Days ago, your group of adventurers joined a desert caravan. Halfway across the desert, a terrible sandstorm struck, separating your party from the rest of the caravan. When the storm died down, you found you were alone. The caravan was nowhere in sight. The desert was unrecognizable, as the dunes had been blown into new patterns. You were lost.

You headed east, the same way the caravan was headed before the storm. Days passed. Your mounts died from exhaustion. The end of the desert was not in sight.

The day after your water would have run out if not for your druid, you stumbled upon a number of stone blocks sticking out of a sand dune. Investigation showed that the sand covered the remains of a tall stone wall. On the other side of the stone wall was a ruined city.

The stone blocks of the city had toppled and cracked with the passing of time. Sand had covered most of the buildings. The stones that remained uncovered had been scoured smooth by the blowing sands.

In the center of the city towered a step-pyramid. It had five step-like tiers, each 20' high. The bottom-most tier was almost completely covered with sand. On top of the highest tier were three 30' tall statues.

The statue on the left was of a strong, bearded man holding a balance in one hand and a lightning bolt in the other. The middle statue was of a winged child with two snakes twined about its body. The child held a wand in one hand and a handful of coins in the other. The statue on the right was of a beautiful woman. In her hands she held a sheaf of wheat and a sword.

On the south side of the pyramid, a ramp with stairs led from the ground to the top of the highest tier.



Remove all food from your sheets.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:42, Mon 27 June 2022.

Before climbing the pyramid, or alternatively choosing some other course of action, l'Atreq knelt in the clean, white sand and offered sincere prayers to Ptah that He would guide them on their way.  Only when it became clear that Ptah did not plan to offer any signs in favour of some other course of action did l'Atreq raise up from a kneeling position, saying, "Are we ready to ascend?"

"I think if we don't, we're certainly doomed staying out here!  I agree our best bet is to go," says the halfling druid.

Orum glances expectantly from Vixl to L'Atreq, then to the stairs. Nervously clutching his staff he steps back to ensure that they have a clear path to the stairs.

Aremis rejoins the group after briefly examining the exposed length of the remains of the stone wall in front of them, the full extent of which presumably surrounded this city in the sand in days gone by.  He turns to the halfling and cleric, who just spoke up.

"I agree.  We need to find some shelter from this oppressive heat, as soon as we can.  And we need to find food, if possible.  There might be other buildings or entrances to this 'lost city,' at ground level, but we can look for those when it gets cooler out.  Looks like the steps up to the top of the pyramid are our best bet.

I'll be happy to take the lead."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Wed 15 June 2022.

"Wouldn't it be better if Orum takes the lead?" asks l'Atreq.  "I imagine he might have a better chance of spotting any traps."

Orum darted behind Aremis. "Oh, no," he stammered. "You tallies have a way of absorbing damage...er...um...by which I mean, with time and wind and sandstorms and wandering lizards I am sure all traps outside have long been tripped."

OOC: Charisma is my dump stat!

Behind the mask, there is no expression on l'Atreq's face.  "Orum MAY have a point, but with someone so skilled, shouldn't we let him exercise his skill."

OOC charisma is Orum's dump skill ;)

In reply to l'Atreq (msg # 6 & 8):

“Very good point, l’Atreq!  I had forgotten about our stealthy Gnome companion.  I certainly did not mean to step on anyone’s toes or feelings.  Yes, Orum is most definitely much better suited to lead the way and look for hidden traps on the stairs. Please forgive me, Orum!” Artemis says with a flowing bow. “I did not mean to prevent you from providing your expertise to our little band of weary and sand-laden travelers.

If you like, we can tie a rope around your waste and connect it to one or more of us larger folk - to keep you from falling - in case any trap door opens unexpectedly beneath you.  Do you want us to tie you off or do you prefer handling the trap doors on your own?”

But you are probably correct.  The sand, the elements, and any desert dwellers have probably long since triggered any traps that may have been on the steps in the years since this city was overtaken by the desert.”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Wed 15 June 2022.

19:28, Today: Orum Copsetwinkle rolled 82 using 1d100.  Find traps, 25%, . I am assuming I roll and roleplay the results.

"It's a tallie conspiracy!" Orum muttered in a barely audible whisper.

He trudged up the stairs, poking here and there with his staff and scrutinizing the many cracks carefully.

Vaask falls in line just behind Aremis.  "I've got your back, my friend."

"Ah, Vaask!  Good to see you again. I thought we lost you in that last sand storm.  Glad you finally found us!  Hopefully, we can find respite and sanctuary within the buildings of this 'lost city.'

"I'm trying to keep up with and stay close to our intrepid little gnome trap finder.  I'm also keeping an eye out for any concealed or secret doors.

We need another fighter up here with me and one at rear guard - not sure whether that's you or Vixl.  We need to protect our spell casters - they are currently our only source of fresh (and recycled) water.". Aremis chuckles at the thought of all the warm, but purified, yellow water the party has had to drink the last few days.

OOC: "I miss my handy stillsuit that I left back in storage with the caravan..."

OOC: 22:45, Today: Aremis rolled 5 d6s with rolls of: 5,4,4,2,3.  Various detect secret/concealed doors - needs 1-2/d6 to detect secret; 1-3/d6 for concealed.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Thu 16 June 2022.

Feeling a little out of place where they are, Tarrahn will say, "I'm a little out of place in here.  Shall I watch our back?"

A quick search of the ruins revealed no source of food or water, so you decided to climb the pyramid. In the side of the ramp, level with the floor of the top tier, you found a secret door.

The slab of stone that hid the secret entrance to the pyramid is now held open by the dead body of a hobgoblin. The body has a large crossbow bolt sunk deep in its chest. The hobgoblin has been dead several weeks.

Putrescent with decay, the cadaver has just now begun to lure forth the scavengers of the desert, their black silhouettes visible in the distant sky.


This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:43, Mon 27 June 2022.

l'Atreq moved close to the corpse with closed eyes, sniffing the scent of decay and wondering why if the corpse was so long dead, the scavengers had only just arrived.  A holy symbol in hand, l'Atreq checked that the hobgoblin was indeed dead and not undead.

Orum pulled out some darts and turned to Terrahn.

"You be careful," he said. "People in masks cannot be trusted."

"I'll do what I must Orum," says the halfling as he readies a sling bullet as his first attack if needed. "I will have a different outlook in the morning of my spells to where I may be more use other than a rear guard!"

Víxl had been quite for most of the discussion- the most pertinent points had been covered by everyone else. Stil, she did have two responses to Aremis.




"It is not just the heat- a desert will freeze at night. With activity and this equipment, we could be fine, but it will no be any more pleasant."





"While I am not creating water, the front is not the place for me. Th water craton and purification can be done at leisure, so there is no concern of spells being spoiled in combat. But if we encounter anything that needs to be dealt with martially, they could very well disrupt my sleep spell were I to be in the lead. So, I will take rear guard. If my spell is used in the course of action, I can then replace someone less armored in the front."


When the hobgoblin was discovered, she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "l'Atreq, besides his state of death, perhaps you should see if he has a key or other item of use."

She had her bow ready in case a carrion bird decided to get too excited, but would switch to her sword if/when they entered the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Thu 16 June 2022.

Orum sidled forward.

"Before you go a looting, maybe let me take a listen on the off chance that there's more unsavorys inside?"

Not waiting for an answer he put his head near the opening, somehow looking like he was poised to jump back, possibly even down a level of the pyramid.

OOC, can I get a Hear Noise roll, 15% please?

"It is possible," Víxl acknowledged with a tinge of doubt, "But if there was, then they probably would have removed the body from the door if intelligent, or fed upon it if not."
Still, she then lapsed into silence and tried to remain still so Orum would not have distractions as he listened.

l'Atreq obediently searched the hobgoblin's body for keys or anything else that might be of any use.

Aremis stands ready, as Orum listens at the door and l’Atreq examines the cadaver.  He is prepared to enter the room atop the pyramid when the time comes.  For now, we wait to see what Orum and l’Atreq find.

The corpse of the hobgoblin has nothing to offer but revulsion and foreboding, its studded leather having already begun to merge with its liquescent flesh. It has been stripped of equipment, save for the short sword.

With no shelter from the sun, the members of the party sweat while Orum first waits for the requisite silence for listening then pricks his ears for minutes more as the sweat continues to run down various channels along the party's fronts and backs.

There is nothing to be heard but the whipping of the desert winds and the ever approaching flapping of the scavengers' wings.

Beyond the stone slab is a 10' wide passage, leading into the pyramid. The passage floor is covered with dust. Several pairs of footprints can be seen leading inward. In a niche in the wall opposite the secret door, a large, unloaded crossbow points at where the hobgoblin had once stood. The passage runs for 30' before turning north.

"Looks like the crossbow was automatic", suggests l'Atreq, leaning slightly as if to sniff their own armpit.  This is confirmed by the addition of, "Nothing like half decayed hobgoblin to make one appreciate the scent of one's own sweat."

"As long as it's not one of us.  I'll not cry over the loss of one of those things," Terrahn adds to l'Atreq's comment.

Aremis will examine the footprints in the dust to try to determine as much information as possible.  Shoes vs. bare feet prints? Type of creature?  Were these other hobgoblins that continued on, leaving their dead companion behind or perhaps inhabitants of the pyramid here to examine or strip the dead hobgoblin of its possessions?  Or something else? Size, speed? Were they walking or running?

Aremis surmises that these prints were not from inhabitants since the door remained open and the crossbow trap was not reset.

“If we slide or throw the cadaver off the pyramid, can we close the door and reset the crossbow trap behind us?  To protect our rear flank.” Aremis asks the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Fri 17 June 2022.

l'Atreq considers what Aremis said and then answers, "Probably, but what if this turns out to be our only way out?"

"No obvious door. No guards, just a trap. So not enough to place guards or else trap was set and the area abandoned."

Orum shrugged, "Just thinking out loud."

Vaask contemplates the party's circumstances and carefully considers what the others have said.

"l'Atreq's words seem wise."

He offers nothing further.

“Agreed.  But if we need to escape out this way, the lead runner just needs to knock over the crossbow or trigger it toward the door before we go past.  I’d feel safer knowing it’s protecting our rear.  Plus, perhaps having the crossbow still loaded will fool any inhabitants or guards checking back this way that no one has come in (assuming they don’t bother getting close once they see the crossbow still set or are not smart enough to notice all the tracks in the dust - but the dust and tracks are easy to smooth back over behind us).

But I don’t feel strongly about it, if the party is concerned about leaving a loaded crossbow behind.”

l'Atreq nods, "Fair enough.  I don't know how long the hobgoblin was dead.  He seems pretty far gone and his body has been looted and yet scavengers have only just got wind of him,  Let's move him outside and see whether the crossbow resets.  Or we could move him inside and the door could be secret again, at least from the outside."

“All good points.  Was hoping we could discard the hobgoblin body far enough away from the door (to the ground or to a different level and side of the pyramid) to keep our entry door secret from view on the outside, allow carrion to finish off the carcass, and not stink up this top room/hall - which we might need to return to at some point for rest.”

One of you musters the resolve to pitch the hobgoblin's corpse down the steps of the pyramid. It doesn't topple very far, landing with an unheard squelch and then starting to slide a bit at the third tier before coming to a stop altogether.

After Vixl enters the pyramid, the last to do so, the stone slab behind her slams shut but, the party finds, the crossbow does not reload itself.

At the end of the 30' passageway it turns north and runs for another 20', ending at a stone door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Sat 18 June 2022.

Feeling the weight of many gazes Orum moves forward to listen and scrutinize and so forth. Any thoughts are kept internal.

OOC roll listen and find traps pleeze!

Vaask stares at the exit door as it slams shut and wonders whether it can even be re-opened from the inside. But he keeps this thought to himself.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 33):

Aremis ponders the prints on the floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Sun 19 June 2022.

With Orum signaling ascent, you file into the room at the top the pyramid, with its stone slab door slamming shut after the last of you have done so.

The highest tier of the pyramid is a single 40' square room. The room smells old and musty. The dust on the floor has been disturbed, though no special details can be made out. Three huge bronze cylinders reach from the floor to the ceiling in the middle of the room. In the center of each cylinder, facing you at floor level, is a bronze door. Each door has a bronze handle that can be used to pull the door open.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:35, Mon 20 June 2022.

“Vaask: sorry to bother you, but can you see if that slab door that just slammed shut behind us can be reopened?  We might need to make a hasty exit from this room.

Orum: go ahead and check traps on the left or right cylinder door - just pick one - lightning or blade trap - we might need to forge ahead more quickly than we had planned.

l’Atreq: do you hear that hissing sound?”

l'Atreq nods.  "Coming from four holes at the corners of the room, There, There, There and there." he says pointing at each in turn.

Orum moves tothe right most cylinder and cautiously begins checking. Every now and then he casts a nervous glance towards the indicated hissing sounds. Could it be snakes? Gas?

Tarrahn tries to remain as vigilant as possible as the group moves slowly forward.  He has pocketed his sling for the time being and has a staff in his hand(s) now.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Mon 20 June 2022.

l'Atreq brushes a small area of the floor free of dust and then kneels down pouring out a few drops of oil and then gathering the dust into a small pellet.  After repeating this three more times, this action is followed by pushing the pellets into each of the little holes, trying to block the holes with this stiffened oily putty like substance.

"Does anyone smell anything?" asks l'Atreq.  "Any ideas what kind of gas it is?"

Aremis hears gas escaping the room and begins to panic.

Responding to the question about the gas, he says: “About the gas, my best guess is that the air from this room is being pushed OUT through the 4 corners along the floor - either magically or because the room is getting smaller...

...so, if we don’t find a safe way out of here, we will either suffocate or get crushed by the ceiling, which may be coming down.  I’m not sure yet what’s happening, but that’s my best guess.

Even if we stop up the gas escape holes, that won’t stop the room from collapsing and, while it may give us air for longer, the pressure in here may increase.

We need to get the one-way slab door open - which will give us an escape route and could stop the room trap OR we need to find another way to move forward - either through one of the cylinders or another secret door out of this room.

Vaask is working on the slab door.  I can look for secret doors while Orum works on finding and removing traps on the cylinders.

Any other suggestions?  I’m just throwing out recommendations, but if anyone has a better idea of what you can or should be doing to figure out what’s going on or how to move us forward, do that.”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Mon 20 June 2022.

An elven calm suddenly takes hold of Aremis and replaces the frantic look of fear and panic that momentarily overwhelmed his human emotions.  Aremis closes his eyes, takes a slow, steady breath, and then says more calmly to the party: “Sorry, folks!  And particularly to you, Lady Vixl, please forgive and ignore my last, panicked rant.

I’m just a bit on edge and may have over-reacted to what I thought was an urgent trap.  My human fight or flight emotions sometime over-whelm and over-rule my elven logic and calmness.

Everyone please take a moment to relax and think.  It appears we have some time to check things out and decide how best to proceed.

Here is what we do know: A “gas” is escaping through four corners of this room and making a hissing noise. You can hear it faintly if you are quiet.  And these three cylinders with doors appear to be lined up directly below the three statues on the roof above that we saw when we approached this pyramid.

I assumed the gas was escaping OUT of this room, but it may be escaping INTO this room.  Now I’m not sure.  Plus, we don’t know if it’s just air or something else.

Although I still think we should try to reopen and spike the slab door, if possible, and we still need to look for and disarm any traps on the cylinder doors, we appear to have more time than I originally anticipated.  The pressure and atmosphere in here does not appear to be changing rapidly enough, at the moment, to panic.

Suggestions?  Thoughts?  Actions?”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 21 June 2022.

Vaask checks the entry door to the room to see if it can be re-opened.

Before Aremis has time to complete his peroration (or for l'Atreq to begin his experiment), he and the rest of you start to feel light-headed and not in an alcoholic sort of way.

You are in rounds. Please limit your actions to what a character would normally be able to accomplish in a combat round.

*Operating assumption is that you take the time to listen to each other before attempting tasks. I don't think there is enough dust for that to be doable, anyhow. If there were piles of sand, maybe.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:56, Mon 20 June 2022.

"Is there any point in trying to block the holes?" asks l'Atreq.  "If so, what do we have to do it with?  I have oil and about 200 feet of twine.  Maybe I can seal the holes with that?"

"What about a torch handle or a spike?"

Aremis walks the perimeter of the room, looking for any secret or concealed door exits out of here, while also trying to confirm whether the hissing gas in the 4 corners is coming in or going out of the room, and, if it is coming in, whether it has any discernible smell.

OOC: I'll wait to see what the result of my inspection of the door is before declaring any other action. But I think I can guess the answer.

OOC I'm confused about the size of the holes.  I had imagined them to be pretty small if they allowed the gas to hiss but both l'Atreq and Aremis have examined them.

l'Atreq checks the holes to see whether a copper coin would be large enough to cover them.  "Maybe this would be enough to block them", says l'Atreq, "Especially if the air is going out.  And maybe a drop or two of oil would make it airtight unless anyone has putty?"

OOC: any determination?

Vaask comes alongside l'Atreq and offers up an iron spike to see if it's any help.

l'Atreq jams the spike into the hole and says, "That will do nicely, thank you.  Do you have more?"

"Indeed," replies Vaask, handing over another spike, and keeping alongside l'Atreq.

l'Atreq takes the spike and says, "I'll take that hole, you take that one and then that one over there.  We can close them off more quickly that way."

As Vaask moves one way, l'Atreq moves the opposite way to jam a spike into the next hole

"Roger that," says Vaask, and acts accordingly.

Aremis continues examining the perimeter of the room looking for secret/concealed doors and trying to determine if the gas is escaping or entering the room and whether it has a smell.  Artemis occasionally examines the ceiling to confirm that the ceiling is not lowering toward the party.

Tarrahn stands by with Vixl seeing if there is something else that they could be doing, if needed?

Aremis's walkabout of the room reveals no secret or concealed doors. He is able to confirm, once again, that the gas is entering the chamber, not exiting it.

Tarrahn coolly appraises the situation and recommends that they try to block the holes with spikes, which Vaask and l'Atrek attempt to do. They find the tapered head of a spike fits into the holes and allows for further insertion until quite a snug fit has been achieved, preventing further gas from entering.

Meanwhile, Vixl throws her admittedly insubstantial weight against the stone slab and bounces right off.

As for Orum, he can detect nothing amiss with the right-most cylinder.

Despite the success of blocking two of the four holes, the odorless gas still blows into the room. Its effects are reliably toxic (All PCs take 1 point of damage).

All party members may post. During combat, try to limit yourselves to one post.
17:33, Today: The Lord of Divine Words, on behalf of Vixl, rolled 5 using 1d6.  Minor Test.

"This one seems more or less safe," Orum indicates the right hand cylinder. He moves to the center pillar and begins his tapping and perusing.

"In the interest of speed and breathing we may wish to proceed through the door I have checked."

The hobgoblin had a short sword, but it did not interest Víxl. Most humanoids tended to have functional, but poor quality equipment, so she left it alone, keeping an eye to the rear in case some of the carrion birds were to get a taste for something fresher.

Inside, when the door closed behind them, she took a cursory glance at it. It was not so worrisome- if a hobgoblin could open it, then surely an elf could do so. Still, she did not gainsay it when Aremis suggested Vaask try to open it- after all, being able to open something is not the same thing as being able to open it quickly, so it was a reasonable thing to try...

... especially so with the hissing sound, they might well need to move very quickly. The others seemed to be trying to plug the holes, so she went to assist Vaask with the doors, in a laughable attempt. A frown as she brushes herself off, "If it will open, it needs someone with a hobgoblin's heft."

She had nothing of use to plug the two remaining holes, so she held her breath and opened the door of the right cylinder. Staying here was poison, so if Orum had missed it, a trap would just have to be risked.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Thu 23 June 2022.

Vaask will absorb the slow poison the best he can and proceed to plug one of the final two holes.

Now that Lady Víxl has opened Seeing that Lady Víxl is attempting to open the right cylinder door, Aremis will head that direction to see what happens and then determine what to do next. whether to precede or follow Víxl down (?) the steps or ladder inside the cylinder - depending on what she does.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Sat 25 June 2022.

Tarrahn will attempt to hold his breath and head for the door Vixl just opened in the statue.  He will look inside before entering, unless stopped.

(ooc)
Not a new post for the round, but to clarify one thing...

Aremis:

and then determine whether to precede or follow Víxl down (?) the steps or ladder inside the cylinder - depending on what she does.

If there are steps or a ladder, yes, she would go down them, if for no other reason that we might need the space for everyone to get inside. (Assuming she has not died in a trap, and that she gets the door open in the first place.)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Fri 24 June 2022.

l'Atreq moves in the opposite direction from Tarrahn and tries to plug the final hole.

Working together, Vassak and l'Atrek ram spikes into the last two holes but not before more poisonous gas has been inhaled (1 dmg to everybody; Tarrahn can make a saving throw vs. poison to avoid the dmg). With the four holes plugged, the danger of extinction, thankfully, appears to be over.

Orum shifts his attention to the middle cylinder and discovers dried blood in front of it. Despite his tapping and perusing, he cannot discover what might have caused the bloodshed.

With multiple sets of eyes upon her, Vixl opens the door to the third cylinder and *poof* disappears from view. Well, not "poof" or "hocus pocus," really. She had been standing on a hinged paving stone that opened when she had opened the door (Saving Throw vs ??? (which one?) for 1/2 dmg, V.)

"Navaer!" she called out, trying to grab the ledge, or roll with the fall.


(ooc)
I would suggest an ability score saving throw with dexterity (roll dex or less), since you are asking. But if you prefer something else that is fine.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Sun 26 June 2022.

23:42, Today: Tarrahn rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Poison Save +3.

Vixl tumbles to the chamber below, noting that if she had been able to take one step further she could have taken a ladder down (or up) instead (4 dmg from fall).

A 10' radius circle at the foot of each ladder is lit by a glowing, 2' long beetle. Each beetle has three glowing spots.

And had she been able to take the ladder down, she might not have upset the happy, little nest of fire beetles -- but landing with a crash next to one of them? No. And if one fire beetle is upset, so are all of them. They're empathetic that way.

But the one advantage of falling out of nowhere is that Vixl (and the rest of you) have gotten the jump on the beetles.



08:48, Today: The Lord of Divine Words, on behalf of Vixl, rolled 2,1 using d6,d6.  party vs fire beetle init.
08:33, Today: The Lord of Divine Words, on behalf of Vixl, rolled 8 using 3d6.  1/2'ed.

"Someone should go down and rescue Vixl," Orum chirped. "Then we can all follow."

He positions himself to follow the well armored tall ones who seem intent on heading down.

Aremis realizes that Lady Víxl is at death’s door and will jump/climb down as quickly and safely as possible to interpose himself between Víxl and the fire beetles before they can attack Víxl.  He’s hoping the spell casters will be able to disable or distract the bulk of the beetles.  He will attack the largest/most dangerous beetle threatening Víxl.  He will attack with his longsword and will discard his shield if it will enable him to drop into position more quickly and safely.

Aremis, seeing that the situation is dire for Lady Víxl, discards his shield (making his AC 5 for now), and jumps/swings his way down the ladder to slow his descent enough to land safely between Víxl and the angry beetles.  As he jumps, he issues a war cry to try to draw the attention of the beetles to himself and away from Víxl.

He swings his longsword at the biggest/most threatening beetles near Víxl.  One of his two attacks appears to connect its intended target.

14:59, Today: Aremis rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,4.  DEX roll to jump/swing down safely (Dex =12).
15:01, Today: Aremis rolled a 19 (1st attack) and a 12 (2nd attack) using 2 1d20+3.  2 attacks 1st round of combat, 2x specialized.
15:02, Today: Aremis rolled 5 damage with 1st attack using 1d8+3 with roll of 2.  Damage long sword vs S/M
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Sun 26 June 2022.

Vaask follows Aremis down the ladder and attempts a jump/land Thor-like attack with his mace on the first beetle he sees.

15:52, Today: Vaask rolled 6 using 1d6 ((6)). Initiative.
15:52, Today: Vaask rolled 13 using 1d20+2 ((11)). Attack.
15:53, Today: Vaask rolled 8 using 1d6+5 ((3)). Damage (mace).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sat 25 June 2022.

Once Aremis has jumped down l'Atreq with no intention of jumping, moves from the other side of the room toward the ladder, saying, "Somebody cover me please so I can get down there and cure Vixl's wounds while it's still possible."

Seeing that Vaask has also gone down, l'Atreq climbs down the ladder cautiously, making ready to fix up Vixl
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Sat 25 June 2022.

Once all the tallies have proceeded down the ladder Orum cautiously follows, assuming that Tarrahn is comfortable as rear guard.

Tarrahn gives Orum a little thumbs up that he's good where he is for the time being.

The beetles are not the only ones upset- Víxl is quite perturbed at the trap. Still, not knowing if the poison released above would linger in the room even if the holes are plugged, she would have done what she did again (although with a leap to hopefully catch the ladder).

But with no do-over spell in memory, she must take the situation as it is. And although she can hear the others coming, right at this moment, she is alone, and quite close to death. So, it sems the best thing to do is let loose with the spell she does have memorized- sleep, centering it in the middle of the three bugs.


(ooc)
15' radius, so that is a 30' diameter. That should catch all three of them if the ladders are 10' apart. I do not know if they are 1hd or 2hd creatures (I assume not more than 2hd, and it would be poor form to look things up in play!), but if they are 1+ to 2hd creatures, she rolled well and would put 5 of them to sleep. That should hopefully solve her immediate problem, since there is no save... as long as she can cast her spell, and as long as they can be affected, and as long as we don't have three or more party members getting in range (sleep has a 1 segment casting time, so that is probably not a worry), and as long as I am not overlooking something important. *L*
This message was last edited by the player at 01:15, Sun 26 June 2022.

OOC: PM’d response.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Sun 26 June 2022.

After Vixl bestows the little sleep upon the fire beetles, Vaask and Aremis gives them the big sleep and nothing further is heard from them even though their red glands continue to glow.

This room holds spare parts for the machinery inside the statues. There are also several large, covered, clay pots. These pots held oil to lubricate the machinery. The oil has almost evaporated over the centuries, even through the pots were sealed. There is also a small foundry here for fixing broken statue parts. It has a forge, an anvil, tongs, hammers, and so on.

In addition to the three door leading out of the room, there are ascending ladders in each of the cylinders.

“l’Atreq: those fire beetle glands would make excellent lantern fillers, it would seem, if you want to save on your lantern oil and torch supplies.

Anyone want to pour out oil from the pots to see if anything of value is hidden in the bottom of them?

Also, any non-tallies want to climb up and check out the three statue innards?

I assume we can hang out in here for a little bit - to heal up, and to search this room, the beetle nest, and the statues more thoroughly.”

After looking through the tools and workshop supplies, Aremis will retrieve his shield, and then station himself on guard at the NW door where he will still have a vantage point view of the other 2 doors and the 3 ladders in the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Sun 26 June 2022.

"I'll climb back up this ladder we just came down as far as it goes to see if I can get insode the statue. Maybe see home."

After a pause, maybe to allow laughter he continues, "But the middle cylinder is or was trapped, judging by the blood I saw on the floor. Probably set to go off if the door is opened, so probably safe for going up the ladder. Based on two being trapped, it seems a safe assumption that the third is also trapped."

He heads up the ladder they just used to see how high up it goes and what he can find.

"I am forbidden to use knives", said l'Atreq, "But I will happily carry the glands if someone else cuts them out."

There was a moment of silence as l'Atreq moved to Vixl.  "I believe you need healing?"

l'Atreq peeled brown leather gloves away from brown wrinkled hands and lay them on Vixl, making a prayer to Ptah. "Homage to You Ptah, O Lord of Radiance at the head of the Great House! Homage to You, O Lord, Maker of the things that are, Creator of what shall come into being, the Beginning of beings, the Father of Fathers and Mother of Mothers!
Adoration is given to Ptah the Lord of all the worlds!
Hail Ptah, the Lord rich in love and great of compassion! You created all perfect things. Bearing the offering of peace, You set at peace the hearts of humanity. You removed the suffering of their souls and granted peace.
Adoration is given to Ptah the Lord of all the worlds!"

20:43, Today: l'Atreq rolled 6 using 1d8.  Heal damage CLW.  Vixl has 6 HPts restored or the amount needed to bring her to maximum, whichever is lower.

"No knife us at all? Then may all your steaks be tender ones, l'Atreq," Víxl replid. "And thank you for healing. I can get those glands for you." She would cut them out for the cleric.

"As for the pots, it seems a waste to just pour them out. if there is enough unevaporated oil, perhaps we can fill the lanterns completely, or perhaps after that time in the desert, someone has some empty containers, flasks, or even an empty wineskin they might want to fill with oil to bring it along?"


(ooc)
How much oil might be gathered up, or is it too little even if combined?

Víxl is fine with helping Orum search the statues, as she assumes the traps would have been at/on the doors, rather than inside at the ladders, and also fine with assisting with the oil and pot-searching. However, she is handling the beetle glands at the moment. But if others are kept busy on guard or with other business (looking for traps, secret doors, listening, etc), then when she finishes her current task, she will move on to whatever has not been accomplished and still needs to still be done.

l'Atreq said, "No knives at all but if I begin eating meat, I may have my teeth sharpened."

Tarrahn walks over to one of the oil pots.  If he can reach the lid, he will carefully open it in case there is another trap set inside of it.  "I think I can handle the pots Aremis!"

Orum climbs up the trusted ladder until he reaches the interior of one of the statues on top of the pyramid (actually the one on the left in the picture from post #1). The statue has a special speaking tube which allowed its priests (and now Orum) to speak the god's (presumably their) will to the masses of the faithful before the pyramid (no longer there in any form let alone en masse). There are any number of levers, dials, and buttons to manipulate all of the parts of the statue, from root to flower, should the little man wish to simulate divinity in juxtaposition of its actual evocation below.

It would take two turns to salvage 6 flasks of the superannuated oil.

Tarrahn will handle the task if we want the oil?

While somewhat tempted, Orum knows the dangers of lever pulling and leaves them all as it. He briefly considers the nature of religion vs. manipulation of the masses, then clambers back down to report his findings.

"Lots of machinery up there to move the statue about. Judging from the sand outside and state of the oil I would say that the faithful are long gone, and the priests probably with them. Come to think of it L'Atreq, are any of the three statues known to you from your religious background?"

l'Atreq considers and says at last, "I recognise aspects of each of the statues but they do not come from my own pantheon.  We have never had to lie to followers of Ptah as the priests of these gods seem to have lied routinely to their faithful."

Aremis joins in on the tail end of the religious conversation: “Just because these priests resorted to some trickery by using manipulated statues to represent their gods, it would be foolish for us to assume that these deities had no power and that their priests were impotent of clerical spells.  I have no idea what lies ahead, but we should not assume that any clerics we run across as we forge ahead are merely charlatans lacking real clerical powers - for good or for ill.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Mon 27 June 2022.

"No, we should not", agreed l'Atreq, "If we wanted to show our faithful, Ptah moving, which we would not, we too would have to resort to creating automata.  Illusion is not a priestly magic.  My point was more that the faithful of Ptah have no need for such puppet shows and prefer truth to pantomime.  I do not condemn the priests for their subterfuge.  Perhaps though, this was the cause of the loss of this city.  If the priests rely on machines to make their 'miracles' perhaps these gods grew angry to find themselves reduced to puppets."

“All good points,” Aremis agrees with l’Atreq.

“Once we’ve finished searching this room and the statues above, which door do you think we should try first?  The lone door to the east or one of the two doors on this side of the room?  Any strong feelings on our best path?  We need to find some food - preferably of the edible variety.” Aremis smiles at the apparently elderly but enigmatic human cleric.  Maybe not elderly; perhaps afflicted.  Aremis ponders these issues internally, but says nothing - respecting the privacy of the wise cleric, who, without attempting to, has begun to take on a fatherly role for this rag-tag band of mismatched and quirky adventurers.

Víxl mused, "Perhaps we should not overlook that it is only a theory that the people were deceived, as opposed to being aware of the theater. Perhaps in this culture, they preferred to see their gods represented as living beings, complete with motion and speech, rather than represented as unmoving, silent statues. Not all beings worship in the same manner, after all."

With nine fire beetle glands available, she kept on for herself, packing it in darkness in her pack, gave one to whomever else wanted one, "Infravision is best, but there are times you might need to make out colors or pictures or words that it cannot discern. So a light might be useful," she said, and then gave all the remainder of them to l'Atreq.

Indicating the beetles, she said, "The fox is clever enough not to pass up insects for food, and the bear maintains great power with such a diet. There should be enough edible there for the immediate tummy-rumblings, until we find what the hobgoblin has been eating."

Since Orum moved on to check the pots for hidden treasures, Víxl would check the other two statues, to ensure nothing was left behind. Perhaps a hobgoblin or someone else used one as a storage place for treasures they did not want their fellows to know about.

She had no opinion on which door to take- if it was only silence behind them, and no indication any had been used recently, then it did not seem to matter.


(ooc)

quote:

Tarrahn will handle the task if we want the oil?

I would say yes- we cannot afford to pass up any resources while lost in a desert with no other means of restocking found.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Mon 11 July 2022.

Orum stared at his shoes and said, "If you want, I can listen at each of the doors and do my best to see if they are trapped. That may help us make a decision."

"Yes please Orum", says l'Atreq.  "That would be very kind of you."

The party busies itself with various tasks, while exchanging views on the theology of the inhabitants of the lost city, who are neither present to gainsay nor validate those views.

Anything you set out do has been accomplished but nothing new was discovered or revealed.

“Since all the doors out of here seem equal and silent, why don’t we head through the lone door to the East?” Aremis suggests.

Aremis will take the one extra fire beetle light gland offered by Víxl and store it in his backpack for safekeeping.

If Orum finds no traps, Aremis will lead the way through the E door, using our single file order.

"I think we should try and make our way inward to see if we can hopefully find some supplies."

“Tarrahn, which door leads inward?”

OOC, pretty sure GM post means I checked and listened and there was nothing detected.

"Unless someone has access to divination or luck spells then any is as good as the others."

“Then we proceed through the East door.”  Aremis opens the East door.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Wed 29 June 2022.

l'Atreq considered carefully and pretended to weigh pros or cons although there were none, not really.  "Yes.  Yes we do."

"It's certainly not the way we came to get here Aremis.  We are certainly doomed if we go back the way we came, if we can get back out.  I'm thinking forward is the way to go if we're to make it."

The eastern door opens to a 30' long corridor, ending in a T-intersection. 20' down there is a southern-facing door and 10' further, just before the intersection, lies a northern-facing one. Nothing can be heard from behind either door.

Víxl took her place at the end of the line, guarding the rear. She did not expect immediate trouble, but something could potentially come from those other doors and follow them, so she remained alert. As for the doors and corridor ahead, she left that decision to those leading the way- if they felt they needed input, they would ask.

(ooc)
Recommending Aramis as caller- his character is one of the two up front leading the way, and his player is frequently posting so is aware and responsive in the game.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Thu 30 June 2022.

Aremis motions to Vaask to stop/wait at the first door, which effectively stops the party marching behind him.   He then hurries ahead to the T intersection to look both directions to make sure there are no creatures or other beings out and about in the open hallway ahead of the party.

If everything is quiet ahead of us (and no traps or other unexpected events happen as a result of the quick scout ahead), Aremis will return to the party and enter the 1st door (S) we came to.

OOC: South door

Vaask stops and holds up his left hand, signaling those behind him to hold their position. He grips his mace with his right hand, ready for anything.

l'Atreq stands in line with flail in hand waiting for whatever is revealed.

The scout finds that the scouted passage terminates 50' to the north and runs 60' to the south, terminating at a statue. There are doors 40 and 50' down on the western side of the corridor.

As for the door to the south, opening it leads to:

a room that might once have been the quarters of a cleric, but it now looks like it has been abandoned for a long time. It contains musty, dust-covered furniture: a sleeping pallet, a writing desk with a wooden stool, a chest, and a wooden holy symbol that looks like a balance.

l'Atreq considers first the balance, using a knowledge of religion to work out which deity might have been worshipped here and then turns to Orum with a nod, suggesting that Orum might wish to check what's in the chest.

Orum cracks his knuckles and moves to the chest for a detailed, yet leisurely check for traps.

Curious about the statue, it would have to wait. In the room, Víxl walked by the walls, getting the room measurement, but also seeing of any secret or hidden door popped up to her eyes.

Tarrahn follows next to Vixl, watching their rear, and looks around as they move forward.  "How old do you think this place is?" he asks.

Vaask remains in the hallway, standing guard as the rest of the party searches the room.

"Definitely older than I am," she replied to Tarrahn, "But exactly how old? I cannot say. A dwarf might be able to examine the weathering of the stone and tell us, but stonework and the desert are a bit out of my expertise.

She considered as she kept up her search and added, "If the three figures represent gods and not rulers, then long enough for them to fall out of memory, or l'Atreq might have heard of them. So a few hundred years, perhaps."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Sat 02 July 2022.

Those who consider the balance recall that the right-most statue atop the pyramid holds one (again see #1 for reference) but nothing else is gleaned (or found) within this abandoned cell.

With the room to the south accounted for, you open the door to the north, revealing another 20' by 20' room which contains an old bed, writing table, chair, and a chest. From the looks of the furniture, the quarters have long been abandoned. From behind the bed come scuffling sounds. Suddenly you see the head of a large, pale blue lizard with orange spots burst suddenly into view.



The party has won init and may act first.
Up to 2.5 PCs per square. No attacks around corners.

Upon seeing the multi-colored giant lizard pop its head up, Aremis will shift over to the left side of the room to enable Vaask and anyone behind him the opportunity to enter the room.  Sword and shield at the ready.  However, Aremis says “Giant Lizard!  Let it run away, if it will.  Druid??”

OOC: At the risk of losing initiative (and just b/c initiative was rolled does not mean combat is necessary or required), Aremis will see if the Giant Lizard is hostile or protecting its turf/nest or willing to scurry away down the hall.

If the Giant Lizard runs, he will allow it to do so.  If it attacks anyone or if more pop up, Aremis will engage.

If engaged/attack occurs, Aremis will use both attacks in response.  Needs a modified 15 to hit AC5 (if this is a standard Giant Lizard).

Attack results, if needed:
22:32, Today: Aremis rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  Damage with 2nd attack, long sword vs S/M (7 hp damage).
22:31, Today: Aremis rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  2nd attack, to hit.  Need 15 to hit AC 5. (Hit!)
22:30, Today: Aremis rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  1st attack, to hit, need 15 to hit AC 5. (Missed).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Sun 03 July 2022.

"Shutting the door may also be an option," she offered. Unable to reach the beast immediately, she continued to guard the rear, attacking only if the lizard did so, and the way was clear to it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Sun 03 July 2022.

Following Aremis's lead, Vaask shifts his position slightly, moving two steps to the east while keeping an eye on the lizard and a hand on his mace. His objective is to block the hallway and direct the lizard westward toward the upper levels of the pyramid (where the party has already been) rather than down into the tunnels, where it might alert others to the party's presence.

"Does anyone have a mirror?", calls l'Atreq who is still with Orum in the South Room.  This is followed by l'Atreq's own attempt to find anything appropriately shiny in the South room.

"I have one," Víxl responded, but she made no move to recover her mirror, since dealing with the lizard or remaining on guard seemed the higher priority at the moment. She recognized that they might want it to distract the beast, but she was loathe to put her weapon down. "If you want to take it, it is near the top of my bag, with a sack wrapped about it for protection."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Sun 03 July 2022.

"Thank you," says l'Atreq and moves carefully up behind Vixl to try to retrieve the mirror and look for a place from which it would be possible to show the beast its own reflection.

Tarrahn stands near the open doorway in case combat occurs waiting to cast his Faeir Fire spell, if needed.

Now afforded a closer few of the vibrantly hued lizard, the ranger spots bloody giblets adhered to the side of its jaws. Not about to abandon a meal (especially when more have conveniently presented themselves), it chomps the would-be thief (8 dmg to Aremis). Another specimen of its kind, doubtless a mate, drops down from the ceiling and misses with its own bite. Both lizards are far larger than they initially appeared, having unfurled the full extent of their serpentine length (the room is now at capacity).

Aremis hits Lizard A for 7 dmg.
Tarrahn casts FF on Lizard B (PCs get +2 to his Lizard B).
It is not possible for the lizards to see their own reflections.
13:38, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 14,8,5,8 using d20,d8+1,d20,d8+1.  2 giant lizards attack Aremis.

"I don't have a healing spell left today." says l'Atreq, "But I have a spell that might help us fight.  I'll try it when I can see my way clear."  With that, l'Atreq tries to move into a position from which it would be possible to cast Light on the eyes of Lizard A.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Mon 04 July 2022.

Once l'Atreq's steps bring them into position, they let lose the spell, aiming to cast Light on Lizard A's eyes.

Seeing the change in circumstances, Vaask abandons his post and charges into the room to attack the nearest lizard with his mace.

09:26, Today: Vaask rolled 21, 21 using 1d20+2. Attack x2.
09:28, Today: Vaask rolled 8, 7 using 1d6+3. Damage x2.

It did not seem people were going to withdraw and shut the door, even despite the appearance of a second lizard. So once l'Atreq has finished with her pack, Víxl tries to maneuver her way forward to assist. "One side, please! Sword coming through!" If she can reach the doorway, she will attack.

(ooc)
A roll of 6 to hit, so a miss. Blinded or faerie fire is unlikely to make enough of a differnce.
I assume these are S/M creatures.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 06 July 2022.

Orum took up a position out of the way in the hall so that he could observe any other foul miscreants approaching the rear of the party.

Tarrahn steps out of the way of his rear guard partner after casting his spell.

OOC: @Host - I rolled damage for large. If they are medium, please add 1 pt of damage to each roll. (17 total instead of 15.) Thx.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Thu 07 July 2022.

With two swings, Vaask drops the newly-dropped lizard before him. Snapping and hissing at each other, Aremis and the other lizard continue to squabble in the corner of the room.

The Party is up. Lizard B is down.

"Vaask", calls out l'Atreq, "If the light is on the lizard's eyes, you might want to risk healing Aremis.  If it's on the back of its head then fighting it might prove better."

OOC no chance of spell failure but the lizard gets a save versus spell and if it succeeds, the light it on the back of its head (while if it fails, it's on its eyes and it's blind).

If Víxl was able to make it in, she will assist with the remaining lizard. Sadly, all the jostling and cramped quarters makes it hard to properly get adequate positioning.


(ooc)
Hmmm, her initial hit roll last round was a 2, and these two hit rolls were a 1. Plus both of these irrelevant damage rolls were also 1's. No wonder she wanted to close the door and move on! ^_^;

Better luck to the rest of you, I hope!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Thu 07 July 2022.

Inspired by Vaask’s successful attack on the second lizard, Aremis continues attacking the first lizard and does some minimal damage.

23:24, Today: Aremis rolled 4 using 1d8+3 ((1)).  Damage roll (vs S/M) for attack 2, round 3.  Damage vs LizA=4
23:22, Today: Aremis rolled 11,22 (need 15 modified to hit AC5) using d20+3,d20+3 ((8,19)).  To hit, 2x attacks for round 3.  Second attack hits!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Fri 08 July 2022.

Vaask, on an adrenaline rush, attacks the second lizard with his mace.

00:36, Today: Vaask rolled 17 using 1d20+2 ((15)). Attack.
00:36, Today: Vaask rolled 10 using 1d6+4 ((6)). Damage.

Mace and sword make an end of the second lizard, leaving the room yours to pillage. Behind the bed, you discover a partially eaten human with lanky, milky hair and pasty skin. Near it, you find a gold stylized mask fashioned in the likeness of a gecko.

“Good job, everyone!  The Light and Faerie Fire spells were both helpful!  Nice mace work, Vaask!  Impressive.  Glad you jumped in - those Lizards were quick and slippery little buggers.  My sword kept deflecting off their scales, but that mace of yours had no problem.  Those crushing blows were quite effective.

I hate to stop, but we could all use a brief rest.  And those lizards did a number on my exposed areas.  I seem to have several slash wounds on my arms and legs.”

Vaask acknowledges Aremis's praise with a nod, then approaches him and takes a knee. He places hands on his companion and prays silently, with his eyes closed, for an inordinately long time.

23:16, Today: Vaask rolled 6 using 1d8.  CLW.
23:16, Today: Vaask rolled 5 using 1d8.  CLW.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Sat 09 July 2022.

"For those of you who find beetle unappetizing, we now have another option," Víxl stated. "There's enough to rest as long as needed."

She took a look about the room, checking for any hidden entrances.

Nothing is found during the search.

"Shall we take an extended rest here so everyone can regain their spells?" asks Vaask. "Seems as good a spot as any..."

OOC: If we apply Cass's default watch, it is as follows:

Shift A: Aramis & Orum
Shift B: Vaask & Tarrahn
Shift C: Víxl & l'Atreq
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Sat 09 July 2022.

“An extended rest to regain and change spells makes sense.”
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Sun 10 July 2022.

"Should we rest here?" asks l'Atreq.  "If so, how will we stop the door from closing and trapping us inside?"

This message was deleted by the player at 11:06, Sun 10 July 2022.

In reply to l'Atreq (msg # 146):

OOC: We all entered the room to fight the lizards. Did the door shut behind us? I don't presume to know. But I figure if we've already rested 13 minutes, we can extend that to 6-8 hours, or whatever is needed...

OOC some of us didn't open the room and may be still in the doorway.

In reply to l'Atreq (msg # 149):

OOC: Ah. I didn't realize. Thought I was the last one in the room. In that case, I will sit and wait for instructions from our party leader(s).
This message was last edited by the player at 11:07, Sun 10 July 2022.

Acknowledging l’Atreq’s concern about the potential trap doors, Aremis carefully studies the door to the lizard sleeping quarters room to confirm that it can indeed be opened, like a normal door, from occupants who used this room as a living quarters.  Assuming this door, and the door on the opposite side of the hall, can be opened from inside each room, Aremis suggests that the party sleep/camp out in the first cleric sleeping quarters, rather than the room littered with two mangled lizard carcasses.

However, before retiring to the first cleric room, Aremis does encourage Víxl to harvest some edible lizard haunch meat.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Sun 10 July 2022.

"Take as much meat as you can carry", suggests l'Atreq to Vixl.  "Somewhere down the line I can magically purify it so it can last longer even when it should be 'off'".

At the same time, l'Atreq also looks for a container that will hold sufficient water for the party so that some can be created.

"Ok then. Unless anyone has an objection, I'm going to hit the hay," says Vaask, as he heads for the pallet in the southern room. "Wake me up when it's my turn to keep watch."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Sun 10 July 2022.

"I will make sure you're up Vaask," Tarrahn says as he tries to get some rest before their watch.

With the scent of roasted lizard in the air, the six of you share the afternoon together, breaking up camp eight hours later (spells are recovered but natural healing requires one full day of uninterrupted rest).

l'Atreq considers examining the lizard mask but right now he's too tired and goes to sleep.  He plans to look at it after meditation.

“That mask might be useful as a disguise at some point,” Aremis mentions to l’Atreq before l’Atreq closes his eyes.

L'Atreq goes to sleep without answering.  After all when one's normal appearance is a wooden mask, is a golden one very good as a disguise?

Aremis appreciates the irony that our party cleric wears a mask and the current occupants of this lost city also apparently wear masks too.  Hopefully we do not run into any wooden golems or other wood-based creatures that might take a special interest in eating our own wood-masked cleric.

Now that the party has rested and napped for 8 hours without incident, and memorized new spells, the party is ready to continue onward.  Based on previous scouting, the party will continue eastward from the two sleeping quarters and, assuming no activity to the north or south at the T that needs to be dealt with immediately, the party will head south at the T to examine the statue previously seen at the end of the hall.  Aremis asks the thief and cleric to accompany him to examine the statue while the other two fighters and the druid hang back in case of trap at the statue or an ambush from the two doors on the western side of the hall (more sleeping quarters perhaps?) that we are temporarily by-passing in the hall, but to which we will return shortly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Sun 10 July 2022.

Orum sets to work inspecting the statue for traps, moving slowly around it in a clockwise direction.

Víxl had no objections to staying to rest- rememorizing her own spell would be a helpful activity. But first, she cut out the choicest bits of lizardmeat as requested, then proceeded with the others to eat, rest, and rememorize.

When that was complete, she pointed out the remaining meats, and stated, "l'Atreq has said it can be purified it if it starts to turn tummies, so I would recommend taking what we can. Do remember the scent might attract hungry beasts, but we could also throw some to them to hopefully end pursuit."

When they moved on and Aremis asked several of them to hold back, she did so, watching behind them. The north might have looked empty, but they had not checked it for hidden passages. She tried to remain flat against the wall, in case the statue was trapped and sent anything up the corridor, suggesting it to the others who could also use the thought.


(ooc)

Aremis:

Party Loot Tracker (distributed evenly among the party, unless otherwise indicated):
(3) 6 fire beetle glands (light source).

This should be nine- three per beetle.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Mon 11 July 2022.

At the end of the southern corridor you see a glittering statue. The statue appears to be a smaller version of the bearded man wielding a lightning bolt you saw on top of the pyramid.

Not for the first time, Orum finds no evidence of any tomfoolery or monkey business or hanky-panky going on. He does quickly conclude that statue's made of wood -- not gold.

There are two western doors, one twenty feet and one thirty feet from the end of the corridor.

"Probably housing for the priests of this god, then," Orum said with a shrug.

"Shall I listen at these two doors?"

“Orum, please do!

I find it ironic that the statue is made of wood - just like l’Atreq’s mask.

Unless you hear something, Orum, we’ll go in the door closest to the statue first.”

OOC: normal door entry order.

l'Atreq takes position in line and says to Aremis, "As long as it doesn't eat me, I'm happy."

Orum listens at the doors from the one closest to the statue to the other.

"Maybe the statue was made elsewhere and brought here. Or this wasn't a desert when the statue was made. Or the divine being provided the wood," he mused out loud.

With his ear pressed against one slab of stone and then another, Orum nods in satisfaction and reports the sounds of male voices behind each, with one set burbling in eager anticipation of a "lightning storm" and the other set bemoaning the "lesser qualities of the lesser sex."

Terrahn remains in his rear guard position with Vixl, ready to support the party as needed.

"Are these conversations or soliloquys, Orum?" asks l'Atreq in a whisper.  "How many voices can you hear at each door?"

l'Atreq stands still and quiet until the rest of the team is ready to go through one door.  Before they do so, l'Atreq pours oil onto the floor at the other, ensuring anyone rushing out will fall over.  After letting a trail of oil follow until l'Atreq is halfway between the doors and ready to light it as a fuse, the time comes to signal.

"Las uns los!"<sup>*

*</sup> of course, l'Atreq says this in Common rather than German but it looks cool

With the oil now poured before door 2 and with l’Atreq giving the appropriate one armed salute indicating he and the spell casters are ready, the Party initiates Operation Fire and Dice!

Víxl nods, ready.

She will be using the sleep spell on those in room 1 if those in our group charging in call for that help.

If not, she will us it on those in room 2 if they open the door and there are at least three in the room (only one or two would suggest they could be handled with blades, and best to save the spell for something critical).

If neither applies, she attacks instead with sword on someone exiting room 2.

And if that does not happen either, then she just stands prepared. ^_^


(ooc)
I am assuming we have decided friends are not affected by the sleep spell? I know it was mostly a discussion between Aremis and myself in PM, but the DM has access to all those posts too.

I'm not sure of the HD of the targets.
If they are 1+ to 2HD, she put 5 to sleep.
If they are 1HD or less, she can affect up to 12.
If 2+ to 3HD, then it would affect 2.
Up to 4HD would be 1.

If there were less than three in room two, and she goes with blade instead, then she hit for 5pts of damage.

Vaask nods at each party member, in sequence, then charges through the door, mace held high, alongside Aremis.

OOC: Does the DM want combat rolls?

OOC: Yes, Vixl, you are safe to cast sleep whenever you like. Zero chance of affecting party members in 1ed or OSRIC.

l'Atreq stands with flint and steal ready, crouching down.  Rather than molotov, l'Atreq's plan is to use flail should that prove necessary.

Once Vaask and Aremis crash the door, Orum moves to where he can see who or what else is in the room. Once there, he begins to cast Hypnotism on the rearmost opponent.

In case it wasn’t clear, Aremis too nods at each party member, in sequence, then charges through the door, sword held high, alongside Vaask.  Aremis moves to the left as Vaask moves right.

OOC: Does the DM want combat rolls?

Set on slaughter, the party flings the stone door wide open and storms into the room to slay all who bunk there. Vaask and Aremis can see that

the room contains three double bunk beds. Five men (AC 5) are seated on the lower bunks talking. Each man wears iron chain mail over a blue tunic. All wear steel helmets, and each man's face is covered by a golden mask. All their masks are the same. They show a long-haired, bearded man with a stern gaze.

The last words to be spoken die on the men's lips, their excited preparation for the celebration of a coming lightning storm shelved with the arrival of a decidedly terrestrial one. Grabbing their swords, they meet the infidels head on, one of them even slicing clean through Vaask's armor (8 dmg).

Vaask charges into room.
Aremis charges into the room.
Vixl delays.
l'Atreq delays.
Orum delays before moving to doorway and casting Hypnotism.
Terrahn passes.

Both sides act simultaneously.
17:59, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 3,3,20,8,7,8 using d20,d8,d20,d8,d20,d8.  3 Vs. Vaask.
17:59, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 6,4,6,4 using d20,d8,d20,d8.  2 v A.
17:33, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 1,1 using d6,d6.  init party v. Lost City.
17:32, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 5 using 1d6.  Are we surprised? (1-2).
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:56, Sat 16 July 2022.

Orum recalls his schooling in magic and rolls his eyes. He casts his spell, hoping to ensorcel all the men.

"Drop your weapons and surrender," he commands in his most mighty tiny voice.

“You heard the mighty DragonSlayer.  Surrender!  Or sleep!”

Sleep, I say.” 

Aremis directs his initial words to the fighters in front of him, but focuses his last statement over his shoulder toward the doorway and Víxl. He defers his two deadly attacks briefly as he eagerly awaits for Víxl’s timely sleep spell to be cast, now hoping deadly combat can be avoided with these five fighters and hoping that aid can be quickly given to his heavily wounded half-orc companion.

Tarrahn will continue to watch the parties rear as they enter the room and engage.  For the moment, he will have his sling ready.

Four of the five men's eyes loll back into their sockets. Dropping their swords, they tonelessly answer the illusionist, "By your command."

Vixl, what, if anything, do you want to do?

Aremis attacks one of the fighters on the left side of the room - preferably one defending himself and not one unarmed.  One of 2 attacks lands for mediocre (5 hp) damage.

10:47, Today: Aremis rolled 20,5,7,11 using 1d20+3,d8+3,1d20+3,d8+4.  2x attack on fighter to the left side of room.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Sat 16 July 2022.

With everybody acting at the same time, swords don't always strike their preferred targets. Aramis's drops one of the men who had just pledged subservience (albeit only two minute's worth) to the illusionist.

4 men remain, 3 of whom are hypnotized for this round and next.

13:07, Today: The Lord of Divine Words, on behalf of Aremis, rolled 1 using 1d3.  1-Hyp 2-hyp 3-not.
10:47, Today: Aremis rolled 20,5,7,11 using 1d20+3,d8+3,1d20+3,d8+4.  2x attack on fighter to the left side of room.

l'Atreq lights the oil then moves back towards the first door
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Sat 16 July 2022.

Perhaps it is a waste of one or both spells, especially not knowing what is the other room, but Aremis called for the sleep spell. So hypnotized or not, Víxl casts her sleep spell on those within. At least it will last long enough they can be dealt with, and as a whole they can meet the other group.

Vaask attacks the nearest target with his mace.

14:58, Today: Vaask rolled 19 using 1d20+2 ((17)). Attack 1 of 2.
14:59, Today: Vaask rolled 9 using 1d20+2 ((7)). Attack 2 of 2.
14:59, Today: Vaask rolled 5 using 1d6+4 ((1)). Damage on first attack.
14:59, Today: Vaask rolled 9 using 1d6+4 ((5)). Damage (if applicable) on second attack.

Another man falls before the party's assault in the midst of submittingd or falling asleep or both. Three men remain in that room, all asleep.

Dipping his torch into the expansive pool of oil, l'Atreq attempts to set the floor ablaze but not as spectacularly as he might have hoped. As it ignites, the superannuated oil emits thick clouds of smoke (see below) and then burns in an uncertain, unconvincing manner (d4 rather d6 dmg).

The door to the other room opens and out rush men, roaring for blood. Heedless of the spitting fire (4 dmg to each), they charge l'Atreq and Tarrahn, with one of them nearly landing a decisive blow on the druid (6 dmg), his sword gleaming red as he withdraws it from his side.



-----
Vi|0r
-----
Al|Ta
-----
Ma|Mb
-----
Va and Ar are in 11.
Bold characters are considered engaged per OSRIC rules of retreat.
11a is covered in burning oil. Anyone passing through or starting their round in it takes d4. All squares adjacent to 11a are subject to minor concealment (-2 to hit).
16:26, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 5,5,18,6 using d20-2,d8,d20-2,d8.  1 v L 2 v Tarrahn.
16:26, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 1,2 using d2,d2.  L or T? 1 or 2.
16:24, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 4,4 using d4,d4.  oil dmg to ManA and ManB.
13:19, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 3,6 using d6,d6.  init party vs. Lost City.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:27, Mon 18 July 2022.

l'Atreq's hand inched toward the flail but then better thoughts intervened.  Instead, magic was called for ans l'Atreq's wrinkled nut brown hand reached out to touch the halfling druid while the words of the spell completed the circuit.

23:07, Today: l'Atreq rolled 2 using 1d8.  CLW.

Afterward, l'Atreq's hand fell toward the flail, ready to draw it to continue the battle.

Fighting in the flames? 'These new combatants were fanatics', she thought, as she tried to make her way forward to attack.


(ooc)
Víxl is not entering the flames themselves. If she can attack, she does, but it is a miss, even before the smoke penalty.

Hearing the sounds of combat in the hall (not good) and assuming the oil fire did not have the desired effect of delaying the enemy charge out of room 12, Aremis will charge through the door between rooms 11 and 12 and attempt to attack the enemy by surprise and from behind in room 12.

Aremis sees three opponents and makes a valiant swipe at one of the fighters on the left.  Although he is able to avoid his opponents’s shield block, the sword does not find a gap in the masked fighter’s armor.

13:22, Today: Aremis rolled 1,13,8 using d2,d20+3,d8+3.  Targets L opponent in room 12, to hit (need 15 vs AC 5), damage if hit.  MISSED.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Thu 28 July 2022.

Orum reluctantly does was fate has called for. "May the burrowing animals and roots of the trees and bushes hallow you," he murmurs.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Tue 19 July 2022.

Tarrahn recoils from the solid blow he just received from the mans sword.  He takes a step back and yells out, "BEHIND US!  MORE MEN BEHIND US!"  Tarrahn will drop his sling and attempt to retrieve his staff and take a defensive posture or, a Fighting Retreat.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 19 July 2022.

Vaask staggers backwards from the melee and closes his eyes for just a second, softly uttering the shortest prayer of his life.

22:05, Today: Vaask rolled 2 using 1d8 ((2)). CLW.

Luck proves to be a lady again for Vixl. The concealment afforded by the billowing smoke saves her from a devastating cut from one of the men, who then falls, as does the other, onto the floor. The little fat their bodies have to offer causes the fire to spit and hiss.

In the adjoining room, Aremis finds himself engaged with not one, not two, but three of the men, one of whom wears quite the fancy hat. They fall upon him. Once again luck proves to be a lady, Aremis's lady, and only one sword finds him when all three would have if not for the thick smoke pouring into the room (1 hit for 7 dmg).



Aremis, you're in NW 12 with the leader; the other two men are in NE 12.

-----
Ta|0r
-----
Al|Vi
-----
FIRE
-----
Va and Ar are in 11.
Bold characters are considered engaged per OSRIC rules of retreat.
11a is covered in burning oil. Anyone passing through or starting their round in it takes d4. All squares adjacent to 11a are subject to minor concealment (-2 to hit).

17:38, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 0,1,12,8 using d20-2-2,d8,d20,d8.  L + V.
17:46, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 14,7,12,5,13,5 using d20-1,d8+1,d20-2,d8,d20-2,d8.  3 vs 1 ... concealment.

Seeing the 3-to-1 odds (in Room 12) quite unfavorable, Aremis begins a fighting retreat while parrying maneuver back into the room from which he just came (Room 11) with the hopes of staying alive a little longer and buying time for the rest of the party to finish healing, to dispatch the remaining sleepers, to cast additional spells against the enemy, and to engage the three fighting men from both front and rear flanks (and potentially even with a back stab opportunity).

With two dead in front and the fire in place, l'Atreq says. "You two stay here just in case and I'll go to see who needs healing in the room."  Soonest said, soonest done and l'Atreq makes for the room where Vaask needs help.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Fri 22 July 2022.

The fire prevented her from entering the room directly, but it had not stopped them from coming out before- something even more likely as the oil burns away. So, Víxl stayed in place, attacking any who might try to exit. If none did so, she stabbed one of the unfortunates who were felled by the fire to ensure he felt no more suffering.

Orum continues his distasteful task, with an occasional glance to see how his comrades are faring. While he is notthe best combatant, he is ready to assist if the tide turns against them.

Tarrahn finds a target that he can see, that is still a threat to his party, and casts Faerie Fire making him an easier target for his companions.

If l'Atreq reaches Vaax in time. then they stretches out their hand and casts cure light wounds upon him.

16:29, Today: l'Atreq rolled 3 using 1d8.  CLW.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Fri 22 July 2022.

+2 to hit Fancy Hat enemy fighter for 4 rounds

Everybody but Vixl crowds into the northern room -- not that there is an actual crowd in there.*

Even with the right choice of tactics, the ranger still takes another cut from fancy hat's sword (5 dmg).

+2 to hit Fancy Hat for rounds 3 4 5 6.

12:35, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 16,5,2,7 using d20-2,d8+1,d20-3,d8.  Two attack Aremis at -3 (parrying).

*In case it hasn't been clear, consider each square of the map to be divided into 4 quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE) with one "normal" occupant allowed per quadrant. This is how we will determine bottlenecks, engagement, and other tactical matters. Let us consider SW 11: to block the entrance PCs would have to occupy its SW and SE quadrants. Currently, only the SW quadrant is occupied by Aremis. However, the foes choose to remain in 12 to enjoy the benefit of concealment.

Not wanting to step on or injure the thief, as he backs into the space currently being occupied by Orum, Aremis says more bruskly than intended: “Get out, Orum.  You’re still not 100 percent.  And there’s not much you can do in here, safely.” Aremis encourages Orum through gritted teeth, as he continues to back into room 11 (into the NW quadrant and out of melee range of the doorway) and before he and Orum get trapped in the corner by the approaching enemy fighter.

Aremis waits for Fancy Hat to advance across the room, like Rocky, battered, beaten, but defiantly waiting for Apollo Creed to come reluctantly out of his corner of the ring.

If Fancy Hat moves into room 11, and out of the smoke that is surely causing him breathing and stamina difficulties, then Aremis will re-engage for a final standoff with Vaask and l’Atreq’s assistance; otherwise, Aremis is going to stay out of the way in the NW quadrant for now and let the other party members start tossing and shooting ranged weapons at Fancy Hat while he hides in the smoke-filled doorway with his obviously magical longsword.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Thu 28 July 2022.

As soon as Aremis stops blocking the door himself, l'Atreq throws a Molotov into the doorway whether the enemy follows Aremis or not.

[rolled 16 to hit and 2 damage (can't cut and paste]

Orum nods, then thinks and says, "Heard. Will go to help Vixl."

Once done with the fallen he will move to a position behind Vixl.

None of the opposition seemed to be eager to enter the fire, and it was still going strongly. Meanwhile, there was a fierce battle going on elsewhere.

Víxl, as one of the more skilled warriors, albeit one of the least sturdy, decided she would be of more use there, than waiting here for a possibility that might not happen- there were others who could guard at the flames.

So, she took off to enter the other room and the fight, if there was space and opportunity. "Orum, I am going to help the others. Shout if they approach."


(ooc)
I am not sure if she will make it this round, but it is a miss even so.

The party rearranges itself, to an extent, with Vixl replacing Aremis at the hot corner. The burly leader of the men, for what else could he be, opens up Vixl with his sword who then falls to the ground, bleeding and dying.

Back End of Round 4
Aremis: Fighting retreat + parry into NW 11.
l'Atreq: Hits Fancy Hat with a bottle of oil from NE 11.
Orum: Moves to NE 11.
Vixl: Moves to SW 11, engages Fancy Hat and ManD, misses FH.
Tarrahn: Passes.
Vaask: Passes? I'm sorry. I don't know.
Front End of Round 5
FH hits Vixl for 8 dmg.
ManE misses Vixl.

19:19, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 21,8,11,4 using d20+1,d8+1,d20,d8.  FH and ManE attack Vaask.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Mon 25 July 2022.

Tarrahn takes a deep breath and tries to steady his nerves with everything going on around him.  He isn't used to all of this chaos in his life.  He begins to cast, while still clutching his staff, Shillelagh.

l'Atreq sees Vixl fall but with no healing spells left, there is only one thing to do.  With flint and steel already in hand it becomes possible to light and throw a molotov directly at the oil-soaked leader of the men.

But unfortunately:  14:55, Today: l'Atreq rolled 4 using 1d20.  Molotov at FH.

l'Atreq sees Vixl fall.  Handing flint and steel to Orum l'Atreq suggests that Orum light a torch.  l'Atreq however, charges with flail whirling to attack Man E.

20:16, Today: l'Atreq rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Charge in with flail.
20:17, Today: l'Atreq rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Damage with flail.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Tue 26 July 2022.

Back End of Round 4
Vaask: Passes? I'm sorry. I don't know.
Front End of Round 5
FH hits Vixl for 8 dmg.
ManE misses Vixl.

OOC: Apologies for my absence. If there is room to engage, I assume Vaask would do so, rather than sit back and watch his comrades die. Please LMK whether to roll for both rounds.

ETA: If there is not room to engage, Vaask will forego a range attack and instead take a knee, praying to his god to save him and his friends.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Tue 26 July 2022.

Back end of Round 5:

17:32, Today: Aremis rolled 6 using 1d8+3.  Damage for 2nd attack vs FH.
17:32, Today: Aremis rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  2nd attack against FH (-2 for smoke, +2 for FF).
17:28, Today: Aremis rolled 6 using 1d8+3.  1st damage vs FH.
17:27, Today: Aremis rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  1st melee attack on FH (+2 FF, -2 smoke).
Assuming a modified 20 (with non-magical weapon) hits, then Aremis hits FH twice for 12 damage.

Seeing two of his comrade sacrificing themselves for his sake, Aremis decides sacrificing himself too is the least he can do.  He charges Fancy Hat and does his best to punish him.  Hopefully his attack will allow the rest of the party to survive.

Both of his swings connect.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Fri 29 July 2022.

Tarrahn cannot take any more of the carnage in front of him with his companions in trouble.  He chokes down his apparent fear and charges into the fray using his magically enhanced staff.
20:54, Today: Tarrahn rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Shillelagh Attack.

Desperation spurs bold action. l'Treq and Aremis rush back into the fray to lay into the men of the Lost City with flail and sword. Responding with equal fervor, the men strike back, with the lesser of the two unmanning the cleric (7 dmg to l'Treq).

Back End of Round 5
Tarrahn casts Shillelagh (that consumes your entire round, T.) (And the melee spots were already occupied in any case).
Orum targets ManE with dart and misses.
l'Treq charges into SW 11 and hits ManE for 3 dmg, now engaged with FH and ManE.
Aremis charges into SW 11 and hits FH 2x for 12 dmg, now engaged with FH and ManE.
Vaask: Back end of Round 4--Tosses pint of oil into FH's square (no to hit roll needed)
       Back end of Round 5--Lights a torch.
Vixl: Dying

Top End of Round 6
ManE hits l'Treq for 7 dmg, dropping him.
FH misses Aremis.

Vaask tosses (?) his torch into the pool of oil around Fancy Hat.

OOC: Any roll(s) needed?

OOC: Fancy Hat is doused in oil already from l’Atreq’s thrown Molotov AND standing in the pool of oil you poured at his feet last round. Double whammy - DM will have to advise on whether and what you need to hit to light him up like a Festivus Pole.

Back end of Round 6:

The fatigue, combined with the blood and sweat poring down his face, finally start to affect Aremis.  He swings wildly at Fancy Hat, but this time comes up empty.  Although unable to connect with his sword, he realizes as he waits for the death blow from Fancy Hat, finally, to land, that at least his engagement with Fancy Hat is forcing him to remain standing in a lethal pool of oil - perhaps Fancy Hat will receive a fitting end for taking down Víxl and l’Atreq.

22:22, Today: Aremis rolled 9 using 1d20+3 ((6)). MISS

This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Fri 29 July 2022.

Tarrahn lets out a Halfling war cry and charges into the fray taking his fallen comrades place, apparently hitting him with his enhanced staff.

11:00, Today: Tarrahn rolled 3 using 1d6.  Shillelagh Damage.
10:59, Today: Tarrahn rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Charge Attack.
Corrected Damage: 11:47, Today: Tarrahn rolled 6 using 2d4.  Shillelagh Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Thu 28 July 2022.

Despite his side suffering grievous losses and the little matter of having been set ablaze, the man with the fancy hat fights with indefatigable will. Will in these matters in not always sufficient.

Back End of Round 6
Tarrahn charges into melee and drops ManE. His spell expires.
Aremis misses.
Vaask tosses his lit torch into FH's square; FH takes 2 dmg and will take d8 next round. See OOC comments about the torch toss.
Orum drags Vixl away from the melee.
Vixl bleeds.
l'Atreq bleeds.
Top End of Round 7
FH and ManD pass morale check
Man D joins the melee and attacks Tarrahn misses.
FH attacks Aremis and misses.

18:57, Today: The Lord of Divine Words, on behalf of Vaask, rolled 2 using 1d8.  flaming oil damage.
19:08, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 7 using 1d100.  Morale Check for FH and ManD (55).
19:10, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 6,3,9,9 using d20,d8,d20+1,d8+1.  ManD vs. Tarrahn  FH vs. Aremis .
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:18, Thu 28 July 2022.

Orum does his best to bind Vixl's wounds.

"Tarrahn, if you need me to come assist you against the women hating, lightning calling, tallies, you let me know," he calls out in what may be his last appeal to gods who seem to select based on height.

Bottom of the 7th (edited to reflect 2nd attack on FH, not ManD who died from the 1st attack, and FH who is still Faerie Fired for this round):

22:40, Today: Aremis rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Damage, Attack 1, vs ManD, decapitation attempt.
22:38, Today: Aremis rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  1st attack (Round 7)  vs ManD, (+3 spec, -2 smoke).
Hit for 8 damage on ManD with 1st attack

Aremis takes his first attack and directs a decapitation swing at ManD and connects.  The fighter’s mask, and the head it covered, go flying.

Aremis fends off an errant swing by Fancy Hat, and responds with a backhand uppercut slice at the enemy leader who is still lit not only by Faerie Fire, but now also by good old fashioned, burning lantern oil.

23:03, Today: Aremis rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  Slicing backhand attack at FH.
23:02, Today: Aremis rolled 23 using 1d20+3 ((20)). 2nd attack (Round 7), backhand slicing swing vs FH since ManD had already fallen.  Although not impacting the damage, the slice fell true and deep in an exposed area between two pieces of FH’s armour.
5 damage to Fancy Hat for second attack.
8 total damage to ManD and 5 damage to FH this round.

Aremis brings a slicing swing up toward the armpit of Fancy Hat for his second attack, which appears to penetrate deeply.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Fri 29 July 2022.

If there is any other oil for Vaask to light with his torch, he will do so. If not he will brandish his mace and prepare to attack at the first opportunity, if FH or another enemy combatant emerges from their current engagement.

In reply to Vaask (msg # 222):

Take my spot when I fall.  FH has missed twice in a row.  He won’t miss a 3rd time.

Or, better yet, swap places with Terrahn and get a revenge swing on Fancy Hat!  The coward hiding behind the smokescreen might still yield if he has any sense.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Fri 29 July 2022.

Satisfied but, more surprised of his successful attack, Tarrahn looks for a way to back out of the action using the Fighting Retreat option.  "I'll take any help I can get Orum!  My tiny hands don't necessarily yearn for this!"

Seeing Tarrahn's attempted retreat, Vaask jumps into the breach and mashes his mace upon the menacing man with the magnificent millinery. "Take that, you pansy!" he shouts.

15:18, Today: Vaask rolled 20 using 1d20+2 ((18)). Attack.
15:19, Today: Vaask rolled 9 using 1d6+4 ((5)). Damage.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:26, Fri 29 July 2022.

Orum turns his new found medicinal skill of binding to L'Atreq. Then he stands up, staff in hand, and moves to aid his remaining comrades.

As Orum works on l'Atreq he discovers three things about l'Atreq.

Long after the bloodbath, those who were there, perhaps even those who were not consciously there, remember the old man crying out before Vaask's mace had landed, for he must have known it would end him, crying out in his agony for all to hear, an agony, all will later recall, that was more sacerdotal than corporeal.

After the oil stops sizzling and two of you stop dying, you strip the dead men of their masks and the oldest man of his golden helm, ten gold masks in all. They had fought with swords and the oldest among them had fought with the greatest strength of them all.

You then take stock of these two rooms at the end of the hallway. They must have been the headquarters for these men as they are well-stocked with provisions (mushrooms, cured lizard meat, spiced lichen, curious beers), more then enough for the six of you for as long as you might choose to remain in their former home.  Why you could even sleep in their beds! It's not like they'll be using them any longer. There is also all manner of religious paraphernalia, mostly beyond your ken, but pertaining to the statue of the warrior atop the pyramid. You do suss out that he must be the once called "Gorm."

l'Atreq and Vixl, sadly, have suffered grievous injuries and will be abed for who knows how long. Fortunately, there are beds readily available for them to pursue their convalescence.

Before setting up “camp” in these quarters, Aremis will spread some of his broken glass shard supply in the hall quadrant, north of room 11.  It’s not foolproof, but it might give them a slight warning if anyone approaches their rooms from the main hall.  Aremis lets the Party know what he did so they will be on the lookout for anyone stepping on the glass, which will make a slight crunching noise if walked upon.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:27, Tue 02 Aug 2022.

“Orum: thanks for dispatching the sleeping enemies and for saving Víxl and l’Atreq.  I know it didn’t seem glamorous, but we wouldn’t have made it through without you.  Thank you!  And not too bad for a shortie!” Aremis smiles.

“Tarrahn: your Fairie Fire spell and that Shillelagh charge into melee and certain death were huge!  You, too, kept us in the fight and gave us just enough of a chance. Thank you!”

“Vaask: I thought you were as good as dead, but your timely oil throws and stepping in to finish the battle with Fancy Hat when you were just one wound from going down, too, turned the tide of battle.  Thank you!”

“We all owe a debt to Víxl and l’Atreq too.  But I will save my words of thanks and praise for them when they have fully recovered and rejoined us.  For they too showed incredible bravery and selflessness.”

“Perhaps these fighting clerics had healing balm or healing potions of some sort in their supplies around here.  I wonder...” Aremis’ voice trails off as he falls asleep on a cot near Víxl and l’Atreq - his adrenaline finally spent and his wounds and exhaustion finally catching up to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Wed 03 Aug 2022.

Orum nods at the words and silently shakes the hands of those still awake.

"I will take first watch. Fighters rest."

In reply to Aremis (msg # 230):
Tarrahn nods to Aremis, "I'm glad I was able to help somehow.  It took me a bit to find my spot in this battle.  Like I said, not my cup of tea.  I will try to do better."


"I will assist you while the others rest."

While Tarrahn and he are on watch Orum will shuffle to all the unopened doors and give them a listen.

Whether or not he hears noise, he will use the party's iron spikes to secure them all as best he can.

It becomes difficult to measure time within the pyramid with the sun hidden from view.

Much of it was passing, to be sure, what with the removal of the bodies from your headquarters (you weren't proposing to bed down with them, were you?) and the high stakes competition for bunk spots. Even with twelve available and two of you unable to actively participate, the other four of you knew exactly what was at stake and bunged each other about until there were victors at the cost of bloodied noses, scraped knuckles, and bruised egos.

After more time, a rhythm was established, a rhythm of eating, sleeping, and watching. How many cycles of this passed, you don't know. All throughout you could hear the buzzing of bees through the western stone doors and you feared to hear the crunching of glass from the northern corridor. Intermittently, you could heard the febrile gibbering of Vixl, "the tines of lightning will rip me asunder." It's not a pleasant dream. You're glad you're not having it. l'Atreq, also bathed in the hot sweat of fever, chants lines from some manner of liturgy: "Twelve tentacles he had that could stretch, poke, and prick; A black horn he had that could make everything grow again; Zargon, my lord, I will descend for you." You're glad you're not having that one either.

Eventually, you do hear some footsteps and Orum takes a peek outside and spots two more stragglers from the desert, picking their way past the broken glass to link their fortune with yours (enter Magnus and Alerasune).

The six ambulatory party members have fully recovered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:13, Wed 03 Aug 2022.

“Well met, Alerasune and Magnus! We feared we’d never see any of our comrades from the caravan again. Is it just the two of you? None of the others are with you?

If you came in through the entrance above, at the top of the pyramid, like us, I’m afraid you have joined us in a one-way trek to try to find an exit out of here. So far, it appears that our only exit lies further down.

Come! You must be hungry and thirsty - we have plenty of food and drink here.

As you can see, Víxl and l’Atreq suffered grievous injuries, but are recovering.  Slowly.  Their physical wounds have been healed, but they still sleep fitfully and are unable to do much yet.

It IS so good to see you two. You are an answer to prayer. The four of us have been debating what to do next. With Víxl and l’Atreq incapacitated, the four of us were likely overmatched and significantly outnumbered for the denizens of this pyramid we have run across so far. But, with you two joining us, I think we can resume our search for an exit, or at least a better understanding of where we are.

I think these quarters are safe enough for Víxl and l’Atreq to continue recuperating alone, if we want to continue scouting this floor.”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:31, Wed 03 Aug 2022.

"Aremis! What a sight for sore eyes!" Alerasune waved a meaty gloved hand in greeting. "All of you are, really." he smiled at the assembled group, though it was brief as his green eyes swept over to Vixl and l'Atreq, seeing their wounds he felt a sense of dread, "I'd ask what happened to them, but in such an unholy place as this I'm afraid to know." looking back to Aremis, and the group, Alerasune adjusted his pack to more comfortably sit on his shoulders atop his chainmail and steeled himself against his fear, "I am ready to make way when all gathered are."

In reply to Alerasune Weavekind (msg # 236):

"You think they will be safe alone? Should someone not stay and see to them? Yes, as Alerasune says, good to see you all, hopefully our fortunes will begin to rise." Magnus says to the others at their homecoming.

“Obviously, we can’t be positive of their safety, but we haven’t been bothered by anything or anyone, back in these quarters, for several days at least.

From the main (central?) ladder room, we have only explored this one hallway and the 4 obvious rooms off of it - the two now empty rooms you passed and these two rooms we are now in.  We are not sure if there are any hidden doors we may have missed.  So.  We can search for hidden or secret doors (and perhaps even stairs down) off our current hallway, we can check out what’s behind these two back doors leading out of these two room - we hear what sounds like bees in there and it doesn’t appear that the prior occupants used them, or we can head back to the ladder room and then check out one of the other two doors that presumably lead to other sections of this level.”

“Couple of other considerations.

We do have this Helm of Telepathy.  We’ve been testing it out the last few days.  It only seems to work a few times a day.  It allows the wearer to read the thoughts of others and potentially plant a suggestion.  But, more importantly, it does allow the wearer to communication using mind speak with another.  The range seems to be around 90 feet, but it doesn’t work great if there are 2 or more intervening stone walls.

We could leave it with Víxl and l’Atreq, when they regain consciousness.  They could call for help - but, again, the range is fairly limited.

Alternatively, we could let Orum scout ahead with the Helm on and report back.

We have these golden masks, which the citizens in the pyramid all seem to wear - so we might be able to walk around somewhat safely around them with the masks on.”

OOC: @DM: along these lines, what language did the enemy clerics speak during our last encounter?  Orum heard them.  Was it Common?

And how are the hallways lit? Torches along the wall, magical ceiling light, or none at all?  Might determine whether Orum can sneak in the dark or whether we just walk openly through the halls with masks on.

In reply to Aremis (msg # 239):

Magnus takes up a mask, "Are they wearing special robes too? Or just a mask?"

Alerasune also grabbed a mask, "It feels wrong to wear the religious garments of another faith, but it's tactical value cannot be overstated."

You can see a look of relief on Tarrahn's face when the two show up. "Oh my goodness!  I can't tell you how happy I, we, are to see you both in good health.  Here, with us.  We've had some issues getting to where we are.  Your timing couldn't be better!"

“Ok.  I think if we leave the bees alone - assuming that’s what we hear and that’s what’s in the room next to our “recovery sanctuary” - they will hopefully act as a natural deterrent or barrier from anyone coming into our sanctuary from that direction.

Let’s all don bearded man cleric masks (even if somewhat sacrilegious), leave Víxl and l’Atreq here to rest, and finish searching this side of this level of the pyramid.  We need to check out the hallway to the north of us for doors, secret doors, or additional rooms.  If we find none, we can then head back to the fire beetle/ladder central room and head through the NW door to check out that NW section of this level.  There may be more cleric/fighters or lizards over there.

We need to decide if we can make peace with any remaining clerics - might be better than fighting our way through them.

Does that plan work?  I’m open to other suggestions or recommendations for dealing with the human inhabitants of this pyramid.”

"That seems a good plan as I could think of Aremis, you are quite the leader" Alerasune smiled, "I would appreciate avoiding bee's or other, crawling things, if we could. Just as a matter of preference, and a lack of spreadable fire"

After offering a heartfelt welcome to Alerasune and Magnus, Vaask shares his thoughts with Aremis.

"I too have reservations about wearing the mask, and also about leaving l'Atreq and Vixl unattended."

He pauses for a long while, before continuing.

"I am, I suppose, uniquely equipped to protect our friends and attend to their injuries. Perhaps I should stay with them, at least for the first few days, while the rest of you secure the surrounding area?"

“Vaask, my friend.  I believe you have done everything your healing arts can accomplish for Víxl and l’Atreq, at this point. Their physical wounds are completely healed and with little to no scarring.  You have done an excellent job.

Now.  Only time, and their internal healing, can restore them to physical activity.

I am fairly confident that these rooms will be safe, but for our initial scouting up the north hallway, there is no need for you to join us, yet.

Based on the feedback and concerns expressed by the Party, I suggest each of us carry a bearded man mask on our person, just in case it becomes necessary or opportune to wear it for subterfuge or escape.  I suggest our intrepid thief carry both a bearded man mask and the one lizard face mask we have - as he will likely be our front line scout - and no telling which group of inhabitants we may come across.  I also propose that Orum carry and wear the Helm of Telepathy - he can use it to sense for occupants behinds doors we are about to open and he can call for help, at a limited distance, if that became necessary too.

So. We carry, but do not wear the masks.  And the five of us will scout the northern hallway.  Vaask, you can watch our rear flank from the sanctuary doorway, while we scout.  That way you can cover both positions, as needed.”

In reply to Aremis (msg # 246):

OOC: (1) Did you see my OOC comments before posting this? (2) Your mask plan feels like a big decision. I think I'm ok with it, but perhaps the party members should discuss in the OOC thread to make sure there's consensus?

In reply to Vaask (msg # 247):

"The mask may come in handy, though, as a bearded man, do I need a mask?" he asks with a smile.

It appears we have enough of a consensus for the five of us to search, masks carried but not currently worn, the hallway to the north of our recovery rooms, to look for doors or secret doors.  Vaask will watch us from the doorway to Room 11 where he can both follow our progress and also continue watching over Víxl and l’Atreq.

Orum takes point and heads forth in total leadership of the tallies. Their tacit acknowledgement of his stealth, sorcery, and combat might is unspoken.

Each door is listened at and checked for traps.

All obstacles will surely be overcome.

Anyway, tell us if the unexpected happens.

Magnus puts on the mask adjusting it for vision and breathing and assumes his place in line for the next push.

Finding the 50’ northern hallway empty of anything of interest, the Party invites Vaask to rejoin the Party as we head back to the fire beetle/dirty oil/three cylinder/central room.

Only Magnus is wearing a bearded man mask at this point.

Unless ambushed or we encounter something in the central room, we will go to the NW door and Orum will do the standard listen/check for traps routine.

If no traps/noise/etc, Orum will decide how to proceed and then enter the door wearing the Helm - with or without one of the masks, with or without a torch, moving silently and hiding in shadows or whistling and making his presence known.  The four (or 5, if Vaask joins us) will wait in the fire beetle room for Orum to give us a signal or otherwise communicate back to us.

Alerasune follows Magnus in sliding the mask over his face and securing it in place. He could smell the last inhabitants breath and it made him scrunch up his nose. He then fell into marching order with the other members of the caravan.

Aremis follows the lead of Magnus and Alerasune and slides a bearded man mask over his own half-elven features.  His mask does not smell, as he had spent about a week repeatedly rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting, and wiping the sweat, blood, mucus, saliva, skin, whiskers, and general odor out of the mask left intentionally and unintentionally by its prior wearer.

Aremis discovers that, no matter the scouring, some stains can never be removed. They are ... what is the word? ... indelible.

Continuing their exploration of the Lost City, the infidels eventually find a room that contains rotting bales of what might be cloth, and dusty crates. The room smells like it has been closed off for a long time.

Just append The Infidels thread with masked/unmasked notations. That will be biblical. It should also be tracking light sources and fuel.

Orum proceeds maskless, but wearing the helm. He will depend on infravision.

Vaask gives each of the patients one last treatment, leaves a few days of rations within their easy reach, and their personal belongings, including weapons, beneath their beds. He then dons a mask and catches up with the rest of the party, falling into his rearguard position in the marching order.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

At this point, if no residents are walking the hallways of this part of this level of the pyramid (the section through the NW door leading from the fire beetle room), Orum is just going to scout the hallway and identify doors/rooms that are off of this hallway, and note how long each section of each hallway extends/turns/deadends - basically so we have a map of this section.  He’s moving silently and using no light source other than infravision.  If he comes across someone or an open door, he will try to make his way back or give us a mental shout.

OOC: But, first, we need a clarification: is this section of the pyramid like the first section we explored?  Did we enter a hallway or did the NW door from the fire beetle room just lead directly into the storeroom you described?  You said we eventually come across the storage room, so I assume that means it was off of a hallway.  But just needed to confirm whether there is anywhere else to go in this section of this level of the pyramid or did the NW door just open or dead end into an old, musty storage room?  If there is nothing but the storage room in this part of the pyramid, we will move on to the SW door leading out of the fire beetle room to see if that opens onto a hallway or to more rooms.  Thanks!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

You're in 2. That NW door from the central chamber is pictured. You can see two unopened doors further down that hall. That should clear things up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:17, Tue 09 Aug 2022.

OOC: Thanks!

“Good scouting and mapping, Orum!  Do your listening thing at the first door, and then the Helm if warranted.  Then try your ‘friendly’ approach without a mask - unless you detect more Gorm brothers in there - then use their mask.  We will await, just around the corner, for your signal.  If you don a mask, we will too, but we will wait to approach based on whether you indicate friend or foe.”

Orum nods in affirmation.

Around the corner from the storeroom, Orum pushes open the door to another one.

This room seems drier than the rest of the pyramid. In the center of the room are a half dozen small crates. Seated on the crates are nearly a dozen 1' tall winged people of indeterminate gender, most likely non-binary or queer adjacent. They are talking a strange musical language and laughing merrily.

Taken together, they probably wouldn't comprise more than a meal for a couple of you, after you had rid them of all their gossamer and wings. Contrary to popular belief, wings are not a delicacy. Still with the right marinade and spit...

Before the fantasy can progress further, they start to pepper you with questions.

"What are you doing here?"

"What have you been doing?"

"What are you going to do?"

"Do you want to do anything with us?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:00, Tue 09 Aug 2022.

Orum chuckled.

"Well, I was lost in the desert after a sandstorm. Since then I have been looking for water, food, and a safe place to sleep. Hopefully, I will return to the safety of my clan in the sweet green copses of my homeland. What are you, so I know what I can do with you?"

"I really didn't think that I would run into something smaller than I that could talk!"  Tarrahn listens to the conversation in the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

As the party stays out in the hallway, quietly eaves dropping on bits and pieces of the spritely conversation between Orum and the little forest creatures, Aremis silently signals to the party to remove and stow the bearded masks - as they do not seem necessary or warranted for this friendly encounter.  For now, the party stays quietly in the hallway, awaiting an introduction by Orum, if he decides to do so, so that we do not unnecessarily frighten or scare people he little creatures.  Perhaps they will be able to help us find our way and know who is good or evil in this strange pyramid.

The troupe flutters about Orum, whizzing past his earlobes and skirling as they shoot past. They whip about him, irrespective of whatever boundaries he might have cared to have established, jetting between his legs and doing loop de loops above him. In their excitement, if there is the occasional accidental defecation, well they don't always land on the gnome and the ones that do are to the appropriate scale (mostly). They, of course, must be excused. Cultural sensitivity. Vulnerable, limited hit dice populations. Sprites of many colors.

"Sweet green copses!"
"We know those."
"They have water and food and sheep."
"We'll take you there!"

Just as suddenly as it had started, they cease their manic peregrinations about the land of Orum and assemble in the air before him in three rows of four and, shudder, one of them launches into more song (with the rest of them providing backup vocals):

"I'll be the roundabout
The words will make you out 'n' out
I spent the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and
In and out the valley
The music dance and sing
They make the children really ring
I spent the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and
In and out the valley."

Yes! That's just what you wanted to hear on your strange adventure in the Lost City!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:31, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

"Yes!" Orum nods. "Now that is ... progressive."

He bashfully takes a step back, and softly says, "So.....I have some friends who might wish to accompany us. You know, don't surround yourself with yourself and all that."

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 266):

In response to Orum’s cue, Aremis approaches the door to the room softly and non-threateningly, with no weapon drawn.  And makes a slight, elven bow and says quietly, “Yes!  Well met, fellow woodland creatures. My name is Aremis, friend of Orum, and I am a ranger of the forest.  Please forgive our intrusion.  Our little group” (indicating, with a wave of his hand, the rest of the Party behind him in the hallway) “is lost and we are now trapped in this pyramid.  We did not mean to intrude upon your habitation in this place and will certainly be on our way.  But it does warm our hearts and it does give us hope to have found such friendly woodland creatures here that remind us of our own homes far away.”


This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Sun 14 Aug 2022.

The Druid will also come forward, after Aremis, and greet the creatures.  "Hello there!  I'm Tarrahn.  What are you guys doing here?"

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 269):

Magnus appears too, not wanting to be late to the party.

Alerasune steps around the corner, following suit and removing his mask. He smiles towards the winged creatures to show he is friendly. "I am Alerasune, well met." he says with a small courtly bow.

If possible the beating of the troupe's wings and the intensity of their skirling intensifies as one after another of you introduce yourselves to themselves, introductions going round the roundabout. They all have preposterous names such as "Moonbeam" and "The King in Yellow" and "Speedwagon."

"Didit say it was lost? Didit?"

"Didit ask what we were doing? Didit?"

"Didit want to go home? Didit?"

"Didit say it wanted to party? Yes, it did! Yes, it did! Yes, it did!" the lead singer trumpets.

Their hedonistic eyes caress the sealed crates in their room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Thu 11 Aug 2022.

Vaask, bringing up the rear, remains just outside of the room. Sans mask, he keeps one eye on the group and another on the hallway.  He doesn't trust these spritely creatures, and he stands ready to disrupt the "party" if he gets the slightest sense that his friends are being charmed.

In reply to Vaask (msg # 273):

"I love the fey, though they tend to be little stinkers!" he says with a laugh!

“Well. It was great to meet you guys.  Is there anything in here that you don’t need, that might be useful for us big folk? Can we help you out with anything? If not, we are going to keep on exploring and we’ll let you get back to your party.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Fri 12 Aug 2022.

"This is not a party."

"This is not even a pre-party."

"But we are prepared to party!"

"The party is in the box; the boxes have enough for yourselves and ourselves to party," they sing in their wheedling way.

They must not be strong enough to open the sealed crates. That or they lack the proper equipment.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 276):

"Anyone have a crowbar? I don't have much equipment on me."

"I don't," he answers Tarrahn.  "Maybe our friends would allow us to look into the crates?"

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 278):


"We invited to the party if we help get the crate open? Anyone have anything to pry it open? I only have a dagger." Magnus says with a smile on his face!

Orum looked at Aremis. "This is not a party. It is not fooling around. I can't write a letter. I don't have time for that now. Savvy savvy?"

Magnus pulls out his dagger and begins to try to open the crate for the sprites.

Aremis backs up toward the door and hallway.  Not sure he wants to see what comes out of the mysterious crates, but also not sure how to stop Magnus from the course of action he has chosen to take.

“Magnus. Don’t break your knife.  Perhaps we will find a crowbar as we continue to explore.  We can come back when we do.”

Orum followed the lead of Aremis. Something about the little ones was striking him as odd. He stepped out into the hallway.

Magnus finds the right seam within which to insert his dagger and then applies the necessary force to pop open the crate -- despite the febrile beating of the sprites' wings about his arms and ears as he does so. Sweeping them aside as effectively as one might dispel a cloud of gulf mosquitoes, his eyes light up at the contents of the crate: 5 charges of flash powder, 45 Roman candles, 1 skyrocket, and 11 strings of assorted small fire crackers.

Hungrily, the sprites cry out for the unsealing of the other crates.

Good for making a lot of smoke, noise, and bright lights -- but that's it.
11:48, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 2 using 1d2.  Heads Yes Tails No.
11:50, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 5,5,1,11 using d6,2d4,d4,3d12.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:59, Sun 14 Aug 2022.

Magnus moved on to the next one, allowing the sprites access.

After allowing Orum to pass by, Vaask shuts the door to contain the sight and sound of any imminent pyrotechnics.

This time, to the palpable disappointment of the sprites and Magnus, his dagger snaps before he can pry the lid off the crate. Knowing the Lost City, there is probably a pry bar within.

11:46, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 1 using 1d2.  Heads Yes Tails No.

Alerasune watches the dagger snap and cringes, "Drats! I hope that wasn't your only weapon"

"I have my staff and darts, but I did use it to eat." He puts it back in his scabbard, less the tip. Perhaps he could use a whetstone to sharpen a new tip on it.

“Hey Magnus, no worries. We can let our spritely friends guard the crates and we can keep looking around - we’re bound to find a crowbar and some more daggers as we forge ahead.”

Around the corner to the next room, then?

Aremis bows a polite goodbye to the sprites and makes his way out the door and into the hallway.  He assumes Terrahn, Alerasune and Magnus will follow.

“Orum: same listening procedure at the next door.  But don’t open until the rest of the party joins us.”

Orum nods. Or shrugs. He heads off, happy to have not been tricked by the smallies.

In reply to Orum Copsetwinkle (msg # 294):


"We'll be back to party when we find a crowbar friends! I love sprites and the fey!" he heads out with the others, "Save some of the fireworks if you can!"

Tarrahn will wave good bye to the sprites and follow the others out of the room to the next.

In his sprightly way, Orum traipses down the corridor and around the corner and goes about his business with the next door. With no cause for alarm, he makes way for Aremis who opens the door and discovers to his horror that the entire floor of this room is covered with green, oozing slime. Otherwise the room appears to be empty.

It oozes on over to the ranger and then over his lower extremities, inexorably working its way up -- with dissolution of the intervening layers of cloth and chain sure to follow (unknown amount of required time).

The slime is currently adhered to 1 character: Aremis.
17:39, Today: The Lord of Divine Words rolled 3,5 using d6,d6.  Party vs. City.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

"Help! Immediate!" Orum yelled.

His one spell being useless, and not willing to apply fire or acid to Aremis, he instead moves rapidly back towards the others in the troop.

Vaask calls out to Aremis, "Take one step back to make sure you're not standing in a puddle of the stuff, then hold perfectly still, and don't panic."

He then turns to Magnus, "Use the sharp edges of your broken dagger to scrape the slime off of our friend, careful not to touch it yourself. Then toss the dagger into the room."

Lastly, to Orum, "Shut the door once this is done, and we should be ok."

Aremis follows Vaask’s instructions and calmly steps back out of the unfriendly room, stands still, and avoids standing in any puddles, while Magnus scrapes the green muck off his legs.

“Orum: Thanks for the heads up!” Aremis smiles light-heartedly realizing that his brash charge likely saved the thief’s life.

Aremis warns the Party: “We might need to oil fire the doorway to prevent this green muck from charging out into the hall.  This stuff is slimy and amazingly quick!”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

Assuming we have at least one lit torch in the party, Vaask will join the effort and use that to burn any stray pieces of slime.

EDITED PER DM's DIRECTION IN OOC: Vaask lights a torch.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

deleted for clarity
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

Vaask laughs at Aremis's joke, admiring his ability to stay calm in the midst of dire peril. "Ha! I don't think it moves, but creating a small fire wall at the doorway is not a bad idea."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

In reply to Vaask (msg # 303):

Magnus continues to scrape the slime, being very careful not to touch it!

"What about a small torchfire to help get the stuff off of Aremis and then throw the torch into the room with some oil?"

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 305):

Magnus nods to Terrahn, "Good idea!"

"I'm a little out of place with all of this fighting but, I do have my 'short' moments."

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 307):

"Never make short of yourself!" Magnus says with a grin, Terrahn was very large in his esteem

Note: Vaask has already lit a torch this round. Just noting here in case anyone missed the edit above (msg #301).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

Hearing the call for fire, Alerasune quickly grabs flint and steel and a torch and lights it, "I have the fire, someone throw oil on the slime!"

Two torches roar to life.

With his bare flesh exposed, Magnus leans down and would scrape the slime off of Aremis. No sooner would he succeed in trying to free the desert of its sand. After having been moved one way, it immediately flows back the other way, coating, naturally, anything in between, including in this case the wizard's hands and wrists.

The pool of slime then extends itself to envelop the legs of Magnus, hardly protected in the manner of Aremis's.

The slime is currently adhered to two characters: Aremis and Magnus.
It is dissolving Aremis's armor.
It is dissolving Magnus.

Orum heads to the back of the line.
Aremis takes a step back (had never entered the room as the floor was covered with slime).
Vaask lights a torch.
Aler lights a torch.
Magnus attempts to scrape the slime off of Aremis.

Seeing that Magnus’ attempt to help him failed, Aremis reaches down and starts pulling, scraping, and scooping all the slime off of Magnus’ skin and into his own hands - hoping that the slime will find one target better than two.

“If I can get all the slime back just onto me, pull Magnus away, and oil and torch all the slime on and under me.  And then heal me if you can!

And make sure no more slime comes flying at us from out of that room!”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Thu 18 Aug 2022.

Vaask calls out to Alerasune, "Use your torch to completely dispose of the slime on Aremis, then use your powers to heal him. I will do the same with Magnus."

He then adds, "Orum and Tarrahn- use your supply of oil to supplement the effort, as needed, using your own judgment."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Thu 18 Aug 2022.

Tarrahn goes for his pack and pulls out a single torch from it.  "I-I don't have any oil Vaask, only a single torch!"