Post by TheUdjat on Aug 21, 2009 14:44:00 GMT -5
SEA GREEN
Deciding that it is best not to try storming the fortifications just yet, the companions consider how they might gain the needed resources and force the defeat the Master’s clerics and the Yexuhl. Discussion turns to the strange lizardfolk that are rumored to dwell on the island, seen by ships in passing—of which they have so far seen none.
Where are these natives? What happened to them?
The companions leave off the clearing and the settlement for now, searching for signs of other sentient life. The jungle teems with sounds and activity, but none of it appears to be the lizardfolk. Carefully, the group searches high and low, aware that these natives could be adept at hiding
Eventually, the group does come across something. Some distance from the settlement, an area of jungle has been painstakingly cleared of vegetation, and the trees looming overhead carefully clipped so that a hole pierces through the canopy, unimpeded. The ground here is charred and blackened as though by an intense bonfire, and the ground is appropriately littered with ashes and, upon closer inspection, bone fragments. A blazing fire was once lit here, and at least a few bodies were incinerated in the blaze.
Now, the site is dormant, the ground cold, though the heavy scent of smoke lingers, held by the foliage not far off, stained black with smoke in places.
Inspecting over the area, the group suddenly has the nagging suspicion that someone is watching them—but looking around, there is no-one in sight.
(Character Status)
Ella – 67/77 HP; DR 3/- (4 blocked), Lifedrinking 12 (Lance)
Sean – 47/47 HP; Hide from Undead
Gro-bug – 79/100 HP, DR 1/-
Henrick – 73/78 HP
Natsumi – 51/52 HP, Freedom of Movement
Antyca – No damage [Absent]
Squeeks – No damage
DARK RED
Lenny-
Hallen thinks hard about what Lenny tells him, dwarven brow set in a thick line, pensive and a little grumpy, perhaps. His eyes are bright and alert, though, his mind working through all the complications and information as diligently as he can. If what you tell me is true,” the dwarf says, “and you strike me as a trustworthy sort, then there are indeed dire things at hand. Necromancers in the University, seeking out some—bone, you say?” He rubs at his bearded jaw. “Shouldn’t be anyone robbing artifacts from the University, but certainly not some Deathspeakers. If you’re truly allies of my kin back home, you’re allies of mine.”
And at this, he frowns again. “But I worry about what can be done. I know the museum, sure, and the rest of the grounds—but I don’t know about this bone you’re looking for. Why wouldn’t it be with the researchers if it’s such a powerful artifact, or since it’s a bone, buried with whoever it belongs to? More worrying, though, you tell me about disputes with your Tertian brothers.”
Hallen shakes his head unhappily. “If things are as dire as you say, we can’t hope to beat them alone. You say you’re a diplomat, and I’m just a scholar. I can wield a hammer alright, but I’m not warrior, and you’re just one Halfling. You have my help, but what are we to do on our own?”
Gildas-
The Dean nods tiredly, and does not seem bothered by Gildas wanting to accompany him. He goes back to his business while Gildas takes up an inconspicuous spot somewhere nearby, where he can keep an eye on the Deathspeaker and the Dean, and ask about the man. [Gather Info.] Unfortunately, most of the people Gildas tries to talk to are preoccupied with their own business and either ignore him, or glare at him and move off a distance to themselves, or shush him. One man merely shrugs at Gildas’s inquiries. Nobody seems inclined to help.
Lockheart, thankfully, is able to fill in some details. “He’s not a magic-user, that I know of. He was appointed to the position a long while back, and seems a decent fellow from what I’ve heard. Keeps a quiet profile except for the business he has to do for the university.”
Eventually, about an hour from the time Gildas spoke with him, the council chamber adjourns for a time and the Dean gets up, as does pretty much everyone else. The Tertian can muscle himself into position to keep close to the man, who ambles along unhurried towards the exit.
On the way, the Deathspeaker and a couple of the men near him—clerks, by their appearance—move to intercept the Dean, much as Gildas suspected they would. In his formal armor and no weapon, the Deathspeaker wears a polite smile and soft expression, rather at odds with any of the clerics Gildas has encountered before. “Dean Fairchild,” he says smoothly, bowing a head respectfully to him. “I was wondering if we might speak more on that matter I brought up before. It is, as I said, a matter of considerable importance to us, and we are prepared to extend a lucrative offer on behalf of our organization.”
The Dead—Fairchild, apparently—lets out a heavy breath at the interruption, nodding tiredly and rubbing his eyes a bit. “Yes, Aurost, we can meet. Again.” He gestures vaguely at Gildas. “This gentleman has requested a conference first, however, so you will have to wait until he’s finished. You know where my office is.”
The Deathspeaker—Aurost—nods respectfully and the Dean quickly moves on, but he gives Gildas a lingering stare that leaves no doubt in his head that he knows who the Tertian is.
The Dean is stopped three or four more times on the way out by various petitioners, so it is unlikely he saw the significance in the Deathspeaker’s confrontation. Eventually, however, Gildas, the Dean, and Lockheart all manage to exit the building—and retrieve weapons—and are greeted by Wanderer who falls silently into step behind them. Fairchild gives the little assembly a curious look. “Very militant,” he remarks dryly. “I take it you are soldiers of some shade, then, yes?” He lifts a hand. “I know, sensitive, you wish to converse later. That’s fine, I get that a lot.”
[Pause for reactions and any conversation. If you have no significant actions enroute, feel free to open up discussion that will take place in the Dean’s office.]
Tyrano, Norven-
Norven quickly releases the Deathspeaker, sensing that the huge freaking ogre zombie is more of an imminent threat. Still, he sends a volley of kicks and punches at the scholar, though they are hurried and fumbling, and he doesn’t manage to land a solid hit against him.
Tyrano, meanwhile, whips out the copper bone in place of his shortsword and starts to wail on the skeletons surrounding him. Much bone-on-bone action ensues as Tyrano slams sword and detached arm into one particular skeleton, chipping and snapping its body but not quite bringing it down. It appears his sword is not as effective as the copper bone, making the switch a very good thing indeed.
But the skeletons get their revenge, tearing into Wystfalrun with mindless abandon. Their skeletal claws tear vicious gashes in his skin, his armor little help against them. Five times he feels the bite of their claws in quick succession, perhaps lost in the fury of his own assault.
Norven fares better, as the slow zombie only manages one enormous swing, which he easily sidesteps. Certainly if it had hit, the damage would have been overwhelming.
The two Deathspeakers hanging back cast spells while they are otherwise occupied, but the nature of their magic is unknown—no new undead have appeared, and no fireballs have erupted that might indicate what they’ve done. They stand back, watching and waiting.
(Combat Actions)
Initiative- Tyrano & Norven (6), Scholars/Undead (5).
(Character Status)
Gildas – 69/69 HP
Lenny – 61/61 HP
Wystfalrun – 10/62 HP
Norven – 51/71 HP
Lockheart – No damage
Wanderer – 90/90 HP
Scholar 1 – 4 damage
Scholar 2 – 12 damage
Scholar 3 –
Skeleton 1 – 28 damage
Skeleton 2 –
Skeleton 3 –
Zombie Ogre – No damage
Deciding that it is best not to try storming the fortifications just yet, the companions consider how they might gain the needed resources and force the defeat the Master’s clerics and the Yexuhl. Discussion turns to the strange lizardfolk that are rumored to dwell on the island, seen by ships in passing—of which they have so far seen none.
Where are these natives? What happened to them?
The companions leave off the clearing and the settlement for now, searching for signs of other sentient life. The jungle teems with sounds and activity, but none of it appears to be the lizardfolk. Carefully, the group searches high and low, aware that these natives could be adept at hiding
Eventually, the group does come across something. Some distance from the settlement, an area of jungle has been painstakingly cleared of vegetation, and the trees looming overhead carefully clipped so that a hole pierces through the canopy, unimpeded. The ground here is charred and blackened as though by an intense bonfire, and the ground is appropriately littered with ashes and, upon closer inspection, bone fragments. A blazing fire was once lit here, and at least a few bodies were incinerated in the blaze.
Now, the site is dormant, the ground cold, though the heavy scent of smoke lingers, held by the foliage not far off, stained black with smoke in places.
Inspecting over the area, the group suddenly has the nagging suspicion that someone is watching them—but looking around, there is no-one in sight.
(Character Status)
Ella – 67/77 HP; DR 3/- (4 blocked), Lifedrinking 12 (Lance)
Sean – 47/47 HP; Hide from Undead
Gro-bug – 79/100 HP, DR 1/-
Henrick – 73/78 HP
Natsumi – 51/52 HP, Freedom of Movement
Antyca – No damage [Absent]
Squeeks – No damage
DARK RED
Lenny-
Hallen thinks hard about what Lenny tells him, dwarven brow set in a thick line, pensive and a little grumpy, perhaps. His eyes are bright and alert, though, his mind working through all the complications and information as diligently as he can. If what you tell me is true,” the dwarf says, “and you strike me as a trustworthy sort, then there are indeed dire things at hand. Necromancers in the University, seeking out some—bone, you say?” He rubs at his bearded jaw. “Shouldn’t be anyone robbing artifacts from the University, but certainly not some Deathspeakers. If you’re truly allies of my kin back home, you’re allies of mine.”
And at this, he frowns again. “But I worry about what can be done. I know the museum, sure, and the rest of the grounds—but I don’t know about this bone you’re looking for. Why wouldn’t it be with the researchers if it’s such a powerful artifact, or since it’s a bone, buried with whoever it belongs to? More worrying, though, you tell me about disputes with your Tertian brothers.”
Hallen shakes his head unhappily. “If things are as dire as you say, we can’t hope to beat them alone. You say you’re a diplomat, and I’m just a scholar. I can wield a hammer alright, but I’m not warrior, and you’re just one Halfling. You have my help, but what are we to do on our own?”
Gildas-
The Dean nods tiredly, and does not seem bothered by Gildas wanting to accompany him. He goes back to his business while Gildas takes up an inconspicuous spot somewhere nearby, where he can keep an eye on the Deathspeaker and the Dean, and ask about the man. [Gather Info.] Unfortunately, most of the people Gildas tries to talk to are preoccupied with their own business and either ignore him, or glare at him and move off a distance to themselves, or shush him. One man merely shrugs at Gildas’s inquiries. Nobody seems inclined to help.
Lockheart, thankfully, is able to fill in some details. “He’s not a magic-user, that I know of. He was appointed to the position a long while back, and seems a decent fellow from what I’ve heard. Keeps a quiet profile except for the business he has to do for the university.”
Eventually, about an hour from the time Gildas spoke with him, the council chamber adjourns for a time and the Dean gets up, as does pretty much everyone else. The Tertian can muscle himself into position to keep close to the man, who ambles along unhurried towards the exit.
On the way, the Deathspeaker and a couple of the men near him—clerks, by their appearance—move to intercept the Dean, much as Gildas suspected they would. In his formal armor and no weapon, the Deathspeaker wears a polite smile and soft expression, rather at odds with any of the clerics Gildas has encountered before. “Dean Fairchild,” he says smoothly, bowing a head respectfully to him. “I was wondering if we might speak more on that matter I brought up before. It is, as I said, a matter of considerable importance to us, and we are prepared to extend a lucrative offer on behalf of our organization.”
The Dead—Fairchild, apparently—lets out a heavy breath at the interruption, nodding tiredly and rubbing his eyes a bit. “Yes, Aurost, we can meet. Again.” He gestures vaguely at Gildas. “This gentleman has requested a conference first, however, so you will have to wait until he’s finished. You know where my office is.”
The Deathspeaker—Aurost—nods respectfully and the Dean quickly moves on, but he gives Gildas a lingering stare that leaves no doubt in his head that he knows who the Tertian is.
The Dean is stopped three or four more times on the way out by various petitioners, so it is unlikely he saw the significance in the Deathspeaker’s confrontation. Eventually, however, Gildas, the Dean, and Lockheart all manage to exit the building—and retrieve weapons—and are greeted by Wanderer who falls silently into step behind them. Fairchild gives the little assembly a curious look. “Very militant,” he remarks dryly. “I take it you are soldiers of some shade, then, yes?” He lifts a hand. “I know, sensitive, you wish to converse later. That’s fine, I get that a lot.”
[Pause for reactions and any conversation. If you have no significant actions enroute, feel free to open up discussion that will take place in the Dean’s office.]
Tyrano, Norven-
Norven quickly releases the Deathspeaker, sensing that the huge freaking ogre zombie is more of an imminent threat. Still, he sends a volley of kicks and punches at the scholar, though they are hurried and fumbling, and he doesn’t manage to land a solid hit against him.
Tyrano, meanwhile, whips out the copper bone in place of his shortsword and starts to wail on the skeletons surrounding him. Much bone-on-bone action ensues as Tyrano slams sword and detached arm into one particular skeleton, chipping and snapping its body but not quite bringing it down. It appears his sword is not as effective as the copper bone, making the switch a very good thing indeed.
But the skeletons get their revenge, tearing into Wystfalrun with mindless abandon. Their skeletal claws tear vicious gashes in his skin, his armor little help against them. Five times he feels the bite of their claws in quick succession, perhaps lost in the fury of his own assault.
Norven fares better, as the slow zombie only manages one enormous swing, which he easily sidesteps. Certainly if it had hit, the damage would have been overwhelming.
The two Deathspeakers hanging back cast spells while they are otherwise occupied, but the nature of their magic is unknown—no new undead have appeared, and no fireballs have erupted that might indicate what they’ve done. They stand back, watching and waiting.
(Combat Actions)
- Norven releases the pin (free) and makes a flurry of blows on the Deathspeaker: 13, 11, 9; all miss (pinned doesn’t mean prone). Dodge assigned to Ogre Zombie.
- Tyrano breaks out the copper bone and goes to town. Your attack rolls do not appear to be added up correctly, so I’ll list them here: 23, 21, 13, 17. All hit (apparently skeletons are great big pushovers). The sheet is confusing me, but I have damage at 1d10+7 for bastard sword (24 Str, main hand) and 1d6+3 (club + 1/2 Str) for the bone, so I may be missing something. I’ll reroll damage to avoid confusion: 13 (8 after DR), 12 (7 after DR), 7, 6; 28 total damage. One skeleton is near destruction.
- The Deathspeaker by Norven makes a withdraw to get back to his buddies. The ogre continues to attack. Slowly. Vs. AC 25: 15, big miss.
- The skeletons continue to mob Tyrano. Vs. AC 19, 2 attacks each: 23, 20; 25, 20; 22, 14. 5 hits. 35 total damage. Things aren’t looking good for Tyrano.
- The other two Deathspeakers cast something (unknown) and hold their distance, watching.
- Your initiative.
Initiative- Tyrano & Norven (6), Scholars/Undead (5).
(Character Status)
Gildas – 69/69 HP
Lenny – 61/61 HP
Wystfalrun – 10/62 HP
Norven – 51/71 HP
Lockheart – No damage
Wanderer – 90/90 HP
Scholar 1 – 4 damage
Scholar 2 – 12 damage
Scholar 3 –
Skeleton 1 – 28 damage
Skeleton 2 –
Skeleton 3 –
Zombie Ogre – No damage
