A Lost Temple

[Michael Briggs]

The journey forward takes a few more days before anything notable happens, with the exception of the darkness building. 

A structure rises above the trees in the horizon.  The woods are deeps here and Karchok and Keryth both believe that they are in the southern edge of the golden forest.  It lacks its normal natural beauty.  Trees without sunlight are shedding their leaves for survival.  the rain is acidic and permeates a terrible smell, like rotten eggs.  

As the group moves forward, they notice that the structure is in fact a temple of Shanadan.  Dried blood can be seen just inside the partially open doorway.  You swear you can hear a child crying in the church, or maybe that's just the wind.  

[rpgamer]

"Let's bypass this foul smelling place, obviously no longer a temple
to Shanadan. All signs suggest it's been desecrated and looted. We can
let Talman know when we return to Calsham so his church can reclaim
this structure if they want. We don't need to waste our time deflected
from our mission to Narshall. If we stop at every distraction, we
invite unnecessary danger and potential traps, and thus we'll never
accomplish our goals." Angel is not happy to be have to stop here when
clearly their quest leads them forward.

"Let's push forward while the way is still easy."

[Don Alley]

Quentin wholly agreed with Angel, but he also knew he was a newcomer to a group of generally decent people. The crying-like noise was no concern of his, but to foster a sense of group loyalty and help convince them of an aligned belief system, he spoke up.

"I agree we need to carry on, but if that noise was indeed a child, I think we at least need to take the kid to a place of more relative safety."

"I say we at least scope the place out a bit."

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam had already begun to move towards the crying sound when she
heard it, only pausing when Angel spoke up.

"Who is to say this has nothing to do with our mission? I'm sure if
this were a temple to your hunter you would be the first to say we
need to find out what happened."

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus immediately feels a strong sense of concern at the sound of the crying child.  Angel's insistence that they move on brought an immediate scowl to Tempus' face.  All he could think of were his younger siblings.

"I think we should check it out." Tempus growled at Angel.

Tempus hefted his axe and shield, holding them at the ready.  If it was another trap, he wanted to be ready for it.

[Erek]

Studying the structure and the surroundings, Keryth is saddened by the
state of the forest around them. The effects of the infestation of
such evil was showing in the natural environment. Wondering what the
noise is he hears, Keryth is uncertain if it is a child. Taking a
step towards the church, Keryth looks at Angel and shrugs resignedly,
"It appears Shyam has made up her mind."

[Michael New]

Smithy remains on his horse, and says, "Quickly, then?"

He gets his bow ready just in case.

[Bob G.]

While I agree this is at best nothing and at worst a trap, I don't think
many of us can ignore the possibility, however remote, that there may be
a child inside that needs help. Let me go first, I can check for traps.
Spread out so we have eyes on every wall. Stay back at least thirty feet
until I go in. Cal'Shir pulls out one dart, leaving his other hand free
as he first circles the building, looking for traps, other exits and
signs of recent activity as he then comes back to the entrance while
pressed up against the building.

[rpgamer]

The priest knew the type of bleeding hearts this group could
annoyingly become. No focus on the correct and most efficient way to
success. Oh the challenges his god has laid before him, but he stoicly
keeps his eyes on the prize. Failing to apply his diplomacy, Angel
remarks dryly, "Yes, Shyam, who is to say this has every to do with
our mission. As we have learned from the king's court and our last
encounter, no one cares about your final destiny. Or your affinity to
the sounds of crying children, though it may be nothing but the wind.
How easily will the enemy find and lay in trap for us, until you are
alone again, becoming your worst neverending nightmare. Please lead
the way on your path to glory, for we are but your humble servants."
Angel steps back, bows and with a hand wave, motions for the girl to
proceed. A smile of distrust hides his frustration at the situation.

"And if this was a temple of the Great Hunter, 'I' would have a
personal and official responsibility to assess the situation. I would
expect the same from a cleric of Shanadan if he was here. It would
also not involve unnecessary risk and has nothing to do with 'we'
unless you volunteered to assist me."

"And my good man Quentin, if a child is rescued, where is this place
of more relative safety? With us as we approach Narshall from whence
the populance has fled?"

"Brave Tempus, I'm sure Shyam would enjoy your company up front. You
know, to shield and help protect her valiant spirit. Do mind any
traps, though."

"I offer my evaluation of this scene, nothing more. It pains me to
address personal attacks when a thoughful group discussion would have
been more productive. My history has been amply demonstrated that I
support the group consensus."

With a friendly smile to Keryth and Smithy for their insightful
comments, the cleric regains his composure, "Indeed, my friends. Shall
we?" Another arm motion is made for the elf and knight to proceed.
Angel intends to walk toward the back of the group.

Now that his humor is restored, Angel rolls his eyes and chuckles when
making eye contact with Karchok.

Turning to Diedra, his smiles widens, "Come along my dear, give Mal a
break and let's see what this darkness hides. You don't want to miss
any of the fun." He offers his arm to escort her in after the others.

[Don Alley]

"You want some help in there?", Quentin asks, knowing the group relies on Cal'Shir's skills, but willing to add his own.

[Don Alley]

Quentin answers Angel before proceeding in, "The humane thing to do is ensure the child, if any, has some type of care. Let's at least see what is happening here then base our next action on facts of the situation."

"And Cal'Shir is right, it should be scoped out a bit before everyone else enters."

[Andrew Airmet]

Angel's sudden shift left Tempus feeling a bit confused.  He glanced over at Shyam at what Angel said, and immediately felt a bit awkward at the idea.  Tempus glanced away, and took a few steps over to Shyam, stopping a few feet away.  Instead of looking at her, he looked off into the temple, shifting his weight uncomfortably.

[Bob G.]

"Just watch my back, for now" Cal'Shir replied to Quentin, grateful for
the offer.

[rpgamer]

While the two rogish characters diddle about, Angel lightly asks,
"Shyam, how long are you willing to wait to rescue this hurt, tortured
or dieing child, while these talented trap finders delay us."

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam hadn't made up her mind before and had only been questioning why
they wouldn't enter the temple to find out what had happened, that is
until Angle showed his true form. She turns and glares at the cleric,
stepping towards him. "How dare you. I was mearely trying to point
out that what happened here could have something to do with our
mission, since no one really knows what our mission is but to find out
what's happening in Narshall. If what your believers of the Hunter
Wraith have done there have spread this far then it is 'our duty' to
find out is it not! And while you may not feel you have a 'personal
responsibility' to this temple, perhaps some of us do." Shyam had in
fact been spending many hours during their travel over the words of
acceptance to Shanadan which Tarlman offered before they left the
city.

"I will not become some selfish, cold hearted person for fear of being
caught in some demons trap, especially when we don't even know if the
last one was a trap." She still couldn't help but wonder at the words
the demon spoke before it dissappeared. It had been suprised to see
her there, and had left once it did. So the demon had not been
specifically after her, at least not that she could tell.

[rpgamer]

Shyam's outburst leads Angel to laugh out loud. With a deep bow, he
postrates himself, "By all means my lady, eventhough you still attack
me personally. I'm but a humble servant, trying to please your
selfless biddings. We can 'what if' our lives away if you wish.
However, know this, that the Narshall followers of the Hunter Wraith
are not true believers or have been misled by the Lilith church. The
church of demons of whose blood you share. A truth, not a personal
attack. It's good to know you fear no demon trap, but willingly go to
them. Please, no more delays. Cal'Shir, Quentin, let's make haste! To
the entrance." Again he motions the group to proceed.

[Don Alley]

Quentin turns back to Angel, somewhat tired of the nearly bipolar and flamboyant display.

"Part of scouting a place out is being quiet about it. Please help us succeed by remaining back there,", which was Quentin's preference, "or proceeding quietly."

[Bob G.]

As Cal'Shir is proceeding with his recon work he glances back to give
Quentin a knowing smile after his chastisement of Angel.

[Russ]

  "If you don't like the way we have always done things, priest then leave," says Karchok simply, pointing in the direction they had come from.  "I'm sure your god would take abandoning your duties well," says the half-orc as he moves forward.  He cared nothing for the church or the sound of the crying child.  Something else was here, given the state of the surround land. 
 

[Loki Mischief]

Completely missing the dried blood, and the mournful sound coming from
the structure, Synxol focuses on the strange brimstone smell coming
from the acidic rain. His face crinkles, falling into line behind his
nose, hoping that cranking his head to the side will save him from the
worst of it. "What a lovely smell we've discovered."

[Russ]

  Looking back at Angel with an apologetic grin he nods.
  "Of course, we wold suffer greatly from the loss of your knowledge.  So, I would rather you stay,"  Turning back to the temple, the druid frowns.   "There is some form of corruption here.   I think it's similar to what warped the dire wolf we encountered.  I sincerely doubt there is a child in there, that I believe to a blatant trap."
  Glancing briefly around at the hunting pack, he tugs at the claws at the end of his braided goatee.
  "I think this is worth investigating carefully.  If some devil or demon is befouling this area, it gives an idea of what to expect when we get to Nashal," he offers his option to the others.  "Besides, if we are able to destroy whatever tainted this area, the surrounds lands may purify themselves."

[Michael New]

Smithy offers, "Well said, Karchok.  If you need me, I'll be ready." 

He remains on his horse for now.

[Erek]

Listening to the bickering back and forth, Keryth can't help but be
reminded of little children. Wholly agreeing with Karchok, he nods to
the druid, "Yes, any evil we are able to vanquish from this area will
be a blessing to this land.". Drawing his sword, Keryth moves to the
door of the church, "With all the talking, I doubt there are any
unsuspecting beings inside. Let's investigate further and be on our
way quickly.", he finishes flatly.

Slightly irritated with the constant struggle within the group, Keryth
enters the church. Attuning his acute elven senses to the gloom
within, he wonders if there is another demon present.

[Bob G.]

Three cheers for stealth and caution!

[rpgamer]

Angel nods reflexively back with a grin to Karchok, "You are the wise
one in this situation, my friend. Perhaps my choice and delivery of
words were not helpful for our discussion. My apologies to everyone. I
will endeavor to be more thoughtful of your sensibilities." Thankful
for the out given by the druid, the cleric realizes that this new mix
of group members requires major adjustments to his approach in
presenting his advise and opinions. Their overly sensitive reaction to
his opinions seem indeed childlike, chaotic, and nonsensical. No
thanks to the King and Lady Marei, his challenge to maintain a sense
of order and mission focus for the group is exponentially more
difficult. And thus his challenge to influence them too, but he know
with the power of the Great Hunter, all thing proper and correct will
come to pass

[rpgamer]

Angel nods reflexively back with a grin to Karchok, "You are the wise
one in this situation, my friend. Perhaps my choice and delivery of

words aren't helpful for our discussion. My apologies to everyone. I

will endeavor to be more thoughtful of your sensibilities." Thankful
for the out given by the druid, the cleric realizes that this new mix
of group members requires major adjustments to his approach in
presenting his advise and opinions. Their overly sensitive reaction to
his opinions seem indeed childlike, chaotic, and nonsensical. No
thanks to the King and Lady Marei, his challenge to maintain a sense
of order and mission focus for the group is exponentially more

difficult. And thus his challenge to influence them too, but he knew

with the power of the Great Hunter, all thing proper and correct will

come to pass, and he relished his role at the lead.

[Loki Mischief]

Synxol remains in the middle of the group. His attention is drawn
seemingly by everything but the task at hand. The ongoing debate does
little to hold his interest, so he tunes out and instead takes the
time to light (spark) a small cigar. Plumes of sweet-smelling smoke
erupt from his nostril, making him look like a bipedal dragon.

Fingering a ring, he activates the magic with a mental thought, and
simply disappears from sight (invisibility).

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam's eyes narrow further as Angel continues his own personal attack
upon her and her 'sensibilities'. It was only the need for quiet and
Karchock's interruption that kept her from stating her current
feelings towards the cleric and couldn't help but wonder if his
current words of apology were nothing more than continued sarcasim.

[Russ]

   "Actually, I would feel a bit safer if you came with us," Karchok says to the mounted knight.  "No fault intended towards Tempus, but your experience in battle is something we lack.  What Tempus lacks in experience, he makes up for with enthusiasm," the half-ork looks at Tempus and grins.  Karchok was making a conscious attempt to be more... diplomatic with the members of the hunting party.  He knew his attitude towards many of them had been distant, at best.  However, the half-orc had trouble grieving for his family and playing nice with the humans and elves.  He couldn't allow his mistrust in others affect the benefits they might give to Shyam and the hunt that they were on.
  Looking around, the druid frowns slightly, the scent of halfling smoke hitting his recessed nose.  A moment later Ghost sneezes explosively, showering his lower leg with wolf snot.  Looking down at his brother, he grins faintly.  "Of course it would be my leg," he wipes the mucus off and wipes his hand on the ground.  Scooping up a bit of earth, he looks at the corruption that seeps into the very ground with a deepen scowl.
  Brushing his hands clean, he looks around for the fey-touched human.
  "Synxol, were did you disappear to?" the druid asks as he looks around.
  Turning his head to look at the worg and his rider, he nods calmly.
  "Huntress, could we inconvenience you to watch our mounts while we investigate?" he asks of their "guide," hoping that she will not be opposed.  As well trained as the horse are, they had the look of a herd that wanted to be out of this corruption.  Not that the druid could blame the animals, he sure as the hell's didn't want to be here.  But it was his duty, more then anything else, to keep the Balance.  And it was not a duty he would shy away from.

[Loki Mischief]

Plumes of smoke wander away from the zone of invisibility, revealing
the sorcerer's location. Though difficult to locate visually, he
seems to seek out every dry branch to step upon.

Synxol reaches over and firmly pinches Karchok's hindquarters.

[Bob G.]

It's a good thing Cal'Shir is over at the temple checking it out. Being
invisible without having warned the group is a good way to end up dead.
;)

[Russ]

Don't be jealous just 'cause your ass didn't get pinched :P

[rpgamer]

Yeah, Karchok is more the S&M/beasty type and Cal'Shir is more the
massage my hiney type.
Angel will just watch, being a good voyeur. Pass the buttered popcorn.

On May 3, 9:09 am, Russ <tentacled...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Don't be jealous just 'cause your ass didn't get pinched :P

> > On 5/3/2011 8:50 AM, Loki Mischief wrote:
>
> >> Plumes of smoke wander away from the zone of invisibility, revealing
> >> the sorcerer's location.  Though difficult to locate visually, he
> >> seems to seek out every dry branch to step upon.
>

> >> Synxol reaches over and firmly pinches Karchok's hindquarters.- Hide quoted text -

[Russ]

  With a startled yelp, Karchok spins around, badger claws clicking together as he looks for his hidden assailant.  Seeing the plumes of smoke appearing in mid-air, the young druid realizes what and who just goosed him.
  "Er, um, okay, so Synxol has been found.  That's good," Karchok flushes a darker green.  Rubbing his pinched backside, he looks at about where the casters head is, judging from the smoke.  "A simple, "I'm here," would have worked, you know," says the flustered half-orc. 
  "I was going to ask you to put out your smoke before we enter, that all," the druid mentions, remembering what he talking about before the pinching had occurred.

[Russ]

lol

[rpgamer]

Observing the group isn't willing to have a good discussion of
possible actions with pros and cons, he silently shakes his head
slowly. Apparently the more chaotic nature of the group has taken
over, demonstrated as party members randomly enter the entrance of the
temple.

A glance back to Diedra brings a smile to his face. It would be
amusing if her technique to group interaction was the best approach,
less of course, helping to keep them alive in a fight.

[Michael Briggs]

Unless otherwise stated, all magic items require a key phrase to activate.  The ring of invisibility would be more expensive.  Usually a combination of a twist and a spoken, albeit whispered word would activate the ring.  Rings don't typically tap into the mental commands of the wielder.

I'm posting a map and getting ready to release another post from my bag of posting.

*pulls out a worn and ugly looking burlap bag*

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus hefts his axe, feeling more than a little frustrated that nothing seemed to be happening.  All just standing around and talking.  Tempus tried to follow the conversation, but he quickly got lost in what was being said.  He wasn't used to working with this many people, especially people who talked this much.  Most of his work in the past had been pretty simple.  Tempus was jarred out of his memories when Karchok said his name.

Turning toward the half-orc, Tempus caught the last little bit of what the half-orc was saying.  Tempus gave him a puzzled look at the grin, before giving a brief nod.  It was the closest thing to a compliment he had heard in a long time.  Most people tended to stay as far away from his fighting style as possible.  Many had openly criticized it.  Tempus simply ignored those thoughts and stared back toward the temple, trying to hear if anything was moving about inside.

[Andrew Airmet]

Angel just got much more disturbing in my head.  From the 'I'd scoot away if he got close' to the 'Run in terror' category.

[Michael Briggs]

Diedra just nods at the group, confirming that she will watch the horses.  She hasn't spoken to any of them since they took her lack of action as a sign of aggression.  Only deep and dark scowls from her have greeted any words sent her way until now.  It would seem that she had little to gain by angering the group, but much to gain by remaining her own person.  No one detects in her a desire to let the horses fall and extend the journey.

[Russ]

roflol

[rpgamer]

Don't worry, you're not Angel's desire, ... today ...

[Loki Mischief]

Having continued the billows of smoke magically (prestidigitation),
though the illusion is as crude as an illusion can be, Synxol speaks
abruptly from the opposite side of the half-orc, "I apologize. I will
put it out. Nervous smoke, sorry."

With that all overt visual evidence of the sorcerer's presence
disappear, leaving only the lingering smell of him in the air.

[Michael New]

When Karchok suggests they all enter the temple, Smithy just says, "I'm willing to go in, but let's just wait and see what Cal'shir and Quentin report first."

He looks around the ailing forest.

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir finding anything on his recon mission?

[Michael Briggs]

One moment.  Working on it.

[rpgamer]

It's okay Mike, those crazy chaotics, undisciplined silly-willies,
Angel, ... er, I understand, ... now where did I place my holy symbol?
Mom's basement is getting warming these days ...

On May 3, 10:18 am, Michael Briggs <briggles1...@gmail.com> wrote:
> One moment.  Working on it.

[Michael Briggs]

I'm working on sweet maps right now.  

[Michael Briggs]

There is a dark presence everywhere in the area.  It is impossible to tell if the emanation is coming from the church or the world around it, but the scouts feel it especially towards the back of the building. 

The childs cries suddenly turn partially to whimpers and then to screams.  Everyone gets the sensation of immediate danger at the moment of the screaming.  It sounds as though something terrible is happening to the youth crying out from inside.  The worst images of torture and murder come to mind in Keryth, Shyam, and Angels’ heads.

The three who experience the images suddenly are unable to resist the urge to help the victim inside.

Shyam’s eyes go pale white, something that Cal’Shir and Quentin both notice as they return to the group and here the weeping and screaming. 

For Shyam, she is standing inside a temple.  A body sits no so far away, while a demon stands upon the altar, plunging a wicked looking dagger into a girl not more than 8 years old.  She appears to have already been horrible scarred and tortured.  Upon a podium, the head of a man sits upon a book.  Several walls look to have crumpled under an assault of some sort.  Light colored marble with pooled blood in several places sits below her feet, and a red carpet extend from the entrance of the room to the podium with the head and the the dias behind it.

She gasps again as she feels pushed violently from the vision.

[rpgamer]

Angel shivers at the sound of screaming, "We go now!" He shouts the
statement without knowing from whence it came. He looks knowingly at
Keryth, Karchok and Shyam. Seeing the girl in throws of a vision
again, he adds, "What do you see?! What do we face?" Urgency suddenly
flavors his words unlike his previous attempt to get them to enter the
temple.

[Michael Briggs]

As the conversation happens outside, and before the screaming inside, Keryth is already in the first room of the church taking note of his surroundings.  The floor beneath his feet is a deep green color, not unlike most churchs of Shanadan.  There is a dias that can be approached to kiss the normally present holy tree that resides in the church's entryway.  A desk to the side with a chair behind it sits unmolested and unoccupied.  There are two doors in the south side of the room, other than the one he enters which is rough and barely hanging upon its hinges.  As he notes the other doors, the entry door falls to the ground and samshes itself slightly, chilling the elf's spine.  The other doors are on the west and east walls.  

The holy tree lays in four pieces, but still grows disregarding the perversion of the room.  A man's body, a church guard lays in a pool of dried blood.  Much of the flesh is missing from his corpse.  Two idols of Shanadan guard the entrance to the room to the north. Something prevents Keryth from peering into the rooms, as he only sees a deep darkness.

Four benches also sit in the room.

As Keryth considers the area around him, he hears the same cries and screams as the others.

[Michael New]

Hearing the screams, Smithy spurs his horse to the entrance of the temple, but not to block it.  He jumps off his horse and runs inside, drawing his large sword.

[Andrew Airmet]

Upon hearing the screams and the preacher's cry, Tempus found himself rushing into the temple.  He rushes into the first room, quickly notices the dead body.  He only pauses a second or two to notice at how oddly destroyed the body was, before rushing toward the cries of screaming.  He could hear the man in the shiny armor clanking beside him and feels annoyed.  At least having another sword would probably be useful for whatever was causing the screaming.

[LaLo...@gmail.com]

"A demon, it appears to be alone. It knows were here."

It is all Shyam says after she is shoved from the vision. Tears form over the vision of the child's tortured body just as anger builds towards the thing who caused it. She rushes towards the temple entrance heading towards the screams.

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir has a concerned look on his face at seeing Shyam going
through...something...a vision? He moves to catch her should she fall or
need support. When she gasps and Angel asks his questions, the rogue is
surprised at the sudden concern the cleric is showing. Only a couple of
minutes ago he was urging everyone to bypass this place and move on. He
didn't seem the type to get emotional over someone else's pain. Maybe
for Angel it was different with children. Perhaps. Cal'Shir would ponder
that later. First, he wanted to know if Shyam could share what she saw.
He waited for her to answer.

[Bob G.]

Someone please remind me, do Shyam's eyes sometimes go black for a
vision, and sometimes white? I thought I recalled a time when her eyes
went black (the vision of people hanging in meathooks, IIRC), this time
they turned white.

[LaLo...@gmail.com]

Yes

[Michael Briggs]

Map:

https://sites.google.com/site/themalignantspirit/maps

[Loki Mischief]

Typically disconnected from the events transpiring around him, even to
the extent of making foolhardy decisions, the cries of a child bring
everything back into crystalline focus forcing Synxol into action.

Sprinting forth he speaks the word to bring the power of his cloak to
life and seeks to run through the wall to help the child.

[Bob G.]

legend?

On 5/3/2011 1:13 PM, Michael Briggs wrote:
> Map:
>
> https://sites.google.com/site/themalignantspirit/maps

[Michael Briggs]

Let me get that squared away in the next day.  I'm in the process of making tokens for everyone's characters.  Plus we may have a surprise return to the game!  (Bom bom BOM!!!)

[Bob G.]

Just a thought, I know you don't like quoting in moves, but quoting back
OOC messages would not be a bad thing. ;)

[Bob G.]

"With all the arguing out here, of course it knows" the rogue mutters to
no one in particular after Shyam runs toward the temple. "Once more into
the breach." Sparing a glance at Deirdre, the young man jogs after the
girl, his mind working on how he might get a back stab attack into this
thing.

[rpgamer]

The cleric ushers the last ones into the main chamber. Then at the
entrance, Angel makes one last smiling glance and gesture back to
Diedra, "Last chance to join the fun."

Inside, the priest quickly surveys the room using one of his rings
that provides darkvision for his eyes to familiarize himself with the
fixtures and direction of the screams.

[Russ]

  Drawing his shield as he ran forward, Karchok moves into the temple entrance and takes a few steps to the right.  Closely following the druid, Ghost and Scar run after the young half-orc.  Flanking the druid, the two animals wait and look around at their surroundings.
  Karchok looks around the corrupted temple, bile raising in his throat.  Although for the most part, he had little love for Shanadan or his followers (it was hard to like someone when their religion says you must die because your a half-orc), this pollution of a temple of one of the gods of nature was sickening.  Bitter bile rising in his throat, Karchok swallows his burning stomach acid back down where it belongs.
  A quick chant springs to his lips as he quietly begins the ancient words to a rite to temporarily increase his strength.  As the druid cast, small glowing leaves swirled around both his feet and Ghost's paws.  The big wolf sniffed at the bits of magic that swirled about him.  Scar yawned, bored by the display, and turned his attention back to the temple and the scent of blood.
  At the completion of the chant, the leaves wash upwards over the druid and the large grey wolf.  Swirling around their bodies for a moment, the druidic magic settles.  With a final shimmer, the green leaves fade into the armored druid and the wolf.
 

[Don Alley]

Quentin quietly reminded himself to have a talk with the group about charging into a room ahead of their trap spotters. And this DID sound like a trap.

He purposefully hung back as the fighters ran forward, both to allow combat commence and create a good position for himself, as well as keep himself in reserve should some foul trap be sprung.

[Erek]

Shuddering slightly at the sight of the dead, disfigured guard, Keryth
wonders what evil they face. Gripping the hilt of his ancient blade a
little tighter, he moves to the edge of the darkness that covers the
path further into the church. Hearing the others join him, he breaths
a momentary sigh of relief, which is broken by the child's sudden
screams. Feeling the need to get to the child immediately, Keryth
says, "Light would be helpful," hoping that one of his allies had
something to counteract the gloom in front of him. His mind races
through various forms of torture, causing Keryth to move forward into
the darkness. Sword first, he hopes the magical white light it sheds
will negate the darkness allowing him to see his way forward.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam follows closely behing Karchok, seeing the darkened room beyond,
her eyes glow with a flash as she calls upon the ability to see in
darkness.

[Michael Briggs]

Keryth's blade fails to pierce the darkness, which sits like a blanket across the doorway and beyond into the next room.  Shyam's vision, however, is able to pierce deep into the deep abyss that swallows up light and allows her to view the next room.  There are two rugs that have been unraveled away from the doorway and into the next room.  A pulpit stands at the end of the rugs, at the edge of Shyam's sight.  There are pews lining each side, a total of sixteen of them in fours rows divided evenly.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus hesitates at the strange darkness that covers the next room.  It was light in here, why not in there?  Tempus simply shrugs, sets his shield on the ground and whips around his pack.  He reaches in a pulls out a steadily glowing torch.  The item had been something he had enjoyed.  It didn't light anything on fire, but it never went out.  Quite useful.  Tempus slung his pack and shield on his back and continued forward toward the darkness, axe held at the ready.

[Michael New]

Smithy looks at the darkness and says to the group, "Can anybody dispel that unnatural blackness?"

He activates the flame on his sword, hoping it will shed a bit of light in both rooms.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam continues toward the room, her eyesight having shifted so that
she could see into the darkness unaware that the others with
darkvision are unable to see. She pauses just behind Keryth asking
quietly, "Do you think they are hiding among the pews?"

[Russ]

  Cursing quietly to himself, Karchok's darkvision was unable to penetrate the oily darkness that filled the polluted temple. 
  "Shyam, can you see anything else?" the young druid asks her quietly.  Turning his head when he hears Angel he nod to the priest.
  "Angel, do you think you could counter this unnatural darkness?" Karchok asks of the priest, still speaking quietly.  He did not want to be heading into the corrupt temple completely blind.

[Erek]

Feeling anxious to get to the child before something awful happens to
it, Keryth wishes he had a way to rid the room of the darkness that
blocks their path. Hearing Shyam's question from just behind him, he
realizes that she can see into the next room. Thinking to move as
quickly as possible, Keryth turns to and extends his free hand,
urgently saying, "We must move quickly to save the child, lead me
through the darkness."

Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, Keryth wonders at the lack of
caution, which is quickly drowned out by the whimpering of a child and
images of torture at the hands of a demon. Stepping back beside
Shyam, Keryth lays his hand gently on her shoulder, "Let's move," he
says is a determined tone.

[Michael New]

Smithy moves to the edge of the blackness and carefully penetrates it with his flaming sword to see if the flames burn away any of it.

[Don Alley]

Seeing the magical darkness, Quentin puts on his Goggles of Night. He was unsure if the magic of the item would penetrate the effect, but it was the only recourse he had. As the majority of the party bravely forges through the darkness, Quentin listens intently for combat, some sign of a trap, or other clues as to what's happening.

He remained disheartened that the group reacted so predictably chaotic to the screaming child, and knee jerkedly ran into the unknown without allowing TWO well trained trap finders to scope things out. He hoped he could talk some caution into them, but knowing how emotions seemed to run high in them all, he doubted it.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam takes his hand as she also describes to Karchok what she sees.
"There are some rugs rolled up and a pulpit at the far end of the
room. Cal'Shir, you were able to move in the darkness before..." She
didn't recall if his actually saw in the darkness or if he just was
able to move about as blind men did, somehow knowing where things
were.

She'll move forward one hand ready to blast anything that shows
itself.

[Bob G.]

When Cal'Shir stepped into complete blackness, he suspected there was
magic involved. The change was too abrupt, the light spilling in from
the open door disappeared too quickly. He'd just have to use his
training to proceed. He'd have to rely on sounds and possibly vibrations
to warn him of danger. Crouching and angling to the left, he hopes his
special armor keeps him in the shadows. Shadows? The irony of that
thought brought a grim smile to his face. Slowly, so as not to bump into
anything, and as quietly as possible, he felt his way across, angling
toward the back of the room. He'd circled the outside of the building,
so he kept that in his mind as a reference to where walls might be, if
there weren't inner rooms taking up space. Hands gripping darts tightly,
he glided, listening for telltale sounds that might help him defend if
needed, or attack when possible.

[Bob G.]

I posted before reading this...now I just have to decide how Cal'Shir
might react, if at all.

[Loki Mischief]

Coinciding with the activation of the cloak they entire world is
painted in a spectrum of dull greys and Synxol feels a disconnection
from the events around him. Gone are all senses other than sight and
hearing, and even those are altered so significantly that he cannot
wonder if this is how animated corpses view the world around them.

The wall is as vapour as he passes through it, movement being an act
of will rather than something churned out by his musculature, but for
some reason he cannot comprehend he could not see through the area of
dark greys.

[Leslie Lock]

With Cal'shir moving in and to the side, Shyam moves further in but
pauses. "There is a body over there," motioning with her hand that
holds Keryths. Then realizing the others can't tell where she's
motioning, "to the left."

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir crouched even further and froze when the young girl asked if he
could see in the dark. He put one hand over his eyes and extended the
other in front of him, palm down, moving it back and forth and reaching
with fingers, to indicate he could not see.

Shyam mentions a body to the left, causing Cal'Shir an extra adrenaline
rush before he processed the term she used, body, which he realized
meant it was probably someone already dead. He'd have to take extra care
as he moved so as to not stumble on it or make a sound. It occured to
him there might not be anyone in this room if she is talking out loud,
but he wasn't ready to brazenly make his presence obvious.

[Russ]

  While waiting for Angel's response, Karchok thinks of anything he can that might counter such a unnatural darkness.  Short of some form of really bright, magical light, the only other thing he could think of was to dispelling the presumably magical darkness away. 
  "I lack your level of formal magical training, so would dispelling the magical darkness away be a possibility?" the half-orc quietly asks the nearby priest.  It seemed to make perfect sense to the druid. Of course, he could have just turned into a bat and been fine, but that wouldn't really allow him to help the hunting pack effectively.

[Michael Briggs]

Suddenly, a demon appears not far from Cal'Shir.  It laughs as it reaches out to grab the rogue.  With it's hand securely attached, its anyone's guess what will come next.

[Michael Briggs]

Post your actions.  MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!   (Cheesy?!?)

[Bob G.]

Do I understand it has grabbed Cal'Shir?

[Michael New]

If most of us can't see through the darkness, and Cal'Shir is in the darkness, do we even know this is happening?  Rather, who knows this is happening?

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:44 PM, Michael Briggs <briggl...@gmail.com> wrote:

Post your actions.  MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!   (Cheesy?!?)

--
----------------------_/ /\/\ /\/ -----------------------

[Michael Briggs]

It was a surprise attack, only Shyam can see this

[Loki Mischief]

Oblivious to Cal'Shir's peril, Synxol continues to silently slide
about the room seeking a means to pierce the darkness.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus hesitates as he hears laughter from inside of the room.

"What in tarnation is so funny about that room?" Tempus yells into the darkness.

[Russ]

  Karchok turned his head towards the sounds of the non human laughter.  The very sound was... wrong.  That was the only way that the young druid could explain it, sounding alien and wrong.  Pushing his fears back down, the druid keeps listening for something else to help locate the origins of the horrible laughter.  It dawned on the half-orc just how much he relied on the sight he had been granted from his orcish bloodline.  The irony of being blind as a human was not lost on him.

[Don Alley]

Quentin carefully listens to the happenings, surely thinking this is a trap. He still hangs back, keeping himself in reserve should those brash enough to run right in spring whatever fate is in store for them.

[Bob G.]

I have a question for Mike that I believe relies more on individual DM's
style than a game mechanic, though I could be wrong and it is actually
spelled out somewhere. If I understand correctly, the demon grabbed
Cal'Shir with one hand. Cal'Shir is holding a dart in each hand as
mentioned in my post dated 5/6. Can he (try to) stick the demon in the
wrist while attempting to use the Escape Artist skill?

Escape Artist +13. Evil DM website emailing roll results.

[Bob G.]

Being grabbed by something in the dark was unnerving enough, being
grabbed by something that then issues an unearthly laugh was worse.
Cal'Shir doesn't shout but calls out with urgency in his voice "A little
help" as he tries to wriggle out of the grasp of whatever has him,
hoping the grip will loosen if he can manage to sink his darts into the
thing's wrist.

[Erek]

Hearing demonic other-worldy laughter, Keryth stops moving. Feeling a
chill run down his spine, he wishes he had someway to be rid of this
unnatural darkness, so he could see what was happening. Hearing
Cal'Shir's request for help, Keryth asks, "What is happening?". Sword
still at the ready, Keryth wonders if he should try and run forward,
back the way they came, or towards where Cal'Shir's voice is coming.
Unsure, Keryth waits for Shyam to say something, or perhaps Angel or
Synoxl would be able to shed light in the temple.

[Michael Briggs]

You can use the darts to attack since they are already in his hands.  However, he would have to make a grapple check against the DC of 15 to succeed.  

[Bob G.]

I'll take it.

;)

[rpgamer]

Absorbing Karchok's words and assessing the darkened area that has
proved persistent against some of the others' magic items, Angel nods
silently to the druid.

The priest then says, "Shyam, you seem to be the only one who can see
in that darkness. We need for you to keep us updated on what's going
on, who, what and where."

As he finishes, his hands are already motioning in a sacred gesture
with his holy symbol and he adds quiet words of prayer, calling upon
the power of his god to dispel the unnatural darkness ahead.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam screams out in surprise and fear for Cal'Shir as he is suddenly
grabbed. She swings her outstreatched hand towards the demon and a
blast of power surges towards it.

[Michael Briggs]

Kethtril stands at the edge of the darkness.  The presence of the demon could be felt without any level of doubt.  His spine vibrates with fear and anticipation, but he can’t act to settle it down without a target.  The only thing he knew for sure was that evil was ahead of him and Shyam could apparently see into the inky blackness.

Shyam screams out in surprise and fear for Cal'Shir as he is suddenly grabbed.  She swings her outstreatched hand towards the demon and a blast of power surges towards it.  IT must have been her surprise that causes her powerful blast to strike a far wall, far beyond the demon.  The shattering of rock can be heard in the distance.

Absorbing Karchok's words and assessing the darkened area that has proved persistent against some of the others' magic items, Angel nods silently to the druid.

The priest then says, "Shyam, you seem to be the only one who can see in that darkness. We need for you to keep us updated on what's going on, who, what and where."

As he finishes, his hands are already motioning in a sacred gesture with his holy symbol and he adds quiet words of prayer, calling upon the power of his god to dispel the unnatural darkness ahead.

The spell works and the party can see the beginning of the room, though the black curtain still lays low beyond thirty feet.  The demon and Cal’Shir are barely in the range of the now lit area.

Tempus hesitates as he hears laughter from inside of the room.

"What in tarnation is so funny about that room?" Tempus yells into the darkness.

Hearing demonic other-worldy laughter, Keryth stops moving.  Feeling a chill run down his spine, he wishes he had some way to be rid of this unnatural darkness, so he could see what was happening.  Hearing Cal'Shir's request for help, Keryth asks, "What is happening?".  Sword
still at the ready, Keryth wonders if he should try and run forward, back the way they came, or towards where Cal'Shir's voice is coming. Unsure, Keryth waits for Shyam to say something, or perhaps Angel or Synoxl would be able to shed light in the temple, and then the light was shed.

Oblivious to Cal'Shir's peril, Synxol continues to silently slide about the room seeking a means to pierce the darkness, but he now sees the he is all too close for comfort to a wicked looking being.

Ghost whimpers; unwilling to enter the room with only his scent to guide him.  The demon appears to be having an effect on the wolf.

Quentin carefully listens to the happenings, surely thinking this is a trap. He still hangs back; keeping himself in reserve should those brash enough to run right in spring whatever fate is in store for them.

Showing the skills he leanred in the rogue’s guild of Calsham, Cal’Shir manages to break free from the grasp of the demon.  It likely helped that the demon was distracted by the presence of light entering the room.

But the demon isn’t foolish, almost as quickly as it appeared, the creature suddenly disappears.  Shyam can see the beast at the pulpit of the church; which must be made of strong wood to suspend the demon above it.

“Mwuhahahahahaha!” the demon laughs out in a way that booms its voice off the walls of the sanctuary.  “I had not expected so much fun.  Princess, you travel with tasty morsels.  I will eat well tonight”

Karchok turned his head towards the sounds of the non-human laughter.  The very sound was... wrong.  That was the only way that the young druid could explain it, sounding alien and wrong.  Pushing his fears back down, the druid keeps listening for something else to help locate the origins of the horrible laughter.  It dawned on the half-orc just how much he relied on the sight he had been granted from his orcish bloodline.  The irony of being blind as a human was not lost on him.