1-#Larathiel

[What do you do.]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 449 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 19:47
  • msg #206

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira struck at the last serpent with her staff.

OOC: Ok, stop me if you heard this one before.

20:42, Today: Keira rolled 8,6 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 1,4,3,6.  Rapid strike 1 (attack, damage). – 8,6
20:43, Today: Keira rolled 5,2 using 3d6,1d6 with rolls of 2,2,1,2.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 5,2

Switch to defensive grip after attacking. Parry and retreat to defend, rerolling critical hits against Keira.
Dragondog
GM, 1329 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 13:00
  • msg #207

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira attacked the only remaining moving serpent and her staff continued to move like a whirlwind.

In return, it attacked her, but she swatted its head aside and moved away from it.


[Aladin's at -3 out of 12hp. Unconscious. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.

Larathiel's at 0 out of 9hp. She is unconscious. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.
]

[OOC: The below table shows how far away everyone is from the middle point.]

2 yards3 yards4 yards
Serpent 3-Gurth-Serpent 5#Aladin, Serpent 2 Serpent 1-#LarathielKeira

[What do you do.]
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 468 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 14:32
  • msg #208

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth does his thing again and swings his axe at the serpent in front of him.

OOC:
07:29, Today: Gurth rolled 3 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,1.  Attack with axe -15.  Crit!

07:30, Today: Gurth rolled 16 using 3d6+3 with rolls of 1,6,6.  possible damage - axe 3d6+3.

GURTH SMASH!!!!
Dragondog
GM, 1330 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 14:50
  • msg #209

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth cut the final serpent to pieces.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 469 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 16:58
  • msg #210

The Cursed City (Main)

With the final threat dispatched, Gurth put away his axe and went to Aladin.  He cradled Aladin's head in his huge hands and tried to rouse him.

"Hey.  Hey.  Wake up, friend. You're safe now.", Gurth said while tapping him on the shoulder.
Dragondog
GM, 1331 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 17:01
  • msg #211

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth tried to rouse Aladin, but he remained unconscious.
Dragondog
GM, 1336 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 19:49
  • msg #212

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 453 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 19:59
  • msg #213

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira pulled some bandages from her pouch and tried to help the fallen the best as she could by cleaning up and bandaging their wounds. Seeing that Aladdin is in worse shape, she took a small vial and poured its content down his mouth.

As she waits to see if her potion had any effect, she looks around and says: "Our cultist friend is gone. If he makes it back, he could bring the whole lot on our heads."

OOC: Bandaging up first Larathiel, then Aladdin, and administering the minor healing potion to Aladin.

It the unlikely case it actually works:
20:46, Today: Keira rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Healing Potion. – 2

And even if it does work it's not enough to bring him up to positive HP, so I fear we are stuck here for at least 30 minutes while I try to make a First Aid Roll.
Dragondog
GM, 1337 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 20:14
  • msg #214

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira took out her bandages and bandaged the Larathiel and Aladin. She poured the healing potion into the cleric's mouth. 15 minutes later only Larathiel stirred. So Keira spent half an hour caring for Aladin, but to no effect. So they waited. And another 15 minutes later, Aladin woke up too.

[Aladin's at -2 out of 12hp. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.
Larathiel's at 1 out of 9hp. Half Speed, Move, and Dodge, round up.]

[OOC: Please note that you have two fewer uses of your bandages left on your character sheet. The First Aid roll succeeded, but the healing roll wasn't high enough to actually do anything.]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 135 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 20:31
  • msg #215

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel stirs and groans weakly. "Oww, that hurt." She rolls up to a seated position, wrapping her arms around her legs in front of her. "My magic wasn't working... this doesn't seem write. Something is really wrong here." She tries to create a small light with her sorcery to test if it is working again.
Dragondog
GM, 1338 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 20:39
  • msg #216

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel cast a spell, but nothing happened.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 136 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 21:10
  • msg #217

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel has to put some effort in to not yelling in frustration. "I hate this place. If it is indeed this place. Maybe it's something in it... some evil." She shivers, ill at ease when separated from her abilities.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 471 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 21:08
  • msg #218

The Cursed City (Main)

"I don't know.  Maybe your magic will return if we press on.", Gurth suggested.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 137 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 13 Feb 2024
at 07:09
  • msg #219

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel nodded. "I hope so. A part of me is missing without it."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 626 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 13 Feb 2024
at 09:18
  • msg #220

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 219):

Aladin lays quietly, at least he is not getting worse...

His prisoner is probably heading for the hills...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 454 posts
Tue 13 Feb 2024
at 13:44
  • msg #221

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira scratched her head at this conundrum. "Well, we know magic worked earlier... so it could be something about this cave specifically that is blocking it. If we went back to the tunnel it might work again and Aladin could use his healing magic before we continue. Moving forward could be risky with two of us in a bad shape already."

OOC: We definitely need that healing spell, and the tunnel that led here is the last place where we know for sure magic works. Or at least, where it used to work.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 138 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 15 Feb 2024
at 17:57
  • msg #222

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel nods. "Yes, that seems wise. This place is dangerous enough as it is, best to be in good health."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 472 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 00:09
  • msg #223

The Cursed City (Main)

"That makes sense.  Let us head back.", Gurth agreed.
Dragondog
GM, 1342 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 03:49
  • msg #224

The Cursed City (Main)

The group left the cavern and returned to the entry cavern.

[OOC: Are you bringing your camels or leaving them?]
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 474 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 05:16
  • msg #225

The Cursed City (Main)

OOC:  We can bring them back but we might have to get Aladin out first and then come back for them.  How much distance between the camels and the entrance?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Fri 16 Feb.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 456 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 17:07
  • msg #226

The Cursed City (Main)

As they were moving, Keira took point again, looking at the ground before them.

Trying to see if our friend also came this way back to his buddies. Keira has a decent tracking skill, so she might as well use it. Not sure which modifiers would apply here though. -2 for desert terrain (unless this is urban?), +3 for following a man? Too late to make use of her infravision, that's for sure.

17:59, Today: Keira rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,3.  Tracking (15). – 14
Dragondog
GM, 1345 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 17:24
  • msg #227

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:53, Fri 16 Feb.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 457 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 18:02
  • msg #228

The Cursed City (Main)

When the party reached the tunnel, Keira looked around with a worried look on her face before speaking. "So, I got some bad news and I got some worse news. The bad news is, our friend definitely went back here. The worse news is, here he met more people before leaving down the tunnel. Likely a search party they sent out after the lot that attacked us failed to return. What this means is that now they have a good idea of where we are and just how strong we are. They could be gearing up to come after us in greater numbers at the moment, if they are not already on their way."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 631 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 17 Feb 2024
at 07:02
  • msg #229

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 228):

Aladin will try every few minutes to heal himself and those around him...
Dragondog
GM, 1349 posts
Sat 17 Feb 2024
at 07:07
  • msg #230

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin prayed every few minutes and When they were back out in the entrance cavern, his prayers healed him of some of his injuries. He then continued to heal himself fand Larathiel until they were fully healed.


[Everyone is now fully healed and can move normally.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 632 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 17 Feb 2024
at 07:17
  • msg #231

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 230):

"I suggest we head to a different location now before a search party arrives..."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 139 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 19 Feb 2024
at 07:20
  • msg #232

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel sighed, feeling much better. "Then let's get moving back into those ruins. They didn't seem to patrol there."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 633 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 19 Feb 2024
at 08:33
  • msg #233

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 232):

"Perhaps we should go to different ones?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 458 posts
Mon 19 Feb 2024
at 13:31
  • msg #234

The Cursed City (Main)

"You mean, go back to the entrance and pick another tunnel? That could throw them off our scent. But if I was them I would have posted some guards at the entrance, precisely to prevent that."

OOC: I am fine with either continuing where we left off or trying another tunnel. Both have their risks.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 634 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 20 Feb 2024
at 01:54
  • msg #235

The Cursed City (Main)

Dragondog:
Aladin prayed every few minutes and When they were back out in the entrance cavern, his prayers healed him of some of his injuries. He then continued to heal himself fand Larathiel until they were fully healed.


[Everyone is now fully healed and can move normally.]


Thought we were back to the entrance?
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 459 posts
Tue 20 Feb 2024
at 07:32
  • msg #236

The Cursed City (Main)

OOC: Hmm, not sure. I thought we only went to the entrance to this cave with the buried city we were just exploring, and not all the way back to the exit to the surface. Since magic worked just before we entered this city, I assumed we would have no reason to go all the way back.
Dragondog
GM, 1358 posts
Wed 28 Feb 2024
at 17:38
  • msg #237

The Cursed City (Main)

The group headed back into the cavern they had started exploring and Larathiel used her magic to craft her illusions, one disappearing as quickly as the next one was cast. And as soon as she entered the cavern, her magic was lost to her! This time they explored to the right for 0.6 miles before they reached the first ruin. It had once been a shrine to this serpent god of theirs, but it didn't seem to be more than rubble now.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 142 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 29 Feb 2024
at 07:07
  • msg #238

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel shivers as her illusions go out. "I hate it here". She grips her glaive tightly, although it seems weak compared to her magic. "I wish I knew the cause, and could be rid of it."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 640 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 29 Feb 2024
at 10:03
  • msg #239

The Cursed City (Main)

"Perhaps the ancient city was built here because of this. That would stop ancient religions fighting each other."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 461 posts
Thu 29 Feb 2024
at 11:48
  • msg #240

The Cursed City (Main)

"Perhaps. Either way, there doesn't seem to be anything of value in this particular ruin. We should continue our search. Hopefully there is another exit somewhere around here, as I do not relish the idea of fighting our way back through a small army of fanatics."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 477 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Thu 29 Feb 2024
at 18:07
  • msg #241

The Cursed City (Main)

"I agree". Perhaps If we keep going they will lose interest."", Gurth replied as he kept a close eye behind them.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Thu 29 Feb.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 641 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 29 Feb 2024
at 23:33
  • msg #242

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 241):

"Yes, we need to keep moving..."
Dragondog
GM, 1359 posts
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 05:37
  • msg #243

The Cursed City (Main)

They continued moving and there were three structures ahead. A rectangular one to the right, a tall circular one to the left, and a ruin in between them.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 642 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 06:30
  • msg #244

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 243):

"Lets check the tall one first. It may have a view."

Aladin will check magic with light regularly...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 462 posts
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 11:43
  • msg #245

The Cursed City (Main)

"Might as well." Keira looked for the nearest entrance to the building in question.
Dragondog
GM, 1360 posts
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 13:06
  • msg #246

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin prayed, but the prayer didn't have its intended effect.

They came to the low curving hill, about 400 feet across, that the structure was located on. The outer circle of the structure was a 20-foot-high wall with three openings. A space of 30 feet separated this wall from a second circular wall of the same height. Only one of the three openings in the first ring had a corresponding opening in the second ring.

The entry path was flanked by two immense gray stones just within the inner ring. These stones, which were 10 feet on a side and stood 40 feet tall, towered over the inner yard. And they too were part of a circle of smaller stones. Through the two openings they could see a stone shrine.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:36, Sat 02 Mar.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 478 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 15:11
  • msg #247

The Cursed City (Main)

"Fine with me.   Let's get these camels behind the wall and out of sight."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 643 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 20:39
  • msg #248

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 247):

Aladin proceeded cautiously, checking to see if the light spell worked as he went...
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 143 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 02:37
  • msg #249

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel follows after Aladin, flicking her gaze forward to watch for snakes and backwards to watch for cultists.
Dragondog
GM, 1361 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 05:47
  • msg #250

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin continued to pray, but they still didn't have any effect.

From this angle, they finally saw that these gigantic gray and brooding stones were statues of a human-like body with a serpent head. Standing as sentinels on either side of the entry. To the right and the left, 24 20-foot tall stones with a 5-foot side curved away in a great circle. A ring of 50 human-sized stones surrounded the shrine nearly in the center of this area. And behind the shrine, to the west, was an even smaller circle of stones.

The shrine was a 30-foot diameter circular slab of multi-hued stone raised two feet above the level of the ground and backed by a semicircular wall of similar stone that rose 15 feet above the floor. The wall was carved in a twisted lattice work that appeared to have no end and no beginning. In the center of that circle and protected by the arms of the semicircle was a black marble column, 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. Its surface had been carved into a fabric design with many woven and twisted threads.

The circle behind the raised shrine consisted of 13 gray weathered stones, each 15 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and 3 feet thick. It was an irregular circle around a stone tablet that rose 5 feet above the ground. The tablet was a black rock that had been smoothed and polished to a high shine.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 644 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 06:23
  • msg #251

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 250):

Sensing a holy place, Aladin tries to see if holy magic works here (the only sort he knows) as he tries again to create light.
Dragondog
GM, 1363 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 06:37
  • msg #252

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin prayed again and again his prayers failed him.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 645 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 08:51
  • msg #253

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 252):

Puzzled that even in a holy place prayers were not answered, Aladin continues into the place.
Dragondog
GM, 1365 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 10:40
  • msg #254

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin moved ahead and stepped up the two feet step to the circular multi-hued stone area and investigated the semicircle wall, its latticework, and the black marble column. As he turned from the column back to the wall, three ancient women, completely hooded in their robes, appeared between him and the wall. "What is your family," the asked in unison.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 647 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 10:47
  • msg #255

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 254):

"What do you mean, my family? I am a priest of Paye."
Dragondog
GM, 1366 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 10:57
  • msg #256

The Cursed City (Main)

"You should say 'I am' followed by your name," the one to the left said. "Followed by 'of the house of' followed by your family name," the one in the middle said. "And finally 'of the land of' followed by the name of your country," the one of the right said.


[OOC: Or "I am (your name) of the house of (family name) of the land of (country name)."]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 648 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:03
  • msg #257

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 256):

"Interesting formula. Let me try...I am Aladin of the house of Sufran of the land of Dune. Does that make sense?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Sat 02 Mar.
Dragondog
GM, 1367 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:07
  • msg #258

The Cursed City (Main)

"What do you seek here," they asked in unison.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 649 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:09
  • msg #259

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 258):

"We seek those who are lost, and I seek those whose spirits inhabit this amulet." he says, holding up the amulet.
Dragondog
GM, 1368 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:21
  • msg #260

The Cursed City (Main)

That didn't seem to be the answer they were looking for and this time it was as if they turned into particles that swirled in the air and were blown away.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 650 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:27
  • msg #261

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 260):

Aladin continued his investigations...
Dragondog
GM, 1369 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 11:53
  • msg #262

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin stepped down from the multi-hued stone floor back to the ground and walked to the smaller circle around the stone tablet. The others could see that he dropped his shield outside the circle before he entered. Inside, he started investigating that space.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 463 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 17:16
  • msg #263

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira was startled by the weird women, not to mentioned by their disappearance. "Careful, I can't imagine that was a good sign. In any case, it does not seems that what we seek is here."

She stood by the entrance to the strange building, keeping an eye for the signs of pursuit. She figured sooner or later the cultists will come for them.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 480 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 2 Mar 2024
at 17:40
  • msg #264

The Cursed City (Main)

Believing that he had little to add to the investigation, Gurth crouched in the entrance of the outer ring to watch for their pursuers.  Leading camels, their trail would not be very difficult to follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: 10:39, Today: Gurth rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,4.  Observation - 12.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sat 02 Mar.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 144 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 4 Mar 2024
at 11:43
  • msg #265

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel examines the column. "Strange that that would work without magic. If only we knew what god was honored here. I think that might be the key to answering their question"
Dragondog
GM, 1370 posts
Tue 5 Mar 2024
at 05:02
  • msg #266

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 651 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 5 Mar 2024
at 23:38
  • msg #267

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 266):

"Who is the unlucky Nehebaku? Tell me more of him. If he is a friend to all he knows, I would weep for him."

Aladin seems to have seen something else.
Dragondog
GM, 1371 posts
Tue 5 Mar 2024
at 23:44
  • msg #268

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 652 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 00:47
  • msg #269

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 268):

Aladin holds out his hand.
Dragondog
GM, 1372 posts
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 05:29
  • msg #270

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 653 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 05:32
  • msg #271

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 270):

Aladin looks at the amber tear in his hand in puzzlement...
Dragondog
GM, 1373 posts
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 05:50
  • msg #272

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:53, Wed 06 Mar.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 145 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 09:33
  • msg #273

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel tilts her head and regards Aladin curiously, but doesn't interrupt.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 464 posts
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 17:25
  • msg #274

The Cursed City (Main)

"Found anything?" Keira asked loudly from the entrance, definitely interrupting whatever Aladin was doing.
Dragondog
GM, 1374 posts
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 21:33
  • msg #275

The Cursed City (Main)

As they were paying more attention to Aladain, they saw a person with the head of a serpent vanish from in front of Aladin as the cleric stood with his hand outstretched before him, looking at something in his hand that the serpent person had placed there.

[OOC: The image in the group 1 map is a depiction of the person that talked to Aladin, but the body is human/elven, and they have no tail.]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 146 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 06:40
  • msg #276

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel gasped. "Is that... is that a god?" she whispers to Keira.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 654 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 07:35
  • msg #277

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 276):

"I have no idea. He said 'Behold the unlucky Nehebaku, friend to all he knows. Those of you who would weep for him, hold fort your hand', so I did."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 465 posts
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 13:13
  • msg #278

The Cursed City (Main)

Kiera just shrugged her shoulders in reply. "Well, that was... even weirder than what I came to expect from this place. Maybe we will be able to figure out what all this means later. But I would not be holding my breath waiting for that."

OOC: Should we move on to the second building?
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 655 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 20:39
  • msg #279

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 278):

This is a highly defensible position, with just one entry. A good place to rest...
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 147 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 8 Mar 2024
at 07:25
  • msg #280

The Cursed City (Main)

"Maybe it's a memorial of some kind" Larathiel suggests. She agrees that it would be a good place to rest.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 466 posts
Fri 8 Mar 2024
at 19:01
  • msg #281

The Cursed City (Main)

"Hm. I wish the place did have a second entry. A single way in may make it more defensible, but it will also make it more difficult for us to get out should we need to."

OOC: Still fine with resting here, but I do think we need to be ready to move out quickly if the cultists show up in too greater numbers to take on.
Dragondog
GM, 1377 posts
Mon 11 Mar 2024
at 09:07
  • msg #282

The Cursed City (Main)

The group settled down and camped for the night in the most defensible place they had seen so far. And soon they drifted off to sleep as one of them held watch at a time.


As Aladin meditated during his watch, he didn't notice the approaching enemy until it touched him and his skin burned. It had a horrible skinless and noseless face without lips. It's eyes were completely black voids. And its hair was white. It wielded a broadsword in one hand, but it had instead touched the cleric with the other. It was wearing a light layered leather armor. It swung its sword against the now alerted Aladin, but the swing went wide.

[Aladin took 4 points of burning damage. 8 out of 12 hp remaining.]


[OOC: Everyone wakes up from the noise of the attack. Keira and Gurth can act immediately, but it takes two turns to stand up! So they may want to figure out how they can attack from the ground if they want to attack during turn 1. As Larathiel doesn't have Combat Reflexes, she can only Do Nothing until turn 4 because of this total surprise! She can act normally from turn 5.]


[The group is first to act in turn 1. What do you do?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 657 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 11 Mar 2024
at 18:27
  • msg #283

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin swung his club as he turned to face his attacker and readied his shield, but his swing was wide. Probably due to his puzzlement of how the thing got here while he was watching the entrance...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 468 posts
Mon 11 Mar 2024
at 20:26
  • msg #284

The Cursed City (Main)

Startled from her sleep, Keira rolled straight to standing up. From her hair she pulled a long, needle-like dagger, letting her hair flow freely.

Kip-up to stand up (Acrobatics-6, but at +4 for going all-out), Fast Draw stiletto.

21:12, Today: Keira rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,1.  Acrobatics (11). – 11
21:22, Today: Keira rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,4.  Fast Draw (15). – 11
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 11 Mar.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 483 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Mon 11 Mar 2024
at 22:37
  • msg #285

The Cursed City (Main)

Startled from his sleep by the commotion, Gurth rolled over and got to his knees.   Seeing the attacking Aladin, he drew his long knife and hurled it at the mysterious figure.

OOC:
16:35, Today: Gurth rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,6.  Fast Draw - Knife - 15.
16:35, Today: Gurth rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,3.  Throw knife - 14.

Dragondog
GM, 1381 posts
Tue 12 Mar 2024
at 07:37
  • msg #286

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin swung his club, but missed.

Keira acrobatically moved from her back to her feet and drew a weapon from her hair. Letting her luscious white hair flow freely.

Gurth drew his large knife and threw it at the monster. It hit, but didn't do as much damage as expected.

The monster tried to touch Aladin again, but he avoided it both times.

[Turn 2. The monster is in close combat with Aladin and about 5 yards away from the others.
Aladin has 8 out of 12 hp remaining.

What do you do?]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 149 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 12 Mar 2024
at 11:39
  • msg #287

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel blearily opens one eye. "Onee-san, it's too early, the guests won't even be here yet" she mumbles. "Whaa?" she mutters, as she tries to react to the chaos, but is slow to understand what's going on.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 486 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Tue 12 Mar 2024
at 19:48
  • msg #288

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth rolled over to to his front and then got up to a kneeling position.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 469 posts
Tue 12 Mar 2024
at 22:29
  • msg #289

The Cursed City (Main)

Kiera circled around the attacker to get behind him, stiletto in hand.

Move to get right behind him. Defending by dodging and using retreat and extra effort - Feverish Defense. Also rerolling critical hits against Keira.
Dragondog
GM, 1382 posts
Fri 15 Mar 2024
at 12:07
  • msg #290

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel was still too groggy to do anything, but fortunately, all of her companions had trained to react quickly in situations such as these.

Gurth rose to a kneeling position.

Keira moved up on the creature and drew its ire. Its first swing missed and she retreated from the second.

[Turn 3. The monster is in close combat with Aladin. 1 yard from Keira. And about 5 yards away from the others.
Aladin has 8 out of 12 hp remaining.]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 470 posts
Sat 16 Mar 2024
at 11:44
  • msg #291

The Cursed City (Main)

Kiera stepped inside the monster's guard and stabbed at it repeatedly with her dagger.

Step into close combat and stabbity stab. A hit and a miss.

12:33, Today: Keira rolled 11,4 using 3d6,1d6-2 with rolls of 4,2,5,6.  Rapid strike 1 (Attack, Damage). – 11,4
12:34, Today: Keira rolled 15,-1 using 3d6,1d6-2 with rolls of 6,3,6,1.  Rapid strike 2 (attack, damage). – 15,-1

Defending first by karate parry + retreat (14), then dodge + extra effort - Feverish Defense (12). Again rerolling critical hits against Keira.
Dragondog
GM, 1385 posts
Thu 21 Mar 2024
at 05:39
  • msg #292

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira stabbed at the monster twice and hit once, but it didn't do as much damage as she expected it would.

Gurth drew his axe in kneeling position.

The monster continued to go for Keira and she barely parried its attack.


[Turn 4. The monster is in close combat with Keira adn Aladin. And about 5 yards away from the others.
Aladin has 8 out of 12 hp remaining.]

[As Aladin seems to be away, Larathiel can start acting on this turn.]
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 471 posts
Thu 21 Mar 2024
at 20:06
  • msg #293

The Cursed City (Main)

Not sure her stab did anything at all, Keira decided to go on a defensive. "A little help here!"

OOC: All out defense - increased parry. First defense I need to make would be a karate parry + retreat (16), and a second one (if it's needed) a knife parry + extra effort - feverish defense (14). Rerolling critical hits against Keira and critical failures on her defense rolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Fri 22 Mar.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 150 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 22 Mar 2024
at 03:28
  • msg #294

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel finishes rising to her feet, her glaive in her hand.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 659 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 22 Mar 2024
at 09:22
  • msg #295

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin, finally realizing what is going on, he turns to face his attacker and attacks with his club!
Dragondog
GM, 1387 posts
Fri 22 Mar 2024
at 20:33
  • msg #296

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira went on the defensive.

Both Larathiel and Gurth were now on their feet.

Aladin swung his club, but the monster avoided the swing.

It then focused on Aladin again and he was barely able to dodge out of the way in time.

[Turn 5. The monster is in close combat with Keira and Aladin. And about 5 yards away from the others.
Aladin has 8 out of 12 hp remaining.]


[What do you do?]
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 490 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 22 Mar 2024
at 23:08
  • msg #297

The Cursed City (Main)

"I'm coming.", Gurth hollered.  With axe in hand, he ran up behind the creature with the intention of burying his axe in it's back.

------------------


OOC: Gurth runs up.  Move 6.0    Attacks the creature from the back (or at least a flank) hex.  Heroic charge.  -1FP.

17:04, Today: Gurth rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,4.  Attack with axe -15.
17:04, Today: Gurth rolled 19 using 3d6+3 with rolls of 6,4,6.  possible damage - axe 3d6+3.

Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 660 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 23 Mar 2024
at 03:45
  • msg #298

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 297):

Aladin will swing his club again, using the weapon to parry off any attempts to attack him if needed.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 472 posts
Sat 23 Mar 2024
at 16:23
  • msg #299

The Cursed City (Main)

Kiera stayed on the defensive, figuring others would make short work of it now that they've join the melee. "Hey! Over here!" She yelled at the monster, trying to draw its attention to herself instead of Aladin.

OOC: Same defenses as my previous post, if that's ok. Nice damage there Gurth. If it connects, that's pretty much game over for it.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 152 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 23 Mar 2024
at 21:28
  • msg #300

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel moves to join the fight against the monster.

Move action, parry defense.
Dragondog
GM, 1388 posts
Sat 23 Mar 2024
at 21:46
  • msg #301

The Cursed City (Main)

With focus and effort, Gurth made sure to move to the monster's back, and made a devestating attack with his axe. And though reeling, the monster was still on its feet.

Aladin slammed the club into the monster and brought it to the ground.

Larathiel joined the others.


[Aladin has 8 out of 12 hp remaining.]


[Combat is over. What do you do?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 661 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 24 Mar 2024
at 01:24
  • msg #302

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 301):

Aladin will check the creature to make sure it is dead, and to determine what it was...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 491 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 24 Mar 2024
at 05:33
  • msg #303

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth stands by with Aladin in case he is needed.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 153 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Mon 25 Mar 2024
at 06:46
  • msg #304

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel rubs her eyes. "No magic and no sleep. I hate this place. Do we want to get exploring again or try to get back to sleep?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 473 posts
Mon 25 Mar 2024
at 12:29
  • msg #305

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned her dagger back in her hair and picked up her trusty staff. "Where it came from is what I want to know. And if there are more of them around."

She turned into a shadow again and slid up the wall to the top of the building to look around.
Dragondog
GM, 1389 posts
Mon 25 Mar 2024
at 18:42
  • msg #306

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin checked the creature and Gurth remained close to him.

Larathiel expressed how she felt about this place and it wasn't good.

Keira made sure to get her knife back before she turned into her shadow form. She flowed up the wall to try to discover where it had come from and if they could expect to see more of them.

[OOC: You have not gotten all the sleep you need yet.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 662 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 25 Mar 2024
at 19:28
  • msg #307

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 306):

"It looks to be a wight. Good to set thing right with it...it appears to be properly dead now. I would suggest to let us finish resting...any more of these can deal with scouts, hopefully."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 492 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Mon 25 Mar 2024
at 22:22
  • msg #308

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth made a circle around he building and back to the group to make sure that there were no more wights.   With a sigh, he returned to his bedroll and sat quietly for a few minutes, letting the adrenaline rush of combat fade away.
Dragondog
GM, 1390 posts
Tue 26 Mar 2024
at 18:31
  • msg #309

The Cursed City (Main)

They looked around a little bit, trying to make sure that they were not in danger. That no one else was coming to get them. That they could sleep and catch up on their rest. What kind of place was this? Magic didn't work. Prayers didn't work. But undead worked? What was the logic in that?

Well, at least no one else was coming. They seemed to be alone. Safe enough to rest. At least with someone on guard.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 474 posts
Tue 26 Mar 2024
at 19:07
  • msg #310

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned to the party. "Nothing else out there. But I'd still feel better if we knew where this thing came from before we rested again."

Before resting, Keira took a look at the ground around them, trying to figure out where their attacker came from.

OOC: No idea what modifiers I'm looking at here, but Keira has a good Tracking skill, so she might as well use it.

20:05, Today: Keira rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,4.  Tracking (15). – 9
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Wed 27 Mar.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 154 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Wed 27 Mar 2024
at 01:35
  • msg #311

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel yawns wearily but holds her glaive and keeps watch while Keira tracks.
Dragondog
GM, 1393 posts
Wed 3 Apr 2024
at 03:45
  • msg #312

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira looked around their campsite.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 476 posts
Wed 3 Apr 2024
at 12:39
  • msg #313

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira took a few minutes to try to determine the direction the undead came from.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Wed 03 Apr.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 664 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 3 Apr 2024
at 18:55
  • msg #314

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 313):

Aladin will watch and wait...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 495 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 3 Apr 2024
at 21:53
  • msg #315

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth waited quietly nearby.
Dragondog
GM, 1394 posts
Thu 4 Apr 2024
at 03:56
  • msg #316

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 477 posts
Thu 4 Apr 2024
at 14:31
  • msg #317

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned to the camp site to report what she found. "Whatever that thing was, it came from the direction of the exit. Not sure what to make of that. A coincidence, or could the cultists have send it after us? At least it did not dug itself out of the ground under us, that would make resting here a bit tricky."

OOC: Back to resting?
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 665 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 4 Apr 2024
at 18:49
  • msg #318

The Cursed City (Main)

"Perhaps. Or it followed us...back to resting."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 156 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 4 Apr 2024
at 22:44
  • msg #319

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel curls up and goes to sleep, exhausted.
Dragondog
GM, 1395 posts
Fri 5 Apr 2024
at 03:42
  • msg #320

The Cursed City (Main)

The band returned to sleep, while still keeping watch. The rest of their rest was eventless.

[What do you dog?]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 666 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 5 Apr 2024
at 04:18
  • msg #321

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 320):

Do I recover any hp?
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 480 posts
Fri 5 Apr 2024
at 16:17
  • msg #322

The Cursed City (Main)

Before resting up, Keira took some time to bandage Aladin's wounds. Unfortunately, medicine is not really her calling.

OOC: No dice. Only 1 hp restored by bandaging.

18:15, Today: Keira rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,5.  First Aid (12). – 15
Dragondog
GM, 1400 posts
Fri 5 Apr 2024
at 16:20
  • msg #323

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira bandaged Aladin and cared for him for a little over half an hour.

[Aladin regained 1 hp.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 668 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 01:42
  • msg #324

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 323):

That still feels better. Aladin thanks her for the help.
Dragondog
GM, 1401 posts
Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 16:44
  • msg #325

The Cursed City (Main)

They passed a couple more ruins on their way to the closest remaining building. This was north west from where they had slept, rather than the south west they had been heading from the entrance. And it was only about 250 feet away.

It was 200 feet long and 120 feet wide and made of greenish stone. The north east end was covered by a vaulted roof and supported by 60 foot long stone columns. While the rest of the building was open.

Between the columns on the northwest and southwest walls were 40 feet tall windows that started 20 feet over the ground and continued all the way to the top. There were two open archways in the center of the northeast wall and four similar archways in the southwest wall.

The roofed northeastern area was split into two rooms with a windowed wall between them. In the approximate center of each of the 100-foot by 60-foot rooms was a 30-foot by 20-foto pool of polished white stone. Dust had filtered in through the open window and door, and had lightly covered the floor and the bottom of the pool, which sloped towards the center.

The open southwestern area was mostly filled by a long pool which likely once was paved with grass. The far ends were quite shallow and the floor sloped gently down toward the center. It was filled with dust, sand, and debris. The walls and exposed bottom of the pool were made of highly polished white stones set into mortar.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 670 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 19:44
  • msg #326

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin will try a quick healing spell to see if magic works as he looks around. Are there any pools still with water?
Dragondog
GM, 1402 posts
Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 19:59
  • msg #327

The Cursed City (Main)

The pools don't have water in them. And when Aladin prays, nothing happens.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 671 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 20:33
  • msg #328

The Cursed City (Main)

Then suggest we keep exploring...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 482 posts
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 11:56
  • msg #329

The Cursed City (Main)

"These people must have really, really liked bathing."

OOC: Fine with moving on.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 497 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 13:34
  • msg #330

The Cursed City (Main)

In what, though?,  Gurth replied.
Dragondog
GM, 1403 posts
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 16:58
  • msg #331

The Cursed City (Main)

They continued onward to the largest ruin they had found so far. Easily 500 feet long and over 200 feet wide. A hippodrome of long ago. Only the first floor remained, if that. Portions showed that it had been at least three floors tall with seats around most of the walls watching the race course in the center with a long rectangular shape in the center for them to race around.

[OOC: I added an image in maps group 0 of a functioning hippodrome and if you can imagine that in ruins. ]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 672 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 19:45
  • msg #332

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 331):

"I would assume water unless we see indications of otherwise."

Aladin will once again test his magic with an attempt to heal himself.
Dragondog
GM, 1404 posts
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 20:25
  • msg #333

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin prayed again and again nothing happened.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 673 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 02:33
  • msg #334

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 333):

He shrugged.

"Still no magic, lets look for secret entrances and keep moving..."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 483 posts
Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 08:20
  • msg #335

The Cursed City (Main)

"We can take a look, but let's not waste too much time on it. And be on a lookout for more snakes. Or undead. Or cultists. Or traps."

OOC: Fine with taking a quick look. We really need to find another exit, else we have no choice but to return back to the entrance and take another tunnel.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 158 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 09:11
  • msg #336

The Cursed City (Main)

"I wonder if they worshiped a god of water..." Larathiel mused. She grew increasingly nervous as Keira cited different threats. "Doesn't seem fair I don't have my magic yet undead could still show up"
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 674 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 20:01
  • msg #337

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 336):

"You don't say. That is especially troubling for a priest...evil must be afoot to allow evil magic to happen, but no other."
Dragondog
GM, 1405 posts
Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 05:50
  • msg #338

The Cursed City (Main)

They spent the whole morning looking for secret entrances and only got about halfway through the ruined hippodrome. And so far there were no indications that there was any hidden entrance in the area of the hippodrome that they had searched.

This ruin was huge!
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 675 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 06:34
  • msg #339

The Cursed City (Main)

"Suggest we finish what we started, then camp. We do not want any bugger sneaking up on us again. A camp site with a clear view around and very defensible would be a good find too."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 484 posts
Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 13:03
  • msg #340

The Cursed City (Main)

"Not sure we are not just wasting time here, the place looks like just another ruin. Why not just keep going and look for an exit? If we don't find one, we can then go back and search it more thoroughly."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 498 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 17:45
  • msg #341

The Cursed City (Main)

"I agree.   We should move on and try to find a place where Aladin and Larathiel can use their talents."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 159 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 16 Apr 2024
at 09:38
  • msg #342

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel nods. "I'd certainly like to press on so I can use my powers. These ruins are vast, if only there was some kind of map the creators had left behind."
Dragondog
GM, 1407 posts
Wed 17 Apr 2024
at 17:13
  • msg #343

The Cursed City (Main)

They left the ruined hippodrome and continued curving forward, getting closer to where they had already been. To their left was a 40 feet wide and 60 feet high arch in a high wall. And to the right were two great, red, stone pylons like a doorway into a building.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 677 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 17 Apr 2024
at 19:52
  • msg #344

The Cursed City (Main)

"That kind of screams entrance, or exit. "

Aladin will head to the arch in the wall to investigate.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Wed 17 Apr.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 486 posts
Thu 18 Apr 2024
at 12:16
  • msg #345

The Cursed City (Main)

"An entrance to what though?" Keira asked as she followed after Aladin.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 680 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 18 Apr 2024
at 19:32
  • msg #346

The Cursed City (Main)

"Another area. Hopefully an area magic works in."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 499 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Thu 18 Apr 2024
at 21:01
  • msg #347

The Cursed City (Main)

"Hopefully, there are no more of those things here.", Gurth said.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 160 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 19 Apr 2024
at 03:32
  • msg #348

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel followed after Aladin. She tried to inspect the arch and pylons for magic, but it was quite possible that without the ability to use her own, she wouldn't be able to tell if it was magical. "Impressive architecture at least."
Dragondog
GM, 1410 posts
Fri 19 Apr 2024
at 17:58
  • msg #349

The Cursed City (Main)

An imposing facade of black stone abutted the esplanade. Its huge columns and archways stared out over the harsh vista. A broad, central doorway was formed by a gigantic arch, 40 feet broad at the base and 60 feet tall at the apex. This black mouth gaped at any who would dare enter.

The back half of this building was in ruins and only parts of the gilded domes remained. High walls dominated the standing end, pierced by tall windows. A high vaulted roof partly covered the area, shrouding the ruins in gloom, and shafts of light blazed like beacons.

Slate had been attached to the base of the outside wall, extending from the floor and three yards up. Light streamed onto a spot before it, and a swirl of dust, the size of a man, danced in the light.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 681 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 00:58
  • msg #350

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 349):

Aladin continued slowly, trying to create light as he went...
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 500 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 03:57
  • msg #351

The Cursed City (Main)

"It is impressive.", Gurth replied staring at the massive arch.  He followed along with Aladin, keeping a few steps between them.
Dragondog
GM, 1411 posts
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 05:36
  • msg #352

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin continued to pray, but there was still no effect.

It was clear that this building had once been magnificent, but now it was mostly rubble.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 682 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 07:12
  • msg #353

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 352):

Aladin listens carefully for any clues, or similarities to the languages used by the necklace.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 501 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 07:26
  • msg #354

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth thrust up a fist to the group as a warning.

"Stop!  Beware!", he said sternly.

"There, in the dust.  I hear a voice but do not understand."Gurth said, pointing at the dust devil in the beam of light.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 683 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 07:37
  • msg #355

The Cursed City (Main)

"That would appear to be an ancient lecture on poetry. I suspect it is not dangerous, but I could be wrong."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 487 posts
Sat 20 Apr 2024
at 13:55
  • msg #356

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira kept her distance from the dust devil. "How does it work? Magic of some kind?"
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 684 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 07:24
  • msg #357

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 356):

"Or some divine effect based on the old gods..."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 502 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 16:29
  • msg #358

The Cursed City (Main)

"Or a creature of some kind.", Gurth added.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 161 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 17:14
  • msg #359

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel tries to listen to the lecture. "Perhaps it will tell us something about this place that could be useful." Besides, she was a Maiko; she loved poetry.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 685 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 23:29
  • msg #360

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 359):

Aladin also tried to listen in. for the same reason.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 488 posts
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 12:33
  • msg #361

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira shrugged her shoulders, not seeing much use for ancient poetry. She preferred to use this time to keep an eye out for danger. There might be more of those snakes around, and she was convinced those cultists would send someone after them sooner or later.
Dragondog
GM, 1412 posts
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 13:54
  • msg #362

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira, Aladin, and Gurth briefly discussed how they could meet such a creature there, but they didn't come to any conclusion.

While Larathiel and Aladin listened to the lecture, Keira stayed away from the creature while investigating the place.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 503 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 17:06
  • msg #363

The Cursed City (Main)

"Don't go too far, Keira.", Gurth warned.

He stood by on alert while Larathiel and Aladin listened to the poetry of the dust cloud.  He wondered how he would fight a dust cloud if it became a threat.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 686 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 19:49
  • msg #364

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Gurth (msg # 363):

Aladin tried to propose a question about the poets to see if there was any response...

"Do you think different cultures or religions may interpret different meanings to the poet's words?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Tue 23 Apr.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 162 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 23 Apr 2024
at 18:50
  • msg #365

The Cursed City (Main)

Larathiel crosses her arms. "How could such a boring lecture have survived the test of time? I love poetry and I still couldn't enjoy it. I'd be awfully mad if this was the only thing to survive from my culture. But at least, this has to be a magic effect. If there's ancient magic here, that's a good sign, right?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 489 posts
Tue 23 Apr 2024
at 20:21
  • msg #366

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira nodded in response to Gurth. "No worries, I'm not planing on heading out on my own. I only wish we would find something, anything to show we are getting any closer to finding what we came here for."
Dragondog
GM, 1415 posts
Fri 26 Apr 2024
at 14:31
  • msg #367

The Cursed City (Main)

The philosopher made of swirling dust turned to Aladin. "Of course," he replied. "Cultures and religions have different views of everything." He digressed into a dissertation on the vagaries of religion


[OOC: Those of you who listen to the philosopher and make an AW roll, will get 1 point in Theology (Comparative) (H) FI-2. Please let me know if you listen and if you make the roll or not. For those that don't post, I will assume that you didn't listen.]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 689 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 01:00
  • msg #368

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 367):

Aladin listens to the dissertation, which is now more interesting.  He then asks "Do you have an example of how the local religions here would interpret one piece of poetry differently?"
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 504 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 02:02
  • msg #369

The Cursed City (Main)

Since the dust devil didn't seem to be a threat, Gurth stepped a little ways away to keep watch at the arch where he would not be distracted.
Dragondog
GM, 1416 posts
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 02:14
  • msg #370

The Cursed City (Main)

The philosopher's mood changed quickly. And it started berating Aladin, soon transitioning into reviling him.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 690 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 02:59
  • msg #371

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 370):

"Ignorant academic fool...lets leave this idiot to his stupidity."

He heads off to find an exit here...testing to see if he can heal himself first.

OOC: Note, if I had the actual words he used, I can turn them against him...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Sat 27 Apr.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 163 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 05:04
  • msg #372

The Cursed City (Main)

Despite expressing her own irritation earlier, Larathiel listened politely as the subject turned. She asked the dust devil "Honored teacher, do you know how religion relates to the history of this place?"

22:01, Today: Larathiel rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,4.  Awareness.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 490 posts
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 09:45
  • msg #373

The Cursed City (Main)

Not one for theological debates, Keira did not listen to the lecture. Instead she looked around to see if there was anything else of interest in this building.

OOC: Not leaving out of sight of the rest of the party though.
Dragondog
GM, 1417 posts
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 11:33
  • msg #374

The Cursed City (Main)

As Aladin stepped away and once more failed to get any effect from his prayers, Larathiel spoke to the philosopher with a yawn. It turned its eyes from Aladin to her and he began an equally dull lecture about the religion of this place. A religion not among the Eight True Religions of Remulus. It mentioned Bahal, as the cultists had done and as Aladin's female voice had done one of the times he had been wearing that medallion of his.

It also mentioned Nehebaku, the god with a human body and a serpent head who ruled this section of the city. And how in the Aftermath magic had been banished from this part of the city. He droned on about the other five gods and various aspects of the religion of this place and Larathiel became more and more tiered.

Keira looked around the place.

And shortly after the lecture was finished, Larathiel slumped to the ground. Unmoving.


[OOC: Like before, those of you who listen to this lecture and make an AW roll get 1 point in Theology (Holy City)]
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 691 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 21:09
  • msg #375

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 374):

The religions is what Aladin wanted to know about, so he did listen intently despite giving the appearance of not caring...
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 491 posts
Mon 29 Apr 2024
at 09:58
  • msg #376

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira returned from her futile search just in time to find Larathiel lying on the ground. "What happened?!"

She knelt next to Larathiel to see if the woman is still breathing.
Dragondog
GM, 1419 posts
Mon 29 Apr 2024
at 10:35
  • msg #377

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira checked on Larathiel and she seemed to be sleeping a heavy sleep.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 492 posts
Thu 2 May 2024
at 12:38
  • msg #378

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira tried waking Larathiel up by lightly shaking her by her shoulders. "Hey, rise and shine! This is not the time or place for a nap!"
Dragondog
GM, 1420 posts
Thu 2 May 2024
at 13:07
  • msg #379

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira shook Larathiel, but she was not responsive.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 692 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 2 May 2024
at 19:48
  • msg #380

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 379):

"I thought magic was not supposed to work here...lets carry her to a different location." suggested Aladin.
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 505 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Thu 2 May 2024
at 21:01
  • msg #381

The Cursed City (Main)

"I'll carry her.  You two go find a safe place to stay.", Gurth said.   He gently scooped up Latathiel and followed his companions.
Dragondog
GM, 1421 posts
Thu 2 May 2024
at 21:10
  • msg #382

The Cursed City (Main)

Gurth picked up Larathiel and the group left the philosopher in his mostly ruined building and went to a place that they considered more safe than their surroundings. And waking her up now was no trouble at all. And soon they were all awake and on their feet again.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 693 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 3 May 2024
at 03:35
  • msg #383

The Cursed City (Main)

"Seems something to do with the location. What did you experience?" he asks Larathial.
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 165 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 3 May 2024
at 20:16
  • msg #384

The Cursed City (Main)

"Where am I?" Larathiel asked, confused. "I was listening to the lecture, then I woke up here."

"This section of the city was ruled by a serpent-headed god called Nehebaku" Larathiel says. "After he reigned, magic was banished from this part of the city. Which I think means we aren't going to find our way around this anti-magic. And it seems that Bahal was worshipped even back then."
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 506 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Fri 3 May 2024
at 21:28
  • msg #385

The Cursed City (Main)

"Did it tell how large Nehebaku's domain was?  Do you think it's possible to walk out of it?", Gurth asked.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 694 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 3 May 2024
at 23:33
  • msg #386

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 384):

"Banished from this part of the city? Is there a part it was not banished from? Did they say anything about Bahal?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 493 posts
Mon 6 May 2024
at 11:22
  • msg #387

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira was relieved when Larathiel finally woke up. "The sooner we are out of here the better. It's rarely a good idea to get involved in religious arguments."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 166 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 7 May 2024
at 10:42
  • msg #388

The Cursed City (Main)

"Nothing really useful. But at least now we've got hope we can find another spirit who will be more helpful."
Dragondog
GM, 1425 posts
Tue 7 May 2024
at 11:19
  • msg #389

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 695 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 8 May 2024
at 06:42
  • msg #390

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 389):

Now everyone is up, Aladin will don the necklace one again...
Dragondog
GM, 1426 posts
Wed 8 May 2024
at 15:59
  • msg #391

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin put on the necklace.
Dragondog
GM, 1449 posts
Wed 15 May 2024
at 19:31
  • msg #392

The Cursed City (Main)

Aladin removed the necklace.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 706 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Wed 15 May 2024
at 20:17
  • msg #393

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 392):

"I was hoping for some indication of where to go...anyway, let's keep moving."
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 496 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 10:22
  • msg #394

The Cursed City (Main)

"Let's do so. It seems less and less likely we will find another passage out of here. And if we don't find one, we might have no choice but to go back."

OOC: Either way, we should remember to pick up as many of those golden caps as we can on our way out.

Let's see, assuming these are solid gold (and it's quite possible, if not probable they are not), at 35 lbs a pop, well, that's a lot of cash. How much exactly depends on what the GM decides is the value of gold in the setting. The number I remember seeing somewhere is 20k GURPS bucks for a pound of gold. So, going with that number, just one of those caps could be worth up to 700k. Of course, we would probably crash the gold price if ever tried selling that much gold in one place, and that's assuming we could even find someone rich enough to sell it to while fending off every bandit and robber on the continent. Also, we would then be stuck carrying an even greater weight in coins. It might actually be easier to just file/break off small pieces of it to barter with instead of trying to convert it into currency.

And, of course, all this is assuming we would not be compelled to give it all (or most of it) to our employers instead.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 707 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Thu 16 May 2024
at 10:33
  • msg #395

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 394):

"I am pretty sure they are not using 35 lbs of gold for their sewage caps. Take one to check it out if you must, but I am not that fussed about them."

Alladin starts moving to find another exit.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 497 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 12:35
  • msg #396

The Cursed City (Main)

OOC: Er, all of that was just me sperging out in OOC, sorry about that. Of course it would make more sense it was just a thin layer of gold over something else (why do that at all for a sewage cap is a mystery, but then, so is this whole place). Though even that could take a lot of gold depending on the method. GM, didn't Keira take one already? Can she try to scratch / cut into it to check just how much / if any gold is there on it?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Thu 16 May.
Dragondog
GM, 1451 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 16:40
  • msg #397

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira got out one of the drain caps she had picked up from one of the public baths they had visited and she scratched it.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 499 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 17:18
  • msg #398

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira decided to put a little more force in her examination. After putting the metal cap on the ground, she went to fetch the axe they took from one of the cultists. Then she stood there, axe in hand, focusing, before delivering a shattering blow on the disk.

OCC: Using Power Blow to double Keira's strength to 20 after concentrating for half a minute to remove the penalty. And just made it:
19:03, Today: Keira rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,2,6.  Power Blow (14). – 14

Do I also need to make an attack/damage roll? If yes:
19:14, Today: Keira rolled 18 using 3d6+4 with rolls of 4,4,6.  Damage. – 18
19:12, Today: Keira rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,2.  All Out Attack (Determined - 16). – 13

If that's gold or lead or something else soft, this might put a dent in it at least, I think.
Dragondog
GM, 1452 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 18:54
  • msg #399

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira took her time. Focused. And then with a powerful swing of her axe, she almost split the drain cap apart.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 500 posts
Thu 16 May 2024
at 19:30
  • msg #400

The Cursed City (Main)

Keira examined the piece one more time before shaking her head in disbelief. "Whatever this is, it's solid metal after all. And one that looks like gold and is as heavy as one. Unless there is something funny going on here, I must conclude - this is really solid gold, as insane as that sounds. I can't even calculate how much it would be worth if this is truly so."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 167 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Fri 17 May 2024
at 03:16
  • msg #401

The Cursed City (Main)

"But, that much..." Larathiel began, trying to do the math in her head. "They must have been as rich as kings! Water seems to be sacred to them, but to spend this much..."
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 708 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 17 May 2024
at 03:25
  • msg #402

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 400):

"Not brass or bronze or something similar?"
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 501 posts
Fri 17 May 2024
at 05:35
  • msg #403

The Cursed City (Main)

"It looks like gold to me, but I am no expert by any means. I've rarely even seen it before now. Take a look." Keira offered the piece to the party to examine.

"Why anyone would do that is beyond me. But then, so is why anyone would build a city in this cave."

OOC: I don't suppose someone has Jeweler skill or something similar?
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 709 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Fri 17 May 2024
at 07:10
  • msg #404

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Keira (msg # 403):

Aladin had a look over it as a merchant...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Fri 17 May.
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 502 posts
Fri 17 May 2024
at 08:58
  • msg #405

The Cursed City (Main)

OOC: Maybe Merchant would work as well? I don't have books with me, but Merchant can be used to appraise value of stuff, as well as spot counterfeit goods, right? And it would make sense for merchants at this TL to know what is and is not gold.
Dragondog
GM, 1454 posts
Sat 18 May 2024
at 11:08
  • msg #406

The Cursed City (Main)

GM passing a message
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 711 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Sat 18 May 2024
at 21:40
  • msg #407

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 406):

Aladin is puzzled....

"It seems to be the real deal...perhaps we should take those we see."
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 168 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Sun 19 May 2024
at 05:33
  • msg #408

The Cursed City (Main)

"If it won't anger their gods, we certainly should. Pure gold! Goodness gracious, we're rich!" Larathiel said, wonderstruck. She could actually buy out her contract, and never have to worry about it again!
Keira
Somewhat Familiar PC, 503 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 09:14
  • msg #409

The Cursed City (Main)

"Assuming we can get out of here alive and with the gold, yes, we are rich. So rich that we would be a target for every robber, bandit, raider and taxman on the continent should news of our wealth get out. We will have to be very, very discreet about this."

OOC: I think there were four caps in total? Three were in the pools, one on the dead body? I assume we've already taken them all?
Gurth
Somewhat Familiar PC, 510 posts
Ogre, gladiator, traveler
HP: 20/20 FP: 17/17
Sun 19 May 2024
at 14:26
  • msg #410

The Cursed City (Main)

"But they are very heavy.  Best to exchange them for a smaller and easier item to trade with like gems or something else.  If we get out of this place.", Gurth observed.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Sun 19 May.
Dragondog
GM, 1455 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 22:28
  • msg #411

The Cursed City (Main)

[OOC: From what I remember, the group hasn't really paid that much attention to them so far, so I would say that you haven't picked them up. Considering that two of the Compulsions are "You must look for treasures and artifacts for the six" and "You must bring wealth to the six," I expect that to change. And there have been a number of pools that you have left unexplored too.]
Larathiel
Unfamiliar PC, 169 posts
High Elf
Runaway Maiko
Tue 21 May 2024
at 06:08
  • msg #412

The Cursed City (Main)

"I hadn't considered that. My poor back... well, we better get retrieving them." Larathiel says, less enthusiastic now.
Aladin Sufran
Familiar PC, 712 posts
HP: 12/12, FP: 12/12
Bedoin Priest of Paye
Tue 21 May 2024
at 08:05
  • msg #413

The Cursed City (Main)

In reply to Larathiel (msg # 412):

"It is hardly safe...let's continue on for now."

The compulsion is magical, no?
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