The Legendary Library of Narshall

[Michael Briggs]

After spending a few minutes of quick movement away from the last confrontation, the Children of Maidenshire find themselves looking at the broken gate of the library they were searching for since setting out on this journey.  Getting inside the building to find the book was a completely different matter.  The broken stone archway is missing and the iron gates look bent and mangled.  The path to the library is covered in decaying corpses.  

The building itself is standing, although no light shines from within.  The doorway to the building was smashed open as violently as the gates as evidenced by the loose hanging stone and pieces of the shattered wooden door hanging from the hinges.  

From the appearance and placement of the bodies, it looks as though people were fleeing to get inside, and at some point were locked from entering the building during the initial onslaught.

[James Kolasinski]

Angel quiet urges the scouts, "Can you find a way in?"

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[James Kolasinski]

Tempus feels increasingly anxious and frustrated that there appears to be no easy way into the library. He offers help the only way he knows, "Is there a block door that I can try to smash through?"

[Michael New]

"You can clear the path if you like, but I wouldn't bother," says Smithy to Tempus.  He walks forward, right up to the archway and climbs through, and then up toward the door of the building, avoiding corpses, looking as he goes, watching for something inside the door, or atop the library, that might be a threat.  His sword is drawn and flaming.  He glances down at a body to see how it was killed.

[Bob G.]

Did I miss something or are the doors not described as smashed open already?

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam follows behind Karchok and Ghost, trusting the wolf to let them know of any nearby foes.  She is still on edge regarding the departure of the devil.  "We need to hurry, something is not right."

[Leslie Lock]

that was my impression too.  but there was also mention that they looked to have been closed at some time to 'lock' people out.

[Andrew Airmet]

Queue Tempus bull rushing the 'locked' door.  Shyam did say to hurry...

[Michael New]

Indeed.

On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 2:10 PM, Bob G. <bob.gar...@gmail.com> wrote:

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

[James Kolasinski]

With Smithy giving him the okay, 'clear the path if you like', and Shyam punctuating the situation with an urgent edge, 'We need to hurry, something is not right', Tempus roils into action. He sprints as best he can to bull his way through any remaining entrance, blocked or not. Singularly focused, others may get bumped out of the way, if they aren't fast enough to avoid the brute. He was happy to help, especially in such a physical way.

On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Leslie Lock <lalo...@gmail.com> wrote:

Shyam follows behind Karchok and Ghost, trusting the wolf to let them know of any nearby foes.  She is still on edge regarding the departure of the devil.  "We need to hurry, something is not right."

[Bob G.]

Yeah but usually a description of "smashed" would necessarily follow "locked" so I visualized a broken gate and smashed open door, with lots of corpses all over the ground. In any case, Cal'Shir will quietly follow, keeping an eye on their rear position. (Not necessarily Shyam's rear position, mind you...)

[Andrew Airmet]

No, just Tempus'. ;)

[Michael Briggs]

Smithy can see that this particular corpse was crushed under a lot of weight.  The age of the corpse makes it hard to determine anything else about the death, but the fractured and broken bones in the mid section point to a horrific death.  Other bodies in the area also show some crushing, but there are more than a few corpses that don't bare any immediate indication of the cause of death.

On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Michael New <mi...@noozoo.com> wrote:

"You can clear the path if you like, but I wouldn't bother," says Smithy to Tempus.  He walks forward, right up to the archway and climbs through, and then up toward the door of the building, avoiding corpses, looking as he goes, watching for something inside the door, or atop the library, that might be a threat.  His sword is drawn and flaming.  He glances down at a body to see how it was killed.

[Michael Briggs]

The doors are open.  Smashed open, probably barred prior to the smash.  ;)

[Jim]

Tempus will move through the doors and stop 15 feet beyond, alert and guarding the rest of the group as they enter.

[Michael Briggs]

As Tempus charges forward in his typical brute manner, he finds no obstruction.  However, he fails to consider the problem getting through the debris of bodies and other ruins from the door destruction.  The end result is a monstrous, clumsy tumble into the library.  If it weren't bad enough that there is going a few bruises on the barbarian, the loud umpfff sound he makes and the clattering of wood and slam of the fallen door against the floor announces the group's arrival to the library.  A couple of tense seconds of realization for the group gives unknown creatures in the distant a chance to call out in response to the barbarian's loud entrance.

On Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 1:01 PM, Jim <dnd.pat...@gmail.com> wrote:

Tempus will move through the doors and stop 15 feet beyond, alert and guarding the rest of the group as they enter.

[Michael New]

Smithy follows Tempus and stands in the broken doorway, looking at whatever there is to see.

[Russ]

Karchok squeezes Shyam's hand reassuringly once more and looks out over the courtyard and the twisted bodies that lay strewn about.  His black eyes note the others had begun to gather near the smashed open doors.  Seeing as how nothing had lashed out at them, it looked safe.  Well, as safe as things could be in this blighted city.

"Looks clear enough, let's go," the druid whispers to Shyam.  Glancing about, he leads Shyam and Ghost.  Not that Shyam needed much leading, she was moving almost before the half-orc had opened his tusked mouth.

[Michael Briggs]

Smithy observes an entryway that extends about 80 feet into the room.  There are planters with wilted and decayed flowers and trees inside.  Normally, the plants would be rotated to keep them green by the library's slaves, but since the city has been nearly killed off, the fauna hasn't been tended to as to create the impression of life.  Some tables lay about the room in different states of upright to smashed and splintered on the ground.  The chairs match this variety of status.  Pillars line the room about every 20 feet with archways that joine them to each other and the sides, front and back of the room.  More bodies, including some Tempus doesn't realize he is laying in litter the floor.  Some of the bodies appear to have been partially eaten and torn apart.  Dried blood indicates that this happened while they were living.  Without light observing further into the room is impossible in detail.

On Sat, Apr 27, 2013 at 3:04 PM, Russ <tentac...@gmail.com> wrote:

Karchok squeezes Shyam's hand reassuringly once more and looks out over the courtyard and the twisted bodies that lay strewn about.  His black eyes note the others had begun to gather near the smashed open doors.  Seeing as how nothing had lashed out at them, it looked safe.  Well, as safe as things could be in this blighted city.

"Looks clear enough, let's go," the druid whispers to Shyam.  Glancing about, he leads Shyam and Ghost.  Not that Shyam needed much leading, she was moving almost before the half-orc had opened his tusked mouth.

--

[James Kolasinski]

Angel moves in with the rest of the group and surveys the room. As he gets closer to the dead bodies, he assesses their demise for the threat that apparently still lies ahead due to their howling and catter-wallering. Tempus, what a dolt, he muses to himself, just stay in front of me.

Seeing the brute sprawled on the floor, the cleric moves over to offer a hand up. Simple minds may require simple actions to gain their confidence and trust. Logic and clear words have failed so far with this strong but dim-witted soul. The warrior is in great need of guidance from the Hunter Wraith to steer him onto the right path. 

Tempus bats away the priest's friendly gesture of help, more of not to show any weakness, and scurries to his feet. Snarling at Angel, he readies his weapon in a guarded fashion. Then he anxiously looks toward Shyam as she enters to ensure she was still safe. The warrior breathes a bit easier that she is fine, even though she walks with the smelly half-orc and his pets.

Angel shrugs at the barbarian's reaction to him, crouches to one knee, and returns to study the fallen bodies more closely. Perhaps they can be given purpose again, in service to the God of Contracts.

[Michael New]

Smithy continues forward, his sword giving off light as a bright torch does.  He will continue to the center of the hall, unless something stops him, or catches his eye; any danger or anything other than dead people and books and tables and chairs.

[Russ]

Karchok and Ghost move with Shyam.  The half-orc narrows his eyes slightly at the sight of the corpses inside.  The druid wonders about the chances off the light drawing something nasty down upon them.  With a glance at the ceiling, the druid realizes the light really wouldn't matter.  Devils and demon could see in absolute darkness. 

Walking around the priest, Karchok doesn't get in the way of the human examining the corpses.  It was something better tasked to the priest anyway.  He knew corpses.  'Just as long as he doesn't animate them,' he thinks with micro grin.  'There are quite enough abominations running around right now.' 

Black eyes ever on the prowl for something that seeks to harm them, the druid clutches his spear a little tighter.  Turning his head to Shyam, the half-orc looks at her for a few seconds.

"Do you think that attack happens on our way out?" Karchok whispers to his sister.  He didn't get his hopes up that her vision might have been wrong.  Karchok couldn't recall a time when her "dreams," later to called vision to not be accurate.

[Leslie Lock]

Following the others Shyam scans the hall for signs of where they need to go.

 

In response to Karchok's question she shakes her head slightly, "No, it happened just as before, I just did not expect it to end so." 

[Bob G.]

Karchok's question, and Shyam's answer, sends a chill through Cal'Shir's
body. He didn't think it would end with him alive, let alone relatively
unhurt, except some small measure of pride. He fought down nausea from
the smell and sight of all the dead, decaying bodies, hoping they could
find the book they came for quickly and get out of town. "Shyam,
describe again what we are looking for so we can get it and leave. There
are too many bodies to stay here any longer than necessary."

[Jbizzle]

Rashear gives an inward groan at the sight of all the bodies, having an unsettling notion that these corpses were going to eventually rise again.  He moves forward, allowing the light from the stone to help everyone see, or at least everyone else who can't see in the dark, Rashear considers beheading all the bodies but that would take far, far too long.  

Walking over the corpse at the door the ranger shakes his head, this whole city was damned, and who knows who else was lying in wait for survivors.  Not too concerned with stealth at the moment, Tempus had taken care of that factor the ranger thinks.  Glancing over at Angel studying the bodies, Rashear lets out a small breath, then continues forward, his eyes intent on the darkness

“Well shall we start looking?”  The ranger asks the others, getting the feeling that the group was being watched by something, but with demons, one could not always see them.  

[Michael Briggs]

The light from Smithy's sword is enough to barely illuminate a hallway going off the right side of the room.  It is a passageway about fifteen feet wide.  The people who died appeared to have been fleeing the doorway of the library.  The bodies all appeared to be laying with the heads away fro the doorway.  Rashear, Keryth and Karchok pick up on this pretty quickly.  Shyam notices that there are more than librarians and guards.  Some of the corpses are those of children.  Much like the rest of the city, the library is a scene of absolute depravity and horror. 

 

To the left of the room are two doors.  One is much larger than the other, but further into the room.  The smaller is like and other wooden door.  The larger is about half that size again in height and three time the width.  At the very end of the room, human corpses are hanging from the archways and stapled to the walls with various metal implements thrusted hard enough to penetrate corpse and stone.  Oil paintings smear with blood and other detritus are hung on the walls and smash on the ground.  Written in blood are various messages to the readers.  (Who speaks demonic) 

 

A wide passage way connects to another room further along after the far end of the room.  This one is the largest of all; spanning nearly twenty feet wide and fifteen feet tall.

--

[Erek]

Moving into the library carefully, Keryth stands still as he surveys the scene before him.  Not seeing any immediate threats, he moves forward into the entryway of the old library stepping carefully, so as to not step on any bodies .  Pausing in a moment of introspection, Keryth silently marvels at his own lack of emotion at the graphic and horrific nature of the carnage surrounding them.  This city was beginning to erode his sensibilities and morality.  This thought spurning him forward, Keryth absently draws his blade as he joins Rashear.  Realizing that he had drawn his weapon, Keryth feels a sense of reassurance simply holding the weapon.  Opening his mouth to speak, however, remembering the weapon sensing the presence of devils back in the Hunter Wraith church, instead decides to concentrate on the weapon to see if the blade will again relay such useful information.

[Michael New]

Smithy decides to keep moving slowly forward, toward the room straight ahead.  He says, "How will I know if I see what we seek?  If we know that, we can split into groups and hasten our search.  Do we have any way to magically sense it?"

[Leslie Lock]

On Thu, May 2, 2013 at 8:41 AM, Bob G. <bob.gar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Karchok's question, and Shyam's answer, sends a chill through Cal'Shir's body. He didn't think it would end with him alive, let alone relatively unhurt, except some small measure of pride. He fought down nausea from the smell and sight of all the dead, decaying bodies, hoping they could find the book they came for quickly and get out of town. "Shyam, describe again what we are looking for so we can get it and leave. There are too many bodies to stay here any longer than necessary."

"I don't know what it looks like or what it is really, I only know that the mage said we'd find something here.  I beleive it was a book...Keryth?"

 

Shyam looks to the elven mage for guidence on the object they were to retrive.  His mentor had said it would be the key to her destiny, she could only hope it would provide information on how she could sever her blood tie to the demon.

[Russ]

Karchok eyes the corpses, his steps slowing at the sight of the children.  Tearing his black eyed gaze from the dead, the half-orc shakes his head slightly, claws in his braided goatee clicking together.  What happened here, this whole city, was wrong.  It twisted nature screamed at the druid.  He felt scorched and hot, like he was running a high fever.., or perhaps poisoned.  Just like the land around him.  The half-orc wished he knew how to stop the blight from continuing to spread.    He knew it had to be stopped.  Karchok just didn't know how.

The young druid reaches done a bit and ruffles Ghost's ears, needing the contact with his wolf-brother.  This dark, polluted city made it easy for dark thought that he kept buried to come bubbling up to his surface thoughts.  The very air they breathed was tainted by the presence of the infernal and demonic.  Not to mention the stench of thousands of dead rotting where they fell.  Or shambling around, unable to die, or animated for some foul purpose.

"Do you "feel" a tug, or feel like you should go in a certain direction?" Karchok asks Shyam quietly.  He looks at her and grins.  "Or this might take a while."  

[Jeremiah Buller]

" Well the good news is, we are in a library, the bad news besides the demons running a muck, there are a number of books."  Rashear says, his voice holding just a hint of levity in it.  Looking around at the bodies, he sees the children and his lips curl into a snarl for two heartbeats perhaps even three.  Shaking off the seething anger inside of him, the ranger keeps an eye out for trouble that could be trying to stalk the group. 

--

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir never thought he would see so much death, let alone in one
place. Sheer force of will kept him at the task at hand. Part of him
wanted to run far away, another part wanted to cry, and his stomach kept
lurching. In the back of his mind he wondered if Angel was going to do
something for the dead. He didn't know what that might be, for as much
as he knew or at least suspected, Angel was just as inclined to animate
as many dead as he could as offer a prayer for their souls. For all the
death that surrounded him, he felt this was the calm part since they
would still need to get out of this town.

[James Kolasinski]

Tempus stands his ground with axe and shield ready and alert, thus allowing Shyam to naturally move closer to him as she continues her way beyond the front door.

 

Meanwhile Angel follows Smithy to get a better view of the demonic writing in blood on the walls in front of them and also see if anything unique to his skills is revealed from the light of Smithy's flaming sword.

[Michael Briggs]

As Smithy moves further in the room, he finds no escape from the gruesome scene.  Shyam doesn't feel anything unique right now.  She is beginning to understand that as she travels, the visions occur once an outcome seems certain.  

There appears to be fighting somewhere in the distance as creatures close in on the library.  Everyone remembers that the clumsy entrance by Tempus rang the dinner bell for the demons and devils of the city.  The only reprieve the group will get is the fight that will happen to see which gets to the group first.  The bad news is that it will probably be the strongest.

On Sun, May 12, 2013 at 10:40 PM, James Kolasinski <dnd.pat...@gmail.com> wrote:

Tempus stands his ground with axe and shield ready and alert, thus allowing Shyam to naturally move closer to him as she continues her way beyond the front door.

 

Meanwhile Angel follows Smithy to get a better view of the demonic writing in blood on the walls in front of them and also see if anything unique to his skills is revealed from the light of Smithy's flaming sword.

[James Kolasinski]

Angel lifts his arm to point at the blood writings on the wall and recites loud enough for the group to hear, "Death to infernals. We eat your children. Life is but that to be extinguished. Only the strong survive." As the cleric lowers his arms, he adds, "The demons of Lillith have destroyed the city and soon will be upon us too. You hear their closing battle. Pray that what devils may still survive are enough to gain us the time needed to secure Shyam's book and leave!" 

The priest speaks to the Karchok, then glances at the others, "Druid, or anyone else, have magic that may bind or bar the entrance to further delay our foes? I know you don't approve of undead magic, but it that could save this quest, would you still object?"

[Michael New]

Smithy hears the noises.  He thinks for a bit, then says, "Keep looking.  Time is of the essence."  He heads back to the door and looks outside.

[James Kolasinski]

Just standing around is not Tempus' forte. He looks about with agitation because the group seems to be confused as to where they are going, some here, some there. The sounds of nasty fighting in the distance riles up his nerves. Looking to the one he really trusts to know what's going on, he asks Shyam with a bit more urgency in his voice than he wished, ''Er, where to now, Shyam? Don't we have to hurry?" His axe swings nervously at his side. With all the talk of undead, he isn't sure the ones murderously scattered wouldn't just rise up at any moment. It isn't fear of the fight that's driving him, but fear of failure before the group.

 

[Russ]

Karchok thinks for a few moments, looking back at the smashed open door.  The druid cocks his head to the right slightly as he thinks it over.  The half-orc did know a ritual to warp and twist the wood.  The thought of the closeness of the demons and devils gave a moment of pause.

"I might be able to do something about the smashed open door.  However, I think we should be very cautious about using any form of divine magics at the moment," Karchok deep voice was kept quiet.  "There is a good chance that those magics might draw unwanted attention.  Giving how the Knights of the Yellow Rose tracked Shyam through her magics, we should consider the possibilty that the same could be said for us.  Especially given your magics granted by your god.  I would think that demons would be sniffing around for those who follow God of Contracts.  And if we could hold off on the animating of zombies that would be great."

The young druid looks at Shyam.

"Any clue?  Hint?  Or should we just start at the bottom of the building and work our way up?" Karchok grins faintly, teasing his half-sister, as if all sorts of horrible wrongness wasn't strewn all about.   He didn't want to pressure her, but time was not exactly in there favor.

[Jeremiah Buller]

 " 'Tis a shame we can't bottleneck them using the hallway and door." The ranger says with a sigh.

--

[Leslie Lock]

"Down, I believe it's down."  Shyam moves with the others allowing them to 'lead' the way but would provide any direction she can as to where they need to go. 

 

(sorry, things got really busy here)

[Jeremiah Buller]

" Alright lets go then." Rashear says, his skin crawling slightly as he feels eyes on him. Forcing himself to keep calm as running around in a panic was something that prey did when they were being stalked.  ' We might be prey to some of these demons, but they won't enjoy their meal if it comes to that.' The thought crosses his mind as he moves.

On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 1:49 PM, Leslie Lock <lalo...@gmail.com> wrote:

"Down, I believe it's down."  Shyam moves with the others allowing them to 'lead' the way but would provide any direction she can as to where they need to go. 

 

(sorry, things got really busy here)

--

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Hearing Angel's words and faintly the sounds outside the library, Keryth decides to bolster his defenses if battle should find them. Taking out a small piece of cured leather he recites the arcane phrases which will conjure forth an armor of force around him. Next Keryth removes a small agate from his robes and proceeds with the arcane gestures and words that will allow him to see in the darkness that surrounds them.

Agreeing with Karchok's logic, Keryth turns to Angel and says, "I believe Karchok is right, and you should refrain from using your God-given powers." he also did not want him to raise any of the corpses into undead monstrosities. "When we find this book, will you have the ability to teleport us all back to Calsham? I do have a spell that will magically seal the doorway, however, it most likely just prove a small nuisance to the demons and devils. It will be more effective if placed upon an intact door."

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir is feeling a bit detached, as though he's on borrowed time
anyway after his encounter with the last demon. Now any number of demons
would be looking for them, thanks to Tempus' carelessness. Then it
occurred to him that this book they were looking for might likely be in
a hidden room, otherwise it would have been found by now. Moving up to
the front of the search party, he informs everyone of his thought. "Keep
a sharp eye out for hidden or concealed entrances. This book might be
valuable to the demons as well, and if they haven't found it yet it's
likely in a secret room." He then heads down to the next level, acutely
aware of anything that might be out of place or unusual.

[Jeremiah Buller]

Rashear gives a smile then says " Aye, sound thinking on that one, or they haven't looked for it yet." The ranger says, knowing that Cal'Shir was correct on that thought, plenty of things could be hidden in a library  not just knowledge but forbidden knowledge that the average person wouldn't go looking for.  Then again when had the group really been showered with good luck, perhaps someone had already nabbed the book the group was looking for. Or, just using the party as bait for the demons and devils in this city... or what was left of the city .

On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 3:50 PM, Bob G. <bob.gar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Cal'Shir is feeling a bit detached, as though he's on borrowed time anyway after his encounter with the last demon. Now any number of demons would be looking for them, thanks to Tempus' carelessness. Then it occurred to him that this book they were looking for might likely be in a hidden room, otherwise it would have been found by now. Moving up to the front of the search party, he informs everyone of his thought. "Keep a sharp eye out for hidden or concealed entrances. This book might be valuable to the demons as well, and if they haven't found it yet it's likely in a secret room." He then heads down to the next level, acutely aware of anything that might be out of place or unusual.

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[Michael New]

Smithy, standing at the doors, looks at them to see what it would take to put them back on their hinges and repair them.

[Michael Briggs]

The time and effort it would take to repair the doors without some advanced magiks is considerable, and Smithy is aware that the group has little to no time.  Outside in the streets, a large demon stands on the back of devil and it tears the limbs from the creature.  Although he isn't prone to any sympathy for these unnatural creatures, he can't but grimace at the pain and suffering it must feel right now. 

 

Keryth's blade nearly makes him lose his ability to concentrate on the spells.  The ancient heirloom hungers for the incoming battle.  The mage still holds on and understands how close the group is to combat if they don't move right away. 

 

Shyam hears a voice deep in the void of her consciousness calling to her... antagonizing her... tempting her to let it take control.  She knows all too well the sweet, intoxicating taste of power it brings. 

 

Ghost drops partially down as if getting ready for combat.  His ears are in line with the silhouette of his skull.  Karchok isn't sure how much longer he can keep his wolf brother from charging as it would to protect its pack. 

 

 

On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 11:52 PM, Michael New <mi...@noozoo.com> wrote:

Smithy, standing at the doors, looks at them to see what it would take to put them back on their hinges and repair them.

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[Russ]

"Time to head deeper into the library," Karchok says quietly, tapping Ghost on the head to get his attention.  The half-orc druid points back towards were a majority of the bodies had been running from.  "Staying here is not an option anymore."

Turning the druid looks to head deeper in to the library before they were joined by the corrupt and unnatural combatants from outside.  Karchok was all for avoid as much fighting as possible.  That would be akin to ringing a dinner bell.

"Let's move."

[Michael New]

Smithy turns and says to the others inside, "I'm going to try to lead them astray.  Tempus, or anyone else, you're welcome to join me if you like.."

[bob.gar...@gmail.com]

Just a heads up, I'll try to post to this tonight or tomorrow morning,
but after that I will be away for the long weekend.

[James Kolasinski]

Angel shakes his head slightly with a cruel smile as the others show no interest in using the dead as a barrier or misleading cue. Maybe not now, but they would thank him later, if in the end that's what saves their righteous butts. His fingers twitch at his sides and tiny wisps of darkness spark out to just as quickly fade into the surrounding shadows.

 

"Down!" Angel and Tempus together repeat Shyam's direction loudly. Tempus looks at the cleric with annoyance. Did the robed one mock him? His ax unconsciously continues to swing by his side but more decidedly toward the priest. 

 

As Angel watches the others examine doors and comment about bottlenecking their approaching foes, Angel comments, "Yes, blocking the way would be helpful, but time consuming. Better to find a more narrow hallway or corridor to do so. I agree with Karchok, let's move!" His head motions back toward the sounds of battle outside as he steps out behind the scouts.

 

Responding to Smithy's request to go outside, Tempus, at first wanted to jump into the incoming fray, comfortable in a fight, but Shyam stood in his way. Suddenly he found himself making demands, "No, we stay together, protect Shyam, strength more as one, weaker apart." He takes up a position behind Shyam to act as a shield between her and the demons. With a reddened face for his outburst, he never-the-less urges those in front of him to go, more so they couldn't see him this way.

 

[Bob G.]

"Tempus is right, Smithy, we stay together. Not unlike the members of
the Yellow Rose, I'm guessing those demons can sense Shyam's presence. I
don't yet want to go down that path, but truthfully part of me is
beginning to warm to the idea of Angel using undead to buy us time. All
the more reason for us to hurry." Cal'Shir steps up his efforts to
locate secret or hidden doors, drawing them deeper and lower into the
library.

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Completing his casting despite the mind-numbing call of his ancestral blade, Keryth focuses on the here and now. In an effort to get the group moving he says in a commanding voice, "Rashear check the hallway to the right, Cal'Shir check the smaller door to the left, Karchok the larger door on the left, and the rest move farther down the hall. If any of you find a way down shout 'here'." Able to see through the darkness in front of him, Keryth moves quickly down the hallway on the right hoping Rashear joins him and the others hastily heed his instructions.

[Michael Briggs]

It isn't long until Keryth spots a set of stairs that go down.  They are in terrible condition, as though something larger that the stairway made a path.  The stairs are located about 100 feet down the hallway to the right side. 

On Thu, May 30, 2013 at 4:53 PM, Erek Paterson-Hatton <schix...@gmail.com> wrote:

Completing his casting despite the mind-numbing call of his ancestral blade, Keryth focuses on the here and now.  In an effort to get the group moving he says in a commanding voice, "Rashear check the hallway to the right, Cal'Shir check the smaller door to the left, Karchok the larger door on the left, and the rest move farther down the hall.  If any of you find a way down shout 'here'."  Able to see through the darkness in front of him, Keryth moves quickly down the hallway on the right hoping Rashear joins him and the others hastily heed his instructions.

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

"Here", Keryth says in a raised voice. Unsure if any of the group have even moved yet, Keryth looks back down the hallway. Feeling a sense of urgency he turns back towards the stairs and proceeds cautiously down, sword leading to the bottom of the stairwell.

[bob.gar...@gmail.com]

Keryth finding a way down is good enough for Cal'Shir as he abandons his
search and moves to join him, staying about five steps behind on the
stairway. He glances back to make sure everyone has heard and is following.

[Jeremiah Buller]

 " Good, now we have a way down, as opposed to carving through stone."  Rashear says with a smile following Keryth's voice, the ranger starts to follow Cal'Shir and the others.  Once he had gotten close enough he asks Keryth if he wanted the ranger to follow Cal'Shir, that way if something happened the ranger could be right behind him, as there could be trouble waiting for the rest of the group.

On Fri, May 31, 2013 at 4:13 PM, <bob.gar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Keryth finding a way down is good enough for Cal'Shir as he abandons his search and moves to join him, staying about five steps behind on the stairway. He glances back to make sure everyone has heard and is following.

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[Michael New]

Smithy is still at the front doors.  He looks and listens to see if he can determine how far away the danger is.  He steps out into the yard and looks for other routes he might take.

[James Kolasinski]

Angel continues to stay alert and follow the scouts, now heading down the stairs.

Tempus, taking rear guard behind Shyam, notices Smithy still at the front doors and angrily grumbles his displeasure. He thinks the soldier will hasten the demons toward them. Never-the-less he stays focused enough to encourage those ahead to follow the scouts too.

[Russ]

"Hsst!" the half-orc hisses to get Smithy's attention.  "What are you trying to do, bring them to us?!" Karchok whispers as loud as he dares.  Grabbing Shyam's free hand he gives it a slight tug.  "Come on, downstairs, staying up here is a really, really bad idea at the moment." Karchok says to his adoptive sister.  

The druid leads Shyam, trying to keep her moving to the stairs downwards.  Ghost moves in step with the druid, continuing to glance back at the door where the noise of violent battle was happening.  Ears flat against his skull, the big grey wolf doesn't even stop to sniff at the corpses of those whom died in horrible ways.  

Karchok was hoping that the demons and devils were too busy with each other to pay them much attention at the moment.  He did not want that to change.  Even with Shyam letting loose with her tainted power, the half-orc doubted that would really do much to stop the flood of corrupt and tainted being that would snuff their lives out.  Eventually.  Shyam might be in even greater danger if the infernal or demonic were actually searching her out.  She was slated to be the next vessel for the essence of all thing natural.  Or good for that matter.  The young druid squeezes Shyam's hand once more.  More to reassure himself then anything else.

On Mon, Jun 3, 2013 at 12:55 PM, James Kolasinski <dnd.pat...@gmail.com> wrote:

Angel continues to stay alert and follow the scouts, now heading down the stairs.

Tempus, taking rear guard behind Shyam, notices Smithy still at the front doors and angrily grumbles his displeasure. He thinks the soldier will hasten the demons toward them. Never-the-less he stays focused enough to encourage those ahead to follow the scouts too.

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[Michael New]

Smithy takes out one of his potions (Enlarge Person), just in case.  Tempus had already revealed that someone is in the vicinity.  If they come here, Smithy figures he can at least slow them down a bit.  He stands, still, and watches.

[Michael Briggs]

As Smithy quaffs the potion in preparation for holding the doorway to the library, Quentin moves forward and shout at the knight, "What are you doing?  This is foolish!  You only stand to throw away your life and ability to complete the king's command for a few minutes of glory."

 

Although it wasn't customary for a knight to be confronted by someone who could be considered a royal investigator, Smithy could see that Quentin's words beared some wisdom.  The point is hammered home as a devlish creature, not unlike the one that had tackled Cal'Shir earlier spots the pair near the broken doorway.  It immediately rushes in to attack.  The devil-dog only makes it about 30 feet before being crushed under the massive foot of a large demon that lands upon it.  Fortunately, it doesn't look at the Calimshites; instead it turns on more devils that are pouring into the area. 

[Michael New]

Smithy turns and starts back to join the others.  "Fine.  I had thought to slow them, thinking they would be coming directly here, but they seem unorganized."

He follows Quentin to the stairs leading downward, looking back to make sure none are coming inside.  

On Fri, Jun 14, 2013 at 11:16 AM, Michael Briggs <briggl...@gmail.com> wrote:

As Smithy quaffs the potion in preparation for holding the doorway to the library, Quentin moves forward and shout at the knight, "What are you doing?  This is foolish!  You only stand to throw away your life and ability to complete the king's command for a few minutes of glory."

 

Although it wasn't customary for a knight to be confronted by someone who could be considered a royal investigator, Smithy could see that Quentin's words beared some wisdom.  The point is hammered home as a devlish creature, not unlike the one that had tackled Cal'Shir earlier spots the pair near the broken doorway.  It immediately rushes in to attack.  The devil-dog only makes it about 30 feet before being crushed under the massive foot of a large demon that lands upon it.  Fortunately, it doesn't look at the Calimshites; instead it turns on more devils that are pouring into the area. 

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

[Michael New]

I'm back now, so we can continue...

;-)

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Keryth smacks Smithy roughly across the face, rousing him from his dream-like vacant stare. "Where have you been daydreaming off to? We are at a pivotal point in our story and you apparently are miles away lost in some soul-sucking dream-state you keep calling life! Now pay attention or I shall turn you into a newt!"

[Michael New]

"Please, not Newt!"

On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 12:45 PM, Erek Paterson-Hatton <schix...@gmail.com> wrote:

Keryth smacks Smithy roughly across the face, rousing him from his dream-like vacant stare.  "Where have you been daydreaming off to?  We are at a pivotal point in our story and you apparently are miles away lost in some soul-sucking dream-state you keep calling life!  Now pay attention or I shall turn you into a newt!"

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[Andrew Airmet]

*giant D6 lands on the party*  Ooops.

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

So we all take 'd6' dmg?

[Bob G.]

I made my save, I only take 'd3'...

I hadn't noticed how long it's been since Mike posted. Anyone know if
Briggs is okay?

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Yeah, he was doing 'life-related' things, should be back to our real world of Maidenshire shortly!

[Michael Briggs]

The rush caused by the battle going on outside of the library pushes the group to make some drastic moves.  Without any consideration for the lack of stairs, the group begins to attempt to climb down the broken spiral stairway.

 

Cal'shir and Keryth go first.  They don't have any problem getting to the first floor of the basement.  They can see the stairway continue further down, but only using the light of Smithy's blade, Keryth is able to discern that there are at least two more flights remaining.  He can see this through the continued damage that appears to have been cause but something massive and heavy crashing through the iron stairway.

 

Karchok almost loses his balance as he attempts to guide Shyam down the steps.  She proves to be the savior at that moment and holds her much bigger brother in check; preventing him from falling.  Angel is able to barely navigate the climb down; although be the time he makes it to the second flight of stairs, the battle outside echoes much less down the halls.  Quentin uses some of his acrobatic skills from his times as a spy in the Calsham investigative services to make an impossible looking descent to the next floor. 

 

It all goes wrong when Smithy, pushed for time, attempts a quick trip down the broken stairs.  His armor's weight isn't usually a problem for the knight, but he finds it impossible to grab a ledge when he should have been able to due to the restriction in movement in the armor.  By the time he realizes the mistake, his other hand loses hold of the handhold; sending the knight awkwardly down into the darkness in a loud series.  Rashear takes no delay in bridging the mistake by attempting his own acrobatic descent.  The knight's fall weaken a post that the ranger had intended to use, cause the ranger to follow behind the knight.  Both men are able to squelch their screaming, instead a series of grunts come out of the darkness to the group above. 

 

The group, now split in two are separated by a few floors.  Smithy's valuable blade is caught on the deprecated steps a couple flights above him.  Keryth can now see that there are five flights of stairs leading to down.  Rashear knows he will need a moment to restring the damaged bow.  Most importantly, the victor of the fight upstairs sounds as though they are in quick pursuit of the group.  The light of the sword will likely serve as a beacon for the hunters to find the group in a few seconds.

[Michael Briggs]

Okay.  There wasn't any communication in the last posts on the use of climbing equipment or the order of people going down.  I based the order on previous posts mixed with my own vision of the group's behavior.  Rashear seemed like a stand up guy to make sure everyone else was able to climb down first.  I'll be posting in the morning on most days, so if you can have your posts submitted by 8AM each morning, that'd be great. 

 

Mike, DM

On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 2:26 PM, Erek Paterson-Hatton <schix...@gmail.com> wrote:

Yeah, he was doing 'life-related' things, should be back to our real world of Maidenshire shortly!

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Keryth should have the darkvision spell active :)

[Michael Briggs]

His vision isn't limited by light, so not an issue.  Solid objects are the real culprits right now.

On Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 10:02 AM, Erek Paterson-Hatton <schix...@gmail.com> wrote:

Keryth should have the darkvision spell active :)

[Michael New]

I don't think anyone realized we'd need climbing equipment to go down the stairs.  It's okay, because Smithy didn't have any such equipment (not sure about the others)

[Erek Paterson-Hatton]

Oh, I didn't get that impression from the description

Sent from my iPhone

[Michael New]

Smithy curses under his breath and stands, ready to help Rashear to his feet.  "Let's get back up there with the others, and my sword." he says, and starts climbing.

(Climb: 30)

[Michael Briggs]

"It isn't long until Keryth spots a set of stairs that go down.  They are in terrible condition, as though something larger than the stairway made a path.  The stairs are located about 100 feet down the hallway to the right side." <---Broken steps.  You are always allowed to ask for more information. 

[Michael Briggs]

Keep in mind that climb checks are impacted by armor check penalties.  Other than that, nice roll.  You shall see the results of that great roll soon.

[Michael New]

That check included my ACP...

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[Michael Briggs]

Well, well, well then.  I am excitedly waiting for you all to bring this game back to "Piping Hot" Status.  I never left you, just took a break from our Pathfinder Bromance to setup shop in my life.

[Russ]

"Thanks for that by the way," Karchok says quietly, thanking Shyam from keeping him from falling. "Keep heading down, I can grab your sword."  he says to Smithy.  The druid pauses, looking upwards and swallowing.  "Alright, after I shift my form and get Ghost down, I will get everyone else down as well."  Karchok says quietly, speaking only as loud as needed.  "Just hold onto my back."  The young druid looks around once more, noting where Smithy's sword had fallen.  Not that it was hard to miss.  He looks down at the knight and nods to the human.

Closing his eyes, Karchok reaches within himself.  It took him considerably more effort then normal, he could hear the land crying out in pain as the seething corruption crept in.  Steeling his mind, Karchok form together the mental picture of a great ape.  Slowly at first, he feels the odd flowing sensation as he body melts and changes to that of the ape.

Where Karchok had clung to the wall and what little was left of the stairway, was now a large gorilla.  The black furred ape, snuffs at Shyam and then reaches down to pick up Ghost.  With little effort, he makes his way down to the bottom.  Quickly, he climbs up and aids the two closest to the bottom, he didn't want Ghost left by himself.  On his way back up, he snags Smithy's blade and hands it to Shyam and heads back down, dropping his sister off.  Enjoying the ability to climb so quickly and freely, the druid retrieves the rest of the hunting party as quickly as he can.

On Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 11:14 AM, Michael New <mi...@noozoo.com> wrote:

Smithy curses under his breath and stands, ready to help Rashear to his feet.  "Let's get back up there with the others, and my sword." he says, and starts climbing.

(Climb: 30)

--

[bob.gar...@gmail.com]

Watching Karchok change form into an ape and using the animals talent
for making his way up and down the broken stairs, he mutters to those
around him "Seeing what he can do like that never gets old. Makes you
wonder every time you get near an animal though."

[Jeremiah Buller]

" Ugh, thanks for knocking that Pillar over.  Gods your heavy!" Rashear mutters to himself, then accepts the hand up, then starts to climb, annoyed at the fall.  Letting out a small sigh, the ranger starts the process of climbing, knowing that the group didn't have much time.

On Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 2:12 PM, <bob.gar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Watching Karchok change form into an ape and using the animals talent for making his way up and down the broken stairs, he mutters to those around him "Seeing what he can do like that never gets old. Makes you wonder every time you get near an animal though."

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[Michael Briggs]

Are you guys climbing to the first basement level or descending to the bottom level?

[Jeremiah Buller]

Where did the rest of the party descend too? Rashear would rather make meet up with the group. 

[Michael New]

Smithy was climbing back up, but was then asked to stay where he was.  I guess we really have no clue which floor is the one we want, unless Shyam or someone else has a gut feeling?

[Russ]

bluh...., I vaguely remember us thinking about the bottom.  I want to say Shyam might have mentioned something about it, or the small room or something.  That why I went as far down as possible.  

[Michael Briggs]

I'll give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  In the interest of moving things forward, I'll give people a few hours to decide if they want to approach the broken stairs using equipment or powers.  We have Karchok prancing around as an ape, but the others might want to get in on that monkey party!

Mike, DM

[bob.gar...@gmail.com]

I think we were headed down. If that means being carried by an ape that's fine.

[Michael Briggs]

OH SNAP!  He just called you an ape, Russ!  I thought only your roommates did that!  :-P

[Michael Briggs]

I think Smithy is going to make down the stairway just fine...

[Michael New]

"Hmm, not that heavy...  My armor is fairly light.  It looks like they're coming down." 

Smithy listens and looks up the stairs, not seeing much in the darkness.  He ruffles through his backpack and breaks out a sunrod, half expecting to light up in front of the eyes of some gigantic demon.  Breaking the end off, light pours forth and lights up the area.

He calls up to those upstairs, even as he examines the stonework and structure of the stairwell they are in. "Hey, you may want to use rope.  This structure is quite dangerous."  He speaks those words based on his fall, but checks to see just how bad it is.

(Knowledge/Engineering: 25)

[Michael New]

Just do a cannonball shape and roll down....

[Russ]

*thumps chest*

[Michael Briggs]

I didn't really mention it in the post, but both Rashear and Smithy took some damage.  It amounted to 8 points of falling damage for Smithy, and 10 points of damage for falling + crushing from Smithy falling on him.  Compared to the number of hit points, it was really bruising.  YOu can heal it if you feel it is necessary.

[Michael New]

Is that permanent or non-lethal?

I'll record it either way....

[Michael Briggs]

It was normal damage.  

[Russ]

it was FOREVER damage!!!!  lolz

[Michael Briggs]

No, that is the Orc herpes Karchok has.  (The gift that keeps on giving)

[Russ]

Hey, whatever happens in the Druid Circle stays in the Druid Circle!

lolz