Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MitzaVolchenko 04-20-06, 03:43 AM	This is a miniquest for Aerryl Nalladar (MindwandererB) to acquire a bat swarm as an ally. If you are not myself or MindWandererB, please do not post here until the quest is complete. Week 1 Aerryl learns that some silly nurery rhymes are more than that... Expenditures: 8 goodberries Rewards: 1400xp, gold whistle worth 2000gp, swarm of bats ally (just costs ya a bit of baconnow and then).
MitzaVolchenko 04-20-06, 03:44 AM	Aerryl Nalladar "Be glad of the bewitchery of Gladius, for soon your blood will spill upon its soil." Member of the Living Tree (TLT (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=501578)) (10% tax rate) Female Sylvan Elf (but is apparently masculine, as most people refer to her as "he") True Neutral Level 7 Druid (ECL 6) Height: 4'7" Weight: 82 lbs. Experience: 23,708/28,000 http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/MindWandererB/Aerryl.gif STR...16 [+3]...(6 pts) [14, +2 racial] DEX...20 [+5]...(10 pts) [16, +2 racial, +2 item] CON...10 [+0]...(4 pts) [12, -2 racial] INT...12 [+1]...(6 pts) [14, -2 racial] WIS...19 [+4]...(10 pts)[16, +1 lvl4, +2 item] CHA...08 [-2]...(0 pts) Hit Points: 35 [7 HD] (8+4.5*6) AC 20 [+5dex, +3armor, +2shield], Touch 15, Flat 14 [+3 +1 leather, +2 +1 buckler] Initiative: +5 [5dex] BAB/Grap: +5/+8 [+5bab, +3str] Speed 30' Saves: Fort +5 [5druid +0con] Refl +7 [2druid +5dex] Will +9 [5druid +4wis] immune to sleep, +2 racial vs. enchantment, +4 vs. spell-like abilities of fey Attacks: [+5bab, +3str/+5dex] +1 Darkwood Longbow, Composite Mighty [+3] +11 ranged, 1d8+4 [20/x3] [110' range] [Rapid Shot: +9/+9] Longbow, Composite Mighty [+3] +10 ranged, 1d8+3 [20/x3] [110' range] [Rapid Shot: +8/+8] [silvered: 1d8+2] Scimitar +8 melee, 1d6+3 [18-20/x2] Club +8 melee/+10 ranged, 1d6+3 [20/x2] [10' range] [+9/2d6+4 with shillelagh] Dagger +8 melee/+10 ranged, 1d4+3 [19-20/x2] [10' range] [silver: 1d4+2] [b]Feats: Mounted Combat [1st lvl] once per round, substitute Ride check for mount's AC Point-Blank Shot [3rd lvl] +1 to hit and damage within 30 feet Rapid Shot [6th lvl] extra ranged attack if -2 penalty taken to all attacks Racial and Class Abilities: Immunity to magical sleep +2 Racial bonus to saves vs. enchantments Low-light vision Bonus proficiencies: longsword, rapier, longbow, shortbow +2 racial bonus to Listen, Search, Spot Automatically search for secret doors when within 5 feet Spontaneous Casting: summon nature's ally Animal Companion: dire bat "Predator" Nature Sense: +2 bonus to Knowledge (nature) and Survival Wild Empathy: diplomacy to influence animals or magical beasts Woodland Stride: move through nonmagical undergrowth Trackless Step: cannot be tracked Resist Nature's Lure: +4 to saves vs. spell-like abilities of fey Wild Shape 3/day (Small-Medium, 6 hours, see errata for current rules) Skills (50 Points Druid): +10 Concentration [10 rnks, +0con] [10drd] +11 Handle Animal [10 rnks, -1cha, +2 tool] [10drd] [+4 animal companion] +5 Hide [0 rnks, +5 dex] +3 Knowledge (nature) [0 rnks, +1int, +2class] +16 Listen [10 rnks, +4wis, +2racial] [10drd] +4 Move Silently [0 rnks, +4 dex] +17 Ride [10 rnks, +5dex, +2synergy] [10drd] [+2 stay in Prey's saddle] +3 Search [0rnks, +1int, +2racial] +11 Spellcraft [10 rnks, +1int] [10drd] +6 Spot [0 rnks, +4wis, +2racial] +6 Survival [0 rnks, +4wis, +2class] +8 Wild Empathy [7 levels, -1cha, +2synergy] [+4 animal companion, -4 magical beasts] Speaks Common, Elven, Druidic, and Sylvan Spells memorized: [6/5/4/3/2] [Spell levels: 30; Cast: 10; Prebuff: 2/10] 0: [DC 14] Light, Mending, Mending, Mending, Mending, Resistance 1: [DC 15] Produce Flame, Entangle, Faerie Fire, [s]Goodberry, Goodberry 2: [DC 16] Barkskin, Hold Animal, Resist Energy, Warp Wood 3: [DC 17] Call Lightning, Protection from Energy, Spike Growth 4: [DC 18] Dispel Magic, Freedom of Movement Buffs and Prefight actions: - Bring ally: Predator - Cast 2 Goodberries for 4d4 1-HP berries (7 days or until eaten) - Decipher all scrolls Equipment: [51 lbs][13488 gp] Explorer's Outfit [0 lbs][0 gp] Holly and Mistletoe x3 [0 lbs][0 gp] +1 Leather Armor [15 lbs][1165 gp] +1 Darkwood Buckler [2.5 lbs][1205 gp] +1 Darkwood Longbow, Composite Mighty [+3] [1.5 lbs][2730 gp] Longbow, Composite Mighty [+3] [3 lbs][400 gp] Scimitar [4 lbs][15 gp] Club [3 lbs][0 gp] Alchemical silver dagger [1 lb][22 gp] Cold iron dagger [1 lb][4 gp] Quiver with 67 arrows [12 lbs][4 gp] Quiver with 20 alchemical silver arrows [3 lbs][41 gp] Quiver with 20 cold iron arrows [3 lbs][2 gp] Animal signal whistle [0 lbs][50 gp] Spell component pouch [2 lbs][5 gp] Gloves of Dexterity +2 [0 lbs][4000 gp] Periapt of Wisdom +2 [0 lbs][4000 gp] Pearl of Power1 [0 lbs][1000 gp] Expendable Items: [3.8 lbs][3490.01 gp] [Note: for scrolls, each line is 1 scroll] Alchemist's Fire x2 [2 lbs][40 gp] Torch [1 lbs][.01 gp] Wand of Cure Light Wounds (38) [1] [0 lbs][750 gp] Scroll of Shillelagh [2] [0 lbs][50 gp] Scroll of Magic Fang [2] [0 lbs][50 gp] Scroll of Longstrider [1] [0 lbs][25 gp] Scroll of Faerie Fire [1] [0 lbs][25 gp] Scroll of Faerie Fire, Faerie Fire [1] [0 lbs][50 gp] Scroll of Entangle, Obscuring Mist [1] [0 lbs][50 gp] Scroll of Delay Poison [3] [0 lbs][150 gp] Scroll of Resist Energy, Resist Energy [3] [0 lbs][300 gp] Scroll of Lesser Restoration [3] [0 lbs][150 gp] Scroll of Summon Nature's Ally II [3] [0 lbs][150 gp] Scroll of Barkskin, Cat's Grace [3] [0 lbs][300 gp] Scroll of Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength [3] [0 lbs][300 gp] Oil of Magic Weapon [1] [0.1 lbs][50 gp] Potion of Protection from Evil [1] [0.1 lbs][50 gp] Potion of Protection from Good [1] [0.1 lbs][50 gp] Potion of Protection from Law [1] [0.1 lbs][50 gp] Potion of Protection from Chaos [1] [0.1 lbs][50 gp] Oil of Align Weapon (Good) [3] [0.1 lbs][300 gp] Oil of Align Weapon (Evil) [3] [0.1 lbs][300 gp] Potion of Invisibility [3] [0.1 lbs][300 gp] Equipment on Predator: Barding, Large Leather [30 lbs][40 gp] Saddle, Exotic Riding [30 lbs][30 gp] Equipment at Home: Money: 5411 gold, 4 silver, 9 copper Miscellaneous Statistics: Encumbance: 0-76 (light), 77-153 (medium), 154-230 (heavy) Weight carried: 54.8 lb Predator weight carried (when ridden): 196.8 lb. [82 pound elf +saddle +barding +gear] Female Dire Bat Hit Points: 45. Hit Dice: 6 Speed: 20', fly 40' (good) Armor Class: 24 (-1 size, +2 armor, +6 Dex, +7 natural), Touch 15, Flat-Footed 18 Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+13 Attack: Bite +9 melee (2d6+6) Space/Reach: 10'/5' Special Qualities: Blindsense 40', Link, Share Spells, Evasion Saves: Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +7 Abilities: Str 18, Dex 23, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6 Skills: Hide +4, Listen +14, Move Silently +11, Spot +8 Feats: Alertness, Stealthy, Improved Natural Attack Carrying Capacity: 200/400/600 Tricks: Combat Riding package (AttackB, Come, Defend, Down, Guard, Heel), Seek, Attack AllB "Yes, my friend, I can smell the blood, too. It stains every stone of this place, yet it never ceases to flow. Together, you and I, we will seek out the cause of this abberration, this fracture in the circle of life. Together, we will restore balance to the land of Gladius. But to do that, we must first become familiar with this magic of eternal life." The elven woman before you seems oblivious to your presence, spending most of her attention on the giant, war-clad bat beside her. She is dirty, ill-kempt, and slightly smelly, with twigs in her hair. ·Begin mounted in the center of the square, carrying my bow or a scroll in one hand and my buckler on the other. If my opponent can fly but faster than 35' and slower than 60', Prey will be ridden; otherwise, Predator will be ridden. ·Buff with resistance (shared) if opponent has not been sighted. ·First, attack with produce flame, recalling it with Pearl of Power when it runs out. If that runs out or is ineffective, fire arrows with Rapid Shot, maintaining 105' range during my shot, maximum range when not shooting, double-moving if necessary. If opponent is a caster, stay well out of spell range if possible. ·If ranged combat fails for any reason, cast shillelagh from scroll and melee. Remember the +1 to hit from higher ground. ·If opponent is invisible, rely on Predator's Blindsense. Ready faerie fire from scroll to use when opponent is located (e.g. if Predator attacks them). ·If opponent is as good or better of an archer than I am, use entangle. If they are caught in it but are still better at archery, use obscuring mist to shut them down, then send in Predator and shoot blindly, moving if opponent starts shooting at my square. If entangle fails, melee with shillelagh and pray. ·If opponent is an energy-based spellcaster, use resist energy from memory (or protection from energy if they have really big attacks). If they have two good types of energy damage, cast both spells, or if necessary, another resist energy from a scroll. If they have three or more (like psionics), never mind. ·If opponent is highly mobile but non-flying, use spike growth around them. ·If bow is sundered, restore it with mending. ·Hold animal and warp wood are there for the obvious reasons--use them! ·If grappled, either grapple back or attack with a dagger, whichever has better chances of hitting. ·If at any time I am down by 8 HP or more, eat a handful of goodberries. If still injured by 9 or more HP, or injured again, draw wand of Cure Light Wounds and use it. ·In all cases, remember to use Ride to use my mount as cover (Ride DC 15 [auto-success], +4 AC), and use Mounted Combat to negate any hits on it. Fights results: 1: Win [+900 XP] [+900 gp] vs. Krayko, the Bringer of Frozen Justice (^Rayne^) [TelinArtho] 2: Win [+900 XP] [+900 gp] vs. Torel Nicous (Erithmu) [DTFarstar] 3: 3rd [+600 XP] [+600 gp] vs. Grasshopper (Greezer), Sybil ap Kalten (MitzaVolchenko), and Amaryllis Underhill (Snommelp) [Dracazar] 4: 4th [+300 XP] [+300 gp] vs. Challack (DTFarstar), Trixie the Enchantress (Ariel23), and Mistique (Popcorn) [TelinArtho] 5: Win [+900 XP] [+900 gp] vs. Mindrel Avhost (Zevox) [lonewolf] 6: Miniquest [+800 XP] [+900 gp] "A Haven for Many" to join TLT [TelinArtho] 7: Win [+1350 XP] [+1350 gp] vs. Anakala (TelinArtho) [DSugui] 8: Win [+1350 XP] [+1350 gp] vs. Vivi Ornitier (Dr. Funk) [Mal-2] 9: Loss [+458 XP] [+489 gp] vs. Mektos (Macbrea) [Malither76] 10: Win [+1375 XP] [+1466 gp] vs. Neidr Bresent (bgt) [Malither76] 11: Win [+1375 XP] [+1466 gp] vs. Loquan Dar'ath (waywreth) [King Uther] 12: Win [+1500 XP] [+1600 gp] vs. Evaine Dreamseeker (Ariel23) [funnymanmike] 13: 1st [+3000 XP] [+3332 gp] vs. Archdevil Asran (Zevox) and The White Hand (TheMagister) [King Uther] 14: Win [+1800 XP] [+2000 gp] vs. Santos Fi'Corma (Gonbow) [Kaigan] 15: Win [+1800 XP] [+2000 gp] vs. Sola Nicous (Erithmu) [Argaud] 16: Win [+2100 XP] [+2600 gp] vs. Perius (Ravashack) [Erithmu] Initial: [3200 XP] [3000 gp] Total: [23708 XP] [25153 gp] 53 arrows {1:2 3:9 4:3 5:4 6:4 7:1 8:3 9:4 11:5 14:6 15:12} [2 gp] Wand of Cure Light Wounds (12) [1] {2:2 3:3 5:4 9:2 15:1} [0 gp] Scroll of Delay Poison [3] {10:1} [150 gp] Scroll of Hide from Animals [1] {6:1} [25 gp] Scroll of Magic Fang [1] {13:1} [25 gp] Scroll of Resist Energy [3] {2:1} [150 gp] Scroll of Shillelagh x2 [1] {7:1 13:1} [50 gp] Scroll of Summon Swarm {3:1} [3] [150 gp] Potion of Invisibility [3] {16:1} [300 gp] Potion of Protection from Good x2 [1] {2:1 7:1} [100 gp] Potion of Protection from Evil x2 {3:1 7:1} [1] [100 gp] Oil of Magic Weapon x2 [1] {5:1 14:1} [100 gp] Brooch of Shielding (101) {9:1} [1500 gp] Leather Armor [sold for 5 gp] Shield, light wooden [sold for 1.5 gp] Saddle, Military [sold for 10 gp] Barding, Large Studded Leather [sold for 50 gp] Light Warhorse "Prey" [sold for 75 gp]
MitzaVolchenko 04-20-06, 03:55 AM	Aerryl watches as the sun sinks lower on the horizon painting the sky in bloody hues. She sits in peaceful repose considering the possible places to find a large swarm that would not imbalance the local ecology by her enlisting them permanently into her service. Of course there are several swarms that dwell in Gladius proper, winging out of their lofty homes in the eaves of towers to hunt the night for insects, but they served an important role for the city. Nearby she knew there were smaller swarms that might do, but they were mostly fruit eaters or small insect eaters and not as useful as she might hope when it came to aiding her in the arena. Perhaps that odd cave that she had heard stories about drifting from the servants of PSI. If there were bats there, surely they would be of a type with proper ferocity...afterall the guardian of that cave would eat anything without swift wings and good ears. There was also that recent rumor in the market of that peasant oaf that had managed to bag himself a vampire. The tumbled down keep the undead beast had dwelt in surely had many swarms of bats. She watches as Predator stretches her wings and flits into the darkening sky, a swift moving black shadow against the now purple velvet of the sky and knows she must make a choice of where to seek a swarm if she is to find one before she mut return to her arena duties. Take your pick or add another option for where we are going. I have nine premade encounters to accomodate whatever choice you make.
MindWandererB 04-20-06, 04:51 AM	Nine!? Holy cow. I'll have to keep you in mind the next time I need a questlord... assuming this goes well, of course. Aerryl considers her options carefully. Undead, being abberrant to nature, were always a good target, but the druid was unsure she would be able to protect Predator from such a fiend. She knows nothing at all about the cave-dweller. She is reluctant to go after the bats of the city--without predators, the insects within the Nexus would only grow to fantastic numbers, since they would be continually resurrected, and eating them was the only way to keep them dead for good. Ultimately, she decides to head towards the supposedly-abandoned keep. A large building with lofty ceilings should be enough to keep Predator out of harms way against most opponents, and if there still were undead there, it would be worth some risk to wipe them out. Too bad bats are nocturnal... that keep is bound to be unpleasant at night, but there will be no bats to be found during the day.
MitzaVolchenko 04-20-06, 04:37 PM	Aerryl sets out at a ground devouring pace and soon finds herself down a small road and approaching a small hamlet. The small fields and gardens with the cottages seem well tended and alternate with stands of trees and well tended orchards. Beyond the village is an arm of forest beyond which the rise of foothills can be discerned against the starry sky. In the village square, there are tables laid out in a square and a feast and dance are in progress. The obvious focus of the celebration is a large oafish looking youth and a not so pretty girl who have clearly been married recently. The village square is decked with painted paper lanters and brightly burning torches. At a table off to the side sit what must be the village elders toasting each other and the happy couple. Most of the villagers appear to be at least two sheets to the wind. Yeah, I like to be prepared. I think you'll do fine on this one...you certainly chose well in not going to the cave that nearly killed poor Karen ;)
MindWandererB 04-20-06, 04:56 PM	Aerryl circles around the village until she finds a dark alcove where she can leave Predator, not too far from the festivities but also likely to be discovered. If they've had vampire issues here lately, they might not take too well to a giant bat. Having little interest in the festivities, Aerryl quietly approaches a merrygoer close to the edge of the goings-on, preferably one who seems middling drunk. She is looking for someone who will tell her about the keep and what happened there without inhibition, but who is sober enough to be coherent. Hopefully the story, having reached all the way to Gladius, will be known by pretty much everyone in town.
MitzaVolchenko 04-21-06, 03:13 AM	After quietly circling the festivities a few times one of the village elders rises somewhat unsteadily to his feet and makes his way over to Aerryl. "I couldn't helllp notissin that yer not from theseherepartsabout. I knows yer folkss though. You naturin folks done favorsh fer me sis some fair bit back. Why donchoo comes have a drink withus? Itsh a party afterall'n whatnot." As an afterthought as he turns to head back to the elders' table he says over his hsoulder expecting her to be following, "M'name ish Garven."
MindWandererB 04-21-06, 01:51 PM	"You are quite observant, elder Garven. I will take you up on your offer." She follows him to the table and accepts a drink, which she sips at sparingly--her taste is more to water than wine or ale. Not one to beat around the bush, she begins, "As you said, I am not from around here, but the stories have reached far about a young man and a vampire. The details have been a bit thin, though; I was wondering if you could tell me more about what happened."
MitzaVolchenko 04-21-06, 03:49 PM	The drink is surprisingly good. You are certain that it is honey mead of some sort, but it has a very subtle hint of ginger to it. An attractive woman of late middle age who is seated next to Garven lays a hand gently on his arm and shakes her head at him. Garven ignores the woman and orders a plate of food including a big slice of the wedding cake to be brought Aerryl. "Thatsch my boy!"He beams proudly at the youth dancing with his new bride as the woman watches looking disgusted. "Itsh wuz nigh on a montherso ago. Carven wush off ter tha hillsch ta get me shumoore 'neallin schtuff fer d'schword I wusch werkin on. He dun came 'crossh a tumblyd cashle an nipperd in fer a lookshie. Now we done had shum crittersh gone missin an Old Shaeria done dishaperd, but weren't sho bad as ta be to rightsh conshurned yut. Anywhos, Carven went creepshin in an done found hisshelf what wuzz left of Shaeria an then he wuzz setsh 'pon by dat thingsh. M'boy ish schmert just like me an he pulled out hish sign of 'Mael quick like an then snhasheded up a bit o'wood an schmack! rightsh inta that nasty beashtie. He dun broghtsh dem fangsh home 'an evurthink."
MindWandererB 04-21-06, 05:58 PM	You might want to be a little more secret with your secret rolls... I stumbled across some very interesting rolls when checking up on my other fight. But I'll keep it OOC. I hope you're keeping this in mind when it comes to balancing the encounter and giving rewards.... Aerryl picks at her food, trying to be polite but unused to such rich fare. Not believing most of the story, she asks, "And where did all this take place?" I honestly wasn't intending to have Aerryl linger, she doesn't like social functions and she's short on time, so please don't think I'm using out-of-character knowledge when I have her take off abruptly. She'll head back to Predator as soon as she gets the location--there's obviously nothing else of interest to be learned.
MitzaVolchenko 04-21-06, 06:35 PM	"I tolsch you...wuzz out in dem hillsch." Garven gestures to the rise of hills beyond the forested area. "A toasscht to Carven! Hero of ush all!"[/color] The entire gathering raises their cups and drains them, cheering their hero. The woman looks at Aerryl sharply but drains her cup as well. Darlin' you deliberately looked at the session. I will post anything that relates to you and that your character has any way of knowing in this thread. Thank you for telling me that you looked, however.
MindWandererB 04-21-06, 06:54 PM	Sorry, didn't know that was prohibited. Two suggestions for the future: if you don't want players to look at the session, tell them not to in advance, or else use the "private" checkbox in the roller. You can always "un-private" the rolls when the quest is complete. Deciding that these people are useless, Aerryl thanks him curtly and heads back to where she left Predator. Assuming no further difficulty, she mounts up and takes off, heading for the hills (so to speak).
MitzaVolchenko 04-22-06, 08:57 PM	Aerryl and Predator proceed over the forest and into the low hills. Not far into the hills, the tumbled down keep becomes obvious. It's curtain wall has crumbled in many places and the craft buildings in the bailey are merely faint outlines. The moon has climbed higher in the sky and the entire area is drenched in pale silver light and deep shadows. You can see the flitting of bats in and out of the keep, though not so many that you would call it a full swarm. No worries. I am going to ask Drac about getting a way to privatize the entire session's existence until you are ready to post it.
MindWandererB 04-22-06, 09:14 PM	That's probably a good idea. Right now, you can keep neither the session nor the descriptions of the rolls private, just the results. For now, you might want to just say "secret roll 1" instead of a full description. Aerryl takes the time to do a full circuit of the keep, scouting out probable locations for the a swarm of the size she wants. Five thousand bats will take up a lot of space altogether, although the space could be spread out along a network of smaller, connected areas. Still, they're likely to prefer a large, enclosed space from in they will be protected from the light during the day. Any place without a large opening is probably out as well, since the bats probably won't like going single-file in and out. Then it strikes her: any large congregation of bats will leave a tell-tale sign: guano. Although there are probably spatterings of the stuff all over the keep, there will be more closer to where the bats roost. The druid begins looking for the tell-tale whiteness in the moonlight. Survival check? Search? Your call. If this kind of search comes up empty, use Wild Shape Never mind--I wanted to gain Scent but it doesn't work that way. Silly rule.
MitzaVolchenko 04-22-06, 09:50 PM	After a full circuit with a few dips down for a closer look, Aerryl can see the most signs of bats around the entrance to the main hall. The doors of the hall hang slightly askew leaving a sizeable gap through which the creatures can enter and exit. The only windows apparent in the three story vaulted section of the keep are archer slits about halfway up the walls. the slits are mostly blocked by the silvery strands of webs coated in dust. The yards and surrounding area seem quiet save for a pair of foxes hunting vermin outside the walls and the soft calls of a few nightbirds. The entire place has a feeling of peaceful decay as the wilds reclaim the stuctures.
MindWandererB 04-22-06, 09:59 PM	"All right, girl," Aerryl says to Predator. "Let's get this taken care of." She casts Barkskin, sharing it with Predator (+3 nat. AC, 70 minutes), takes out her scimitar, and guides her mount in front of one of the arrow slits. She then has Predator hover there while she first listens through the slit, then, if she hears nothing, slashes the webs free with her sword and takes a peek inside.
MitzaVolchenko 04-22-06, 10:53 PM	There are a few faint glows of moonlight on the floor from the narrow and mostly obscured arrow slits. No noise can be heard inside save the rustling and flitter of bats. An occasional squeak may be heard as a couple of the creatures come to physical disagreement. For the most part the slit is too narrow, and the lighting too poor to see much of anything. Aerryl can see a splash of moonlight toward the entryway which reveals a pattern that may be a rotting carpet or perhaps just very dusty patterning in the stonework. Autofail spot and listen due to distance and obstruction.
MindWandererB 04-22-06, 11:03 PM	The lack of lighting is easily remedied--Aerryl casts Light upon her buckler. She attempts to peer in again, but her spell doesn't help with the obstruction. She maneuvers Predator around to the front doors, and makes another attempt at listening and looking. At this point, Predator will be able to detect anything within 40' with which she has LOE through the gaps in the door. If there is still nothing detected, Aerryl will dismount to pull the doors open, then re-mount and have Predator walk through.
MitzaVolchenko 04-22-06, 11:35 PM	As soon as the Light spell goes off, the insdie teems with bats taking flight. Oddly they do not seem inclined to exit through the arrow slits. As Predator and Aerryl move to the doors a broad stream of bats streaks past them and out into the night. From within there is a din of flapping wings and a crash can be heard as something wooden strikes a stone surface and breaks. There is no apparent sign of anything other than a bats. Predator is excited by the nearness of so many bats but does not convey any sense of feeling threatened by them. When Aerryl peers through the opening, she can see the remains of some crumbled trestle tables and floors covered by rotting carpets and guano. The hall extends beyond Aerryl's range of light.
MindWandererB 04-23-06, 12:06 AM	"A din of flapping wings" means little bat wings or big wings? I'm assuming the former. With the sound of all those bats, hearing anything else is going to be impossible. Returned to Predator's back, Aerryl casts Produce Flame, lighting up her free hand with fire, then clicks her heels to nudge the great bat into the hall. Once past the doors, she has Predator gain some altitude, so as to get an aerial view of the hall--and also to gain a height advantage against anything lurking in there.
MitzaVolchenko 04-23-06, 03:11 PM	The blinding combination of Light on her buckler and the Produce Flame causes the bats within to flutter for corners. At the far end of the hall, Aerryl can see a man-sized door with an area around it cleared of debris as if someone has been using it recently. The door is the only one that seems to have been used in some time. The bats are just normal swarming bats. They are making significant interference noise, though distance and obstruction are the real reason that Aerryl cannot detect any other entities in the hall...she is on an autofail at the moment.
MindWandererB 04-23-06, 04:48 PM	Aerryl lands next to the door, then tries to listen carefully at, and also looks for any tracks in the guano and debris, for any clues as to what might be behind it. In any event, she makes sure Predator is close by, then pulls the door open with her buckler hand and prepares for anything that might come out.
MitzaVolchenko 04-24-06, 04:22 AM	On the other side of the door, about 15' down a narrow sloping hall, Aerryl sees a Derro in a tattered and patched holocaust cloak mid step on his way up the hall. He looks up at her squinting and seems mildly confused at her presence. The Derro's hands are concealed under the cloak, and he has a quiver of bolts on his back. There is also a bat clinging to his shoulder, and he smells strongly of guano and mold. You may opt to try to talk around the encounter or submit tactics for dealing with the Derro. The only hint I am giving you on what he is other than the above description is that he has a definite air of madness about him. Generalize tactics if that is what you choose to go with. I will be available to post for the next couple of hours and again between noon and 3pm EST tomorrow, then 2:30a-6a Tuesday morning.
MindWandererB 04-24-06, 03:32 PM	A mad dwarf living with bats in a creepy ruin, and Aerryl's just about out of patience with dealing with people today. Time for some violence. General tactic: if there is enough height to do so, get a little bit of altitude (if not, staying on the ground is fine) and pelt him with Rapid Shot Produce Flame. If it runs out, re-cast. If the derro casts spells, use basic countermeasures (Prot. Align. potions for summons, switch to the bow for Resist Fire, Faerie Fire for invis), and have Predator melee while Aerryl readies to attack on signs of spellcasting. Continue ready tactics until he switches to physical attacks, then go back to Rapid Shot (unless AoOs would be unavoidable, in which case use the scimitar instead). If he does Str or Dex damage with poison, use whichever type of attack (melee/ranged) is more advantageous based on current scores. Heal aggressively: use Goodberries when either Aerryl or Predator is down by 8 HP, and use the wand of CLW thereafter when either is down by 9 HP. Don't forget Ride checks for cover and for Mounted Combat. Use scroll of Lesser Restoration if either of us is in danger of death due to Con loss. If something weird comes up, please give me the chance to alter tactics, but that should be good enough for most situations.
MitzaVolchenko 04-24-06, 04:00 PM	I will run it when I get home from work as I am required to use the online roller for the fight. Are you set on killing the little fella or just thrashing him into submission (I have preset the point at which he will become a quivering mass of Renfieldesque pleading.). If you are set on killing him, I will skip that part, otherwise I shall go with the pre-script when I reach that point of the fight. Had I noticed your lesser restores, I might have chosen a different foe, but this should still be interesting ;)
MindWandererB 04-24-06, 08:00 PM	Scroll of Lesser Restoration. Singular. Which could be a problem, as it only restores 1d4 points of ability damage. In arena fights I usually rely on Delay Poison, but on a quest it won't do me a whole lot of good if I keel over on the way home. He can surrender, I'll accept that, although I'll still be on my guard. However, as it is Monday already, please post the quest summary as soon as you deem the challenge to be met; I'll continue to post RP here as long as you like afterwards.
MitzaVolchenko 04-25-06, 10:38 AM	Dunkle, Male Derro Monstrous Humanoid3/Clr1/Sor2: CR 6; Small Monstrous Humanoid ; HD 3d8+3(Monstrous Humanoid) , 1d8+1(Cleric) , 2d4+2(Sorcerer) ; hp 34; Init +2; Spd 20; AC:19 (Flatfooted:17 Touch:13); Atk +5 base melee, +7 base ranged; +6 (1d6, Sickle, Heavy, Masterwork); +4 (1d6, Crossbow, light, Masterwork); +5 (1d2, Unarmed strike); Special attacks: Poison (Ex): 5 doses of Greensblood poison on bolts (DC 13 - 1 con/1d2 con) , Spell-like Abilities: At will (3rd level):Darkness , Ghost Sound 1/day (3rd Lvl): Sound Burst, Daze ; SQ: Madness (Ex): Cha for will saves, Sneak Attack +1d6, Spell Resistance (Ex): 15, Vulnerability: Sunlight (Ex); AL NE; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +13; STATS:STR 10, DEX 14, CON 12, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 15. Skills: Bluff +5, Concentration +4, Diplomacy +3, Handle Animal +10, Hide +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +1, Knowledge (History) +1, Knowledge (Religion) +2, Move Silently +6, Ride +4, Spellcraft +5, Survival +2. Feats: Animal Affinity, Armor Proficiency: heavy, Armor Proficiency: light, Armor Proficiency: medium, Blind-Fight, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Skill Focus: Handle Animal, Domains: Madness and Travel (Sor 6/5): 0 -- (DC 12) Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Touch of Fatigue; 1st -- (DC 13) Burning Hands, Grease. Spells Prepared (Clr 3/2): 0 - (DC 12) Cure Minor Wounds x2, Resistance; 1st - (DC 13) Cause Fear, Lesser Confusion (d), Doom. Possessions: Weapons: Crossbow, light, Masterwork (335 gp); Sickle, Heavy, Masterwork (312 gp); Bolts, crossbow (50) (5 gp). Armor: Mithral Chain shirt (1,250 gp). Goods: Coin: gp (48) (48 gp). Magic: Potion: Comprehend Languages (1) (50 gp). Ralitzar, Bat, Male Animal, Bat : CR 1/10; Diminutive Magic beast ; HD 6d8 ( Animal) ; hp 17; Init + 2; Spd 5, Fly, Good 40; AC 17; Atk + 3 base melee, + 10 base ranged; SQ: Low-light Vision (Ex), Blindsense (Ex): 20 ft.; AL N; SV Fort + 5, Ref + 4, Will + 8; STR 1, DEX 15, CON 10, INT 6, WIS 14, CHA 4. Skills: Bluff +5, Concentration +4, Diplomacy +3, Hide +14, Listen +8, Move Silently +6, Ride +4, Spot +8. Feats: Alertness. Initiative Dunkle=11 Aerryl=6 Scene description: The hallway is high enough for Aerryl to remain mounted but not high enough to fly mounted. Dunkle is about 15' away with his hands concealed but not hampered. Aerryl has Light and Produce Flame already active. Round 01 Dunkle casts doom at Aerryl. Aerryl attempts to save vs. Doom (29, success) Ralitzar pulls Dunkle's hat onto his head and emits a high pitched noise that only Predator can hear. Aerryl hurls a flames quickly at Dunkle (16-2 rapid shot=14, hit for 9) (9, miss). Predator lumbers forward to attack but also seems otherwise excited to get closer to the Derro (25, hit for 13). Dunkle 12/34 HP AC 19 (13 Touch) Ralitzar 17/17 HP AC 17 Aerryl 35/35 HP AC 20 Produce Flame (5) Round 02 Dunkle draws his crossbow, taking a 5' step back and fires a bolt (23, hit for 6). Aerryl save vs Poison (20, success). Ralitzar starts pulling pieces of bacon from under Dunkle's hat and dropping them on Dunkle's shoulders. Aerryl hurls flames quickly at Dunkle (22, hit for 9 ) (23, hit for 7) Dunkle -4/34 HP AC 19 (13 Touch) Ralitzar 17/17 HP AC 17 Aerryl 35/35 HP AC 20 Produce Flame (3) **************************************** ***** Dunkle collapses to the ground scorched and bleeding. From down the hall and from behind Aerryl thousands of bats swarm and cover Dunkle in a living claok of leathery wings. Predator tries to snuffle at the fallen Derro, but cannot get through the great swarm that is surrounding and covering the fallen Derro. Your move. Dunkle is down, but you still haven't found a way to get the bats to pay attention and be friendly. You have only a few rounds to decide what you are going to do next if you want Dunkle alive.
MindWandererB 04-25-06, 08:29 PM	Aerryl isn't terribly concerned about saving the derro's life, but she does want those bats on her side. She does her best to placate them, speaking out loud in Common, on the off chance that the derro's familiar will help her convince the rest of the swarm to back down. "Down, down, little ones. There is no need to let him die. Calm, calm, and let me through." She advances slowly but steadily, trying not to be threatening but also clearly showing her intentions. According to CoCo rules, this is a Handle Animal check, but in normal D&D, it would be Wild Empathy, and Diplomacy on the familiar. If she succeeds, she'll just make a Heal check to stabilize the dwarf. I don't know if you're going to be online again before deadline, but please try to wrap this up if you can, at least enough to post the quest rewards. I really don't want this to be held over--out of TLT's 5 active members, only one has completed their battle for the week.
MitzaVolchenko 04-26-06, 06:01 AM	Aerryl approaches slowly and dismounts speaking softly to the bats. She realizes that her hand is still flaming and dismisses the flames, and then partially hides her shield to dim the area. As she wades through the bats, she realizes that while some are merely eating the bits of bacon, many are attempting to protect the Derro from her and Predator. Slowly she eases her way through them, careful not to stepon any of them, and reaches Dunkle's side. Quickly assessing the situation, she tears pieces from the surprisingly clean shirt beneath the derro's cloak and makes them into bandages. Tha bat familiar watches her with keen interest but does not interfere...perhaps it has seen someone work a healing before.... Cursing softly, she fumbles with the bandages and theunfamiliar anatomy, but finally she gets the bandages in place and thinks that the bleeding has stopped. Ralitzar burrows into the hat which hangs from a thong around the derro's head and looks pitifully at Aerryl. Realizing that the bats around her are now calming, but still ot reacting in a friendly fashion, Aerryl tries to figure out what makes them so well disposed to the derro and is stumped. With an irritated sigh, she reaches the conclusion that she is just going to have to ask him and carefully crushes 8 of her goodberries into a paste and forces them down the diminutive fellow's throat. slowly he seems to breath easier as the magic works to restore him and finally after what seems an eternity to Aerryl, the derro regains consciousness. the mad gleam in his eyes is still there and he lays breathing raggeldy, considering his position. "What you want?" His voice is weak with pain and uncertain as he clearly is not sure what happened, but can see the remaining goodberries in Aerryl's hands. Aerryl lays a hand on Predator's head as Predator is watching over her shoulder with keen interest, "I am here seeking bats." The Derro looks around at his friends and then back at Aerryl suspiciously, {color=green]"You not here to kill Dunkle? Dunkle killed nasty vampire for stupid boy, and then he try kill Dunkle."[/color] Dunkle reaches up and strokes Ralitzar comfortingly. Aerryl shakes her head, holding very still as a few of the closest bats claw their way up her clothing to get above the others. "They like you," his mind seems to wander as he speaks. {color=green]"Usually must have bacon, cake, or of course whistle..."[/color] Dunkle coses his eyes and lapses into sleep as Ralitzar moves from the hat to lay under Dunkle's hands like a lily in the hands of a corpse. Aerryl watches as bats come and go taking bits of bacon from the hat and then sees in the hat the glint of something gold in the hat. Reaching slowly toward the hat, Aerryl pulls out a gold whistle with several fine gems embedded in it. As she picks it up for a better look, severalmore bats climb up onto her clothing and a few more onto Predator. A tickling sensation lets her know that several more are burrowing around in her clothing taking great sniffing breaths against her skin. Quietly she withdraws from the hall which has become stifling and heads out into the moonlit night carrying her prize and followed by many more bats. Experimentally, she blows the whistle, but the bats don't seem to notice it. they are clearly more interested in exploring Aerryl's clothing for bits of food. Sorry about the lateness. I couldn't load the boards for several hours yesterday. I had to wait on you to give me a solution to what you were going to do to get the bats to come with you. I used wild empathy as the bats are not really trained so much as they happen to like Dunkle. Wild Empathy fits better in this case than Handle Animal or diplomacy would.
MindWandererB 04-26-06, 11:36 AM	I agree. I think it's absurd that knowing how to train an animal to perform tricks gives you the ability to convince five thousand bats to follow you loyally. Wild Empathy is much more appropriate. Thanks for speeding the end of this along. I'll have time to update before pairings now, and get taxes to TLT.