DM themed play-by-post D&D game : STORY THREAD

[ian_scho]

As Haynuus was at the front of the party with Brighteyes, he thought that it was up to him to stop if he sensed danger. The weak walls in the corridor may well be exactly that - dangerous. He lightly rested a hand on the gnomes shoulder.

"Why this wall broken here?" He gave the walls a good look over (1d20+2=5), not understanding why the usually uniform walls had been damaged. "WHAT broke them?". He even popped a loose stone in his mouth, to check for magicks and liquorish[*].

[*] Well you never know...

[beowuuf]

"God? Oh... that's very...religeous..." said Brighteyes at the time with an odd disappointment in his voice, looking to the half-orc who had been still wiping some errant fatty dribble away. However, Brighteyes was very taken with Haynuus's storytelling, and laughed in glee - and then fell down - at Haynuus's antics with the mummy battle description.

Apparently unsuspecting of the comments behind him, Brighteyes led Haynuus down the stairs still laughing happily.

Brighteyes stopped at the comment from Haynuus, blinking for a moment. "Oh, the wall's not broken!" said Brighteyes happily, "goodness me no. It has been created!" The gnome grinned for a moment at Haynuus's knee, the risked looking up at Haynuus's face while keeping himself stead on Haynuus's leg.

Still not seeing any answering comprehension, the gnome gestured aroudn to the rubble-strewn devistation aroudn the floor and rough looking walls they had just passed, and also to the stairwell.

"Seeroc's 'little ones' - I mean grak-graks - restructrued this whole area. They dug out the wall of the stairwell to join up with here, and filled in the stairwell to make sure no intruding Trolins or other nasties could disturb him. He then had those wall pulled in there so that nothing from that area could intrude. Lots of evil little squeaking demons, and worse, are through there. Oh my, but Chaos was a twisted one in the end. I would hate to be trapped in there, oh my my my."

Brighteyes then looked back. "Don't worry, I am sure the grak-graks did their best. Not as elegant a manner as the Grey Lord or Chaos employed to create the dungeon, but still effective, don't you think>?" The gnome, however, takes a step back from the wall as Haynuus approaches it. While nothing falls on thehalf-orc unlike the previous time he had messed around with a collapsed wall, certainly a few pebbles loosened at his touching. Still, Haynuus couldn't really tell much about the wall other than it did indeed look...well, look like a wall. The rock did taste nice though. Perhaps if he pounded the stone up small enough, he could persuade the party to use it as seasoning...

There we go, basically Seeroc re-structuring the area. And, of course, creating a nice bottle neck so that the soldiers and anyone else would have to go through his domain to get to Gholst, or leave Gholst and his lieutenants to go into the dungeon.

Rather sneaky, really.

[oh_brother]

Westian accepted the flask from Aurek as he spoke to Falkor. While listening to the halfling speak he absently muttered the recently remembered "UM YA" runes. In a break in the conversation he handed the flask to Falkor. "If we come into danger drink this. It will increase your staying power. I don't want to have to keep pouring healing potions down your neck next time" he added with a grin.

[money]

Falkor frowned at Westians comments, a small blessing - the others had indeed distracted the Gnome, hopefully he had not heard the comments. He once more focused on Westian and with no words or sounds concentrated on his gaze.

[ian_scho]

Haynuus followed Brighteyes down the stairs, always checking that the rest were closely following behind him so that they weren't going to suddenly disappear for some cruel joke just as he were to encounter some...

"Grak-Graks!..." He mentally steadied himself. "...You say. When you encounter them, how do you know that they aren't going to attack you? I mean do have a special badge, do a special dance? Hmmm. Maybe you're just not religeous?"

[oh_brother]

It seemed that Westian was longer involved in any conversation, he simply kept his head facing forward and studied the ground. His face was very dark, though possibly that could be explained by the fact they were going to meet a dangerous and unknown foe.

[beowuuf]

Ok, the rest of you guys I'll leave alone, and LB should feel free to post again, I'll just deal with Haynuus's question for now, which is oddly timed this morning. So exciting!

Brighteyes seemed surprised at the question, and put his mind to it. "Hmm,that's a very good question!" he said, shrugging and stroking some errant whiskers on his chin. "I suppose it is just a matter of faith, really! The grak-graks act upon Seeroc's thoughts, he directs them all the time. When awake, that is. And sub-consciously, I suppose. Hmm, what would be the word. An extention of his will? That might be a good word for it, yes yes. So as long as Seeroc doesn't wish you actively dead, the grak-grak's should leave you alone. Oh my that seemsto be the way of it!"

Brighteyes the shrugs. "Of course, when Seeroc sleeps. Ah, then that seems to be a little bit tricky. Seeroc's subconcious seems to dominate more, and the grak-graks seem to be a little bit freer to be...well, to be grak-graks I suppose! They do so hate things...everything, really."

Brighteyes stops and leans forwards conspiratorially to Haynuus's knees. "I don't think Seeroc likes the soldiers too much," he says quietly. "The grak-graks tend to misbehave a little when they hunt - at night, while Seeroc sleeps. Oh my, but the soldiers seem to instinctively stay away from them, oh my yes. The ones that don't...the ones that go off alone. And aren't fully loyal to Gholst. Well..."

There was a pause.

"Let's just say no more about it, shall we!" finishes Brighteyes brightly, smiling. However, then another dark thoughts seems to intrude and he takes Haynuus's hand apparently earnestly. "Promise me you won't try to kill old Seeroc when you confront him. His children do tend to go off so when he dies. You are far to facinating and wonderful a storyteller to be ripped apart!"

Brighteyes pats Haynuus's hand, nods happily, and then carries onwards once more.

Lol, and there we go. If Haynuus isn't examining the wall anymore, you can imagine you get the black door quite soon afterwards.

Meanwhile, as Aurek speaks to Westian and mentions the flask, Farel seems to recall something. Seeing Westian busy with Falkor, Farel turns to Aurek and pulls forth an item from his pouch.

"Westian gave this to me when we all thought we might part, but as we have remained comrades in arms, perhaps yours is the better ones to have this."

With that, Farel hands over the UM VI flask that Westian had prepared earlier.

Remember, Westian's uber-power means it heals 3d6 health instead of 2d6 if you decide to take it.

Ok guys, while you aren't in the room yet, I must just post the outline so you get a feelign for what you are dealing with, I'll consider this as much of an update as I will do for now, to let you guys have a round of discussion on anythign you think needs discussed. The way is not too long to the door, unless the group slows down or Haynuus keeps Brighteyes busy at the weak walled room. Your choice if you want to advance to possible doom, or get there asap to set up for Seeroc!

[money]

As Falkor descended the stairs, he was still focused on Westian, but upon reaching the bottom of the stairs and hearing the name Grak Graks, and seeing the surroundings it was becoming more and more real that their journey could well be over soon, well - at least for some of them. As Westian appeared at the bottom of the stairs Falkor once more turned towards him.

[ian_scho]

After the gnome's hand-patting action you have to visualise a half-orc with his jaw open and a somewhat startled look on his face. Undead monstrosities... Wandering around free and unchained from the will of a hopefully mostly sane human... This could be bad. From his previous experience each encounter with a necromancers usually creates yet more death[*].

Unaware of events at the rear of the party, Haynuus continued with Brighteyes. It would be touching to see that in such a dangerous place the party was being led by the two members holding hands and in polite conversation, albeit about undead.

"Uhhhh. I'll not kill Seeroc if you don't tell him about the stuff that I've just forgotten about." He glanced over to Westian. What was he doing again? A mission from God... Finding somebody... A squire?... A cleric?... A cleric's squire? Ohh his head hurt again. He was getting paid, though. So that was nice.

They approached the ominous black door, and Haynuus put his finger to his mouth and said a low shhhhh to Brighteyes and put his ear to the door in an attempt to divine what secrets it held behind (1d20+2=17).

[*] On such an occasion, one of his less intelligent cousins told him[+], that he played dead after an over-enthusiastic necromancer had started a recruitment drive to bolster his forces. After the final battle the necromancer cast a raise dead spell on him and nothing happened but he still got up and did just as the mage told him. It would be two weeks before someone found out his dark secret (he was still alive) and was ejected from the mage's party to the sound of evil laughter - It was his bladder that eventually gave him away.

[+] And there weren't many of those.[/size]

[beowuuf]

Map:

http://www.dmjump.net/seerocroom.jpg (edge is cut off!)

[oh_brother]

Westian walked towards the door. He caught Brighteyes' attention and gave him a smile and a thumbs-up.

[Lord_BoNes]

Aurek walked cautiously into the room. He didn't like this at all... what's going to happen when we meet this "Seerok"? thought the paladin. Will we have to kill him? If we do, what will the gnome do? Is this a trap? the thoughts whizzed around isn't his head... I guess I should have a good look around he finally decided, and proceeded to glace over the room. The wall of blue haze seemed to interest him more than anything else, and he focused most of his attention on it (perception, 1d20 = 8 ). Through the haze, he did notice that one wall seemed to be lined with manacles... who are they for? he thought as he examined the hazey blue wall.

[beowuuf]

Technically speaking, you aren't in the room yet - Brighteyes needs to open it first. If you guys are happy to walk into the room, I can put up the description tomorrow and your move can stand

The wall items on the 'east' wall aren't alcoves, they are manacles....

[beowuuf]

Brighteyes stepped backwards, a little bemused by Haynuus's actions. "I assure you, I'd know if Seeroc was in the room - he's, well, he's very hard to miss!" Still, Brighteyes shrugged and kept quiet. Seeing Westian came forward, Brighteyes shrugged again but gave a large grin and a bemused thumbs up in return.

Meanwhile, Haynuus strained to hear what was inside. And to begin with, what he heard was...nothing. It did not sound like anyone was moving aroudn nor making noise. It took a while to work out there was something, and after wiggling his finger in his ear again, the half orc realised it wasn't his tinatus.

There was a very low hum in the room - like the hum of the teleporter earlier.

And once Haynuus's ear caught that, Haynuus realised he could hear something else. He could hear an odd shuffling. Low and slow though - like something large moving around.

Ok, assuming you guys want to let him enter and take you...which I think you might...

Brighteyes eventually bustled forward again, pointing to a small gem-shaped hole beside the door. He reached under his own tunci and produced a small pendant - while and diamnod shaped - that looked like it would fit.

"If you...hmm...if...hmmm....if you give me a moment...hmmm..." said Brighteyes, trying to reach up on his tip-toes to get the pendant into the hole, then started swinging the stone wildly. Either with help or by luck, it finally made contact, and the door silently opened up. "There we go! Don't worry, as I said, Seeroc isn't it his room just now! I would know, I would know!"

The gnome bustles into the room, and gestures around to the party to enter and look around.

"Welcome to Seeroc's room! Oh yes!" he says, almost proudly, clapping his hands as he spins around. He points to various areas around, as the party get many surprises.

"Over in that corner," he says, gesturing to the top left wall, "is the secret passage - shhhh - that leads to Seeroc's lower chambers. That's where he makes his little ones, and his darker magic happen!" Brighteyes seems to consider something. "If you want some really powerful weapons, you could go down there and get them. Seeroc isn't down there just now, I can tell because...well, I just can tell! He possibly left his room that way, as the soldiers did not see him leave the way we returned."

Brighteyes nods, mumbling to himself and looking around as if looking for something.

"Oh my, yes, that was it - over on that wall," he says, pointing to the top wall beside where the party have entered, "both Seeroc and myself have made various potions. The ones on the left are quite nasty, I would not drink any of them, However, the ones on the left have some beneficial properties. Restoring and increasing strength and speed and vitality and all sorts of wonderful effects. Oh my yes! Please, help yourself to any you wish."

Brighteyes then points down to the bottom right corner of the room. "Down that way is the way further down. A similar door and release to the one we have just passed through. And quite a cunning mechanism created by Seeroc. Well, you see, if the one door is activated, then the other door cannot be, if you see. So if he leaves to go further down, then no one can sneak in behind him. And vice versa, none from down below can get through this short way and into his business if he has gone up higher." Brighteyes nods happily, then pauses. "Of course, it does him no good if he uses his secret way down then back up, oh my no. Still, his loss is your gain!"

Brighteyes nods happily and smiles. "So yes, you can be sure he will not sneak in behind you from that direction, my my my no. He will have left through his secret way, althoguh he is not down there now. I am sure when he returns, he will use the main door you have just come throuhg, oh yes. Still, feel free to guard both awaiting his arrival, oh yes!"

Brighteyes then, perhaps, realises that everyone is looking to the main centrepiece of the lower room.

"Ah yes, the reason Seeroc chose this room. You see, in the times of Chaos, this was a sort of puzzle with a zoo. Lots of wonderful raw magic just sitting there, acting as a prison! So Seeroc took it over, oh yes, for any guests he wished to make sure would not run away."

The party can see, with whatever facination or horror, that the bottom area, behidn the hazes, seems to have a few creatures - ones surely causing the stench that is prevelant in the room, and ones that would cause the party concern were they not safely trapped behind the blue hazes that stretched top to bottom.

In the bottom left corner was a creature that Haynuus recognised well, and perhaps might even make him salivate. A strength green topped cap, and wooden underbody marked the odd fungle lifeform known as the screamer. Sensing new life enterign the room, is shuffled obscenely on little root-like apprendages to the side, making a small shrieking noise in greeting.

However, a massive yellow shape stirred and shuffled forwards itself, its shrill snarl makign the screamer back up. Aggressively the yellow shape came right into the blue haze, and with a loud zap was pushed back. Howeverm there was enough time to register what the shape was - it was a massive scorpion, easily filling the corner it occupied at the bottom right. The creature seemed injured - it was missing the end of its stinger, and one pincher was also removed.

Along the right hand wall were manacles, and disturbingly there seemed to be a few human shapes - again one in each corner. Top right was a huddled mass that did not move nor stirr, while bottom right was a figure resting against the back wall and stretched out, its face in shadow.

"Don't mind Seeroc's guests, they shouldn't trouble you!" said Brighteyes brightly. "Anyway, if you want to make yourselves comfortable, I suppose we can wait, if that's what you want to do. Or don't forget the stairs. You can always...use the stairs."

Brighteyes just pointed to an area on the right hand opposite the supposed concealed exit of the room. "If you will excuse me, there are a few potions I might like to partake of, if you are planning on getting violent with Seeroc soon. Just a little gnome in a long legged world! So fragile! So fragile! Help yourself to the potions opposite. Remember, left bad, right good! Oh my yes!"

Ok, I'll stop there, and we can leave it there - mini explanationas and OOC discussions aside - for a while I think! Lots to work out, lots to ask, lots to do, and of course lots to clarify.

Also, I'll stop there incase anyone wants to interrupt the gnome's actions.

[ian_scho]

If Haynuus was already preocupied when he entered the room... Now he was postocupied as well.

They needed to do what they need to do in a short time so take heed and don't get greedy!

The first problem was these religious types. Personally, he was a live and let live kind of guy. Even if it was a necromancer who was probably already deceased! Yet his party seemed to attract violent retribution to this kind of evil that Haynuus would always follow them into. He understood their disgust or hatred even, he just didn't share their zeal.

The next issue was the humanoids chained to the wall... If he were all orcish blood (or just cleverer) he'd leave them to their fate yet...

"Lord Sir Farel Sir? Would you come with me and see if one of those poor souls chained to the wall is your squire?" He looked expectantly at the knight.
Next he thought to throw a question to Brighteyes who was diligently reading labels on potion bottles or knocking the tops off and whiffing those that had no indication. "Soooo. Should we need to deactivate one of those helpful blue hazy thingies, to liberate the screamer, how would we do that, do you think?"

He stood right at the edge of the blue field, felt the hair in his ears tingle and stand up on end, and peered through to try to discern who or what the two humanoids were (1d20+2=13).

[beowuuf]

I'll try to get a more detailed map with positons of things I've just said highl;ighted tonight, since you guys are in the room. Unless you decide not to go inside the room after all

[beowuuf]

Aurek had to look twice through the blue haze at the figure furthest from the wall. It was hard to tell without doing the dangerous thing that Haynuus did, which was stand right up beside the teleporter. There was a distinct possibility that one wrong breath would trigger the haze.

Luckily, his body had enough sense to stay just our of range of it's sizzling power.

Haynuus worked out that the figure closest was a smaller figure, while the figure further away was a normal person - some simply dressed man, plain breaches, tunic and boots. He did, indeed, appear to be asleep. Or something.

Farel seems to be a little hesitant to come forward. Was it that he did not trust Brighteyes? Or was it that he was, perhaps, afraid what he might see one way or the other.

However, as Farel got closer, his eyes widened. "Ardur? Squire Ardur, is that you?" The usually mild toned knight span around, and unknowingly re-iterated Haynuus's question in a more forceful and direct way. "Remove this barrier IMMEDIATELY!"

Brighteyes had been already surprised by Haynuus's comments when he was rummaging in a pile of items in one of the corners, and had to alter his focu to take in the irate knight's comments.

"Well, there's this big red button here," the gnome pointed to an area close to him, "if you hit that firmly, it will remove all the barriers at once. Of course, freeing the prisoners would, interestingly, also free the scropion. I think Seeroc's experiments have not been appreciated by it. It really is most...aggressive. Then again, it is one of Chaos''s creations, so perhaps it's just bad tempered anyway?" Brighteyes picthes the question to both Haynuus and Fare, but Farel ignores the gnome.

Angrily he looks to the scorpion, dominating the corner. The thing easily fills that corner, and keeps attacking the haze and being rebuked with an angry zap. Farel curses, signs, and then turns to fully direct his attention to the figue in the corner. "Ardur? Boy...please, Ardur?"

Uh-oh - I hope the squire is ok Still, at least Farel's found him. Anyway, that responds to Ian's move, and OB's perception check. As said, you guys will have a some time to look around and figure out your next move. Well, not tons of time - you guys need to assess the area, work out your ideas with BRighteyes, and figure out if you will try to carry on throguh before Seeroc appears, or confront the mage about why he sent soldiers after you guys!

[ian_scho]

Shocked that Haynuus's line of thinking was actually right for once he announced with a finger in the air that "We need a plan!" and hoped someone would come forward with one that didn't include the half-orc standing at the front grappling a scorpion for some WWF extravaganza.

"Ohhh Mister Brighteyes. We really need to get him out of there. Before the scorpion eats him or something."

"You said these potions to the left..." he swung his arm across the table and shelves "... were bad. Would you be interested in seeing their effects aggressively applied to a scorpion? A fascinating idea no? I mean..." he searched for the brightest coloured ones with angry mists and swirls in them "...what do you think would happen if we launched a few at it?" The problem was that the half-orc didn't know which were poisonous, which would explode or which were used to moisturise your feet. He gesticulated with two hands, both eyebrows and even with his hips in an attempt to get the gnome to pick out a few of the more effective ones.

His final idea was whether to close the door from above, causing the one from below to open up. What could possibly go wrong? "Ehhh Westian. Do you think we should close the door we just came from, before attempting anything? I'd hate to have anyone disturb our 'Investiagtions'. Or leave it open for a quick escape up to the guards should need be?"

[money]

Falkor was taking everything in, and there was a lot to see... As he moved in he checked the door (1d20=10) for a quick release. He noticed the Gem hole on this side, what if both were tried at the same time? Could he remove the gem from the other side and roll under the door before it closed... he wasn't sure and time didn't allow itself for him to experiment. There were raised voices, distressed and frustrated ones at that. "quiet, this is not the time for emotion," he frowned at Aurek, "We shall free your friend, but first we must make sure we are strong and have the advantages on our side".

With this he continued through the room to the scrolls on the far side and began rummaging and reading for any spells that could be of use..(1d20=14)

[oh_brother]

"Our first priority is to free the men, so prepare for the scorpion my comrades." The beast looked giant, and even in its injured state the sight of it made Westian recoil in fear and disgust. "And yes, anything of use we can find will be necessary." Falkor was checking the scrolls, Haynuus was examining the potions.

The half-orc's question about the doors made Westian think for a moment. The door in front of them led to some unknown location, who knew what could appear from below? Then again, the gnome had said that Seeroc could return via the door behind them... "Okay, I agree. We close the door behind us."

"Everyone, when we release the scorpion I will cast a protection spell, so try and stay close to me. Then Haynuus, Aurek, Farel and I can engage him in hand-to-hand combat, Falkor and Brighteyes can provide support with spells and potions. Agreed?"

OOC: Perception check was 2

[beowuuf]

*Slow clap.*

I think it's been a full month since I've said I love you guys. And at least a week since I've said I'm sorry I might kill your characters.

I love you guys! Sorry if I kill your characters!

[ian_scho]

Haynuus nodded nervously to cleric. He would just have to stomach yet another monstrous fiend bull rushing into him. "You should switch the.. err... switch then, Westian. Just wait to see if Brighteyes can provide us with some artillery first then I'll stand next to the other closed door."

He poked the gnome. "You my friend, could become my brand new 'Hero'."

[Lord_BoNes]

Throughout his life, Aurek had encountered all sorts of creatures. Over many years, he'd found a way to communicate with most animals, in a way that goes beyond simple words... a sort of animalistic empathy. Seeing this gigantic scorpion constantly attacking the barrier, the paladin had a few quick thoughts to himself... Is it in pain? Could that be causing its excessive aggression? Can a calm this creature down... or will it rip me to bits? the last thought sending chills down his spine.

"I may be able to calm this creature enough to allow you guys to free the squire. But, just be ready incase this all 'goes south'. I could possibly even make it angrier, so be on guard." with that said, the paladin walked over toward the scorpion, getting as close as the wall of haze would allow.

[beowuuf]

Farel's urgings seemed to have some small effect, and there was a soft moan from the figure in the corner.

"He's alive! Lords be praised!" said Farel with a joy in his voice. He looks surprised but grateful that Haynuus took such an active part in the rescue attempt.

"I'm afraid only Seeroc possesses the means of flittering back and forth unhindered!" said the gnome, coming back out of his pile to regard the half-orc, and holding a few items in his hands.

Brighteyes then watched the dynamic half-orc rush towards the potion shelves. "Yes, those ones are harmful, be careful!" said Brighteyes. "Hmm, while the scorpion seems angry enough, it would certainly give many wonderful data points to see those potions applied! Except...well, mostly they are for swallowing. Do you think you can manage to throw one into it's mouth?" Brighteyes almost sounded whistful for the chance to see such a sight. He tried to gesture with his nose to a couple of them - to Haynuus, it seemed a cherry red solution, a light green translucent solution and a vibrant yellow liquid were the ones indicated.

The gnome then noticed Falkor playing with the door, at about the same time as Westian comment on the need to shut it.

"No time, no time, who knows what might lurk outside! Step aside, step aside!" the gnome bustled passed Falkor, and tried to balance his potions while scrambling under his tunic for the pendant again.

Falkor, sadly, spotted nothing. He realised as Brighteyes struggled with the inside of his tunic that the gem was not kept in the gemn hole. And seeing the slick oiling of the doorframe, he realised that the door probably fell pretty swiftly - unlike other doors in the dungeon, this metal door did not look as forgiving in mechanism. It was definitely a door designed to keep people out....or perhaps in.

It was maybe because Westian mentioned locking them in, that all perhaps took a moment to realise where they were. The odd chain of events that led them here was maybe a little bit of a daze. However now, in Seeroc's private room, each party member perhaps felt a moment's pause.

The wounded scorpion and prisoners - one still not moving despite the action - were not needed to tell the tale that nothing good happened in this room. The air possessed a chill that penetrated clothing. And the scent of it - above that of the creatures inside and the faint ozone of the teleporters - was unpleassant for some subconscious reason. If fear and suffering, and their byproducts, were said to possess a single smell then the conflux of scents in the room would have undoubtedly been it.

Were Haynuus not so busy, his tonuge and nose would have registered every scent he had encountered in his dealing with the brutality of the orcs and the life in the citadel.

Worse, from the top left corner there was the smell of ancient death - and the reminder of the powerful undead that the party had already faced in the past.

Now that Falkor looked around, he realised that lighting was not perfect by any means. Farel has abandoned his torch to reach his charge, and Brighteyes was now at the door - and his lighting spell had obviously dimmed aswell.

The blue of the teleporters, and the faded light sources of the torches provided a hue of light that did not combine well with the rock of the rough walls here. The walls looked sick, and the movement of torch flames, and of Brighteyes's illumination as the gnome bobbed and weaved, made the walls seem as if they oozed. A thin rivulet of shadow would trickle down the wall, to disappear a moment later.

The floor, which should have been grey, was instead an indeterminant colour. An odd mottled pattern was seen, as various marks and smudges had been interwoven into a horrid tapestry of shapes.

In short, the room felt as odd and unpleasant and evil as its owner was sure to be. The plain dungeon room had been infected by its inhabitant, and the party felt unclean and oppressed by it.

Falkor broke himself from examining the room, even as the rest of the party shook the sudden flight of fancy each one found themselves under (OOC: Don't worry, it was purely a narrative device and not anything more sinister.

He moved with purpose to the shelf of scrolls, hoping to find learning of value. And indeed, in some ways the scrolls were definitely of use - he could see the scrawlings of magic, and the language spoke as if he were back in the classroom. Unfortunately, his frantic search revealed no simple runes. Sadly, as the building block of magic perhaps finding such runes written down was like expecting to find a child's reading book. Falkor knew if he could only study the writings enough, they would trigger memories of the runes anyway. However, the moments before battle were not sufficient. And Westian's clear call to action definitely ensured battle was to happen.

Falkor, at least, found a few scrolls that seemed to call to him. He couldn't quite work out what it was about the language that drew him to it. Perhaps the gnome could shed more light?

Meanwhile, Farel was looking stunned at Westian's decision. Farel had perhaps been ignoring the halfling's advice, for the knight was beyond reigning in his emotions. However, such a strong commitment from the cleric broke through the man's attempts at communication with his squire. Sir Farel said nothing, but simply caught the eye of the half-elf. Although the knight had unquestioningly stood shoulder to shoulder with the party through their recent battles, apparently the knight must have considered this his duty. For the look Farel gave Westian spoke of owing the greatest debt to the four who risked their lives at this time.

"Hang on, lad, we shall not abandon you!" said Farel. Apparently, he had not heard Westian's plan to rally around the cleric, for he stood unshifting at the haze.

Westian stood close to the switch, but saw nothing interesting about it other than it was a ruby red color, stone, and shaped in the form of a cross. The smell from Brighteyes's disgusting pile of worthless objects, and the general oppressive decor, made Westian concentrate on his task and his runes.

Brighteyes was still trying to jump up to the door to press the pendant in, and also drink his carried potions at the same time. "I'll...hmmm...be right...hah...there *gulp*...hmmm. I'm ....hah...sure you can...hmmm...start without me...*gulp*..."

Haynuus might have thought of helping the gnome, however Aurek had been concentrating on the scorpion and had reached a decision. Aurek had been a natural with the various animals that his fellow paladins used as mounts. And he had even experience from further back than that. All wild and wounded animals, no matter their size and make-up, shared common triggers. Aurek felt a certainty that he could - as he had done in the past - try to subdue this one.

Haynuus felt bound to stay close to the paladin and leave Brighteyes for the moment. After all, it was hard to pick up your own head if a scorpion has also ripped your arm off.

"Be careful...friend!" said Farel, realising what Aurek was preparing to do on behalf of the kngiht and the knight's squire. "Just a few moments more!" said Farel though the haze to his squire.

The squire then did say a word, to Farel's relief, in a small voice that barely carried. "Hurry."

The party took stock of their skills and acquisitions and the giant scorpion's snarling became greater. There was a moment of silence as each considered their part in the haphazard scheme. Try to calm the scoprion. Don't provoke it. If all else fails, run back to Westian's and the table's protection and try to swiftly take the creature down.

The silence was only broken by the rythmic buzzing of the teleporter as the scorpion tried again and again to get out.

Once again, Farel's squire could be heard to utter words.

"Hurry. Please. Before he comes back!"



Sorry for the really long post. Hopefully if I don't post too much more this weekend, you might all get a chance to read it around your own preparations for combat!

I'll try to look back over the post with less tired eyes, and correct any spelling things or horrible paragraphs!

[ian_scho]

Haynuus felt hurried by Farel's uneasiness (OOC - And it's a friday and it's time to go home from work.) and so grabbed all three of the dangerous potions, and put all but two in his backpack... "Westian, just swipe all of these tasty, healthy potions dude. There may not be enough time to examine them!". He then moved over to the waiting paladin and knight where he felt that Westian's plan of retreating to the table may have been better yet at least there was only one of these ginormous things - and a tasty treat awaited the halfling who could practice his ninja skills soon.

A glance over to the wizard prove that he was once more on his hands on knees on top of the table shuffling paper around. Can you cast spells from that position?

He looked closely at the light green translucent potion in his hand, and tried to work out what was the most effective delivery method for getting this thing in it's face (OOC - INT check?). (1d20-3=13)

[oh_brother]

Westian nodded in acknowledgement as he caught Farel's eye. "Sir Farel, once we stop the scorpion I will heal your squire. If Aurek manages to hold back the scorpion you must grab your squire and bring him back into the room - we can try to close this haze again to seal the beast inside. If Aurek does not manage to hold him back you must join us in fighting the scorpion - otherwise we will all be over run."

Westian observed the other figure behind the haze, trying to decide if he was dead or alive. If the scorpion did not advance Westian planned to haul him out from behind the haze as well. He also examined the potions Haynuus handed him, in the hope of finding something useful.

"Okay, if the scorpion advances Haynuus, Farel and I will surround him. I will cast a protection spell, so try to stay close. I have a healing flask tucked into my belt, if someone falls I will try to revive them. If I fall, then please remember where it is! Good luck men, may the High Lords smile on us today."

Westian drew his sword and stood ready. His breathing was rapid and shallow, so he tried to calm himself by some simple meditation exercises.

[Lord_BoNes]

Aurek prepared for the haze to drop... he drew his sword, but held it in a "lowered guard" position, ready to attempt to convince the scorpion NOT to attack him.

OOC: I'm going to ready my next move so initiative order doesn't matter
(ready, on haze drop, handle animal 1d20 = 16 + 9 = 25... hope that's enough)

[ian_scho]

Haynuus readied himself with potion in one hand, falcion in the other. Should the scorpion actually attack someone he'd attempt to throw it into it's very mouth and then return to his normal swinging a piece of metal around his head method which will probably be more effective.

Who would be turning off the blue haze then? He assumed one of their 'support staff'!... "I think we're ready when you are Mister Falkor."

[Lord_BoNes]

"Falkor, did you find anything interesting over there? Perhaps after this is over with, I can have a good look through those scrolls. I can read the basics of all the elemental languages. My knowledge might be helpful."

[beowuuf]

Haynuus cast his eye over the potion, looking at it in the teleporter light. There did not seem to be too much of it. It did look a sickly green in the teleporter light, though otherwise just like water. Such a small amount couldn't rely on a splash effect - he'd need to smash the flask right on a weak area/mouth of the scoprion, or maybe get one of the short guys to hold the scorpion's mouth open while he poured the contents in.

Sir Farel looked around at Westian's words, apparently realising words had been said. His eyes focused on the cleric, and the kngiht drew himself up. "It is as you say. I shall be ready!" Back into the haze, Farel said, "Did you hear that lad? Be ready. Courage Squire Ardur! Courage and patience! We shall not abandon you!"

Farel had already dropped the torch close to him. He withdrew his battleblade and placed it into his off hand, freeing himself to grab the boy the moment the teleporter went down. Farel marked the distances from Westian, Aurek and the boy beyond the haze, and slowly swayed backwards and forwards, limbering himself up.

Westian could not really tell if the figure beyodn the haze in the corner was alive or dead, although still the figure did not seem to make any movement to the excitement. Certainly, the flicker of the haze was perhaps masking some movement? Aurek was perhaps better positioned to tell the cleric there was no reaction to the figure awkwardly lying in the corner.

Still, for some reason, Westian could feel drawn to the figure.


I believe Haynuus was telling Westian to go grab a handful of the right hand ptions, instead of actually giving Westian any. If this isn't the case, then yell and also roll a d20


If Haynuus's comment didn't register, certainly Aurek's yell at least was heard by Falkor, reminding the halfling that the others were getting ready with their desperate plan. Confirming that the moment was almost upon them...

"Almost...hmm..." huffed Brighteyes at the door, oblivious as he still tried to get the gem from his neck into the hole. He put down his empty flasks to better reach.


Ok, so I think you guys just need to check out this map:
http://www.dmjump.net/seeroomfight.jpg

Tell me if everyone but Falkor is positioned ok. Money, you'll need to tell me what action Falkor takes up. Will he run with the scrolls that seemed of immediate interest to Brighteyes, offer to take over for Westian (where he would need to jump to actually hit the switch), or will he position ready to do some damage.