| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
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| #1shatteredtowerApr 18, 2004 21:14:02 | "What I give form to in daylight is only one per cent of what I have seen in darkness." M.C. Escher (1898-1972) Access to the following thread is restricted to the following players:
***** Spell Use (spells in red have been cast) Gamis (save DC 12 + spell level) 1st: bless weapon, cure light wounds 2nd: bull's strength (x2) Mirielle Arcane Spells (save DC 15 + spell level) Level 0: acid splash², disrupt undead², ghost sound, ray of frost² Level 1: cause fear², grease², mage armor² (in effect, 9 hour duration), magic weapon, true strike¹ (x2, one used) Level 2: acid arrow² (x2), mirror image (x2), summon swarm² Level 3: daylight, fireball, greater magic weapon (in effect, 9 hour duration), keen edge Level 4: enervation², mnemonic enhancer prepared daylight ,summon monster IV² Level 5: teleport², waves of fatigue² Divine Spells (Save DC 11 + spell level) Level 0: detect magic¹, guidance¹, resistance Level 1: bless, protection from evil ¹ Divination spell (+1 caster level) ² Conjuration/Necromancy spell (+1 save DC) Silmarwen (save DC = 13 + spell level) Level 0: guidance, light, mending, read magic, resistance (x2) Level 1: bless, detect undead, hide from undead (x2, one use in effect), protection from evil Level 2: bear's endurance, consecrate, lesser restoration, remove paralysis Level 3: invisibility purge, prayer, summon monster III Level 4: divine power ***** Special Items: Aric: ¤ antitoxin (2 vials) Da'Vane: ¤ rope (50') ¤ sunrods (3) Gamis: ¤ rope (50') ¤ sunrods (2) Mirielle: ¤ potions (cure light wounds x3) ¤ scrolls (charm person, protection from arrows) ¤ wand of magic missiles (1st level caster, 29 charges) ¤ wand of magic missiles (5th level caster, 19 charges) Silmarwen: ¤ antitoxin (1 vial) ¤ holy water (4 vials) ¤ sunrods (5) ¤ tindertwigs (10) ¤ everburning torch ¤ potions (eagle's splendor x3) ¤ scrolls (dispel magic, flame strike, mass cure moderate wounds) ¤ wand of summon monster I (21 charges) Update: June 8th, up to the point where the group discusses whether to attack the wraith or not. |
| #2ghost_theoryApr 18, 2004 23:47:07 | Attend the beginning of this tale, for it is as important as the end. The quest for knowledge is mercifully fraught with dangers, inasmuch as the knowledge sought can be even deadlier. Though grey clouds promise rain sooner or later in the day, this cool, early spring morning finds five companions traveling southward from Garic's City. Their silhouettes on the somber dawn backdrop differentiate them: the knight and mage couplet of Gamis and Mirelle, the southlander Da'Vane, the hulking, bear-like stature of Aric, and the relatively petite frame of the elf Silmarwen. All of them are mounted on steeds, with Mirielle and Gamis sharing the paladin's horse. South of Garic's, the plains stretch out in all directions and the hills run wild in sections along the way. The Maw of Hardaja is the target of their expedition, a mysterious place to say the least. Traces of an old road can be seen now and again, and one may well wonder why the path was changed or abandoned. The ground is being relieved of its snow load by the warming vernal currents, and pieces of thawing soil and rocky outcrops are exposed to the air. A few hours down the road after leaving the city gates, the group's olfactory senses are assaulted by a waft of reeking sulphurous perfume. Most likely, the spring thaw has released marsh gas from a frozen pond or lake to the west. The closer they get to the Maw, the greater the sense of isolation that descends on the party. There is no sign of fellow wayfarers along this route and the only signs of wildlife are a few dark birds high above. Even the sparse trees along their trail seem to angle away from the group in disdain. For some stretches where the snow is already gone, brown and dull green grass provide soft footing matted by last year's decay. In several spots where grass would naturally be expected to follow, it appears as if the turf has recoiled from the surface, like it has been eaten away by some acid. Several dozen paces later, a single raven is spotted tilting its head at the party from a knotted tree branch. Still a good portion of the day away from their destination, the stink in the air does not bode well for a pleasant journey if it continues. |
| #3zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 12:32:53 | "I certainly haven't missed the scenery..." Gamis comments as the group moves closer to the pit. He passes three of his clay vials of holy water around, one to Aric, one to Miri, and another to Da'Vane, keeping on his own person. [spell prep: 1st: bless weapon, cure light wounds 2nd: bull's strength x2] |
| #4silmarwen_dupApr 19, 2004 12:45:00 | Wrinkles her nose in disgust from the smell as they ride along. What a pungent odor..... She is familar with Aric having seen him before, but the mousey looking girl with the rodent on her shoulder is quiet the sight to say the least. .oO(Gamis' fiancee Miri apperently.) The other is dressed silmilar to Gamis. Da'Vane I think they said his name was. She sits thinking evaluating the chances of the group. It does seem that they stand a good chance of not dying right away in her opinion. Spells Prepared 0 lvl Guidance, Light, Mending, Read Magic, Resistance x2 1 lvl Bless, Detect Undead, Hide from Undead x2, Protection from Evil 2 lvl Bear's Endurance, Consecrate, Remove Paralysis, Restoration Lesser 3 lvl Invisibility Purge, Prayer, Summon Monster III 4 lvl Divine Power |
| #5zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 14:13:12 | Mirielle smiles and nods to Silmarwen. I'm glad you were able to join us, Silmarwen. I'm Mirielle Dyer. She gestures to the weasel, And this is Ixchal, my familiar. Spells prepared: Arcane Spells (Save DC: 15 + spell level +1 for Conjuration/Necromancy) Level 0: acid splash², disrupt undead², ghost sound, ray of frost² Level 1: cause fear², grease², mage armor², magic weapon, true strike¹ x2 Level 2: Melf's acid arrow² x2, mirror image x2, summon swarm² Level 3: daylight, fireball, greater magic weapon, keen edge Level 4: enervation², Rary's mnemonic enhancer: prepared Daylight, summon monster IV² Level 5: teleport², waves of fatigue² ¹ Divination spell (+1 caster level) ² Conjuration/Necromancy spell (+1 save DC) Divine Spells (Save DC 11 + spell level) Detect Magic, Guidance, Resistance Bless, Protection from Evil |
| #6ghost_theoryApr 19, 2004 14:47:56 | The path continues on and soon it is midday. The oppressive blanket of silence that seems to cover the fields makes the time pass quickly for those who stay in their own thoughts. For those seeking external stimulus, the grey and brown plains offer remarkably little. This place wants to draw a person inward. The first drops of drizzle start to descend around this time, and the intrusive smell of sulphur is diluted with the moisture. While a rest stop might be comforting now, there is no refuge from the light rain to be seen. A line of crooked, leafless trees stand as silent sentries along the trail up ahead, but they would offer negligible shelter. Looking more closely, the trees are blackened as if from some fire, though there are no other traces of such an occurrence. While riding along, Gamis and Silmarwen catch sight of tracks in the receding snow. Animals prints of some sort which seem to lead to a certain point and then just stop. Just an hour or two away from the location of the Maw, the horses seem to be growing slightly nervous, nostrils flaring at something in the air besides the unpleasant odor. |
| #7zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 17:40:34 | Gamis pulls his hood up against the rain with a frown, and points the tracks out to Miri. "That's odd... Looks like the reverse of the centipedes. Whatever came this way simply turning around wouldn't surprise me, but that..." (Always forgetting a ranger when you need one,)Oo. he thinks as he scratches Valor's withers in an attempt to calm him slightly. |
| #8zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 22:22:58 | Mirielle leans over and dutifully looks at the tracks, then sits back, puzzled. Just... stopping? She shudders violently, and grips Gamis' surcoat. The... the bloodtroll... flies. |
| #9zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 23:05:53 | "I hadn't thought of that..." The paladin's gaze sweeps the horizon reflexively and his gauntlet flexes near his swordhilt. "Can't think what she'd be doing down here. The Flame's keeping to themselves in the pass..." |
| #10zombiegleemaxApr 19, 2004 23:16:14 | *Aric stay's silent throughout the journey, but nods to Silmarwen, and keeps his eyes open throughout the trip* *He doesn't want to go back to the hellish place, but since Gamis did ask him, and he had been itching to go on an adventure, he couldn't refuse* |
| #11ghost_theoryApr 20, 2004 0:26:41 | Studying the marks in the snow, Mirielle discerns they resemble small hoof prints. Despite her studies in anatomy, she cannot tie them to a specific beast. While the horses seem reluctant to push onward, Valor dutifully obeys Gamis's commands and stays less agitated than the other mounts. |
| #12zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 13:57:27 | Gamis empathically commends his partner, who in turn shakes his mane and nickers loudly at the other horses. "I know, big guy... I feel it, too," he says to the gray. "How's Ixchal doing?" he asks Miri, while Valor clops on along where the old cobbles once seemed to lay. |
| #13ghost_theoryApr 20, 2004 14:26:13 | Mirielle finds her familiar oddly subdued. The weasel’s normal boundless energy is hindered by a sort of foreboding lethargy. Through their bond, Mirielle can tell Ixchal is definitely not looking forward to where they are going. Passing by a thin coppice of narrow-trunked trees, the plains appear to start sloping downhill vaguely, though some trick of equilibrium makes it feel like the party is going uphill. A distant raven’s caw breaks through the constant patter of the rain. The droplets tap on some components of Gamis’s metal armor audibly. Coming within half a mile of where the Maw of Hardaja should be, the landscape takes a more drastic turn in tone. Under the pale clouds, the scenery seems painted in washed out watercolors and greyscale pastels. Nothing seems to hold a hue to any great intensity with the exception of the areas of black. The ground slumbers under melting mounds of dreary snow, with inhospitable sandy soil and charcoal grass lining the gaps in between. The blasted heath is bleaker than Gamis, Mirielle, and Aric remember last time they strayed through this way. It does not seem the type of place one would wish to visit again, even in memory. On the discolored horizon, the drizzle has a mist-like effect on the view, but the group can see the shadow of the mound which marks the Maw. Valor uneasily trots forward, while Da’Vane manages to coax his mount to follow. The other two horses, however, are disinclined to cooperate. Prodding does not seem to have any effect on their resolution to avoid going deeper into this place. |
| #14zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 15:17:54 | Gamis watches the other two horses and turns Valor back from the Maw for the moment. "Alright. There was a cliff or a ledge of some sort that we camped near last time for a windbreak. Let's find that, drop our excess gear, and continue on foot, since I see those two don't want to go any nearer." |
| #15zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 15:56:18 | Ixchal is not happy about this. Mirielle looks around, nods, and sighs. I suppose Valor can protect the other horses... |
| #16silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 17:57:23 | Smiles and nods back to Mirielle A pleasure Mirielle Dryer, and hello to you Ixchal. Coming seemed to hold the potential to answer some of the questions that have been left unanswered with what has been happening in the region. She nods to Aric as he nods to her. As she continues to ride and the rain falls she notices the burned trees and then she sees the tracks along with Gamis. The way the tracks stop is strange, but I can not offer any reason why. Also I wonder why the trees seem to be burned, and yet nothing else seems to have suffered any ill affects. Listens to Mirielle and Gamis talk about a bloodtroll. A bloodtroll? What is that a new species of trolls? Seeing the plains seem to head downhill and the strange feeling of going uphill makes Silmarwen slightly nauseated. .oO(This is a most disturbing sight. Perhaps it is natural illusion. The hills slope one way as the elevation actually increases.) She ponders to herself. As the horse becomes more reluctant it becomes more difficult for her to remain upright on the horse. She grasps the horn of the saddle to keep from falling. However nothing she does makes it any easier. Finally she gives up in disgust and dismounts the horse. Feh, I am glad to be off that fightened animal. I would hate to be riding when it decided to bolt from fear. |
| #17zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 18:16:44 | "We're hoping she's unique," Gamis says to Silmarwen when she asks about the bloodtroll. "She's a demon-spawned troll--she has wings, horns, and looks like most of her skin was peeled off, and wields some Demmionite magic. We faced her up in the pass near Hents Manavelins; she's with the Eternal Flame and apparently intimidated the orcs into submitting to their command. Fire and acid hardly hurt her, and her wounds close just like most trolls' do, apparently--we've only fought one normal one so far." He leads the search for their natural shelter, such as it is, looking forward to getting the horses some reprieve from the drizzle. |
| #18silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 19:08:50 | She sounds frightening indeed. One can only wonder what was done to make her like that. |
| #19zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 19:23:45 | "I think Gaya Hoon's letter spoke of her, but not by the same name. I got the sense from it that not all in the Eternal Flame enjoy her company... Who knows how she came to be a part of them." |
| #20ghost_theoryApr 20, 2004 19:59:11 | After some exploration, Gamis spots a small ridge of rocks that form a sort of ledge suitable for a moment of repose. The rain has made the dark ashen rocks slick and glistening, and the group finds there are a few barren shrubs at the base of the earthen lee. Between the lingering sulphurous scent and the constant dampness, the trip has been more draining than one might expect. In the distance, the shaded mound awaits. The breeze picks up now and then, whistling over the rocks. On more than one occasion, the wind could be mistaken for a howl or cry, carried from the direction for which they are bound. |
| #21zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 20:42:21 | The paladin takes the time to unsaddle the horses and put feed down for them after the ride. Then he turns to the others. "Do we want to go ahead and enter the Maw today? We'll probably be able to at least find Mome and speak to him today... Deeper exploration won't get us far before we're all too tired to go on. And in that place, we need to be at the top of our form." |
| #22zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 20:47:40 | Mirielle gazes silently across at their destination, then turns back to Gamis. It hardly matters what time of day or night we enter that festering pit, since the darkness will be the same regardless. Still, I think we would rest better out here. Softly, to herself, she mutters, Though I must wonder what sort of Mome wrath may await us. |
| #23silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 20:49:48 | Looks to the others before she voices her opinion. "I have no problem going in there today and it seems that the animals will not be much help any further in since they are particualarly skittish the closer we get to the maw." |
| #24zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 21:12:05 | Gamis nods. "Then how about we at least put a toe in today, as it were? No objection?" He picks up a coil of rope, remembering the climb down into the Maw as he, too, turns his gaze on it. |
| #25zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 21:20:26 | Mirielle nods silently, standing and stretching, then checking the positions of her various bits of gear. Quarterstaff in hand, she takes a deep breath. Right. Thalos guide and guard us... let's go. |
| #26silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 21:24:24 | Silmarwen double checks her provisions and makes sure they are in place. Tying her sword at her waist and slinging her shield onto her back Silmarwen falls in behind Gamis following him towards the maw. What is the rope for? |
| #27zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 21:30:21 | "For getting down the edge of the pit," he explains to the elf as he proceeds towards their destination. "It's pretty steep. Could be muddy today, too, and that won't be good..." |
| #28silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 21:32:56 | That could be a tricky descent, is there not another way in? |
| #29zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 21:34:54 | It's the only one we found... hopefully we won't be carrying Redrik out this time. Miri smiles in grim amusement. |
| #30zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 21:44:53 | Gamis gives a chuckle. "I wonder what's happened to his kidnapper's body..." His brows pull together. "Or his spirit. We were told they don't rest easy in this place last time we were here." |
| #31silmarwen_dupApr 20, 2004 21:52:57 | You do not think that he could have become undead in some fashion? .oO(This place keeps sounding more and more dangerous. Thalos guide our feet down into the darkness safely.) She touches her holy symbol in a moment of prayer before she procedes again. |
| #32ghost_theoryApr 20, 2004 22:20:13 | They walk closer and closer, the mound growing in size like an awaking hulk. The deep black throat of the Maw materializes through the drizzle. The twisted underbrush the five hike through is distorted in ways no healthy earth would allow. Approaching the blighted hillock and the hole that leads underneath, all signs of flora cease in a radius of several yards. With the ground itself looking blackened around the opening, peering over the edge down the pit has a dizzying effect. The descent into the cavern is steep but should present little trouble if the party takes it time. The stagnant vapors escaping from the Maw plays strange tricks with the dim light filtering in from above. There is something unreal about this setting, as if some intrinsic element of perspective or light and shadow is missing. There is too much silence here; the sound of the rain is muted for some foreign reason. The ground is too yielding for rock, yet firm in an odd way that makes it easy to visualize a doppelganger walking upside down on the underside of the surface, mirroring one's steps and supporting by virtue of counterpoise. |
| #33zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 22:34:06 | "If he did, at least we disarmed him before he rose," Gamis says, twisting on his gauntlet and frowning as he stands at the rim of Hardaja, looking down. He feels torn between heeding the sense of forboding, of tapping into it to help him stay alert in this place; and trying to push it down and carry on, prevent the nervousness from sapping his energy. The paladin tosses the reel of his rope down into the side of the pit and hands the end to Aric. "I'll head down first." Using the cord, he rearranges his belt to make things easier. He clicks his ring open to let the light spill out, and proceeds to scale down carefully. |
| #34zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2004 23:36:17 | Standing in for De Vane Having been somewhat moody the entire trip, he breaks from his thoughts of bringing glory back to the southlands and knocking the ones who caused the corruption from hteir seats of power. "If I may I would like to be the next down after Master Gamis. I would hope to be by his side if anything were to happen" .oO(this is a foul place. It stinks of Evil and corruption |
| #35ghost_theoryApr 21, 2004 11:28:19 | It is difficult to find anything to secure the rope to at the surface level, but Gamis manages a hold on a rock growth. Taking the decline gradually, the paladin rappels downward into the darkness, his ensorcelled ring providing little light against the rust and soot black rock. Da’Vane follows behind and finds it no more difficult. The rock takes on a smoother, glassy texture near the bottom where Gamis’s feet first touch down. Sweeping his gaze across the terrain by the light of his ring, he sees the warped stone and shadowed ruins that are nearby. A hint of light catches Gamis’s sight in the darkness. The faint glow seems white and red at the same time and sits straight ahead at some undetermined distance. The chaotic remains of buildings and unbalanced stone formations beckon from their obscurity. |
| #36zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 11:51:43 | Gamis's brows crease as he watches the strange, distant light for a moment. He turns to guide his squire's steps verbally, calling out where a foothold is as he descends, and looks around again when he reaches the bottom. His right hand reaches across and loosens his blade in its sheath. Then he turns his attention to alternatingly guiding the rest of his companions on the way down and keeping an eye out in the dank surroundings. |
| #37kywynApr 21, 2004 11:59:11 | Cautious steps carry the other members of the party down the ledge. Aric nearly slips once, his great bulk pulling heavier on the rope than the weight of the others, but his massive arms hold him steady. The cord remains dangling from the surface, a flimsy escape route. Staring into the darkness, one gets the feeling that the darkness might be staring back. Low skittering noises are heard from some corners by the party of five. |
| #38zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 12:05:54 | Just how forbidding this place is comes back to the paladin as he clankingly leads the way away from the rope, around the inside rim of the pit. His sun disk's thong is twisted into his left fist, letting the symbol hang from that hand as he walks. "Now, where is he..." Gamis looks and listens for sign of the caretaker they met last time, and the "curtain" of negative energy they then parted to go deeper into the Maw. |
| #39silmarwen_dupApr 21, 2004 13:11:14 | The climb down makes Silmarwen nervous it is not something she is used to doing. Although she has had practice climbing as a child it has been a long time since she was a child. She watches carefully as Gamis' climbs down and tries to mimic what he did while taking her time to get down safely. Once at the bottom she pulls out the everburning torch from her pack and uses it to help provide illumination for the group. She takes up a position in the middle of the group, the feeling of dread is strong, but why it is there Silmarwen can not say. Where did you find the caretaker last? That would be a good place to start I imagine. To take her mind off what she is feeling Silmarwen hums softly the prayer of thanksgiving. |
| #40zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 14:03:08 | "He sort of came up on us out of nowhere," Gamis replies. "Don't think we saw where he stays... All looks the same down here--tenebrous, and twisted. "But he found us near this sort of shimmering barrier of darkness--that's what I had to turn to part. Maybe we can pick that out in here..." |
| #41zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 20:01:48 | *Aric stays at the back of the group, and he holds his new axe by his side* *He keeps his eyes out for anything that might be lurking in the shadows, to jump out and wreak havoc* |
| #42ghost_theoryApr 21, 2004 21:41:27 | The company pads forward with watchful eyes. Things seem rearranged since last time some of them were here, although it is hard to tell what the layout of the ruins is precisely. Some remains of low, gambrel roofed houses, now brown with deterioration, are the first structures to cling to their memories. The blackened windows and contorted door frames resemble frowning faces by the torchlight. Most of the other sights fade into muted memory surprisingly quickly. Even while focusing on one view, the details seems less defined the longer one stares rather than the other way around. Though Gamis is fairly certain he has lead in a straight line thus far, the surrounding wracks look like the ones they passed only minutes ago. There is no area of particular darkness to be found. The gloom down here wears upon the travelers almost tangibly, and the eerie light spotted earlier is the only control that permits the party to keeps its bearings. |
| #43zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 22:04:51 | The idea of any place "shifting" on this scale is unnerving to Gamis, and he frowns as he looks around. "No sign of him..." he observes, giving another look at the strange light. "Alright; I'm going to try hailing him," the paladin declares, hand tightening around his symbol as he wonders what sort of unpleasantness might stir at the sound of his voice. "Hullooooo!" Gamis calls. "Caretaker! Mome, if that's your name! Where are you?" |
| #44zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 23:02:04 | *settles his shield on his left arm, and assures that his masters present to him, will be freed redily from its sheath if the need arrises* *Winces when Gamis calls out into the darkness* .oO(Is he mad!!! *checks his thoughts and breaths out slowly* .oO(Master is more experienced then I. He if far wiser then I. I shall not once again question his actions and his experience as I had before....thank you Lord for letting me catch myself before I lost my tonge. |
| #45ghost_theoryApr 21, 2004 23:30:55 | Gamis's voice echoes through the dank cavern longer than he anticipates. A faint rush of flapping is heard, and the chirping of what must be a colony of bats emanates overhead. The noise is unnerving because of the swaddling feeling the low swishing conjures. They sound like they are all around, just beyound the reach of light. But there is no intelligible reply, even after waiting for a minute after the winged mammals pass. |
| #46zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 23:36:14 | "Damn... "Alright... Just looking around out here hasn't led to anything, and that light is the only reference point we have... Looks to me like we have to go deeper. So I say towards that light, for lack of any better destination." |
| #47zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2004 23:59:36 | Light is good, Miri says in a tense, clipped tone. Gritting her teeth as she looks around, she sends an inquiring thought to Ixchal, wondering if the weasel has detected anything she has not. |
| #48ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 12:54:10 | Mirielle finds Ixchal sniffing the air as she climbs from one of the mage’s shoulders to the other. The weasel cannot point out anything in particular at this time, just a general feeling of trepidation. In this world of shadows and half-light, the light shines like a beacon once the party gets close enough to see it directly. The source is a lamp which is glowing steadily. Stepping a little bit forward, a rickety, old single-story house resolves, and the lamp is hanging above its door. The color of the light is still indeterminable, but it does cast a ruby hue on the surrounding area. Moving even closer, the party passes several stalagmites spiking out of the ground near the house. Each has a strange grove of fungi growing on it. Near the stone protrusion closest to the house, there is an earthen jug on the ground filled with some kind of red liquid (or is that just a trick of the light?). Some other vestiges of buildings scatter around the area, but most are collapsed or crushed under rocks and debris. |
| #49zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 13:29:11 | The stalagmites somehow remind Gamis of a front-yard garden as they pass between them, bearing white light to be cast into the red. His brow furrows at the sight of the jug, then he indicates the pointed pilliars of stone. "Don't those take a very long time to form? Surprises me that this house is still standing if those grew here since Hardaja sank... Or maybe the house came later." The paladin turns his attention to the house itself and makes his way slowly up to its door. He raises his right gauntlet and knocks on the doorjam, then takes a deliberate step back. |
| #50silmarwen_dupApr 22, 2004 14:28:54 | Silmarwen follows the group, but she gives the strange fungi a wide berth. .oO(I do not know what that is, but it would be stupid to touch and have an adverse reaction.) She eyes the jug with the red liquid a bit perplexed trying to see if it is a trick of the ruby light or if it is indeed red. However when Gamis heads to the door, Silmarwen turns away from the jug to pay attention for what happens next. |
| #51ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 16:26:16 | There is no answer except for a fine curtain of dust which falls around the frame when the door is knocked upon. |
| #52zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 17:28:17 | "Hmm..." Gamis looks at the lantern, then reaches up to take it down from its hanging position. "Miri, does this thing seem like it's enchanted to you?" he asks. "Don't waste a spell for it; just wondering if looks like it's had the same thing done to it as my ring..." Meanwhile, he himself tries his best to inspect the door, wary of traps. If he finds none, he tries to see if the door will open. [Search +3] |
| #53ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 20:22:48 | The lantern gives off no heat to match its flame. Conversely, Gamis finds the door to appear mundane enough, and the knob turns with little resistance. |
| #54zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 20:52:21 | Mirielle inspects the lamp, then replaces it. It seems similar, yes. She eyes the jug askance. .oO(...blood...) Grasping her holy symbol, she breathes a prayer, then prepares to follow Gamis into the unnerving building, one corner of her mind wondering if Ixchal will be checking for rats... rats in the walls... |
| #55zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 21:02:14 | "Could've been there for a while, then," he observes, and pushes the door open. The paladin crosses the threshold, beckoning the others to follow. Inside, he begins to explore. |
| #56silmarwen_dupApr 22, 2004 21:59:58 | Silmarwen waits for Mirielle to pass and then follows after her and Gamis to head inside the building. This is indeed a strange place perhaps we should be more cautious as we proceed? |
| #57zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 22:04:26 | "Trying to be cautious, Sister," Gamis assures the elf as he moves in. "Both eyes open... And other senses, now," he says, as he opens up his divination for evil to his surroundings. |
| #58zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 22:05:16 | *Watches his master act as though the flame did not emit heat. He then glances at the flame in tha lantern* .oO(mmmm I wonder if the lantern works the same as the elves torch. *Follows the rest into the small buildinggripping the hilt of the longsword. light wisper "Sister...I wish to check some thing..." *walks over and passes his hand close to the flame of the torch. In finding no heat, looks at his hand for a moment before bringit down to his side.* "Master if I read your reaction correctly that odd lantern beheld no heat. If I may, the torch our Sister carries may be powered by the same spell as this Ill looking lantern." |
| #59zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 22:10:37 | "Yes, Da'Vane--and the light from my ring, too. The spell makes a heatless flame, like you saw--it's also permanent. So the only indication how long the lantern hung there would be how much dust was on it." |
| #60zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 22:56:00 | *Momentarily smiles at his successful theory, then sets his jaw and gets a look of frustration upon his constanence* .oO(Asking stupid questions in a situation where your abilities as a servent of Thalos, will be greatly needed. NO MORE questions. *Brings up his face to see what's within the seeminly abandoned house, keeping his eyes open for anything that may show recent use or anything out of place.* |
| #61silmarwen_dupApr 22, 2004 22:58:14 | Watches Da'Vane as he determines that both the lantern and torch are indeed similar. Good observation, Da'Vane with attentiveness like that you are sure to be an assest to this group. |
| #62ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 23:10:30 | The party finds an empty room with no furniture except for a low table bearing several lit candles and a worn rug kept rolled up beneath it. A red velvet curtain, which does not seem to match the rest of the austere décor, is crudely nailed into place on the back wall. The man Gamis, Aric, and Mirielle recognize as Mome steps out from behind the drapery. The middle-aged man is draped in long clothing that might appear stately if not for their greatly worn and faded condition. Sunken eyes and thinning hair characterize his face, and his posture leans to one side as he hobbles out. "I'll thank you not to fiddle with my lamp," the man says slowly with a labored breath. |
| #63zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:10:43 | *furrows his eybrows in confusion.* .oO(eeeerrrr....what would Gamis do in a position such as this...This elf has just joined this group...and I have known Master Gamis and Lady Miri far longer then her, and she indirectly claims that she is in a higher position in this group... But she spreads the light of Thalos and she deserves the respect of that... I shall thank her for her flawed compliment.) Slightly Terse "Thank you Sister." Looks up upon the face of the withered figure, and attempts to conceil the look of contempt that flits upon his face, which he knows may cause undesired problems. .oO(Anything living within a place such as this must follow a path of evil, whether is is to keep the foul things that surely dwell within this unhollowed place, or worse.) *Slides behind Gamis in attempt to conceal his face from the scrutiny or the robed figure* |
| #64zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:15:58 | Good afternoon, Mome. Mirielle nods her head in polite greeting. I assure you, I put the lamp back in place. You seem fond of the color red. |
| #65zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:16:36 | "My appologies--Mome, isn't it?--It's in its place, and we didn't hurt it." Gamis looks at the man, wondering if the atmosphere has contributed to his worn appearance as he inclines his head slightly with the appology. "And sorry about simply barging in, but there was no answer when I knocked." |
| #66silmarwen_dupApr 22, 2004 23:18:10 | Watchs the elderly man carefully, but does not take any action that might be construed as hostile. .oO(So this is Mome...... I think I will let those who know him already start this off) |
| #67ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 23:32:16 | "What's that? Red? The light isn't red," Mome coughs. "Aye... you..." he looks at Gamis and Mirielle as if only starting to remember. |
| #68zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:39:38 | "That's right. I don't think we were introduced last time we were here--you can call me Gamis." He gives the others the chance to introduce themselves if they so desire while he draws the wine bottle from his pack. His eyes slide sideways, looking towards the front of the house for a moment at his comment on the light, then return. "I brought this for you," he says of the spirits. He takes a step and places the bottle on the table, then steps back. |
| #69ghost_theoryApr 22, 2004 23:43:38 | Mome looks oddly at at the bottle, the idea of a free gift apparently confusing him. "What business brings so many people here?" |
| #70zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:43:50 | Touching her chest in a brief gesture, she says Mirielle. .oO(He's colorblind, perhaps?) |
| #71zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:47:28 | "Something important to us," Gamis replies to the question. "No offense, but why else would such as us come here again? "We want to talk to you, Mome, about the Eternal Flame. We understand a few of them visited this place a couple months ago?" |
| #72zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2004 23:54:30 | *confident that his face no longer shows distaste, it is however still upon his mind but in a more passive way, he brings himself from behind Gamis when the words "Eternal Flame" came from his masters lips. He says nothing but puffs himself up slightly to release some of the uncomfertable spots the breastplate was causing.* .oO(mmm I will need to adjust that strap at the first proper opportunity.) *Stills himself into a stance showing that mome holds his undivided attention.) |
| #73silmarwen_dupApr 23, 2004 0:08:07 | Silmarwen observes the gift that Gamis has given to Mome, both his name and spirits. This turn of events makes her silent and thoughful. .oO(A sign of respect perhaps, since he knows that this is Mome? I am not sure that I want to give my name at this moment.) She places her hands behind her back and takes a half step back as a sign of respect and waits. |
| #74ghost_theoryApr 23, 2004 10:05:08 | “Ahh… yes, yes,” Mome turns to adjust the scarlet curtain, “You come seeking… information.” The man walks past the party to the door and retrieves his lamp, bringing it in to place it on the table. “Of course when you control information, you have influence. And influence like that isn’t free,” he adds dryly. He holds up a wiry index finger. “A price.” |
| #75zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 10:08:51 | Mirielle nods, having expected such a demand. Naturally, there would be an exchange. What might your price be? Ixchal shifts on her shoulder, nose twitching as she continues to keep alert. |
| #76zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 10:29:34 | Not surprised either, Gamis nods and watches Mome. |
| #77ghost_theoryApr 23, 2004 11:25:53 | The caretaker thinks for a while, assembling his words. “A temple,” Mome stops as he speaks as if he is out of practice, “Fallen into disrepair. It lies deeper and further down into the pit.” He shuffles to look out the gaps of a boarded up side window. “A steel mask, a warrior’s crown, worn when the bloodlusted dance to the tune of their idiot flute players...” from Mome’s tone, he is either getting lost in his thoughts or posing a riddle, “Also fallen into disrepair. A certain helmet is my price. It is within the temple, in the ruins below.” |
| #78zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 11:50:58 | "A helmet, in a ruined temple down there," the paladin paraphrases, and nods as his hands flex in their gauntlets. "How will we know it; what does it look like?" |
| #79ghost_theoryApr 23, 2004 11:56:45 | "I do believe, young sir," the appellation carries a slight hint of condescension but not in a malicious way, "That the helm is quite unique for its location. It should also bear the marks of being spelltouched." |
| #80zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 12:17:01 | "Very good, then," he says, unperturbed. "We'll go after the helm and bring it to you, and you'll tell us about the Flame. "One last question, then I think we'll go: I don't remember visiting this area last time we were here. Where does the way to this temple start? Past your home?" |
| #81ghost_theoryApr 23, 2004 12:22:47 | “Yes. Continue in the direction you were heading,” Mome takes a breath, “Deeper in, you will reach the steep ledge you need to climb down in order to reach the lower level. The temple sits there at the bottom of the cliff.” |
| #82zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 12:31:12 | "Thank you, Mome," he says. "We'll take our leave now." He tilts his head towards the door to the others, and leads the way out of Mome's home. "Another cliff; someone else has more rope, right?" Gamis says to the group as he clanks away from the stalagmites. |
| #83zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 18:08:42 | No, sorry, darling, I didn't bring any extra rope. Mirielle looks to Aric and Silmarwen, Did you? |
| #84ghost_theoryApr 23, 2004 21:13:43 | As the party leaves Mome's residence to seek the temple, something of a wrecked path guides them past more structures of rock and rotten wood. The skyless, canopy of earth they know hangs above them taints any ideas they might have about a breath of fresh air. After what could have been a long walk (time seems impossible to tell down here) Silmarwen's elf eyes make out a break in the ground, marking the edge of a cliff which extends as far as she can see to the left and right. |
| #85darkar_shadowood_dupApr 23, 2004 21:36:21 | No, I did not bring rope, perhaps Da'Vane or Aric has some. As they continue on Silmarwen sees the deeper break in the earth. Gamis be careful we are nearing the cliff ahead, and it appears to be a rather large chasm. |
| #86zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2004 21:46:21 | "Thanks," he says to Silmarwen, lifting his light while his eyes strain ahead, trying to pick it out. "Well, let's see how bad this climb is... If it's tough, we can go back and get the one we left on the way in. I'll shuck my armor for the climb down with it, we'll tie it off to something here, and use it to descend." |
| #87ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 1:09:09 | Moving closer to the ledge, they can see it is a drop of about forty feet almost straight down. It will be a more difficult climb than their first entry into the Maw. The smell of damp decay arises from below. Though they can fight it off, hunger and weariness start to creep into the senses of the adventurers. By the light of their special torch, Silmarwen can make out shapes shifting below, some distance away from the foot of the cliff. The cleric counts five of them. The outlines are humanoid, but their features are hidden by concealing clothing. |
| #88silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 17:16:13 | Torch in hand Silmarwen peers over the edge into the darkness below. .oO(Almost a straight drop.... I might need to shed my armor to make the climb. The smell is not very pleasant either.) Her stomach makes its demands know with its gentle rumblings and the weight of the armor and strains of travel start to enter her mind as well. .oO(I will not be able to continue much farther without rest soon. What? Something is moving down below?) Concentrating a moment on the shapes and counting she steps back from the edge before consulting Gamis quietly on what she has seen below waiting at the bottom of the cliff. Gamis at the bottom of the cliff just beyond the edge of the torch light I saw at least five figures that could be described as human looking, but beyond that I am not sure as their clothing conceals the rest of their forms. Also, I do not know about the rest of you but I am starting to feel the strain of the days travel, and the weight of this place. How much longer I can continue to be effective I am no longer certain. |
| #89zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 17:54:20 | The paladin hunkers near the edge and looks over, too, trying to pick out what the cleric is talking about and get an indication of what they're doing. "Right..." he says softly, then crawls back slightly and turns to the others, still keeping his voice down. "I'm getting tired, too. This looks like a climb I'll want my rope for, and that's back where we came in." He fingers his bow. "We might be able to fight those things from here... Arrows, spells... And then go back to camp to rest. Won't have to worry about them in the morning and waste spells. Could also get the rope and find a place further away to climb down, where they won't notice us, and fight hand-to-hand, then go back to camp for the night." |
| #90silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 18:05:52 | Still quietly and away from the edge of the cliff. In the keep with Darkar and Aric we encountered some wights that seemed to be attracted to light when Thosar tossed a stone that had been enhanced to shine with light. These five might be curious about the lights there are seeing since I see no evidence of light being present here normally. Perhaps they can be lured somewhere else with more light and then some of us climb down to investigate. |
| #91zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 18:09:04 | "Not to mention a light to shoot by." Gamis gets to his feet as quietly as he can manage and looks up and down the edge of the cliff. "If there's an easier spot to get down from, it doesn't look like it's anywhere nearby... We might have to walk for a ways to find one." |
| #92silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 18:15:23 | Still quiet and away from the cliff. I mean that I could take on of my arrows and ehance it like Thosar did with his stone, and then we could fire it down into the darkness and perhaps shed more light at the bottom. |
| #93zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 18:19:49 | "That sounds good, but using a rock wouldn't waste your arrows--or do you mean to shoot the arrow into one of them? And there's still the problem of getting down." Gamis takes another peek down at the beings below |
| #94silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 18:27:57 | As before quiet and away A rock is small and I might not be able to get it near where I need it to go, but with an arrow I feel that I could be more accurate. Also if they do turn out to be creatures in undeath arrows will not be the most effective weapon and would be wasted anyways. |
| #95zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 18:44:37 | Gamis raises his eyebrows, then he nods as he moves away from the cliff to create more of a sound buffer. "Excellent point. Alright. "They might not all leave if you use the arrow to distract them, and even if they do they could easily come back to their positions before anyone who climbs down can get back up. The most we can count on is it giving us some time to get on the ground and not have them waiting at the bottom of the rope. So if we go down, we should be prepared for a fight..." |
| #96silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 18:56:56 | Quiet and away Still it is a good idead to have a plan before head down. However we are still needing a rope and a place to secure it first. |
| #97zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 20:18:34 | The words of rope continue to bounce about in De Vanes mind.... .oO(Rope.....oh yes!!!! "Wait I think I have rope in my bag... I have used it very little and had nearly forgoten about it.....I will look." *Trys to remove his backpack for his back without making unnecessary noise, and after sifting through its meager contents he pulls forth from his bag the 50' of rope that he had forgotten about.* "Here we are....If Silmarwen is right and they are in fact the living dead, our weapons will do just amout as much damage as our arrows...very little...so If we were to decend down to them will would be able to dispatch them more effectivly, and if we were fighting hand to hand, Master Gamis and myself would be able to do what we do best...annihilate what soils the glory of our lord Thahlos." *Stretches his height up and puffs himself up with the coil of rope in his free hand* |
| #98ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 21:10:58 | In the low light filtering in below, only Silmarwen manages to see the figures amble slowly toward the base. She gets the feeling they recognize the fact that they have been spotted. It occurs to those looking that most promising object to tie the rope to seems to be a smaller rock formation about ten feet back from the edge. The location where they are standing is the least jagged part of the ledge within sight. To their right, a stone hump blocks off further exploration in that direction without more climbing. "Pardon me, brother," a male voice below speaks in a rasping accent that carries upward despite its low volume. "Would you know the way home?" --- Map of Area Party stands on ledge (bottom of map). The figures are spread out along row 11. |
| #99silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 21:15:42 | Quietly to Gamis It seems that they know we are watching them, they are moving closer to our location. Who knows what could happen now. |
| #100zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 21:24:44 | Gamis shivers at the form of address from below and looks to the edge with a frown. .oO(Did he mean...) Suspicion and hope war within him, and he turns to look at Da'Vane. He taps the area his third eye would be, then tilts his head to the cliff while mouthing the word "sense." Then he himself goes to the edge and looks down. "Who are you?" he asks, keenly listening for signs of falsehood in the response. |
| #101zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 21:40:05 | *Da Vane see's his master signal to him to Detect Evil, nods his head and moves closer to the edge stealthly, but not so close to be seen by the Dark figures. He then Kneels and bows his head.* then prays. His lips move but there is no sound "Oh Righteous Thalos, Granth me thine eyes so I may see the evil that I would otherwise miss." *Da Vane then raises his right hand palm out in the direction he belives the specters to be.* |
| #102ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 22:00:54 | Da Vane's senses are flooded with perceptions. The whole place, everything radiates an evil aura. It will take some time to sort through any singular emanations. A dim vision finds its way into his mind's eye. Blood... Blood upon blood. This place stinks of it. Shadow has consumed the air as the earth swallowed this site. "Been looking for so long..." another murmur rises. Gamis detects no falseness in the statement per se, though he gets the feeling that the speaker just wishes the party to lower its guard. |
| #103zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:05:12 | Gamis looks to the others and shakes his head, jaw set firmly. He waits on confirmation from Da'Vane while looking down the cliff at them again to stall. "Can you not climb up?" |
| #104ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 22:20:11 | "Sadly, not." "Can you not come down?" |
| #105zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:24:00 | *Da Vane opens his eyes to see his masters reactions without ending his detecting. He raises his shield arm and intacates all around him, he makes a mildly violent guesture with his hand telling of the evil of the area. He also indicates the direction of the shades and raises his shoulders to show that he doesn't know yet. He then brings all of his attention back to his detections.* |
| #106ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 22:27:20 | Da Vane eventually picks out the stronger spots of vile corruption, and they correspond with the shadows below. The strongest aura he can feel is of moderate strength. |
| #107silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 22:27:48 | Silmarwen moves closer to get a better look at those below trying to determine if they show signs of undeath or of the Dark Brother. |
| #108zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:28:16 | "Our rope is not yet ready," Gamis answers the beings below. "Is the climb really so difficult that you can't make it? We may have to knot our rope, in that case." |
| #109ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 22:31:44 | There is no reply this time to the paladin's words. Meanwhile, Silmarwen can see the men below are clad in dark, tattered clothing that conceals most of their skin. A pair of the figures are noticeably bent as if one of their legs is broken or twisted. |
| #110silmarwen_dupApr 24, 2004 22:35:48 | Quietly to Gamis Something is odd about two of them, they each appear to have broken legs from the strange angle that they are at. They might not be able to climb up. |
| #111zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:48:11 | "Thank you for your gift my lord, I now return what you have given me. I leave to smite the wrongs of this world." *Stands and looks up to his master. He then wispers* "They are all evil, and moderetly powerful. I do not belive that they will ask for help if we decend down to them" |
| #112zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:51:46 | "That's not all that's wrong," he replies to Silmarwen quietly, while he nods to Da'Vane. "Sounds like they're rotten to the core." He steps back from the edge a few steps and readies his bow, beckoning the others away. "Everyone get ready. Miri, blast 'em." |
| #113zombiegleemaxApr 24, 2004 22:57:22 | *A huge smile cracks the face of De Vane in half.* Wisper "Excelent" Steps up to stand beside his master and sets his hand on his hilt ready to defend the senior Paladin if something comes along while Gamis is only equiped with a bow* "What we do best." spoken with obviouse relish |
| #114ghost_theoryApr 24, 2004 23:27:02 | [Silmarwen can see the figures are in squares 12D, 11F, 11G, 11I, 12J] |
| #115zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 7:34:16 | Mirielle smiles faintly, moves closer to the edge, and attempts to pick out a target. She whispers to Gamis, You know the blast will only affect a twenty-foot radius circle... I can only hope to catch some of them... .oO(If only there were a way for Gamis to join in the casting, adding the power of Thalos to the fire... maybe....) She pulls a ball of guano and sulfur from her pouch, asks Silmarwen to point out where the evil creatures are standing, and casts her spell. Target the intersection of 11/12, G/H edited to correct omission of word 'radius' |
| #116zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 9:28:09 | Gamis nods to Miri and signals Silmarwen to go ahead with her light spell on a rock he picks up, then tosses it over the edge, trying to give illumination. |
| #117silmarwen_dupApr 25, 2004 11:06:22 | Praying for Thalos to light the way she touches the rock that Gamis is holding . |
| #118zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 15:12:52 | *Aric listens to Gamis try to trick whatever is below them, and he unlatches a throwing axe of his chest-belt* *He waits for the next decision to be made, clenching and unclenching his fists* |
| #119ghost_theoryApr 25, 2004 16:15:00 | A split second before Mirielle finishes her evocation, Gamis tosses the lighted rock shard over the edge. It sails through the air and lands at the feet of the figures. For a moment, twisted, hideous outlines can be seen by everyone in the party, but the ground is muddy and the rock is dimmed. Arcane gestures and incantations, coordinated with the proper ingredients, bring to life a pink glow which erupts into a tiny flame from Mirielle's position. The fire sheds incongruous rosy light as it travels at fulminating speed down to the space below. Reaching its designated point, the flame erupts with a low roar into a blast, creating a conflagration which vaporizes three of the creatures outright. The two remaining hiss loudly and scatter away like fleeting shadows. The illuminating rock is still below but does not reveal anything new. The cavern sits in the silence of the aftermath. |
| #120zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 18:24:42 | Grinning a bit smugly, Mirielle glances at Gamis, then turns in a slow circle, looking to see if they are still alone on the ledge. |
| #121zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 22:48:38 | *A low chuckle escapes from Da Vanes lips, but he quites after a second and he slouches slightly and bows his head.* .oO(I hadn't realized.....I may not get to kill one.) "Shouldn't we go and get the other two....before they get a chance, to get other of their undead brethrin." |
| #122silmarwen_dupApr 25, 2004 22:54:59 | I doubt that we would be able to catch up to them by the time we all got down there. Besides it appears to be muddy ground down there and if we wore ourselves out down there we might not be able to exit this place before nightfall. From what I have heard you do not want to spend a night in here. |
| #123zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 23:11:22 | "Nice shot, love," Gamis says to Miri as he relaxes the tension in his bow as the creatures leave leave the light he'll need to shoot by. "Silmarwen's right; we probably won't be able to catch up with them. We'll see if they come back tomorrow, and if they do, we'll deal with them then--perhaps on the ground. "For now, I think it's time to head back to camp for the night. We'll be back soon enough, and there's still plenty of ground to cover, I'm sure." |
| #124zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 23:19:20 | Smiles at Gamis, then nods. It's nice we have the option of camping outside the pit, this time. |
| #125zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 23:38:10 | "And without armor twisting your spine out of place." The paladin puts his bow away as he looks down the cliff, then turns away from it, looking back the way they came. "We'll be back. Shall we?" he looks to the group, then starts for where the rope they used to come in is hanging. |
| #126silmarwen_dupApr 25, 2004 23:41:24 | Follows along after Gamis back to the rope. Upon reaching the rope Silmarwen carefully sheds her amror in order to make the climb easier. |
| #127zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2004 23:42:32 | Mirielle looks up the rope they're about to climb, recalling a conversation about a funny-sounding spell... .oO(But I really, really dislike climbing ropes...) With a sigh, she sets herself to the ascent. |
| #128zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 0:02:41 | *Moodily agrees with the others but returning is obviously not what he wanted to do. He hangs in the backof the party without speaking and he is the last in line to acend the rope. While Silmarwen climbs he give her a bit of a perturbed glare but not to her face or in the vision of anyone else. When its his turn he looks back at the direction that they had just came from. He then attempts the climb with his armor still on.* .oO(Why have I been cursed with a low-born Master whom pushes his duty to his god to the next day. I have been cursed again in the fact that these low-borns that I am forced to suffer, are aslo cowards, too concerned with how long thier day has been to bring about the unlifes end.) |
| #129ghost_theoryApr 26, 2004 0:40:30 | Backtracking along the path that led them to the cliff, the party passes through the Maw until they reach their point of ingress. The oddest thing: the slope seems no where as sleep as it did when they entered. In fact, the rope is pretty much slack on the inclined rock. The group finds they can even climb back up without the aid of the rope. The overcast evening sky offers little solace in this condemned place. It is about as dark out here as it was inside. The rain has slowed to a sprinkle and the smell of wet earth surrounds them. |
| #130zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 9:08:35 | Mirielle frowns and looks around at the odd slope. When she is outside, she turns and examines it again before continuing on to the camp. |
| #131zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 9:17:44 | "Alright; I know this isn't this place playing with my mind. Somehow, it seems the earth is changing shape." Gamis stands at Miri's shoulder as he looks down at the slope, reeling and coiling his rope. He turns with her and clanks back to camp, pulling his hood up against the rain. "I don't like that. What's it going to be like in the morning? Will the cliff back there be concave?" |
| #132zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 9:28:08 | It'll probably have a welcoming party at the base, whatever its shape. Mire glances across at DaVane, and puts on an innocent voice. Perhaps DaVane should scout ahead when we go back. She tries not to to grin. |
| #133zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 9:31:50 | "Miri..." He clanks through the drizzle with the others back to their improvised shelter and works on erecting tents while leaving the fire to Da'Vane. |
| #134ghost_theoryApr 26, 2004 14:06:30 | In the shelter of the rock lee, a small fire is eventually lit with a good deal difficulty, tents are raised, and watches are set. For those who slumber, sleep brings little relief. Even their dreams are twisted by the omnipresent penumbra. Hardaja is not good for the imagination. The reflections of day-to-day events are warped beyond recognition, like the viewer is thrust into something of such a large scale that he or she is but a futile speck of dust in its wake. Each in turn, the party is plagued by nightmares so horrible, they cannot be recalled. The mind recoils from such lunacy, and the sleepers awake with a sense of… loss. As if they are somehow less than when they went to rest. Even Silmarwen finds the tinge of a dire wind falling upon her elven trance. But morning does come, looking much as dusk did: grey and bleak. The entrance into the Maw is exactly the same as last the party observed it. |
| #135silmarwen_dupApr 26, 2004 14:13:26 | After waking Silmarwen prays for awhile preparing the same spells as the day before ready to travel again into the Maw and begone from this unsettling place. |
| #136zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 14:33:35 | Gamis's choice of spells is the same as well. He armors with his Da'Vane's help, armors his squire in turn, then the two of them fit Aric into his own mail. The paladin treats the horses and lets them wander to graze on what they can find, trusting Valor to keep them from running off. His rope's length is knotted now for easier climbing after some work the night before. He checks his flask of holy water's position in his cloak pocket and makes sure the others have theirs as well. "Here we go, then." He leads the descent down the now-shallower slope into the Maw. |
| #137zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 19:52:43 | As Mirielle prepares her spells, she leaves the choices unchanged. She does, however, vary the mnemonic enhancer to leave it unassigned, deciding she'd rather have the choice at the last minute. Although the oppressive atmosphere makes it difficult, she forces herself to eat and drink before following Gamis back into the Maw. |
| #138zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 20:50:59 | *Aric thanks Da'Vane and Gamis for helping him into his armour, and stays at the back of the group* .oO(That Da'Vane, he sure seems very devout. Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be more of a problem then an asset)* |
| #139ghost_theoryApr 26, 2004 21:49:03 | Back into the gaping cavern, back into the inauspicious darkness, the five party members march through along the stone pathway. Not encountering anything of note besides the sporadic background noises of faint skitters and soft hisses, they make it back to the cliff's edge, which remains unchanged from last night. Shadows and stillness reign supreme below, not revealing any movement to Silmarwen this time. |
| #140zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 21:54:40 | At Silmarwen's go-ahead, Gamis binds his knotted rope around the handy, sturdy stone they found the day before and lets the reel drop over the edge and play out. He takes a deep breath as he stands at the brink, dropping his bag to be lowered on the rope and adjusting his belt so that his weapons stay out of the way for the descent. Then, ring open to provide light during the climb, he begins to inch down the cliff and the cord, to the cave floor below. |
| #141ghost_theoryApr 26, 2004 22:05:49 | It is quite a difficult climb, almost no ready footholds, and the rock juts out at some odd angles. The paladin perseveres, however, narrowly able to lower himself within six feet of the ground before loosing his grip and landing on his feet on the muddy earth floor. Gamis stands ankle deep in black sludge and spots some charred bony remains some distance away by the light of his ring. |
| #142zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 22:41:21 | Gamis gives an off-handed "Yecch..." and is grateful for the length of his boots and calls up, "I'm down! No armor for the climb; it's a tough one!" He turns around and draws his sword as he begins to explore the immediate vicinity of the cliff and the rope, taking a closer look at the victims of Miri's fireball. |
| #143ghost_theoryApr 26, 2004 23:25:59 | Thanks to the sturdy rope, the rest of the group makes their way down safely as well. Gamis finds some random fragments of blackened bone and half a skull which looks human in nature. Peering ahead, past several stone boulders, the group sees a path continuing forward. |
| #144zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 23:31:38 | "Can't tell just now what these were after they were twisted and before they were blasted..." He leaves the remains for now, straightening up and focusing on the new path. With a glance at the others, he starts for it. |
| #145zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2004 23:48:04 | *Aric jumps down when he is a few feet above the ground, and his feet squish in the sludge, as did Gamis's* .oO(Ew...) *Aric grips his axe in both hands and stays at the back once again, keeping his eyes open* |
| #146zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 0:13:35 | *From the top Da Vane looks to see how far the ground is from the top of the cliff face. He then blinks a few times as if he was shaking a bad thought from his mind.* .oO(Lord Thalos I hope that you deliver me from this challenge unharmed.) *Takes the rope with a determined look upon his face and begins his climb down. At the bottom he curls his lip with contempt for the unplesent ground, he then pulls out his greatsword and waits as patiently as possible* .oO((begins to remember his thoughts from the night prior) If master Gamis could read thoughts I whould have been reprimented severly....I would be better to rid myself of such thoughts....But I still wish we ahd followed those that survived lady Miris blast...) "We should be on our toes because of the evil that escaped our grasp last night...They may come back with more of their foul brothers." |
| #147zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 0:27:58 | "Squire, it should go without saying that we have plenty of reason to be on our toes," Gamis says back to him as he trudges through the mud towards this new path. "Let's not forget the possibility of a new threat, eh?" |
| #148zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 0:49:31 | Before descending the rope to the muck below, Mirielle focuses on the tag of cured leather that hangs by a cord from her belt. After casting a spell on herself, that also encompasses Ixchal, she sprinkles a powder on her quarterstaff and enchants it, before tying it again to her pack for the climb down. Casts Mage Armor and Greater Magic Weapon |
| #149silmarwen_dupApr 27, 2004 0:59:39 | Silmarwen noting the cliff from yesterday declines help to armor up until they have climbed down both ropes. Upon reaching the base with the sludge she asks Aric to help her armor up for the encounter ahead. |
| #150ghost_theoryApr 27, 2004 10:04:38 | Treading forward, there is no trace of the shadowy individuals from before. By the torchlight, the party walks past the boulders and further into the Maw. The ground grows more solid away from the cliff and seems broken in places, baring long fissures that can be hopped over. Some of the stones surfaces above appear to display sorrowful faces at particular points of view to the light. Three hundred feet away from the ledge, Silmarwen is the first to spot the only thing that resembles a man-made structure in this vicinity. Those who have been here before cannot recall seeing such a structure. There were signs of spires, but nothing like this. With the shattered rock bordering around, it looks as if the ground vomited up this half-digested construction. Most of the multistory complex is collapsed, and the hewn, dark stone exterior walls are eroded and covered in decay. Only the front, rusted double doors give the impression of being accessible, and they are situated atop ruined, wide stairs. |
| #151zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 12:18:08 | Gamis's hand flexes around his swordhilt while he looks up grimly at the tumbledown structure. "Looks like this could be the place..." He makes his way towards the front doors, stepping over cracks and wondering how badly the hinges are rusted shut. |
| #152silmarwen_dupApr 27, 2004 15:38:15 | I do not like the looks of the ruins, it almost looks like the rest of the place could collapse if it is disturbed. Also it is extremely unsettling when you look at the place it seems that the ground has simple spewed this building out of itself. With changing cliffs and strange buildings that no one remembers, one must wonder if the ground is actually alive beneath our feet. |
| #153zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 17:52:07 | "Yes..." Gamis says to Silmarwen. "But this looks more like the temple Mome talked about than anything so far. "We'll be careful in there. Wish we had a dwarf to tell us how stable the place really is, but we'll be careful." |
| #154ghost_theoryApr 27, 2004 19:46:38 | The first to scale the stairway, Gamis can see that the doors are barely hanging on their hinges and already open a crack. They should swing outward with little resistance. |
| #155zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 19:50:49 | The paladin frowns at the doors and checks that if the door falls down, it won't land on anyone in the group. He sets his gauntlet to it and pries it further opening, widening the gap and glancing into it. |
| #156ghost_theoryApr 27, 2004 20:30:42 | The stale smell of a forgotten tomb wafts forward when the knight opens the door. There is nothing but black to greet him at first. As the party draws near to the entrance, their light spills in, revealing a cracked floor of patterned tiles and smooth walls featuring grey-stained murals and sharply curved script along its trims. Ebony marble pillars hold up what is left of the ceiling along the edges. This hall extends forward beyond the reach of the torch, but Silmarwen can see the back wall about eighty feet away. Passages lie to the left and right in the walls, but they are all cut short and blocked in by rubble and collapsed stone. A bit further ahead to the left, there are bones scattered along the floor, including several intact skeletons spread within sixty feet of a closed door. From this distance, the group can see that the skeletons are dressed in metal scale mail and several short swords and a halberds are strewn next to them. --- Area Map |
| #157zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 20:30:42 | Drawing the more powerful of her wands from her belt, Mirielle steps to a better vantage point, ready to blast anything that might come leaping out of the doorway. Watch our backs, DaVane... she says quietly. Ixchal shifts on her shoulder, ruff rising, claws digging in slightly. |
| #158zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 20:38:43 | With the door thrown open, Gamis walks inside a little ahead of Miri, sword in hand and boots scattering stone as he walks. His neck cranes up and around as he sweeps over this entry hall. He takes a moment to click his ring open, then makes his way over to one of the armored skeletons to look down on it, looking for how much rust has built up on the dead man's gear. "How long do you think they've been here, Miri?" he asks. |
| #159zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 20:47:32 | Warily following the paladin, Miri pauses before approaching the skeletons. .oO(Please don't rise up and attack... please don't rise up and attack...!) If the bones stay put, Mirielle moves closer and examines them. Knowledge (anatomy and physiology) +16 |
| #160zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 21:48:48 | *Glances at miri for a second when she tells him to watch their backs.* .oO(I had better not make a big deal about this....Gamis seems slightly unhappy with me....I shall do as ordered for now.) A curt but not contemptuous reply"Fine." *De Vane twists the hilt of his greatsword between his two hands, and turns around. Eyes wide open and ears straining to hear anything that may posses a threat. He also looks about for any possible indications of what happened here and who caused it.* |
| #161ghost_theoryApr 27, 2004 23:21:49 | Gamis and Mirielle move closer to the relics, with Aric, Silmarwen, and Da Vane stepping inside as well. Thankfully, the skeletons do not make any movement. Studying their coloration and wear, Mirielle can tell they are fairly recent additions to this place. However, many of the other bones here are little more than dust and tawny powder, indicating a large range of time frames. There is a light amount of rust on some of the metal pieces. Da Vane peers into the dim surroundings, not finding anything that would point conclusively to an explanation of why this place looks the way it does. Everything seems old and decrepit, yet somehow preserved. |
| #162zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 23:29:08 | Chasing a thought, Gamis checks the necks of these corpses, wondering if he'll find any of them wearing the symbol of Demmion. |
| #163zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 23:38:50 | *Turns and casts about in serch for any weapons that would be more efective against the undead they have faced prior to now.* "If anyone sees a weapon that would crush instead of slice take it because it will be far harder to kill undead without them." |
| #164zombiegleemaxApr 27, 2004 23:42:45 | "Not all undead, Da'Vane," Gamis corrects him. "But it's a good thought; yes, see if there's any handy. I've got a mace." |
| #165silmarwen_dupApr 28, 2004 2:52:03 | One must wonder that if this place was destroyed because it was Demmion's will why so much still seems intact. Is it around as a reminder of his wrath, or a reminder of what was pleasing about this place...... her voice trails off ending that train of thought. So now the question becomes should we take one of the doors or any of the stairs. However, I would like to point out that if I were suspicous like Darkar, I would wonder why all the bodies are around this one door. |
| #166ghost_theoryApr 28, 2004 13:29:43 | Silmarwen and Aric find a few centipedes crawling near their feet. Meanwhile, Gamis fails to find any religious symbols or talismans on the skeletons. The clanking of his plate armor as he moves is amplified by the high-ceilinged chamber. While the party surveys the room, there is a sudden shift in the shadows on the nearby pillar. Gamis turns too late to see the spectral image emerge from solid stone to stretch toward him. It is the translucent outline of a man, but ghostly, dark, tattered cloths bandage all his features. Caught off balance, Gamis narrowly skids backward to avoid a swiping contorted hand. He feels the chill in the air before his face. Silmarwen’s keen vision alerts her to more shifts in the shadows from two pillars further away. --- Map Positions of shadows: K6, L15, Q12 Positions of PCs: Mir K8, Gam K7, Silm O6, Aric N7, DV M7 Initiative: Silhouette 1 (Q12) Silmarwen Aric Silhouette 2 (L15) DaVane Silhouette 3 (K7) Mirielle Gamis |
| #167zombiegleemaxApr 28, 2004 20:45:05 | *Aric rushes towards the closes figure to him (K7), and growls, lashing out with his axe, hoping the new magical strength embedded in it can hit these ghostly figures* .oO(I'm gonna have to watch Da'Vane's back if he gets near one of these things...) [Attack: +15/+10 Damage: 1d12+10/1d12+10] |
| #168zombiegleemaxApr 28, 2004 20:45:11 | *Looks up from his scrutiny of the odd bodies to see his master jump back from the shadow, at first glance Da Vane does not see the shade but a closer look reveals the shades to him.* "Master!!, aaaahhhhh!!!!" *Seeing Gamis in danger from the incorpral specter he raises his weapon, steps and attacks.* |
| #169silmarwen_dupApr 28, 2004 23:05:28 | Seeing the two others moving in the shadows Silmarwen takes action. Grasping her holy symbol praying as she advances to the other two. (O6 to O10) [color=royalblue]"By the light of Thalos, I pierce the darkness. My countenance reflects his power now flee before his wrath befalls thee." [/color] |
| #170zombiegleemaxApr 28, 2004 23:19:26 | Gamis's hand almost pulls his sun disk over his head as it occurs to him that his shield will be no help against these specters. Hearing Silmarwen invoke Thalos's power, he changes his mind and unleashes a series of slashes at the enemy. [full attack: +14/+9/+4, 1d10+3] |
| #171ghost_theoryApr 29, 2004 0:30:17 | With inhuman speed, one of the far shadows speeds over the distance and into Silmarwen's position. The elf evades by ducking below the spectral wretch's thrashing limbs that seem more like twisted cords than arms. In reply, Silmarwen steps up to the wraith boldly, calling upon her faith to overcome its evil presence. The cleric's words hold sway over the creature, which recoils and shrinks. It appears to writhe in midair and turn inside out before her blessed emblem. The phantom near Gamis also falters and folds into something of a fluctuating mass of shadow. The third shadow does not seem moved by Silmarwen's prayer. Advancing menacingly, Aric swings his great axe in a vicious downward arc which cleaves through the disrupted wraith, causing it to twist and shrink. The incorporeal figure from down the hall buoys forward into the melee fray. It reaches out with indistinct talons to rake at DaVane from behind. The squire feels a cold burning through his muscles and has to fight off the feeling of fading out. Adding his offense to the assault, DaVane seeks to slash the shadow thing that attacked Gamis, but his blade flies right through it without effect. --- DaVane takes 3 point of damage Current positions of shadows: K6 (turned), O7 (turned), L8 Current positions of PCs: Mir K8, Gam K7, Silm O6, Aric L6, DV L7 |
| #172zombiegleemaxApr 29, 2004 0:45:49 | Seeing a shadow attack DaVane, right in front of her, Mirielle brings up her wand almost mechanically, unleashing balls of energy into the creature. |
| #173ghost_theoryApr 29, 2004 11:02:13 | The wraith next to Gamis disappears through the column from which it came. Wand in hand, Mirielle fires a multitude of glowing shots into the shadow. The missiles of pure force rip through the silhouette, tearing away pieces in the process. It turns toward the mage with pinpoints of red light glaring from its featureless face. Gamis turns his attention on the shadow nearest to him. Holding his lengthy sword in one hand, where it would take most men two hands to wield, the paladin slices out in a succession of hard cuts. The pattern along the blade glistens in the half-light. Yet even when his weapon appears to be in the right position, it passes through the wraith harmlessly. In the midst of the commotion, a voice is heard resonating from the back of the hall. Softly at first but then with growing volume until it is actually audible. It is a high, ethereal female voice singing in almost operatic fashion. The language is incomprehensible, but the song is sorrowful yet beautiful. Silmarwen’s elf sight can make out another outline in the shadows. Peering toward the ghostly sound, she sees the shape of a nude woman under a translucent, glossy sheet which conceals and cleaves to her form. She moves her hand in a beckoning gesture from under the silken covering as her song streams forth. In the blink of an eye, the ghostly lady is in front of Silmarwen abruptly. Up close, Silmarwen can see that the figure is see-through and greyed out, not exhibiting any of the color of life. The sheet that covers the being prevents a face from being seen clearly. Draped arms fluttering, she reaches out for Silmarwen with both hands, but the elf eludes the vaporous grip by sidestepping to her right. The shadowy wraith next to Silmarwen takes this opportunity to flee, flying straight through the adjacent wall. As if that were not enough for Silmarwen to keep an eye on, the centipedes she noticed earlier seem to growing in number. She turns her to see a stomach-turning sight from one of the broken passages on her side of the hall. A crack in the ground is allowing a growing pile of centipedes to churn forth to investigate all the noise. --- Silhouette 1 flees, ghost lady appears from Q15, flies to in front of Silmarwen, Silmarwen notices centipede swarm appearing in R5 Question: Is anyone still holding a light source? I think Gamis’s ring is still activated. Initiative: Ghost lady Silmarwen Aric Silhouette 2 Centipedes (from R5) DaVane Mirielle Gamis |
| #174silmarwen_dupApr 29, 2004 21:34:14 | Silmarwen would have had her torch out. Not sure I posted it though. :embarrass The growing melody in the back of the room causes Silmarwen to pause wondering why someone is singing. Seeing the nude form of a woman at the back of the room distracts her from the spectral form as it flees. What in the...... Silmarwen blinks as the woman moves faster than her eyes can follow. One moment she is at the back of the room and the next she is causing Silmarwen to move out of the way of her lunging grasp. Tiresome woman I....... Silmarwen's eyes grow wide at the pile of centipedes that pulsates and grows spilling out in larger numbers. Gamis, Mirielle, everyone!!! There are centipedes multipling over here at a rapid rate. The cleric moves closer to the others so that she does not get surrounded away from help. (O10 to M8) Her palm rears back holy symbol still dangling from the cord wrapped around her fingers. Let the illumination of the bright lord purify and burn away the abomination within my sight! (Ranged touch attack +7 Searing Light converted from Invisiblity Purge 7d6 against undead) |
| #175zombiegleemaxApr 29, 2004 22:35:54 | *Cringes as the specters etheral claws swipe into him. He then turns and slashes at the cowerdly attacker* "Cowerdly Hell spawn!! Thalos guide my blade so I may send this specter back to hell from wence it came!!!" --- Smite Evil (+3 attack & Damage), melee +8 Damage +6 |
| #176zombiegleemaxApr 30, 2004 0:05:28 | *Aric sees the growing mass of centipedes, and recalls the throngs he had to slice through when the city was under siege by demons* *He rushes over, stomping with his boots, and slicing with his axe* .oO(I hate bugs...) [Attack :+15/+10 (can I kill more than 2 at once?) Damage: 1d12+9/1d12+9] |
| #177ghost_theoryApr 30, 2004 10:46:18 | As Silmarwen darts back closer to the others, the veiled apparition twirls in the air, catching the elf in the shoulder with a flap of phantom cloth. Silmarwen feels a bit of her warmth drain away into the shadow. In a better position, she intones her incantation and a ray of focused light bursts forth from her hand. For a brief moment, it seems as if a window is opened, letting in the first rays of dawn. The covered lady cringes back and raises a hand to shield her face, yet the beam of light passes through her, singeing a spot on the wall behind. The repulsive mass of insects crawl over the tiled floor, over one another, as their number proceeds to grow. Hoping to put a stop to that, Aric positions himself closer and proceeds to stomp with his sizeable boot and knock at the centipedes with his axe. Unfortunately, though he crushes a few, the swarm itself seems unaffected. In fact, the vermin start crawling on his boots and weapon. On the other side of the hall, the wraith continues the skirmish, dancing between the three party members that now threaten it. Pushing closer to Mirielle, it swings outward with a contorted arm that appears to miss its mark, but another limb grows out of its shadow to tag Mirielle in the chest. The wizard suffers a sapping sensation and finds it a little harder to draw a breath, even as the shadow grows a tad darker in tone. Hunting for an opening, Da Vane plunges his sword into the silhouette. In the flash of motion, it is uncertain whether the blade missed or traveled through the shade, but regardless, Da Vane sees his attack having negligible effect. Meanwhile, the carpet of centipedes roils forward into Aric’s space and begins to envelope his legs. A hundred different pinches make his lower extremities feel like they are on fire. The tiny pincers fill Aric’s system with foul venom, but the large man fights off its effects. --- Silmarwen takes 2 point of damage, Miri 1 point of damage and is drained of 2 points Con, Aric takes 6 points of damage and 4 points nonlethal (you can attack multiple centipedes, but it’s a swarm; also full attack limits to 5’ step) Current HP Aric 62/68 and 4 nonlethal DaVane 23/26 Gamis 76/76 Mirelle 37/38 (47/48) Silmarwen 40/42 |
| #178zombiegleemaxApr 30, 2004 10:56:55 | Gamis's teeth bare in a frustrated grimace. .oO(Damned incorporeals!) His left hand wraps around his swordhilt firmly, taking the two-handed grip he uses rarely, but when he does, hits hard. "Your holy water!" he exhorts his squire and his fiancé as he slashes heavily at the enemy. [full attack, two-handed Power Attack for 2: +12/+7/+2, 1d10+8 (Str x1.5 = +3, +1 enhancement, +4 PA)] |
| #179zombiegleemaxApr 30, 2004 13:43:17 | Having seen that the wand is effective against the wraiths, Mirielle unleashes a volley against the unholy menace that assaulted her. Hearing Gamis after, though, she then reaches for a vial of holy water. |
| #180ghost_theoryApr 30, 2004 14:16:05 | Again, Mirielle points her wand and discharges a salvo of luminous motes which shred through the shadow, causing it to flinch in random directions. While Mirelle has the wraith’s attention, Gamis delivers furious swings with his heavy bastard sword. His very first slash seems like it might penetrate the dark figure, but it dodges at the last moment by dropping closer to the floor. Cutting down like an executioner, Gamis appears to be in a position to deliver a murderous blow, yet his subsequent hacks pass through the shadow thing. The ringing of steel cracking ceramic tile reverberates through the hall. Sheer veil trailing gracefully, the ghostly lady figure glides after Silmarwen, closing the distance between them. The strange song the apparition sings resumes as she succeeds in touching the cleric’s cheek with a delicately covered hand. This sends a chill through Silmarwen, and an involuntary shiver up her spine. --- Silmarwen takes 2 points of damage, ghost lady is next to Silmarwen (N8) Current HP Aric 62/68 and 4 nonlethal DaVane 23/26 Gamis 76/76 Mirelle 37/38 (47/48) Silmarwen 38/42 |
| #181zombiegleemaxApr 30, 2004 15:47:30 | Gamis! Put Thalos' blessing on your sword! Yanking the stopper from the vial of holy water with her teeth, Mirielle splashes it across the wraith. |
| #182zombiegleemaxApr 30, 2004 20:16:36 | *Uses a very foul curse word directed at the wraith in front of him, but upon hearing his masters comand, he goes for the holy water straped to his belt. He then raises his sword and bashes the holy water vial against it so that the spray from the vial goes all over the creature* |
| #183zombiegleemaxMay 05, 2004 8:53:39 | [updated map, approved by Ghost: http://www.geocities.com/tanman_das/hardajaFoyer.txt |
| #184silmarwen_dupMay 05, 2004 21:27:59 | Holding her holy symbol aloft Silmarwen channels the energies of Thalos into her body and attempts to drive away the vile apparitions. |
| #185zombiegleemaxMay 05, 2004 23:27:01 | *Aric sees the mass of bugs begin to overwhelm him, and he tries to back away, hacking and slashing as he does* (Taking a step away. Damn AoO) [Attack: +15/+10 Damage: 1d12+9/1d12+9] |
| #186ghost_theoryMay 06, 2004 14:55:05 | Calling upon the might of her piety again, Silmarwen cuts a great white swath through the wicked aura saturating this area. The song of the ghost lady before her turns into a loathsome wail as the translucent body veil is blown off her, revealing a spectral mass of writhing worms over a bare skeleton. This image soon begins to morph into a shapeless outline as the apparition tries to flee. The wraith pestering Gamis, Mirielle, and DaVane is also affected by Silmarwen’s call. The black shadow implodes into a flying globule and wheels away, floating to the high ceiling and right through it. In the flurry of activity, Mirielle and DaVane stop short of trying their holy water as their target vanishes out of reach. Aric, on the other hand, continues to have difficulties with the swarm of centipedes around him. Worse still, the man can see another group of bugs emerging from the floor of the collapsed passage. He repels the urge to retch at the sensation of a thousand tiny legs scraping up against his body. Aric backs away, axe swinging, but the insects follow him. The stings of the swarm keep troubling the warrior. --- Aric takes 3 points of damage and 4 nonlethal (59/68 and 8 nonlethal) Miri, DV, Gam still have actions his round Initiative Ghost lady (turned) Silmarwen Aric Centipedes 1 (O4, P4, O5, P5) Centipedes 2 (Q4, R4, Q5, R5) DaVane Mirielle Gamis |
| #187zombiegleemaxMay 06, 2004 16:26:39 | "Good," Gamis says under his breath as the turning is successful and he glances around for any other apparitions. Finding none, he turns and clanks around Da'Vane in Aric's direction, setting his shield in place as he goes. His lip curls at the sight of the centipedes, but he thinks, .oO(At least they aren't twelve inches long and infernal) as he takes a swipe at them. [single move to N6 (setting shield while moving) single attack, Power Attack for 4: +10, 1d10+7] [slightly-updated map (old link still has old round): http://www.geocities.com/tanman_das/hardajaBattle.txt. Still need coordinates for Aric's new position. Changes will be made when actions come up] |
| #188zombiegleemaxMay 06, 2004 21:34:27 | Her breath coming faster, Mirielle re-stoppers the holy water and puts it away, then pulls her quarterstaff from her back, preparing to join Gamis in centipede-smooshing. |
| #189zombiegleemaxMay 07, 2004 0:25:03 | *Stops just short of destroying the bottle, he tehn imedietly truns to attack the centipeads, he almost takes a step but he stops himself.* .oO(it will take forever to kill all of these... one blast from the lady Miri and they will all be dead....) "Every body get back from the insects and let miri kill them with her magic!!! Miri fire the blast behind the centipeads so they will be caught in the blast but so it will not do too much damage to us." *Turns and moves to L8* |
| #190ghost_theoryMay 07, 2004 14:27:27 | The sounds of sickening crunches fill the room as Gamis and Mirielle do their best to thwart the onslaught of insects. Gamis bashes down his sturdy shield and swings with his sword while Mirielle slams the butt of her enchanted staff into centipedes. However, their blows seem to have no influence on the overall movement of the swarm. DaVane, in the interim, stands back in a better position to survey the enemy. Before Silmarwen can act further against the shadow that was the ethereal woman, the wicked form flees, diving through the side wall of the chamber. |
| #191silmarwen_dupMay 08, 2004 0:39:25 | Silmarwen curses silently to herself seeing the woman flee. However she does not let her guard down and maintains vigilance against the return of any more spectral entities. .oO(The four of them should be enough to take out the centipedes.) |
| #192zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 0:54:32 | "Urrrrr. Mirielle hitting them with weapons will only take longer, and more damage to us!" *Raises his great sword and moves up to the centipeads and proceeds to slash his sword into the swarm of centipeads. * .oO(I should have known better....none shall listen to the squire....) [Power attack +3] |
| #193zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 16:24:35 | "If you've got a flaming torch then drop it in them. Otherwise shut up and smash, squire," Gamis tells Da'Vane sharply. "There's a reason not to use the spell." He himself continues to crush centipedes. [full attack, Power Attack for 3: +11/+6/+1, 1d10+6] |
| #194zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 16:55:52 | Grunting with each blow from her staff, Miri adds, I am not -- smoosh using a spell of that power -- smoosh to roast bugs. smoosh Unless you want to take point if we meet a mummy? |
| #195zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 18:04:15 | "I do not have a torch, so I will not be able to use one Master." |
| #196zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 18:20:27 | "Well that's an otherwise, then isn't it? Smash!" |
| #197ghost_theoryMay 08, 2004 22:28:27 | An odd scene follows. Notice the swarms of centipedes creeping forward like a fluid surge. See the brave adventurers holding their ground and trying to crush as many as they can of the repulsive insects. And witness the chitinous mass continue to grow from some unseen origin, apparently unhindered by the numerous strokes dealt against them. As a whole, they continue forward. Aric slices downward with his huge axe as DaVane and Gamis put more of their weights behind their bladed offense. Mirielle jabs her staff into the swarm only to see them crawl up the shaft. A few are crushed, some are just pushed into gaps in the broken floor tiles. Without asking, the mage's keen mind starts putting certain pieces of information together. She sees Gamis impact his lengthy sword into the swarm. The metal edge's contact area is razor thin, and the collision disperses more centipedes than it actually cuts. There must be thousands of the pests. They crawl up the weapons wielded against them and up the legs of their attackers. The centipedes bite whatever they can reach with their tiny mandibles. The plate armored Aric and Gamis are somewhat better protected than their companions, though Mirielle's arcane protections and DaVane's breastplate are not without benefit. Mirielle, however, starts to feel the effects of the venomous pincers, her fingers not responding as quickly as they do normally. Keeping a wary vigil, Silmarwen does not see any new signs of their spectral antagonists. --- DaVane suffers 6 points of damage (plus 2 points nonlethal), Gamis take 4 points of damage (plus 4 nonlethal), Mirielle takes 8 points of damage (plus 2 nonlethal), and Aric takes 6 points of damage (plus 4 nontlethal damage) Mirielle also suffers 1 point of Dexterity damage. (-1 to AC) Initiative/Position/Status: [M8] Silmarwen 38/42 [P6] Aric 53/68 and 12 nonlethal [M5, M6, N5, N6] Centipedes 1 [O5, O6, P5, P6] Centipedes 2 [Q4, Q5, R4, R5] Centipedes 3 [N5] DaVane 17/26 and 2 nonlethal [O6] Mirielle 29/38 (39/48) and 2 nonlethal [-1 Dex, -2 Con] [N6] Gamis 72/76 and 4 nonlethal |
| #198silmarwen_dupMay 08, 2004 22:41:44 | Seeing the lack of success of the group Silmarwen suggests another course of action. Perhaps we should withdraw from the bugs, we seem to be losing ground instead of gaining it. |
| #199zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 22:45:53 | Mirielle calls out in a harsh voice, Alright, DaVane, you wanted to see a fireball -- you're going to see one! Everyone! Get back! Beating off the centipedes as she backs up, Mirielle waits for her companions to move out of range before casting the spell directly on the spawning source of the insects. Takes a 5' step back to N-7, casting defensively, targeting the Fireball to R-4 |
| #200silmarwen_dupMay 08, 2004 23:06:49 | Seeing the previous destructive force of one Mirielle's fireballs Silmarwen decides not to take any chances and moves away cautiously. M8 to J8 |
| #201zombiegleemaxMay 08, 2004 23:24:18 | "Damn..." Gamis grunts as he beats centipedes away. "Attack them once more, then get back!" he says to his squire and Aric. "That way, Da'Vane!" [full attack, no Power Attack, 5-foot step to M7. Waving Da'Vane to M6, Aric to O7] [map updated; latest version in paging thread] |
| #202ghost_theoryMay 09, 2004 15:55:25 | The warriors take their shots, hacking and chopping before stepping back a safe distance. Though the sensation of having the things crawl over their bodies is nauseating, the group manages to keep their stomachs from turning while fighting. Mirielle completes the gestures and recitation to call forth the power of the inferno. The dawn-tinted flame discharges from her location and sails right into the root of the centipede problem. Time seems to slow down the moment before impact, and then there is a flash of bright light as the fireball erupts. The warmth of the blast can be felt by everyone in the room. The putrid smell of burning insects fills their nostrils as the pyre tears apart the majority of the swarm. The heat is intense enough to melt the bronze designs on the walls caught in the blast radius. The fire dies down, leaving a blackened mess and only the far arm of the centipede swarm alive. --- Only [M5, M6, N5, N6] Centipedes 1 remain. |
| #203zombiegleemaxMay 09, 2004 19:24:44 | Mirielle smiles grimly, turning in place to check for new threats. |
| #204zombiegleemaxMay 10, 2004 12:02:51 | .oO(Time to get out of here before more show up. Maybe when they disperse we can plug whatever hole they're using.) "Silmarwen, try that door. Aric, Miri, I want you to withdraw towards her. Da'Vane, get out of there once I have their attention." With that, Gamis cradles his shield lower and swings into the mass of legs, then steps back out of their reach, brushing centipes off his person as he goes. [single attack, fighting defensively: +10, 1d10+3, AC 27. Going to single-move afterward and take the AoO, coordinates TBA depending on rest of party's position] |
| #205silmarwen_dupMay 11, 2004 15:07:41 | Silmarwen looks at the door now beside her and then attempts to open it cautiously. [color=BLUE]"Did not some of the spectres retreat this way? I am not sure trying to follow after them would be a good idea."[/color] |
| #206zombiegleemaxMay 11, 2004 16:13:09 | "I'm not sure waiting around to count just how many bugs can come out of the floor is a good idea, either, and we need to keep looking in this place anyway. Hopefully they'll lose interest and disperse if it turns out to be a dead end." |
| #207zombiegleemaxMay 11, 2004 18:52:15 | *Winces as the centipeads dig thier fangs into his skin* "Would be a pleasure, Master." .oO(Finally they have listened to me. They may now see that they should listen to me more often.) Withdraw to K6 |
| #208ghost_theoryMay 11, 2004 21:00:16 | Stepping over tawny piece of bone, Silmarwen tries the door nearest to her. The brass knob bears a swirled flame-like molding and turns easily enough at the elf's force. The dusky portal swings outward and Silmarwen's special torch shines into what appears to be an old guardroom. There is little left here but piles of decaying wood, cobwebs, and six rusted suits of combination plate and chain armor slouched in various positions. Gazing out with empty sockets from the visor of each suit is a brittle-looking skull. While Silmarwen makes her discovery, Aric moves back toward the cleric. The leftover centipedes, partly guided by the vibrations in the ground, continue to scramble forward, enfolding the feet of DaVane, Gamis, and Mirielle. The multi-legged scourge continues to find ways into the clothing and armor of its targets. The tiny puncture wounds add up as tingling pain flares in the bodies of the mage and duo of paladins. DaVane feels some of the steadiness leave his legs as the toxins build up in his system. Undaunted, DaVane and Mirielle tread backwards, covered by Gamis who buffets the swarm side to side with his sword. The knight's cutting edge does little to slow the centipedes. --- DaVane takes 6 points of damage and 2 nonlethal, he also loses 3 points of Dexterity [11/26 and 4 nonlethal, -3 Dex] Miri takes 5 points of damage and 2 nonlethal [24/38 (34/48) and 4 nonlethal, -1 Dex, -2 Con] Gamis takes 6 points of damage and 4 points nonlethal [66/76 and 8 nonlethal] |
| #209zombiegleemaxMay 11, 2004 22:09:45 | As she backs cautiously away from the centipedes, Mirielle swallows her bile and prays to Agathalos for the strength to withstand the poisons afflicting her. .oO(If only I had some oil, and a torch!) Casts Resistance |
| #210silmarwen_dupMay 11, 2004 22:59:05 | Taking a wand from her scroll case Silmarwen speaks to the others. "I am going to try and lure the centipedes into this room and then shut the door. Try and stay quiet your moving around keeps drawing them to you." With the wands she concentrates on calling a monkey to go and knock the armor over in the other room and create lots of racket to draw the centipedes into the room. |
| #211zombiegleemaxMay 11, 2004 23:08:27 | Warily watching the centipedes, Gamis tries to obey and keep still. |
| #212ghost_theoryMay 12, 2004 20:48:11 | At the end of their backpedalling, Mirielle adjures a slight boon of Lightbringer's charity while Gamis measures their positions. As Silmarwen prepares to activate her magic wand, the dwindled mass of centipedes edges closer, feeling with ten-thousand pointed appendages. --- With casting time of one round, the rest of the party and the centipedes get one round to act before the spell completes. Current PC positions are clustered around the guardroom door J8. |
| #213ghost_theoryMay 14, 2004 21:25:14 | Aric finds his axe and stomping boots rather ineffective against the approaching swarm, and the centipedes find their way onto the broad-shouldered man as well as DaVane next to him to cause more discomfort. --- Aric suffers 1 point of damage and 4 nonlethal, DaVane suffers 1 point of damage and 2 non lethal. Currently: Aric 52/68 and 16 nonlethal DV 10/26 and 6 nonlethal, -3 Dex |
| #214zombiegleemaxMay 14, 2004 22:41:13 | Gamis takes another few seconds to watch the swarm and stay still, waiting for Silmarwen to finish her spell. [refocus] |
| #215zombiegleemaxMay 14, 2004 23:29:36 | Still watching for more dangers to manifest, Mirielle also remains still. Ixchal shifts uneasily on her shoulder, and helps keep watch. |
| #216ghost_theoryMay 15, 2004 1:53:05 | The party struggles with the centipedes and trying not to attract them any further. The soft, inhuman scuttling noise of the insects as they feel around makes it difficult to stay still, but the stalwart adventurers manage somehow. Finishing the process of locking the proper mental switches in place to allow the power to channel through her wand, Silmarwen mutters the final key. A small flash and then a glittering line appear in the space near Silmarwen. The band of light widens into a circle and a chittering is heard in the air. A small primate coated in effulgent silver hairs tumbles out of the summoning gate. It lands in a somersault and looks around with azure blue eyes, ready to attack something. In some sort of tongue, the otherworldly creature gibber-jabbers what might be loosely interpreted as, "What?" |
| #217silmarwen_dupMay 15, 2004 12:04:45 | In celestial "Quickly go knock over the armor in the room ahead creating a great racket!" Silmarwen points at the armor hoping that the message gets across to the monkey. |
| #218ghost_theoryMay 15, 2004 14:45:30 | Bound to answer its caller, the celestial monkey ooks and hops up and down before dashing on all fours into the guard room to cause some havoc. Jumping on the suits of armor, the creature topples them one by one. The skulls within the helms collapse into billowing clouds of beige powder as the clangor rises and echoes. The hundred-legged worms pause as one when the new, louder vibrations shake through the floor. They scurry in the direction of the noise but are not so fast to relinquish their found prey just yet. The sinuous swarm positions itself in the open doorway, half reaching in, half near Silmarwen's feet. The cleric's stratagem has caught the attention of the insectile agglomeration, but the outcome remains unsecured. |
| #219zombiegleemaxMay 15, 2004 22:36:38 | Frustrated by the constant onslaught, Mirielle points at the centipedes crawling about her, and sends out a beam of ice to strike them away. Ixchal clings to Miri's clothing, fending off any centipedes that may try to climb up her back. Casts Ray of Frost |
| #220zombiegleemaxMay 17, 2004 13:32:14 | *Aric watches the swarm of creatures go to where the monkey-like being made the distraction, and he keeps his axe ready to fight off any more centipedes* OoC(Sorry for not posting, I was in Ottawa for a week. ) |
| #221ghost_theoryMay 17, 2004 18:57:11 | With the centipedes in the doorway, Mirielle speaks a few choice Words and sends a streak of freezing frost into the rear of the swarm to deter any further ingress. The slender beam benumbs a handful of the vermin, causing their frozen bodies to curl up into inert rolls. Gamis steps forward to grab the handle of the outward-open door. With a hurried shout of gratitude to the monkey being in Celestial, the paladin slams the door shut. The motion sweeps the tail end of the miniature horde into the guardroom with the rest of the centipedes. Gamis's boot stomps on a few stragglers. The main chamber is still once again. However, before the party can savor their victory, a couple and then a couple more centipedes can be seen squeezing their way out from under the shut door. |
| #222zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 9:06:16 | Gamis casts around for something to block the crack with, then spots the weapons left with the skeletons. "Halberd!" He clanks over to one and lays his sword down while picking the pole weapon up, then clanks back to the door. There, he drops it to the ground tries to position the shaft blocking the crack, leaving the blade inside the crack if necessary and calling for another one to be jammed under as well. |
| #223zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 10:13:30 | As Gamis plugs the gap with halberds, Mirielle uses the butt-end of her quarterstaff to smash the escaping centipedes. These things are just so irritating! |
| #224silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 12:08:28 | Silmarwen helps drag another halabred for Gamis to use block the crack under the door. If no more bugs come out she goes to check on those who have been wounded by the bites of the centipedes trying to determine who has been hurt the worst. (Heal Check take 10) |
| #225ghost_theoryMay 18, 2004 15:27:36 | With the long shafts of the halberds jammed in to obstruct the space between the door and cracked floor, the number of centipedes crawling through stops increasing before it becomes a problem. The few that are on the party’s side of the doorway are taken care of quickly. Silmarwen checks over the conditions of her companions to assess the damage caused by the skirmish. The centipedes have left some swelling and inflammation around their numerous bites, but everyone is still standing. Mirielle and DaVane seem to have been hit hardest, suffering from some numbing pain in their joints. |
| #226zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 16:21:57 | While Silmarwen sees to the more-injured, Gamis stows his arms and makes his way over to investigate the hole that the centipedes originally poured out of. Then he begins a search for something to plug or cover it with. |
| #227ghost_theoryMay 18, 2004 16:32:20 | The hole lies in a collapsed passage in the far side of the room. Remnants of a door frame indicate that it was probably a proper hallway at some point in the past. The ground is charred from Mirielle’s flame blast earlier, and the uneven crack in the floor tiles is about one foot long and looks mundane enough. There are no more signs of live insects in the crevice, only black ashes, and there is not much around the barren area that would serve as a plug. |
| #228silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 16:39:26 | [color=BLUE]"Alright it seems that Mirielle and Da'Vane seem to have taken the worst from the centipedes. However I only have one spell prepared to relieve the affects that they have suffered. Unless there are any objectiojns I am going to use it on Mirielle.[/color] Clasping her holy symbol in her hands Silmarwen asks for the aid of Thalos in restoring to the young mage to her former strength. (Lesser Restoration) |
| #229ghost_theoryMay 18, 2004 17:13:39 | [OoC: Would she being repairing Dex damage or Con damage?] |
| #230zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 17:34:12 | "We brought a potion to duplicate the effect," Gamis says to the elf as he turns away from the crevice, since it no longer seems a threat, and clanks back over to the others. |
| #231ghost_theoryMay 18, 2004 19:26:44 | Seeing the signs of a shortness of breath as well as slowed joints with a healer's eye, Silmarwen calls upon to a divine recuperating force to aid Mirielle. After several moments of prayer and blessings to revive the mage's hindered verve, Mirielle feels the tightness in her chest miraculously lessen. --- Miri heals 2 Con, currently at 34/48 and 4 nonlethal, -1 Dex |
| #232darkar_shadowood_dupMay 18, 2004 19:48:03 | Silmarwen smiles as she sees the relief flow into the mage. "There that should help make you feel better. Now where do we wish to explore next?" |
| #233zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 20:00:34 | Mirielle takes a deep breath, and smiles warmly at Silmarwen. Thank you, Sil... Very much! She looks over at the closed door, and shudders. I hope the helm isn't in there... |
| #234zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 20:05:36 | Gamis hands the potion of lesser restoration to his squire, then pours some positive energy into the giant through his hands. [lay on hands +8 hp] "How about this next door to start with?" he says as he clanks over to the southern door. |
| #235silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 20:10:32 | It seems a good enough place to start since we do not have much of a lead on where the helm is supposed to be. |
| #236zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 20:13:48 | "And if it's just another guardroom, ah well." He shrugs with a clank and pulls his sword free again while he swings the door open. |
| #237ghost_theoryMay 18, 2004 20:41:03 | As the paladin directs sacred vitality into Aric, a new breath fills the lungs of the hulking warrior. Sword at the ready, Gamis tugs on the ornamented handle, and the door creaks open. Eroded brass runes decorate its frame, matching the general décor of the temple. The light of the group's torch exposes a square room, about twenty feet to a side. From the doorway, the group can see the chamber seems to have been ransacked somewhat recently, with rotted wood, broken pottery, and corroded bits of metal scattered around the stone floor. There is also a large shadowed form at the far wall of the room, but only Silmarwen can see its features clearly. Although, perhaps the elf would not consider this a benefit... She sees the gnawed flesh of the giant, misshapen corpse that is set against the wall like some distorted plaything. The cadaver's skull appears sunken and its skin and muscles seem nailed and stitched together in places. --- Aric 60/68 and 8 nonlethal |
| #238silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 21:07:35 | (Celestial) Gamis, be on guard at the end of the room is a horrific looking corpse. I am not certain if it is undead or someone who fell into a trap. The body is taller than Aric, and it seems to have been patched together oddly. I am not sure why that is, but we should be cautious. |
| #239zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 21:11:23 | Oh? Really? Mirielle perks up at the description, her professional curiosity taking over. She begins to cautiously pick her way into the room. |
| #240zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 21:20:05 | Gamis's brows pull together and he swings his shield into place as he advances ahead of Miri. "" he tells her. "" |
| #241silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 21:24:53 | Silmarwen looks to Mirielle and then to Da'Vane after Gamis speaks. (Celestial) Is Aric the only one here who does not speak the language of the heavens? I knew Gamis for certain, and thought Da'Vane might, but I was unaware that you spoke as well Mirielle. |
| #242zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 21:35:18 | Miri says absently as she investigates deeper into the room. |
| #243zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 21:40:39 | Almost thumping himself in the forehead for failing to think of this earlier, Gamis activates his Light-granted senses. [detect evil] |
| #244silmarwen_dupMay 18, 2004 21:45:34 | (Celestial) "We can use this as an a small advantage if we can have someone communicate to Aric, then it would be harder for anyone not speaking the language to follow our train of thought." |
| #245zombiegleemaxMay 18, 2004 22:16:12 | *Hold up the potion to the light of Silmarwens torch looking through it. He then uncorks it and drinks it. He smiles at the loosening of his joints.* (Celestial) "Ahhh.. Thank you master." *He then glances at all of the fang marks covering his body. He wiggles his right hand up underneath his breastplate and Uses his Lay on Hands. At the mention of a foe that can be touched and killed with his own sword Da Vane pulls his hand from his armor and hefts his greatsword.* "Mirielle you will not have to waste your spells upon this creature, because it will give under our steel blades. Well Aric...What toungs can you speak." Lay on hands for 9 (full) |
| #246ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 1:13:19 | The potion DaVane acquires soothes his aching joints, and soon he feels more mobile again. Letting the healing energies of his dogma surge his body, DaVane feels the fatigue leave his flesh. However, as soon as Gamis crosses the threshold of the doorway, something goes awry. The brass runes subtly shift and the lighted image of a certain symbol shines in the minds of the explorers. Gamis seems unaffected completely and activates his sight for the impure, finding the whole locale flooded with a low level of evil projection. Mirielle and Silmarwen feel a slight twinge of something but nothing more comes of it. For Aric and DaVane, however, the symbol grows in intensity until it blocks out the room, then the Maw, and then the entire world. They see only scarlet effulgence and then an array of forgotten nightmares. In the waking world, two heavy thuds follow as Aric and DaVane drop to their knees and then their backs. A catatonic slumber immerses the two men, and they lie still on the cold floor. --- DaVane regains 3 points of Dex, and 9 HP [currently 19/26] DaVane and Aric are asleep |
| #247zombiegleemaxMay 19, 2004 12:15:49 | "Wh--" Gamis turns sharply at the door and grimaces. "Trap... " The paladin's grip tightens around his sword as he turns his divination on the corpse-like shape, trying to tune out the constant throb of evil this place bears and concentrate on the individual auras. |
| #248ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 12:37:15 | The power of detection reveals no specific source of foulness near Gamis. The large patched-together body is at least a foot taller than Gamis even while seated. Stepping closer, the paladin sees the twisted features of the titan's hide, but he feels no special presence emanating form the corpse. The thing resembles a three-dimensional puzzle with several pieces missing. The joints do not line up properly, and the flesh is broken and mismatched, ranging from an deep olive hue to a sickly greenish tone. And the eyes on the thing... seem to be missing, only dark voids in the atrophied face. |
| #249zombiegleemaxMay 19, 2004 13:28:50 | Mirielle frowns, and sets a cautionary hand on Gamis' arm. Wait, I want to read the magical auras here... Chanting a prayer to Thalos, Mirielle calls upon her divinely granted power to see magic, and scans the room, and the fleshy monster, with utmost care. |
| #250zombiegleemaxMay 19, 2004 14:13:37 | "Yes, good," Gamis says to her. "I'm sensing no evil, so that leaves magic..." He subsides, glancing back at Silmarwen's progress, then watching the almagam in the corner. |
| #251ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 15:50:34 | Mirielle concentrates, and the first few seconds alert her to the existence of a magic aura. The next few moments of attentiveness direct her to the door frame as the source of an enchantment of medium strength afflicting DaVane and Aric. The humanoid figure at the back of the room does not appear to bear any dweomer. |
| #252silmarwen_dupMay 19, 2004 18:53:42 | After being instructed to check on Aric and Da'Vane, Silmarwen leans down to see if they are breathing. When seeing that they are alive she deduces that they must be asleep. It seems that they are sleeping and not dead. She tries shaking them gently to get the pair to wake. |
| #253ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 22:14:14 | Unfortunately, Silmarwen finds she cannot wake either of the men. She checks over them to ensure they are still breathing. On an unrelated note, the cleric also recognizes that the centipedes' poisoning suffered by DaVane, and Mirielle as well, is likely not at an end yet, as that type of malady tends to have longer lasting effects. |
| #254zombiegleemaxMay 19, 2004 22:20:54 | Focusing on the aura around door frame and victims, Mirielle attempts to learn all she can of cause and cure. Spellcraft +20 |
| #255ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 22:39:33 | Gamis and Mirelle stand within the square room, while Silmarwen watches over Aric and DaVane in the main chamber near the door. Using her comprehensive knowledge of spellcraft, Mirielle carefully looks at the runes adorning the frame. The trap was obviously triggered when someone stepped through the doorway. Judging by the character set used, the wizard identifies a certain symbol that would affect the minds of those nearby, causing a deep sleep with a supersensory overload. A symbol of sleep is the most likely deduction Mirielle can make, probably prepared with a reagent of mercury, phosphorus, and powdered opal and diamond. Oddly, there still seems to be an active component in the runes, showing that the single burst did not expend all of its power. This might indicate further magical augmentation. Mirielle knows of no way to wake the two victims without first dispelling the curse. Otherwise, they may be out for up to an hour or hour and a half judging from the spell. |
| #256ghost_theoryMay 19, 2004 22:48:17 | In the dreams of the two sleepers, the darkness suffusing the Maw contorts their dreams into nightmarish visions. Aric finds himself surrounded by bear-like demons with screaming, human faces. The forest is dark and endless around him, and he is dwarfed by the size of everything in the setting. Meanwhile DaVane sees fire. Everything appears to be burning and he is unable to escape. The church spires of Thalos the Wise come crashing down around him as the sky fades into a night he knows will never end. |
| #257zombiegleemaxMay 19, 2004 23:02:26 | *Within his dream Da' Vane throws his hands into the air and screams his protests. He curses the ones who whould attack the house of his God. Within the real world his companions can tell that he is having a horrible dream. He face is one of rage, his lips draw back from his teeth, accompanied by growls shows the anger that this dream is afflicting upon him. His armor groans in protest as his muscles swell to their fullest pontential. His fists which are balled into fists are drawn up to his sides* |
| #258silmarwen_dupMay 20, 2004 20:15:14 | The poison from the centipedes could cause a relapse among Mirielle and Da'Vane later. When is not certain to me. Backs away from Da'Vane as he starts to thrash about from his nightmare. Be careful we do not want them to accidently injure us. Does anyone know how to wake them? I seem to be unable to do so. |
| #259zombiegleemaxMay 20, 2004 20:42:21 | Before Aric falls asleep: "What languages? Let me see..." "Comm---" *Aric slumps to the ground, and falls asleep* *In his nightmare, he feels rather insignificant, because of his small size, but he isn't afraid. He continues to walk the endless forest, searching for the exit* |
| #260ghost_theoryMay 21, 2004 12:51:01 | Even as he walks the twisted forest path, Aric finds the giant trees shifting around him. The monsters which chase him close in but seem to be just out of sight. And then, the oddest thing, he realizes he has no arms. The massive biceps and triceps that were there just a minute ago are missing. Aric can’t help but get the sensation of having a crippled back and lame leg and must limp through the shadowy maze. --- DaVane’s eyes adjust to the darkness lit only by the pyres around him. The ground quakes as if the earth is ripping by the seams, releasing new plumes of flame from the blackened surface. The sky is on fire. |
| #261zombiegleemaxMay 21, 2004 15:47:38 | Frowning in disgust, Mirielle shakes her head. Be careful, Silmarwen. There's more to that doorway than the spell that caught the boys. It could go off again... I'm sorry, we're going to have to wait it out. I haven't prepared the spell that might dispel the magic binding them. Glancing ruefully from Gamis to the cleric, she adds, Probably upwards of an hour and a half. |
| #262zombiegleemaxMay 21, 2004 16:35:08 | Gamis grunts and eyes the doorway, gripping his sword. "Wonder if destroying some of those runes would work?" He looks at his squire, rigid in the throes of his nightmare, then looks to Miri. "In the meantime, we can see what we can do about the poison. Miri, let's see your healer's kit." |
| #263zombiegleemaxMay 21, 2004 20:36:37 | Oh, yes of course! Mirielle swings her pack off and pulls out her bundle of healing herbs, salves and what-not. Heal check +10 |
| #264silmarwen_dupMay 21, 2004 20:56:22 | Hearing Mirielle's words about the doorway still being active causes the elf to go rigid and look around to make sure that she stays away from where the runes glowed in the doorway. We will have to wait, that is unfortunate. As she observes the sleeping men she wonders about all the energy they seem to be expending. I hope that they do not wear themselves out because of their thrashing about. Seeing Mirielle take out her bandages and herbs Silmarwen goes over to investigate. You think that you might have something to help with the poison? I have similar things like that in my pack, perhaps if we worked together while we waited we could find a solution? |
| #265zombiegleemaxMay 21, 2004 21:04:25 | Yes, if we combine our knowledge, that should be more efficient. Mirielle chuckles ruefully. I learned basic healing skills after discovering how badly Gamis can get banged up fighting monsters... |
| #266silmarwen_dupMay 21, 2004 21:15:23 | Sounds like he can withstand quiet a bit of abuse. Pulling out out her healer kit Silmarwen works with Mirielle trying to find a way to treat the poison more effectively. I do have a bottle that helps guard against the affects of posions, but after you have been posioned I am not sure how effective it can be. |
| #267zombiegleemaxMay 22, 2004 0:05:31 | "Remember to hold still long enough for us to take care of your poison, too," Gamis points out. "I'd save the antitoxin for now. Better when the poison's really, really nasty, or you know in advance you're facing something with venom. "Even then, Miri knows her business with these things." He presses his finger into a bandage roll momentarily. "She's just as good if not better. Probably high time I got my own kit, then brushed up on what I know." |
| #268ghost_theoryMay 22, 2004 1:25:59 | Mirielle sees the runes still are active, but having fought off their effect for the time being, she and Gamis are able to pass back into the main chamber to regroup in the cold room. Using the healer's kits and their combined lore, the three see what they can do to treat the envenoming. They appreciate that the victim of a poison vermin bite will often have some time before severe complications set it, enough time to attempt treatment. Silmarwen prepares a poultice of water and a small amount of spirit of hartshorn while Gamis encourages bleeding of the larger puncture sites on Mirielle's and Da'Vane's ankles. Once the wounds are cleaned with a bit of water, the dressing is applied with bandages. The wounds are bandaged upwards from the lower portion of the bitten limb. Though they cannot be certain of the effectiveness of their therapy, Mirielle does know she feels no worse than she did minutes ago. However, their small victory is interrupted by the echo of an unearthly song. It is the delicate soprano pitch of a melancholy spirit, and it is drawing closer from the main entrance. --- No secondary poison damage to Miri or DV |
| #269silmarwen_dupMay 22, 2004 15:31:40 | It sounds like that spectre has returned, I wonder if the others are coming as well. We should just drive her away again, I do not think in our current situation we could handle another drawn out fight with more bugs. When she arrived last time it was almost the same moment that the swarms of centipedes grew from the ground. A bit suspicious if you ask me. |
| #270zombiegleemaxMay 22, 2004 16:07:29 | "I checked the crack they were coming out of; it looked like Miri baked them all. But you may be right about that..." Gamis sighs and readies his sword again. "Turning her repeatedly is going to drain us; I'd just as soon destroy her outright, but that's got its own difficulties... Maybe..." The paladin thinks for a moment, then pulls his holy symbol over his head again and grips it by the cord. "If we turn her this time, we could try to take Aric and Da'Vane down the stairs to an empty room where she won't harass us and wait for them to wake." |
| #271ghost_theoryMay 22, 2004 22:32:03 | As the trio prepare themselves, the source of the voice appears at the main entrance doors. The same shadow of a veiled woman floats into the temple room. Behind her is one of the other dark tattered wraiths, leaving two of the earlier incorporeal foes unaccounted for. --- Initiative: Mirielle Ghost Lady Gamis Silhouette 1 Silmarwen |
| #272zombiegleemaxMay 22, 2004 22:41:31 | Mirielle frowns, then centers herself and speaks a word of power. From her outstretched hand a beam of twisting pink light streaks towards the ethereal woman. .oO(You're not messing with my fiance!) Casts Disrupt Undead |
| #273ghost_theoryMay 22, 2004 23:14:18 | The blast of light collides with the phantom lady and ripples her translucent sheet. Something like a scream, but more hollow and distant, emits from the figure as she is knocked back a step. |
| #274ghost_theoryMay 22, 2004 23:27:53 | The feminine figure attempts to retaliate against Mirielle, flying forward to meet her, but fails to grasp the mage. Mirielle sidesteps the creature and avoids contact with some swipes of sheeted arms. |
| #275zombiegleemaxMay 23, 2004 1:22:17 | Gamis is on the transparent soprano immediately, jaw set as he brings his sword to bear with a heavy, overhead slash meant to tear through her sheeted form and sever her hold on unlife. .oO(Maybe this time you'll feel it, you wraith...) [two-handed Power Attack for 3: +11, 1d10+9] [On a related note, could I get positions, please? Map update will follow shortly thereafter. |
| #276ghost_theoryMay 23, 2004 2:24:32 | Gamis fixes his stance and hacks downward with his righteous blade. He is rewarded with a very palpable hit as the blade tears into the grey ectoplasm of the ashen apparition. The ghostly veil is ripped in half, exposing the phantasmal skeleton underneath with sinuous black, shadow worms housed it her ribcage. Her song stops abruptly and the spectral figure covers her face screaming as she darts around in her space. The rear wraith buoys closer to attack Gamis, and they barter jabs, but the paladin evades the silhouette's contact, keeping it at bay with a swing his sword. --- Proposed positions: Aric K15, DaVane L15, Gamis L11, Silhouette1, L10, Miri M11, Ghost Lady M10, Silmarwen K12 |
| #277zombiegleemaxMay 23, 2004 5:42:14 | Nodding with grim satisfaction, Mirielle prepares to dash holy water across the singing ghost lady. And the worst of it is, I won't be able to examine it after we've destroyed it... she mutters absently to herself. |
| #278zombiegleemaxMay 23, 2004 9:27:54 | http://www.geocities.com/tanman_das/hardajaFoyer.txt |
| #279silmarwen_dupMay 23, 2004 11:15:08 | Drawing her longsword from its sheath Silmarwen moves in to attack the woman along with Gamis and Mirielle. .oO(She is more dangerous than the other one, and must be eliminated first!) Her blade whistles as it cuts through the air, although it is not a precise strike like Darkar can make or the powerful ones like Aric, she hopes that her faith in her own abilities will be enough as she strikes the woman. [SIZE=1](+6 1d8+1)[/SIZE] |
| #280ghost_theoryMay 23, 2004 13:19:11 | The elf priestess advances deftly and guards against the now-skeletal girl's flinging arms while riposting with a whir of slashes. Despite Silmarwen's desire to pierce the darkness, none of her efforts seem to be able to touch the phantom this round. Mirielle joins into the fray by unstoppering a vial of holy water and splashing it at the ghostlike corpse of the singer. Unfortunately, as the liquid sprinkles forward, Mirielle's target skirts the dousing by swaying upward. While the wizard makes her move, Ixchal on her shoulder chitters at something she's spotted in the low light behind them. "More, Miri," the familiar imparts. Mirielle tilts her head to make out two more shadows by the light of Silmarwen's torch. They are peeking out of the walls closer to the bodies of the sleeping Aric and DaVane. With a vacuous shriek, which carries none of the beauty of her former song, the bony remains of the lady return against Silmarwen with clawed fingers. Brandishing her longsword while dipping down, the cleric only suffers a grazing blow to the chest before forcing the shade back. --- Silm suffers 1 point of damage [37/42] Silhouette 2 appears at M17, Silhouette 3 at O17 Initiative: Mirielle Ghost Lady Gamis Silhouette 1 Silmarwen Silhouette 2 Silhouette 3 DaVane should probably be in L14 rather than the column space, my mistake. |
| #281zombiegleemaxMay 23, 2004 14:57:44 | A hiss of indrawn breath betrays Mirielle's alarm, but rather than flee, she grasps her holy symbol, holding it out towards the various undead. In the name of Agathalos, get ye gone! turn undead (1d20+3 turn check, 2d6+2 turning damage) |
| #282zombiegleemaxMay 24, 2004 10:27:56 | Gamis's brow creases as he glances to the wall where the other shades emerged from. "They could hurt Da'Vane and Aric!" he warns, hoping that Miri's turning will drive them off successfully. In the meantime, he turns his blade's attention back on the incorporeal foe at hand as he slashes firmly and resolutely. [full attack, two-handed Power Attack for 3: +11/+6/+1, 1d10+10] |
| #283silmarwen_dupMay 24, 2004 12:56:43 | Depending on how things turn out will determine Silmarwen's actions. If Miri's turning works and some flee, Silmarwen will move back to guard over Da'Vane and Aric with her sword. If Miri's turning does not do anything she will wait to see if Gamis has any success against the female specter. If he hits her successfully Silmarwen will move to guard Aric and Da'Vane with her sword. If he misses Silmarwen will take out her holy symbol and attempt a greater turning. |
| #284ghost_theoryMay 24, 2004 13:15:37 | Executing a powerful exhibition of ferocity with his bastard sword, Gamis endeavors to school the undead in the art of swordsmanship. He manages to swing his blade in a single figure eight curve before pressuring the pellucid skeleton with a deluge of two-handed cuts. Gamis's opponent screeches in hostility and they dance in the half-light. The paladin takes two steps forward and there is shadow and there is steel. And in a flash it is over as the maidenhair blade is swung like pendulum in a low arc which causes the ladylike cadaver to float upward. At this point, Gamis reverses his blade's facing and shears clean through the ghostly vision. She pauses in midair, the worms in her ribs shrivel and drop away into ethereal dust, and her skull begins to fluctuate. As the rest of her melts into the air, transparent muscle and tendon materialize to snake around her head. Then layers of fat and veins and skin come into existence, until Gamis is left eye to eye with a very beautiful spectral face of a young woman. Golden hair frames emerald eyes and gentle lips. The look of outrage and anger that creases her features at first fades into an expression of confusion and then a gleam of acceptance as the image evaporates. The rounded lips mouth something to Gamis that he cannot discern. Though all this appears to have taken a long minute to Gamis, only seconds have passed and his sword is still in motion by the time it all finishes. He turns the force of his slash into the nearest wraith, but the edge passes through the umbra freely. Bringing his weapon around for a pair of short thrusts, Gamis sees the wraith dodge all attempts. At the destruction of the soprano, all three wraiths quake visibly and hiss in either anger or grief. The one that was looking toward Silmarwen turns on Gamis and rakes its diaphanous claws right through his shining armor. The knight experiences a depletion of his bodily warmth, but his physique fights off any more detrimental effects. --- Ghost Lady slain. Gamis suffers 4 points of damage [62/76 and 8 nonlethal] |
| #285ghost_theoryMay 24, 2004 13:18:07 | Witnessing the annihilation of the ghost lady, Silmarwen moves back toward Aric and DaVane to defend their bodies with her sword. The two wraiths in the back soar near the elf, and she stands defiant against them. The shadows go into a frenzy of clawing and scratching, but Silmarwen defends herself well enough to avoid their wrath. One dark claw does come a bit too close for comfort, but it is deflected off some unseen shield provided by the elf's enchanted ring. Mirielle's prayer fills the room with great devotion. Despite that fact, the undead tormentors do not appear moved. --- Also, I was informed that Lesser Restoration only heals ability drain, and not ability damage, so Miri would have had her Dex repaired instead of her Con. So she would still be at 24/38 [34/48] (+4 nonlethal), -2 Con. Sorry I didn't catch this. |
| #286zombiegleemaxMay 24, 2004 13:42:13 | (Maybe Miri got a brief chance to learn some anatomy anyway,)Oo. Gamis thinks as the ghost lady expires and he throws her a brief salute and turns to the accompanying, smaller wraith. He winces at its supernaturally icy touch but does not quail as watches it for a focused moment. "I've got this one," he says to Miri. "Help Silmarwen." Then he drives forward with a thrust, bringing the point of his sword up at the end of the step to circle his shoulders and head, advertising the move but putting it in position for a hard lateral slash. [two-handed Power Attack for 3; stats as before. Will linger for a full attack if the enemy doesn't fall on the first swing; otherwise, will move to engage the remaining two.] |
| #287zombiegleemaxMay 24, 2004 13:50:14 | Yes, darling, Mirielle replies, yanking her more-powerful wand from her belt. Uttering the command word, she mentally directs the the three energy balls to divide between the two wraiths Silmarwen is engaging. |
| #288ghost_theoryMay 24, 2004 14:05:52 | Gamis's sidelong attack succeeds in penetrating the ashen illusion, cutting away some of its otherworldly skin. It repays the thrust with a shove of its own, which reaches into Gamis's shoulder, chilling him once again. Once more, he feels his inner fire threatened, but not dimmed this time. --- 1 point of damage [61/76] and 8 nonlethal |
| #289silmarwen_dupMay 25, 2004 11:57:14 | Silmarwen continues to defend the sleeping bodies of Aric and Da'Vane from the specters. Come now and find release from this cursed existance. (+2 1d8+1 Fighting Defensively -4 to attack +2 AC will take a 5ft step to keep from being flanked) |
| #290ghost_theoryMay 25, 2004 12:59:26 | Holding her ground charily, Silmarwen contends with the double threat closing in on her. The elf’s steel flickers through the air as she holds a defensive position. In the tussle, she scores with a deadly backhand cut which tears into one of the wraiths. Silmarwen quickly recoils back to give herself some space to see her attackers. In spite of Silmarwen’s guarded stance, the shadows that swirl near her batter the cleric with frantic, grim talons. She feels icy daggers in her side and an awful tightening in her stomach. A tinge of dizziness rattles her eyesight as she fights back the nausea. The apparition to her side seems to shake with silent laughter as it grows a tone darker. Hastening to help her companion, Mirielle opens fire from a distance and her fulminating shots corkscrew toward their marks. The missiles explode into the specters, blowing away sections of their ragged frames. Silmarwen gets a first-hand view of the effects as the wraith in front of her dissipates into nothingness. Behind Mirielle, Gamis persists with a chain of heavy slashes and swings. His very first slice cuts deep into the ethereal adversary, shaving off a massive portion of ghostly black cloth. More wary of the paladin now perhaps, the damaged silhouette spins around and eludes the rest of Gamis’s assault. --- Silhouette 3 slain. Silmarwen takes a total of 5 damage and 3 points of Constitution drain. [Currently 18/28 [32/42], -3 Con] |
| #291silmarwen_dupMay 25, 2004 13:45:42 | Stumbling from the nausea, Silmarwen loses the grip on her sword and it clatters to the floor. Then seeing the creature shaking with its silent laughter infuriates her. How dare it! Losing her holy symbol she holds it aloft and calls on the power of her Lord. "Foul creature of undeath burn away from this place back into the hands of blackness. (Greater Turning Attempt) |
| #292zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 13:56:28 | The paladin steps in as his remaining opponent tries to back up, relying on the extra reach of his blade to keep it in reach long enough to sever the silhouette's thread for good. [two-handed Power Attack for 1: +13, 1d10+6. If it still stands afterward, will continue the full attack. If it dies, will single-move towards Silmarwen and the last one] |
| #293zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 14:17:04 | Grinning viciously, Mirielle unleashes another round of magical energy at the undead, while Ixchal keeps alert for new opponents. One magic missile on the wraith attacking Gamis, the other two on Silmarwen's wraith. |
| #294ghost_theoryMay 25, 2004 15:46:49 | More of Mirielle’s radiant missiles streak out, all veering toward the wraith near Silmarwen. They burrow into it from behind, but the shadowy monster still hovers there brashly. Like the last act of some choreographed play, fate smiles on Gamis yet again as his blade connects to finish off the murky spirit pestering him. A sharp thrust of the charmed weapon skewers the transparent foe and the wraith starts to vanish. Ghostly accouterments fall to the floor out of its shroud, a small mandolin, an embroidered handkerchief, and a handful of shadow coins scatter noiselessly on the tiles before evaporating. As the last remaining apparition turns between the living beings in the hall, Silmarwen calls down a prayer with virtuous vehemence. Holy might surrounds the cleric, rising like the sun. With a cry, Silmarwen sends a pure shockwave through this realm of perpetual night. The wraith is utterly ruptured into black specks which blow away on the divine wind. And when the dust settles, the room is left cold and blank again. |
| #295zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 15:50:16 | Gamis wipes his blade out of habit, aware that there was no residue left on it, and sheathes it as he turns to the others. "You two alright?" |
| #296silmarwen_dupMay 25, 2004 16:11:59 | Not totally, it feels as if part of me was stripped away when their claws raked through my armor. She reaches down to retrieve her sword and then resheaths it. |
| #297zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 16:29:57 | The paladin grunts and calls a silver glow to surround his right hand again and pours a measure of positive energy into himself, exorcising some of the chill left by the enemy's touch. He clanks over and administers some of the same to Silmarwen, then Miri. "At least they're gone finally. We can wait here for Aric and Da'Vane to wake..." [lay on hands +5 hp to Gamis, then Sil, then Miri] |
| #298ghost_theoryMay 25, 2004 17:58:48 | Gamis's touch lifts some of the weariness from their bodies. --- Gam 66/76 and 3 nonlethal Miri 29/38 [39/48], -2 Con Silm 23/28 [37/42], -3 Con I noticed an error in Miri's last HP note, so I went back and checked, these numbers should be right |
| #299ghost_theoryMay 25, 2004 20:52:12 | Nearly an hour goes by without incident, giving the group a small window of respite to stop for a sip of water and a bite of rations. There is no sign of Aric or DaVane waking yet however. The three active companions keep their guard up and stay on alert for more trouble. Every so often there are distant noises, scrapes or rustles from outside the entrance doorway. By this point, the party might almost feel odd if the Maw wasn't trying to scare them somehow. |
| #300silmarwen_dupMay 25, 2004 22:45:48 | How long have we been here now, it seems difficult to judge time. Looking around the room she tries to figure out where they should head next. Well there was nothing behind those two doors should we head down the stairs when they wake or should we think about another possibility. |
| #301zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 23:06:12 | "I think we should press on a little more once they wake; we can probably last a while longer... The wraith's touch won't go away from the lesser spell we know, will it?" |
| #302silmarwen_dupMay 25, 2004 23:19:36 | A spell of restoration can heal the touch of those spectres, but we would need diamond dust as well. Without that I am afraid we are without a solution at the moment. |
| #303zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 23:29:15 | The paladin sighs. "Well, you and Miri would do good to stay out of any more frays, if you can, then. It'll have to wait until we get back." He levers himself up from his sitting position with a clatter of mail. "I think I'll try to have a peek down these staircases... Just a peek. Don't want to get ahead until we can all move forward." His head turns as he looks between the two of them, then he clanks forward to the one on his right as he faces the back wall. |
| #304ghost_theoryMay 25, 2004 23:52:06 | The wide stairs on Gamis's right are worn and crumbling but at one time might have been quite artful. A black marble pattern can been seen in pieces of the broken surface. There are no hand rails for the stairs, so some care might be warranted in descending. Peering downward, Gamis sees the bottom of the stairs obscured by a blanket of fog that begins about fifteen feet in. |
| #305zombiegleemaxMay 25, 2004 23:59:23 | (Fog?)Oo. Gamis thinks with a frown, then shakes his head and goes to look down the other stairway. "Fog..." he notes to the others as he passes. "I really hope we won't have to grope our way blindly through it." .oO(Not to mention what could hide easily in it...) He looks down the one on the left. |
| #306kywynMay 26, 2004 0:18:46 | Using his glowing ring as torch, Gamis notes that this second staircase is of rougher quality, either through continued use or original design. Its steps slope down for about ten feet before being cut off by rock and rubble. It appears this passage has collapsed some time ago, cutting off the route. |
| #307zombiegleemaxMay 26, 2004 8:56:29 | He sighs and turns back from the stairway and returns to his companions. "The fog's our only option. That way's caved in." Gamis makes his way over to Da'Vane and tries shaking him experimentally, testing if he'll wake yet. Then he sits and continues to wait. |
| #308ghost_theoryMay 26, 2004 11:21:53 | Gamis finds he is unable to bring the southlander to consciousness. Time passes slowly in the dead temple room. Silmarwen spots one or two centipedes crawling past but no sign of another swarm thankfully. Time to think, time to plot, time to worry, the cycles pass on for another half hour until finally Aric and DaVane show signs of slowly waking from their terrible dreams. --- Heal 1 nonlethal per lvl for the hour. Current HP Gam 66/76 Miri 29/38 [39/48], -2 Con Silm 23/28 [37/42], -3 Con DaVane 19/26 Aric 60/68 |
| #309zombiegleemaxMay 26, 2004 14:36:45 | Mirielle sighs, and looks mournfully at Gamis. Gamis... Don't ever let me go to a place like this again without a few scrolls of magic dispelling. |
| #310zombiegleemaxMay 26, 2004 14:48:39 | Gamis smiles back at her ruefully. "Remind me to have the spell ready when I'm finally capable of casting it, and you've got a deal, love. "I don't like the look of that fog," he tells Miri as he gets up and helps Da'Vane and Aric return to the world of the waking. "Easy to blunder into something; hard to see; don't want to get seperated in it..." |
| #311silmarwen_dupMay 26, 2004 21:16:36 | "We could all hold hands so that we do not get seperated in the fog. If we had more rope we could use that to stay together, but beyond that I am not certain what we should do." Sees that Da'Vane and Aric show signs of waking. "Oh good they appear to be coming out of it." |
| #312zombiegleemaxMay 26, 2004 23:53:49 | *For what seems to be an eternity, Da Vane cowers from the inferno and crys out his pain to the godless heavens. Finally rain slowly comes, the fires are extinguished, and light shines down from the skys onto a charred piece of land. Being trusting of nothing after all the suffering he experienced, Da Vane warily walks up to the light. As he gets closer he sees statues creating a circle around two unmarred bodies. the closer he gets the more it seems that the light is not comming from the sky but from two sorces, a pari of statues hands glow. Da Vane enters the circle warily and sees upon the ground himself and Aric. As if this was a key to unlocking a chest holding ones lost memory Da Vanes mind wirls with the recent past. His brain aches with his unvirtuious thoughts, because he can see others view of his actions and words. He feels as though he was another witnessing his own actions. He looks down un his own body and curls his lip.* "I will change...I must change if I am to follow the path of my God in the way he wishes it to be followed." *He steps up next to his body and tries to touch his self but to his suprise his hand passes into his own chest* "mmm." *He then gingerly lies down into his own body. He then opens his eyes to a room of his companions.* "uuu...how long master, days, weeks....more?" *He sits up and looks about. Then he stands and looks into Gamis's eyes, and stares to a few seconds before saying* "I wish to speak to you after we get out of here." |
| #313zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 1:45:02 | "Hour-and-a-half, Da'Vane," Gamis replies, clapping their shoulders. "Magical trap sprung on us through that door and put you two under for a while. Good news is, this room is clear of the wraiths for now, and we know which direction we have to go in now." He nods to his squire at the request. "For now, break out your rope." |
| #314zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 9:54:42 | Mirielle nods to Silmarwen's suggestion. The last time we were here, we had trouble seeing, too. Darkness and trickery... to be expected in such a place. She picks up Ixchal, pets the weasel, and says, [swf]Go to those stairs, look and sniff, see if there is danger, be careful![/swf] Setting her down, the mage directs her familiar to the foggy stairs. |
| #315ghost_theoryMay 27, 2004 10:56:29 | The weasel runs a circle around Mirielle and then darts for the stairs. Ixchal stops and sits up to sniff the air and then carefully sticks her furry head closer in the fog. "Can't see much," Ixchal squeals to her master, "Don't smell anything different, same bad smell." "Go further?" |
| #316zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 21:17:45 | *Silently nods in acknowledgement, then he silently pulls out the rope from his pack. He holds it in his hand waiting, he then glances over to Aric who seems to still a little out of it.* .oO(why do we need rope? Is there another cliff.) "Master Gamis, why do we need rope?" |
| #317zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 22:47:51 | Mirielle glances scornfully at Da'Vane, then moves cautiously after Ixchal. .oO(He still acts as though the rest of us were insects.. he hasn't learned a thing.) [swf]Yes, further, but slowly. Stay close.[/swf] She gives a little wave to Gamis, catching his eye, and slowly follows the weasel. |
| #318zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 22:56:51 | "Leashing ourselves to each other," he explains to Da'Vane while he gives Miri a nod. "There's some thick fog just down this next staircase... I don't know if it's going to fill the next room or what have you, and what could be lurking in it. Reel it out, then hold onto it while we go." Gamis takes the end and assumes the lead down the stair, making sure his ring is open and his sword is in hand. |
| #319ghost_theoryMay 27, 2004 23:13:42 | Ixchal scampers a few paces into the ashen fog. "Too thick. Easy to get lost!" the weasel chatters back to Mirielle. On Mirielle's end, the mage perceives something odd. Once Ixchal moves out of sight in the fog, Mirielle feels that the empathic link between them is suddenly stretched so far that the master cannot sense the familiar. In spite of this, Mirielle can hear Ixchal vocalizing normally. Following down the stairs, Gamis finds the light of his ring cannot cut very deep into the haze. He is fairly certain once he takes more than a few steps into the fog, he will not be able to see the path to the main room anymore. |
| #320zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 23:18:22 | An icy thread of dread winds through to her heart, and she calls Ixchal back. [swf]Come back! Ixchal, come back![/swf] As soon as Ixchal returns, she scoops up the weasel and cuddles her, then places her on her shoulder. This is going to be bad, Gamis. Very bad. |
| #321zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 23:23:33 | Gamis frowns, then an idea comes to him and he trades his sword for his mace and smashes a considerable notch in the stair just at the border of the fog. "Here we go... I'll crush tiles as we go along. Mark the way back... What's wrong, Miri? Did she find something?" |
| #322zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 23:26:54 | That fog, Gamis. It... suppresses my link to her. Mirielle shudders. |
| #323zombiegleemaxMay 27, 2004 23:34:56 | Gamis turns another frown at the fog. "How could... Okay. Sounds like we'd better stay close... At least she came back through it alright..." He waits at the edge until the whole party is at hand and ready, takes a breath, and begins descending the steps. |
| #324ghost_theoryMay 27, 2004 23:53:26 | Slowly, the mist envelops the party as they move downward into the depths of the temple. Mirielle finds her link with Ixchal is fine as both of them step into the mists. Perhaps the reasoning becomes more evident as they progress. Gamis marks the stairs with his mace but after less than a dozen steps, there are no more to mark. The ground here resembles black stone but seems to bear an almost organic aspect to it. Glancing over their shoulders, the group sees a stone arch that marks where they entered this level. Somehow, this doesn't even feel like they are in Hardaja any longer. The arch is not built into any wall; it just seems to be a freestanding structure. Staring through, the last branded steps leading up can be seen but on either side of the arch, there is only mist and space. Peeking behind the granite frame, one can only see the stone gateway and nothing else. In fact, from behind the arch, one can see through clear to the other side, which bends any number of physical laws. All vision is limited to a range of five feet and it is noticeably cooler down here. |
| #325zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 9:04:34 | Miri scoots closer to Gamis, until she feels the warmth radiating from him. Softly, she asks, Shall I make some more light? |
| #326zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 10:45:14 | "Yes, please; maybe it'll reach farther," he says, puzzling at the arch. Then he bends down to the floor to look closer at it and test his mace's ability to dent it. "Silmarwen... Darkar told me a little about that doorway in the undead keep, and this arch is reminding me of it. What about you?" |
| #327ghost_theoryMay 28, 2004 11:13:41 | Gamis's blunt weapon crushes a notch into the ground. The hardness is comparable to the stone stairs. The sound reverberates oddly, giving the impression of vast space around them. |
| #328zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 11:20:18 | The paladin looks around as he takes in the echoes made by his 'bread crumb,' knowing well that his vision still can't penetrate the fog. .oO(If this room is that big, then it sounds like this was a good idea.) His grip shifts on his mace. "A spell to create a big wind might be good in here... Blow away enough of this mist for us to see," he notes off-handedly. |
| #329zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 11:21:25 | Mirielle swallows the feeling of sick dread in her stomach, wondering what an increase of light will reveal of their surroundings. What might be lurking beyond the edge of vision? She winces at the sound of Gamis' mace, and whispers Please don't do that! Holding her staff in front of her, she gestures and intones, lumiere comme le soleil Casts daylight on the end of her staff |
| #330zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 11:29:33 | "Sorry, beloved," Gamis whispers back, threading his left arm around her shoulder and rubbing her upper arm. "But we need to mark our way somehow." His head pivots as he tries to take in the effect of her spell. |
| #331ghost_theoryMay 28, 2004 11:44:00 | This is no simple fog, Mirielle realizes as her spell blazes from the tip of her staff. The light gives a better view of the dark floor and the stone arch, but the range of vision is still limited to about five feet. Even Silmarwen's elf eyes cannot see further ahead. As the fog shifts around them, something is seen in the canopy above. Gazing up, the party can spot a pale blue moon overhead. Even while the fog swirls, the outline of the moon can be seen. |
| #332zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 11:50:52 | Well, I think we already knew this fog was unnatural... Now I know it's a more powerful manifestation than my light spell. She sighs. The sooner this is over with... |
| #333zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 12:41:15 | "Da'Vane, keep your divination alert," Gamis recommends as he looks up at the moon for a moment. Then he lines himself up, facing directly away from the arch, and moves off into the fog. He tries to keep in a line as if they'd walked straight off the stairs and dead ahead. Every 20 feet or so he puts another dent in the floor to mark their way. |
| #334zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 15:39:39 | *Upon entering the fog Da Vane looks down onto his breast plate and sees condensation.* .oO(Why am I wet? It rained in my dreams...but..but they were dreams. It must be this fog, If we were to heat up this fog then it would dissapate.) "Master...no... Mirriell fog is water correct, and in living in the south I learned that sun burns off the fog. Your spell doesn't seem to burn it off and I don't understand why. *Looks up at the sky and frowns.* "And I thought we were under a huge mound... Things may have changed while I was upon the floor but I thought I would have been told of being brought outside, upon " *He looks down to the stone floor, frowns, and bends down to touch it with his hand checking for any loose dirt.* .oO(If there is no dirt upon the floor then we cannot be outside.) |
| #335ghost_theoryMay 28, 2004 15:58:24 | Gamis leads forward an few tentative paces, making another mark on the ground with his weapon. He has already lost sight of the arch, but he can see Mirielle and DaVane, and Mirielle and DaVane can see Aric and Silmarwen, and Silmarwen and Aric can still see the arch. DaVane finds the stone under his feet smooth to the touch, almost like hardened molten rock, if he had to compare to anything. There is no dirt or topsoil here, though the squire finds a few loose pieces of rock here and there. --- Could someone please describe what is being done with the rope? Is everyone leashed together or to something? Or is it just DaVane and Gamis holding the ends? |
| #336zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 17:21:06 | [The general idea was for everyone to be leashed, but I think everyone's just holding onto it with one hand as we go.] |
| #337zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 18:30:50 | Her voice tense, Mirielle answers, Yes, Da'Vane, fog is composed of very fine drops of water, but my spell merely simulates the sun's light. And this place is more than just 'unnatural.' |
| #338silmarwen_dupMay 28, 2004 19:15:46 | The realization that this is some place unlike any she has ever seen boggles her mind momentarily. Physically this arch can not be possible and yet it is. Examining the ground is also interesting smooth black stone, and glancing upward looking to see if she can see the ceiling sends the biggest shock to her. The moon.... the moon? "Not good at all....." Silmarwen is reluctant to move beyond sight of the arch. Suddenly a phrase repeats in her head from the letter Gaya Hoon wrote. "The last time I was tested by the Maw." Could Hardaja actually be alive and capable of doing incredible things such as change its shape or have passages that lead to unnatural places such as this? "I am wary of this place.... it seems a bad omen indeed. Thalos grant us wisdom to make the right choice on how to procede. Gamis before we travel out too far perhaps we should weigh the risks of traversing this fog with very little clue to find our way back to the arch. I wonder if Hardaja actually sent us here to be tested?" Then she hears his question about a doorway. "Do you mean the room that teleported him to the basement? That had a certain feeling about it that could be described in someway. This here has the feel of traveling to someplace that can not be. Almost like we left Hardaja into nothingness." |
| #339zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 19:32:12 | *Looks at Mirielle with a blank look until she awnsers his question, when awnsered he nods and thanks her* .oO(She hates me. I wish it wern't so but she will continue, maybe forever. It will be hard to change, as hard for me as it will for everybody else to see and to get used to it. But I will change...I must or...or all I belive and love will burn.) "Thank you ...Miri." .oO(using her short name feels so odd, but I will try to get used to it, I will try to befriend her and everybody else I know.) "I don't know how we could be out side because there is a lack of dust upon the ground. There would be dust if we were out side. Mabey the celing is a illusion. Maybe we are still inside just in another room." |
| #340zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 19:47:52 | You're right, this could be merely another illusion. But I think we'll still have to explore it. She turns towards Gamis, still holding her section of rope. |
| #341zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 19:47:59 | "I traveled with Natala and Brother Allegion to one of the hells for an afternoon once. This... This seems like it could be another one of Demmion's realms, to me. And what better place for a doorway into it than Hardaja? Still, the moon's up there... Or appears to be." Gamis glances upward again, then stoops low enough to leave another dent in the ground. He continues in the direction he's facing. "At any rate, we want the helm... And if Hardaja tries to test us before we reach it, we'll do what we can." |
| #342silmarwen_dupMay 28, 2004 20:00:16 | "If the door can defy what we know can not be, should we not test to see if your marks in the floor will actually lead back to the archway before we venture out of sight of it? Perhaps you should travel out aways while we call back to each other. Before you get out of range of hearing us stop and then try to come back. We will then be quiet unless you can not find your way back to the arch." |
| #343zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 20:10:32 | "You make a good point, Sister... Okay, that sounds like a worthy experiment. I'll give it a shot." Gamis lays his end of the rope down and takes another look around before clanking off into the fog, as straight as he can manage. At his established interval, he calls his intention to leave another 'bread crumb' and smacks the floor again, waits for an answer, and goes on again to repeat. While he walks, he awakens his senses and keeps them alert. |
| #344ghost_theoryMay 28, 2004 21:14:30 | While the rest of the party hangs onto the rope between them, Gamis peers into the fog. Walking onward into the endless vapor, Gamis finds some other marks on the floor as he makes another notch with his cudgel. There are gashes and indents in some places on the ground where he stands. The paladin has seen enough of armed conflict to recognize signs of weapon use. The ladies of the party pick up a faint noise in the fog, an almost metallic skittering. The precise direction of its origin is uncertain, but the sound is coming from the general front where Gamis is heading this very moment. As Gamis calls back to the company once again, an unsettling thought passes through Mirielle and Silmarwen's heads now: perhaps the group members are not the only ones listening. |
| #345zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 21:33:38 | .oO(And again, someone's been here before us... I guess that's a little reassuring, though. The arch led them to this place, too.) Gamis makes sure his marks should be distinctive enough among the rest of the scarring. Then, put on his guard by the signs of old carnage, he focuses more intently on his divination, sweeping it all acround the compass as he stands in one place. |
| #346ghost_theoryMay 28, 2004 21:39:58 | There is a bad taste in the air all around Gamis, it is difficult to detect anything distinctly yet. |
| #347silmarwen_dupMay 28, 2004 21:40:19 | (Celestial) Mirielle perhaps we should communicate with Gamis this way to tell him what we heard. There is a better chance that he will not be caught off guard, but I would wager the other group will think something is up by our switching tounges althought they might not know what we are saying. |
| #348zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 21:42:38 | The paladin concentrates while his left hand loosens the blade in its sheath riding on his hip. |
| #349zombiegleemaxMay 28, 2004 22:02:15 | I think we should join him. This is bad... He shouldn't be out of our sight. |
| #350silmarwen_dupMay 28, 2004 22:23:32 | (Celestial) I still think that at least one person should stay by the arch. Everyone else can go if that will make you feel better. |
| #351zombiegleemaxMay 29, 2004 16:28:19 | *Aric looks around, keeping his eyes open for danger, and grips his axe tightly* |
| #352ghost_theoryMay 29, 2004 21:57:08 | While his friends plan a course of action, the feeling of isolation surrounding Gamis becomes more ominous as his inbuilt spiritual sensor struggles to make sense of the evil intent in this odd place. Slowly it comes to the holy knight as he keeps a hand on his sword hilt. Two... two auras somewhere in the fog, and Gamis detects a lower intensity corruption in them. Aric does not know what the others are talking about, but the warrior keeps primed for trouble. The fog prevents him from seeing much further than his axe's reach. --- Rough positions in the fog while testing the mace marks. Aric & Silmarwen 5 ft. in front of the arch, Mirielle & DaVane 10 ft. in front of the arch, Gamis is about 30 ft. in front of the arch. Gamis's mace marks (2 of them) go in roughly a straight line from the arch. Moving more than 5 ft. away from arch will make you lose sight of it. |
| #353zombiegleemaxMay 29, 2004 22:07:00 | Gamis's mace clatters onto the stone and his sword sings out of its scabbard. His left arm reaches and shifts, setting his shield in its defensive position. "Two faint auras!" he calls over his shoulder to his companions and settles into his fighting stance, knees bending and feet spacing slightly as his mail shifts around him, joints bumped into specific positions chosen and set to be a careful balance between restricting movement and protecting vitals. .oO(You can tell I know you're out there, now come closer and fight me...) |
| #354zombiegleemaxMay 29, 2004 22:17:19 | Gamis! Mirielle chokes out, then taps DaVane's arm to draw his attention as she sprints towards her beloved. |
| #355zombiegleemaxMay 30, 2004 0:24:27 | *Da Vane turns to Miri when she taps him* "Ye...." *He sees her robes whip out of view. He shifts his body to face the direction that miri left in.* "Aric, Sil!! Hurry!!!" *He tears off after Miri and toward his master in full tilt, He lifts his greatsword into a ready position so he may strike the unseen threat.* .oO(I doubt there was this much fuss from Mirriel when me and Aric were experienceing out worst nightmares...I will speak to Aric when we get out of here and exchange stories.) |
| #356ghost_theoryMay 31, 2004 9:21:46 | Though he sets himself for an anticipated charge, Gamis just cannot see or hear anything through the fog. Following the sound of the knight's voice, his fiancé and squire ascertain Gamis's rough position ahead. --- Are Miri or DV letting go of the rope to rush ahead, or trying to hold on to it at the same time? Assuming Silm and Aric are at the end of the rope since they are closest to the arch. Notes for the fog: - targets have concealment (20% miss chance) - movement reduced to 1/2 - Aric's Blind Fight lets him move at 3/4 speed and reroll miss chances - avoiding getting turned around in fog without special aid is based on Survival skill - sight limited to adjacent square (5 ft.), with the exception of the pale moon above - Listen checks suffer penalties for muffling effect of fog |
| #357zombiegleemaxMay 31, 2004 10:05:24 | .oO(Changed your minds? Where are you...) Weapons still ready, he turns in his place to keep track of all quarters, still waiting for a hostile to make an appearance. |
| #358zombiegleemaxMay 31, 2004 10:42:29 | Having dropped the rope in her haste to reach Gamis, Miri asks Ixchal to try to smell for the endangered paladin. She holds the quarterstaff firmly in her hands, lighting her way as best she can. Gamis! Where are you?! |
| #359zombiegleemaxMay 31, 2004 11:04:15 | "Follow the marks! I'm not far, and I went straight ahead." Gamis calls back. "Be careful." He continues to watch his misty surroundings, resolving to awaken his divination again if the enemy doesn't show itself soon. |
| #360ghost_theoryJun 01, 2004 12:03:45 | Silmarwen can only watch as her companions abandon the safety of the line and charge into the fog. The elf ponders her options, not wanting to risk losing the arch completely while investigating this place. As her brown hair is blown slightly by some breeze, she looks to Aric who also seems confused. The rope is slack in their hands. As Mirielle and DaVane find Gamis by following his voice, the three of them hear the sound that alerted the girls earlier. A series of taps muffled by the fog approaches. The first things they see through the mists are silhouettes of huge curved objects apparently floating toward them unsteadily. These resolve into massive, spiny crab-like claws. Then, a shape floating above the three humans which turns out to be a sharpened hook of a stinger. In a matter of two seconds, the disparate pieces become a whole as part of the body that joins them becomes visible through the concealment. Standing almost as tall as Gamis and possibly twice that in length, the horse-sized scorpion scuttles forward on multiple chitinous legs. Its features are deformed as if someone tried to sculpt a scorpion never having actually seen one before. The red and black armor plating is misshapen and bent into spines that angle away from the creature’s face. The litter of battle adorns the dull-looking spikes: pieces of rusted humanoid armor, rotting flesh of sections of corpses, and scraps of cloth and metal. The head is covered by an unsymmetrical, natural helmet. From the shadow of this helmet’s brow, a multitude of eyes and wet mandibles squirm and churn. The thing reeks of not quite dried blood. Before anyone can ask what might be worse than a large, hellspawned scorpion, Gamis gleans the answer as the shadow and face of a second monstrosity is seen to side of the first one. Gamis reacts in a flash, but the monsters are just that much quicker. The first beast tries to clamp down on the knight, but Gamis twists expertly to angle his platemail and its jagged claw fails to find a grip on his solid armor. It has to settle for scratching the shining pauldron. The second also tries its luck on the front line fighter. This time Gamis parries with his bastard sword, feeling the great strength possessed by the repulsive thing while driving the claw back. It is clear the creatures move deceptively fast when they wish, breaking from their disturbing scuttling. The scorpions hiss, and the fog seems to hiss back. It could almost be mistaken for muted snickering. --- Initiative (HP): L scorp1 L scorp2 Gamis (66/76) DaVane (19/26) Mirielle (29/38 [39/48], -2 Con) Aric (60/68) Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) |
| #361zombiegleemaxJun 01, 2004 12:25:22 | Mirielle's blood turns to ice, and she casts through her mind for a course of action. .oO(Ah... of course.) Her free hand grasps the wooden token at her belt, and she prepares... Casts True Strike |
| #362zombiegleemaxJun 01, 2004 13:37:01 | "Aric! Silmarwen! Damn the arch; get over here now!" Gamis hefts his sword and calls out in Celestial, channeling silver glow into his blade as he brings it up, around, and down in a heavy chop aiming for the first creature's mandibles, followed by another mundane strike, and a thrust to fend off a claw. [smite evil, full attack, Power Attack for 3] |
| #363ghost_theoryJun 01, 2004 14:22:28 | With brutal efficiency and heavenly might, Gamis swerves his sword in dominant arcs. The blessed, bright cutting edge flies through the first scorpion’s thick armor like a tailor’s shears through cloth. The strokes find their way through the fog to gash across the scorpion’s mouth, clip off the tip of a forward leg, and thrust past a claw right into its face. This last lucky plunge of the blade causes the bulky creature to rear up before dropping onto its side. Its legs start to curl up tight to its body. --- L scorp1 is down |
| #364zombiegleemaxJun 01, 2004 17:45:18 | *Raises his Greatsword above his head, charges forward towards the alive Scorpion. He brings his sword down at the abominations head.* "Return to the hell that spawned you!" Charge at powerattack for 2 (Ghost you didn't specify which scorpion was which on the map) If circumstances do not allow for the charge then Da van'e will only powerattack. |
| #365ghost_theoryJun 01, 2004 19:14:53 | Racing forward at the thorny horror, DaVane guides his greatsword in with a vicious laceration at the thing's shoulder. The scorpion's crimson hide turns away some of the force, and DaVane feels his blade not quite going as deep as it normally would with such a decisive hit. Still, black gore drizzles down the two-handed blade as it is pulled back. The scorpion makes an odd noise that sounds like a shriek, and it shakes its broad frame, sending pieces of eroded metal and rotten flesh from its spines to the floor. Back a few steps, Mirielle prepares her spell as the commotion commences. Gamis and DaVane continue to face off against the beast, matching its claws with sharpened steel. --- The one in front of DaVane can be L scorp2. Since visibility is only 5 ft. and charge needs you to run 10 ft., just a power attack this time. |
| #366zombiegleemaxJun 01, 2004 19:59:53 | Her spell prepared to guide her attack, Mirielle points, speaks, and unleashes a deadly black ray into the remaining scorpion. Casts Enervation |
| #367silmarwen_dupJun 01, 2004 22:46:02 | (Celestial) What is the point of winning the fight if it turns out that we lose track of our only known way out? She turns to Aric speaking in common Go help them quickly. |
| #368zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 0:24:12 | "" Gamis replies as he moves in on the remaining foe, resisting becoming complacant after the easy kill. He aims another debilitating strike at the joint where its claw connects with its body and attacks inward, trying to bore deeper and deeper into its armored flesh to reach the brain, nerve center, core, whatever it is on this creature he's not entirely sure; but in his experience, hitting into it a few times makes most living creatures drop pretty fast. [5 foot stepping as necessary for reach; full attack, Power Attack for 2: +12/+7/+2, 1d10+5] |
| #369zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 0:35:44 | *Smiles with relish as his blade obviously causes the scorpion pain. He then raises his sword for another strike hitting as hard as he can.* .oO(Finally something I can kill my self. The first tangable foe.) *Da Vane sees Gamis coming after the scorpion that Da Vane is assulting and his face falls slightly* .oO(Well at least I got one hit in.) full power attack +3 |
| #370ghost_theoryJun 02, 2004 11:35:55 | The hulking arachnid brushes past the swords of the two paladins to snap at Gamis with its left pincer. The rigid appendage batters down on Gamis’s shield, driving the man down to one knee. Somehow, he manages to squirm away before the forceps close in around him. Suddenly, the stinger of the beast jabs downward from above, and Gamis’s trusty shield is raised at the last moment to deflect it. Gooey, amber venom dribbles dejectedly down the face of the shield. The scorpion’s other claw just grazes DaVane’s breastplate and continues downward with great force to leave a score in the ground. Gamis reacts with a combination of slashes against the hard exoskeleton of the scorpion, sending pieces of junk metal and cloth flying off the creature’s barbed back. Sir Pfaebinn finds his target with a pairs of attacks (he may or may not have picked up enough anatomy from Mirielle to name the femur and patella joints), but his last attempts are lost to the fog as the scorpion backs away. DaVane finds his opening to renew his assault, but the creature’s plating does not let his blade through this time. Mirielle completes her recipe of spells and sends her ray into the scorpion’s side. The black energy courses around the thing, jumping from spine to spine among the affixed ruined armor. The scorpion wobbles unsteady as it seems to be growing tired. Moving ahead quickly through the fog using his senses and blind-fight training, Aric finds the combat and raises his axe at the monster. With an authoritative hack, Aric cracks his weapon into the head of the weakened creature. The scorpion collapses in a jumble of legs, more trinkets from its back scatter onto the ground and into the fog. Sudden stillness, calm even. The two massive beasts lie at the party’s feet; dark blood covers their weapons. --- Gamis suffers 4 points of damage and 4 nonlethal |
| #371ghost_theoryJun 02, 2004 11:37:07 | And just as abruptly, they realize it is not over. Caught by surprise, the group just has time to turn as the shadow materializes through the fog. It is the mundane that gives scope to the spectacular. Thinking the two slain scorpions were large, this new one that appears is on a scale of its own. Two to three times the size of the previous foes, the huge arachnid crashes into Aric from the side of the party. Aric defends with his axe but is scooped up by a massive claw that digs into the fighter’s plate armor. The large man looks like a rag doll in the grip of the scorpion. This one looks very similar to the others, just magnified in size. Its dull scarlet and black exoskeleton is malformed and protrudes as blunted spines. Its back is wide enough to carry a mountain of old things, ornamented with pieces of nonfunctional suits of armor, torn garments, and even a broken wooden chair. The more disturbing decorations are the bodies (or sections of bodies) impaled on the spines: human, elf, halfling… The huge scorpion could be mistaken for a necromancer’s storage cellar. With Aric in its grasp, the giant peers over the dead bodies of the relatively smaller scorpions. Mother does not look happy. --- Aric suffers 8 points of damage and 8 nonlethal and is grappled. Initiative (HP): Gamis (62/76) and 4 nonlethal H scorp1 DaVane (19/26) Mirielle (29/38 [39/48], -2 Con) Aric (52/68) and 8 nonlethal Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) |
| #372zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 12:28:54 | (Shining Lord!)Oo. Gamis's eyes bulge at the sight of the great arachnid, surprise driving him back a step as he turns his shield towards the new threat. "Aric!" he shouts, and brushes past his squire, heedless of the opening he makes as he moves inside its reach except for hoping that his mail will protect him again. He swings, seeking to crack chitinous armor with his attack across its head and shoulders, hoping the giant can fight free of the claw soon and help him and that Miri pelts it with spells. [moving to scorpion's left side as it faces us, Power Attack for 3: +11, 1d10+6] |
| #373zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 12:49:34 | Mirielle prepares a spell to increase the effectiveness of Gamis' sword, grateful that she can cast it from a distance. You're in the way for me to weaken the creature, but I'll make your sword sharper! Casts Keen Edge on Gamis' sword |
| #374ghost_theoryJun 02, 2004 14:27:24 | A poorly aimed claw swing allows brave Gamis to duck in close enough to bring his extended sword down on the latest threat. Yet the weapon dings against the scorpion’s armored head with no effect. Up close, Gamis can see the monster truly towers over him. With surprising reach, the creature scuttles and shoots its left pincer out at DaVane while squeezing Aric tight in its right. Despite having its attention divided between its two claws, it somehow manages to snag DaVane’s armor-covered arm after colliding with the squire. In a flicker, the tail of the scorpion whizzes down like a guillotine at Gamis and skids off the knight’s polished vambrace before retracting. As the pain threatens to shatter DaVane’s arm bones, he uses a leg for leverage and manages to kick himself free, landing on the dark, hard floor. Stepping ahead just enough to see Gamis fighting, Mirielle concludes her mystical enhancement to Gamis’s weapon. A sparkle of transmuting light later, the sword hums through the air with superior sharpness. While Gamis hassles the immense enemy, Aric uses the distraction to his advantage. With bursting muscles and barbaric force, the strong man pries open the claw holding him just enough to slip out to the floor. His favored great axe clatters down next to him near his hands. --- DaVane suffers 13 point of damage and 4 nonlethal (6/26 and 4 nonlethal) and manages to break grapple on his turn Aric suffers 9 point of damage and 4 nonlethal (43/68 and 12 nonlethal) and manages to break grapple on his turn |
| #375zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 14:38:46 | [swf]Ixchal, keep alert for more big bugs![/swf] Mirielle grasps the wooden token at her belt, again preparing a spell. Casts True Strike |
| #376zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 14:50:35 | "Da'Vane, you'd better get back!" Gamis shouts, grunting in disgust at the smell of the poison on him. His grip tightens around the sword and funnels into it another explosive dose of positive energy to mingle with Miri's spell. Then bellowing a line from a Celestial exhortation to combat, he moves in, batting at scuttling legs to give himself an opening to slash upward, hoping that its armor is thinner on the underside, between claw and first leg on its left. Withdrawing and letting the last motes of holiness disperse from his blade after the first swing, he presses the attack again at its mouth, eyes, and joints. [full attack, smite evil, Power Attack for 2: +15/+7/+2, 1d10+16/1d10+5] |
| #377zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2004 17:03:15 | *Barely staying on his feet, Da Vane takes Gamis's advice and pulls out of battle. He raises his weapon in front of his self in defence, and backs away. He backs up to miri.* "I cannot fight toe to toe with this creature. Give me your bow quickly so I may still fight...Please." withdraw |
| #378silmarwen_dupJun 02, 2004 22:01:55 | .oO(What is that sound? It sounded like the others, but it is louder heavier?) The clamor of renewed battle slowly penetrate the fog and a cry that sounds like Aric reverberates further away and what she thinks is right. .oO(They need more help, but I am reticent to leave sight of the arch.) "I am the doorway that opens releasing light, turning back the darkness. Lord, I called for one that might be able to aid us in this time of need." Begin casting Summon Monster III Celestial Bison) |
| #379zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 12:02:27 | Mirielle nods to DaVane, indicating he should take the weapon, but not interrupting her spellcasting. |
| #380ghost_theoryJun 03, 2004 12:27:21 | Back in the mists, Silmarwen begins her chanting to the spirits above. Snatching up his axe, Aric rises to his feet and cleaves upward at the great behemoth in an underhand swing. The solid axe hew a chunk of carapace off, and a follow up blow cuts into the scorpion’s flank, propelling black viscera into the air. Next to Aric, Gamis feeds his weapon with celestial intensity and attacks in a blaze of offense. Bypassing a huge claw, the paladin drives his blade up into the underside of the red scorpion. The sword seems to stop at the chitinous armor at first, but the holy resolve to cut pushes the edge through. Gamis feels a great detonation of purpose as if his sword wants to bite into the beast. A grievous, dripping wound is left on the abdomen of the scorpion. Though the cut seems to have lost momentum at the scorpion’s protective covering, the creature is rocked by a damaging force. Gamis tries to press the advantage, but his subsequent slashes bounce off the plates and spines. As the scorpion shakes off the injury, a rusted gauntlet, a bloody leather boot, and the top half of a human corpse topples off the things back nearly hitting Gamis. The clash continues as the scorpion lashes out with all available limbs. Aric hacks at a claw as it tries several times to grab him again, and Gamis parries the other claw with sword and shield. Gamis is lucky enough to avoid the stinger once more time as it crashes down and grazes off his helmet. DaVane borrows Miri’s crossbow and seeks a way to continue to fight from a safe distance, but the poor visibility in the fog and difficulty of firing into the melee fray makes it very difficult. Ixchal bristles on Mirielle’s shoulder, wanting to help Gamis. The wizard seeks to complete a second guiding spell, but the vibrations of her incantation draws the attention of the scorpion. The brute reaches over the front rank to snap the wizard into a clawed grip. Though her disciplined mind holds the focus of her spell, she cannot actuate the magic with her body held tight. The mage’s protective enchantment dampens some of the pressure, but she can still feel her breath being squeezed away as her ribs flex. She is forcibly pulled closer to the scorpion as it clutches her in its left claw, and Ixchal falls chittering in panic to the ground where she stood. From her new viewpoint, Mirielle can clearly see the heaps of junk stacked on the monster’s back. Up close to the monstrous scorpion, Aric persists in carving into the thing’s armor. Ducking under a pincer, the big man still finds his attack glancing off the exoskeleton. But with uncanny strength, Aric finds a gap in the scorpion’s protection and slices a line at the arachnid’s shoulder. Back at the arch, Silmarwen’s prayer is answered, and a golden beast appears in the mists. Absorbed in her summoning, Silmarwen does not hear the silent approach of the silhouette behind her. The lone wraith claws at the elf from the back, but Silmarwen spots the motion from the corner of her eye and flinches just enough to miss the spectral talons. --- Miri takes 15 points of damage and 4 nonlethal (14/38 [24/48] and 4 nonlethal) and is grappled Silm’s bison still has action this round. Initiative (HP): Gamis (62/76) and 4 nonlethal H scorp1 DaVane (6/26) and 4 nonlethal Mirielle (14/38 [24/48] and 4 nonlethal, -2 Con) Aric (43/68) and 12 nonlethal Silhouette2 Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) Bison |
| #381zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 12:46:02 | Unable to use her hands, Mirielle kicks out furiously, hoping to break the creature's grip. |
| #382zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 12:53:40 | "Let her go!!!" Gamis shouts at the foe, emphasizing each word with a slash as he lays into it again and again, chopping at segment joints and hoping to cleave off protective spines with his offensive and shake its grip of Miri. [full attack, Power Attack for 1: +13/+8/+3, 1d10+4] |
| #383zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 15:36:11 | *Da Vanes eyes widen when he sees the horned claw take Miri. a growl comes from his chest. He fires into the mist from where the claw came hoping he doesn't cause harm to his companions.* .oO(I can feel the weakness taking my body, and if I am struck hard I will die. Mirielle will be fine with Gamis saving her.) "Silmarwen! Damn the arch we need help, and your healing! |
| #384zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 20:48:17 | *Aric sees the beast grab Mirielle, and he see's the look of pain in her eyes, and the look in Gamis's* *His begin to become shot with blood, and his muscles bulge* *He lashes out at the monster with the discipline of a soldier and the fury of a wild animal* [Power Attack: +2/-2 Attack: +13/+8 Damage: Damage: 1d12+10/1d12+10] |
| #385silmarwen_dupJun 03, 2004 22:04:35 | After dodging the blow from the wraith Silmarwen instructs the bison to run to the sounds of battle to help out. Drawing her holy symbol starts drawing on the power of Thalos to drive the thing away. .oO(I can not let this thing attack me again I am already weakened and cannot handle anymore.) |
| #386ghost_theoryJun 03, 2004 23:33:28 | Silmarwen presents her holy symbol steadfastly to the undead shadow and chases it away anew. Following the cleric's instructions, the glistening bison dashes as fast as it safely can through the fog to reach the noises of battle. The obscuring mist slows the summoned creature down such that it takes several moments to find the human foursome engaged with the scorpion. The chaos unfolds in front of the divine animal. Fueled by passion, Gamis slashes at the hulk ardently. His bastard sword almost purrs as it strikes into the joints. Some of his shots are reflected by the spiny armor, but the knight does not relent. The monster turns toward Gamis. If mandibles could convey hatred, this is what it would look like. Its free claw trembles, and Gamis can see red blood (different from the black ichor it has been spilling) running and dripping from the extremity like some bizarre stigmata. With this quavering claw, the scorpion cracks down on Gamis who turns away the blow with his shield and shoulder. The pincer strikes the ground and creates a long scratch. After reluctantly smiting the ground, it tries a quick stinger attack but does not penetrate Gamis's platemail. DaVane's bolt is squandered to the mist as Mirielle tries to kick herself free to no avail. She feels the hold tightening again, pinching the breath out of her. While Gamis fights off the scorpion's advance, Aric runs rampant with his axe, splitting the flank of the beast wide open as if chopping through a stout log. Another axe swing cuts unevenly through the arm of the scorpion, severing the claw and freeing Mirielle as she kicks at the pincer. On the cold ground, Mirielle manages to push open the dead claw and stand again, though she feels more than a little dizzy. The multi-legged giant totters and then drops to its stomach, legs twitching involuntarily. As it falls, it sends up a spew of debris: suits of armor, shreds of garments, dead bodies, and whatnot. Those nearby can tell that the hellish scorpion still draws breath, though it appears unconscious. --- H scorp1 is unconscious Mirielle suffers 8 points of damage and 2 nonlethal and is staggered Gamis (62/76) and 4 nonlethal DaVane (6/26) and 4 nonlethal Mirielle (6/38 [16/48] and 6 nonlethal, -2 Con), staggered Aric (43/68) and 12 nonlethal Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) Bison |
| #387zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 23:43:20 | Kill... it... quickly... Pressing one hand to her stomach, the other clutching her holy symbol, Mirielle prays to Agathalos for healing. Converts Bless and casts Cure Light Wounds |
| #388ghost_theoryJun 03, 2004 23:52:26 | Mirielle feels the divine spirit enter her midsection and spread through her body. --- Miri heals 3 points of damage (and 3 nonlethal) Mirielle (9/38 [19/48] and 3 nonlethal, -2 Con) |
| #389zombiegleemaxJun 03, 2004 23:56:02 | *Aric smiles a grim smile as he cuts off the monster's arm, and nods to Miri as she speaks* *He walks over to the scorpion, cautiously, and raises his axe, delivering a killing blow to the beast's head* OoC(Do I need to put down my attack bonuses?) [Attack: +15/+10 Damage:1d12+8/1d12+8] |
| #390zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 0:09:24 | *Moves forward when he hears the scorpion fall to the ground.* "Nobody got a bolt right." If the scorpion survives until it is Da Vanes turn he will strike the scorpion power attack for 3. |
| #391zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 9:17:59 | With Aric already in place and swinging, Gamis is content to let him finish the giant scorpion. Instead he shakes his head at Da'Vane in answer to his question and asks his own, "You alright?" Then he makes his way to Miri's side. "And you?" |
| #392zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 9:23:45 | Stifling a moan, Mirielle leans against Gamis for comfort, careful to avoid encumbring his sword arm. I will be alright, if we're not attacked again. Right now I feel like I got drunk, fell off a cart, and was trampled by a coach and four. She smiles bravely up at the paladin, but with fear in her eyes. |
| #393zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 9:29:34 | "I think I know the feeling," he says, kissing her temple. Gamis looks at the bison for a moment. " "We got them!" the paladin calls back towards the arch at the cleric. |
| #394kywynJun 04, 2004 9:36:15 | Aric and DaVane dispatch any remaining life in the scorpion by splitting its helmeted head. Ixchal scurries to climb up Mirielle’s quarterstaff and jump onto Miri’s back. ”Miri! The big bug was going to eat you!” she squeaks. Silmarwen’s golden bison moseys nearer to Gamis but appears unsure what it’s supposed to do now. |
| #395zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 9:42:18 | [swf]Yes, I think it was... Listen and smell carefully, Ixchal. Tell me if any more threats come.[/swf] Mirielle narrows her eyes and moves closer to the 'big bug.' Gamis... look at it. Bits of armor all over it. And we're looking for a helmet that our 'friend' upstairs was afraid to fetch by himself. Her eyes rove over the dead scorpion, searching for the missing helm. |
| #396kywynJun 04, 2004 9:58:58 | Among the spines of the huge scorpion’s carapace, Mirielle scans for anything resembling the token they are after. Black fluids cover much of the trinkets and remains, making it difficult to tell the quality of many items, but it is safe to assume the vast majority of things are rusted, broken, and decaying. Dame Dyer does not see anything on the scorpion’s back that could pass for a functioning helmet, though much debris was thrown off and scattered during the combat. |
| #397zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 10:17:01 | Hmph... Mirielle begins a methodical search of the combat zone, spiralling out from the dead bug. |
| #398zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 11:07:40 | Meanwhile, Gamis scrapes poison off his shield and armor with his sword's blade and flicks it away, then wipes the weapon itself and returns it to its sheath. He clanks over to his squire, weaving one gauntletted hand and speaking in Celestial. He pours the positive energy into his battered squire and takes stock of the three dead enemies and their accompanying litter. "Look at them... Where'd they get these poor people?" He joins Miri's search, looking for ornamentation--holy or unholy symbols?--to help identify them. [cure light wounds to Da'Vane, 1d8+5 hp] |
| #399zombiegleemaxJun 04, 2004 11:26:58 | "I'll be fine for now master. But I do not belive Mirielle will survive another attack like this." .oO(Neither will I for that matter) "We need to rest. Thank you master, it feels much better now." *Da Vane turns into the direction that he thinks Silmarwen is* "Sister!!! Forget what I said earlier, stay there, we may need to leave." *Sits down in inspects his arm to insure the armor was not damaged in the attack.* |
| #400ghost_theoryJun 04, 2004 11:50:13 | DaVane feels his vitality return to him through the senior paladin's touch. The southlander finds the armor around his forearm dented noticeably but still usable. Gamis cannot make out any recognizable symbols in the wreckage atop the giant vermin. A growing pool of inky blood starts forming underneath the huge scorpion. With Aric and DaVane at the scorpion carcasses, and Gamis and Mirielle spiraling out on separate orbits, their search for the helm continues. The mist makes it frustrating since only what is underfoot can be examined in detail. After a few rotations, Gamis and Mirielle have come across pieces of scrap steel and pieces of victims, but no helmet quite yet. The fog makes it difficult to judge if they are walking proper circles or getting skewed into elliptical paths or worse. Calling out to Aric and DaVane help the searchers maintain a general bearing at least. After a few minutes of careful searching, Mirielle finds herself next to Silmarwen while Gamis is not quite sure where he is now. Glancing down, he finds a crumpled steel boot at his feet. --- DV heals 12, (18/26) |
| #401silmarwen_dupJun 04, 2004 18:37:54 | Silmarwen sees Mirielle come out of the fog. She glances over the woman realizes that Miri has seen better days. "What happened is everyone all right? Moving closer she intones a prayer to Thalos asking for healing energies to flow into Mirielle Convert Bless to Cure Light Wounds |
| #402ghost_theoryJun 04, 2004 18:47:31 | In the elven cleric's orisons, there is a warmth, and a rush of positive energy, which lets Mirielle breath a little easier. --- Miri heals 9 points of damage (and 9 nonlethal) Mirielle (18/38 [28/48], -2 Con) |
| #403zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 13:13:42 | Ohh, thank you! Mirielle rests her hand briefly on Silmarwen's arm in thanks. We were attacked by enormous scorpions, two of them, as big as horses. We killed them but then an even larger one came and attacked us! It very nearly killed me, and I think we're all rather battered now. |
| #404darkar_shadowood_dupJun 05, 2004 13:20:43 | Silmarwen: "Well since you were able to find me again it seems that we should be able to follow the marks back to the arch if we keep marking the way. We should be cautious though the last of the spectre tried to suprise me while I sent the bison to aid you. I drove it away again, but it is still out there somewhere. If you can lead me to the others I will help tend to the wounded. Perhaps we can continue on and find this helm so we do not have to come back tomorrow." |
| #405ghost_theoryJun 05, 2004 13:31:43 | Its time spent, Silmarwen's bison vanishes into the mists. By the moonlight filtering in through the fog above, Mirielle and Silmarwen see their rope is still stretched out on the ground before them, leading in the direction the party was headed when they released it. |
| #406zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 13:33:03 | Mirie shudders violently, exclaiming, I do NOT want to come back here tomorrow! If I could, I would fireball this pestilential pit out of existence! She reaches down and catches up one end of the rope, gesturing to the elf to take the other end, and cautiously leads her back to the scene of the battle. |
| #407silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 13:35:48 | Well let us hurry to the others then. Taking the rope she follows Mirielle towards the others. |
| #408ghost_theoryJun 05, 2004 14:09:20 | With the two women laboring to maintain their sense of direction while listening for the helpful reciprocated calls of Aric and DaVane, the accursed fog still makes movement slow. In due time, Mirielle finds one of Gamis's mace-bashed indentations and then the silhouettes of the giant scorpion remains emerge. Silmarwen walks right behind Mirielle so as not to lose sight of her. |
| #409silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 14:43:22 | Looking over Da'Vane, Aric, and Miri, Silmarwen pulls out her wand and uses the last of the charges to tend to Da'Vane and Miri's wounds. (1 charge Da'Vane 2 charges Miri) "I have a way for us travese past any more undead so we will not have to fight them, but perhaps we should wait for Gamis to return first." Seeing the decaying bodies and the armorments adorning the scropions Silmarwen purposes a question. "Has anyone used divination to see if the helm is among all this clutter that collected on the backs of the scorpions?" |
| #410zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 15:12:46 | The sound of Gamis's mail preceeds his shape emerging from the mists, near the largest scorpion. "No, but we searched by hand and didn't find anything. I can't tell who they were, either," he adds, gesturing to the wretches littering the scorpion. "Wondered if they might be Demmionites sent here in damnation, but there's nothing either way--no symbols of him." He looks his companions over as he tries to relocate his last mace mark. "Do we want to press on?" |
| #411ghost_theoryJun 05, 2004 15:12:51 | Channeling ambulatory forces through her baton, Silmarwen lifts the exhaustion from her two comrades. Mirielle and DaVane savor the brief moment of ease as their aches are removed. The four party members stay close to one another near one of the arachnid husks. Elsewhere in the fog, a lone paladin finds a torn, embroidered shirt sleeve stained with dried blood on his way toward the sounds of the party. With a bit of luck, Gamis locates them shortly. Mirielle and Silmarwen are able to point Gamis in the direction in which they believe the arch sits based on the arrangement of the scorpion bodies. Walking just out of sight beyond the nearby scorpion, Gamis finds his last mace mark as well as his mace. --- DV heals 4, Miri heals 12 Aric (43/68) and 12 nonlethal DV (22/26) Gamis (62/76) and 4 nonlethal Mirielle (38/38 [48/48], -2 Con) Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) |
| #412silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 17:20:18 | I think we should continue to search for the helm, Mirielle and I do not want to come back for another search attempt tomorrow. |
| #413zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 17:44:33 | The paladin nods, then lifts a silver-glowing hand and pours the remainder of his healing into the beaten-up Aric. "Let's hope we're close. If there are a few more fights after this we have to go through, we may have no choice but to go back and spend the night." Then he goes about getting himself re-oriented on his previous straight path, preparing his mace. [lay on hands +10 hp to Aric] |
| #414silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 17:53:49 | Wait, I can provide cover so that we might avoid more undead if we do not attack. (Casts Hide from Undead touching each member of the group) |
| #415ghost_theoryJun 05, 2004 18:22:57 | After Silmarwen casts her protections, the group prepares to walk again. The fog seems like it could very well go on forever. --- Aric heals 10 (and 10 nonlethal) Hide from Undead active for 70 min Aric (53/68) and 2 nonlethal DV (22/26) Gamis (62/76) and 4 nonlethal Mirielle (38/38 [48/48], -2 Con) Silmarwen (23/28 [37/42], -3 Con) Could you guys describe the general method of searching please? (like fan out with the rope, spiral from a central point in groups again, or try to keep on walking straight ahead away from the arch for as long as possible?) |
| #416zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 19:26:44 | Wait... wait... Mirielle turns and looks at the scattered debris of the battle. Look at all this... All we have to do is make a trail with this garbage to lead us back to the arch. And we can double-check the helms at the same time! |
| #417silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 19:34:06 | That sounds reasonable, but time consuming as well. Perhaps we could have one group make the trail while the other group continues ahead? |
| #418zombiegleemaxJun 05, 2004 21:30:33 | "Maybe, but I don't like the idea of splitting us up again. Just grab an armful or so of the litter, and when it runs out, I'll start denting the ground again." The paladin stoops and begins gathering choice bits of the scorpions' "decorations"--pieces of armor, boots, weapons, and the like, but definitely no body parts. When the group is ready, he arranges to continue the straight line they'd been taking before the ambush. |
| #419silmarwen_dupJun 05, 2004 22:05:54 | Seeing that Gamis is set to lead them in a straight line, Silmarwen purpose another suggestion. Perhaps if we formed a /\ with Gamis at the point in the center of the rope the others could move back and forth as far as the rope allows searching and then move behind Gamis every few paces to drop a piece of armor or something to continue the trail. When we run out of items to drop Gamis can start marking the floor again. |
| #420ghost_theoryJun 06, 2004 20:49:08 | With Gamis at the lead, and the others right behind him, the party takes a few tentative stops forward, away from the orientation of the arch. Silmarwen helps attach the center of the rope around the waist of Gamis's breastplate. This gives the party members the safe option of sweeping sideways while they search forward to cover more ground. A trail of discarded armor pieces is left as a guide back to the scorpion remains. There do not appear to be any complete helmets in the rusted medley carried by the group. Once out of sight of the scorpion bodies, every step looks like the last. Gamis treads forward again, each party member taking a turn in leaving a metal marker. Tethered to the paladin, the other four search around for any indication of something other than fog and stone. About forty feet out in front of the scorpions, Gamis bends down to drop a split steel bevor. Mirielle and DaVane to Gamis's right, and Aric and Mirielle on the armored knight's left, search the cool, smooth floor. There are fewer scrapes on the floor here and fewer bits of refuse. And then it is Aric who nearly trips over something solid. Mirielle is next to him in an instant and sees the gleaming helmet that just might fill their criteria. It is a full and sturdy-looking helm that seems in very good condition except for a conspicuous dent on its right side. At the discovery of the protective headgear, the party gathers around to take a look. Gamis sees something vaguely familiar about the piece of armor but cannot put his finger on it. Mirielle's memory contributes more information, and the wizard recognizes it as the helmet the two of them were loaned back during their attack on the goblin warlord Khan. --- About 10 mins past since Hide from Undead cast, 1 hr left |
| #421zombiegleemaxJun 06, 2004 20:58:51 | The quiet is only broken by the sounds of the party's breathing. Wrong thread oops. |
| #422silmarwen_dupJun 06, 2004 21:03:58 | So this is the helm? What are the chances that there is more than one magical helm down here. If that is the case we should start thinking about what we want to ask Mome. A bit of preperation might be good. |
| #423zombiegleemaxJun 06, 2004 22:12:03 | Gamis is quiet for several seconds as he looks on the helm before he says anything. "This was Dame Shalla's helmet, then... And she didn't come back from Hents Manavelins. Did the Flame bring it here? So is this place some sort of... trash heap, or where sacrifices are gathered?" He casts his eyes about the mists, wondering if he'll see the corpses of Shalla or other Jackals dumped here by the Demmionites. |
| #424zombiegleemaxJun 06, 2004 22:38:03 | Mirielle turns the helm over in her hands, rotating it as she inspects it from all sides. I... hope she didn't suffer. |
| #425zombiegleemaxJun 07, 2004 2:01:32 | *Feeling much better Da Vane is moving about with much more confidence in his step. When the group finds the helm he looks at it with uncertinty.* "Are you sure this is the helmet? For it doesn't exactly look special. There is still much that we have not seen." |
| #426zombiegleemaxJun 07, 2004 2:11:16 | "You haven't seen what it does, Da'Vane. We recognize it as Shalla's... Mome said he wanted a certain helmet, magical, from down here." He looks to the ladies. "Want to verify the enchantment, or do you feel we can head back up now?" |
| #427zombiegleemaxJun 07, 2004 8:29:26 | Mirielle shakes her head. I would need to sleep and prepare the divination in order to check the enchantment. I don't want to do that here, and I'm quite sure this is Dame Shalla's helm. Ixchal chitters mournfully from Miri's shoulder, and looks at Gamis with her most pathetic gaze. |
| #428zombiegleemaxJun 07, 2004 14:38:24 | "Alright," Gamis agrees with a nod and rubs Ixchal behind one ear. "That's good enough. Let's head back and give this to Mome, then." He turns, seeking the trail they left behind leading back to the arch and the surface. "Though I have to wonder what he wants with this... I'm not sure I like the idea of giving any Demmionite the mobility this helmet gives." |
| #429ghost_theoryJun 07, 2004 14:55:40 | Faintly lit by unearthly moonlight, the trail of old armor and other rubbish leads the band back to the scorpion bodies without trouble. The challenge will now be getting back to the arch. Gamis's notches in the ground mark the way home, but the blinding fog makes finding the next notch not as simple a task as it should be. |
| #430zombiegleemaxJun 07, 2004 15:04:33 | Gamis frowns slightly, then instructs Da'Vane to stand with the end of the rope on top of the last notch, then begins a sweep around it, much like a compass with the squire setting the center while he looks for where he left the last dent. |
| #431ghost_theoryJun 07, 2004 15:29:18 | With the methodical sweeping, Gamis and DaVane find the next notch in front of them and then the arch after a second similiar setup. The whole process takes a number of minutes, but all five adventurers make it back to the shrouded stone gate. |
| #432zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 0:22:21 | *When Da Vane sees the arch he lets out a breath of relief.* "We found it master. We should not forget that there is yet another wraith lurking these halls." *Walks under the omoniouse archway* |
| #433silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 0:25:42 | "The spectre may still be here, but my spell to shield us from its sight should still be in affect. It is by no means fool proof, but if we keep alert and refrain from attacking first we should be fine." |
| #434zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 0:32:39 | "Even then, if it's only the one we can handle it easily all together." Gamis unbinds the rope around his waist and coils it up. "Well, let's get out of here now." He leads the way back through the arch, up the steps, and back into the foyer. |
| #435zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 0:46:25 | As they pass through the archway and foggy staircase up to the surface, Silmarwen speaks again on the suggestion she made earlier after they'd found the helm. “Now that we have the helm that Mome wants we should think about what we want to ask him.” “Good idea...” Gamis agrees. “I want to know what those members of the Flame came here for, to start with. The sect comes from beyond the Western Desert; we might ask where, specifically, and how long ago... What they're doing in the area…” “They must have a way of recognizing each other,” Miri adds in, “when strangers meet in a public place. A signal, or a way of dressing... Something subtle that outsiders would not notice. Perhaps he could tell us that.” “That is good, perhaps we should know who the leaders are and how many came from beyond the desert.” Gamis merely nods. “In the letter written by Gaya Hoon he was concerned about the Moon Children's numbers, to me that would suggest that there is a limited number of them here and their alliances are what is the majority of their power.” “That sounds plausible.” “Do you think they may have any special powers from Demmion?” the wizardess wonders while thoughtfully turning the helmet in her hands. “Good question… My understanding is that they’re depraved and use slaughter as a form of worship--don’t know what that does for them… but that’s a good one to ask him. “I wouldn't mind knowing where the bloodtroll comes from…” He thinks for a moment, searching for more questions, or more specific ones. “Let's see... And perhaps where other groups of them are elsewhere in the world. Mome's replies will probably lead us to the next ones.” “I can only imagine how he will reply. However I would like to know more about Gaya Hoon personally. It seems that he is a key figure in this based on an elven prophecy mentioning ‘Dread Heart’ which is Gaya Hoon in elven.” Gamis glances back at the elf more directly through the vapor. “Well that's ominous... Maybe he knows of this prophecy, too; that could be helpful to you.” The cleric nods, and the paladin thinks for a moment before reiterating. “So we have Gaya Hoon, the Flame's origins and ways to recognize them, their business here, where other groups are and what they're doing... Some more concrete information on their dogma and how Kak blesses them, as well.” “That sounds like basic information to get started, and I believe we may have to come up with other questions based on the answers we hear. For if we think of anything else beyond that we might be seeking something that does us no good. It is one of those phrases -- ‘To play it by ear’ -- I think that is how it goes.” Gamis nods. “Sounds musical, so Minto would probably know the phrase for sure. We'll see what he has for us.” |
| #436ghost_theoryJun 08, 2004 9:33:09 | Stepping back through the archway causes an involuntary shiver down the back of the neck, like the body’s senses are shaking out of a slumber. The temple is dark except for the light the party bears. Carefully climbing the steps back into the main room, the quintet finds the lone wraith hunched over and seemingly seated on the ground next to the main entrance. It does not appear to take notice of the party’s arrival or approach. The sinister, cloaked specter is trying to pluck a ghostly mandolin with skeletal fingers, but the strings are all broken. It looks very... lonely, if the walking dead feel such a thing. |
| #437zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 10:54:40 | Mirielle looks at the wraith, compassion warring with fear and disgust inside her. She reaches to Gamis, hand resting on his arm. I hope it will find rest... It probably won't stand aside politely while we stroll out of here, and that means a fight. She sighs. |
| #438zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 11:01:19 | The paladin nods while looking at the wretch, his left hand curling around the pommel of his sword. "I think the spell is still covering us... But we should destroy it. Put it out of its misery." |
| #439zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 11:18:22 | "I will not be able to harm it though. I have yet to strike this type of undead. My weapon mearly goes through its body. If any of you have something that will allow me to aid in destroying this monster I will have it. If we are to attack it we should all surround it. Gamis striking first then Aric, then I. I do not know what Sister Silmarwen, and Mirielle have to fight with but they should fight last. I belive that If we do this we will be able to do the most damage." |
| #440zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 12:08:03 | "I can make your sword able to affect it temporarily, Da'Vane. Miri and Silmarwen have already suffered its touch; they don't need to be hurt even more by it. The three of us should be able to surround and handle it simply enough. "And succientness is a virtue," he adds in an undertone to his squire, drawing his sword slowly as he keeps an eye on the wraith. |
| #441silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 12:32:26 | Is it worth a fight for one spectre that it ends the spell? Remember the twisted forms that we encountered at the base of the cliff? Some of them got away, and there might be more. They saw what Mirielle can do and would probably go after her first. I just want you to be aware of the consequences that could happen just for one spectre. |
| #442zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 18:33:57 | The paladin nods. "Duly noted. But, we didn't see them on the way in or any indication that they'd come back, and they've had ample time to regroup. Injury from Miri's spell will be lingering with them still unless they have some way to heal... "And I just really feel I ought to put this wretched thing to rest." Gamis shifts his grip on his sword, then beckons Da'Vane closer so he can lay the spell on his squire's greatsword. [bless weapon] |
| #443silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 19:00:47 | I am sorry it does not seem wise to end the spell for one wayward soul while we are still deep within the Maw after all that has happened today. |
| #444zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 20:23:54 | "We also don't know for sure that there's any more risk to be had out there--besides those at the foot of the cliff we weren't challenged until we got in here," Gamis replies, refraining from casting the spell anyway. "But, we can have a look out there to see if anything looks like it'll interfere with us on the way out." So saying, he skirts the specter where it strums its mandolin and clanks back to the front door, which he looks out, raising his ring high. |
| #445ghost_theoryJun 08, 2004 20:39:49 | Stepping through the open double doors, Gamis strains his eyes through the gloom, and his ring illuminates in all directions. The shadows cling in places as the light unveils menacing features in the stone around the temple. The same grim sights as earlier today: collapsed ruins and strange looking rocks. The earthen ceiling high above perpetuates the continual night. There are no signs of other figures immediately outside the building, though Gamis's light doesn't reach far enough to see the cliff where they left their escape rope. |
| #446silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 20:42:33 | Silmarwen does not wait with the others but follows after Gamis. .oO(I should have gone with him earlier. I can see farther than he can, and they waited just outside of the light.) She chides herself as she hurries after the paladin. |
| #447ghost_theoryJun 08, 2004 20:48:23 | Silmarwen's elfsight takes in a greater range of vision, but she does not see anything suspicious either. |
| #448silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 20:52:58 | I am not seeing anything, but that does not mean we should not be cautious. |
| #449zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 21:06:50 | "Of course," Gamis agrees evenly. "The cliff's a good hundred yards or so from here, too..." He glances back into the foyer, at the shadow there. "But those things Miri blasted were corporeal, easier to deal with. There's no fault in your logic, Sister, I just don't think that the risk is so great. Nasty as this place is, those scorpion have to be some of the worst it has to offer, and we bested them. "I'm prepared to put it out of its misery. So's Da'Vane, and Miri, too." |
| #450silmarwen_dupJun 08, 2004 21:13:00 | I believe that it is foolish, but I am not capable of stopping you it seems. It just seems that it would be easier to climb back up the rope without having to worry about undead beasts seeing us. |
| #451zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 22:17:21 | As much as it offends me to leave that thing in its state of limbo, I think Silmarwen is right. We're in no shape to take on another onslaught of undead, and since we can't know for sure that there aren't more waiting just beyond our vision, I think we should just go. Mirielle walks out to stand by Gamis' side, and looks up at him worriedly. .oO(Have I ever disagreed with him on a matter such as this before? How will he take my disagreeing? And in front of others...) |
| #452zombiegleemaxJun 08, 2004 23:31:16 | Gamis sighs. "I honestly don't expect an onslaught. But as you wish; we'll play it safe." No trace of grudge can be seen or heard in him, and he beckons to Da'Vane and Aric. "Let's get out of here, then; there's still a cliff to climb and Mome to talk to." |
| #453ghost_theoryJun 08, 2004 23:57:15 | The others pass by the last wraith, the priestess's magic screening them from its senses. Walking slowly back the way they came, the party cannot help but notice the faint miasmal reek that is exuded from somewhere among the rocky fissures. A haze of oppression and futility is prevalent as they proceed. The trek back to the muddy area where the group touched down is unobstructed, but the air is syrupy with something unnamable. Not that it is unbreathable, more as if one's lungs need to draw two breaths to feel one. Except for the party's light, the Maw is black. It is no longer meant for living things. Even before the light properly touches the cliff face, Silmarwen thinks something might be wrong. She scrutinizes the sheer wall but cannot spot their cord. This is verified as the everburning torch and Gamis's ring reveal that the rope is nowhere in sight. For an instant, Silmarwen thinks she spots some sort of movement at the top of the cliff but cannot be certain. |
| #454silmarwen_dupJun 09, 2004 0:04:59 | Quietly in Celestial Gamis the rope is missing, and I am not certain but I think I saw movement up on the cliff. |
| #455zombiegleemaxJun 09, 2004 0:08:58 | Gamis swears quietly, thinking of the climb without the rope as well as the prospect of another fight. "" he asks the elf. He fans out his divination, hoping to reach the top of the cliff, tuning out Hardaja's aura as best he can to focus on what could be up there. |
| #456silmarwen_dupJun 09, 2004 0:12:51 | Quietly in Celestial If it were elves, dwarves, or orcs I would say that it is probably certain. However not knowing who they are makes it difficult to say. We probably should turn back or look like we are setting up camp instead of staring at the cliff so we do not attract their attention while we plan. |
| #457zombiegleemaxJun 09, 2004 0:23:57 | "" he says, obviously concentrating. "" |
| #458ghost_theoryJun 09, 2004 0:26:33 | Gamis's senses are stretching to their limits, and it takes a minute to sift through the madness of this place, but eventually Gamis finds two aura. A medium strength evil intent is the strongest he picks up on. |
| #459zombiegleemaxJun 09, 2004 0:34:34 | "" Gamis reports, "" He turns to his right and slogs away through the mud, looking for the distance Silmarwen suggested. |
| #460zombiegleemaxJun 09, 2004 9:54:02 | Miri hurries along by Gamis' side, her daylight enhanced quarterstaff lighting the way. Ixchal clings to her shoulder, peering and sniffing around, alert. |
| #461ghost_theoryJun 09, 2004 10:10:45 | Finding a spot away from the muddy foot of the cliff, the party seeks to regroup. There is no evidence from above that they have been spotted, but then again, they are the only light source in this area, so the party is left to their own assumptions. After the group stops, Mirielle and Aric both hear faint echoes from the high ledge of the precipice. It is impossible to tell if the murmuring is language or just some other noise. |
| #462silmarwen_dupJun 09, 2004 20:14:18 | (In the common tongue normal tones) What? This place, are we sure that Da'Vane's leg will not let him climb? (Quieter and in celestial) Two of them Gamis? I can not see them they are beyond the limits of my sight. How many ran after Mirielle's spell the other day? Two wasn't it? |
| #463zombiegleemaxJun 11, 2004 22:14:50 | Yes, two. And it seems they climbed up our rope, and pulled it after them. Gamis twists the copper bracer on his wrist, and Mirielle sighs. Now I'm really wishing I'd prepared a second fireball. Except it would burn up our rope... Gamis nods, patting her shoulder. Anyone climbing up would be especially vulnerable to attack from above, and if their blows can suck away our vitality like those others... We need a better plan. |
| #464silmarwen_dupJun 11, 2004 22:30:45 | What of the helm? Does it provide extra protection for the one who wears it or something? |
| #465zombiegleemaxJun 11, 2004 22:43:24 | Mirielle takes the helm, examining it again. Transportation... She used it to move much as my teleportation spell does... Maybe I can see how it works... She searches the helm for clues to its usage. If nothing else, I can get some of us to the clifftop, we can destroy the undead and drop the rope down for the rest of you. Spellcraft check +20 modifier |
| #466ghost_theoryJun 11, 2004 23:18:42 | Mirielle concentrates on the helmet, and what she remembers of its use, to combine that information with the arcane knowledge she possesses of such items. She brain churns and computes the figures and theorems until common threads are found. Relativity is a concept that comes to the wizard from the shape of the helm and the idea of its use. If one moves everything around oneself, it is relatively the same as if one has moved the same amount. If the helmet could free one's mind enough to see such a conception put in practice... Notwithstanding all her knowledge, no ordinary calculation will grant her access to the precise mystical properties of this wondrous object. But she knows what it does and has seen it used, so it should be a simple matter of willpower to try it herself is she wishes. Much magic is grounded in willpower. |
| #467zombiegleemaxJun 11, 2004 23:29:40 | I think I can make this work. She looks over the group. But who goes with me? I'm not certain I can move all of us. |
| #468silmarwen_dupJun 11, 2004 23:45:03 | Take Gamis, and Da'Vane if you can. That way even if they are undead you should not have much trouble. Perhaps if you traveled behind them you could drive them over the cliff and Aric and I could take care of them if they surrvive. |
| #469zombiegleemaxJun 11, 2004 23:52:57 | Mirielle nods, looking to Gamis, who bites his lip, then agrees. She starts to put the helm on her head, but pauses to make sure there are no bugs inside it. She grins and shrugs after, then settles it on her head, to Ixchal's annoyance. Alright, if you'd each take one of my arms... .oO(This had better work.) Ixchal's claws dig tighter into her cloak, and she concentrates on the top of the cliff, visualizing the point from which they descended. |
| #470ghost_theoryJun 12, 2004 0:23:35 | Finding nothing inside, the mage dons the smooth helmet with a wind-sculpted appearance. The front opening leaves her face revealed. Collecting her focus, Mirielle channels her thoughts into the metal and feels vibrations around her ears. "Move," she concentrates. "Move," she commands. Although her eyes are closed, Mirielle can sense the world spinning around her. She pictures the top of the cliff she casually observed earlier and feels it coming closer. DaVane and Gamis feel a similar disorientation, and the darkness blurs around them. It takes a portion of determination to set the ground still in Mirielle's mind, there is the threat of deviating off course and falling into chaos, but she endures. When they can see again, the trio are on the cliff ledge looking down at where Silmarwen and Aric are situated below. Turning warily, Gamis's ring and Mirielle's staff unveil a sooty pair of figures about fifteen feet away. They appear like the ones Mirielle condemned with her wrathful flames previously. Inspecting them up close, black strips of torn cloth and pieces of leather and rusted iron cover their crooked frames. Ragged brown hair sticks out in tuffs from their wrapped heads. The party's rope sits in a coil near the two wights, who do not seem to take notice of the three companions. "Not here yet... sooon..." a hiss passes from one to the other. "Ask them to leave one... repay for the three lost..." the other replies in a hypnotic state. |
| #471zombiegleemaxJun 13, 2004 17:41:45 | *Aric waits anxietously, his grip on his axe loosening and tightening* *He keeps his eyes out for anything that could surprise him and Silmarwen* |
| #472zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 0:21:09 | (I guess you could've used the rope after all,)Oo. Gamis thinks as he draws his holy symbol out from under his armor, presents it at arm's length, and thunders at them in Celestial, hoping the turning will drive them right off the cliff to fall to their doom: "" |
| #473zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 0:32:08 | *Adds his own war cry to the din created by Gamis, and brandishes his, larger and more threatening, weapon. He also advances ten feet towards the wights* "You will relinquish your unholy post-lives to the followeres of Agathalos!" |
| #474zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 9:33:51 | Mirielle's eyes widen as she glances between the two men, but she quickly draws her wand and sends glowing missiles into the wights. .oO(I hope they head for the cliff edge!) |
| #475ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 9:58:44 | The bandaged figures do not make any movement as Gamis presents his symbol of faith. But once the paladin starts calling down his benediction, the two turn as quickly as their crooked bodies allow. “You dissssappoint… me, brother,” the closer undead shape mutters in a voice that seems buried. The wight takes a step closer and that is where it ends. As Gamis’s words stream out, the creatures start shivering and throw their heads back in voiceless screams. The wraps around their heads unravel to expose white, gaunt faces and soulless, yellow eyes. Then their outlines start to break up as an unseen gale blows them backward. Their ties with this world breaking, Gamis catalyzes their decomposition into dust that gusts out over the edge. DaVane advances but holds off any further action, and Mirielle finds she no longer has targets for her wand. From below, Aric and Silmarwen can hear Gamis’s voice and see the illumination carried by their friends above. Next, the two feel a faint ashen rain from overhead that stinks of the grave. |
| #476zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 10:15:06 | Mirielle stares for a moment, then reflexively stows her wand back in her belt. She looks at Gamis, smiling her immense admiration. Let's get that rope in place. We don't want to leave the others down below any longer than necessary. |
| #477zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 10:24:24 | Gamis's eyes widen briefly as the wights return to dust. He rubs his thumb against his sun disk and gives a brief, silent prayer as he tucks it away under his breastplate again. He returns Miri's smile and nods, then clanks over to the rope and the edge of the cliff. "They're gone," he calls down to Aric and Silmarwen. "Here comes the rope; we'll pull you up." The paladin tosses the coil out for them and watches it undulate. |
| #478ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 10:48:27 | Silmarwen and Aric climb the rope with little difficulty this time with the added help of their waiting friends. |
| #479zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 11:12:45 | Mirielle shifts restlessly, keeping watch for attackers, while the men pull Silmarwen & Aric up over the cliff edge. Let's get going... I want away from this pit. |
| #480ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 11:24:10 | With the two climbers coughing up a bit of wight dust, the group is reunited. They coil up the rope and have a moment’s breather before heading back along the rocky trail. Their enchanted lights guiding the way, the five make their way through the black crags and vestiges of housing and walls. The dark seems to prod at them but is held back by the perimeter of radiance. Eventually, Silmarwen spots the red and not red light of Mome’s address and leads the party forward until they are at the strange stalagmite-borne fungus groves around the house. |
| #481zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 11:31:11 | As they walk towards the house, Mirielle reviews the agreement they made, looking for a loophole that will allow her to keep the enchanted helm. .oO(I can't stoop to their level, though.) A sigh escapes her at the thought that honor will demand she hand over the valuable item. |
| #482zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 11:33:13 | Gamis clanks his way up to the front door and pushes it open, glancing again at the red jug as he passes it. "Mome, we return," he calls into the house, listening for the caretaker's movement. |
| #483ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 11:46:32 | The front door of the house opens slowly and the aged figure of Mome appears to beckon them inside. “Still alive, are you?” he nods. He looks expectantly at Mirielle who is holding the helmet. |
| #484zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 11:55:47 | The paladin nods and steps inside at Mome's gesture, moving to allow the others inside as well. "Where shall we talk?" |
| #485zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 12:06:30 | Mirielle steps forward, looks at the helm again, and sets it on the table, rigidly controlling her features. |
| #486ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 12:17:21 | “Here is as good a place as any, young sir,” Mome shuffles over to examine the helm. “What was it you were seeking again?” |
| #487zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 12:47:36 | "Information on the Eternal Flame," the knight replies evenly, gaze following Mome to the table. "I trust the helm there is satisfactory." He nods to the object. Patiently, he allows for the caretaker to look it over and make himself comfortable, then he asks a first question regarding the Demmionites. "What can you tell us about Gaya Hoon?" |
| #488ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 13:08:19 | "Hoon... Hoon..." Mome mutters to himself while handling the helmet. The caretaker straightens his back with an audible crack, his dark robes shifting slightly. "Ah... One convinced that what the Elves know of themselves is false, but has yet to find a satisfactory truth," he answers. |
| #489zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 13:41:10 | Gamis glances at Silmarwen, wondering if the answer means anything in the context of the prophesy she spoke of, and looks to the elderly man again. "Is that what he and the Flame are doing in Hents Manavelins, then? Looking for this satisfactory truth?" |
| #490silmarwen_dupJun 14, 2004 13:53:27 | Silmarwen withdraws silently in her own thoughts trying to figure out the meaning of Mome's statement. Could someone let me know by PM if Silmarwen will have any idea about what Mome said. Knowledge (religon) +11 |
| #491zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 13:56:55 | Likewise |
| #492ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 14:49:56 | "She," Mome corrects when Gamis speaks about Gaya Hoon. "I'm not so sure about Hents Manavelins specifically... But she has a more personal interest in this area, I think. Only the Mother knows what that could be though." Mome chuckles a little to himself. |
| #493zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 15:08:51 | Gamis's brows lift at the news of Hoon's gender, then lower and smooth as her intentions turn out to be more obscure. A gauntlet flexes slightly, and he picks the next inquiry. "I've heard that the Flame come from somewhere beyond the Western Desert... And also read of their doings in the Southlands." He's aware of his periphreal resting on Da'Vane for a moment. "I'd like to know where they hail from, and what other... exploits... they--and Hoon--can claim." |
| #494ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 16:36:55 | Mome sighs slightly, "You talk as though you expect to find them holed up in a single isolated temple. The centre of their power used to be the city of Sacheverell, but that could have changed years ago." "I'm hardly qualified to give you directions." Mome places the helmet back on the table. With no chairs, he stands as he continues. "As for their 'exploits,' the ones of real import are more likely kept between themselves are the Gods, don't you think?" |
| #495zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 16:54:35 | "I'd say that depends on the Face they give homage to. They killed thousands in the Southlands, overtly enough that my old brothers there were able to meet them in the field and drive them off. "A land-grab through that might be a good enough reason for Talons to put themselves through war--or maybe not; generals get the lion's share of the spoils, not the soldiers... I can't think of any transgression people revering the Mother up until that point could comitt, that would make the Blades come down on them... But that kind of entrophy and slaughter seems like it'd please the Dark. Or am I far off the mark?" |
| #496ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 17:11:03 | Mome nods very slightly to Gamis's assessment. "Ah, now there is a question," the old man's eyes seem to pick up some new light, "What pleases a force, a philosophy, a God?" He beings to elaborate now, "Where the Initiates of the Dark advocate chaos in order to make a sacrifice of the world and free their master from his slavery, the Eternal Flame believe every action must be concerned with awakening his power. To them, it is about making his glory visible for all to see. They view the beliefs of the Initiates as foolishness, asking why their god would want to rule over a dead world." "The Initiates, on the other hand, feel that the Eternal Flame miss the point. They know that the world must be destroyed in order to purge it of the mistakes made by the other gods. Once that is done, the Dark One will make a new world, free of other influences that corrupted it." "But the Eternal Flame go one step further: this is about winning Ordemet's favor, about who will inherit Her creation." Mome scoffs, "I'm not so sure it's that impressive a prize, but my opinion isn't one that matters on this subject. Who knows whose opinion matters at all?" |
| #497zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 18:06:22 | The paladin frowns slightly, eyebrows pulling together a bit once again as he listens to Mome's explanation of the Flame. "Our own matter, to us," he rejoins to the rhetorical question. "They help determine what we make our next step, don't they?" His mind moves in the meantime, turning over the information. .oO(The Lady's favor... So what does Hoon think will be achieved by staying near the city? Saying that they didn't ask for any trouble, and it was us that came and picked the fight? Maybe, but he said her reasons for being here are more personal...) Gamis's eyes slide to Da'Vane again. .oO(Then what did they want in the Southlands? Did they throw the fight there and purposefully let them come under the church's absolute control, to make an example? Devious... Maybe... Who knows; it could've been.) His thoughts clearing, he picks the next question. "How do you know one of the Flame? We have their long-term goal; what else? Demmion's gifts, distinguishing features, that sort of thing." |
| #498ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 18:36:51 | "Gifts? Well, I deem all service to be sacrifice, and the gods all acknowledge their faithful. If Demmion is particularly pleased, he may be a bit more generous than usual, of course. The nature of the generousity is not something easily pinned down." Mome clears his throat. "They'll make that clear enough when they're on the offensive. In battle, they ride beneath the banner of a black sphere surrounded by a red corona, a symbol they may wear on their garb at such times and during ceremonies as well," he states in a dry voice. |
| #499zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 19:53:18 | Gamis nods, remembering suggestions of the symbol he's seen before, before settling on a question Silmarwen suggested back in the pit. "Do you know many came with Gaya Hoon to the fort, Mome? We've... met the blood troll. Who are her other lieutenants in the group?" |
| #500ghost_theoryJun 14, 2004 21:40:27 | "I do not know of what you speak," Mome's greying eyebrows furrow, "A 'blood... troll?'" "Could you describe it? The name invokes an interesting image." "Of their leaders and numbers... I neither know nor care to find out." Mome shakes his head, "You credit me with having a remarkable degree of their confidence." To Gamis's ears, the timbre of the caretaker's voice indicates he is not quite following the logic of the quesitons. |
| #501zombiegleemaxJun 14, 2004 23:43:13 | "She--the bloodtroll--is with the Flame. She's a fiend-spawned troll: wings, horns, Demmionite magic. She brought ogres and goblins and cowed the orcs in Hents Manalevins. We have reason to believe some of their number doesn't care a great deal for her." He lets Mome's confusion slide for the moment; it doesn't seem to matter a great deal. "Okay, they don't have your ear--that's fine. But, three of them did visit this place. They seem to have spoke with you; you can hardly blame me for asking." |
| #502ghost_theoryJun 15, 2004 0:27:06 | "That is a different question, then, is it not? Why they were here.." "Have you ever wondered why the Hightower was here? Why did Reise send Malifaeyr to this frontier? Find the answer to those questions, and you'll be on the right track." Mome waits to see if his words have sunken in. "Power. You'd be amazed at how many groups are aware of this. Some seek to contain it, while others seek to exploit it." "Hardaja was not merely a temple to Kakkodemmion. Once, it was the gateway to His realms.." "An ill-used gateway," he adds darkly. "They came to try to open a black door, an access to a world beyond this one, but something terrible occurred.." |
| #503zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 0:37:54 | Gamis nods, suspicions about the doorway and the scorpions and their corpse litter propped a little straighter suddenly. "Is the story of the Pale Prophet not entirely accurate, then? Or was it the opening that garnered his wrath here?--unless they sought it after it sank." |
| #504ghost_theoryJun 15, 2004 9:27:01 | Mome takes a breath as if this is the most speaking he has done in a while. "As for the accuracy of that story, a priestess of Ordemetrex was called to witness the event to ensure an unbiased account, as well as to ensure that the Goddess herself would be watching on some level." Mome's face wrinkles in thought, "But I believe you misunderstood my point about the effort to open the door. That is separate to the disaster. "The "they" I mentioned refers to those that came to reopen it, not those who were here when it was destroyed." "And the gateway's existence didn't doom this place. It was Hardaja's reluctance to properly exploit what they'd been provided that led to the temple's punishment." |
| #505zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 9:50:18 | Sir Pfaebinn gives the wrist of his gauntlet a twist. "Do you mean the Flames that came here recently? Because they left here alive--well, some of those who set out, at least." |
| #506ghost_theoryJun 15, 2004 10:32:47 | Mome nods in a somewhat hawklike fashion. "The 'something terrible' that happened was that they succeeded." "We spoke of Hent Manavelins as a possible source of truth, and I know not of that. But perhaps at this point in time, it is a matter of entry rather than answers.." Mome paces unevenly in the room. "You see, the barriers between worlds are not the same everywhere. In some places, like here, the walls are stretched thinner. And doors can be pushed through. Though with these things, the only certain thing is that nothing is for certain. I wouldn't be surpised if the destination changes even as the point of depature shifts for such a gate." "If I was the suspicious type, I might even venture that they may be looking for another entrance in the pass to Hents Manavelins." |
| #507zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 10:36:29 | Mirielle's eyes widen. Planar travel... and the gods only know what they might bring back with them... or let loose in our world! |
| #508zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 11:56:40 | The paladin weighs his words for a moment and furrows his brow, thinking of what he saw on the venture to bring Daron back from hell, the centipedes, and the demon in the alley. "Mome... We knew the woman who owned that previously." He nods at the helmet on the table. "She fell at the fort, and we found it through a doorway in the temple down there. That seems to tell me that either the Flames brought it here on their visit, or it was sent through another doorway somewhere near the pass--Or, maybe, someone used it to get there, or a malfunction." |
| #509ghost_theoryJun 15, 2004 12:33:54 | Mome observes Mirielle cooly and then shrugs in an uncaring manner to Gamis. "It could have been any one of those things or some combination. I am not sure what caused the helmet to be left where it was, but the dead do not rest well in this place, and dangers abound." The man's gaze falls upon Da'Vane, Silmarwen, and then Aric as if measuring how well everyone fared at the temple. |
| #510zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 18:34:20 | Gamis glances at the others, inviting them to add any questions of their own, while he recalls the items picked out with Silmarwen and Miri. .oO(We seem to have a pretty good grounding in them; learned a bit more... What else...) "Where in the Maw is the doorway they succeeded in opening?" he asks finally, feeling that the list is reaching its end soon. |
| #511zombiegleemaxJun 15, 2004 18:38:09 | *Aric looks Mome in the eyes, not really knowing what to think about all this* .oO(We need to keep that portal shut...) |
| #512silmarwen_dupJun 15, 2004 20:23:54 | Listening to Mome and Gamis talk about the doors bring forth many images in her mind. The elven prophecy, and that the elves were the only creations of Ordemet to survive. "At twilight, the union of elf and man shall be reborn in the light of a grey star, carrying with her the secret of the wolf's endless sorrow. The flame that devours light is revealed again, as the curses of the Forsaken find us. The First Children shall know war with their neighbours. "Heed the warning; much is lost, but that which is found contains hope." That is the prophecy that has held concern for elven kind for generations, and with Darkar, NaShae, Kywyn, and Wallangong coming to claim the Mithuial en Gil some are worried about what might be coming. This doorway seems to fit in part of the prophecy, but then again most are vauge until afterwards. |
| #513ghost_theoryJun 15, 2004 20:34:23 | "The gate would be in the temple proper where it could be watched and protected." Mome listens to Silmarwen, then coughs, "Yes, vague to say the least." |
| #514zombiegleemaxJun 16, 2004 10:14:20 | "The same one we were in today?" .oO(Could be something deeper in there, or through some of those collapsed passages...) |
| #515zombiegleemaxJun 16, 2004 10:17:28 | Mirielle stands transfixed, as a fire lights in her eyes. I want to see that door. |
| #516zombiegleemaxJun 16, 2004 10:39:41 | Gamis blinks at Miri, then steps closer to lay a hand on her shoulder and lean closer to her ear. "Not today, at least, love. We're all wiped, and the Maw's turning hostile again. "And you and Silmarwen are still hurting from that thing's touch." |
| #517ghost_theoryJun 16, 2004 11:04:49 | "That is correct, the same temple," Mome replies. "Though I know not precisely where your path has taken you this day." "Some people think that it's enough to find a doorway and never make sure they've picked the right one before they charge on through. Sometimes even an unlocked door needs to be opened first, especially in a place designed to test the resolve of the faithful," Mome cautions. Close enough to pick up Gamis's mention of a "thing's touch," the old caretaker sets an appraising glance on Mirielle. He offers, "Suffer a touch of the shadow, did we? I might be able to do find something for it. At a proportionate cost, of course." A shiver dances up Miri's spine. |
| #518zombiegleemaxJun 16, 2004 15:20:04 | (If it's somewhere in that mist then we'll have another long search ahead of us,)Oo. Gamis thinks ruefully. He looks at Mome at his offer, standing protectively over Miri's shoulder. "We don't have the diamonds necessary for the spell, and found nothing down there besides the helmet and junk too decayed to do anyone any good." |
| #519zombiegleemaxJun 16, 2004 19:51:27 | .oO(Let a servant of Demmion heal me? Yet, if it meant I could go find that door...) Ah, what would you consider an 'appropriate compensation'? Ixchal shifts uneasily on her shoulder, and Mirielle wonders at the extent of her own ambition. |
| #520ghost_theoryJun 17, 2004 0:14:22 | Mome rubs his chin as he tabulates. "Three hundred and eighty gold pieces should cover it, and I can find the materials needed for the Dark One's blessing." He wanders over to the red curtain cutting off the back room and dusts it off. |
| #521zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 10:36:49 | Gamis shakes his head, honestly appologetic. "I don't carry nearly that much on outings like these, and I don't think we can add up to that much. Sorry, Mome." He looks to the others. "It wouldn't hurt us to go back to the city for a couple days anyway. We have plenty of food, but it'd be a good idea to pass on what we've already learned," he says. |
| #522zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 11:28:36 | Mirielle pauses, then nods. Yes, darling, you're right. |
| #523ghost_theoryJun 17, 2004 11:50:29 | “That’s your prerogative, of course,” Mome maintains in a flat voice. “As is your search for illumination in the dark.. You talk about your prophecies and your bloodtrolls and what have you. Sounds all quite dangerous if you ask me,” Mome smiles a sardonic smirk, sallow teeth flashing for an instant. He shuffles to the helmet and lifts it up off the table. “But then again, it is the business of the future to be dangerous.” |
| #524zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 14:55:46 | .oO(Why do we let this thing live? Why are we not killing him. I may fall from consorting with evil. I shall wait before voicing my opinion because this man may know the tongue of the ritious because he follows the path of the damned. If this wreck is evil then we must kill it. It is good that Mirielle did not ultimatly accept such a blessing, even though she seemed to consider it. To accept the blessing of evil is in its self.....evil) *During the entire conversation Da Vane stays rigid and to the side.* |
| #525zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 16:50:30 | "Often seems that it is," Gamis agrees with a shallow nod while his left hand gives Miri's shoulder a squeeze. He surveys the countenances of his companions--Aric and Da'Vane rigid, Silmarwen appearing to be processing the caretaker's information, and Miri probably dwelling on this door in the temple in the Maw. He looks to the stooped man again and searches his mind for any last questions, and comes up with nothing more. "I think we'll be taking our leave now, Mome. Thank you for the information, and enjoy the wine." |
| #526ghost_theoryJun 17, 2004 17:00:19 | "Ah, yes, yes," Mome nods distractedly. He looks around the ceiling of the room as if trying to follow an unseen fly. |
| #527zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 17:06:12 | With a final nod to the caretaker and a wondering thought about what he's seeking, the knight leads the group out of the house. "Let's get back to camp and at least clean up a little," he suggests, glancing down at the mud and scorpion venom still streaking his armor. Gamis wonders what time of day they'll find it to be when they can see the sky again as he clanks to the Maw's exit. |
| #528silmarwen_dupJun 17, 2004 19:47:52 | Finally snapping out of her thoughtfully silence, Silmarwen notices how ridgid Da'Vane is. .oO(He needs to learn to relax or people might mistake him as hostile.) Sighing in a sign of frustration of having an important piece of information, but still lacking a clearer view of what lies ahead. Hearing Gamis say that it is time to leave, she gives Mome a respectful nod and follows after the paladin. He seemed distracted at the end, as if he was looking for something, I wonder if someone or something we did not see caught his attention. |
| #529zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 19:55:36 | "Didn't see anything when we left the room," he says with a shrug. "I wonder if he was thinking of where he can go now... He seems to be going lame in his old age, and this place can't be easy to get around. Maybe that's why he wanted the helmet. "We'd have noticed him casting if he was using a divination." |
| #530silmarwen_dupJun 17, 2004 20:14:08 | We probably would have, but consider that this place is really alive somehow. Mome has lived here a long time, perhaps he is more perceptive of the changes going on when they happen that those who come to visit. Remember how it seems that things changes. |
| #531zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 21:12:20 | The paladin nods. "That sounds possible. Changing a second time, when it had already done one soon after we exited the temple down there; who knows how often it does that." |
| #532ghost_theoryJun 17, 2004 21:15:15 | The long trek back toward the Maw's entrance is marked only by a few random encounters with ghost noises and the sense of things lurking in the shadows out of reach, but nothing unexpected for Hardaja. If anything, it would seem as if this dreadful grotto is simply watching the five travelers leave, content in some greater scheme. The malaise painting the stone walls and the despair saturating the musty air give the impression of walking through a dream, half-asleep with some irritating, distant voice calling for you to wake. A breathing wind sweeps by, and whispers can almost be perceived in its currents. Having traversed this route three times these past two days, the party finds its way back to the sloped passage out without losing too many steps to misdirection. The last of the stout skeletal houses fading to the darkness behind them, the homogeneous, grey brightness of the overcast sky is almost blinding by comparison. Walking over the black earth to where the horses were left, Gamis hears Valor whinny at his master's approach. The warhorse looks none the worse for wear, but the other animals seem frazzled and exhausted. It is troublesome to judge the time of day because of the cloud cover, but it must be late afternoon by now. Any journey now would take them into the night, with the hardships of the day's activity still weighing on their staminas. |
| #533zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 21:21:43 | Sunlight, filtered through cloud cover or not, is welcome to Gamis, and he closes his eyes for a moment as he tilts his face to the sky. Valor is greeted with a nicker in return and scratches on his neck and behind his ear. He digs out the treats for the horses and feeds some to the destrier. "Good to be out of there." |
| #534silmarwen_dupJun 17, 2004 21:39:48 | Blinking rapidly until her eyes readjust, Silmarwen tries not to stumble about. Somehow the air here seems more refreshing than what was below. So are we planning to travel a bit from the Maw before resting for the evening? |
| #535zombiegleemaxJun 17, 2004 21:44:29 | "That would make sleeping easier, for sure. Might be a good idea." He looks to the others as he pets Valor. "Sound good to you, too?" |
| #536ghost_theoryJun 18, 2004 19:35:19 | Coercing the horses to trot out onto the forgotten trail, the party of five withdraws from the Maw of Hardaja and into the open fields. Once out far enough that the shadow of the mound is but a swelling on the horizon, a murder of crows gathers to act as a flying retinue to the explorers. Looking up to the lackluster sky, the numerous black birds flap in watchful circles. Perhaps they are just curious, or perchance they are used to finding the remnants of bloodshed around the Maw. |
| #537silmarwen_dupJun 18, 2004 19:40:14 | Manages a small laugh the sight of the birds. I think we disappoint them by not being worse for wear. Although if they decided to attack it could be quiet bothersome. Probably best not to show fatigue and look like easy prey. Murder of crows??? |
| #538zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 9:08:29 | A memory of a handful of chattering squirrels flits through Gamis's mind as he watches the flock. "Yeah..." he agrees quietly, and voices the thought on his mind: "Spies? Who knows..." With the onset of evening he's prepared to stop and make camp again for the night, then continue on to the city in the morning. |
| #539zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 9:43:13 | Mirielle stares speculatively at the crows, then grins at Gamis. If NaShae were with us, we could have Palasha go up there and, ah, sow a bit of confusion amongst those crows. |
| #540zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 10:24:41 | Gamis chuckles and gives Miri's hand a brief squeeze in response. "I can see it now... And if they came anywhere near the ground, Ixchal would be all over them." (But if they are hostile, it'd be much easier to handle them with an explosion...)Oo. he can't help but think as he watches the birds. |
| #541zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 10:43:11 | She laughs, and goes about helping Gamis set up the camp. It is good to be out of that horrible place. Do you really think Mome sent those birds? Ixchal bounces around, then starts sniffing for mouse trails. |
| #542zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 10:52:46 | "I don't know, no way of telling," the paladin replies. "It'd be wise for him to have some way of keeping an eye on the Maw's front yard. If they could be Mome's, they could be Gaya Hoon's, too. Bird spies could be less expensive than many effective divinations." He looks away from the birds to Miri. "On a related note--if this door is hidden somewhere in that mist, then we're going to have a time finding it. Can you think of any magic that'd help expedite the search, beloved? Anything'd be better than stumbling around in there blind." |
| #543zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 11:29:35 | Mirielle reaches to smooth back her hair, only to discover it has become impossibly wild from the combat with the giant scorpion. She digs through her pack and finds her comb, then loosens the leather strip binding her braid, and begins combing. As she does so, she mulls over Gamis' question, Well, a strong breeze would be useful, and less likely to damage things than my fire explosion. |
| #544zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 12:08:16 | "Here..." Gamis takes over the brushing, slowly and gently smoothing down her hair and working out tangles as carefully as he can. "That'd be useful," he comments on the suggestion. "Actually being able to see is good. "I think I remember Natala mentioning a divination she knew, but I don't think I ever saw her cast it, and I don't know its particulars." |
| #545zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 12:37:08 | *Aric looks warily at the large group of crows, and wonders how they would be able to fight off that many if they attacked them* *Aric shrugs his shoulders and then goes and helps Gamis and Miri set up camp, smiling as he does so* |
| #546ghost_theoryJun 19, 2004 18:10:32 | Ixchal finds one lone field vole, but it is dry inside and tastes like dust. The familiar squeaks her complaints to Mirielle as tents are set and watches are decided. For those who sleep, the crows follow them into their dreams and do not seem out of place there. Could dreams have a timeline of their own, separate from the waking realm? If so, a whole dream week passes as the accumulated dark element diffuses from the heads of the party members. Though this time can only be remembered as if in a distant memory, the dreams of the group were not shared as far as they could tell afterwards but did contain a common thread to bind them on the first day... |
| #547ghost_theoryJun 19, 2004 18:18:36 | On Adinyan, the crows visited each sleeper in turn to complain of how their wings had been clipped so that they could not fly away. They were clearly flying when they said this however. After this visitation, the birds flew into the clouds and it began to rain crimson. The dreamers found themselves floating in a large circular pool of reddish liquid that was devoid of fragrance. Smooth metal walls towered around them, and the open ceiling revealed distant, giant rocky formations covered in odd looking fungi that seemed to glow with incandescence. There was more to this story, but a great deal was lost to the ether from which it came. Oddly enough, each party member could just barely remember one certain day in the dream week (though they could not remember how they knew the day with such certainty). On Dvala, Gamis listened to the gold-haired lady who was the veiled wraith he slew. She spoke in a heavy accent that was undeterminable and used words such as kaddish and tikva that were not of the modern common tongue. They conversed in a grove of autumn leaves, on thrones of wood and stone. Under an orange-tinged sky, the lady exchanged her name with Gamis and went on about how he shouldn't have come to the Maw of Hardaja. "Altashheth, sir knight", she parted with, "For there may come the day that the moon will be replaced by a second sun. Man will rise and man will fall but do not turn away from whispers in the grass." On Triyan, the third day, Mirielle rode a winged horse down along the seashore to land on a rocky platform. There, three charred skeletons approached the mage and asked her to sew their flesh back, saying that they could no go any further without it. But Miri had no needle so she had to turn them away. It was night, and she saw three white ships out on the water. She moved to her mount, only to find the pegasus had turned into a jade comb possibly owned by her grandmother. Mirielle concluded she knew the spell to reverse the change but decided she liked the comb for now. It was still the same entity after all; things can have many faces and names. On Chteyan, Aric found a path out of the forest and had tea with the huge scorpion that had the burly man's axe buried in its head. The monster asked Aric why they had killed her twins, but waved off the question with a claw before the warrior could answer. With a shift of many legs, the scorpion passed Aric a scone. Then it plunged its bloody stinger into the man's chest until it stuck out of the other side. The scone was delicious. On Pyatla, the fires of DaVane's burning towers were put out by the rain, but what was left was no more pleasant, just wet ash and smoking corpses. The crows returned to feast upon the carrion that wasn't too burnt. One asked the squire if he wished to join them in dining. In a rage, Da'Vane tried to chase them away while cursing the dark harbingers. They flew as one through the second-story window of one of the remaining black houses. Da'Vane tried knocking down the door but could not. The engraved words over the stone arch read, "Faith before force," an old saying found in some temples Da'Vane knew. The house then collapsed into rubble before he could act further. On Shestla, a seat saved for Silmarwen was empty as the elves have their own reveries separate from our own, where they dance under the trees of their numerous years past. The cleric saw the seat somehow, she just wasn't in it. In her own thoughts, Silmarwen recalled the misty place they had visited. Given time to reflect on the day's events, the healing powers she had channeled in the fog had been burdened, as if she had to push an extra inch to get them to flow. Also, there was a faint smell there that no one had recognized at the time, but now for some reason, it clicked in the elf's mind. It smelled of ash. The week that was and was not ended with the sound of a raven's caw. --- Waking the next morning with only strange fragments of mental images to discuss, the company finds the weather slightly warmer than last day. After breaking camp, the tilted trees, uneven grass, and patches of dead earth speed by as the party heads north once again. All told, they have gathered a sum of information; some that they had to fight for, some that was given freely, some that makes perfect sense, and some that is logical only in dreams, and it falls upon them to decide which is worth what. It becomes apparent that, while knowledge may be power, information is not necessarily knowledge. --- OoC: Feel free to chat some more or reach the city gates. |
| #548zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 22:24:35 | (No,)Oo. Gamis thinks as he sits for a contemplative moment after waking up. .oO(No red sun will float in the sky, they won't make any pitch to the Mother. It won't happen. Go to the peace you'd been denied, madame.) He rubs his holy symbol where it rests against his chest, then leans over and kisses Miri's cheek. "How'd you sleep?" he asks, followed by another query. "Love, do you recognize the word... alt-- 'altashheth?'" |
| #549zombiegleemaxJun 19, 2004 22:25:11 | Mirielle is thoughtful, considering the images of her dream. .oO(I know how to create a magical mount, that much is simple enough, though it doesn't fly, but... Why would I see three ships go sailing by, on Triyan day, in the nighttime?) 'Altashheth'? Knowledge (arcana) +18 or Knowledge (religion) +12 |
| #550ghost_theoryJun 20, 2004 1:16:59 | Mirielle ruminates and remembers reading the word somewhere among her copious studies at the instruction of Devon the Red. A very old language that is no longer in use except among some tribes in the deserts to the south. It is a command or incantation meaning "do not destroy." Sometimes used as a geas if paired with a proper totem, more often phrased as a warning against breaking dangerous enchantments when the act could cause more harm than good. |
| #551zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 5:50:24 | Mirielle frowns as she thinks, then smiles in triumph as the memory comes to her. Well, I did see a word like that! In a treatise on the formulation of geases. The word I saw was from an old language, old enough that only a few people still speak it, in a desert region south of here. It means 'do not destroy,' and it can be used to bind someone under a geas, if you have the proper binding agent, or it can be seen occasionally in warnings. The example given of that was an unfortunate mage who dispelled a magical barrier, only to be crushed by the stones it had been holding back. |
| #552zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 9:31:33 | "You are amazing," he says to his ladylove with a smile, then sobers a little to explain. "Hardaja was talking to me in my sleep again," he says. "Saw the spirit from yesterday, the one in the sheet. "It seems she was cautioning me against running roughshod in this quest against the Flame." |
| #553zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 16:30:51 | Frowning slightly, she says, Cautioning, fine, as long as she wasn't putting a geas on you! |
| #554zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 18:29:13 | "I... doubt it," he replies, frowning slightly as well. "I suppose a ghost is still capable of using magic, but through a dream? Besides, we put her to rest. "I don't feel any different, either..." Gamis muses, patting his chest and shoulders as if feeling for a new growth. |
| #555zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 19:38:56 | Mirielle laughs, a bit weakly, but decides not to pursue the issue. Let's get home, okay? |
| #556zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 19:58:29 | "Yeah," says the paladin, rising and stretching. He spends time in prayer, then breaks camp with the aid of the others. They're soon ready to press on and continue to the city. |
| #557zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:07:13 | Mirielle sighs at the sight of the city gates, peering around Gamis' back from her seat behind him on Valor. Maybe we should splurge and go to a bathhouse to wash up before we get dinner. |
| #558zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:12:46 | "It'd probably be better than tracking our mud and such into the house," Gamis agrees. "It'd be a good idea to go to the Church and arrange for someone to restore you and Silmarwen," he adds. "Tomorrow we can try to see Malifaeyr." |
| #559zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:18:13 | Yes, quite. I don't want the stench of the Pit in our home. Do you want me to go with you to see Malifaeyr? I'd like to jot down some notes on a thought I've had, for making Ixchal stronger. |
| #560zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:23:26 | "Yes, and probably Silmarwen, too. It'd be good to have the two of you backing me up on details of what Mome told us. I could miss something." He looks at her over his shoulder. "Sounds like an interesting idea..." |
| #561zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:35:41 | As the group clatters through the city gates, Mirielle chuckles a bit sadly. Poor Ix... she hates not being able to hold her own in a fight. |
| #562zombiegleemaxJun 20, 2004 20:55:39 | The group parts beyond the gates, arrangements made to meet up again when necessary. Gamis and Miri go first to the Church of Agathalos to make arrangements for the two ladies to each receive arestoration spell on the following day to finally remove the harm done by the shadows. They get their bath, and return home. The next day, Gamis purchases the required diamonds to be ground to dust and used in the spells. With Mirielle and Silmarwen thus healed, the paladin takes them to the Jackal compound, where Sir Pfaebinn enters... |