| Music: O'Donnel & Salvatori | Myth II: Soulblighter Soundtrack | Gonen's Bridge |
(NEW) Optional Video Version: Download or YouTube Version
A deadly cyclone, a horrid skull-lock, and an illusionary wall; surely these things have been placed to hide something important. You search your way northward, wondering what treasures might be awaiting you.
You find yourself at the top of a steep stairs leading down into an ancient crypt. Four pillars of polished black stone support a domed ceiling above. Three identical large stone sarcophagi stand in triangular alcoves, each depicting a knight in repose; each has a powerful gauntlet clutching a sword across his chest.
A great seal in the center of the crypt reads, "Here rests the only foe worthy the Wyrm Prince. He who names the honored dead may wield the blade again." The image upon the seal shows three swords; two are broken and worthless, but the third is true and sharp. Alas, they are but painted images, even though the swords look real enough to pick up and wield.
You know in your hearts that you stand in the tomb of the sole warrior who once vanquished the Wyrm Prince. Indeed, you stand upon reverent, holy ground...
Crx
ReplyDeleteWary of the dangers lying ahead, Crx is careful with his steps, studying everything around him with his many faceted eyes.
Tech:
Perception +6/Insight +6. Is there anything visually that can be determined as being different for the three sarcophagi? Do their swords have any distinguishing marks? Do we remember/know the name of the knight that who vanquished the Wyrm Prince?
[Crx]
ReplyDeleteEach of the three sarcophagi look identical. Completely identical. As for the knight, he was a paladin who went by the name, "Three-River Paladin".
Rolls: Perception 13, Insight 17.
The three swords on the floor - are they aligned in a way that the correspond to the three sarcophagi?
DeletePossibly. The swords tips point generally towards the western sarcophagus. The true one almost directly - perhaps a little to the right - the broken ones point to the left and right of that sarcophagus.
DeleteOOC: Video is very cool!
ReplyDeleteDel-Kai steps in and examines the seal carefully, trying to recall what he remembers of the knight and his holy order.
ReplyDelete[tech]
Religion +10, History +10
"That's one rumor laid to rest, at least", whispers Two-rocks, as he pads gently into the crypt and inspects his surroundings.
ReplyDelete"Three rivers, three paladins. This is no coincidence", he muses, "Should there be a riddle or something?
The goliath kneels before the painted image of the three swords and looks for hidden meaning.
[TECH]
Perception +9
Joe, I assume that the lettering in your image is relevant?
The image appears raised from the floor. Does it look like a mechanism? Perhaps the image can be rotated to point at one of the sarcophagi?
Vengeance watches everyone poke at the floor seal, then turns his attention to the sarcophagi. He starts at the southern one, preferring to go from left to right, and begins to examine it.
ReplyDeleteTech: Arcana +8, History +8, Religion +8, Perception +5
[Del-Kai]
ReplyDeleteDel-Kei remembers that the Three-River Paladin worshipped the good dieties, ascribing to their highest tenants. Truth, justice, goodness, humility, the quintessential paladin. He was a sole figure, not a part of any order per se. A man doing what he could to make things right in the world the gods created.
Rolls: religion 26, history 20.
[Two-Rocks]
You discover that the great seal is a hatch! It CAN be opened, though the way to open it is not apparent.
Rolls: perception 27.
[Vengeance]
The seal and image upon it are not rotatable. As for the sarcophagi, they are completely identical in EVERY way.. (well, except for their positions, of course). They look like they can be opened, but as of yet you have not touched any of them. You sense necromantic power contained within these sarcophagi.
Rolls: arcana 22, history 15, religion 11, perception 15.
From Grelloc's player via email...
ReplyDelete[Grelloc]
Moving cautiously, the ranger picks his way down the hall behind his companions. He licks his tongue nervously over burned lips and hisses in frustration and pain for his carelessness.
As he surveys the ornate tombs before them, he winds his crossbow back and loads a quarrel. He listens to his companions discoveries and nods, shouldering the crossbow and aiming down it's length as he extends his pole once more.
"Shall we see who is home?"
His voice is harsh and gravelly as he croaks the words from his scorched throat, the tip of the pole tapping at one of the sarcophagai.
OOC: I asked the player, and he said the southern sarcophagus.
Delete[Grelloc]
ReplyDeleteThe moment Grelloc taps the southern sarcophagus, all three sarcophagi spring open on hinged lids!
Out steps a desiccated corpse wearing a decrepit suit of armor. You can see that each is missing its left hand. They say,
"HAIL ME AS THE THREE-RIVER PALADIN, THAT YOU MIGHT SLAY THE PRINCE."
Their words aren't in unison, almost as if they were arguing, or trying to persuade you one way or another.
They stand silent then, awaiting your response.
Del-Kai steps forward to speak, but before he does he studies the left hand briefly
ReplyDelete[tech]
History +10, Did the three-rivers paladin lose his left hand? If so, how?
[Del-Kai]
ReplyDeleteYou're not aware of any "losing his left hand" in the history books. Of course, history books don't always have every detail... it's possible that that event didn't make it to public knowledge.
After looking at all three of the creatures in front of him, Del-Kai lowers his eyes to the ground as if in respect, and avoids looking directly at any one of the paladins so that none of the paladins will think he is speaking specifically to any specific paladin.
ReplyDelete"Tell me, oh great paladin, Why do you fight?"
[tech]
If a Diplomacy check is needed, I'll use my suggestion power to make an arcana check in place of Diplomacy at a +10
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete[Del-Kai]
ReplyDeleteEach one answers Del-Kai's question in turn:
North: "There are few who have the strength to stand up against the evil that plagues this land. I am one of them, and I cannot sit idly by. That is why I fight."
West: "Why do I fight? Because I feel it in my heart. I know what must be done. It won't be easy, but standing up against evil and tyranny never is, is it?"
South: "I fight because the gods desire it. It is not my own will, but theirs that must be done, for the good of all people."
Assured that the knights three are not an immediate threat, Two-Rocks examines them form where he stands, looking to see if any of them are armed with a sword?
ReplyDelete[TECH]
What it says on the tin.
Perception +9
[Two-Rocks]
ReplyDeleteNone of the paladins are armed in any way. Armor, yes... Sword, no.
Motir
ReplyDeleteThough he has his suspicions about the paladins, Motir comes up with a question of his own. He steps up beside Del-Kai, doing his best to echo the genasi's reverence as he speaks.
"Tell me, oh great paladin, how should those who cannot fight lead their lives?"
[Motir]
ReplyDelete"Tell me, oh great paladin, how should those who cannot fight lead their lives?"
North: "People have the power to build themselves up, to make themselves stronger. Trials and tribulations, meeting and defeating them. A strong house will not fall."
West: "People need to be compassionate with one another, and show love. To give up one's life for the sake of another is the greatest gift one can give."
South: "People should listen to the wisdom of the gods. They have grand knowledge and purpose; our own worldly wisdom is but worthless filth in comparison."
Crx
ReplyDeleteTell me oh great paladin, what is best in life?
http://ginoraidy.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/tumblr_lx4or62fjn1qmyyan.png
DeleteGrelloc
ReplyDeleteThe ranger listens closely to the questions and answers of his fellows, watching carefully as each of the desiccated paladins speak in turn. Though doubt grips him at first, before long his mind is made up. Turning towards the Paladin to the south, he shoulders his crossbow and draws his long sword and kneels, laying the blade flat against the stone floor.
“True knight of the Gods and herald of their justice and mercy, I call on your wisdom and courage, Three-River Paladin and beseech your blessing on our quest to end this ‘prince’ once and for all.”
He looks up at the ancient cavalier and furrows his brow as his shoulders hunch.
“I may not be a goodly man, nor look the part, but to defend the weak and protect my realm is my true desire and I would be honored to walk beside you.”
[Motir]
ReplyDelete"Tell me oh great paladin, what is best in life?"
North: "Seeing your enemies driven before you, and hearing the lamentations of their women and children, of course."
West: "To always help one another in need, and to attain the highest of knowledge and understanding..."
South: "What's best in life is what the gods say is best; it's not for me to say."
[Grelloc]
ReplyDeleteGrelloc proclaims the southern paladin as the true Three-River Paladin. And he is correct. The west and north paladins crumble to dust, their screams fading quickly into the quiet of the room.
The true Paladin steps forward, saying, "You have answered truthfully. But are you worthy to bear Solfang, the blade given me by the gods?"
ROLEPLAYING SKILL CHALLENGE!
You must obtain six successes before incurring three failures. Can you convince the Three-River Paladin that you are worthy of his treasure?
If you're not sure how, just roleplaying it out and I'll determine the skill check to roll.
I'll give a little more detail.
DeleteIf you're shooting for a success, the DC is 21. Rolling high enough earns you a success. Rolling low, a failure.
If you're only going for an "assist", the DC is 15. Rolling high enough will grant a bonus to someone else. Rolling low, a failure.
Vengeance steps forward, sweeping his hat off in a half bow before spreading his arms in a 'who knows' gesture.
ReplyDelete"How can we possibly claim that we are? The gods chose you to bear that sword, though certainly if they've chosen any of us, I don't know of it. Certainly I cannot claim to be worthy. I am not a good man by any stretch of the imagination. My name is Vengeance, and it is what I am. I seek vengeance against the fiends who long ago cursed my bloodline, and the pursuit long ago tarnished my soul. Indeed, I don't know that there are any among our number who are truly paragons of virtue and humility. And yet perhaps we are here to do the will of the gods. If the Wyrm Prince succeeds in his aims, every mortal soul will be damned. I cannot imagine that the gods who spurred you to action would approve of this. And so I suppose we do seek to do their will. We wish to save the world, and perhaps in the action of doing so we will prove ourselves worthy to them. Your sword would go far to aid our cause. Judge us as you will, as you think the gods would want."
Tech: Words of Friendship, Diplomacy +14
The wizard adjusts his dripping face before nodding. "My ally speaks the truth, we seek nothing but the salvation of the world and the will of the gods." His words echo with magical weight behind them.
Delete[tech]
Using Suggestion. Diplomacy +10 To aid on Vengence's check.
[Vengeance & Del-Kai]
ReplyDeleteThree-River Paladin listens and responds, "Realizing that worth comes not from within, but from above... Excellent.."
Roll Vengeance 17+14=31; Success. Del-Kai 18+10=28; +2 bonus to next roll.
Tally: Success(1), Failure(0).
At the paladin's murmur of acceptance, Del-Kai steps forward again, meekly. "Although none of us were chosen by the gods to enter into their sacred orders as holy knights, we still seek to do their will and serve the higher purposes they deem us worthy instruments for"
ReplyDelete{tech}
Religion +10, I think Motir is going to try and aid.
[Del-Kai]
ReplyDeleteThree-River Paladin frowns at your feeble argument.
Roll 3+10=13; Failure. You're too far from 21 for aid another to help. I'll apply your +2 from above to something else that will help more.
Tally: Success(1), Failure(1).
Motir
ReplyDeleteMotir draws his blade slowly and places it flat against his chest. “The will and power of the gods flows through me, Motir, as it once did with you. I know not which one has chosen me, for they have not revealed themselves, but it is they who granted me this blade and have led me to this group. It may be that their plan was to train me on this blade and guide my path here, so that Solfang may again be wielded by another fueled with their divine grace to strike down the Wyrm Prince once more.” Motir focuses the divine power into his blade, lighting it with radiance.
Tech
Channel Abjure Undead to show divine power source and radiant power
[Motir]
ReplyDeleteThree-River Paladin looks at Del-Kai, points to Motir and says, "You watching, because that's how it's done."
Automatic Success. Showing off divine power only works once in this challenge.
Tally: Success(2), Failure(1).
Grelloc
ReplyDeleteThe ranger rises from his kneeling position and sheathes his blade. His stony eyes shine with fervor as he presses a fist to his chest.
"My faith comes from the world tree, rooted and cultivated by the Gods. As its roots grow deep and give stability to the lives of man, so do I weather the storms of the my trials and harry those who would sow corruption and disorder in the natural balance."
He boldly stands before the true knight and his mouth twists into a rueful grin.
"I may not look the part of the hero, but within my breast beats the heart of a champion. Not only of the wild, not only of the realms of man, but a champion of the Gods and the world they have sculpted for us to protect."
Tech:Try to turn his nature-based faith into a sword to wield Nature+7, Diplomacy +1 otherwise.
[Grelloc]
ReplyDeleteThree-River Paladin considers Grelloc's words, inspecting the warrior as he does so. "Your words are true, I can tell. You indeed know the power that the powers above can grant. Very impressive."
Natural 20! Two successes!
Tally: Success(4), Failure(1).
The goliath steps forward, his bare feet scraping against the stone, and adresses the paladin.
ReplyDelete"I tend to all living things born beneath the wide arms of the World Tree. That includes sentient creatures whose faith is the sustenance of the gods. The Wyrm Prince is a poisonous serpent who threatens to poison the Tree's roots and thus, all of life.
"I am not of your faith and I prefer to steer clear of the gods, but this threat cannot go unanswered. we have risen to this challenge as you have before us. We bid you to add you strength to ours," Two-Rocks unconsciously poses to show his powerful physique to it's best advantage, "and together we shall accomplish the will of the Gods, be it our calling or not."
[TECH]
Any Charisma check is at -1.
I'm going on pure RP for this one. (and pure luck)
[Two-Rocks]
ReplyDelete"I know your type," the dead paladin says, "Always boasting of your own prowess, with lip service paid to the gods. Away from me."
Roll 9 - 1 = 8. Failure.
Tally: Success(4), Failure(2). One more failure loses the challenge. Careful!
"I know little of the gods, but wish to learn more. With your aid I might gain that knowledge and use it to spread songs of the glory and wisdom of the gods, that their enemies might fear their wrath and their allies' hearts fill with joy and strength."
ReplyDeletetech: Diplomacy +9
[Vengeance]
ReplyDeleteTwo-River Paladin responds, "Your friend could use your wisdom, as I sense you truly revere and fear the gods as you should!"
Roll 11 + 9 + 2(aid from Del-Kai from previous) = 22, Success!
Tally: Success(5), Failure(2).
Del-Kai opens his mouth to speak again, but at his recent admonition he bows his head, and steps over to the far side of the seal and crosses his legs, murmuring arcane utterances. With a gasp, Del-Kai fuels his own life-energy into his allies, particularly Mortir. "I may not channel the power of the gods, but I can help strengthen those who do so that the righteousness of the gods can shine through them."
ReplyDelete[tech]
Using Comrades' Succor ritual, Sacrificing one HS to power the ritual, sending 2 Healing surges to Motir, 1 HS to Crx, and 1 HS to Grelloc (if Vengeance would like to participate as well, I'll take 1 HS from Vengeance to Grelloc, and 1 HS to Two-Rocks). This will bring me down to 5 Healing Surges.
Your selfless, sacrificial use of the ritual will earn the next person to make an attempt... a +5 to the roll!
DeleteGrelloc
ReplyDeleteAs the thri-keen’s positive energy floods through him he closes his eyes and shivers. His body begins to knit and the blisters and scorch marks that mar his face smooth away to pale new skin. His vigor returns, not hard-earned willpower driving him on, but true rested energy coursing in and out of his veins. His eyes open, flaring with the positive energy the rouge has provided, staring meeting the judicious gaze of the Three River Paladin.
“All our words, our deeds, our gestures are telling true, but amount to nothing. I ask of you, ser knight, look into your heart, and ask your Gods, my Gods, our Gods, Man’s Gods… and hear the truth of it. I beg you leave this in their just and wise hands.”
Tech:Diplomacy +1
OOC: Please make this an aid check, not the actual check. We've got too much riding on this to risk it with a +1 diplomacy check.
Delete[Grelloc]
ReplyDelete"You have proven yourselves worthy, crusaders. I had to be certain," the Three-River Paladin proclaims. Raising his hand, he blesses:
The gods bless you and keep you
The gods make their faces shine upon you, and be gracious to you
The gods lift up their countenance upon you, and give you victory!
As the Three-River Paladin bows and returns to his sarcophagus, the great seal lifts to reveal a spiral staircase descending into the depths.
Last roll was a natural 18. Well done! New post dropping in moments.
The adventure continues in the Hidden Halls...
ReplyDelete