Aramil Dunskar
HP: 60
Initative: +7
AC: 22* (+3 Dex, +3 armor, +2 proficiency, +2 shield, +2 defense)
Damage conversion 3 (+1 breastplate)
BAB: +7/+2 (melee/grapple/ranged +10/+5)
Attacks:
MW dwarven waraxe +12/+7 (1d10+5, x3 critical, one-handed, slashing)
Dwarven waraxe +11/+6 (1d10+5, x3 critical, one-handed, slashing)
Warhammer +10/+5 (1d8+3, x3 critical, one-handed, bludgeoning)
+1 longbow +11/+6 (1d8+1, x3 critical, 100' range increment, piercing)
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 17/+3 Dex 16/+3 Con 14/+2 Int 12/+1 Wis 10/+0 Cha 8/-1
Skills Climb +12, Craft (armorer) +11, Craft (weaponsmith) +11, Jump +4
Feats: Armor and Shield Proficiencies (all), Dodge, Endurance, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Toughness, Weapon Focus (Dwarven Waraxe), Weapon Proficiencies (all simple and martial, plus dwarven waraxe and urgrosh), Weapon Specialization (Dwarven Waraxe)
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Gnome
Boirin
HP: 20
Initiative: +7
AC: 17 (+3 Dex, +2 armor, +1 proficiency, +1 defense)
Damage conversion 1 (studded leather)
BAB: +3 (melee/grapple +4, ranged +6)
Attacks:
Short sword +4 (1d6+1, 19-20/x2 critical, light, piercing)
Dagger +4 melee or +6 ranged (1d4 +1, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' range increment, light, piercing)
Light crossbow +6 (1d8, 19-20/x2 critical, 80' range increment, piercing)
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +0
Abilities:Str 13/+1 Dex 16/+3 Con 12/+1 Int 15/+2 Wis 9/-1 Cha 14/+2
Skills:Balance +5, Bluff +9, Climb +8, Diplomacy +4, Disable Device +9, Disguise +8, Escape Artist +8, Hide +9, Intimidate +4, Jump +4, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +10, Profession (bartender) +1, Search +9, Sleight of Hand +12, Tumble +12
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Dodge, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Simple Weapon Proficiency
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Orc
Special: sneak attack +2d6, trapfinding (may locate traps with DC > 20, disarm magical traps, bypass a trap without disarming it -- add 10 to DC), evasion (takes no damage on a successful Ref save if it normally allows half damage), trap sense (+1 bonus on Reflex saves to avoid traps and +1 dodge bonus to AC vs. attacks made by traps), uncanny dodge (retains Dex bonus to AC when flat-footed or struck by invisible attacker)
Tagg
HP: 26
Initiative: +4
AC: 18 (+4 Dex, +2 armor, +1 proficiency, +1 defense)
Damage Conversion: 1 (studded leather)
BAB: +5 (melee/grapple +7, ranged +9)
Attacks:
Scimitar +7 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2 critical, one-handed, slashing)
Short sword +7 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2 critical, light, piercing)
Dagger +7 melee or +9 ranged (1d4+2, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' range increment, light, piercing)
Composite shortbow +9 (1d6+2, x3 critical, 70' range increment, piercing)
* Use of two weapons at -2 on both attacks and -1 on second weapon damage
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +2 (or +4 vs. Enchantment effects)
Abilities:Str 14/+2 Dex 18/+4 Con 11/+0 Int 13/+1 Wis 12/+1 Cha 12/+1
Skills: Balance +7, Bluff +3, Gather Information +3, Heal +4, Hide +10, Knowledge (nature) +10, Listen +3, Move Silently +12, Search +8, Sense Motive +2, Spot +6, Survival +9
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Combat Reflexes, Endurance, Quick Draw, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Weapon Proficiencies (all simple and martial)
Languages: Common, Elven, Gnome
Special: low-light vision, automatic Search check to detect secret doors within 5', immunity to sleep spells/effects, favored enemy (+4/+2 damage/skill checks vs. goblinoids/animals -- see skills), wild empathy (+6), Two-Weapon Fighting feat benefits (light or no armor), animal companion, spell use (one 1st level ranger spell/day, as 2nd level caster, save DC 12 + spell level)
=====
Brie (donkey, medium sized animal, mundane mount) HD 2d8+2 (11 hp); Initiative: +1; Speed: 30'; Armor Class: 13 (+1 Dex +2 natural); BAB: +1; Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d2 damage); Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.; SQ: low-light vision, scent; Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0; Abilities: Str 10/+0, Dex 13/+1, Con 12/+1, Int 2/-4, Wis 11/+0, Cha 4/-3; Skills: Balance +3, Listen +3, Spot +2; Feats: Endurance; Load: 0-50 lb. light, 51-100 lb. medium, 101-150 lb. heavy, 750 lb. drag [/b]
Ulerian
HP: 8
Initiative: +2
AC: 12 (+2 Dex), flatfooted 10, Armor: None
BAB: +1 (+0 melee/grapple, +3 ranged)
Attacks:
Quarterstaff +0 or -4/-8 (1d6-1, x2 critical, two-handed, bludgeoning)
Dagger +0 melee or +3 ranged (1d4-1, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' range increment, light, piercing or slashing)
Saves: Fort: +1, Ref: +2, Will: +6
Abilities:Str 8/-1 Dex 14/+2 Con 12/+1 Int 16/+3 Wis 16/+3 Cha 10/+0
Skills Concentration +6, Decipher Script +8, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (religion) +8, Knowledge (the planes) +8, Spellcraft +10, Survival +3
Feats: Greater Spell Focus (Necromancy), Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Necromancy)
Languages: Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Infernal
Arcane Spell List (save DC 13 + spell level +2 for Necromancy)
Level 0 (4/day): all
Level 1 (3/day): cause fear, charm person, chill touch, color spray, detect secret doors, expeditious retreat, hypnotism, mage armor, ray of enfeeblement, shocking grasp, silent image
Aramil Dunskar has been recruited by a group of dwarves to free a shrine of Ordemetrex from an unknown monster. The shrine is in a cavern in the mountains north and east of Garic's City.
Tagg leads Brie towards the main door entrance and bids him to stay there while he goes inside for a few moments
"Tampaya."
He takes a swift look around to note that no stable boys were around to see him leave the donkey there, then heads inside. He tries his best to look over the heads occupying the establishment to pick out his friends, doing so but without ease. He approaches Aramil and Boirin and takes a seat, positioning his shoulders so the hilt of his scimitar doesn't dig into his back.
"Hello, Aramil, Boirin."
¤ ¤ ¤
[color=silver]Equipment Listing:
¤ studded leather (worn, 20 lb.)
¤ explorer's outfit (worn, 8 lb.)
¤ silver bracelet (left wrist)
¤ scimitar (left shoulder, 4 lb.)
¤ short sword (belt right front, 2 lb.)
¤ full water flask (belt left back, 2 lb.)
¤ daggers, 3 (belt chest, 3 lb.)
¤ composite shortbow (back, 2 lb.)
¤ quiver of 20 mundane arrows (right shoulder, 3 lb.)
¤ belt pouch (belt center front, 0.5 lb.)
¤ flint and steel (belt pouch, 0 lb.)
¤ coins, 15gp (belt pouch, 0.3 lb.)
~Total Encumbrance: light load 44.8/58
Brie's Equipment:
¤ pack saddle (back, 15 lb.)
¤ trail rations, 3 days (pack saddle, 3 lb.)
¤ feed, 2 days (pack saddle, 20 lb.)
¤ bedroll (back, 5 lb.)
¤ backpack empty (pack saddle, 2 lb.)
~Total Encumbrance: light load 45/50[/color]
Originally posted by Aramil Dunskar and Boirin son of Naerin
*Aramil raises his mug to both of them in return and says:
"Yes we should be able ter start our adventure soon, we just have to wait for that guy to come, any of ye know his name by chance? I don't believe he told it to me.... odd....."
*Aramil shakes his head and takes another gulp of his ale.
Boirin shakes his head at the mention of Ulerian.
"He is an apprentice wizard of the Hightower, who accompanied us on our last mission, he names himself Ulerian. I'm not sure if we can trust him or not, but he is probably trustworthy enough."
He shakes his head and waves a barmaid over and gets asks for a mug of cheap ale, when she returns he smiles warmly and takes a long drag of ale.
*Aramil stracthes his beard some. Then he looks at both Boirin and Tagg.
"Ulerian ye say, hrm..... Well I think he will be trustworthy enough I hope, just keep a close eye on him if ye have ter. Now I bettin' that he's already waiting for us at the gate to Garics instead of comming here. So lets go meet up with him!"
*Aramil tells the bartender that if Ulerian does happen to show up tell him to go to the Gate of Garics a.s.a.p., then Aramil bows to the bartender and heads out of the LLI leading Tagg and Boirin towards the gate.
(ooc: btw Tagg, Boirin wasn't singing the song he was whistling it. ;) )
.oO(It's been a while since I have been able to spout parts of The Bonny Lass with a Big Ole Axe and accually have someone recognize it. Maybe I should spend more time with dwarves...)
Boirin's thoughts trail off as he thinks to himself, and looks around for Ulerian.
"I am sorry for being so late. Please lead on master dwarf."
"Hello, Ulerian."
Next he turns to Aramil.
"So, where exactly are we headed?"
"Ye don't need ter call me master dwarf Ulerian, Aramil will suffice. ;) And here let me show you:"
*Aramil takes out his map and shows to the group where they are headed, then he goes up to the guards and requests them to open the gates, they ask where they intend to go and Aramil shows them, they nod then one of the guard yells up to the other on the top of the gate to switch the level that will swing the doors wide open. Aramil bows and then leads the companions off to begin their quest.
There is a ford here for those continuing north, but the track along the Trillium is well-marked. The dwarven quarry makes use of that road, getting ore down to the main river where the barges collect it, but the Trillium itself is not navigable.
"Well here is where we turn to head towards the cave, so lets go afore the sun goes down."
*Aramil goes off to the path that is marked on the map, he gets it out occassionally just to make sure that he is following the same direction that Hegnus told him to go, satisfied he puts it away and leads his companions ahead to go to the cave.
Boirin says as he follows Aramil down the path.
"Carry on."
Tagg stops a moment to adjust a pack on Brie's back, then walks after Aramil and wherever the dwarf leads.
Ulerian asks as he follows along with his pipe smoking
If all goes well, Aramil estimates they should reach the quarry by full dark.
Rounding a curve, Tagg, Boirin and Ulerian hear an animal grunting ahead of them, and a branch snapping off to their right. The drop-off to the river on their left is steep, and the vegetation on the right-hand side of the road is quite thick.
[use following if the vegetation is high enough to provide cover, and if it isnt too thick to make travel through it impossible or close to it, or to be able to see through it]Tagg slips into the brush and advances as quietly as he can towards the noise, keeping his head low and trying to have the vegetation keep his presence unknown visibly as well. (Move Silently and if applicable Hide)
[use following if vegetation cannot be used as it was above]Tagg begins to walk down the path around the vegetation quietly towards the source of the noise.(Move Silently)
[Quick draw crossbow and load, Move Silently +9, Hide +8]
Time passes, while Ulerian and Aramil wait with the donkey. Tagg and Boirin are unable to locate the source of the noise they heard before.
"I see and hear nothing, I would suggest that we head back to our companions unless your elf-eyes see what I can't, and your elf-ears hear something that I can't."
"Nay, I cannot hear or see anything either."
He begins to walk back towards Ulerian, Aramil, and Brie to deliver the news. When he comes back out to them he gives them the report.
"We cannot find any sign of what might have made that noise.."
Ulerian follows as soon as the others moveout
"Yes, Ulerian, I would suggest you would prepare some type of attack spell or support spell, Tagg I would like ye in the rear and keep a close lookout back there, Boirin, I would like ye to protect Ulerian while he may be casting spells and also keepign a close lookout. I will take the lead since I know were we need ter end up? One more thing, I suggest taking out your weapons from this point forward."
*Aramil heads out of the brush and waits for the others to fall into formation, once they have done so Aramil starts to head towards the quarry but at a slower pace and more caution.
"You have to pay my toll to pass here!"
Tagg realises they are being followed, and chancing a look discovers a goblin, armed with a shortbow, fifteen feet behind them on the road.
[OoC: Ready attack versus approach]
After looking over his shoulder to the goblin he analyzes it for a moment before swiftly drawing his own bow, bringing an arrow to the string and turning around. Spending little time to take careful aim at such a close range, he looses the missile, he hopes, before the goblin behind them gets a chance to attack them.
{draw comp. shortbow, attack the goblin behind us that is wielding the bow}
"Pay the toll now, you morons! 20 gold each, or my mount will feast on your livers tonight!" demands the mounted goblin, as he shakes a javelin at them.
Initiative:
- Archer
- Ulerian
- Mounted Goblin
- Aramil
- Boirin
- Tagg
*Aramil smirks at his new opponent.
"I've fought worse" Aramil mumbles under his breath.
*Without looking behind him he whispers to him and to the rest of the group.
"Ulerian I suggest ye get yer spell ready ter cast, it would be useful right about now. Tagg I hope ye can take care of that goblin back there. Boirin, concentrate yer fire on the main guy, help Tagg if he needs it, now when I give the signal start fireing at him."
*Aramil continues to glare at the 'tax collector', he yells out to him.
"Ter bad fer ye that I don't want ter pay yer stupid tax. Now I'll give ye a chance ter move outa the way afore my axe goes right in yer skull!"
"Aye cap'n, I can drop him afore he moves.."
Tagg says under his breath when Aramil leans in to talk to them. He has his left hand touching the hilt of the sword and his other hand in position to quickly snatch up his scimitar. The elf keeps his eyes glued on the archer behind them, watching carefully for signs of movement from the goblin.
"We will pay no such toll, especially under threat of arms"
{Withhold action, will cast Color Spray if the Gobo engages}
"Now pay up or prepare to die!"
The badger snorts and shifts, crouching as it prepares to charge.
Boirin turns on the mounted goblin firing at the rider, aiming for any vital area that he may hit.
[OoC: Attack action vs. Monted Gobo, hoping for SA]
"Alright then its time fer ye ter die goblin, now everyone do as I told ye to!"
*With that he charges at the Goblin rider hoping that Ulerian and Boirin will provide him with some cover.
(Ready action against charge with my axe.)
Aramil is unfazed, and hacks deeply into the goblin. A moment later, one of Boirin's bolts is sticking from the goblin's hide.
Initiative and HP standings:
Archer
Ulerian 8/8
Mounted Goblin: Injured
Aramil 60/59 +3 subdual
Boirin 20/20
Tagg 26/26
[ooc- draw scimitar and shortsword, charge the archer goblin]
Tagg charges at the goblin archer behind the group, slicing into him with his scimitar as he moves past. The archer drops his bow, yanks his morningstar from his belt, and wallops Tagg.
An arrow flies out from the overgrown slope on the south side of the road, missing Aramil.
Initiative and HP standings:
Archer
Other Archer
Mounted Goblin: Injured & stunned
Ulerian 8/8
Aramil 60/59 +3 subdual
Boirin 20/20
Tagg 26/24 +1 subdual
[OoC:Reload crossbow, attack action vs. gobblion on badger]
Ulerian casts a spell and a small ice crystal leaps from his hand at the badger
[Casts Ray of Frost at the badger}
"Boirin take care of the other archer will ye?"
(If I can do a Coup de Grace attack I don't know if the goblin would be considered applicable for that attack. If not then: +12/+7 melee, d10+5, 20x3, slashing.)
Ulerian sends out his ice ray, hitting the animal squarely in the face. Aramil launches his own attack, finishing off the stunned goblin.
Boirin, since the goblin is dead, you may change your action.
{ooc- atk w/ short sword + scimitar}
Tagg attacks the archer, missing both times. The archer in return hits Tagg with his morningstar, while the goblin shooting from the hillside again misses Aramil.
Initiative and HP standings:
Archer
Other Archer
Mounted Goblin: Dead
Ulerian 8/8
Aramil 60/59 +3 subdual
Boirin 20/20
Tagg 26/21 +2 subdual
[dwarven]"One fer me new axe, lets get the second!"[/dwarven]
*Aramil eyes rest on the badger, he unleashes his wrath upon the hamster in hopes of scoring a second kill.
[+12/+7 melee, 1d10+5, 20x3, Slashing.]
[Casts Ray of Frost, with holds spell until he sees the other archer]
"No Borin, leave the beast to Aramil, we need to locate the hidden archer.."he adds smoothly as he is studying the bushes
{drop short sword, use scimitar 2 handed for x1.5 str to damage}
[OoC: Spot check for gobber fire if possible]
Aramil steps up with his axe, managing to strike it once, but it does not fall.
Ulerian, ready with his spell, sees the archer. Sending out the beam of ice, he unfortunately misses.
Boirin is unable to see the hiding archer, but then again he's also being chewed on by a giant badger.
Tagg, not beset by overgrown badgers, concentrates on the goblin he is fighting, and takes him down with his strike. The goblin lies helpless, clinging to life.
The archer on the hill shoots again at Aramil, and misses, yet again.
Initiative and HP standings:
Archer: Down
Other Archer
Mounted Goblin: Dead
Badger: Injured
Ulerian 8/8
Aramil 60/59 +3 subdual
Boirin 20/4 +3 subdual
Tagg 26/21 +2 subdual
{ooc- put away scimitar, draw comp. shortbow, and assuming i am able to see the remaining archer (if not, make a spot check please), attack it with the bow}
If he gets away allright then Boirin fires
[ move back ten feet, tumble +11 to avoid aoo, if successful then attack vs. badger]
Boirin flings himself away from the enraged badger, rolling back in the road, towards Tagg. He fires off his crossbow in the general direction of the badger, and luckily does not hit Ulerian or Aramil.
The badger's attention is caught by Aramil's axe, and he turns on the dwarf, clawing him once.
Initiative and HP standings:
Archer: Down
Other Archer
Mounted Goblin: Dead
Badger: Injured
Ulerian 8/8
Aramil 60/56 +6 subdual
Boirin 20/4 +3 subdual
Tagg 26/21 +2 subdual
"Tagg, this threat is a little closer.."
[5' move away from creature, Casts Shocking Grasp, withholds attack until the badger either gives up an AoO, or it attacks me]
.oO(I must protect these guys else I will fail.)
*Aramil roars with primal fury and attacks the badger again and again.
(+12/+7 melee, 1d10+5, 20x3, Slashing)
Tagg brings the bow's aim to the badger and starts to line up a shot through his companions, but stops as he sees Aramil put it down. He looks around a bit more for the second archer, and gives an "ugh" when he fails to spot it.
"Boirin, if you feel alright, try to shoot down that other archer!"
He turns his focus to the goblin dying at his feet.
Meh.. might be worth to try getting some information out of the trashbag before killin' it..
He kneels down next to it, setting the bow down. Drawing a knife he slowly starts to move it towards the goblins throat.
"Are there any more in your band?"
He grabs the goblin by its shoulder and brings the dagger's blade closer until the steel touches its skin.
{drop bow, draw dagger, +5 untrained Intimidate [+1 Cha +4 size difference]}
Meanwhile, another arrow arcs down at Aramil, missing yet again.
(Spot +0, charge action, +14 melee, 1d10+5, 20x3, AC 19 against archer)
[attack goblin archer +6]
Seeing the goblin unable to talk, he plunges the dagger through its throat. Leaving it there to staunch the majority of the blood from pouring out, he stands up, picking up his short sword and bow as he does so, and returning the blade to its sheathe.
{ooc- coup de grace, assume i stand up and stuff next round}
Boirin aims after the fleeing goblin, catching glimpses of it through the brush and trees. He hears a yelp following his parting shot, and knows that he has at least injured the remaining goblin.
.oO(Durned goblins......)
"Don't tarry to long, there may be more. Borin looks greivously wounded as well, we should find a place to rest before dark."
"We could track it, cause its probally bleeding from the bolt I stuck in it. But..."
Boirin spits and spatters blood on the ground. He relizes his mouth is full of it.
"...I probally can't take another hit like that, and we don't know how many badgers dey got."
As he speaks his voice begins to slowly fade into a mild orcish accent. He looks down at the claw marks that go through his armor and into his flesh
"Bloody hells this hurts."
What is found on the other goblin is more armor of fine manufacture, ordinary shield and morningstar, a shortbow and arrows, and a vial. Of the arrows, some are nicer than the others, and have a green stripe painted around the shaft. He carried a pouch of coin as well. (3 gold, 23 silver, 27 copper)
*Aramil nods to the group, he divides up the stuff that he wants to take into four piles, he picks up two and places them neatly in his bag, then he tells Ulerian and Tagg to pick a pile. He makes a new formation, ordering Tagg to take the lead while Aramil goes into the middle to help Boirin along and Ulerian in the back to keep a watchout. He tells Tagg to try and find a resting place for all of them.
[Here is what we are taking:]
Noting Aramil counting up the copper coins, he adds, "I'd say leave all that copper, I doubt its worth even one gold piece and 'twill simply be more to carry."
Tagg cleans off his weapons on the grass and puts them back into their sheathes. Then he approaches the slain goblin and pulls the dagger from its throat and wipes it off on its body before returning it to the belt on its chest. He flips the goblin's body over with his foot so the gaping hole in its neck isn't immediately visible. He then approaches Brie, who is, he notes, unharmed. He pets it on the head and gives it a little food.
"You guys stay here for a moment, I'm going to go scout out the land around here for somewhere we can stay."
He takes a look at Boirin before leaving.
"Boirin, I can take a look at those cuts once we get settled."
Tagg walks away from the group, keeping his eyes open for suitable shelter as he explores deeper into the woods. (i think thats what we're in?)
The tumbling waters of the Trillium yield some fat trouts for their dinner.
.oO(Man I never knew a fish could be so apatizing!)
*When Aramil finally gets full he tells everyone that they will be taking watches seperatly, Ulerian going first since he will need sleep for his spells, then Boirin, Tagg, and finally Aramil. With that done he bids the others a good night then goes over to his bedroll and falls asleep.
He then gathers some dead wood from the surrounding forest and makes it suitable for a small cookfire, and lights it up easily using a flint and steel. After discarding unusable parts of the fish with his dagger while the fire starts up, he chars up the trout over the flame.
"Aye.. they're ready. It's not like Maelut's food, but it shouldn't make anyone keel over."
Serving the charred fish pieces, he eats his share, noting Aramil's pleasure satisfiably, though he knows the dwarf isn't picky when it comes to food.
Tagg washes his knife and hands in the river where he found the trouts, then spends the rest of the evening trying to tend to Boirin and keep his pain minimal. As the sun sets, he gives Brie the rest of the bag of feed he open earlier, takes the bedroll off of the donkey's back, pets him for a couple minutes, then spreads out the bed. After the busy evening for the ranger, Tagg slips into his trance almost immediately as he lays down.
{ooc- Heal +4 (long term care) on Boirin}
Boirin recovers 8 hp. 23 Heal check for Tagg -- woohoo!
.oO(One leg of the adventure, the next and hopefully more exciting is next!)
Boirin is at 17hp.
The next morning {current} he begins gathering up any equipment laying around.
"Glad to see you're looking a bit better, Boirin."
He then turns to Aramil.
"Assuming no objections from the others, I think we can start heading towards the shrine once more."
A well-organized and highly efficient place, they are immediately approached as to their names and intent.
*Aramil bows to the guards as they approach the group. Then he tells them.
"I am Aramil Dunskar of the SSAG, this is Tagg a very fine ranger, Next we have Boirin a good fighter when it comes ter it and an even better ranged fighter, lastly we have Ulerian who is a fine mage. We are traveling ter the shrine near here that has been abandoned for some time due ter a creature who has appeared and ran all of the dwarves out. We came here to undo what the creature has done, or in other words kill the durned thing."
*Aramil waits in silence to see what the guards will do, he has a hand on his axe and the other ready to get his shield, just incase.
"Mind telling us the name of the shrine? Sorry, but I need some proof of your intent. Who sent you, anyway?"
He glances over the other members of the group.
"I don't know the name, but I do know that it was a shrine ter Agathalos, and Hegnus told me ter get the monster out of there. So can we get it?"
*Aramil again waits silently to see the guards responce.
His eyes narrow, and his expression becomes hard, at Aramil's reply.
"We've no shrine of Agathalos that needs cleansing."
This is a diplomatically sensitive situation. When Aramil was recruited, I attempted to convey the delicacy of the task. These dwarves were hesitant to bring in outside help. They aren't going to be overly trusting, especially when the outside help doesn't have the correct answers.
[OoC: Diplomacy, Untrained +4 (+2 Chr, +2 Synergy)]]
Ulerian turns to the speaker dwarf
"Why not let us at least see what it is that troubles your people. Perhaps one of us has seen such a creature, and may give knowledge that will ease the struggle against it."
"And you call me a fool mage, it is a shrine of Odermetrix, so unless you have something accurate to say, keep your tounge in your mouth and let me do the talking."
Back at a normal voice he speaks again to the dwarves.
[dwarven]"Please ignore my ignorent friend. He to must be traumatized by the fighting. He knows not of what he speaks."[/dwarven]
.oO(I can tell this is going over great......
)[dwarven]Perhaps... Well, you're well-spoken enough. What's yer name? Boirin...?[/dwarven]
[dwarven]Go on...[/dwarven]
[dwarven]"I came to Garic's City to earn honor for my family. I have completed some quests however, I agreed to come with Master Aramil to help you with your problem, for it seemed that it would be a noble quest. That could earn me much honor, so I accompanied him. As I said before, we were ambuished so we were delayed in coming to you. I hope you will allow us to help you with your problem."[/dwarven]
.oO(I need to make a mental note that I own Boirin one.)
*Aramil waits until Boirin is done talking when he starts to talk.
[dwarven]"Aye, and a friend of mine, of whom I've mentioned before, Hegnus, says it would be greatful if we could take care of the problem. And a thousand apologies me friend for calling it a temple to Agathalos.[/dwarven]
*Aramil bows low, his beard touching the ground hopeing that the apologie would be accepted. He stands back up and awaits the word from the guard.
[dwarven]There're a lot of Hegnus's... I'm one, m'self. Hegnus Oaksplitter.[/dwarven] "Well, c'mon, we'll give you a meal, and talk it over."
He gestures them to follow, and leads the group towards the stone buildings on the northwest side of the quarry.
When the dwarf invites them to a meal, there are plenty of blank spaces in his mind but he keeps them to himself, assuming they will be explained in due time.
He bids Brie to follow them and walks along with the rest of the group after Hegnus.
"I owe ye one Boirin."
(ooc: Just wondering Sche, did you ever tell me Hegnus's last name? The Hegnus in the city I mean.)
Yes. On 3-6-04.
"May I inquire as to what has assailed the shrine??"
"Well, we really don't know what it is. It seems to be living in the sacred pool, sort of blends in with the rocks at the bottom, but it came busting out of the water and killed the priestess and two acolytes before anyone could stop it."
He shrugs, miserably. "It's pretty fast."
Ulerian sits back and packs his pipe.
"Aye, I'll take you there."
Ulerian rises with a nod to Hegnus and follows him
)*Aramil doesn't really show any emotion when the dwarf looks his way. He gets a bit confused whether or not he should let his companions speak their mind or if he should take the lead. He decides that he'll take the lead with a bit of help from the companions if he's stuck. So he drains his mug sets it down on the table and goes up to Ulerian he quietly wispers to him.
"Sorry to say this, but next time we are in a situation like that please allow me to take care of things before we go head first into a situation that we know little about. I would have liked to ask Hegnus some more questions about the location and whatnot afore we left. So please refrain from taking the lead, i'll do that."
*Aramil gives Ulerian a smile, and a nod then heads off to follow Hegnus.
He stops to catch his breath, and a call echoes down the trail.
"Hegnus Oaksplitter! Praise the Mother... come quickly!"
- - -
When they come near the stone hut and they hear the call, and Tagg squints over near where the sound came from, trying to make out the scene before they run up to it.
{Spot check if possible, +6}
"No, I'm afraid your request will not be honored Aramil, but nor do I feel I've 'taken' anything away from you. I will not idly stand by to be called upon when you and our companions are at a loss. I am asking him questions, and they are so we can prepare to do away with this thing without getting destroyed. He is there, ask away, if you have any inquiries worth further exploration, implor them. If not, then let those who have less emotion and more capability for rational thought ask questions.. Do not worry, when the time is right...."
Ulerian's harsh words are cut off by the shouts to Hegnus.
"I am sorry if my words offend you, I am not here to steal your glory, just to get this done, get what I will be paid, and get back to the Hightower..."
.oO(I knew something was wrong with that Ulerian fellow.....)
"What is it? What's happened? Where is Pekka?"
"He's inside, I never would have expected --"
Hegnus shoulders past the other dwarf, then stops, motionless, in the doorway.
"Dear Mother, forgive..."
.oO(This can't be good......)
"I... I went for supplies, he was alive when I left, I never imagined..." The man's voice chokes off, and he turns away.
.oO(I hope that wasn't the acolyte......)
*After a while of letting Hegnus by himself he goes over to him. He pats him on the shoulder again and then whispers quietly to him:
"Erm... I'm sorry fer yer loss there Hegnus, but I need ter know, was that the acolyte ye were talkin aboot?"
He comes to the front of the dwarf (the one that is not Hegnus or Aramil).
"Here, try to calm down."
Giving him a moment to try and regain his composure, he speaks again.
"Ok, now can you tell us exactly what happened here, and who that was?"
Hegnus takes a deep breath.
"Yes, that was Pekka. The only dwarf alive that saw the beast."
The other dwarf, hearing what Hegnus said, nods. "He... felt guilty, for some reason, because the monster didn't catch him. I told him the Mother let him live for a reason, but ... I don't know."
He shakes his head, sadly.
If Tagg were a cartoon character, he makes a face similar to the one above.
"Ehr.. I'm Tagg, one of Aramil's friends..."
Tagg indicates Aramil with his hand to accompany his words.
Well.. at least I shocked him out of his.. er.. shock
"I'm sure he died with honor; however, it would seem prudent to check the hut, however we should leave a watch outside to make sure what ever killled him doesn't sneak up on us."
When he speaks he uses the dwarven word for honor and hut.
Searching the hut reveals no evidence of intruders. Sadly, it seems Pekka did indeed die by his own hand. A small altar to Ordemetrex holds his last offering, the smell of beeswax lingering in the still air of the stone hut.
"Is this a custom among dwarves??"
Ulerian stands, leaning on his staff surveying the situation
Hegnus and the other dwarf spin to face Ulerian.
"No, it certainly is not! Pekka has brought shame to his clan by his death."
Hegnus takes a deep breath.
"He should have held fast until he could go back with help and faced down the beast."
.oO(How dare he!
)*Aramil holds back his words though because no matter how much he hates Ulerian he will still need them in order to complete the adventure. Aramil puts a hand on Hegnus to further calm him down then he says to him:
[dwarven]"Do not worry aboot him me kin, he does not know what he is talkin' aboot. But instead of standing around here all day, let us avenge yer friends death by driving away the foul beast that lays within the shrine. Then yer friend and the souls of the others that died can finally rest in peace, and ye can worship their again!"[dwarven]
Tagg gives a mental sigh as the rest of the group starts to fade into Dwarven speech, once again left in the dark. He considers mentioning it to Aramil, but decides against it. As long as he doesn't miss anything important because of it.
Err..I didnt miss anything important thus far, right?
"Wait!" calls the other dwarf. "There's something you need to know. Pekka had a trap set up, in case the monster tried to come after us, but... I don't know exactly where it is. And the others that helped him with it have gone back to the mother temple for a new priestess..."
[dwarven]"Some of us try."[/dwarven]
Then the word trap catches his attention, and he looks up.
[dwarven]"Traps I can cope with, knowing where it is helps but if its there I'll find it, and try my damndest to disable it."[/dwarven]
"Do not worry my friend if anyone can find the trap it'll be Boirin.
*Aramil then turns to Tagg and gives him a nod, but when he sees the confused look on his face Aramil gives a quiet chukle.
"Ye know I need ter teach ye how ter speek me language sometime. That way ye won't get lost.
*Aramil gives a nod and a wink to Tagg and then waits for Boiring to 'work his magic'.
"I need to help Karl get Pekka down, first. Then I'll guide you up to the tunnels."
"There ye be. Follow the directions carved on the tunnel walls, and you'll be fine.
So long as you don't find the trap the hard way..."
"I'll be in front since I have teh map. Next will be Boirin, for if there is a trap somewhere I'll need him ter tell me where it is. Then Ulerian since he has spells that will be of use in tough situations, and lastly Tagg who is very skilled with a bow and can see without much light. Ready? Lets go!"
*Aramil gives a not to the group and then heads off down the tunnel following Hegnus' directions and the wall's directions.
"I'm sorry to disrupt your darkvision Master Aramil, but I need to be able to see to disarm."
The man continues along behind the dwarf looking intently at all the walls for any signs of the trap.
[OoC: Search for trap +9]
Violently throwing himself backwards, gripping the tunnel floor with work-hardened fingers, Aramil pulls himself from the edge of the pit.
Boirin is a split-second faster to recognize the threat, and has back-flipped to safety while Aramil is still teetering with windmilling arms.
When the dust clears, they see a thirty foot deep pit in the tunnel.
"I beleive we have found the trap."
He comes up beside Aramil and shine his lantern down into the pit.
Ulerian smiles cynically as he stands by.
Too late now, though, and they need a way across. Perhaps edging around it on the sides would suffice, though a slip could be fatal to the frailer members of the group.
The sound of running water echoes faintly down the tunnel ahead.
"Looks like we might be able to sneak past it along the edge there.. Perhaps we can see what can be done with some rope."
(ooc: Looking for a grappling hook, I don't know if one would come in there or not.)
"Yes, yes it does sound like a good idea ter me, but I was thinking of something similar, if that fails we will try yours. I was thinking of just using my climbing kit to someone hook onto something on the ground across the hole, then each of use will walk, crawl, or something to get across the rope. I'll be holding it, then once everyone is over I'll swing across and Boirin and Tagg'll pull me up. Sound good? Or should we go with yers?"
*Aramil continues to rummage through his kit to see if he has anything to grab onto the stone across the hole
Ulerian says as he peers beyond, down into the passage.
"That wouldn't be a good idea, we already were very close to not being able ter get in here, so how good do ye think it would be if we got back ter them askin' fer some wood cause we want ter take the easy way out. How good do ye think that would be?"
*Aramil shakes his head again and then thinks about how they can get across.
Tagg peers down at the bottom of the pit.
"Alright heres what well do. Somebody will go down to the bottom of the pit and look around to see if there are any tunnels that might lead back to here, if so then he'll send a signal back to us by tugging the rope once, if he is getting attacked he'll tug the rope twice, and if he just plainly wants to come back up he'll tug the rope thrice. Sound good to ye? Oh and if we don't find anything then we'll go on with Boirin's plan."
*Aramil loosk to the others for any suggestions or comments.
Boirin begins to ready for his plan to take effect. He hand the rope to Aramil so he may tie the knot. Then he takes the other end and readies to pull the dwarf up at a moments notice.
"There's yer answer. Now lets get me ready ter go down there."
*Aramil helps with Boirin to get the little exploration of the pit underway. Once he is done he makes sure that everyone is ready then he strats to go down into the pit.
)*Aramil cureses his luck, he was hoping that some monster might have dug a seperate tunnel that might lead away from this place, he tuggs the rope three times to signal that he wants to come back up.
*When he gets back to the top he explains to the group that there are no other tunnels leading away from the pit, so they will have to go along with Boirin's plan. Then he starts to get his stuff ready to start Boirin's plan.
After Tagg hears Aramil's verdict, he turns back to Boirin.
"From what I understood from your proposal, we all climb down into the pit, then climb back up the other side?"
"Err.. or was it us going across a rope bridge? I think you lost me when you mentioned something about crossing it upside down.."
"Aramil goes down and then back up. We have the rope. He holds the rope, we lift the rope. You two go across the rope, then I slide the stuff across the rope. You give me back the rope, I nail it down and climb down this side, I pull out the pin and climb back up with Aramil's pitons. Any questions?"
As he says this he rubs his gloved hands around him in a small heap is his quiver, crossbow, sword, and pack. He takes his dagger and shoves the sheath down his boot.
As they round the curve of the tunnel, the sound of water is louder, and Aramil can see a stream disappearing into a hole in the tunnel floor.
There is room on one side of the tunnel to continue along, on the left side of the stream.
Boirin says as he walks behind the dwarf.
"Foward Borin..Right master dwarf?"
At last, the cavern lies before them, a vaulted chamber, walls studded with crystal, and sparse but impressive stonework. On either side of the pool stands a three-columned arch. The pool itself has been slightly modified with a carved retaining wall, and there are the remains of a swirling platform above it.
The waterfall thunders from the wall directly before and above them.
The Tears of the Mother
As they enter the huge chamber, even though the elf has natural preferences to unenclosed areas, he cannot help but admire the temple. He runs his hand lightly along the wall, as he looks over it.
"This is the temple, I presume, Aramil?"
He takes a few minutes to simply look at the impressive structures, trying to take it all in at once.
Hrm.. wasn't there supposed to be some kind of monster in here?
Tagg wanders over towards the fountain that the water feeds into, and peers down into it.
"Don't ye remember the monster came out of the pool? I don't think it would be best ter look down in there yet, unless we need ter. Keep yer eyes open, ye might want ter ready yer bow also."
*Then Aramil turns to the rest of the group to speak to them.
"Ye can admire the craftsmanship of the temple all ye want, but just remember our mission, ye might want ter also prepare for combat, since I don't know where the monster is.
*With that he nods to the group, smiles and then gribs his shield and his axe. He walks over to the main fountain and bows again, he doesn't look in it though, instead he keeps a sharp eye out for the monster or any of its minions.
If a monster is hiding here, it would have to be behind or under the stonework, or in the pool.
"Hay Boss, I would suggest we, uh, look for the beasty. Sittin 'round in the dark won't get this temple cleared."
"Alright we are going ter split up into two groups, the first group will be me and Boirin, which means that Tagg and Ulerian will be in the second group. Boirin and I will search up here near the pool and will call you guys if we find anything, which means that Tagg and Ulerian will search in the beginning of the temple adn work there way towards the middle where they will meet us. Sound good?
After Aramil explains the plan, Tagg looks around at the cavern walls. He is a bit skeptical that there could be something hiding in the walls, however, since the walls appear so solid and final. Of coure, he reminds himself, what kind of secret passage betrays itself at first glance?
Regardless, he starts to walk along his assigned wall, keeping his keen eyes peeled for anything amiss.
[Search +8, Spot +6]
Boirin follows with Aramil and looks around.
[ooc: Search +9, spot -1]
Aramil can see that the broken platform must have fallen into the pool. Repairing it will likely involve raising the stones from the bottom of the pool. The turbulence of the water makes it impossible for him to guess at the pool's depth.
*Aramil scratches his beard after he pulls up the rope and puts it away. He starts to think about how they might be able to find the monster.
"I don't suppose any of ye have any suggestions about how ter find the durned beast....."
Ulerian stands quietly after the search, near the doorway.
"The monster does not like dwarves who are praying at the time he attacked, they were the closest possible things he could eat, so there for he does not like them. But if you insist on praying then go ahead and be my guest."
*Aramil turns back around and wonders what its going to take to get the monster out, when he gets an idea. He turns back around and addresses the group.
"Do you think he may be trapped under that fallen platform?"
"Its a possibility I guess. I'm not sure how we'd get it out though."
"Well I don't suppose any of ye can hold yer breath fer long periods of time? Or perhaps Ulerian might have a spell or two ter help us along in this."
The waterfall catches Boirin's eye and he looks up from his squatting posistion.
"Wher does that stream lead to?"
"I'm not much of a swimmer meself. So maybe Tagg woul be able ter do it. Meh? The stream..... I dunno, lemme check the map."
*Aramil gets the map out and checks to see if there is any indication on where the stream leads. And if that doesn't tell him anything he checks around the temple for any pictures on the walls like the ones that led them here to the tunnel in the first place.
The map is of no use, since it guides them only from Garic's City to the rock quarry, where they met their guide.
Aramil cannot find any decorations in the shrine that would indicate the source or destination of the stream.
"Well, eh,.. I'd prefer not to have to just dive down there.. If that's where the monster is supposed to be, it might not be the best idea to just go to it.. especially underwater, where we would not be at our best abilities."
Tagg thinks for a few moments more.
"Perhaps... we can use some kind of object to try and lure it out. That is, if its even in the pool here. Nothing seemed to interrupt your rope, Aramil."
Boirin walks to the waterfall at sticks his through to feel if there is a cave behind it.
Although the water is cool, it is not so cold that it would cause problems to a swimmer.
"Ye find anything?"
"No convinient cave behind the waterfall. I hoped it would be that easy. The waters not too cold though."
"I guess I'll go down there now, now since I have two ropes I'll need one of ye ter hold the one around my waste incase I need ter be pulled up, I'll pull on the rope once in that case. And the other I'll hook around the platform so we can haul it up."
*Aramil gets out his hemp rope and ties that around his waste and hands another end to either Boirin or Tagg. Then he gets out his silk rope since it is much stronger and starts to head down to the bottom of the well so he can get that platform. He tries to get the rope under the platform so he can easily haul it up.
Ulerian moves forward and prods the pool with his staff, he thwacks the top and sides of it, and then dips it in a time or two, letting it go about 4 of the 6 feet down before retracting it.
Dropping in, he sinks quickly under the weight of his armor.
There on the pool floor, his outstretched hands (and toes...) find the chunk of lovingly carved stone from the altar platform.
As he tries in the turbulent water to loop his silk rope around the stone, his body is slammed by an attack.
Claws grip him, teeth bite him, horns pierce him, and the water swirls around in a confusing melee of stone, bubbles, and blood.
Initiative and HP standings:
Monster
Aramil 60/56 and 9 subdual
.oO(I knew the durned beast was in teh water, so why in the 9 hells did I ever go in here! I'm so stupid.......)
*Aramil continues his hardest to try and get out of the water before he dies of suffocation.
He is unable to get a grip and start up, but Boirin begins hauling him up by force.
Then, the monster attacks, grabbing at him to pull him down again. It yanks, Aramil falls back, and Boirin feels the rope pass cuttingly through his palms, leaving streaks of blood to drip down his fingers.
The gripping claws dig into Aramil, piercing through his arms.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/51 and 15 subdual
edited in damage, sorry!
.oO(I hope someone sends my weapons down, I might have a better chance now.....)
[Spot]
It propels itself after him in another onslaught, striking to wound, not grasp. Again Aramil suffers multiple wounds...
Tagg realizes the combatants are too obscured by the water for him to be able to find a target.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/48 and 24 subdual
.oO(Durned monster........
)[drop bow, draw scimitar and short sword]
He struggles, nearly breaking free as it digs into him with its claws. The men above, standing on firm stone, see a creature seemingly hewn from the stone itself, looking more like a living statue from an artist's nightmare than anything else.
Though Tagg tries, he cannot strike the creature before it disappears under the water once again, hapless dwarf in its clutches.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/46 and 30 subdual
Tagg 26/26
Boirin pulls at the rope trying to get the dwarf to the surface again.
"Tagg you cannot attack through water, help get the dwarf out."
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/46 and 30 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
.oO(I must protect Boirin and Ulerian, if I am no match fer this monster then how can they be?!?!? I must protect them even if that means I have to give up my life for them.)
*With his new found resolve he yet again tries to break out of the monsters grib, but once he does he tries to attack him with everything he's got, and hopes to some greater being that might be looking after him that Tagg heard him.
Ulerian's head pops above the surface of the water. His effort to tread water is nearly ineffective, but with an effort of will he chants out the words to a spell, and his right hand glows with a ghastly blue light.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/46 and 30 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
[OoC: Escape Artist +8 base mod, swim +1 base]
Knowing Ulerian is correct, Tagg sheathes his weapons. Hurrying towards them to help out, he sees them tumble in.
Cursing quite loudly enough in Elven, his eyes dart around, looking for something that could be used. Seeing nothing, he simply goes to the edge of the pool. He notes the irony for the briefest moment - he was nominated to go in first, and now he stands alone, the only one still dry.
"Don't grab the rope yet! I'm going to take it out first and try to do something with it!"
Tagg reaches out, trying to grab the end of a length of rope with his hand. Coming slightly short, he whips out his short sword and uses the flat of the blade to fish it out towards him, then scoops it up.
about how many feet long is the rope?
.oO(I hope Tagg is doin' something up there ter help us....)
Boirin attempts to free himself from his weighty armor. Thankfully he doesn't stab himself, but his breastplate remains firmly in place.
The monster is reluctant to let his dinner escape, and tries to regain his grip on Aramil, who fends off the unwanted advance.
Floundering in the water, Aramil is unable to swim to the surface.
Ulerian propels himself closer to the melee and tries to touch the creature with his glowing hand. He nearly succeeds.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/46 and 30 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
(+7 melee, 1d6+3, 20x2. Bludgeoning.)
Finally, and a more difficult task, he approaches the pool itself. He tries to keep his balance on the upper edge of the pool, and loop the rest of the rope over the arch above the pool's mouth.
[if applicable - Use Rope +4, Balance +6 (includes acp)]
[color=silver]not much of a doubt in my mind that all this will take more than one round - please just space as you see fit in the upcoming updates. Ideally, the extra length of rope at the first loop can be pulled on, and in turn pull up on Aramil' on the other end of the rope.[/color]
Boirin gives up on his armor, swimming towards the surface. He can see light, and knows that if unmolested he will be able to pull himself out.
Aramil resolves to brawl the monster into submission, but it launches another attack upon him, clawing and goring.
The dwarf attempts to swing at the stony creature, but the weight of the water slows his arm and throws off his aim, and he can only long despairingly for his axe.
Ulerian tries again to touch the creature, but misses.
Tagg finishes up his rope arrangement, dangling the extra length down into the water, and Boirin climbs out of the pool, gasping for breath.
The monster notices Ulerian's gyrations nearby and reaches out to grab him. Ulerian takes the opportunity again to reach and touch it, but misses, and it reaches for him. Perhaps the glowing hand startles it, though, because Ulerian is able to avoid its vicious grasp.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/41 and 38 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
Relieved that his contraption works, he takes the momentary cease to take a few deep breaths and regather his strength.
"ARAMIL, WE'RE GOING TO PULL YOU UP!"
Tagg yells, hoping that Aramil can hear him from under the water. Once he feels that the dwarf is ready, he pulls again, hoping for his efforts to cooperate with Aramil's, and be enough outmuscle the monster if it happens to grab hold of the fighter again.
[edit: wrong post thing]
(ooc: Not sure if I can take a defensive action and reach for the rope but if I can then I'll do it, if not then just reach for the rope.)
His glowing hand strikes the creature, and if it were capable of expression, one suspects it would look truly startled by the pain Ulerian causes it.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/41 and 38 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
"If the monster does not stop attacking Ulerian then get prepared to haul up him and me fer I'll be goin in ter get him."
(Longbow+1, +11/+6 ranged, d8+1, 20x3, Piercing, 100ft.)
.oO(Its good ter feel a weapon in my hand finally, now it is time fer the beast to die.)
"Tagg, Boirin, thank ye fer saving me, now it is time fer the beast to die, get yer bows out and start shooting!
*With that Aramil lets go his first arrow at the nasty beast, then he quickly reloads and lets go another arrow right behind the other one.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/41 and 38 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
Completely submerged creatures have Total Cover.
"Aramil, get the rope off yourself and throw it back in for Ulerian!"
He prepares to begin hauling out the wizard.
(ooc: Prepared action to attack any enemy when it gets out of the pool. +12/+7 melee, 1d10+5, 20x3, Slashing.)
"Get ready ter pull Ulerian up, and possibly me if I need ter get down there ter defend Ulerian. And after we get ter the top here again, be prepared ter fight this thing with ranged weapons preferably, but if ye feel up ter a close ranged fight be me guest. Now get ready!"
As he stands there, the monster bursts from the pool, leaping onto the ground and reaching for Aramil.
I'm placing Tagg at P-2, pulling Ulerian out. Boirin at O-2, and Aramil at N-3. Monster jumping out at O-3.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster
Aramil 60/41 and 38 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
[OoC:+6 attack]
Chill Touch #2 posting out of turn for sake of getting one in. Back but still busy, thanks for the npcing Miss S.
Originally posted by Ulerian
Ulerian engulfs his hand in yet another glow, this time it's a yellowish-green. He attacks with it as soon as he get's an opening.
Shocking grasp, posting out of turn for sake of getting one in. Back but still busy, thanks for the npcing Miss S.
You're welcome, but you'll still have one more charge of Chill Touch. Would you like to use that first?
)*Aramil sees the monster burst out of the pool and immediatly starts to try and attack Aramil. Aramil just smirks. Then he says to the beast.
"Ye stupid beast, it would have been better fer ye ter stay in the water like a coward, cause now yer gonna taste steel fer a long time."
*With that Aramil starts swinging away at the beast.
(MW Waraxe, +12/+7 melee, 1d10+5, 20x3, Slashing.)
Ulerian clambers from the water with Tagg's assistance, and Boirin shoots at the monster with his crossbow. The great precision of his shot leaves a bolt jutting from its ear.
It roars, lunging with outstretched claws at Aramil. Aramil recognizes an opening, and takes advantage, leaving another small chip, and throwing it off its stride.
Taking advantage of the reprieve, Aramil swings again, hitting precisely and doing serious damage. The creature does not fall, and Ulerian scrambles forward to touch it with his still-glowing hand.
I'm placing Tagg at P-2, pulling Ulerian out. Boirin at O-2, and Aramil at N-3. Monster at O-3.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster (injured)
Aramil 60/41 and 38 subdual
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
"I told ye, ye would be tastin' steel soon enough, but no ye didn't listen. Well have some more!"
(MW Waraxe, +12/+7, 1d10+5, 20x3, Slashing.)
[ooc: reload and attack +6]
Aramil is unable to withstand its ferocity, and he falls to the ground unconscious.
Ulerian has not been idle, and intones an arcane phrase, bringing a crackling force around his hand. Reaching out, he lays his hand on the stony monster, and is rewarded by its roar of pain.
Tagg is at P-2. Boirin at O-2, and Aramil at N-3. Monster at O-3.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster (injured)
Aramil 60/35 and 47 subdual, unconscious
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
Boirin fires and misses, and the monster reaches for Tagg. Fear lends his arm a strength and precision it did not have before, and he fends off its grasp with a granite-chipping blow.
Ulerian attempts to find an opening to touch the creature again, but is unable to do so.
Tagg continues his attack, missing.
Tagg is at P-2. Boirin at O-2, and Aramil at N-3. Monster at O-3.
Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster (injured)
Aramil 60/35 and 47 subdual, unconscious
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
"Wake up long beard!!!"
"I... just... wanted ter... protect....."
(ooc: Sorry about the lateness of this post, but I couldn't get a chance to post it seeing how I had school to attend...... >_<)
The monster swings its head in frustration, looking from one to another of the standing foes, and takes a deliberate backwards hop into the turbulent pool, vanishing from sight with a tremendous, group-drenching splash.
Ulerian forces a potion into Aramil, and watches the dwarf's skin take on a woody quality.
Tagg is at P-2. Boirin at O-2, and Aramil at N-3. Initiative and HP standings:
Boirin 20/20
Monster (badly injured)
Aramil 60/35 and 47 subdual, unconscious
Ulerian
Tagg 26/26
"Watch the pool for me!"
Once in he tries to touch the beast, making as much noise as possible to get it's attention.
Boirin gasps as the creature retreats into the water. He quickly reloads his crossbow as he speaks. He then looks to Aramil,
"What in the hells did you give him?"
Ulerian grits his teeth against the assault, then slaps it angrily, and it rears back in agony, thrashing the already turbulent water.
[ooc:ready action vs. approach]]
[edit changed from attack]
As it dives back into the water, he is surprised once again as the mage dives in.
Doesn't seem like the wisest thing.. if we are going to fight it it should be on land on our terms..
Regardless, the elf goes to find the end of the length of rope and throws it into the pool.
"Ulerian, pull on this when you need to get out, and we'll take you up!"
After doing this he darts back over to his side of the pulley and gets ready.
}We must try and get Ulerian out before he drowns... or is killed outright by the monster...
"Boirin, go by the rope and get ready to pull us up. I'm going to try and get a hold of Ulerian!"
He takes a deep breath and dives into the water.
One paw reaches out to grab at his sleeve and he yanks away, cloth shredding. There is no time for self congratulation as the monster grabs hold with its other paw, pulling him into a painful embrace.
Blood flows from the wizard, mixing with the water.
He twitches and twists, only to feel its sharp teeth clamp into his shoulder, bone crushed under the relentless pressure. Darkness overwhelms him, as his hand rises to the creature in a final, deadly, riposte.
The unconscious pair sink to the bottom of the pool in a silent waltz, the granite form weighting Ulerian down.
And so Tagg finds them, there on the bone littered floor of the pool.
He wades down to the pool's bottom. Pushing some kind of arm bone out of the way with his foot, he tries to wedge the stony monster off of the mage.
Once he has gotten Ulerian free enough to be pulled up, he holds Ulerian with one arm and pulls on the rope with other, hopefully with the effect of Boirin noticing.
Moving through the water, Tagg pushes and shoves until he has freed up the body, still unsure as to whether there is still life in him.
As they surface, he immediately gets Ulerian out of the water and onto the dry ground while he catches his own breath for a moment.
He does not linger, though, and pulls himself out. Tagg first checks Ulerian to make sure he is still alive, and then starts to locate and examine his other wounds.
Undoubtedly, the time he and Boirin spent waiting for the combatants to resurface was too long for the mage to survive.
"He is gone."
He says flatly at Boirin without turning his head towards him. He takes off his cloak and places it over Ulerian's body. The elf rises, and walks towards Aramil. Mourning for the dead can come later. It would most likely be a better idea to take care of the still living.
"Any plans for what we do now? I suppose we could try getting out of here now, though hauling two beings might not be the easiest."
"Might be better if we spend the night here, and wait for Aramil to come to. The monster is dead, I don't think we'll have to worry about anything attacking us."
"Yeah, it would be smart to not try and get two bodies out of here at once. With Aramil carrying himself we can probably get Ulerian out of here."
Boirin shakes his head as if clearing it. He shrugs off his backpack and digs through it, pulling out some food and a skin of water. From his belt he pulls his flask and takes a sip. The firery liquid makes him close his eyes and when he opens them again he looks slightly more relaxed. When he speaks he sounds more together.
"We should get a fire started."
Following his own advice he begins to look for wood and kindling.
After two hours of rest, Aramil regains a painful consciousness
"Who killed the beast? And I pray that Ulerian isn't dead... I know I didn't like him much, but still ter lose someone as useful as him will be a hard break ter me."
*He looks to Boirin and Tagg for some answers. While he is waiting he winces from all the pain is in and hopes that Tagg can take care of the wounds, he lays back down again, using his pack as a pilo, to ease some of the pain.
"I suppose he cared more about the dwarves than he first let on?"
Tagg answers to the first question. He simply shakes his head at Aramil's inquiries about the wizard's death.
"Sadly.. it is true."
He says. Then as silence comes over them, Tagg starts to examine Aramil's wounds. He walks over to Ulerian, and cuts off a strip of his cloak that he had put over him earlier. He uses some water from the pool to clean out a few of the cuts, and then applies makeshift bandages from the cloth strip.
"That's about all I can do at the moment.. hopefully some of the dwarves can patch you up a bit better."
"Ulerian seems to have been bolder than any of us. It is a shame that when such honor awakens its bearer should die."
"Tis a shame that he should die, he was the bravest of all of us, like ye said Boirin, I think we owe it ter him ter give him a very good barial cermony. But first we need ter get that durned platform outa the pool, after I rest I'll get it....
*With that Aramil lays down again and goes to sleep.
Nevertheless, the dwarf feels noticeably better in the morning. His bruises are a lovely rainbow of colors, and the idea of two or three more days of sleeping sounds wonderful.
Aramil is at 42 out of 60 hp, and all non-lethal damage has healed.
"Now I know I said that I would be gettin' the platform, but I'm hurtin' pretty durned bad, so would one of ye mind divin' in the pool and tying a piece of rope around the platform, then whoever's left and myself will haul it up and will fix it if possible."
*Aramil tries his hardest not to wince while talking to his companions but he can't let one slip through as his pain his taking a toll on his body.
"Sure, I will do it. But first..."
The elf starts to loosen the straps holding his armor in place. He eventually manages to slip it off, and stretches. It is a bit of a relief to be out of the heavy gear, though he shivers when he remembers he must delve into the pool.
"Here, let's see that rope."
Tagg accepts the rope, then dives into the pool. To his rejoice, the trip is much smoother than the last, no doubt thanks to the lighter load. Once at the bottom, he goes around the monster and begins to tie the rope to the platform, the task Aramil had tried to accomplish before. Once he is finished, he wades back up to the surface. He takes no hesitation finding a new breath to fill his lungs. He pushes clumps of wet hair out of his face, and then climbs back up onto the surface.
"Alright, it should be all attached."
{remove armor, take 10/20 if possible on any skill checks}
.oO(I hope I can fix this thing it would be nice ter see it all in one piece after that monster came here and wrecked the durned place.)
"Um, boss, I don't know how much more use we can be, cause after all, these are dwarves, and trained stone masons. We agreed to help them get rid of a monster, we got the stone up too for good measure, but we have a friend to get home for proper burial. I don't know bout you boss but I'm runnin' out of food, I think we should get going soon. Its not to late in the day we could be back by evening or we could stay the night with the dwarves and enjoy some roaring fires and such.
Boirin shakes his head realising he has propbably opened himself up for a tounge lashing but hes going to stand his ground.
[dwarven]"Boss I'd like to get out of here, and get home or at least sleep in a bed tonight. I'd like take our comrade home before he starts stinkin', cause a stinkin' body isn't very pleasent."[/dwarven]
"Aye, lets go and meet with the Hegnus and the rest. Tagg get yer things together we are headin out. One of ye has ter help me carry Ulerian's body outa here. And when we get back ter Garics we need ter go ter the temple about a proper barial. Lets go....
*Aramil takes one final look around after he got his stuff together bows his head in reverence and bows in reverence, goes over and gently picks Ulerians body up and starts leading the others out of the temple and back to Hegnus.
He follows them out of the temple. The elf keeps silent on their journey back, usually avoiding looking over at the bundle Ulerian resides in.
He stands to greet them, and his eyes widen at the sight of the cloak-wrapped Ulerian.
He... you lost a companion?
This is terrible! You... you brought a man to help in your task, and he is dead while you yet live? The shame... We're all shamed...
He stands, stunned, then swallows hard.
The priests will know what to do. They should be here in the morning.
He gestures roughly at them to follow, and leads them back towards the quarry dwellings.
"I would have gladly given me life ter save Ulerian, but the durned monster knocked me out cold afore I could deal the crushing blow, and when I awoke I found out that Ulerian jumped in the pool after the monster and destroyed him, but then the monster drowned him afore we could get him out."
*Aramil lowers his head again in guilt and goes over to rest.
And so, not only is Ulerian dead, but it's his name we'll be inscribing on the tablet of Heroes. Well, there's honor in your truthfulness, and I'll be sure the priests know that.
He shows them to the shelter that they'll use for the night, and assures them that a hot meal will be sent over.
In the comfort of the small stone house, Tagg is able to focus better on his efforts as a healer, and Aramil gains the full benefit of his ministrations.
By the following morning, Aramil is at 56 out of 60 hp.
.oO(I wish I was not unconsious when Ulerian jumped in, I might have been able ter save him. Well the only thing I can do now is use all of my resources and strength to bring him back, even if I have to give up me own life.)
The priests'll see you when you've eaten. No rush, they're inspecting the shrine right now.
"I don't know why you're beating yourself up over this, Aramil. You were knocked out, you couldn't have done anything if you wanted."
"You didn't choose to be knocked out, did you?"
As Tagg gets a hesitant headshake from Aramil he continues.
"Exactly."
The last word fades, and is a somewhat gentler tone than the rest. He remains seated and keeps a respectful silence as he finishes his breakfast.
Good day to you, Aramil Dunskar, Boirin son of Naerin, Tagg. Our thanks to you for your efforts in combating that monstrosity, and our apologies in arriving too late to be able to assist.
The priest and priestess eye each other.
It... came as quite a shock to find that your chosen companion gave his life, in a matter that is very much a dwarven concern. Naturally, this must be remedied.
We are going to implore the Mother to restore his life. Due to the extreme expense and effort involved, Aramil, this will incur a debt on your part.
"I know I wasn't able ter save Ulerian, but I know too that if I wasn't knocked out by that durned monster then I would have been able ter save him. So the least I could do is ter pay the debt ter ye so that Ulerian may breath again, besides it was my duty ter look after him and I failed that so I hope I can succeed at this task."
*Aramil bows to the priests and preistesses again and then waits for their word.
Would either of you be able to make use of a wand that holds healing spells?
"I suppose... I could."
"Yes bring him back, we owe him enough to try it at least."
He looks around something of his normal cheerfullness restored. He pulls one of the morning's biscuits out of his pocket and munches on it.
For you, Boirin, these potions should be useful. This one is of healing, and this one is a protective spell.
A pouch with a bit of coin accompanies the potions.
Your companion will be with you tomorrow morning, if all goes well.
Tagg receives a wand of Cure Light Wounds, ten charges. Boirin receives a potion of Cure Light Wounds, a potion of Shielf of Faith, and 50gp.
"I'm sorry I'm not sure what I am to do with these, am I to use them during the ceremony?"
Surely an adventurer such as yourself has need of such things?
.oO(Stupid, stupid, stupid, some day you'll figure it out Boirin)
Thank you, also, for raising the stone from the pool. It will allow the master stonecarvers to repair the shrine that much more quickly.
We will send to you in Garic's City when the details of repaying your debt have been decided. For now, I would invite you to ready yourselves for your return home, while we pray over Ulerian. The sooner the rite is completed, the sooner he can recover his strength for the journey.
"I guess we should go get packed."
"Yes Boirin, that tis a very good idea."
He nods politely at the priestess after her words and then turns to the others in his party.
The elf follows the others to their rooms and gathers together his things. Soon, he has everything packed away, and, after double checking everything is in fact packed away, is ready to get back home.
Some time later, Ulerian's face twists into a grimace, followed by a groan. He shudders, rolls onto his side, and then forces himself upright.
"Wha--? Where?"
Calm yourself, sir. You slew the beast, and your companions are safe. You may join them in the morning, when you have regained your strength.
Ulerian stares at the priestess, considering this information.
After a moment his eyes narrow, and he replies, "Then the job is done. I'd like to be paid now, if you don't mind."
One of the onlookers gasps, and the priestess seems briefly disconcerted.
Oh... but... Oh.
Well, the debt for your raising is Aramil Dunskar's...
"Quite. I did the job, and now I want to be paid."
Very well, then.
She rummages through some packs, muttering to herself.
Here. This is a potion of healing, and this is a protection.
Be aware that you will dismiss the aura if you take offensive action while it is protecting you. Most creatures will be unable to strike you while it is active, but some will be able to overcome the effect.
And, as you may have equipment that needs repair, this gold should cover your expenses.
Ulerian hefts the pouch in his hand, then tucks it through his belt. He stows the vials in a pouch after noting their markings, and bows his head curtly to the priestess.
"Very good."
I will leave you to Hegnus' care now. Our thanks, again, for your brave actions.
Ulerian's lip curls slightly, but he tilts his head again. She gestures to Hegnus, who steps forward and escorts Ulerian to a quiet guest room.
When morning arrives, the wizard joins Aramil, Boirin and Tagg at the breakfast table.
"How do ye feel? Ye did a job well done on killin' the monster, or so I heard, I was still knocked out while ye... ah... died......"
*Aramils face grows grim as he finishes his sentence but then he shakes his head to regain him composure.
"I've been meaning ter tell ye something, I'm sorry fer being mean ter ye when we were traveling together, and I ask you know if ye can fergive me so that we may become friends?"
*Aramil bows to Ulerian again in hopes that he might be able to forgive him.
"There is no need for your appology Aramil. I am much weaker than before, but in time I will regain my strength. My master chose life once again for me....."he trails off with a couple of pulls on his pipe.
"The dwarf preistess gave me a reward, Do you also have a share for me?"
"No, but Hegnus might give us something else when we get back to Garics, which we should do when you feel up to it."
"Welcome back, Ulerian.."
"So, eh, do you remember everything you did before? That's a bad question though, since if you don't remember you wouldn't know.."
"Well, er, do you feel the same? Wait that doesn't quite work either..."
He tries to find a question to inquire with, still in a bit of disbelief.
Ulerian stops talking, pausing in thought.
"I remember all of it, until the end... after that, though, I know I went through something, a journey... I cannot recall anything from that time.. perhaps I am not allowed.. Regardless, we will all take that trip before long."
"Well if we are all ready ter head back then I suggest we start right now, we'll take it slowly so that it won't be to much work fer Ulerian.
*With that Aramil goes to Hegnus and explains to them that they are heading back to Garics, and that he might return here one day. He will also await for word from the priests and preistesses once he returns. He bows to Hegnus then he leads the others back the way they came so that they will once be back again in Garics City.
"I'm proud of all of ye, ye did very well on this adventure, especially ye Ulerian. Now there is only one more stop ter make and then we can get back ter our lives. I hope that I shall see all of ye in the future.
*Aramil bows to Ulerian, Tagg, and Boirin seperatly and then once he is done he leads them off to the Hungry Pelican so that they can talk to Hegnus. On the way there Aramil has mixed emotions about this meeting because he does not know how this will go over with Hegnus and the other dwarves, he hopes that it will not be the same as with the other Hegnus and the priests and priestesses.....
.oO(So much fer gaining respect and recognition from the dwarves in the city.....)