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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 1, 2023 7:09:11 GMT -6
Mohammad has his weapon ready when the group forces the door
( here is his list: Background Skills: merchant, Wheel wright (carts) Don Juan (noble skill), Professional Skills: speak Tsol'yani ( so my next skill is either another language or ancient language or spell. I will take one of the languages we have been speaking with in the campaign"
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Post by xerxez on Sept 1, 2023 13:44:18 GMT -6
GM Note: I haven't use memes or photos so far, excepting my previous post, but to be clear, Karunaz is delighted at what Mi'kimu has said while Vortumoi reacts with surprise and dismay.
VORTUMOI: "Are you suggesting a trap for the Gleaming Man...?"
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Post by chirinebakal on Sept 1, 2023 16:02:28 GMT -6
I like how you're dealing with the game mechanics. Very, very good!
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 1, 2023 16:16:45 GMT -6
N'Rasa: "I do not think we can formulate a plan until we see what is on the other side of this door. I hope we have some ability to rush to a side passage before this 'Gleaming Man' can reach us, but if that is not so, we will have to stay in here and formulate a new plan."
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 1, 2023 16:17:53 GMT -6
"I'm suggesting an opportunity for the Gleaming Man to find out how deep the water is, haha! So in a manner of speaking, yes, a trap.
"We do not yet know the nature of this guardian. But if we trust the words of the spirit — for my part, I have few doubts — the guardian is strong and might kill any one of us with a single blow. I don't think our swords and spears and flames will harm it, perhaps not even our magic.
"But it is also slow and has no reason, if I follow the words of the spirit.
"If we open the doors, and hide in a corner, the thing might enter this chamber to investigate. If some strong swimmer should capture the thing's attention, he might lure it into the water while the others escape unnoticed through the doorway. Once the guardian has sunk into the inky waters, the swimmer would join them. The swimmer shall be me, and I shall take Fi'ru's spear with me to taunt the thing.
"But this is but the plan of a mere net-mender."
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Post by xerxez on Sept 1, 2023 17:41:36 GMT -6
I like how you're dealing with the game mechanics. Very, very good! Thanks! This game is actually helping me understand some areas in the rules that were a little vague before. I would like to start a thread when this adventure concludes to discuss some of these mechanics and your input woul be most welcome chirinebakal!
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Post by xerxez on Sept 1, 2023 17:43:11 GMT -6
N'Rasa: "I do not think we can formulate a plan until we see what is on the other side of this door. I hope we have some ability to rush to a side passage before this 'Gleaming Man' can reach us, but if that is not so, we will have to stay in here and formulate a new plan." You do have Clairvoyance! With a successful cast you could see beyond the door!
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Post by xerxez on Sept 1, 2023 18:08:10 GMT -6
"I'm suggesting an opportunity for the Gleaming Man to find out how deep the water is, haha! So in a manner of speaking, yes, a trap. "We do not yet know the nature of this guardian. But if we trust the words of the spirit — for my part, I have few doubts — the guardian is strong and might kill any one of us with a single blow. I don't think our swords and spears and flames will harm it, perhaps not even our magic. "But it is also slow and has no reason, if I follow the words of the spirit. "If we open the doors, and hide in a corner, the thing might enter this chamber to investigate. If some strong swimmer should capture the thing's attention, he might lure it into the water while the others escape unnoticed through the doorway. Once the guardian has sunk into the inky waters, the swimmer would join them. The swimmer shall be me, and I shall take Fi'ru's spear with me to taunt the thing. "But this is but the plan of a mere net-mender." Vortumoi regards the warrior with a deep gaze, contemplating his plan. Karunaz speaks softly and carefully. KARUNAZ: "Noble Priest, your decision will be obeyed, but as your servant is a man of true words, humbly offered, for my part I believe this course to be wise. We know not what lies beyond the doors...this way, we define the battle ground and dictate at least some of the rules of an engagement. The Nuroabites have proven their mettle, and they also show a measure of wisdom, inferior only to thine. I would fight with them against this Gleaming Man-- and though your courage is well known, the secrets of the Tomb which you now carry are reason enough for you to make your way forward to the world above safely no matter how the battle fares....but, your will is law." Karunaz bows his head as he finishes. Vortumoi looks at you all as if taking measure, but most especially at Balesh. VORTUMOI: "Very well. I grant their courage and mettle. Wisdom is a thing only proven by reflection. However, Balesh must survive as he carries the knowledge of the Orb of Instruction. Understood?" Karunaz bows again. VORTUMOI: "So be it- make your places and I will breach the doors."
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 1, 2023 18:12:19 GMT -6
Mi'kimu swaps axe for spear with Fi'ru and leaves his leather armor somewhere inconspicuous, hoping to recover it later.
"N'Rasa, please attempt your far-sight before we proceed — we might learn something crucial to our success!"
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Post by chirinebakal on Sept 1, 2023 18:16:05 GMT -6
I like how you're dealing with the game mechanics. Very, very good! Thanks! This game is actually helping me understand some areas in the rules that were a little vague before. I would like to start a thread when this adventure concludes to discuss some of these mechanics and your input woul be most welcome chirinebakal! You're welcome! Phil had several vague spots in EPT, which were present in the original manuscript and carried on through the green cover playlets copy and into the published TSR version. My guess, based on my gaming with him, is that the gauge areas / sections just didn't come up in game play - 'play testing' hadn't really been invented yet, and nobody really knew what they were doing. A lot of both EPT and S&G never got used in our games, for example, and a,ot of what we did were never dealt with in the published rules. Always happy to answer questions, too!
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 2, 2023 8:45:42 GMT -6
((I had to re-read the description of Clairvoyance, but you're right; I don't need to see through someone else's eyes on the other side. We also don't need to wait until after the game to have a OOC thread...))
N'Rasa focused her magic on attempting clairvoyance.
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Post by makofan on Sept 2, 2023 15:35:13 GMT -6
Bálesh smiles at this remembrance of his importance, and prepares to carry out the plan
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Post by xerxez on Sept 2, 2023 16:20:57 GMT -6
((I had to re-read the description of Clairvoyance, but you're right; I don't need to see through someone else's eyes on the other side. We also don't need to wait until after the game to have a OOC thread...)) N'Rasa focused her magic on attempting clairvoyance. N'Rasa puts her hands to her temples and closes her eyes...she chants a brief incantation and then concentrates upon the door, seeking to project her mind's eye beyond the barrier... (There was, at her 2nd level, a 50/50 chance of successfully casting her spell..she rolled a 12% on 2d10 and cast very well!) Here is what what she sees beyond the confines of the stone chamber outside the doors... A tall Gleaming Man...he walks a stone corridor which turns off to the east abut 30' from the door. A giant gleaming oval of blue upon his midsection glows out azure light to illumine his path-- One arm clutches a great curved and serrated saber -- the other arm terminates in a barrel, somewhat like an iron flute..
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 3, 2023 16:48:54 GMT -6
"There is no side passage," N'Rasa said. "My plan will not work. We have no choice but to try Mi'kimu's plan."
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Post by xerxez on Sept 3, 2023 17:13:56 GMT -6
If everyone could give me their exact location where they will be standing/hiding when Vortumoi breaches the door, please.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 3, 2023 17:28:23 GMT -6
Yeah, reviewing the map, I think Mi'kimu kinda didn't think this through — there's not really any place for anybody to hide ... unless we drag the coffin-boat out of the water and into the chamber.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 4, 2023 14:25:29 GMT -6
Yeah, reviewing the map, I think Mi'kimu kinda didn't think this through — there's not really any place for anybody to hide ... unless we drag the coffin-boat out of the water and into the chamber. Not to meta-game or "help" but just to clarify, the chamber is large enough that with decreased lighting the corners and walls would be quite shadowy, there is also a ledge to hold onto for the entire length of the chamber in the water, and yes, there is the coffin boat. I think it a great plan with high chance of success! As referee I can't say much now about the Gleaming Man's capabilities but Karunaz is most enthusiastic....
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Post by xerxez on Sept 4, 2023 14:27:38 GMT -6
Also, Im sorry to be slow in posting, its been a most eventful time for me and I'm trying to manage life. I value our game as a slim thread of fun and creativity in an otherwise complicated season. So I will try to keep it moving better.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 4, 2023 15:44:31 GMT -6
Ok, that's encouraging. Unless others have concerns, I suggest we haul the coffin forth to use as a bit of shelter, maybe putting it near a wall in shadow. We should wait for what we think will be the "midpoint" of the Gleaming Man's route before opening the doors — this will give us the most time to investigate beyond the portal before its return. Assuming we find nothing that changes our plans, Mi'kimu will withdraw and wait near the water's edge with the spear, while the others conceal themselves as best they can in the shadows. If and when the guardian enters the chamber, Mi'kimu will observe for a moment before taking any action, but his general plan is to draw its attention and draw it toward the water — at worst, maybe somebody can sneak up behind it and push it in.
He recalls a naval engagement from his past, when he remained on deck with a few other crew while the marines and the rest hid below decks, so as to lure a pirate vessel close enough to board us. After the trap was sprung, and the bloodletting ceased, we fed every last pirate to the deep. Mi'kimu exults in the memory of that triumph and hopes to repeat it now.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 5, 2023 1:03:03 GMT -6
(I hope I am not pre-empting anyone's choices here but going upon earlier posts and yours, flightcommander, your plan transpires as follows....)
Under Mi'kimu's direction, Fi'ru and the porters draw the coffin-boat from the waters and drag it into the chamber, pulling it into the south west corner.
Vortumoi draws his mace and withdraws into the corner, taking from his robes an amulet whose ruby gem glitters in the torch light...he holds it in front of him, towards the doors.
Karunaz positions himself to defend his master....the porters and others draw into a defensive crouch in this corner as well.
Mohammad holds his mace a the ready.
Mi'kimu doffs his armour and takes his weapon of choice--
Fi'ru is against the west wall, weapon at the ready, watching with anxious eyes.
As Mi'kimu retreats to the edge of the water, all stand silent in the gloom, sweat pouring down every face.
The torches are quenched and a small cloth is set burning on the center of the chamber floor to provide the most feeble light--enough to barely see in the darkness.
As one the party listens...as the clinking footsteps recede far away once more, Vortumoi's amulet becomes a piercing red streak in the darkness which lights up the doors--there is a sound as of steel grinding and in the red light a melting begins upon the door, becoming a hole, molten at it's edges like a forge fire. The light dies..
Before anyone can react, the footsteps of the Guardian are heard returning to the chamber--
It steps through the hole and you all see a metal man with a head dress like an upside down hand fan and a blue glowing orb in it's center--one arm holds a wicked serrated saber and the other is handless, terminating in some sort of bar with a hole in it's end.
As Mi'kimu moves at the edge of the water, it's glowing blue eyes focus upon him, the sound of strange whirring and clicking resonating from the monstrosity.
It takes the bait.
As Mi'kimu dives into the cold waters, the dreadnought clanks in pursuit-- , stopping at water's edge, it raises it's bar-arm, pointing it in the warrior's direction--
Metal projectiles explode form the creature's arm into the swimmer's wake!
The Gleaming Man is an 11 H.D. creature. As Mi'kimu is armorless he is AC 9 and the monster needs only a 4 or higher to hit him. And it him it does! It gets three rolls in attack and rolls a 3 (missing), a 7, and a natural 20! Mi'kimu feels a metal slug pierce his back, doing 4 points damage on the d6--for the natural 20, the creature gets a reroll to try to hit 19 or 20 for instand kill, it fails, and thus only does double damage-- 10 points, totalling 14 points of damage upon Mi'kimu and slaying him in the water... truthfully, using the H.D, level table for Damage, it would have been many times more, but as it is, the damage is lethal.
At this moment, Karunaz bolts from Vortumoi's side with a warrior's cry-- casting his saber to the chamber floor, where it skitters away with a ringing echo, the Liv'yani hurls himself against the metal warrior with all his strength.
The golem instantly grasps Karunaz in an iron grapple, both teeter on the edge of the quay, and with a splash sink beneath the dark waters in a fierce embrace! As they drift down, a storm of lightening like energy swirls about them, casting an eerie blue glow which eventually fades into darkness
Mi'kimu's lifeless body floats in the water...
Fi'ru screams, casting down his weapon and running for the water, diving in headlong, and swims to his master's corpse.
Pulling Mi'kimu back into the chamber, heaving and sputtering, he begins to weep.
"Master... no," he cries.
Vortumoi slowly walks forward as all others stand in shock and awe of what has happened.
He stands above the weeping youth and the fallen Mi'kimu.
VORTUMOI: "Surely Karak'an, the Lord of war, and patron of fallen heroes, would exalt the death of two warriors such as these. From my birth I have never beheld such courage and sacrifice..."
He turns to Balesh.
VORTUMOI: "Karunaz is lost to the underground lake with the Ru'un-- for such I recognized it to be.
Karunaz is no more.
But your tribe brother...
I have the Scroll of Revivification from the coffin of the Poet Prince.
It has the power to restore life...Mi'kimu's essence is still here, in this chamber, near his body...
If I cast the spell, it will summon him to be rejoined with his earthly casing--he will cheat death this once.
Would you that Iuse this spell?
I am willing, for we have great need of him yet..
Only swear to me by whatever is sacred to you that you will submit your knowledge of the Orb of Instruction to I and my Clan and Temple.
If you will do so, Mi'kimu shall live."
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Post by makofan on Sept 5, 2023 6:05:47 GMT -6
Bálesh says immediately. "An honorable agreement. I do so swear"
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Post by makofan on Sept 5, 2023 6:06:36 GMT -6
Also, Im sorry to be slow in posting, its been a most eventful time for me and I'm trying to manage life. I value our game as a slim thread of fun and creativity in an otherwise complicated season. So I will try to keep it moving better. Take your time. I just took a 10-day break from my games. I had stuff to deal with. The players will be there
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 5, 2023 8:49:40 GMT -6
MOhammad agrees to the casting of the spell
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Post by xerxez on Sept 5, 2023 21:48:53 GMT -6
Vortumoi draws forth the scroll.
"Had I been able, I would have rather used my fiery jewel to burn the Gleaming Man," he says. "However, it had only a single use.
But what could not be saved by combat will now be saved through magic... I accept the pledge of Balesh and Mohammad the Nuroabites, and woe befall the broken pledge as swiftly as reward comes to words kept!"
The Priest unfurls the scroll and holds it, beginning to read the words.
As he does so, a strange glow illumines his face as the script upon the vellum begins to burn like tiny lizard tongues of flame, visible from front and back of the scroll.
As he goes on, the characters upon begin to fall from the scroll like sparks cast from a blacksmith's forge--falling upon the cold stone floor they begin to swirl and move around like fire flies about the still form of the fallen warrior.
They begin to generate a light which shines upon all of you and especially your companion...
In the void of the lake cavern, above it's waters, suddenly appears a shimmering upper torso and head...it bears few features but is clearly a man's image.
As Vortumoi finishes the incantation, the scroll bursts into a flaming light which does not burn the priest, though he holds it firmly.
The floating phantasm above the lake turns and looks down into the chamber.
As a bird drops from a branch to a field, the phantasm swoops down and disappears into Mi'kimu.
The scroll turns to ashes, falling from Vortumoi's hands as dust upon on the chamber floor.
At that moment, Mi'kimu convulses, coughs out water and bolts upright as though awaking from a frightening dream.
There is no sign of any wound upon him.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 6, 2023 0:12:58 GMT -6
[OOC: wow.]
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 6, 2023 6:40:09 GMT -6
MOhammad gives a prayer to his diety and then comments, " welcome back Mi'kimu "
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 6, 2023 12:27:00 GMT -6
Mi'kimu props himself up and shivers, shaking away the bitter cold of death. Then he draws Fi'ru close, and whispers into the boy's ear for a long moment. Nobody hears what is said. The boy's eyes widen in terror, at first, but then soften into understanding, and then a look of resoluteness comes over the boy and he rises, helping Mi'kimu by the hand to his feet.
Mi'kimu looks about the assembled company with sadness and weeps. "I have lost us Karunaz."
He picks up the fallen warrior's sabre and addresses Vortumoi.
"Lord, I witnessed all, everything and more, as if I watched from above — my death, my resurrection. I pledge now my life to you. Grant me the privilege of wielding this blade that I might pay my respects to Karunaz, and honor my obligation to you. I will fight to my death ... again."
Mi'kimu bows.
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 6, 2023 18:01:48 GMT -6
"That was...really something," was all N'Rasa could think to say. She was dumbfounded by the string of deadly events, as well as by Vortumoi's staggering command of magic. Would she ever be that capable?
She went to the door and held her hand by the edge of the hole in the door, testing to see if it was still hot.
((I'm confused by what this promise is, what information is Vortumoi trying to get from us?))
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 7, 2023 14:23:01 GMT -6
((I'm confused by what this promise is, what information is Vortumoi trying to get from us?)) [OOC: The spirit of Bejordi privately instructed Bálesh in the use of the Orb of Instruction, discovered in the coffin. Vortumoi greatly desires this information. See here: odd74.proboards.com/post/268870]
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Post by xerxez on Sept 9, 2023 13:40:31 GMT -6
Hello. Many apologies for not posting in recent days but I've had an unexpected trip, and on the way when I tried to access the board I got some page saying Oops - we couldn't find that URL.
Finally got through.
Hopefully tonight I can post and update.
You guys are all really great players.
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