Ch. 3: Hell's Bells

[Rex]

Xale

"I don't like the looks of that." Xale says, pointing to the relief. "Maybe we should rest before trying those doors."

[ravenn4544]

Malibran nods in agreement. "Indeed, Master Xale, indeed. A fell creature, to be sure - and a name, i assume, carved below indicates a creature of unique disposition. I would favor rest as well to recover much needed healing ability. I'm afraid I only delayed the poison in our friend here - not cured it. However, I know that time is of the essence..."

[Inferno]

The Unseen Servant helps Rool up. Then he quietly regards the magnificent carving of the fearsome demon, serenely plumbing its depths for hidden information.

(...including but not limited to: Does the demon seem to indicate a door? Which door is the demon facing? Thanks.)

[Zhym]

The demon is facing forward. Its eyes seem to follow you, of course. Just once, you'd like to encounter a carving, painting, or statue that doesn't have the trick "always follow you" eyes. The sword is in its right hand; the whip is in its left.

[ravenn4544]

Malibran exclaims “of course! Blessed am I to receive yet some intuition from mighty Pholtus! My scroll!” He removes the scroll from his pack a little embarrassed in front of such worthies. He unfurls and quickly finds the magical tunes he seeks. Cast neutralize poison.

[GreyWolfVT]

Odilo "Quite fortunate Malibran."

[Zhym]

Malibran remembers the scroll he was given. Hastily, he retrieves it from his pack and uses one of the spells to rid Rool of the last traces of poison.

The two doors to starboard don't exactly "beckon" so much as loom. The corridor continues to aft. There was a ledge above you back at the bend in the passage. What next?

-----
Status: Malibran (H LG C20[13](Pholtus)): 64/90; Khogeki (H LN M16): 33/78; Odilo (1/2E NG MU17): 34/54; Xale (D NG C14[9](Dalt)/F13): 74/75; Risdac (Giant NG MU17): 55/58; Tanner (H CG F19): 104/107; Rool (H LN T20): 64/85; Hallagad (H LG P15(Pelor)): 44/93
Effects: Temporarily visible: Rool
Light Sources: Continual light coin (Tanner); Continual light dagger (Odilo); Light (on Shield, Malibran): 14.5 turns; Resist Fire (Malibran): 10.5 turns;

[Norjax]

Rool Diov

Rool awakens, gasping for air!

Still slightly disoriented, the Master Thief looks around for the BDM nemesis, and then stares with silent puzzlement at Risdac dining on a giant carp. He pats Khogeki on the shoulder, thanking the sensei for his assistance. He catches Malibran babble something with excitement, and then the cleric of Pholtus chants a magic tune read from a scroll. The rogue senses the demon toxins purge from his body and after a moment feels rejuvenated.

“Quite fortunate, Malibran,” Odilo comments.

“Indeed,” adds Rool, nodding with gratitude to the disciple of Pholtus. “Though we do not share the same god or moralities, I am a man of honor and now in your debt.” The crime boss gathers his wits, and then examines the surroundings.

[ravenn4544]

Malibran helps Rool to his feet, "While appreciated, Master Rool, I'm quite sure you'd do the same for me. Let us back track quickly to recover a valuable scroll and then decide on rest or perseverance."


OOC: just posting an official action as it seems we are in agreement that we need the scroll . To rest or continue on is still a question I think. I suggest also that any exploring of ledges or side corridors we do together - i think any thing we meet in here will be quite a challenge if we have to go one-on-one!

[Norjax]

Rool Diov

Rool leads the way back to find Xale's pack & scrolls. He stays visible for this part of the trek.

[Scott308]

Risdac Egargi

Correct me if I am wrong, Xale, but didn't you previously have a backpack? We should backtrack to pick that up before we go much farther and regret not having its contents. While we're at it, we could investigate a ledge in the hallway we originally ignored just before fighting the demon who eventually became lunch- for me, at least. And we should also rest to regain spells. I know I still have some of my most powerful spells left, but we have used healing magic extensively, and if the clerics do not have access to healing, any fight we find ourselves in could end in disaster.

[Norjax]

Rool Diov

"I agree with Risdac that we should explore the ledge," Rool adds. "However, I would prefer to investigate the unknown heights after we find the scrolls and possible rest in a secure area."

[Inferno]

The Unseen Servant:

The passive monk silently follows the will of the group.

(Resuming his normal position in the marching order.)

[Urson]

Tanner

Tanner merely nods and falls in at the front of thr group, one hand on the hilt of his sword.

[GreyWolfVT]

Odilo follows the group in his usual marching order.

[Rex]

Xale

"Yes I did, I think I dropped in when I was drowning." Xale will resume his spot and head back for the pack.

[GreyWolfVT]

Odilo turns to the monk and casts Fly and Invisibility upon him.

[Zhym]

Pulling Risdac away from his carp dinner, you decide to retreat towards the once-watery pit where Xale dropped his gear to survive in the water. You head back up the hall. Black algae lines the walls up to the former water line. At the first turn, you spot the ledge and the bright green moss that hangs down from it.

When you try to pass this spot, the black algae thickens until it is two or three feet thick—and deep. It's like trying to walk through a boggy marsh. The algae grows long tendrils or vines that wrap around your legs and arms.

That's when the crossbow bolts rain down. A bolt from above lodges itself in Hallagad's right shoulder (-5 HP). Another clanks off of Xale's armor. Two others just miss Malibran and Odilo. Looking up at the ledge some 35 feet above you, you see six grey-green ape-like creatures, the color of the walls and moss around them, with crossbows in their hands. You are certain you did not see them there before—Risdac (and very probably Khogeki) would have noticed. The apes jump and howl at you.

Actions for Round 1!

Everyone: please save vs. spell. Risdac rolls at +4. Anyone who fails their roll is entangled and cannot attack or cast any spell with material or somatic components.

Notes (Non-required):

I assumed that because Odilo's spells were meant to help Khogeki get down the pit to retrieve Xale's pack, Odilo would not cast them until the party is near the pit.

-----
Status: Tanner (H CG F19): 104/107; Hallagad (H LG P15(Pelor)): 39/93; Xale (D NG C14[9](Dalt)/F13): 74/75; Khogeki (H LN M16): 33/78; Risdac (Giant NG MU17): 55/58; Odilo (1/2E NG MU17): 34/54; Malibran (H LG C20[13](Pholtus)): 64/90; Rool (H LN T20): 64/85;
Effects: Temporarily visible: Rool
Light Sources: Continual light coin (Tanner); Continual light dagger (Odilo); Light (on Shield, Malibran): 13.5 turns; Resist Fire (Malibran): 9.5 turns;

[Urson]

Tanner

Save vs Spells: 6

basic save [1d20] = 7

Tanner readies his bow and fires an arrow at moss ape #3 (from the left). He then falls back, hoping to find a better place to attack from- or at least some cover from their return fire.

[ravenn4544]

Malibran tries to steer clear of the entanglement. He prays for a spiritual hammer to appear and strike at the creatures above!

Save vs. Spells (3)(7 - 4 wisdom bonus): [1d20] = 5

THACO (9): [1d20] = 4 / Hammer Damage: S/M: [1d6] = 5 / L: [1d4] = 1