[Mika]
Mika searches his way eastward, past the three alcoves and into a larger southeast annex. This annex contains more torches along the walls, illuminating a sleeping creature in the southeast corner. The creature is large, curled up, with big tufts of white fur all over. From its back, large folded pink wings.It awakens instantly upon seeing Mika, leaping to its feet to charge! However, it seems that both its wrists are shackled with iron bands, chaining it to the wall. The beast can't go more than 15 feet until the chains become taught. There is a silver collar around its neck, inscribed with magical runes that glow intensely. The beast lets out a great roar of futility that shakes the entire chamber!
[Ambrose]
Meanwhile, Ambrose throws down the gem at his feet, shattering the jewel on the stone floor. Bursting forth from the gem, first as smoke, then coalescing into a female form... is an ANGEL. She looks quite confused, taking in the surroundings. Seeing Ambrose, she leaps into the air and hovers on angelic wings, and bringing her holy morning star before her. The look in her eyes telegraphs the attack she's about to make...
OOC: Art by Wizards of the Coast, and from the excellent NES game, Shadowgate.
Mika takes a step back in shock. A monster, what could it be? He quickly tries to determine when he's distracted by movement and turns to see a winged figure threatening Ambrose.
ReplyDelete"What on earth is happening here?" Mika cries out in alarm, raising his holy symbol.
OOC: +7 Religion +10 Insight to identify the monsters or figure out what the heck is going on.
Before the mage can do anything else, he hears his own voice quiver inside his head, "Oh crap. Mommy!" Then the pungent aroma arising from his armor confirms his reactive state.
ReplyDelete"Wait! Please, do the good, right thing! We (frantically poinitng out his crew) are here to rescue Jonar Redhammer, the dwarf over there (pointing to the crucifix station on the dias)!" As quickly as he can, he explains about searching for the adventurer and ending up here, and tainted by the great evil beast/chamber.
"This armor I use for the good of Jonar's rescue only. I freed you so maybe you might be able to help and end this evil. Time is running out! That priestess over there is bleeding the last of the prophetic line. We just fought our way through from the last chamber of guards that were to keep away any interference before the chosen dwarf could be drained fully."
"Look, his disembodied tortured soul will vouch for us. (pointing to Jonar's ghost.) He explained how the priestess told him that his blood is going to feed that creature down there. (pointing into the pit, at the glowing plasma) That's the heart of a chaos beast, and that this very dungeon around us is its body. This chaos beast is still an infant, and as it grows the dungeon will spread across the entire world. Jonar's blood is going to help sustain it into maturity or something like that."
"Please, can't you tell I speak truely?! Can't you feel the great evil growing within this chamber?! Help us all get to the dias and rescue Jonar and stop this EVIL! Please, look around, shortly the taint here will overwhelm us and our goodly efforts!"
Ambrose heartily pleads his case and takes no other actions but hopes his memory and oration explains to the Angel what needs to be done.
Ambrose takes no other action for now, instead he respectfully pleads his case without any threats or subtlefuge, and delays any defensive reaction to her possible attack.
ReplyDeleteThe angel, which Mika identifies as a Deva, listens to Ambrose long monologue and holds her attack. Lowering her morning star, she asks, "What would you have me do?"
ReplyDeleteOOC: Mika does not know what the beast in the southeastern annex is.
An important note, the deva is hovering, but not flying. She does not have a flying movement rate.
ReplyDeleteStunned by the blazing, radiant wings of the angel, Smudge steps back from the ledge across which he was considering leaping. Why make the effort when there was a chance of being carried across?
ReplyDeleteLeaving Ambrose to negotiate with the creature, Smudge turns to the smoke-filled alcoves. Stepping around the smoke to the small trapdoor (the one with the bones) he examines it, checking whether it would be safe to open.
Tech: +9 Perception / Thievery as appropriate, +2 Trap Sense = +11
Smudge detects no traps on the small door in the back of the alcove. It is locked, however (DC20 to open via Thievery).
ReplyDeleteMika's eyes widen a bit in awe of the angel. He moves toward the deva and bows her head in respect. "We are grateful for your presence, deva."
ReplyDeleteMika then turns to address the party. "There is a monster of sorts in that other corner." Mika says, pointing toward the corner he came from. "I would recommend trying to discover the purpose of these alcoves first."
Carefully, Smudge unlocks the trapdoor.
ReplyDeleteTech: Thievery +9, Necklace of Keys +1 = +10
The Deva replies, "Getting over there might pose a problem."
ReplyDeleteSmudge unlocks the trapdoor in he first southern alcove. The door opens, revealing a small niche beyond. There is but a single item there...
OOC: Dan, choose a single mundane item worth no more than 2 gp, and that doesn't have the word "kit" in it. That is what you find in the niche.
Joryn pauses for a moment looking at the angel.
ReplyDelete"This may not go over well." He muses to himself as he crouches to the ground and draws forth the essence of evil that resides within him. Blood colored mist coalesces around him and his demonic brother forms in the air.
"We've found a teleporter. Since you're immortal, I elect you to join the fray first."
He points into the first cloud of smoke and issues his mental command to his demon to enter the portal.
Joryn's demon appears, and seems to only be half paying attention to his master. Instead of responding to Joryn, he walks towards the teleportal and says to the Deva as he does so, "Illuma, so we meet again. This time I've got a "master" do you're going to have to go through him first."
ReplyDeleteThe Deva, now identified as being named Illuma, turns to Ambrose. "You're working with Ryth? What is this treachery?!?"
Illuma does not wait for an answer but swings her morning star in a long arc, intending to take off Ambrose's head. Luckly, Ambrose keeps his head, and dodges the attack.
OOC: Exactly which teleportal are you sending Ryth through? There are three in the southern alcoves, one per alcove... perhaps look at the map and identify by coordinates.
Mika is careful to give the deva and the demon a wide berth. He's definitely shocked that the 'proxy' was a demon. He gives a glare at Joryn before turning to the angered deva. Perhaps they could keep her from killing Ambrose long enough to save the dwarf.
ReplyDelete"Illuma" Mika says respectfully. "I had no idea that this one was working with a demon." Mika says, glaring at Joryn.
"Possibly, he is the only one involved in this treachery. I had no idea that there was someone controlling a demon in our midst."
Mika pauses a moment to think.
"Please, we must focus on saving the dwarf. We can bring these ones to justice later." Mika does his best to make it sound like a plea.
OOC: Bluff/Diplomacy +8 to keep the angel from killing Ambrose.
Illuma is not buying it. "You are clearly evil, consorting with demons. I am not fooled. I will reveal your trick soon enough."
ReplyDeleteThe beast in the corner bellows in anger to punctuate her statement. She continues her attacks against Ambrose, and by the looks of her, no more diplomacy will convince her otherwise unless some serious proof is brought forth.
Jonar's "ghost" looks dumbfounded, adding, "Is this how you guys normally roll?"
"Then damn you both! I you can't sense the truth of our situation, then you two (implying the deva and devil) can just fight it out among yourselves and stay out of our way! We are trying to save the prophetic dwarf and this world." With that last statement, Ambrose activates the teleport nature of his armor (7 squares) and puts himself into the nearest alcove portal smoke.
ReplyDeleteOOC: Ambrose, take a look at the Vitals tab. I numbered the three southern alcoves. Which one will you go into to step into the teleporter? You can choose any of the three.
DeleteAmbrose goes to portal 2.
DeleteAmbrose steps into the portal and is teleported. He vanishes in a red flash, to reappear high above the pit! There is nothing below him but empty space and energy plasma.
ReplyDeleteYet he doesn't fall, fore he is now currently grappled by a zombie that is hooked by chain to the chamber's ceiling! The zombie, a once female elf by the looks of her, sinks her claws into the mage, drawing blood.
OOC: You take 11 points of damage, down to 21 hp. You gain 1 point of taint, bringing you to 3 total points. You are immobilized at N13 on the map, perhaps 10 feet above the rest in elevation.
OOC:
DeleteOuch, okay, let me know when I can take my next turn.
Can you give us the squares where Jonar's body, the priestess and her floating attendants are located on the dias?
OOC:
ReplyDeleteFree actions to look around and yell.
BIC:
"%@$#&^@ *&@^# @^#&#%$!! (curses in elvish) Illuma, do I look like a someone trying to trick you! Help us find the way across! Try a different portal! Someone else try the third one! I'll try to save my own ass for now! I hate zombies!"
(then to the elvish zombie in elvish) "Nothing personal sweetie, you're just not my type!"
OOC: Um...lol! Sorry couldn't resist. :)
DeleteWhile looking around (and thrashing with the zombie), Ambrose peeks into the East and West alcoves for any surprises.
ReplyDeleteMika watches in shock as the angel attacks. Was he going to be next. Knowing that backing away would make him look guilty, Mika decides to stand his ground. He was innocent. He blinks, and then Ambrose is gone. Mika quickly locates him in the ceiling.
ReplyDelete"What?!" he cries out in alarm. "Are you alright?" he yells up. Things were getting out of hand.
Mika also watches to see where the demon goes.
OOC: Tech - waiting for the demon results before doing anything.
OOC: I realized Joryn's player had told me the first one, so I can indeed proceed... After you read this, check out the vitals tab. Map really fleshed out now.
ReplyDeleteAmbrose sees from his vantage point high up that there are six more teleportals, three to the west and three to the east, in respective alcoves.
Ryth walks into the first teleportal (#1 on map), and vanishes just like Ambrose did. However, instead of hanging from the rafters, he reappears on the east side. Looking up at Ambrose, he just mockingly points and gives a, "Hey Ambrose, how's it hanging! Ha!"
To Ambrose, Illuma requests, "Dismiss your demon, and I may yet help you."
ReplyDelete"If it was his demon, wouldn't he command it?" Mika says.
ReplyDeleteThat stated, Mika steps into the smoke after the demon, hoping for a similar result.
OOC: Moving into the same smoke column Ryth did.
The elf lets the others know what he sees.
ReplyDeleteTo illuma, Ambrose responds, "He's not my demon to dismiss or order around. You can show us you're a true force for good by killing the evil beast in the other South corner (points to the beast). Surely you can put it down while we struggle during our quest."
Ryth had already saved the mage's life and helped the group immmensely, so he wasn't against the creature, despite his taunts. "Funny Ryth, a temporary inconvenience, that's all."
As the mage plots his next actions he yells out to Ryth and the others to hear, "Save the spot next to you for me. (pointing to S13)"
ReplyDeleteMika does not receive a similar result by stepping into the same teleporter that Ryth did.... he receives the exact same result.
ReplyDeleteMika teleports into the space occupied by the demon, Ryth. The resulting blob of human and demon flesh means instant death for both of them! This... thing... falls over the edge to splash into the oozy plasma energy below, never to be seen again.
RIP, Mika.
Illuma looks shocked and perplexed by the latest turn of events. Taking matters into her own hands, she leaps to the a nearby pillar. (OOC: Move to K17.)
ReplyDeleteOOC: Um...wow. My characters sure do know how to go out with a bang. Poor guys. :(
ReplyDeleteOly Moly!!
DeleteOOC: Play enough Fourthcore and you'll find out that teleportals can be very dangerous things. The last time this happened in another game, two PCs died from the resulting teleport "mishap".
DeleteOOC: Definitely a mistake I'll be careful to avoid next time! Brain is still reeling from this one. I had plans for his next action already.
DeleteAmbrose swallow back a dry heave at the sight of the demon-man blob of flesh as it rolls off the edge.
ReplyDeleteHe manages to squeal, "Don't use that first portal! I plan to get to that alcove next!"
Thankful that the deva has decided to apparently move in their favor, Ambrose encourages, "Please, get to the dwarf and save him!"
OOC: My next post won't be until Monday, perhaps giving those who aren't posting some time to do so.
ReplyDeleteJoryn swears under his breath. "Ryth is never going to let me live this down. If I live at all." He runs through the teleporter after Ryth and the cleric and then quickly steps away from the last spot he stood attempting to avoid the fate of his fallen friends. He takes his shield and stows it and takes a running launch to the next alcove over.
ReplyDeleteTech:
Athletics check: +8 (no shield penalty) to jump with running start form alcove marked 8 to alcove marked 7.
Free Action: Pray while jumping.
Also I hate to admit it, but when Ryth is killed, technically I lose a healing surge since he is a summoned creature.
Joryn manages to teleport over to the east side without incident, and leap over the gap separating alcoves #7 and #8. He arrives at #7 safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteHowever, all of you feel that time is running out! You feel the palpable malevolence in the pit of your stomachs.
Tech: Each of you gain 3 points of taint.
Seeing Joryn make his move through the same portal as Ryth and Mika, Ambrose decides to teleport to the Northeast alcove (#7 at S10) so he wouldn't meet anyone else coming through middle Eastern alcove (#8). He will help Joryn with his leap if needed.
ReplyDeleteThen turning his attention to the dias, the mage decides to not wait to attack the priestess. Calling forth one of his most powerful magiks, a pillar of flame burst forth on stage engulfing Jonar in a protective fire shield (at M4) and burns any of their foes within 5 feet.
Feeling the residual radiant heat from the flames, Ambrose responds by activating the fire protection from the Marilth armor. (Resist fire 5 until the end of hte encounter.)
OOC:
Move - teleport to S10
Action - cast Fountain of Flame, Daily Power, Standard Action
Burst 1 within 10 squares
Target each enemy in the burst
You weave a fiery pillar that spins like a top. With each revolution, it douses your enemies with searing heat.
Keywords: Arcane, Evocation, Fire, Implement, Zone
Attack: Intelligence vs. Reflex
Hit: 3d8 + Int modifier (+5) fire damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy that enters the zone or ends its turn there takes 5 fire damage. Zone a square with corners at L3, L5, N3, N5.
Minor - Marilith Armor, Power (Encounter): Minor Action.
Choose one of the following damage types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder.
Gain resist 5 to that damage type until the end of the encounter.
Ambrose arrives safely next to Joryn, standing at the ledge of the seventh alcove. A portal lies within, but not no trapdoor. Seems the only alcoves with trapdoors that he can see are #1,#2,#3.
ReplyDeleteThe pillar of fire is very impressive. However... the flames that should be searing the woman are pulled immediately into the nearby floating symbols! The pillar persists, but any damaging effect is negated within nanoseconds by the floating "+" symbols.
OOC: If you wish to not engage the fire protection, feel free to let me know. Otherwise, I will assume you still activated it.
Meanwhile, Illuma tests the force bridge with her foot. Finding it solid, she starts across it. However, once she's in the middle, the solidity of the bridge comes into question! She starts to sink... and it will be mere moments before she's fallen completely through. She flails about...
ReplyDeleteAmbrose shakes his head in slight disgust. There was nothing he could do for the arrogant Deva. If there was time to think of something, perhaps, ...
ReplyDeleteHe scans the magic absorbing things to determine their nature and if he can turn them off. (check arcane +11, religion +6, insight +6, dungeoneering +6)
Speaking with the fighter, the mage tries to quickly formulate a winning stategy. "Joryn, looks like we're going to have to make a dash to bash that priestess. I will teleport behind the priestess and next to Jonar. Then I will strike with my staff. Join me as soon as you can. Remember the Pentagram of Power and Potion of Brute Formula if you want."
OOC:
Free action to share info
OOC: Ambrose knows these devices as "Chaos Wardens". They absorb any ranged and area attacks, and are highly resistant to Dispel Magic. However, they are highly susceptible to melee attacks. A single melee attacks destroys a Chaos Warden.
ReplyDeleteJoryn starts frantically looking around for rocks on the ground.
ReplyDelete"Help me find something to chuck through this teleporter! I want to test it first and all my crap got dissolved by this blasted room!"
Joryn's temper flares and he can feel his rage barely contained. There is just something about this place that is drawing out the worst of him.
Joryn sees no rocks or other loose debris. This chamber is pretty clean. The only items he could throw through would be his own magic items, and/or his cloak.... or Ambrose, of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteOOC:
ReplyDeleteAn option, if you decide to jump instead (+4 to Strength and +1 to Reach) ..
Potion of Brute Formula (level 11)
Potion, Power (Consumable): Minor Action, Spend a healing surge.
Your do not regain hit points as normal. Instead, your reach increases by 1, and you gain a +4 power bonus to Strength checks, Strength-based skill checks, and melee damage rolls. You may only make melee basic attacks. This effect lasts until the end of the encounter.
Ambrose explains what he knows about the Chaos Wardens. "So if we can both take out one now, my fire pillar will immediately affect the priestess. Then we can finish her off. I could again use magic against her too. So change for me, I will attack the Chaos Warden on the left (vic J5), if you can take out the one on the right (vic P5)."
ReplyDeleteOOC:
ReplyDeleteJoryn, the group has a magical Everburning Torch you could toss through the teleport to see what happens.
Otherwise if you jump and move to strike the Chaos Warden on the right, you should have enough movement to be in range to do so.
OOC:
ReplyDeleteCan Ambrose teleport Joryn with him, reference experience using the marilith armor and arcane check +11?
Ambrose knows that attempting to mess with the magical effects of the teleport can be risky. It might work, or it might backfire.
DeleteRisks: Roll of 21 or better, you both teleport to your the desired location. Anything less, the teleport backfires to a random location.
Can I take 10 and +11 arcane check?
ReplyDeleteOOC: Not normally, no. But in this case, I'll have a little fun. I will allow you to "take 10", but at a price. Ambrose fate will be completely up to me to decide. Could be death. Is it worth it to guarantee that Joryn arrives at the landing? You decide.
ReplyDelete"Joryn, I believe I can teleport you with me to the dias. What do you say?" Ambrose extends his hand out to the fighter and readies his attempt.
ReplyDeleteOOC: Ooh, curious... you'll have to let me know if you go for the straight-up roll... or if you take the Devil's Deal.
DeleteOOC: We'll see what Joryn's player has to say ...
DeleteOh, the anticipation ... got that tingle up my leg ...
Joryn turns to Ambrose. "What of our newfound allies, Travok and Smudge? While they may be new, they may help us mightily. I fear my ability to stand against this fiend." Joryn turns back to the others and gestures wildly beckoning them forward. He points at the teleporters and makes several (very military looking hand signals suggesting that they go slowly and get over here!
DeleteOOC: I'm fine taking the deal, but I'd rather have us all at full strength and as many party members over here if we can.
"Would love to have them join us, but I fear if they don't get here soon, time will run out." the mage replies.
ReplyDeleteOOC:
I will wait to post at least til end of day tomorrow for the others to go one by one through the portal and across to this alcove (#7) or find another way toward the dias. Otherwise I might just have to go for it. ;-)
OOC:
ReplyDeleteIf you need more time to post, just make a quick post saying so. No prob.
OOC: Smudge's player tweeted to me that he will no longer be able to play Smudge due to connectivity issues (work firewall, travel, etc). So Smudge will meet an unfortunate demise very soon. As for the rest, Travok's player said he would post soon, and I've not heard from Tharl's player.
DeleteBummer to miss out on your own character's demise. We could play the non-playable characters, at least their potential death could be more random.
DeleteOOC:
ReplyDeleteI think I will post Ambrose next actions end of day today.
Fair Warning: For Travok, Tharl and Smudge, if I don't see a post by Monday morning, they die horrible deaths at that point.
DeleteAmbrose feeling his mortality coming to an early end, feels the need for action now, not hesistency. "Wait for the others if you must. I will do what I can until you and maybe the other join me ... one way or another."
ReplyDeleteAfter quickly consuming the brute potion, a blink later, the mage teleports near the left chaos warden (L6). The surge of strength burns within him with a warm passionate glow, feeding his desire to detroy everything here. Quickly he strikes at the creature (J6) before him.
OOC:
minor - consume Potion of Brute Formula (level 11)
Potion, Power (Consumable): Minor Action, Spend a healing surge.
Your do not regain hit points as normal. Instead, your reach increases by 1, and you gain a +4 power bonus to Strength checks, Strength-based skill checks, and melee damage rolls. You may only make melee basic attacks. This effect lasts until the end of the encounter.
move - teleport to L6
attack - with staff
reach +1
attack (+4) base (+4) brute strength
damage (1d8 +1) base (+4) brute strength
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DeleteAmbrose left the everburning torch with Joryn should he want to use it, e.g. throwing it through the teleport.
ReplyDeleteOOC: Ambrose has a staff? If it was non-magical, it disintegrated when you got to the chamber. Am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteOOC: assumed that it was magical since it was my implement (staff), if not, then strike with the everburning torch if it can be considered a staff, else use the heavy metal wand of firey blast.
DeleteStepping back briefly, Joryn builds up speed and goes lunging forward over open space trying to clear the air and land on the main platform. Flying through the air he shouts back at his lost allies, "FEAR NOT FRIENDS! WE WILL DEFEAT THE WITCH AND LAY CLAIM TO ALL THE GLORY!!!"
ReplyDeleteTech:
Athletics check to jump (moving back enough to gain running start) +8 (no shield penalty cause shield disintegrated) with intent to land in square P7.
Rest of actions depend on whether I stick the landing or not. :(