PrP: A Grim Hunt
Scene Teaser: Worshippers offering a sacrifice at a remote shrine to Gilead were ambushed by a group of bipedal creatures. One of them had been rendered unconscious and left among the bodies of the other worshippers, but was rescued by a Green Warden who came by several hours later. When she revived, she said that the foul monsters were some kind of undead. The Green Warden believes that the attackers may have gone into a nearby cave. He is asking you to hunt down and eradicate these unholy creatures. Your adventure begins with a blessing from a priest of Gilead, then the green warden will lead you to the shrine, and point out where to find the caves.
Special note: This is in conjunction with the High Hunt.
Emitter: Ga'Elian
Players: Arisha (Inq5), Astraea (Dru1/Rgr2), Taishi (Ftr2; had to leave early on, and missed everything of substance), Erakirak (Rgr2); APL 3
Facing: 2 cave trolls with the wight template
Location: RP4
It's Variday, Rhaltaas 24 12:14:44 1018. The full moon isn't up. The tide is high and rising. Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty.
Scene set: The group has been gathered at a simple shrine to Gilead out in the hills, far north of Alexandria to head out on a part of the High Hunt. This shrine was chosen as the setting out point because of a recent attack, believed to have been perpetrated by a servant of Heth. Here is the situation that was explained to you...
Worshippers offering a sacrifice at a remote shrine to Gilead were ambushed by a group of bipedal creatures. One of them had been rendered unconscious and left among the bodies of the other worshippers, but was rescued by a Green Warden who came by several hours later. When she revived, she said that the foul monsters were some kind of undead. The Green Warden believes that the attackers may have gone into a nearby cave.
The Green Warden points toward the northeast and says, "I did a little tracking, and believe the attackers came from over there, possibly from a cave. After Hunter Mishael puts the blessing of Gilead upon you, I will escort him back to the village we just came from to await your successful return."
He steps back, and this 'Hunter Mishael' steps forward. "In the name of Gilead, the Great Stag, I bless your Hunt. May the servants of the Firstborn be swallowed by the very Void they wish the world to fall into."
When the word got out that there was possibly undead nearby, Arisha was probably one of the first to make her way up there. She didn't even bother wearing the cloak she normally covers herself with. When the hunter blesses their hunt, Arisha only smiles. "More than Gilead is blessing this hunt....."
Erakirak bows his head and clicks his beak three times after Mishael's blessing. He's never faced undead before, and isn't even sure his arrows will do any harm to them, but defending Gilead's shrine seems the least he can do to repay the good White Stag has done him.
Taishi has been rather withdrawn during this little forray, his head bowed and smoldering amber eyes keenly set on a horizon that seems to hold some sort of keen interest if one is to judge by the way he glowers at it. His bow is drawn, and dark lips are drawn to a thin line of contemplation.
<OOC> Rolls to find the tracks:
GAME: Arisha rolls perception: (19)+13: 32 GAME: Astraea rolls Perception: (6)+14: 20 GAME: Erakirak rolls perception: (16)+10: 26
<OOC> Rolls to follow the tracks (Erakirak assisting Arisha) GAME: Arisha rolls survival+2+2: (18)+11+2+2: 33 GAME: Astraea rolls Survival+1: (13)+11+1: 25 GAME: Erakirak rolls survival: (16)+5+1: 22
<OOC> Roll to identify what left the tracks - unsuccessful GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/religion+2: (3)+9+2: 14
"Strange that they're shuffling here." Arisha says to Astraea as they start for the cave.
The tracks lead, as the Green Warden surmised, to a cavern in a nearby hill. It's face is entirely natural with weeds in the shallow dirt covering the rocky walls. Inside, the cave is unlit, but where the light from outside shines in, the walls and floor, if they can justly be called that, seem rough and dirty. The floor is not flat and smooth, but uneven and covered with pebbles and dirt clods. The smell here is unpleasant, but not overpowering, as the cave is open to the outside terrain.
Erakirak glares at the cave, not being a great fan of closed-in environments. He prefers the open sky above and around him. But the situation is what it is, and he will cope with it.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So far, nobody has actually entered the cave. The entrance is tight, but adequate for a giant-born."
Looking into the cave, and drawing out her pistol and khopesh, Arisha takes a bit of a sniff as she looks into the cave. "It's gotta be here." She says quietly as she loads a cartridge into her pistol. "Hmmm...."
Ga'Elian paged Arisha with 'Beyond the mouth, this cave is roughly 20' circular with a tunnel leading downward from the back. Not hewn, natural, as if eroded, and rock-strewn... and with a few bones lying here and there.'
The smell coming from the cave is enough to make Astraea fall back on her heels. Nor is it large enough for the griffon following alongside her. She frowns, even as she digs through her things to produce a torch. It's activated and... there's no heat coming off of it, but it does provide light. She spends a moment explaining to Thistle that he must wait outside before she starts to move on ahead into the cave. Willing, for the moment, to lead the way. Or at least for the first few steps, so they can see what they're about to walk into.
Erakirak stops briefly to contemplate the griffon, with whom he sympathizes and whom he somewhat envies under the circumstances. But the party is moving into the enclosed cave, and he follows Astraea and her torch.
Arisha makes a bit of a face. "There's a few bones down in there. it's natural in here, so this must be a recent thing for them to come in here." She says going with Astraea. "Come on guys...."
A shallow breath is taken in and let out as Taishi follows dutifully along at the rear of the group, the smell stirring something in him that has his pulse race and blood pound in his ears with panic. Though the mask holds strong, there is no doubt to the perceptive that he is terribly uncomfortable with the situation that's casually unfolding before the adventurers. His eyes lightly close as he reaches for one of his black-fletched white-wood arrows, knocking it before he's even stepped into the cave. Finally, his eyes open again with a new determination, his jaw set forward and eyes narrowing. "There is a foulness on the wind..." He utters, thickly accented with some obscure Jade Island lilt, low and smooth in tone.
"Or they lack the tools or skills to... change the cave." She speaks! It's spoken simply in Tradespeak, with a clear accent. There are Sildanyari hints to the words, though she's still able to be understood. Astraea holds the torch in her left hand while her right crosses her body to rest on the hilt of her sword. The dranger draws a deep breath before moving ahead towards the natural tunnel that heads further down into the earth.
Inside, the smell is rather stronger, and the ground is uneven. The cave is roughly circular, about 20 ft in diameter, maybe 12 ft tall, but with stalactites. There is a smaller tunnel leading downward in the back, and bones scattered around.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Anyone with scent ability, please make a fortitude check."
Or perhaps they just like it this way, Erakirak thinks. He walks in silence, though, unlimbering his bow, and pays attention to the floor of the cave, trying to get a sense of how many individuals they're following.
Arisha looks at the bones, but the smell is rather distinct. "Lemme have a look down this tunnel." She says as she heads over towards the tunnel to look down it.
GAME: Erakirak rolls survival+1: (4)+5+1: 10
GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/nature: (4)+9: 13
Ga'Elian paged Erakirak with 'You can't really tell how many sets of tracks, but not many.'
Erakirak continues to follow the torchbearer.
Ga'Elian paged Arisha with 'This is a natural cave, but obviously the home to some sort of carniverous predator. Some kind of giants are known to inhabit these hills.'
Arisha blinks a bit. "Well....this is definitely the home of a carivorous predator....and it's a big one too." She says softly.
Erakirak says, "It is easier to hit that way."
GAME: Arisha rolls perception: (6)+13: 19 GAME: Erakirak rolls perception: (14)+10: 24
Ga'Elian paged (Arisha, Erakirak) with 'You both notice an odd shimmer against the right wall toward the start of the tunnel. You are both entitled to a Will save.'
GAME: Erakirak rolls will: (13)+1: 14
Erakirak looks intently at the right wall, towards the start of the tunnel. "Do any of you know what that shimmer is?"
GAME: Astraea rolls Perception: (2)+14: 16 GAME: Astraea rolls Will: (13)+5: 18
Ga'Elian paged Astraea with 'The shimmering section of the wall is an illusion. Where it appears is really an opening into another room--not cave or tunnel, but room.'
GAME: Arisha rolls will: (19)+8: 27
Ga'Elian paged Arisha with 'The shimmering section of the wall is an illusion. Where it appears is really an opening into another room--not cave or tunnel, but room.'
When Erakirak speaks up, Astraea looks over. She sees it, too. The half-sil blinks a few times before moving towards it. "There's a room back there. Illusion." She frowns, hesitating rather than going right through. Hand upon sword hilt once again. "Be ready." And then, with a slightly unsteady breath- she makes to step into it.
Arisha is pointing her Dragonspitter at the shimmer when Astraea goes through.
Erakirak's crestfeathers ruffle, an effect similar to a raised eyebrow, at Astraea's comment, and he draws an arrow and nocks it, aimed at the wall in question.
The moment Astraea's foot penetrates the "wall", a loud roar fills the air, echoing down the tunnel and out toward the cave's mouth. That said, Astraea seems to vanish into the rough, rocky wall of the tunnel's side.
Erakirak squawks in alarm and leaps at (hopefully through) the wall after her, ready for battle.
Arisha lifts the pistol in responce. "Okay, that I didn't expect." She says before she hears the roar. "Annnnnnd That's not the most friendly of things." She says gesturing towards the shimmer. "Go."
Once inside the room, the scene is like this... This room is rectangular with a vaulted ceiling. Straight ahead is a large, intricately engraved stone box, possibly a crypt, or perhaps an altar. The ceiling looks... alien, as if the Astral Plane forms the ceiling--grayish with swirling mists and strewn with stars, comets, and galaxies, which are actually moving. The walls and floor are polished black stone, shiny as if they were cut from enormous slabs of gem-quality black onyx. There are no markings or carvings in the walls, but around the stone box is what appears to be a magic circle of some sort engraved into the floor. There are 7 tall black candles lit, and standing on floor-length golden candlesticks arranged in a circle around the box. The wall opposite the door is like the other walls, except a 6-foot-diameter circle is centered on it with a swirling vortex of brilliant rainbow hues. Beyond the box is a lectern with an open book resting upon it. Oh, and the air is still, and refreshingly clean, but very cold.
Erakirak scowls and slaps his wings HARD in the direction of the candlesticks, hoping to extinguish some or all of them.
The roar causes Astraea to draw her sword as she makes it through into the other room. The half-sil makes it a few strides in before halting. Eyes wide, she looks. To the box. To the vortex. To the book. It's the last that makes her grimace and she just sort of... gestures to it. Someone else can go read it. She knows rather little of the arcane and... it'd seem that's what she's expecting. There is a look back, to the door they came through. "Keep an eye out for anything following us."
Arisha says, "from the sound, it may not fit in here." She says looking towards the open book."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Room is a rectangle with a big box, surrounded by a magic circle, surrounded by candlesticks (which don't get blown out by Erakirak's wings). 15 feet wide by 30 feet long and 18 feet from floor to apex of vaulted ceiling. The door is centered in its wall, the vortex opposite. Where is everybody, and what are you doing? Taishi is out for the count, BTW."
<OOC> Astraea is probably... far enough in from the door for the others to have room to follow in, but not entering the circle.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yeah, it'd be possible, but a very tight squeeze to go past the circle without entering it."
<OOC> Erakirak is by the entrance, recovering from his attempt to extinguish the candles.
Erakirak fires an arrow through the vortex, curiously.
GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (10)+6+1: 17
The arrow explodes on impact with the vortex, as if it were an exploding arrow striking a stone wall.
Erakirak blinks. "Let's not go through that portal."
"I had no intention on doing so in the first place." Astraea is trying to skirt around the edge of the magic circle, despite the tight fit. She looks up to the ceiling, then back to the circle. The torch is passed over the edge of it. Just the torch. She keeps her hand on this side for the time being.
Erakirak sights and aims carefully, then fires a second arrow at one of the candlesticks.
GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (11)+6+1: 18
The arrow finds its target, piercing the candlewax and lifting it off the candlestick as it sails, into the base of the lectern upon which the book sits, and drips wax.
Meanwhile, Astraea succeeds in skirting around the edge of the circle without violating it, and nothing happens when the torch is tipped inside it.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ga'Elian has dropped a TIMESTOP! Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Ga'Elian to instruct you further. For in-combat commands, type: +thelp. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: You roll initiative for Monster: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 23 GAME: Arisha rolls initiative: 13 + 7 = 20 GAME: Erakirak rolls initiative: 9 + 4 = 13 GAME: You roll initiative for otherMonster: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 10 GAME: Astraea rolls initiative: 4 + 4 = 8
GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/Religion+2: (10)+9+2: 21 <OOC> Arisha says, "Improved Monster Lore."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Well, the monster lore of the room simply shows that the room has almost nothing to do with monsters, except the extra-planar sort, as there is a big magic circle built into the place. The room is, however, clearly profane, and used for religious rituals. It doesn't bear any symbols though, except possibly in the book, which nobody has examined, or in parts of the room that nobody has searched."
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 23.
It is now Monster's turn! Arisha is next!
Suddenly, the foul stench of the cave putrefies this frigid room as a black-skinned creature crawls in through the same way you all did, but along the wall.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 20.
It is now Arisha's turn! Erakirak is next!
<OOC> Arisha says, "Now can I use Knowledge/religion to identify the creature?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes, and know/nature wouldn't hurt either."
GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/religion+2: (4)+9+2: 15 GAME: Erakirak rolls knowledge/nature: (19)+4: 23 GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/nature+2: (16)+9+2: 27 GAME: Astraea rolls Knowledge/nature: (4)+8: 12
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay, back. Still Arisha's turn." <OOC> Arisha is setting her bane to her pistol, and putting her judgment to healing while I shoot at the thing on the wall....and yell warnings as to what it is. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Cool. +roll & pose. :)"
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon2: (17)+7: 24 <OOC> Arisha says, "vs ranged touch." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hit"
GAME: Arisha rolls 1d8+2d6: (4)+(7): 11 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "hurt." <OOC> Arisha nods.
Arisha turns as she spots the....'thing' crawl into the room. "Damn. It's a Cave troll that's been changed into a wight. be very careful against this thing!" *BAM* and she hits it solidly in the shoulder.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Erakirak's turn! otherMonster is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed ended.
Erakirak backs away from the creature on the wall and fires an arrow.
GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (17)+6+1: 24 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hit." GAME: Erakirak rolls 1d8+1+3: (3)+1+3: 7 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hurt more."
"It's a -- what she said," says Rak as he draws and fires at the creature, piercing it at the thigh. "Fast, strong, regenerates. Plus whatever benefits being undead grants."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Actually regenerate only works on creatures with Constitution scores. :/"
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 10.
It is now otherMonster's turn! Astraea is next!
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Not that Rak would necessarily know that." <OOC> Erakirak nods. Cave trolls, he knows something about. Undead, less so.
Another troll-wight follows the first one in.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Astraea's turn! Monster is next!
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Astraea?"
<OOC> Astraea says, "Wheeeee. Uhm, gonna move in and cut at it, since blade already drawn."
"It's a -- what she said," says Rak as he draws and fires at the creature, missing it altogether. "Fast, strong, regenerates. Plus whatever benefits being undead grants."
GAME: Astraea rolls Weapon2: (20)+4: 24 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hits only because the nat 20. Roll to confirm crit, please." GAME: Astraea rolls Weapon2: (16)+4: 20 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hit, but not crit."
GAME: Astraea rolls 1d8+1: (3)+1: 4 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Against first or second?" <OOC> Astraea says, "against first"
GAME: Arisha refreshes spells.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Hurt it more. Pose, please, including 5' step, if you wish."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 23.
It is now Monster's turn! Arisha is next!
Though a bow might be nicer -- for the distance -- Astraea had her sword in hand due to the cramped confines of the cave. The half-sil looks uncertain, seeing the beasts, but moves in nonetheless to swing out with her blade. The hit is true, if not terribly deep.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Wounded guy's gonna seek revenge against Arisha. It is hasted and within 10 feet at most from the whole party, unless someone has crossed the magic circle.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (1)+7: 8
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "It moves, giving Astraea an AoO against it, and fails on its attack. Astraea, let's resolve your AoO."
<OOC> Arisha says, "melee?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes. It provoked by taking a move action in a square you threaten."
GAME: Astraea rolls weapon2: (13)+4: 17 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Sorry" <OOC> Arisha says, "okie."
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon1: (13)+4: 17 <OOC> Arisha says, "prolly miss." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Unfortunately, You really need a nat 20 to hit."
The first wight climbs past Astraea to attack Arisha, but fails miserably. Astraea sees an opportunity to attack, and would have succeeded if not for the creature's thick hide.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 20.
It is now Arisha's turn! Erakirak is next!
<OOC> Arisha says, "Which I step back 5' and shoot it." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Across the circle?" <OOC> Arisha says, "I guess I'm gonna have to." <OOC> Arisha says, "otherwise I have no chance against the troll wight." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Nothing seems to result from doing so. Fire away."
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon2: (14)+7: 21 <OOC> Arisha says, "ranged touch." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Good."
GAME: Arisha rolls 1d8+2d6: (8)+(5): 13 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Destroyed."
As her blade scrapes over the troll's tough hide, Arisha looks at the sword and makes a face. "Your hides a little too strong for my lack of strength." She says as she ducks the claw's swipe. "Well....gunpowder works better it seems." Pointing at the troll with her left arm, she blasts the head off of the troll, which thumps over backwards and hits the ground.....and realizes where she is. "That's.....strange." She says as she looks about the circle, not just to see the sigils, but to make sure there isn't another enemy.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Erakirak's turn! otherMonster is next!
Erakirak shoots the remaining creature, positioning himself between it and Arisha, who seems like the only one able to reliably hurt these things.
GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (3)+6+1: 10 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Sorry. no." ...and misses.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 10.
It is now otherMonster's turn! Astraea is next!
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (10)+7: 17 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7-2: (16)+7+-5: 18
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (4)+7: 11
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay the second wight attacked with claws on Rak, hitting only once, and with beak on Astraea, hitting once. I need both to make DC 12 saves vs energy drain. Is that fortitude? will?"
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d4+3: (1)+3: 4 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5
<OOC> Arisha thinks it's fort. lemme look <OOC> Arisha says, "Fort." GAME: Erakirak rolls fortitude: (20)+6: 26 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Awesome. Astraea?" GAME: Astraea rolls Fortitude: (7)+7: 14 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Good. Posing."
The remaining wight decides to attack right where it is, claws on the egalrin, bite on the half-sildanyari. The attacks wound, but it could have been MUCH worse.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Astraea's turn! Arisha is next!
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Astraea" <OOC> Astraea is gonna stab it back because :( <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Roll, please, & good luck"
GAME: Astraea rolls Weapon2: (1)+4: 5
<OOC> Astraea says, "lol" <OOC> Astraea never wants Elian's luck again! >.> <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "*smiles*" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "pose, please." <OOC> Erakirak wishes the wight Elian's Luck. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Be careful what you wish for..."
Well, that hurt. Astraea is usually on the rear lines in these things. Firing arrows into the fray. Watching for injured individuals. This... this is not her forte. The dranger is bleeding and the shock of it — notably fighting off whatever is in its bite — means her sword-thrust is off. Terribly so. The half-sil stumbles a bit, hissing in pain.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Round Three - Init 20.
It is now Arisha's turn! Erakirak is next!
<OOC> Arisha says, "and I shoot this one too." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay"
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon2: (6)+7: 13 <OOC> Arisha says, "vs touch AC" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Nope."
Arisha makes a bit of a face as Astraea attacks it with her sword. "It can sap the energy out of you, Astraea. you don't want to be close to it." She fires a shot, but it misses. "Damn."
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Erakirak's turn! otherMonster is next!
<OOC> Erakirak says, "If I do a 5' backup, does that leave arisha uncovered, or do we have some room to move?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Tight-ish quarters. Astraea will be closest, but this thing can MOVE if it wants to."
<OOC> Erakirak nods. Fair enough. Well, will continue to defend arisha as best as I can, since she's the only one of us who can hit this thing reliably. If I can do that while backing out of AoO range and firing, I do that. Otherwise, just trying to be as hard to hit as possible.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So 5' step toward Arisha and shooting bow? Roll, please." GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (12)+6+1: 19
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Sorry, no."
Erakirak hisses at the creature's claw slicing through his feathers and backs up slightly, remaining between the creature and Arisha, firing an arrow that bounces off of it.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 10.
It is now otherMonster's turn! Astraea is next!
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "The wight had lunged from the wall last round when it went full-attack. Accordingly, it is now on the floor, and takes a move action toward Arisha, whom it attacks with both claws, but no beak nor third claw attack, because it can't both move and full-attack."
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (1)+7: 8 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (5)+7: 12 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "It misses, but provoked an AoO from Astraea." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Astraea, stabby?" GAME: Astraea rolls Weapon2: (12)+4: 16 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Alas, no, but you can switch to bow if you prefer now, or continue stabbing." <OOC> Astraea will switch to bow and step baaaack before shooty. Has Point Blank Shot. Oughta use it sometime, riiight?
The wight lunges with its claws at Arisha, but misses, just as does the attempted blow from Astraea, although for very different reasons.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 8.
It is now Astraea's turn! Arisha is next!
GAME: Astraea rolls weapon1+1: (11)+7+1: 19 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "The arrow hits, but bounces off harmlessly."
<OOC> Arisha could do more damage with Flames of the Faithful and Wrath.....but I'd need two rounds. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Up to you."
When the sword fails to perform again, Astraea casts it aside in disgust. The half-sil drops back a few paces as she nocks an arrow to her bow and lets fly. Her aim is true, but the wight's hide in that spot is too thick. She swears, under her breath — in Sildanyari — as she draws another arrow. Attempting to line up a shot with a more (hopefully) vulnerable spot.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 20.
It is now Arisha's turn! Erakirak is next!
<OOC> Arisha shoots it again.
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon2: (14)+7: 21 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Good." GAME: Arisha rolls 1d8+2d6: (6)+(6): 12 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Wounded. Pose."
Arisha sees Astraea having trouble and shoots the monster again. "Wonder why this thing is protecting this room?"
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 13.
It is now Erakirak's turn! otherMonster is next!
<OOC> Erakirak says, "OK, change of tactics... Arik will ignore the troll and trash the magic circle and spell setup as best he can."
<OOC> Erakirak says, "Including throwing the book at the vortex."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Kinda hard to trash an engraving in the rock. But you can try the book bit for sure."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Please describe where you go, what you touch, etc. The details might matter."
Erakirak frowns as the creature moves around him to attack Arisha. Man that thing is fast! Well, OK, trying to protect Arisha didn't work, but then Arisha doesn't seem to need protecting. And the beast shrugs off their arrows. So he tries something different, and starts tearing apart the ritual setup as best he can: knocking over the candelabras, putting out the candles, kicking the lectern over the circle's edges, ripping the book in half and throwing the pieces into the vortex, and generally causing as much havoc as possible.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "All that is fine, except the book is impervious, and defies your attempts to rip it, and if thrown against the vortex, the explosion happens, but only propels the book, intact, across the room."
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 10.
It is now otherMonster's turn! Astraea is next!
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (13)+7: 20 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7-5: (9)+7+-5: 11 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 7: (14)+7: 21
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So, the wight just attacked Arisha: Claw (hit), Claw (miss), Bite (miss), and claw again (due to haste; hit). No rend, no crit, but damage. Also, please roll two fort saves vs DC 12, Arisha."
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5 GAME: Arisha rolls fort: (18)+7: 25 GAME: Arisha rolls fort: (3)+7: 10 <OOC> Arisha says, "You would."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Ugh. Okay. First claw, no problem. Second bestows 1 negative level."
The wight growls its hatred as it swipes then snaps its foul mouth at Arisha. The claws strike, drawing more than blood, but sapping life energy.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 8.
It is now Astraea's turn! Arisha is next!
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "You get -2 on all d20 rolls, and are treated as 1 CL lower for spell effects, and lose 5 hp while condition persists."
<OOC> Astraea will pewpew again. hopefully hitting this time.
GAME: Astraea rolls weapon1+1: (9)+7+1: 17 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Nice try."
The book flying across the room after hitting the vortex is... well, just distracting enough that Astraea's next arrow is a glancing one. It deflects off the thick hide of the wight. She takes another step back, braving stepping just inside the magic circle as she draws another arrow.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 20.
It is now Arisha's turn! Erakirak is next!
<OOC> Arisha says, "so I shoot it again."
GAME: Arisha rolls weapon2-2: (17)+7+-2: 22 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Good. +roll damage." GAME: Arisha rolls 1d8+2d6: (5)+(5): 10 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Its hurt bad, but still going with its malice."
Arisha winces as she's hit with the claw. "Ouch. Should've taken my own advice." She then grumbles. 'At least you can't hurt my arm." She says before she shoots the troll-wight in the face. Again.
GAME: Ga'Elian advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 13.
It is now Erakirak's turn! otherMonster is next!
<OOC> Erakirak says, "Shoot it and hope for a 20." GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (20)+6+1: 27 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yay!"
<OOC> Erakirak says, "confirming threat" GAME: Erakirak rolls weapon1+1: (6)+6+1: 13 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Not crit."
GAME: Erakirak rolls 1d8+1+3: (1)+1+3: 5 <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "dead" <OOC> Erakirak says, "I'm loving that set of die rolls. :-)"
GAME: Ga'Elian removes the timestop. Timestop by Ga'Elian has left.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Combat is over. only RP from here on."
Erakirak stares at the book, which is clearly significant, but... well, he's no mage, and has no idea what to do with it. So, back to plan A: shoot the thing! He lines up his bow carefully and releases with a single slow exhale, watching incredulously as the arrow strikes true and reduces the creature to dust. Erakirak blinks. "Well. I guess that worked."
Arisha smirks as the troll just goes 'poof'. "Good shot, Erak." She says before looking to find the book......and begins to read. "Well...clearly they were trying to protect this for some odd reason."
Well, the party survived the attack, battle-scarred, but alive. The room is a little trashed, but the book is lying closed near Arisha. All the architectural elements of the room are unchanged.
<OOC> Erakirak says, "Could you repose the room desc?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Sure. Do you pick up/touch the book?" <OOC> Erakirak says, "Arisha already posed doing so." <OOC> Erakirak says, "As did I during the fight" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Actually, you touched it, but Arisha only posed reading." <OOC> Erakirak chuckles. OK, fair enough.
Well, stepping back into the magic circle didn't do anything. Astraea lowers her bow once the wight disappears, letting out a slow breath. She returns the arrow she'd drawn to her quiver, though holds the bow still. Her longsword is retrieved, sheathed, and the dranger heads towards the box/crypt/altar thing while the others peruse the book.
<OOC> Arisha also figures it's Arcane...so....rolling something. GAME: Arisha rolls knowledge/arcana: (15)+9: 24
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "The room is 15 feet wide, 30 feet long, and with vaulted ceiling 12 feet high at the apex. You came through a hole that is illusioned to look like rock. On opposite wall is the vortex. In middle of 10' diameter circle in floor is a stone box, some six feet wide, 3 feet tall, and 2 feet thick. The ceiling looks like a window to the Astral plane, the vortex-side of the box has a big rune carved on it. The candlesticks are toppled, the lectern is smashed, and the book looks perfectly fine." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Oh, and there are arrows and a sword on the ground." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "And a couple destroyed undead trolls, too."
<OOC> Erakirak says, "is anybody checking the box? I forget" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yep." <OOC> Erakirak says, "OK. Rak is just keeping an eye on things with an arrow nocked, then" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Astraea picked up her sword and went to check it out."
The box's lid has a straight crack along the center, as if the top is comprised of two identical slabs that meet in the middle.
<OOC> Arisha returns. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Room desc ^^^" <OOC> Arisha says, "Mind if I open the book?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Go ahead." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Who here speaks Draconic?"
Arisha glances at the box and tilts her head. "I wonderif the book and the box are connected." She says softly before she starts to open the book.
<OOC> Arisha speaks Celestial. That's about it <OOC> Erakirak nope <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "+roll Linguistics (anybody)" GAME: Erakirak rolls linguistics: Trained Use Only: 0 <OOC> Erakirak sorries. Trained use only. <OOC> Astraea does not speak Draconic, sadly. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "A, linguistics?" <OOC> Arisha doesn't have that skill either. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Well, you can tell that the script in the book is similar to the rune on the box. Beyond that, the writing is of little use to you." <OOC> Arisha is also making it a point to handle the book with her left arm. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay"
Arisha tilts her head as she looks at the book and the box. "Hmmm....they're definitely similar looking." She then looks to the others. "Anyone got anything?"
The half-sil stares at the box for some time before reaching out to -- gingerly -- touch the crack through it. Astraea does remain on the side of the thing facing the door.
She's not going to get between it and the vortex, nope. "Not yet."
Erakirak shakes his head. "Perhaps the Wardens will know something." He approaches the box and attempts to open it.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "You can attack it (+roll weapon# or +roll melee), or you can brute force it (+roll Strength), or try disable device, or ... You tell me."
<OOC> Astraea can roll a Strength to... try to aid Erakirak. >.> With my wimpy half-sil arms.
GAME: Astraea rolls Strength: (8)+1: 9 <OOC> Arisha says, "Don't feel bad." GAME: Erakirak rolls strength: (20)+3: 23 <OOC> Erakirak says, "Just trying to open it like a regular box."
The combined efforts to push the lid open, succeed. The lid, although heavy, is constructed to be opened. The two halves of the lid are masterfully hinged, and open to reveal... EMPTINESS. like this may be a gate/portal to the Void itself.
Erakirak says, "Well. This isn't good." He turns to Arisha and indicates the book. "What do you think would happen if you threw that in here?"
Arisha looks at the book. "Hmmmm....Dunno." She says looking in the box as well.
<OOC> Arisha says, "to throw the book in....or take it with us." <OOC> Arisha says, "Well.....one way to find out." <OOC> Arisha is gonna toss the book in.
The half-sil takes a nice big step back once the box is opened. In fact, Astraea opts to go recover her torch. Yep. She'll be over there.
Erakirak backs away from the box while he's at it, collecting stray arrows.
<OOC> Arisha is tossing the book in.
As the book falls, and falls, and falls... it eventually disappears from sight entirely, but never is the sound of any impact, however distant heard. Meanwhile, the swirling vortex on the wall resolves itself into a light of steadily growing intensity, as if it were a window into the sun itself. It is not overly hot, but the room is no longer cold.
You say, "Well. That did _something_."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "The positive energy flooding in from what used to be the vortex removes Arisha's negative level, heals you all, and threatens to blind you all in minutes."
Erakirak hrms. "I think it would be wise to step outside.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Needless to say, this environment would not be hospitable for the wights anymore."
The brightening of the vortex, well. That's reason enough for Astraea to start heading towards the door. She does ready another arrow, just in case. "Let's go. I'll watch our back on the way out." And she won't depart until the other two have gone on ahead. Once they have? She'll be quick about it.
"Shit! OUT! MOVE!" Arisha's cursing means this is bad.....and she's running for the opening as hard as she can..... Erakirak nods and heads out with Arisha, although not quite as excitedly.
<OOC> Arisha thinks it would be hilarious to have the 'box' explode and they be thrown out rather violently.....and upside down. XD
Back in the rough, natural, decay-smelling tunnel, all seems much as before, except that the shimmer is now extremely visible. In fact, within a moment, the shimmer becomes flame, despite the lack of combustible fuel.
You say, "I suggest we back out of the cave" as he follows his own advice. I get the feeling this is about to undergo a cleansing."
Once the other two are out, Astraea follows. She just gives a nod to Erakirak's words and heads for the exit. And the griffon waiting -- anxiously -- outside.
The flame burns brightly for a few moments, long enough for you all to get about half-way across the uneven floor of the cave, then fizzles out, leaving the cave wall closed, as if the tunnel itself never existed.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Finis"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So, The wights were created from native trolls by Heth. The hidden room existed in another plane, but was appropriated by Heth until his book was consigned to oblivion. The magic circle was designed to contain summoned creatures, which none of you (nor indeed the wights) were."
<OOC> Arisha says, "So we just gave the middle finger to Heth."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "The rune on the box said, "Void" in Draconic, and... yeah. Pretty much."