WESTIAN'S, FALKOR'S AND AUREK'S EXCELLENT CRUSADE

[oh_brother]

As Westian moved on he began shouting. "Falkor, I am coming!" He tried to focus on the light. As he approached he shouted once more and dropped his rock and club, trying to dive for the exit in the same movement.

He will try to get out at the light, hoping that it is Falkor (or, at least, some exit). If that fails, then he will hope that Aurek can catch him on the return!

[money]

Oh dear... does this change things? (1d20 = 2)

[beowuuf]

Only if you attempt an action that needs timing. If you will do something passive/ahead of time for OB and Westian we can ignore that 2. Otherwise...

[money]

OOC: I got a bit confused and don't think i needed to roll after all!

BIC: Falkor was clear of the 'transporter' and in one piece - his next priority was to help Westian through. He considered surveying the corridor first but knew that if there was anything here, on either level, he would be better off with Westian by his side. He once more returned to the material plane and muttered the rune - UM OH IR RA - and instantly there was light, enough for Westian he hoped!

"Westian, come through - I will try to guide you, follow the light and my voice - focus on your senses.

[beowuuf]

Ok OB, you get +2 for dropping the amount of stuff you dropped, and +2 for the additional light. I'll also let you make fresh rolls instead of those last ones carrying - I got enough use from them. You need to make a refrlexes check, and then a strength check...

[oh_brother]

Reflexes were 4 + 2 + 2 + 6 = 14. Strength was 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 7. Wow, invisible castle really does not like Westian.

[beowuuf]

Uh-oh!

Westian tried to focus on Falkor's voice, but the twisting and thumping off the wall was making it difficult. The light was something to aim at, and as he got closer let him not only orient himself but even spot the exit.

However, the kick of speed dropping his items was unexpected, and the teleporting jumping sudden;y threw off Westian's aim. From Falkor's position, sudden't Westian appeared in the middle of the corridor's entrance. Both companions had only a split second to react to the sight, and neither was fast enough to really do anything about it.

Westian's attempts to get out only allowed him to grip the edge of the corridor wall as he was pushed onwards. There was but a moment to try and pull himself into the corridor, and he simply didn't have the leverage nor time to try before there was a 'zap'. Falkor blinked and saw no Westian.

Meanwhile, Westian felt a pain in his fingers, as if they had been trapped in a door. He could swear there was a 'snap' sound. For one horrifying moment the cleric's rapidly moving brain might have suspected his hands being telepoted perfectly into the wall closeby. Luckily, some effect of the magic stopped this from happening - althoguh the rebuke to his hands were stinging.

There was only a fraction of a second to appreciate this before he was pushed on again, and then teleported again. Westian could feel he had slowed himself down a little bit, but of course now he was going to be picking up speed while hard against the outer wall. Already each teleport and push of air slammed him apainfully into some jutting brickwork. At least he still had his shield - for now - to absorb some of the blows.

Still, this was probably not good.


I'll have you roll for damages later

Ok, so money, I guess you need to decide what to do next. I guess Falkor could simply leap into the corridor right away, since he weighs less than Westian he might be able to catch up and help that way.

Falkor isn't knowledgeable enough to know if he can safely walk into the corridor with his cloak on. However, if he wants to risk it, he could attempt to run after Westian or could attempt - if he is allowed - to run back ot the start and intercept Westian there.

Fun to see what idea you might come up with. Or you can just leave Westian to his fate and check the surroundings

OB - Westian could try to curl up for survival and yell some warnign to those back at the start, hoping to get caught. Or he could try and luck jumping out at the next exit - though the corridor will get dark, so Westian would need a good perception roll (or just good luck) to escape that way.

Or Westian could try to kick off or something from the wall to get back to the centre of the corridor for now, giving himself a better chance at one of the above.


Assume you need a roll with any decision (though some I might ignore the roll, depending on the idea/situation), and fingers crossed!

[money]

IT all happened so fast, Falkor had no time to react before Westian was once more teleporting around and by the sounds of it smashing against various walls in the process... "Ulmack, Farel, Aurek - When Westian get's close try and drag him out of the force field" the only think he could think of now was to pray... "Loriathan, he is one of yours and a true believer. Protect and deliver him safely to the others... His work in this world is not yet done"

Praying for Lord Loriathan (??) to intervene (1d20 => 9)

[beowuuf]

Well that will be Westian's luck roll (so feel free to chance your arm at something OB, and if Westian would also pray, there might be a bonus). And those at the strat will also be alerted.

[oh_brother]

Westian struggled to regain his balance, and pushed his shield against the outside wall to try to right himself. He edged back closer to the centre of the corridor as much as possible, though it was not easy to accomplish while moving involuntarily in the dark.

As he continued to pick up speed he shouted out. "I am coming back, get ready." With that he kept his eyes and ears attuned for any sign that he was coming to his starting position again.

Roll to get back into centre of corridor was 19. Roll to see what the chances of jumping out at the start point was 14. Not sure what to add to them: reflexes gets +6 and strength gets +2.

[beowuuf]

Westian kicked out from the wall, lucking it just before the next jump and actually being pushed in a decent 'sitting'. Without the constant smashing into the brickwork, Westian was able to orient himself to the corridor (or at least, so he thought in the half light before he turned a corner away from Falkor). It was strange being held on a cushion of nothing, the cvopnstant teleports and forced pushes keeping him lifted above the ground and away from gravity. At least gravity#s effects were in place, and they seemed to stop him from being lifted and smashed into the ceiling. At least for now!

Westian saw himself drift again towards the wall as his speed increased, however he also saw the light of the main party get close. There was no real way to push off towards the corridor without something to push on, and instead of dropping items he simple kicked out his body to rech onwards...

Aurek's hand snapped out, and Westian was pulled back into the corridor, Aurek being yanked by Aldur and surprisingly Tosca.

"I don't know how I knew when to reach out for you, I just did!" said Aurek in amazement, but the relief did not last long. "We're in trouble. Where is Falkor? Can we get around?"

The reason Farel, nor Uumack were the ones pulling Aurek, and the reason Tosca would volunteer to help Aurek, suddenly became clear. At the end of the corridor a scorpion appeared. Farel, UUumack, and the two crossbow wielding Trolins were engaged in some form of tctics, yelling and waving fire around at the scorpion. For the moment, it seemed to be skittish. However, it was not certain how long that would last.


Teehee. So, nasty people killing scorpion around. One that has two arms and isn't afraid to use them. So you can either try to help fighting, or you can figure out how to beat the damn corridor! I do't know if I mentioned it before, but Westian will be finding his spellcraft coming back to him better, So dexterity potions, or other magical tricks, can be available to him!

[money]

"Westian, are you ok?"

Can Falkor hear the conversations

[beowuuf]

Too far away, people would have to yell specifically towards you, and vice versa. Any incidental noises might not reach you - you'd need a perception roll, DC15, to hear anything happening right at the corridor entrance.

[oh_brother]

I cannot decide what to do. Attack the scorpion? Even if we win all that we gain is more time with the corridor. Everyone jump into the corridor? Well, I don't think that would go well. But would it go any better if we had time? Maybe a bit. And if we jump together and someone misses the jump and returns to the start they are facing the scorpion on their own. And then they are eaten. Or whatever scorpions do to people. But how strong is a scorpion? We have not really had a fight with one before - the one in Soorec's room was injured, and IIRC teh grak-graks killed it. So which is the least bad option? We don't have enough rocks to give everyone a bag, so we need more time to prepare. And if we start to leave whoever is left until last will probably be killed. So okay, lets attack the scorpion. No wait, how doe calm work for the snake staff again? Could Westian help hold off the scorpion, and let everyone else try to get through?

[beowuuf]

Calm is an intimidation effect, so Westian could use it to hold of the scoprion... maybe... And while it is dangerous, the Trolins at least seem to sort of know how to do the jkump. So you might only need to worry about the humans in the group. And Tosca perhaps.

Feel free to take the weekend to work this one out, I'll answer question for the next day or so

[oh_brother]

Westian looked in horror at the uninvited guest. Without thinking he took a few steps forward, hesitating for a moment as if weighing up the options. Then as thoughts began to crystallise in his mind the hesitancy disappeared, replaced by an urgency of action.

He ran the last few steps closer to the creature, standing just ahead of the leading Trolins. He lifted his staff up and silently prayed to his High Lord for strength. He banged his staff on the ground in front of the beast, and shouted at the top of his voice in a wordless, angry howl.


I just decided to go for it. Intimidation was 14 + 6 = 20. I will add 3 level 0 effects. Plus whatever bonus the snake staff gives me. If it works and we get a bit more time Westian will tell the others to go. He will make dexterity potions for the humans, and maybe get Ardur to tie himself to Uumack

[beowuuf]

Sounds like a plan! I won't spoil anything by saying if it will be a good plan or not, but it is certainly decisive, which can't be a bad thing all told . Will Westian yell any plans to Falkor? I'll let money respond either IC or with OOC provisional actions and then update - see if I can update tomorrow before I go!

[money]

unfortuntely Falkor is none the wiser of the "creature" causing mayhem the other side... such a shame as the 'insider knowledge' of the torment these poor creatures have suffered, as well as his talk to animals ability could be put to soooo much use (i think!)... but alas, he is now pondering the thought of continuing the quest alone - as no-one replied to calls...

Falkor Slumped to his knees - "Why, why did you not protect him???" He looked at the cloak and again invoked it's magic - at least he could console Westian on the ethereal plane - more than he did on the material one.

[oh_brother]

Sorry, I misinterpreted what you said - I though that Falkor could not hear Westian and vice-versa. On closer reading that was just "incidental noises". Can I retcon a shout out to Falkor - if Westian heard the shout he would certainly have replied!

[In reply to Falkor's shout] "Not really, we have a problem. Another one of those giant scorpions!" With that Westian moved towards the beast.

[beowuuf]

Yes you can - THERE'S A GIANT SCOPRION TRYING TO BITE YOU LOT!

[beowuuf]

Ran out of time, so you guys have the weekend to retcon and readjust to the situation - good luck! Money is right, Falkor has some greater understanding of these critters now...so all is not as dark as it might appear.

Remember that Aurek, even as an NPC, has his animal handling skill. So you might get an aid another there if you want it.

[beowuuf]

Sorry for the confusion with what Falkor could and couldn't hear. I'll leave updating this until money can take into account Westian actually addressing Falkor, which Falkor can hear.

[money]

ok...

sorry to prolong this - but how powerful is my communicate with animals feat? Can I do it from where I am presently?

[beowuuf]

It's the same as speaking, the scorpion would need to be near the mouth of the corridor to hear you if you yell at it, and realise you are speaking to it. You need line of sight to cobine it with a 'message' effect I'm afraid. Though if you were to speak directly into its head, that might be a more intimidating and effective communications!

[money]

"Do not harm the scorpian - I will come back"

Falkor used the cloak and jumped back into the teleporters... Hoping he would be skilled enough to get out the other side unscathed.(6)

[beowuuf]

Whether Falkor had no need to fear the teleporters and magics of the corridor when in the ethereal plane no matter what, or whether the effects were again dormant after Westian's exit, Falkor found returning back to the corridor easy.


I'll provide a further update at the corridor if I have a chance at lunch!

[beowuuf]

Meanwhile back at the corridor, Aurek was surpised that Westian had yelled out, and more surprised that Falkor had responded faintly from somewhere in the distance. "We made a good team last time against a wounded scorpion," said the paladin with only a slight hesitation.

Westian had strode forwards, brandishing his staff. He sensed the power of it and for the moment it appeared to work. The scorpion hesitated. Uumack appeaered to be encouraged, ready to strike the thing. He seemed surprised and confused whern Westian began asking the Trolin to fall back, especially when he was apparently to tie himself to a small human. Sir Farel and Aldur wore similar expressions.


Ok, Westian is buying some time for Falkor's return from the scorpion, but maybe needs some words or actions to ensure the continued compliance of the trolins before they make the situation worse. No pressure *hehe*

[oh_brother]

Westian nodded to Aurek. "Indeed, we need not worry unduly. We have overcome far greater problems before, and with fewer numbers."

When the Trolins' concerns became obvious Westian felt the need to respond to them. "This scorpion is not our concern. Let the gnome and his swift-deaths deal with him if they want, I have no intention of doing their dirty work. I just want to get beyond this corridor."

He looked over at Uumack as he continued to speak. "Still, if you attack I will back you up, you should have no worries about that." With that he took another small step forward and banged his staff on the ground once more, in the hope of driving the creature further back.

Not sure if a roll is needed for that, but probably best to give one just in case. I rolled a 9. That will be 19 if a bluff is needed, or 22 if a diplomacy roll. Or a 15 plus snake staff bonus if it is intimidation. Or irrelevant if it is not needed! Maybe bluff is the most appropriate, since Westian does not actually want to attack the scorpion.

[money]

Falkor zapped out of the teleporter, he de-activated the cloak and within a few seconds familiarised himself with his surroundings. Carrying on down the corridor towards the group he managed to see Westian banging his staff on the ground in front of the intimidated scorpian... Falkor drew breath and spoke in a commanding manor "Leave this creature, he has been tormented enough."

He moved forward, closer to the Scorpian... and called upon his magic to speak to the creature.

"Please, step down. I understand the torture and torment you have been through - believe me, we all understand the pain. I make a promise - my colleagues here and I will destroy the evil creature that created you, that has tortured you for soo many years". Falkor looked the creature direct in the eyes - he was unsure how much he undestood or if he was indeed ready to retaliate but for now, he put his trust in the creature and his abilities to communicate sucessfully.

"Please, believe me - I will get revenge for the suffering caused and if I can I will leave that monster to you all so you can enact your own revenge"

Falkor returned his attention and focus to the group - he hoped they were listening to Westian and had pushed back and that none of them would take any sign of the creature backing off as an opportunity to attack. He had to have faith in Westians command over the Trolins - if this failed he would need to decide where his loyalties lay.

Not sure i need to roll anything for this as I'm using my feat?

[beowuuf]

Not to use the communication itself, but it will be diplomacy for trying to persuade the sorpion. Whether its for success / fairlure, or extent of persuasion, I won't reveal right now