Orum's path terminated north of the fourth red square in the first row.

Folks: please update your newly memorized spells here, in this thread. At the trap/poison room, we took a break so that Tarrahn could memorize Neutralize Poison to replace Summon Insects.  Any other changes???

No, staying with Sleep & CLW x3

That's it for me unless, you want me to take the detect snares/pits spell if that would help?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

l'Atreq will replace Resist Fire with Find Traps.

That would seem to be a divinely inspired choice.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 6):

Praise be unto Ptah.

How lucky!

So I need to pipe in and here; I think Moldvay had some confused ideas about ancient Egyptian burial practices, which has created, I think, some unnecessary confusion. Pharaohs and queens would be entombed with the material possessions that it was thought they would most need in their next life. Such things would be of no use if they were broken. Surely, we've all been to the museums and beheld the golden combs and jade nail clippers and so on.


That would not have been so.

But because it has been presented as so, you can only logically conclude that perhaps raiders destroyed the items in their despair when they became trapped within the tomb. However, if you cleared the rubble in 15 minutes, so could have they.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:54, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

Interesting! For me, the description immediately made me think of joss paper money and crafts that are burned for the deceased, so they would have money and goods in the afterlife. The destroyed objects in here made me think it was a similar situation going on, since there didn’t seem to be a good reason for raiders to destroy everything.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 10):

Because if there is one thing that's eternal, it's commerce and associated striving.

Death and taxes, as they say.

If there IS a curse of darkness (blindness?) on the coffin, l'Atreq needs about 5,000 more points before he can remove it.

A reminder that I will be most available from Friday until Monday morning.

I should say that I meant that I'm not using the OSRIC version, but a slightly modified B/X version.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:48, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

Her only encounter with spirits being the royal apparition earlier, whether it is B/X or OSRIC, V definitely has not encountered it before. *L*

l'Atreq will rearm after sleep with:
CLW, Remove Fear, Bless, Light, Silence, Spiritual Weapon and Chant

Keeping same spell list as noting I know will be of any benefit

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 18):

That would seem to be a hasty conclusion, Tarrahn.

With the lost hour, I don't have time to update before work. Maybe tomorrow.


When you play a magic user/cleric, that would seem to be the intent: to always lag behind the development of other characters. And when you do get the spells you covet, they are already readily provided by others.

I mean, do you want to play a utility character of suspect utility? If not, feel free to swap Loran (and her exp) for a straight fighter or magic user after the conclusion of this adventure.

it was an IG comment that seemed appropriate.

:-) That’s how I took your post. (Thumbs up).

"This would be an ideal time for the mages to have magic missile memorized, but I understand Eonwe preferring to keep the spell to himself."

If you are that desperate to have Magic Missile in your book, you can scribe it from mine.

In reply to Loran Stone (msg # 20):

Okay. But if you do want to change it up for Oasis of the White Palm, we can do that.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 23):
I like the sound of that!!!

Thank you but no. It was not meant as a passive aggressive jab at you. While true, I do not see it as imperative that we optimize everything. So things are fine, thank you. ^_^

Fodor- I think you missed post 990 in the last ooc. Here is the pertinent points.



One change to this will be she will have two protection from evil spells in memory, and no sleep, since sleep will be no good against spirits. But perhaps the protection will do some good to those in melee.

Do we need to have a Remove Fear?

If it's a banshee then maybe not.
But hey, who knows

I may have interpreted the Shillelagh spell incorrectly, does it make it a magic weapon to hit creatures only affected by magical weapons?  I may be wrong?

The druid imbues a club or billet of oak-wood with enchanted power, making it +1 to hit and capable of inflicting 2d4 points of damage against small and medium-sized opponents, 1d4+1 against large opponents. The shillelagh must be wielded by the druid in order for it to possess these magical properties; in the hands of any other person it will be no more than an ordinary wooden club.

It says it imbues it with magic power, so I assume it can, but unlike spiritual weapon, it does specify that it can hit creatures that need magic to hit. If not, then no need for Tarrahn to enter melee with one- although at this point we don't know if magic is needed to hit or not. Its just an assumption since most spirits seem to have resistances.

A remove fear or two would be a very good idea to have, just in case. We weren't affected by fear when we encountered this one, but we also ran away nearly immediately.

Tarrahn: I think that is correct. Shillelagh concert a regular club into a +1 club for duration - makes it capable of hitting creatures only affected by magical weapons.

I THINK the spell list is now updated. Everyone 2x check their stats and spell list.

With the wife away and my new job here, I won't be able to update until Friday.

All good. I think we ‘ave a plan - at least to start…

And it is a perfect plan up until the moment we have contact with the enemy.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 34):
As is any combat plan...

We just need to worry about being able to run away and pull Fodor’s body (or at least the +1 long sword) with the fleeing Party.

I think this collates what was planned with all the changes discussed.
We are on round three.


1) - completed
l'Atreq casts bless. (6 round duration)
V lights a torch.

2) - completed
l'Atreq casts silence 15' rd on a separate torch held by Orum who stands 20' away from us. (6 round duration)
V casts protection from evil on Fodor. (4 round duration)
Tarrahn casts Barkskin on Fodor. (7 round duration)

3) - in progress
Fodor, Orum, and Loran go into the room. As the spirit rose again, it is combat.
V casts protection from evil on Tarrahn. (4 round duration)
l'Atreq casts spiritual hammer. (3 round duration)
Tarrahn casts faerie fire on ghost. (12 round duration)
Eonwyn casts magic missile.
Fodor attacks with magic weapon.
Loran stays behind Fodor, keeping the spirit within the silence, attacking the ghost with the torch if prudent.

4)
Tarrahn casts shillelegh then joins the melee. (3 round duration)
V moves into the room and takes the silence torch from Loran.

If the fire hurts it, then Loran and Eonwe can likewise join in with it, or wait outside the room to heal people if the spirit has attacks other than the wailing.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Sat 18 Mar 2023.

And if/when Fodor falls, one of the other fighters will need to take up his +1 sword and finish the battle OR pull the party away if we haven’t inflicted enough damage on the creature. A fighter (rather than thief or cleric) not proficient with long sword will still have the best chance of hitting the undead with that sword.

Víxl: great summary of actions!

Only potential caveat: Silence 15’ cast round 1 instead of Bless? Reason for current order?

Gives Party 1 extra round of Bless during combat. Just don’t know duration of Silence 15’ offhand. Orum could still get in the Bless by putting Silent torch to the side until Bless cast on entire Party?

Just a thought that would have been resolved prebattle - and doesn’t affect current combat - just ending round of each of those 2 spells…

In reply to Fodor (msg # 39):

They were resolved in the preparation phase to the battle.


This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Sat 18 Mar 2023.

Yes. Just questioning whether l’Atreq cast Bless then Silence or Silence then Bless in the 2 rounds before the attack round.

Bless lasts 6 rounds.
Silence lasts 2 rounds per level, so also 6 rounds for l'Atreq.

Bless is better cast for round 1, and silence for round 2, since it is less important to have the bless than it is to have the silence (assuming the wail the spirit has is an attack as suggested).

Tarrahn's faerie fire lasts 4 rnds/level, so 12 rounds.
I added the durations to the above for clarity. (Using OSRIC durations and assuming the levels on the party tracker is up to date.)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Sat 18 Mar 2023.

Excellent! Thank you! I knew there was a reason/good rationale for the order. Thanks for clarifying!

Casting time is also 3 segments

To be clear, originally, I was going to have the spirit do d8 dmg per round, but I have reduced that to a d6 because of the silence 15' radius.

It has been harmed by Fodor and the magic missile.

d6 or d8, it might be too much for us. Hopefully it has a proverbial glass chin.




His, not her, according to the character description.

We are tactically retreating again, correct?

Some of us should- the ones who might die with a bad wail roll and who probably cannot damage it.

The rest of us should stay another round or two- if it has low hp, we might finish it. But if someone drops to low hp, they should also leave.

So I'm thinking E, L, and O leave this round.
V probably next round.
F, T, and L the third round.
(adjusted by if it has other attacks, or if it rolls high or low for damage).

But I can only suggest- everyone is going to stay or go befitting their comfort level.

Happy to stay, happy to go, according to what the more experienced members of the group think best. Of course, that's harder to debate within an area of silence. ATM Loran intends to leave as directed. If another companion negates that then she will stay.

She sports 3 spells, all CLW, and they can only be used outside the Silence area.

OK, so I'm casting Shillelagh and hoping it works then.

It would seem that a real war hammer is required. l'Atreq, you should update your sheet accordingly. Presumably, you would have known this from your religious studies. There is no bonus to damage from bless.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Mon 20 Mar 2023.

Edited- I was thinking of basic D&D where bless does add to damage, not OSRIC/AD&D where it does not.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Mon 20 Mar 2023.

Interesting. I would think (or have always thought that something like) Bless and Faerie Fire would still have effect (benefit to l’Atreq’s attacks), but the spiritual hammer itself “acts” like a +1 weapon (for ability to hit magical creatures but w/o the benefit of an actual magical +1 to hit/damage).

But @l’Atreq: Bless and Spiritual Weapon DO NOT ADD to damage.  Your attack was probably just 5hp.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Mon 20 Mar 2023.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 54):

Correct. I take it you want to attack as well?

Indeed... although once the spell wears off, I assume l'Atreq won't have a warhammer any more?

Fodor attacked, yes! Think we have done 21 hp of dame so far…I’m trying to update our hp and spells on the status chart as well…

The last DM description makes it sound like it is close to defeated.

So, if they still have 7+ hp, I would recommend Fodor, Tarrahn, and l'Atreq staying and fighting and seeing if it can be finished off.

If less than 7, I would recommend running. We have learned a lot, and can heal and make a second attempt, so no need to risk yourselves unnecessarily. We likely have better healing options than it does, after all.

Even if we lose the silence, the damage it does will not be increased by much (d6 to d8, based on the numbers the DM gave), so doing as much as we can, then fully healing Fodor to see if it can be finished off is viable.

Thanks Loran! That 2nd CLW is just what l’Atreq needs next round. Eonwe needs to hit Víxl with a second CLW this current round to give Víxl a chance to take over with the magic sword for Darius if/when he falls.

V is good now- the 7 from E and the 2 from L will fully heals her- assuming that after the DM collates everything that it happens as we hope!

Ah! I missed the 7hp CLW already cast by Eonwe - he was ahead of me. I’ll update the table..

Alas, the chances of that were only 10%.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 20:27, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

Umm I healed myself for 4hpts so should now be at 11 out of 17

Edit: 7+4=11 not 22
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

Also, V is had been fully healed by Eonwe and Loran.

Updated hp.

Double level up. Rolled a 4 and a 1 for hit points. Dimly recall a house rule on 1s for hit points, maybe? Rounded up to +3 to give me 11


Added Colour Spray to spell book.

Current spells Colour Spray and Hypnotism

Thief skills:

Climb Walls 69%
Find Traps 33%
Hear Noise 21%
Hide in Shadows 30%
Move Quietly 30%
Open Locks 53%
Pick Pockets 43%
Read Languages 10%
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Sat 25 Mar 2023.

Oooh, so close.  Another 63 points and l'Atreq will reach 4th level.

@l’Atreq: I’ll spar with you for an hour or two until you get those extra 63 xp.

Thanks but it's okay. Next encounter should do it if it doesn't kill me, If it be Ptah's will then so shall it be.

In reply to Orum Copsetwinkle (msg # 66):

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 70):

Thanks!


15:18, Today: Orum Copsetwinkle rolled 3 using 1d6.  Hit point reroll.

I'm going to consider it  a wash

Yes, but when were the gods ever constrained by chance?

Just so.

However, part of me enjoys running these modules as written to the extent that I stick to the rewards and encounters as originally written.

Also, I could not imagine a pharoah having chosen the short sword as his weapon -- perhaps a scimitar.

Speaking of rewards, you all seem to have forgotten about that potion.

Apparently I had forgotten about the potion...

...I think a scimitar would be an appropriate find as well

We needed a staff, mace, flail, or bow and a handful of arrows, darts and bullets/stones! :-)

Right. Looted except for the 15k+ in the box.

I could imagine a pharaoh with a short sword.
The Romans did quite well with the gladius, and Virtus (Roman deity of virtue), Mars and emperors are depicted with parazoniums in paintings and statues, so it was not just seen as a commoner's weapon.

The Greeks likewise used the xiphos, and again, representations of great heroes using it exist. Given the fertilization those cultures had, and with the Greek Ptolemy dynasty, it does not seem out of bounds.

And with the representations of the pharaohs using the khopesh, both short sword and scimitar are not inappropriate (depending on which you classify a khopesh as being). What's weird are all these long swords we keep seeing! *L*

Caveat- Nithian and Ylari culture are not strictly Egyptian, only flavored and superficially so, so an appeal to real life cultures is not definitive at all. Sorry, Tarrahn! ^_^

Magic items-
I would recommend Fodor wear the enchanted plate.

His normal plate mail can go to either Loran or Eonwe, whichever does not already have plate mail. (Loran is the first choice, since Eonwe has expressed a desire to stay out of melee if possible. If they both have plate, the V can see if she can use it.

I would also recommend Fodor use the long sword+2.
The long sword+1 should go to anyone with proficiency in it. If nobody has proficiency, then V can carry it. She will be better off with her short sword, but this would allow her to hit creatures that require enchantments to hit.

Potion- depends on what it is.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 77):

That's an OSRIC quirk:

Swords Table 1: Form
d20 Result
01 Bastard Sword (20% chance of 2-handed sword instead)
02-05 Broadsword
06-19 Longsword
20 Shortsword (20% chance of a scimitar instead)

I will reconsider this going forward.

Wow, I knew the system was weighted towards long swords, but I had not realized how much!
70% chance for a long sword, 20% broad sword, but only 4% for a short sword or bastard sword, and just 1% for a two-handed sword! ^_^;

At first it seems like a scimitar also has only a 1% chance as well, but scimitars can be generated off the miscellaneous weapon table and the swords table, so it is actually a bit higher than that (although not much).

I can see the long sword being the most popular- it's an AD&D retroclone, and the long sword was in many ways, objectively best, so would likely be the choice of the majority of players. But looking at the table directly, it seems an odd distribution, since you would think with several smaller races, there would be more smaller swords in there as well.

Theory aside, I'm perfectly fine with you just running things as the module has them rather than changing them. It's an interesting discussion, but the comment was intended as humor, not a complaint. ^_^

In reply to Vixl (msg # 78):

I'm wearing chain. If someone's old armour is better than chain I'll take it :)

I'm stuck with boring Druid armor and weapons, by my own choice!

Best person for the job should be wielding those weapons and armor

Yes, we found an entrance to a lower tier in the corridor south of the blade room.
But first, we check what is presumably the Queen's tomb on the tier we have been on. Given what the King had in his, it will no doubt be dangerous, but also lucrative, if we live.




Only by inference, based on their actions and Madurua's portfolio. V is actually trying to get more information on that.




Possibly so, but probably not until after the ceremony is over. The Sisters have barely acknowledged us since preparations have begun, so trying to engage in trade is probably futile at this moment.




Loran, what are you using? If it is not plate, you would be the best person for Fodor's old platemail, since you often engage in melee. If you already have plate, then Eonwe will take it. (V probably should upgrade, but she rather likes her chain mail.)

I'm pretty sure Loran has better armour than me, else she wouldn't have a better AC. Looks like maybe Loran takes the plate and I might get what she's wearing :)

I went back through the other ooc.
Loran has banded mail.
So, if Fodor takes the enchanted plate, then Loran can upgrade from her banded to plate mail.
Eonwe can then upgrade from chain to banded mail.

So, Fodor, Loran, and Eonwe would all improve their AC by 1.

Eonwe’s previous chain mail (initially Fodor’s) could be gifted to the sisters, since I don’t think anyone else here has need of it, and it probably doesn’t have a high value after use. But we can perhaps ask for a few more torches and oil flasks.

I’ll try to update everyone’s status chart today.  Anyone else level up? Fodor did, but Si haven’t rolled anything yet. Do we have more levels/tiers to explore? Do we know why the Sisters are “preparing?” Any chance we could barter a +1 long sword for something one of our other party members could use?

--There is a trapdoor leading to the fifth tier if you're so inclined.

--You could conclude they are preparing for the "change of the seasons" ritual.

--They don't have anything along those lines.

If everyone hinks it is helpful Orum will mindskim the Sisters with the Helm to see what's up.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 85):

TY!
Loran's AC is now 2.
She has progressed to MU1/Cl2, has spells: CLW, CLW, CLW, CLW and has gained 1HP so now had 7HP
(17:34, Today: Loran Stone rolled 1 using 1d8.  Cleric L2 HP
and reroll 1s & 2s on d8:
17:34, Today: Loran Stone rolled 1 using 1d8.  1d8)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Wed 29 Mar 2023.

Tarrahn has no issue with this

Fine here too

ditto

Sure!

Víxl would be against it, just as she would take a very dim view if she found out they were doing the same with us. It's one thing to do so to someone unknown, but we have an alliance with them, and V did take an oath. Plus, they have been trustworthy enough to watch over both our fallen and injured members as well as our treasure without taking advantage of either. So this seems like a lack of trust and violation of privacy at best, and a betrayal at worst, especially given we are in their home. Further, if they found out this was being done, what does that do to our alliance?

That said, while she adamantly opposes this idea, it really is a group consensus, so unless her argument changes anyone's mind, she is outvoted.

--
And as a reminder- One person should memorize detect magic to use on the coffin before opening.

If Víxl was able to determine what the Sisters were preparing for (Spring Solstice sex ritual or the like) then no need for the telepathy scan. But, as a reminder, the Helm only allows line of sight distance communication by the wearer to someone else - it’s doesn’t read thoughts (although Orum keeps pretending that it does - probably just to keep everyone in line). :-)

I think the status chart is updated. Everyone please confirm level, HPs, AC, and spells. Thx!

V had memorized Sleep and Prot from Evil.

Also, the sisters were able to get us oil. They might be able to get a non-magic hammer for l'Atreq.

Loran and/or Eonwe- you might want to consider changing one CLW to a light spell, since the markings spoke of darkness. (l'Atreq has a light spell, but he might need to cast something else.) I don't think we have been running out of CLW, and if the queen's tomb is anything like the king's, we would come back to recover afterwards anyway (both to recover but also because a similar xp award might be enough for those close to next level).


--
Moving ahead-
Back to the tombs, this time to what is presumably the queen's tomb.

If l'Atreq's detect magic does not indicate magic on the coffin itself, then we cast our preparatory spells (protections from evil, barkskin, etc.), to get ready, and then open it- unless l'Atreq uses Augury and it comes up as a very bad idea to do so.

If it does detect magic, and hence a possible curse, then we avoid it for now and go to tier 5. We come back after someone learns how to remove curses.

OK, CLW to a Light spell is fine here.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 94):

Did I miss something:

Helm of Telepathy (any): Grants the wearer the 2nd level arcane spell ESP, except the helm also allows two-way telepathic
communication between the wearer of the helm and the mind
being read. The helm can also implant a suggestion, per the
spell (and saving throw allowed), once per day

@DM is using a Minor Helm from BASIC or OSRIC rules, which is weaker than the DMG/AD&D1e version. Discussion was in OOC (most of it) when we originally found it…

l'Atreq's hammer fell to the stone floor with a silent crash after the spirt had expired.

@Vixl -- I also agree that the utility casters are not taking advantage of the full utility offered by 1st level clerical spells.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 99):

My mind is indeed a sieve.

Well, in downtime Orum uses Phantasmal Force to create an aura about his head with the occasional tendril reaching out towards some other person. Followed with a knowing glance.

I am set.

Do we want another Detect Magic spell?  I can swap one out for it.

It couldn't hurt to have a second one.
l'Atreq's is to be cast before opening the coffin, to see if we should open it at all, and with a turn duration, will be sufficient to last long enough to deal with whatever is inside if we do wind up opening it.

But if the result indicates we should not open it, and go down to the lower tier instead, it would be nice to have a detect magic for use down there. So switching out one of the shillelagh for detect magic, or one of the other clerics taking it in lieu of a CLW, could be of use. (I'd recommend l'Atreq and Tarrahn both maintain at least one CLW ready for emergencies in case Loran or Eonwe are disabled.)
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Sat 01 Apr 2023.

l'Atreq, your augury spell might also be a good idea.

Sorry for the late posting, can I still drop a Faerie Fire for a detect magic?

Sure

Biz travel through Thursday. NPC me as needed.

This week is a little busy for me- Holy Week always is. But I will try to keep up!

All clear! I'll be going through to see what I missed, and will have a post up by morning.

From that I would say that damage from most attacks will be split evenly between boa and food.
I'm not sure on the automatic damage per round of constriction. The B/X version, the rock python, automatically hits for 2d4 dmg per round after the first one hits but OSRIC is silent on this count. I'm not sure that it matters.

Info block from Druid
Description from the Cleric spell

Speak With Animals
Druidic Transmutation/ Alteration
Level: Druid 1
Range: 0
Duration: 2 rounds/ caster level
Area of Effect: One animal type within 40 ft of
the caster
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 3 segments
Saving Throw: None

When the caster invokes this spell, he or she becomes able
to communicate with and understand the “speech” of normal animals (with the exception of mindless creatures).
While the spell lasts, the animal (and any other animals of
the same type in its company) will refrain from attacking,
even if they were initially hostile. Depending upon the nature of the conversation, if the animal’s alignment is neutral
or of the same tendency as the cleric’s, the animal may be
disposed to help the cleric in some manner. It is important
to note that the spell does not permit speech with animals
of monstrous or unnatural nature; communication with a
monster such as a cockatrice, for example, is beyond the
spell’s power. Neither does the spell suddenly imbue an animal with intelligence; the observations and opinions of an
animal such as a badger will be appropriate to the animal’s
own experiences, motives, and intellectual limitations.

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 112):

Thank you for pasting that, Tarrahn.

It is true that if the boas hadn't been attacked in R#1, they would have refrained from attacking even though they had been initially hostile, just as the text says, upon the establishment of druid -- boa communication.

However, now that they are attacking and have warm food within their coils, I don't think the above necessarily applies. I could see a morale check for them (they have a base 80% morale; I would make that 85% given the situation). If you were to roll higher than 85, they would loosen their coils. That's my take unless Vixl has a better argument.

I don't think that is unfair

No, that's pretty much what my thought was as well, and why V was aghast to see everyone moving to combat; the attacks would negate their passivity.

However, since you asked, and since it may save Eonwe or Loran... :D

Perhaps only the one on Fodor would have been moved to attack?
Fodor attacked, so there will definitely be retaliation from Boa A, but Boa B?

The sleep spell did nothing, and has no manifestation, so was unlikely to negate the passivity.

The color spray also had no effect on them, so other than a pretty lightshow, it could also been ignored. Boas have poor vision, and instead use specialized heat-sensing cells to find prey, so this spell may also not have been enough to overcome the Speak With Animals-induced quietude.

Chant and Sanctuary has nothing to do with them, and neither did V's watching and waiting.

Boas are not pack animals either, so there is not that pack mentality to deal with either.

So, maybe we only have to engage in combat with the one at the moment, and Eonwe or Loran is not currently being crushed to death? ^_^;
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

I think you'll find it's Loran being crushed :)

Edited, but I'm not so sure about the situation, since they both get a mention...


This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

It was Loran. I fixed it.

It's boa mating season, you know?

Hence the grapple check.

Was the chant in effect when Fodor attacked Rnd 1? If so, both attacks would have hit for 19 instead of 12 damage. If hurt enough and with promises of no further harm, perhaps being MORE injured might make Boa A more agreeable to a truce…

In reply to Fodor (msg # 120):

I did check that. Chant has a one-turn casting time. l'Atreq might want to choose another option for R#2.

@Tarrahn: If you roll >85 on a d100, the boas will stand dowm.

Unbelievable!!!   Sorry guys...
08:47, Today: Tarrahn rolled 99 using 1d100.  Speak w. Animals Check.

You rolled higher than 85; that's what you wanted to do. Your chance of success was 15%.

Unbelievably good! Congratulations! ^_^

OH wow!  Excellent then.  Had it backwards.  That's why I did three years of math in summer school...

Wow! Nice roll and role!

Fodor, I've used up Charm until we rest.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 126):
Very lucky roll...

I think Status Report is now updated/correct with spells used up and current HP post-Boa room. Also fixed spells listed for V (Sleep instead of 2nd PfE) and Loran (Light for 1 CLW) that I had missed before entering Tier 5.

@l’Atreq: do not understand your post about you being out of “Charm” spell. Did you mean “Chant?” I’ve struck Chant as used up for today.

If we are going to rest and memorize, we should go ahead and use up 2 CLWs to get back to full HP. If we do rest & memorize, I will activate same spells previously used up - but let me know if any spells are to be changed out for next day. Thx!

Loran has CLW left..

Thx Loran.  Your 1st two CLWs brought me to full. I applied your 3rd CLW to yourself.

Terrahn: Everyone is now at full HP.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Tue 18 Apr 2023.

l'Atreq will replace Augury with Snake Charm.

I meant Chant before and I think I'll keep that.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 131):

Welcome!

In reply to l'Atreq (msg # 132):

The boas have too many hps to be affected by snake charm.

I would also say that Tarrahn has a certain druidic obligation to do right by them.

A fair point.  I shall replace Augury with find traps instead

V would also be opposed killing the snakes unless it is absolutely necessary.
She's not lawful, but she does place stock in keeping one's obligations.

However, that does not apply to non-lethal means of passage. The snake charm will not work, but Tarrahn could very well use animal friendship on it. Assuming the snake is 6HD or less, it could be affected with a failed saving throw. And having one along with us would practically guarantee it would be receiving fresh meat.

They have 6+1 HD, a hp beyond his range.

Curse the +1!

Weren't there some not-allies not-in-actual-warfare acquaintances of the sister left behind?

Oh. Behave!

I thought we killed some rats, not too long ago, in a pyramid tier not too far away….boas would like relatively fresh rat meat!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Wed 19 Apr 2023.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 140):

gonna say 4 to 6 days ago on that one, long enough for rigor rattis to have started to set it.

But feel free to keep a closer track of time for more definitive future answers on states of decomposition.

The rats were a considerable amount of time ago (post msg #806 in the previous game thread)- I would guess even more than a week. They were before the shrews, before the ghouls, before the ghosts, etc.

The shrews would be a little fresher, but even they are probably too old. They were also encountered in the previous thread, and before the ghouls, the ghosts, the banshee(?), and the times we went back to rememorize spells for the coffin, for neutralize poisons, etc. We go back and rest a lot, and assuming every time we go back it's a day, they arew likely well over a week as well.

But maybe a tapestry is appetizing. ^_^

Pretty sure boas can't digest polymar.

I think it's time for me to say that as written, The Lost City can't be run to completion by a party (even a larger party) of level one to three infidels.

To be clear, the boas were intended to be a roadblock. This isn't to say that a clever (and lucky) group of infidels couldn't overcome one or two out-of-depth encounters.

To wit, the adventure for your group (as I had envisioned it) wasn't intended to extend beyond the 4th tier. I was hoping that would become clear organically.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:29, Wed 19 Apr 2023.

No. We will move forward until we are told not to. No organic recognition possible. So, then what?

Finish Tier #4. That should be considered the last level (for now).

Same- I had not considered it a stopping point. My stopping point is when there is yellow hazard tape up that says 'dungeon under construction', and orange cones blocking further access.

So, back to the secret treasure room, then the coffin it is.
(And perhaps visit the Usamigarians) *L*
This message was last edited by the player at 13:39, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 146):

@Vixl -- Does this supersede the plan of attack against the polymar?

@l'Atreq -- You can't both retreat and do all the other things you plan to do.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 147):

No, no change, the polymer is in the secret treasure room, isn't it?
At least I'm hoping that chest is what you were referring to as treasure! ^_^

A ten-step plan:
1. Polymar and chest.
2. Likely rest and rememorize.
3. Up to the curse-threatening coffin.
4. Up to gather up any honey that has been created since last harvest.
5. Maybe re-visit the Usamigarians.
6.
7. Profit!
8. Back to the Sisters.
9. Ceremony and much rejoicing.
10. Whatever you have planned. ^_^




Just putting flaming oil inside the doorway might be enough- if we can keep it in the room, eventually missile fire, and perhaps spells, should be enough to finish it.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

Did the Polymar have a yellow warning symbol above its head indicating that this creature is “above level” and beyond the capabilities of the current party?

In reply to Fodor (msg # 149):

Yes.

Further, two archers have already declared that they're firing into melee (l'Atreq + polymar).
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

Missile fire was specified to take place after everyone was out of the room safely, and also after if anyone was casting preparatory spells, etc.

My understanding-
V noticed the oddity, and called a retreat.

Everyone left the room.
l'Atreq wanted to do some oil maneuvers during this (pour oil at the door, and throw oil at the tapestry before the door was closed, but he could not do it all in one round, so either accomplished the pouring on his way out or nothing.) But whether he poured oil at the door, or threw oil, since the tapestry was on the far side of the room, he would not be in melee, no?

Door shut.
Short discussion, and V suggesting if anyone had any spells they wanted to cast, they could do so before we open the door.

Door opened.
V and Fodor firing bows.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

No more than two firing here?

Loran cannot.

If scorched earth as described is impossible, then l'Atreq simply retreats

In reply to Vixl (msg # 151):

Okay, I think the difficulty was born in an assumption in #358.

I thought you had intended to retreat from the tier, likely beyond the pursuit range of the polymar.

However, if you intended to move into the adjoining chamber and fire away, then it will pursue and attack somebody at random.

R#1--Party relocates in adjoining room; several attack from range --- Polymar moves into adjoining room and attacks one of you at random.

Shall we proceed with that?

Loran continues to stay well away at the back.
No healing left, no spells, no missiles and little to contribute.
Happy to leave.

l'Atreq too

Yes, I think there were mistaken assumptions all around.

Personally, I think we could win with the right tactics.
We are at full hp, we still have four more cure spells and a faerie fire and magic missile, fire could be put down to put down to keep it from the archers or hold in place if it stays, melee afterwards, etc etc.

But it is starting to seem that the general consensus (Loram, l'Atreq, and Fodor for certain) seems to be to depart completely- and there is good reason, since the DM did confirm to Fodor that this thing has a yellow warning symbol.

So, let's just go with that. No missile fire, no regular fire, not just a retreat from the treasure room, but retreat from the entire tier. Back to base.

Swap spells to Light and Colour Spray.

V will go with two protections from evil. One cast on herself, one on someone else opening the coffin.

Everyone plz 2x check spells listed…

Once the three lid lifters have been identified (along with the one receiving the protection from evil spell), we can proceed.

Spells listed for Loran are correct.

Ditto l'Atreq

Orum is accurate

As a reminder, this is pretty much all that we have left, unless we go back to the Usamigarians, and if we do that, we would rememorize spells first.

So, being on the tomb level, and since there was a spirit in the other coffin room, memorizing and casting all possible preparatory spells in anticipation of undead is our best bet. We probably don't need 7 cure light wounds, 2 detect magics, and 4 light spells for one potential encounter (even one threatening darkness)- more protection from evils precast before opening the coffin would probably be better. If we just dropped 3 cures, one detect, and one light for this, then we could have everyone in the group protected from evil (I would recommend Loran switch 2 cure lights for protection, Eonwe switch a cure light and a light for the protections, and l'Atreq switch the detect magic for the protection, but that's just a suggestion. But it still leaves us all the clerics having at least one cure spell, and even after Loran casts her light spell, we still have two more in case the darkness comes into effect.)

Likewise, Tarrahn might consider casting his barkskin on someone opening the coffin for the same reason and one of the clerics might consider using a bless spell now- if there is combat, there might not have the opportunity to use it later, and the bless can't be cast on those in already in melee. And if they are not needed, we don't lose anything, since we would be going back anyway.

V will use her protection from evil spells on Fodor and herself, since I assume the two of them will be opening. Orum would probably be the best third member to help lift, since being in a tomb, the clerics should be ready to turn, and Tarrahn has more spells that might be useful if it does go to combat (faerie fire, heat metal, shillalagh)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Fri 28 Apr 2023.

Very well. l'Atreq will drop Detect Magic and replace it with Protection from Evil

WIlling to help lift as if it is a spirit then illusion spells surely won't work.

No issue with that, who wants the Barkskin spell?  +1 to AC & Saves

Agreed and done.

I don't have Access to OSRIC until I get back to my laptop so I'm not sure whether I can turn the wight

l’Atreq needs a 16 to turn the wight.
Loran & Eonwe need a 19.

Can you cooperate and hence get a lower number?

In reply to Orum Copsetwinkle (msg # 173):

Nope. There are no modern D&D style assisted rolls. I don't think the maths favor those anyway.

I have a 20% chance of succeeding but if we all try between them we hve a 27.8% of success. If I fail, someone else try and then if he or she fails, the other can try.

That's some good mathing there!

Although not in the rules, I could see the benefit of clerics working together and getting a slight bonus BUT they would have to worship the same deity. And since it is rare to have multiple clerics in a party, plus ones of the same deity, it would only happen in a rare situation where an army of clerics was facing an army of undead…

..regardless. Not applicable here. :-)

Was just looking at the Parry action to see if Orum could go full defense and at least provide an extra target while the heavies tried to take it down, but not seeing an in game benefit other than providing an extra target.

BTW, the Colour Spray description is really poorly written.

What does Colour Spray do? I avoid playing illusionists because it requires too much on the fly descriptive creativity to come up with effective illusions. So I never really learned the illusionist spells…

Best case scenario is stun for a round or two, but I may be going off some AD&D edition that is long gone

I wouldn’t think many undead would be affected, generally, by illusions given their undead/mental status - but I don’t know.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Sun 30 Apr 2023.

They are immune to sleep, charm, and hold spells, but it says nothing about illusions in general, so I would think illusions could affect them, unless they are specifically excluded.

Wights are also specifically excluded from enchantment spells in general, but color spray is a Phantasmal Transmutation/ Alteration, so it seems like it would be of use.

Despite V's misgivings, I would think that fire would hurt a wight and most other undead as well. They, and several other undead, are listed as immune to cold, but there is not an immunity to other effects like fire or electricity listed. But that depends on whether or not you think needing a magic weapon to hit also means environmental effects must also be magically based. I don't, but it is the DM's call.

Edit1:
And yes, I totally did forget that V had the magic longsword- I knew we had two in the party but forgot she had one. Editing my post now...

Edit2:
And fleeing could well be an option if needed. The screaming ghost did not pursue, so perhaps the wight would not either.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Sun 30 Apr 2023.

The issue with Color Spray (which has come up before) is that is only affects one HD per caster level.

Wights can be harmed by fire.

There is a level 3 druid spell (which was not prepared) (which should always be prepared) which would have ended this encounter in R#1.

Continual light? Wights hate sunlight, but I am not aware of what 3rd level Druid spell kills undead or wights in particular. Sorry, Terrahn- it’s not your fault - Neutralize Poison is essential too. Fodor is the meat shield - he’ll take what he has to until the fire and turns are successful. We have 2 rounds to succeed! Maybe 3, to save Fodor.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Mon 01 May 2023.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 184):

Summon Insects would have disabled the wight.

I have usually been on the end of choosing the appropriate spell for the outing.  I went with the Neutralize Poison this time over the Summon Insects since it worked so well the last time I used it.  Sucks when you have only (1) option to choose from.

Ah, who knows? It could have been the Scorpion Queen within the box. On the balance, though, I would go with Summon Insects.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:26, Sun 30 Apr 2023.

Given only one is possible, I would almost always lean towards taking the neutralize poison.
If it is needed and we don't have it, then a PC is generally dead.
If we don't have the summon insects, the result tends to be a bit more forgiving.
We may lose some levels here, but should at least survive the encounter.

(Although if we run away and go prepare summon insects, we now know it will disable the wight.) ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Sun 30 Apr 2023.

My luck/timing has been off on spell selection.  Virtually non-melee effective, I try to pick accordingly or asked to when the sling isn't an option.

l'Atreq, Chant requires a full turn to cast.

A turn?  How many rounds is that????

Ten

Chant as written is worthless - unless you modify it to a 1 round casting time and also permit the ability of a fighting Cleric to melee attack while chanting and singing out boldly to his deity. Only interrupted if injured or silenced (or stops to do something other than chanting and fighting), but cleric permitted to melee (theory: engaging opponents while chanting supports the spell benefits - raises the morale of party and intimidates opponents - justifies the prayer type bonus effects). Even with those improvements, it’s still only mediocre. But using it with the above fixes (which has always been our house rule) makes it somewhat useful and adds fun for role-playing - as a nice 2nd level bridge between Bless (1st) & Prayer (3rd) - but these are just my “aside” comments from a player who plays Clerics frequently and as someone who used to DM - but my aside doesn’t impact the current game...

In reply to Fodor (msg # 193):

I think a 25% chance to end the encounter would be better.

Oh, yes, agreed! Turn by 3rd Level Cleric vs one undead opponent MUCH better option now than Chant (even if it was a 1 round cast time) - especially since Clerics permitted to turn more than once per same target.

?: Are we in Battle Round 2 yet (do you want our Round 2 actions yet or are we still waiting for Round 1 to close)?

Yes, you're in Rnd #2.

After failing to Turn isn't that it?
Or can we keep trying?

In reply to Fodor (msg # 193):

Chant is better than all that, assuming it was a 1 round casting time. If you run the numbers in a decent sized group it does a lot of extra damage and reduces damage taken by several CLWs.

But btb it's just a waste of ink :(

P.S. And do please change your d8 for a different one!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Tue 02 May 2023.

Agree. My d8 stinks! As does your d4! :-)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Tue 02 May 2023.

Hmm well l'Atreq has one option other than the chant but that'll do more damage to the party than the queen.

@Clerics: our DM permits additional TURN ATTEMPTS even if 1st does not succeed. KEEP TRYING!

Ahh well in that case.

C’mon Clerics! We need more faith!! :-)

It's a Wight of Dice Cursing!

Well. As long as it doesn’t hit us…we are slowly chipping away…

In reply to Fodor (msg # 201):

It's just OSRIC, not some special dispensation from myself.

@DM: you want to roll +1 sword attack for Víxl and then do Wight? That’s all we are waiting for to finish Round 2, I believe. Did Víxl indicate she would be out of pocket for a few days - not normal absence since Sunday for her without notice.

Go ahead and do that if you would, thank you.

Do what? Roll to hit for V?

If so, she likely misses…(+1 STR, +1 sword, -2 prof), rolled a 9. 11 with Faerie Fire bonus, but that is probably still a miss…
This message was last edited by the player at 12:24, Thu 04 May 2023.

Fodor's roll for V was fine, but if you prefer I roll it, it was a 10, and a miss (included Faerie fire and magic sword, subtracted non-proficiency. Did not make any adjustment for a flank attack.)

My apologies for the recent silence- there were some personal issues keeping me away, but still here and still interested and trying to stay engaged.


And yes, the one thing every cleric should be doing is turning- even those with a miniscule chance at success.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Thu 04 May 2023.

If I cast Shillelagh this round, I have to wait until next round to attack, correct?

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 211):

Yes, you cast the spell in one round and then attack with it the next. It would be the same with Spiritual Weapon.

Am I right in thinking that a blind wight cannot be turned? Not that that's been going very well anyway.

Blinded just means it has trouble seeing (less chance to hit) but it can still see and hear and feel the force of the cleric’s deity being directed toward it.

Tarrahn will cast Detect Magic then

That was my only other thought - that there might be something on the door or wall of each room to match with a marking hon the figurine or with the figurines themselves to indicate what room on the map it should be placed…

Unquestionably, you've been presented with a puzzle box.

It's alright, of course, if you don't have much of an appetite for it. However, that does mean you probably won't have much of an appetite for the Desert of Desolation modules which are heavy on traps and puzzles. If that is the case, we might wish to consider another direction.

I am inherently TERRIBLE with puzzles and the like.  However, I follow the majority of our groups wishes.

Same, but I'm going to propose a place for everything and everything in its place approach. Start by putting each figure where someone not named Orum thinks it makes most sense.

Invisiclue #1: Some figures should be easier to identify than others.

I have an idea for several of them now, but we will see if the test with one does anything.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 221):

I made a mistake Vixl: the guy with the lockpicks should have been described as "lithe" rather than "little."

That does make a difference! *L*

I am thinking the flowing gown should actually go in room 39a, not the queen's tomb, but want to see if anything happens with the others first.

I am reasonably certain for this:
28: A bronze man grasping a lighting bolt in one hand and a five-pointed star in the other
30: A young lady with a full set of combs
31: A tall man with an even taller halberd
38: A vibrantly colored man who is built close to the ground
39a: A woman with a flowing gown
40: A lithe man with a set of lockpicks

Inclined to this:
27: A man with the pompous face of a know-it-all
36: A man with an extraordinarily long quill

Leaving this:
25 (or 37 if not) A man with rings on his fingers and a protruding belly
29 (or 35 if not) A mass of naked humanity
32 A woman with a lolling tongue
34 A man with a frozen face

So, unless something tragic happens with the figurines being placed now, she will try this out, unless someone has objections or other ideas.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Thu 18 May 2023.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 222):

Yes, I was feeling seen!

In reply to Vixl (msg # 224):

No objections here!
You're doing a great job!

Thank you Loran!

As for the positioning:
It seems that the 'Mass of Naked Humanity' is misplaced as l'Atreq has also determined.
The others seem fine based on the DM's post. (Although Fodor has some good suggestions if things do not work out).

So, instead of 29 (the embalming room) it should go into 35 (the room with all the bones of the slaves). The naked aspect made me think of the embalming (29), since the covering cloth was separate, but it seems that it should apply to the mass of victims (35) instead.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:04, Sun 21 May 2023.

No issues here, keep it going!

A is the "You are here" marker.

Oh well in that case, perhaps we should go to the 'Our Salvation' marker.

I don't think it was one way- but am I misremembering?

If a rod of paralyzation works like a wand of paralyzation, then everyone but Fodor can use it. But Loran has no distance attacks or distance damage spells, so she would probably be the best to carry it, hence V handing it to her. (If not her, then my suggestion is Eonwe or Orum.) But if the group has a better suggestion, then by all means let's use it.

l'Atreq- V might have jumped the crossbow asking for a trade for your armor for you. I was thinking that as a member, it might make things smoother if she asked, but if you wanted to also keep the plate for when we arrive at destination, please do correct her statement. (We have enough gold to make it worth their while of they just want to sell you leather armor.)

As for herself, V came with her chainmail, and will be leaving with it.

We never received level completion xp for the Sisterhood/Usamigarian tier, since the Usamigarian's HQ was not explored. So yes, that last was a very blatant attempt to hustle for a few more points, since it might get someone leveled up before the next scenario. ^_^

Oh no... it's not just in the desert that the existence of Heat Metal makes plate mail a liability.  I've already watched our party's dwarf get boiled alive by an orcish shaman... Although my half-elven jester got thme back by hurling a Mordenkainen's Tiny House at the shaman and then calling out the magic word so that when it hit them it was a full sized house.

For those of you who don't know (everybody, I fear), I was paying homage to Phil and Dixie's series in Dragon Magazine, Sex and D&D, from 40 or so years ago.

Ah. I never read Dragon, only White Dwarf (in those days, White Dwarf covered all sorts of games,, not just Warhammer.

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 234):

Thanks for the reminder that I am old, or shall we say, experienced.

A retrospective:

https://apaladinincitadel.blog...ons-and-dragons.html

In reply to Vixl (msg # 237):

Just so! An epic tease to which I added a twist with respect to the consummation.

Wahoo praise be unto Ptah who hath raised His servant to fourth level.

Excellent! You're only one level short of the recommended range for Pharaoh.

Kewl umm I mean Praise be unto Him

At 4th level, I have 5 first level and 4 second level spells.

As we set out into the desert, this will be...

Detect Evil (1), Create Water(1), Protection from Evil(1), Cure Light Wounds (1) and Bless (1)
Resist Fire (2), Snake Charm (2), Speak With Animals (2), Hold Person (2)

Unless anyone has a better suggestion?

Those XP's will make Tarrahn 4th level Druid!

Update soon...

To my surprise, the xp and bonus xp was just about exactly enough to raise V to level 3/3! ^_^
Yay for puzzles!

17hp now.
Invisibility spell added.
For the trip to wherever we are going, she will have two sleep spells and the invisibility spell memorized.


l'Atreq- that seems like an appropriately useful and varied selection to me.


"These Dreams" is my favorite heart song, but Magic Man is more apropos here. *L*


From message #460:


From the treasure thread:


Does the scepter have 6 or 8 charges?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Sun 28 May 2023.

Tarrahn updated.  Maxed out on HP.

Recommendations for weapon slot?

Oh... also added 3 hpts for 4th level making 20/20

In reply to Vixl (msg # 244):

8 charges

The party does have a potion of invisibility.

From Message #280:




So everyone should be carrying a dose- 2 for Orum.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 248):

That'll need to be recorded on players' sheets prior to departure for that to be true.

The honey can be harvested one more time before departure.

Once all players have made their choice of mount, we can begin I3.

Added [1] honey healing and took the dagger proficiency.

Would they happen to have a spare dagger they could spare or sell?

They will furnish you with any basic gear you might require.

So what does that give you? Any CON bonus?

26 HP, no CON bonus

Who knew so many hps could fit in the little guy?

LOL!  No doubt...

I also have no con bonus but to me the dice are less kind.

I annotated one on V's sheet since the response was affirming at the time.
I recommend everyone else do so now, so you don't leave it behind. ^_^;


Also, I have another competition this week, so while attempts to check in and follow along might be made, I might not be able to post until Monday.
Please do not hold anything up on my account!

I think we're all set to kick off into the desert. I'll get things rolling tomorrow.

Yes. Please update your individual sheets to indicate the mini-dose of Invisibility potion each, 2 for Orum. I indicated this division already on the party treasure list.

Please make a final review of spells and other info on the status chart before we head out to the desert!

For example - is Víxl now proficient (or working toward that) with the +1 Longsword?

The one thing I have to decide is her next weapon proficiency. But no, despite the magic sword (and the overall overwhelming prevalence of magic longswords), I don't plan on taking long sword proficiency- it will likely be either dagger or club.

When do we get weapon proficiencies... should I have chosen one?  How about non-weapon proficiencies?

A couple of notes as we begin I3 Pharaoh:

I will be using the recommended die for random encounters.
We're going to part ways with weapon specialization.

@l'Atreq -- you have downloaded OSRIC, haven't you?

Wait! I thought we were only eliminating weapon specialization in the fighter heavy TM? Surely, not here? At least not single specialization. Double, sure. And delay double attacks until even rounds (as per UA) rather than up front in odd rounds (per OSRIC) - that would be fair and not overpowered

It’s the only thing the Meat Shield has to offer.

Not true! Mr. Meatshield has a +2 longsword and clerics to cast bless and a druid to cast Faerie Fire.

You'll be good so long as you avoid the purple worm.

Also, everybody should have at least one 16 which you can do with you as you please.

I uploaded the Desert Wilderness map to the Game Map.

I'd like everybody to do one check in post, one of which should include the group's travel itinerary. If you don't check in, I'll assume you've made other plans. I'd like to update on Monday after Vixl gets back.

Check in!

So, I head out after Monday the 5th for 9 days out of country, back the 14th but probably no good until the Saturday after.

NPC Orum as needed. No heroics of course.

Also Also Also: Please update your bio lines with your current stats.

I had not realized that weapon specialization was completely going away either.

But if so, then V will have long sword proficiency after all, loathe as she is to take it.


This changes her attack on the Infidel thread:
Shortsword, d20+1, d6/d8
(No need to list the longsword+1, since even if proficient, she won't be using it unless necessary. And she is not taking the polearm.)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Sun 04 June 2023.

Mr. Meatshield was not very lucky when rolling d20 (rolled a 2) to determine the strength of his new Potion of Giant Strength, so he trades it back in with Víxl’s pole arm to see if they have a more potent potion (or something helpful to Víxl) to offer for the two trade-back-ins. If not, he’ll just take it. :-)

Did the Sisters recommend that we wait until break of dawn to travel across the desert? Seems it would make more sense to leave late afternoon and travel at night and sleep under lean-to’s or tents during the heat of day.

Víxl laid out the direction we are headed - so wasn’t sure what checkin or travel post you wanted from each of us. Just checking.

Need more CLW spells with LORAN staying behind…

I think we will need to balance them out with Create Water. With six beasts of burden plus the six of us we will need multiple Create Waters each day.

The other issue is that I have nothing to create it into. I had planned to acquire a soft hide or the like from our hosts to hold it in the ground, but forgot :(

Tarrahn has selected two Create Waters & one Purify Water spells for the overland trip.

Presumably, whichever urn or large jar we had already been using for this purpose was taken along with us, no?

I mean for the animals. They cant drink out of a jug.

Perhaps they can. The pottery jars were 4' tall. So presumably they would be quite wide as well.

Sorry I didn't post as requested. It was my Sabbath yesterday. Will post asa

No worries, l’Atreq!

@Eonwe: as we are wrapping up our departure from the Pyramid and heading out to the desert, if you still had a supply or two that you needed to list/buy, go ahead and add it! I don’t think it was too late. See also below (subject to objection/further input from @DM):

Note: in addition to tackle, saddles and bridles for your mount, I think it would be fair to say/add to everyone’s inventory: one standard switch for goading your camel (a la “Lawrence of Arabia”/Saudi Arabian style riding), one saddlebag containing: grain/feed for you mount, one water skin for you and your mount, one bedroll, and one personal tent/lean-to for use to shade you from the sun when we rest during the heat of the mid-day. Those would have been standard desert provisions.

Updated Block

For the Desert trek:
DAILY SPELLS:
1st (4+2): Faerie Fire [2], Shillelagh[2], Speak w. Animals, Purify Water
2nd (2+2): Barkskin, CLW, Create Water [2]
3rd (2+0): Summon Insects, Neutralize Poison

Now, I was reading the Speak with Animals spell.  Could I use it to tell the camels to 'behave' themselves and that they will be cared for their service to their riders?

Yes. How many times they need to be reminded of this would be another question.


Yes. Capacious goat-skin bags are used to store and transport water. It should be noted that camels can go without water for many days; the same is not true for draft horses. It should also be noted that Vixl will find that a parasol has been included with her cache of supplies.


Humor me. Is B the destination?


They made no recommendations. Did you intend to leave in the late afternoon? If so, I can adjust the start time.

Loran neglected to donate her Scroll of Monster Summoning II. Someone should take it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:21, Sun 04 June 2023.

The Ultimate destination is K although after K, we may have to continue).

My thought was to get a basic understanding of the animals to start off with and I could do that spell as necessary daily, if that would help.  Personally, for Tarrahn, he would more than likely cast Charm Mammal on his mount for his safety and well-being.  I don't believe that is an option for the other mounts unless I understand it incorrectly?

In reply to Tarrahn (msg # 281):

Of course, it's an option. Any charmed camel would be permitted a saving throw after three months of servitude.

I think that would suffice but, it would obviously have to be cast by him so, would they all be in 'service' to him or, could they be controlled by their riders?

There is no distinction to be made between a caster and a caster's friends.

Fodor I think l'Atreq's AC is currently level 6 (leather armour and a +1 medium shield).

In reply to Fodor (msg # 277):

I did ask, and was denied.

Yes.
Take the path south, but we stop at B first, then back to the path to E, then D, then on to F.




V will take it for now so it is not left behind.
We can decide if we want to save it for transcription, or keep it ready for casting later.

And a parasol- very nice!
That would definitely help with the sun.


edit-
V is more likely to go into melee than use the wand/scepter.
Both Orum and Eonwe have darts as a missile attack, but Eonwe has more castable spells, hence her suggesting Orum first.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Tue 06 June 2023.

B is on the trail -- the two pillars with the inscription.

I recommend trying to hit all of the lettered locations. You need all the experience you can get.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 287):

Good idea!

In reply to The Lord of Divine Words (msg # 288):

Yes! We’ll hit all the lettered locations and hope for some random encounters.  All for gaining more experience and HP before we go into a Lvl 5-7 module…

Oh, okay. Your game post said it was at A, hence the confusion. That is good though- we are making more progress than thought! ^_^




Does your recommendation include C, with the skulls that say 'avoid'?
Because otherwise I am still thinking we should bypass those areas, xp notwithstanding.

It does not. However, were you do visit a C, I would be able to insert another picture from the module.

haha- I'm not that interested enough in a picture to tempt fate, or ignore a good mapmaker. :P

Personally, I find myself unable to overrule l'Atreq's all together sensible sense of self-preservation simply to gain exra XPs.  l'Atreq has seen the word 'avoid' and by Ptah, he's going to avoid with all the fervour he can muster.

Oops! Yes, Orum was who I meant.
I still had Tarrahn and his animal spells on my mind. ^_^;
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Fri 09 June 2023.

Dear Keeper of the Infidels' Chart
l'Atreq is going to amend his everyday spells from now to...
First level   -  Bless, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Resist Cold
Second Level  -  Find Traps, Resist Fire, Snake Charm, Speak With Animals

Naturally he's going to use the last of these to speak to his camel every morning and ensure that said camel is as happy as possible with its lot in life and content to continue carryng him.

If I might make a suggestion, it would be a good idea to keep at least one Cure light wounds. With Loran gone, and Tarrahn memorizing Charm Mammal and Create Water spells (curing is a 2nd level spell for him), that leaves Eonwe as the only healer. If anything happens to him, he cannot heal anyone. So, having one prepared just in case Eonwe is taken out by something would be a good idea. Of course, you are free to choose what you think best.

Good point.  I'll drop resist cold for CLW.

My thought though was that when the time comes, I may find it necessary to sleep on it and next morning, choose five CLWs

When do you want the predict weather spell to be cast?

Predict Weather
Druidic Divination
Level: Druid 1
Range: 0
Duration: Instantaneous
Area of Effect: 9 square miles
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1 round
Saving Throw: None
The druid casts this spell upon virtually any substance:
bones, leaves, powders, etc. He or she can read in the
resulting pattern an exact divination of the weather as it
will naturally occur within the surrounding nine square
miles for the next two hours per caster level. A second
level druid, as an example, would be able to predict the
weather four hours into the future.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Sat 10 June 2023.

The best time would be after we set up tents, so it will cover our resting period, and let us know if we need to protect the mounts from sandstorms. Plus we will be in one place, and do not have to worry about wandering out of the predicted area of effect.




Did anyone watch the "Ash vs the Evil Dead" TV show? Tiny hands! *L*
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Sat 10 June 2023.

I think this is an accidental cut and paste error from message 13?

We were at area E in the script from message 16, and have presumably reset the traveling time to 0, no?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Sat 10 June 2023.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 301):

Yes, fixed, thank you.

I like West.

I met a traveller from an antique land,
Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal, these words appear:
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

Ozymandias - P B Shelley

In reply to l'Atreq (msg # 304):

Thank you, l'Atreq. One or the other Hickman made a hash of that attempt at imitative writing.

Absolutely lovely.

An attempt at imitative writing which I've yet to share because the inscription has yet to be translated.

But, first, a point of clarification: Vixl, did you dismount from your camel before examining the statue and its noble face?

I had assumed it was a huge statue partially buried (sort of like the end of planet of the apes), so thought she would have a better/closer view from camelback, and thus did not dismount.

(But if my assumption was wrong, and it is human sized or smaller, then she would dismount once she reaches it and lead her camel for that closer look.).

Maybe tie a rope to the horse or one of the camels. Tarrahn can maybe talk to said mount and convince them not to engage in shenanigans.

Maybe tie a rope to the statue?

Don't let me stand in your way.

If we all go down - what do we do with the mounts? Can we see or hear Víxl? We could lower a rope to help her get out.

Whatever he can do to support rescue efforts.

In reply to Fodor (msg # 313):

Vixl's within sight unless she wanders off.

It would require ~ 75' of rope to provide an egress/ingress to the dune below. This rope could be tied to the statue, which is firmly supported by the sand-covered stone dome (now missing one stone).

Presumably, camels and a draft horse could be tethered to the statue or hobbled nearby.

No wandering off- if anything she is trying to get back closer to them, unless there was something unusual she saw below that needed immediate attention.

I have 200 feet of twine.  If it were woven together to make 8 ply, that would be 25 feet.  Would that work as Vixl suggests?

Reminder: talking about things is one things and doing them is another.

If i understand correctly it is 2 AM or so, which makes the someone staying with the mounts not a bad suggestion in my mind. Given that Orum and his mount get along, I am not the greatest combatant, have infravision, two doses on invisibility and the helm should I need to communicate, I volunteer.

No issue with that Orum

Reminder: you also have a caller who can move things along.

Víxl: recommendation?? You want to escape up, us come down, all of us, or leave one behind with the mounts?

We aren’t smart or decisive enough to decide.

I'd prefer we all stay together for the reasons given, but also because we don't know how long we might be below. I don't want to leave anyone out of play if it seems it might be an extended period!

But while that is my preference, everyone has their autonomy, so if someone elects to do something else, que sera sera.

Taking Orum’s path, working in teams, and using a climbing instrument gives a total of +30%.
Much better!
Let’s go with that- and since Tarrahn made it in his own, l’Atreq and V can pair up for the climb.

I would have but given I rolled 83 it would have reduced your chances.

You cannot make an omelette without breaking some eggs. ;)

Unless l'Atreq is intent on going solo, V will try the paired technique.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Wed 28 June 2023.

In reply to Vixl (msg # 326):

I hope that was good enough

Sorry about the mixed messages, l'Atreq, you and Vixl are definitely halfway there.

It is a mountainous pile of sand. However, if the climber missed by one, I could take that into consideration.

Who wants my help?

Why, yes, you would be a most excellent climbing buddy, would you not?

Apologies, Vixl, but could you limit yourself to one climbing attempt at this juncture?

Additionally, the six of you have fashioned for yourselves a midway station of sorts, preventing a tumble to the bottom for any clumsy alpinists.

Oops, sorry boss.  Didn't read this so I'll ammend

Tarrahn has accepted Orum's help

I'll give other players today to post before I update.

Fodor, do you intend to gain the platform at the top or stay just off of it?

Two questions: are we -4 to hit in the platform or just if we are on the sand (midway down) and what did you decide on weapon specialization? Is Fodor 3/2 attacks with to hit/damage bonuses, did we drop to 1x specialization only, or did we eliminate it altogether?

#1 -- No penalty when fighting on the platform.

#2 -- No specialization.