Group 3; Lizard's Lair, part 2

[Sagar]

The party leaves the koalinth and merfolk to their devices and head back to the northeast stairs. The stairs are short, but fairly steep. 10 feet wide, they lead north-east up to an iron gate. It is constructed in
two approximately equal parts, reaching from floor to ceiling. The vertical bars are about three inches apart and there are five horizontal struts
spaced along the vertical dimension. Two stout iron bars carried in brackets about five feet and seven feet respectively above the floor bar the gates.
http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=biucyrhgq4flk5715vlbjpnvnz5edi3nnihd4 ojplswl3yco62dz78js4uoegsik



Past the gate, the hall extends at least 80' east. There is a hallway branching to the north about 30' past the gate and another branching south about 70' away.

[Shiz]

Is there a keyhole or any other mechanism in sight?

Everyone should roll a dungeoneering check.

[Zyzzyx]

Everyone should roll a dungeoneering check.
As I looked at the map, was just thinking... this is really looking rather dungeon-ish. And hey... I got ya covered on that skill.

Solak tweaks his mind for some dungeon knowledge that might be useful here.

Dungeoneering, +10

[EricStratton]

Amaril will attempt to assist Solak (+3 Dungeoneering).

[Asharad]

I'll check the gate for traps and to see about opening it (thievery +11).

Yeah, it appears we came in through their jail.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Ve did not find any keys on za lizards ve killed, no? How about back za ozzer vay?" (other stairs) "Perhaps it is open..."

Assuming Fandango finds no traps and it's not otherwise open, Brun will examine the "bolts" and see if they're movable... maybe it's not locked... forcing the bolts would be useless, most likely, but she can try.

[Lycos]

+3 dungeoneering here

[Shiz]

This could get frustrating fast.

[DinbinFanfoom]

OOC: there must be a way out... the lizard guards that were down here would not be LOCKED down here... They would have a way out/up.

[Shiz]

The 'clang clang' we heard might have been these barricades getting lowered. We took too much time.

Trask races back to where the mermen were to see if they are still there with the hope they can help us look for an alternate underwater entrance.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Zer is alvays za passvay out on za shore..." Brun supplies.

[EricStratton]

We did find a key. If there's a keyhole here, perhaps it works?

[Asharad]

Yeah, we can try the key. Also, I will keep trying to pick it until I am successful.

[Sagar]

There is no keyhole.
The two gates are obviously held shut by the two heavy metal bars on the back side of the gate. One is 5' above the ground. The other is 7' above the ground. Both rest in slots (like a big board barring a barn door). When you push the gate, it makes a sound very much like the ones you heard earlier - just alot quieter.

The bars facing you (the vertical ones) are about 3" apart.
With some effort, you can probably jimmy the bars up and out of their slots. Doing so wouldn't be TOO hard - if you don't mind the bars clanging to the floor. If you want to try to prevent noise, it will be harder.

If you want to go through this way, you will need to make a successful agility check AND a successful strength check to move a bar. Up to 4 people can access the gate. If you want to move it quietly, the DC will go up by 5. OR.. you can tell my your incredibly clever plan and I'll lower (or raise) the DC to reflect your idea. I'll use random rolls, not Roll5.
You can try multiple times. Each attempt will take about 30 seconds per bar.

[Sagar]

The dungeoneering checks reveal nothing more that is written above.
When you run back to the sea caves, the merfolk and the Koalinth have left.

[Asharad]

Lets just open it. They know we are here.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun: "I say ve schtuff some cloth ve find before sroo za bars onto za floor on za ozzer side. Zis vill buffer za bar vhen it drops. Maybe za Redd hand zingy can help too, by za catching... how much can he lift? Zen... *kisses bicep*"

[Asharad]

Yeah wait...can Solak stand right next to the door and cast redd on the other side of it?

[Zyzzyx]

Solak looks over his shoulder to Redd and then nods forward.

Redd passes on through the bars.


(don't have my PHB file here, but IIRC he can only handle ~25lbs)

[Lycos]

Baladir will help with the bar. If we can get 4 people and Redd tries to steady the bar so it doesn't fall out of our hands so easy, it might help. Perhaps we can lower it slowly to the ground.

[Shiz]

Trask will help then. STR 16(+3), DEX 18(+4). I might have the best combination of both.

[Sagar]

Per the PHB, Redd can handle 20 lbs. The bars, you guess, weigh 2-3x that.
Still, he will greatly help the attempt.

[EricStratton]

Amaril looks at his scrawny arms and legs. "I'm not going to be any help here. But I'll go get some clothes from the piles we found to try to cushion the fall of the bar." And he runs off to get some.

[Asharad]

Why dont we grab one of those spears we saw a few rooms back?

We can pass them through the bars and Redd can use them like a lever. Even being able to only exert 20lbs of force he should be able to move them.

[Sagar]

Trask will help then. STR 16(+3), DEX 18(+4). I might have the best combination of both.

The way I see it, two people can try to move the bar up (str) and 2 and try to stabilize it so it doesn't make noise (agi).

I've had some trouble figuring out exactly what one is supposed to roll for opening a door. The best I can tell, it is a strength attack. That is roll+1/2 level + str bonus vs DC. Likewise for the agility part. But no where in the DMG or PHB can I find that. Just a list of DC's.

If any of you can find a good reference, I am all ears! or is that eyes?

[Shiz]

Since this is about coordination, combine the STR and DEX mods of those trying to give each person a mod:

Trask = 3+4+1/2 level = +9

Then pick 2 DCs: 20 and 25. Then roll for each person. If we get enough (you determine) 25s, then we succeed completely. If we get enough 20s then we open it but with clamor. In that scenarion Trask would have the highest mod and +9 is still tough to get a 25.

[Asharad]

Nobody else wants to use science?

Come on guys! Science! Levers! Physics!

[Shiz]

My INT is 10 and I grew up in the woods.

[Asharad]

So this is the plan, correct:

Redd get summond.
Amaril and brun shove clothes and blankets from the rooms we passed through the gate. Redd arranges them to at as a dampener for when the bard fall.
We give redd a spear and he uses it to lever off the bars, with assistance from Brun, baladir me and trask if neccessary.
When the bar falls, Solak makes an noise of somesort to disguise the sound.

That about right?

[EricStratton]

Sounds good to me.

[Sagar]

What noise and where do you find a spear. Oh hell, there was probably something you could use from the junk room. But you don't have a spear.

Solak summons Redd on the other side of the gate. Amaril brings back rags and stuff to muffle the noise. Baladir (5+4+2 > 10) helps Brunhilde (17+7+2 vs DC 16) to lift the lower bar (5' level). Fandango (12+4+2 > 10) helps Trask (9+2+4+2 vs DC 16) and Redd stabilize the bar. It gets lowered to the waiting rags quickly and quietly.

The second bar (7' level) is harder to reach and hold. Baladir (7+4+2 > 10) helps Brunhilde (16+7+2 vs DC 18) to lift the lower bar (7' level). Fandango (6+4+2 > 10) helps Trask (4+2+4+2 vs DC 16) and Redd stabilize the bar. Trask, though, loses his grip and one end of the bar slips to land with a clang on the other bar. (It seems to you that it made a really loud noise.)
You realize, belatedly, that with Solak working so hard to control Redd, he couldn't cast a sound at the same time.

You can swing the gate open, but you will bang the bars some more when you do.

Oh.. and that took about 1 minute all to do. Plus a few minutes for planning in advance.

[Shiz]

Push it open and go. Should Fan go "dark" and scout ahead or should we just advance knowing there is a nasty surprise coming?

Can Solak use his at-will Scorching Burst to kind of clear the corridor ahead of us? He blasts and we move up. He blasts again and we move up. Kind of like throwing grenades to clear an ambush.

[Lycos]

Should Fan go "dark" and scout ahead or should we just advance knowing there is a nasty surprise coming?

I would say so. It might give us an edge.

I would not run, but I would make steady progress walking down the hallway. Wouldn't the blasting be counter productive to all the time we spent hiding our progress so far?

[Asharad]

I shall do that, then.

[Zyzzyx]

Can Solak use his at-will Scorching Burst to kind of clear the corridor ahead of us? He blasts and we move up. He blasts again and we move up. Kind of like throwing grenades to clear an ambush.
I'd rather not, as Baladir mentioned, even though we did just make some noise.


I would, however, like to have Scorching Burst as a readied action.

[Shiz]

You have to specify more what you are readying it for, eg. if I see green men.

[Sagar]

Fandango:

How far ahead of the group will you go?
Are you going to stop at doors or intersections?

[Asharad]

Fandango:

How far ahead of the group will you go?
Are you going to stop at doors or intersections?

Is there a map I can refer to?

Otherwise I will move down the corridor until I reach a door or an intersection, and then listen at the door or hide at the intersection and wait for any indication of movement down the intersecting halls.

[Sagar]

http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=biucyrhgq4flk5715vlbjpnvnz5edi3nnihd4 ojplswl3yco62dz78js4uoegsik

You are way in the top right corner of this map. It's getting a bit big, though. Let me make a smaller on.

http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=xpq1nbualq6ss3dh45cipu9ym714ulsgkxo6e jz8brl2je7xntmm6wiu7pqoek6g - started a new map; the diagonal stairs are the ones you just came up. The door is the gate you got past.
Speaking of gates - 50xp per person for opening that. Clever use of Redd and the padding helped too.

[Sagar]

Fandango moves up the hall on silent feet. He sees no sign of activity coming so he moves to the first door. Inside, he hears signs of light movement (12+8 perc vs DC 17). It sounds like one individual moving around a bit.

[Shiz]

Map not working. "Invalid scene".

[EricStratton]

Map not working. "Invalid scene".
Take off the "here" that got appended at the end.

http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=xpq1nbualq6ss3dh45cipu9ym714ulsgkxo6e jz8brl2je7xntmm6wiu7pqoek6g

[Asharad]

I'll listen at the door at j8 (still all quiet like), stick my head around the corner, then go back and report.

[Shiz]

Remember, we don't have to clear every room. We just need to reach the boss man.

[Sagar]

At the second door (perception 11+8 vs DC 12), you hear shouting (in lizard) and the sound of fighting - weapon on weapon and weapon on shield. You also hear an occassional Thunk sound.

[Asharad]

Going to sprint back (quietly) and report.

[Lycos]

I think we should check out the first door first. If we get into a big brawl and the leader is in door #1. He might get away while we are distracted. And if we go into door #1 and it's one guy who wants to fight then it's over quick, and we move on to door #2.

[EricStratton]

As long as we do it quick, I agree w/ checking door 1 first.

[Shiz]

Can I veto? We need to intervene on the second door. It is only 1 guy in the first room. We might find an ally in the second if we can get there in time.

[Zyzzyx]

I too would rather check the action. Enemy of our enemy kinda thing.

[Asharad]

Can I veto? We need to intervene on the second door. It is only 1 guy in the first room. We might find an ally in the second if we can get there in time.


I'm of two minds. The ruckus room is more interesting, but I'd hate to pass the first door only to have something horrible come out from behind us.

Added: I'd hate to miss something important just because we're in too big of a hurry. They know we are here, the jig is up. We aren't traveling in slow motion so we should, reasonably, have time to stick our heads in the first room just to see whats what.

[Shiz]

Ok then. SWAT room 1?

[Asharad]

Surely.

[Sagar]

You already know someone is behind the door. Fandango checks it and it is not locked. Gathering together, you throw the door open and see a 20x30' room.

It is a small comfortable room. In the center is a circular wooden table on which lies a closed book. To one side of the table is an armchair, crudely
upholstered; to the other side is a plain wooden chair. In the north west corner there is a brass tripod supporting a brass bowl which is filled
with hot coals. The room is warm and smoky. Seated in the armchair reading a papyrus scroll is an aged lizard man. He wears a large gold chain around his neck.

Calmly, he looks up. "Ahh.. you must be the .. how did they put it .. the "Steel Demons of Death" I think it was. You made quite the impression on our seaguard.

Come in, come in. And close the door behind you, if you don't mind.
The reinforcements should be here shortly and, frankly, I'd rather not spend the next week scrubbing blood and gore off the floor and walls.

Come in.. come in.. And tell me, what brings you to our humble caverns?

(see attached picture.)

[Asharad]

I'll close the door behind us.

"We are sorry for disturbing you and for disturbing your people here in the caverns," I'll say, in my most charismatic manner (And I have charisma out the ass). "I understand your sea guards' consternation, we are outsiders and we are here in your home. "

"Unfortunately, I think we both know that an outside influence, one more foul than us...well, maybe not as foul as Brun here, but certainly more evil, has already been at work with your people."

"I know its hard to believe, what with the killing and all, but we'd really like to help. Right now there is a group of goblins outside your caves. Your soldiers are, presumably, fighting them."

"We are supposed to help the goblins but, I don't want to lie, we'd much rather **** the goblins over, if you'll pardon my vulgarity. We know yours are a good people and could live alongside all the other races here. We also know that an ancient evil is corrupting your leader and is taking your people down a dark path."

"We have fought this evil before. His name is Maccaroni...or something equally hard to pronounce."

"I tell you all of this in the hopes that you can help us help you. We'd rather not spill another drop of lizardman blood (and excuse me is lizardman is perjorative, I've gotta admit I've got now idea). If you have any insight into this situation we'd appreciate it."

[Asharad]

While I am yammering (I do go on) I'll use perception (+8) or insight (+4), whichever is applicable, to judge his reaction. He may be an ally, he may be macaroni's head priest.

Someone more insightful and perceptive than me should do the same.

[Shiz]

Trask nods at Fandango and studies the old reptile.

/ooc We all get +1 Insight (or is it Diplo?) from Baladir and I give +1 Perc to non-elf allies. Trask is +7 Insight, +16 Perc.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun glares at Fandango.

[Lycos]

(In regard to the larger fight going on behind door #2)

Remember too. We'll have a hard time figuring out who is on the right side in the bigger fight. We'll get there eventually, but we'll need to figure out who is the good guy before we bash the door in and charge the room.

[Lycos]

Baladir will wait to see what the old man says before offering any more information. Also using my Insight (+10) with his responses.

But he will ask, "Who's reinforcements are coming, the evil side or the good side?"

[Sagar]

In this case, insight is called for.

Insight (15+7), Trask senses the lizardman is somewhat more nervous than he appears. Of course, 6 armed and armoured villians just entered his room so that is not unexpected.

Fandango talks to the ancient lizardman (dipl 14+9) and he seems to accept what Fandango says. He also seems somewhat receptive to your ideas...

The old lizardman gestures reassuringly, "Lizardman is fine... But outside influences, did you say. Interesting.. very interesting. I have not heard of this.. Macaronni. You say you fought .. it. I would like to hear more of this.

Oh, but I do apologize. I have left you all standing. Would any of you like a seat. There are several in the other room."

He gestures towards the door in the north wall.

"I would get them for you, but I don't move quite so well any more. Feel free to get them if you'd like."

[Sagar]

Baladir will wait to see what the old man says before offering any more information. Also using my Insight (+10) with his responses.

But he will ask, "Who's reinforcements are coming, the evil side or the good side?"

"In my experience, evil and good depend largely on which side of the fight you are on. This is not to say true evil does not exist.. it does. But people often use the term "evil" when they are really speaking of "that which we don't like or understand because it's different.

But to answer your meaning, the lizardman seaguard reinforcements. The ones responding to an invasion of our home."

[Zyzzyx]

"In my experience, evil and good depend largely on which side of the fight you are on. This is not to say true evil does not exist.. it does. But people often use the term "evil" when they are really speaking of "that which we don't like or understand because it's different.

But to answer your meaning, the lizardman seaguard reinforcements. The ones responding to an invasion of our home."

Solak listens to this last bit, trying to determine which side of 'evil' this seemingly gentle lizard is on.

Insight +10(+1?), also a Religion +6 if it'll fit at all

[Asharad]

"Honest to gods, I'd like nothing better than to sit here, maybe have a drink and chat. Unfortunately, we are a little pressed for time. Although...Brun...my legs are a bit tired...would you mind hoping to where he said the chairs are and, carefully, grabbing me one? Please?"

"Anyway, Maccaroni (somebody tell this nice lizardman his real name please) is an ancient, elemental evil. We caught wind that a group of earnest but none-to-bright adventurers recently re-released him on the world. He is a corruptor demon, he makes good people act rather evil."

"Every indicatio we have points towards your new leader as being under his influence, I suspect he is this "new god" your people have recently started worshipping."

"This guy is a destroyer of civilizations. He's gotta be stopped, not just for you guys but for everyone. Ideally we'd like to remove your leadership and let you go back to living peacefully. Hell, we've got an in with the human leader in these parts and are friendly with the sea elves...I'm thinkg trade agreements and the like."

[DinbinFanfoom]

"I vill scthand, zank you."

Brun looks at Fandango, expectantly. Her axe has never left her hand. She will move to the chair closest the closet, pretending to go for a chair but instead preparing to open some whoop-ass.

[Asharad]

"Yeah Brun, if you could just go in the closet there...see if there's a chair I might like...you know how I like to...uh...sit and such."

<Rubs his forehead like he is getting a headache.>

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun will whip open the closet door and grapple anything that is inside, dragging it into the room. No hesitation. (Grapple since it's less... fatal)

[Shiz]

/ooc Why do we think the north door is a closet? He said it was a room.

Trask lunges forward and tries to grapple the old liz.

"Solak, cover that door. Brun, open it and get ready to fight. I smell a rat."

[Sagar]

Brunhilde whips open the door to the Lizards bedroom. Near the door is a table with 4 chairs around it. Aside from the bed and the lizardman's personal effects, there isn't much else here. Well, except lots of books.

The old lizard politely takes no notice of Brun's antics.

[Asharad]

I'm going to grin at the old lizardman and shrug.

"You'll have to excuse some of my friends. They're excitable.

Anyway, you know what, I'm good standing. I need to work on my leg strength anyway."

"So...evil demon...your new leader...any chance we could work together on this thing? Avoid as much bloodshed as possible? All go back to sitting leisurely in our studies, reading books and sipping wine?"

[Shiz]

Trask falls as he tries to stop his lunge in mid-lunge.

[Asharad]

"Oh also, if I can ask...who are you? What's your position in this community? I ask because you've got a rather nice place here."

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brunhilde whips open the door to the Lizards bedroom. Near the door is a table with 4 chairs around it.
Brun tries to pretend nothing happened and grabs a chair and takes it back to Fandango. She returns to stand by the hallway door, listening for trouble.

Like dramatic hamster.

[Sagar]

Solak listens to this last bit, trying to determine which side of 'evil' this seemingly gentle lizard is on.

He seems to be on the lizard side.


Trask lunges forward and tries to grapple the old liz.

"Solak, cover that door. Brun, open it and get ready to fight. I smell a rat."


The lizardman's eyes grow wide and he tries to slide his chair back away from the desk and the diving Trask.

When Brun wrestles the chair into the room and Trask breaks his dive against the desk, the lizardman regains his composure and slides back forward, apparently willing to pretend this little episode never happened. It takes a few moments, though, for him to fully regain his composure.


"Oh also, if I can ask...who are you? What's your position in this community? I ask because you've got a rather nice place here."


"I am the.. well.. minister is the best word, I would think. I am the senior advisor to this King as I was the the 3 kings before him.

I am intrigued by your comments. What makes you believe our king is under some kind of "evil influence"? What are these "indications" you speak of?

Insight check - nothing any of you have heard or sensed so far has led you to any idea of how he feels about the current king.

DM note: His name is Malacon. Jeez! You guys can't even remember the name of your arch enemy and ongoing antagonist.

[Shiz]

"If nothing strange is going on then explain why many of you are wearing oil, why you moved to these caverns and why a prisoner we found suggested there is a disagreement within the tribe about how warlike you should be?"

Trask looks at the others.

"Am I the only one that finds it strange that behind the first door we find after breaching a secure door is a calm, quiet, unperturbed advisor to the king?"

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Maybe vhe are misunderschtood, just like zey are?"

Brun turns to the advisor.

"Vhy ver vater elves tied up in za cavern? Vat vas za crime of za lizardman ve found in za cell? Vhy ver ze ozzer delegation tied up as vell?" (Referring to the second group we found)

[Lycos]

Trask looks at the others.

"Am I the only one that finds it strange that behind the first door we find after breaching a secure door is a calm, quiet, unperturbed advisor to the king?"

I'm with you on this.

Solak, take a look at his notes here. Is there something magical about them?

I'm waiting for a answers to Trask's questions. This guy seems too calm with a huge fight going on next door.

And for Baladir's own question, "So what have you been advising this new king?"

[Asharad]

I suppose this uses my bluff skill (+11), but I actually believe 99% of what I'm about to say, so that's gotta help.

"As you can imagine, the human leader in this area is very concerned with the rise of this evil. He has had all of the augeries and magic users in his command searching for evidence of Malacon, and all of those sages and seers have pointed in your direction.

Two of my friends are holymen. They have communed with their gods on this matter, two different gods, and the results have been the same.

Now, I'm not a seer. I don't know anything about magic. I'm not religious, I doubt any of the cool gods would have me. I'm a pragmatist.

Pragmatically speaking you have to see the change that has come over your people with this new leader. You have to see that his ways are not your ways, the ways of the kings you have advised since before I was born. The ways that have served you well for decades if not centuries.

You've got to see that this is not a good path for you people to go down and I have to wonder how much, with all due respect, this new leader is relying on your good judgement. After all, your people are in a battle and you are here in your quarters, far away from the command hub.

This new leader is under the influence of a great evil (which, by the way, since he is getting help from this great evil totally seems like cheating in the whole 'whoever wins the one on one fight gets to rule' arena). We are certain of this.

But hells, take us out the equation and tell me if you think the path your people are going down isn't a bad one for all of your future. IN the short time he's been running the show he has turned the sea elves, the mermen and the koethin against you and has managed to get humans and goblins, for gods sakes, to team up against you."

[Sagar]

I suppose this uses my bluff skill (+11), but I actually believe 99% of what I'm about to say, so that's gotta help.

"As you can imagine, the human leader in this area is very concerned with the rise of this evil. He has had all of the augeries and magic users in his command searching for evidence of Malacon, and all of those sages and seers have pointed in your direction.

Two of my friends are holymen. They have communed with their gods on this matter, two different gods, and the results have been the same.

Now, I'm not a seer. I don't know anything about magic. I'm not religious, I doubt any of the cool gods would have me. I'm a pragmatist.

Pragmatically speaking you have to see the change that has come over your people with this new leader. You have to see that his ways are not your ways, the ways of the kings you have advised since before I was born. The ways that have served you well for decades if not centuries.

You've got to see that this is not a good path for you people to go down and I have to wonder how much, with all due respect, this new leader is relying on your good judgement. After all, your people are in a battle and you are here in your quarters, far away from the command hub.

This new leader is under the influence of a great evil (which, by the way, since he is getting help from this great evil totally seems like cheating in the whole 'whoever wins the one on one fight gets to rule' arena). We are certain of this.

But hells, take us out the equation and tell me if you think the path your people are going down isn't a bad one for all of your future. IN the short time he's been running the show he has turned the sea elves, the mermen and the koethin against you and has managed to get humans and goblins, for gods sakes, to team up against you."

This is diplomacy, not bluff. Bluff would be if you were trying to convince him you weren't lying.. this is all pretty much true. Also, for the sake of role-playing, I will assume this statement was made before Brunhilde's.

Diplomacy (19+9)

The old lizardman seems thoughful and then seems to come to a decision.
"It may be as you say. The new king is changing many of our ways and not all are happy with some of the changes. There may indeed be a corrupting influence, as you say. Certainly the new king does not listen to advice so valued by his predecessors...

At this point, Brunhilde's question comes in.

[Sagar]

"Maybe vhe are misunderschtood, just like zey are?"

Brun turns to the advisor.

" Vat vas za crime of za lizardman ve found in za cell?


The lizardman remains unperturbed as the party fires questions at him. That is, he is calm until Brun asks this question. The old lizard stands up.. suddenly more alert and focused than ever before. In an urgent voice, he asks,

"What do you mean, you found a lizardman in a cell? What cell? Where?
Was he still alive?"

[DinbinFanfoom]

"What do you mean, you found a lizardman in a cell? What cell? Where?
Was he still alive?"
Brun lets Fandango explain.

[Asharad]

The lizardman remains unperturbed as the party fires questions at him. That is, he is calm until Brun asks this question. The old lizard stands up.. suddenly more alert and focused than ever before. In an urgent voice, he asks,

"What do you mean, you found a lizardman in a cell? What cell? Where?
Was he still alive?"

He was when we left him. He'd been almost killed but we healed him and let him rest. Why, who is he?

[Shiz]

Trask becomes visibly less aggressive.

"We can take you to him, if you want? He was in one of the non-water cells in the prison area. He might be conscious again by now. He might have left. We did not leave him locked up."

[Sagar]

The Minister looks torn for a second.
"I think getting him right this second would be a bad idea. As a matter of fact, would you all mind moving to the other room? I expect the guards to return any time now and I think any good could come of them finding you here..."

He stands up and hobbles to the north door.

[Asharad]

What the hell, I say we hide and play it out.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun moves into the other room, as requested.

[EricStratton]

Amaril does as well.

[Zyzzyx]

If Solaks intuition (Insight) is that the old lizzie in genuinely concerned about the lizard in the cells... he too will move to the other room, after giving a respectful nod to the old man.


(I'm usually good with spatial stuff, but I'm lost here... are we going to the room where the chairs were?)

[Lycos]

Sure, I'll play along.

[Zyzzyx]

Solak pauses on his way over to the room and turns slightly back to the old fella...

"Before we step aside at your request, a quick question, if I may, so that we may understand a little more of the situation, both yours and ours... What is going on with the fight next door? You seem rather unconcerned about it."

[Sagar]

If Solaks intuition (Insight) is that the old lizzie in genuinely concerned about the lizard in the cells... he too will move to the other room, after giving a respectful nod to the old man.


(I'm usually good with spatial stuff, but I'm lost here... are we going to the room where the chairs were?)

Oops.. perhaps I should update the map. I'll do that next.

You all move into the next room.
It is also a 20x30 room (longer north/south) and it appears to the be the lizardman's sleeping quarters. The bed is dead giveaway. There is also a small bookcase on the south wall, an old leather chair (looks comfy), and a small table with 3 chairs. The lizardman grabs the 4th and moves it back to the room. There is also an iron chest with a padlock. The chest has a glove on it. Next to the bed is a tall cupboard.

Standing in the doorway, the lizardman says, "Tell me about the lizard you found. I assume he was in the cells?" Before you can answer, you hear noises in the hall and a knock on the door. The lizardman holds a finger to his lips, the backs out, leaving the door cracked open just a bit.

As the Minister heads towards the door, there comes another pounding on the door. He yells something short and impatient. He opens the door and confronts a group of very excited warriors.

They converse in increasingly excited tones and the Minister says something that is obviously an order and the lizards run off. He watches them leave, then closes the door and comes back.

"That should keep them busy for a while."

To the party he says, "Come ...tell me about the prisioner."

---------------

Baladir, holding the gem, heard the following:

"Hold your tails, I'm coming!"

<door opens>

Soldier: "Minister! There are intruders! They broke through the north gate!!!"

M: "Indeed! But I heard nothing! They must be very stealthy...
Or perhaps they are trying to deceive us. Could they have come in the south gate and left this to fool us?

S: "Sir, we need to find the King!"

M: "The King? No, I don't thing they are after the king...
Wait! Has anyone checked the treasure room. That last group was after that!"

The lizards in the hall look suddenly alarmed.

M: "The king will have all our heads for footstools if we let them get that.

M: " Or the wives.. or the hatchery!!!

M: in command tones: "You 7, go check the wives and the hatchery. Don't leave them undefended no matter what!
You 6, go reinforce the garrison in the treasure hall. Stay there until I or the King tell you otherwise! I'll find the King and send help!

S: "Yes Minister!"

They all scurry away.

[Sagar]

Solak pauses on his way over to the room and turns slightly back to the old fella...

"Before we step aside at your request, a quick question, if I may, so that we may understand a little more of the situation, both yours and ours... What is going on with the fight next door? You seem rather unconcerned about it."

That is the training hall. The king and his officers are teaching their troops how to use weapons. That is probably why they haven't heard the alarms. It's frightfully noisy in there.

[Shiz]

"Thank Sehanine we didn't stick our heads in there! I think I speak for all of us that we now know that you have the tribe's best interest at heart. I don't know if we have convinced you that we want the same thing yet, but it is the truth. If we can avoid bloodshed, we will and you have helped in that by sending those guards away where we would only stumble on them by accident.

"Regarding the prisoner, we found him inconscious. I [or Baladir?] healed him and he mumbled <insert here> and then passed out again. Then we heard the clanging of the gate closing. In a neighboring cell we found a sahuagin."

[EricStratton]

"Now that the guard is gone should we bring the prisoner here or would you like to go down yourself? If you want to go down yourself, do you want us to come? If not all of us, could we at least send Baladir?"

[Lycos]

"Now that the guard is gone should we bring the prisoner here or would you like to go down yourself? If you want to go down yourself, do you want us to come? If not all of us, could we at least send Baladir?"

I would say at least an addition of one other person, I will probably have my hands full just carrying this guy.

[Shiz]

/ooc remember everything in this thread is heard by the NPCs.

[Sagar]

The Minister listens to your description of the encounter with the lizard in the cell. "It MUST be him! We must get him up here at ONCE! As much as I would love to run down there, the truth is, I cannot move so fast any more.
If two of you could get him and bring him here, we can hide him in my chambers until he is safe.

Will two of you go?

In the meantime, I will answer your questions as best I can."

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun volunteers.

[Shiz]

Trask will come with you.

[EricStratton]

Ok, Brun and Trask go. The rest of us will stay here. Amaril doesn't have any questions for the old man at the moment, though.

[Asharad]

Questions:

"Who are my friends going to get?

Have you noticed anything with the new leader that could be considered a weakness? You're around him a lot, does he seem to have a power source or anything of that nature?

If you were, let's say, going to stage a coup with the help of outsiders and then unite your people against the goblin with the help of those outsiders, how would you go about doing it?"

[Lycos]

"It MUST be him!

Who is he?

When I get my answer I will move out with Brun and Trask. The gem will stay with me because we will need to convince this guy to come with us if he wakes up.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun, though not stealthy, will take point with Trask on her heels (and heals), I assume. They'll quickly head back to the cells via the most direct route. Once there, Trask can do the talking.

[Sagar]

"Who is he, " muses the lizardman. "Well, the literal translation is 'the chosen one' though I think, in your language, that has a more spiritual connotation. Prince is a close term, but parentage does not factor into it. I think the term "heir apparent" captures the idea most closely. He is a younger lizardman with uncommon wisdom and charisma. He is looked up to by almost all who know him. He was also designated by the old king as the leading contender succession. Unfortunately, Krestallon showed up with his black guards and his tame god and issued the ancient challenge of combat. He easily defeated the old King and has been making sweeping changes ever since.

"Young Creston had the hearts of his people. It was just a matter of time before his outspokeness gave the king's guards an excuse to make him disappear. We all feared he was dead."

"So tell me.. about this Malacon. What physical form does he take?"

[Sagar]

Questions:

"Who are my friends going to get?

Have you noticed anything with the new leader that could be considered a weakness? You're around him a lot, does he seem to have a power source or anything of that nature?

If you were, let's say, going to stage a coup with the help of outsiders and then unite your people against the goblin with the help of those outsiders, how would you go about doing it?"

Krestallon is powerful enough in his own right. But it is his connection with the new god that makes him spiritually invincible. No one will cross him and risk the god's anger or censure. No one would challenge him for fear of the god. Creston was certainly brave enough to try, but we managed to convince him to wait. There was no way he could succeed in defeating them both."

[Sagar]

Trask (stealth 19) and Brunhilde (stealth 1) move ghostlike through the corridors. Trask like a wraith, Brun like a wraith driven tank. Fortunately, there was no one present to hear them.

They arrive at the cell to find the lizardman still sleeping. Brunhilde gently lifts him over her shoulder and the two begin their return.

[Lycos]

"So tell me.. about this Malacon. What physical form does he take?"

Since we have some time, I will fill in the gaps in our story so far. I tell him of our earlier adventure in how Malacon twisted our perceptions to enter the old temple. I will tell him about the accidental escape of Malacon. I'll describe the form he appeared to us as, but that might be completely different since he has gained more power now.

I will fill him in on how we found some scrolls and we have a well known cleric of Pelor looking into them. I will also tell him about the book, MacNulty's "Compendium of Sacred Enemies", we need to get a hold of as well.

[Asharad]

Mostly he looks like a lich.

However, he may be manifesting himself some other way. Is there something or someone that never leaves Krestallon's side?

[Sagar]

Mostly he looks like a lich.

However, he may be manifesting himself some other way. Is there something or someone that never leaves Krestallon's side?


Since we have some time, I will fill in the gaps in our story so far. I tell him of our earlier adventure in how Malacon twisted our perceptions to enter the old temple. I will tell him about the accidental escape of Malacon. I'll describe the form he appeared to us as, but that might be completely different since he has gained more power now.

I will fill him in on how we found some scrolls and we have a well known cleric of Pelor looking into them. I will also tell him about the book, MacNulty's "Compendium of Sacred Enemies", we need to get a hold of as well.


The minister looks thoughtful after hearing your words.
"Things begin to make more sense." he says.

"Yes, there is one who rarely leaves the King's side. It is the new god, Yserbian. The King claims to control the god but I think the reverse is actually true. "

[Lycos]

"The King claims to control the god but I think the reverse is actually true. "

I think we can all agree with you on that.

[Sagar]

Brunhilde and Trask work their way back to the Minister's rooms.
Once, on the way, they have to duck into a side room to avoid a patrol of two fast moving lizard warriors.

As far as they know, though, they make it back unobserved.

[Asharad]

"Yes, there is one who rarely leaves the King's side. It is the new god, Yserbian. The King claims to control the god but I think the reverse is actually true. "

What form does this new god take?

[Sagar]

What form does this new god take?
50 xp to Fandango for finally asking the key question....


Just before Brun and Trask arrive, Fandango asks this.

The Lizardman minister looks up, surprised. "Why, the same form all our new gods have. He is a dragon."

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun whistles. "Zat sroneroom must be beeg!"

[Asharad]

The Lizardman minister looks up, surprised. "Why, the same form all our new gods have. He is a dragon."


Oh well. Perfect. I assume you mean an actual dragon and not...like...a statue of a dragon?

Umm..how big a dragon?

Also, how many new gods do you have and are they all walking around here?

[Shiz]

We hustle the "prince" into the back room and lay him on the bed.

"So Malacon is in dragon form now, heh. Well, that should make things interesting. Minister, can you give us the best route to the throne room? I assume there is a secret egress that we might be able to use..."

[Sagar]

Yes, he is a real dragon.
He is small, for a dragon. The older ones don't deign to notice us. It's always the younger ones that come to teach us.

We have had many new gods over our history. This is the first in .. oh.. 150 years or so, though.

There is never more than one at a time.

[EricStratton]

"We're definitely going to need some help w/ the people if we're going to kill something that they believe is one of their gods."

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun thinks tactically... "Ve vill need some sort of diversion to draw as many as possible away from the sroneroom..."

[Asharad]

Or we need this prince to wake up, rally the troops and convince them its okay if we kill the dragon, that he's not really a god.

Or maybe he's a god and he's being manipulated by Malacon, who is actually the giant lizardman. Probably not though.

What color is this dragon? Does that make a difference in terms of good/evil/whatever?

[Asharad]

Also..black guards?

So the black lizardmen are the ones we need to focus on?

[Zyzzyx]

On mention again of the black guards, Solak steps forward and asks, "These black guards... Is their skin (scales?) naturally black, or are they altering it somehow?"

"Also, and forgive me if you explained this already, but why would some of the lizard guards we encountered have oil, presumably for their skin, and others did not?"

[Shiz]

"If we challenge the 'god' to combat, how can the 'god' refuse if it is a 'god'?"

[Sagar]

"The black guards are black scaled lizardmen. They are akin to us, but tend to be bigger, stronger and less intelligent.

In some tribes, the black and green mingle. In others, they are all black or all green.

Historically, we have been all green. The black scaled tend to like a more .. aggressive.. lifestyle than has been normal for us.

The oil.. that is one of the god's changes.
Our history says that the dragons of old created 3 races: The dragons, the dragonborn and the lizardmen. The dragons grew old and stong but were never numerous. The dragonborn grew strong and spread across the lands and became a great people back when humans were still learning to make fire. The lizardmen, though, did not change much. Because we need to keep our skins moist, we have been limited to rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The new god, though, says we need to get away from our dependance on aquatic environs if we are to grow as a race. The use of oil to keep our skins healthy is something the King proposed.

The ones who did not have oily skins probably forgot to apply it. It is a new innovation."

You notice the Minister's skin is oily.

[Sagar]

As the Minister talks, he directs Brunhilde to bring the wounded lizard to the bed. After checking him over, the minister thanks you for your help in saving his life.

"He would surely have died before tomorrow had you not aided him," he adds. Moving to the cupboard, he pulls out a potion flask.. then stops.

"Before I go any farther, I need to know what your intentions are. How serious are you in your desire to help this situation?"

[Shiz]

"By my lady Sehanine, I vow to see Malacon's influence routed from this place."

"Before you administer that potion, please tell me what it will do for him?" Passive Perc 26, Passive Insight 17 (w/ Baladir's bonus)

Still not completely trusting, Trask puts his hand on his Neutralize Poison scroll.

[Lycos]

"Before I go any farther, I need to know what your intentions are. How serious are you in your desire to help this situation?"

Before I answer, I want to know how serious are you in helping this situation?

And I'll take a look at that potion bottle please.

Also, what has been your part in all of this? And if we try to change the current situation, how are people going to react to you afterwards?

Are you interested in seeing your kind going to war?

*Baladir will demand an answer to these questions before he goes any further since he already dodged my question about what he has been advising the current king already*

[Sagar]

The minister lets you take the potion.
"It is a potion of greater healing. To go any farther, we need him awake and able to stand. This potion will give him that.. at least for a short while. He will need to rest, though, before he fully recovers.

"And how far am 'I' willing to go? By giving him this potion, I am betting my life and his. If we lose, both our lives will be forfeit.

"Which is why I asked. If you are not willing to follow through in what you said, we have no chance to end this now.

(Insight - he is very sincere in what he is saying. Furthermore, gone is the calm reserve you observed before is gone. He is now a lizard of action. He obviously has a plan and is implementing it.)

"Let me give him the potion and, while he recovers, I will explain."

Amaril verifies (arcana 10+13) the potion's contents and effect.

[Lycos]

The minister lets you take the potion.
"It is a potion of greater healing. To go any farther, we need him awake and able to stand. This potion will give him that.. at least for a short while. He will need to rest, though, before he fully recovers.

"And how far am 'I' willing to go? By giving him this potion, I am betting my life and his. If we lose, both our lives will be forfeit.

"Which is why I asked. If you are not willing to follow through in what you said, we have no chance to end this now.

(Insight - he is very sincere in what he is saying. Furthermore, gone is the calm reserve you observed before is gone. He is now a lizard of action. He obviously has a plan and is implementing it.)

"Let me give him the potion and, while he recovers, I will explain."

Amaril verifies (arcana 10+13) the potion's contents and effect.

I give it right back to him, and explain, "Sorry, I had to make sure. Please continue."

I'll back away to let him do what he needs to do.

[Shiz]

"We now wait for what you would have us do. Let it be spoken openly, however, that we do not intend to be a diversion. Malacon must be confronted once again."

[Asharad]

Here are our goals:

1- Confront and defeat Manischewitz
2- Restore a non-crazy, non-possessed, friendly lizardman to the head of the lizard people
3- Help that leader **** up the goblins who are currently attacking them. I mean, just decimate those bastards. Like we'd forget they stabbed a kid!

[Sagar]

The Minister carefully gives the potion to the sleeping lizardman. Within moments, Creston begins to stir. As he recovers, the Minister continues...

"My plan is this: We escort Creston into the training hall and Creston confronts the king and his false god. Creston challenges the king and the king must accept or leave.

"I then challenge the king for letting his guards beat the prince almost to death. By this time, I expect Creston will be faltering and everyone will be able to see that. The King, for all else he is, is very honorable. He will be appalled at what his guard has done (at the dragon's urging, I would bet) and that is when you offer to take up the challenge on the Prince's behalf.

"Now, we can angle this one of two ways. You can pick one person and fight the king one-on-one or you can choose 3 and we can challenge the king and his 2 blackguards. I am pretty sure I can make it work either way. I can't think of a way to make it 6-1 or 6-3. If the party attacks, then all the lizardmen in the room will attack also, and they will outnumber you significantly.

"Of course, if Yserbian weighs in, all rules are off and you can all join the fray. I just want to minimize the bloodletting, if at all possible.

"If you win, Creston becomes King and we go back to our old life. If you lose, I, Creston, and those who fought will die and the rest *shrug* who knows. You SHOULD be let free or possibly made to pay ransom or wereguild. I cannot say for certain, though."

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Vhat vepon does za king use? Mace? Axe? Svord? Staff? Is he vis za magics?"

[Shiz]

"I know Brun would love a one-on-one, but I can reliably predict that Yserbian will not let a duel proceed. When Yserbian intervenes, the rest of us can handle him and his guards and let Brun and the King continue unmolested. You and Creston would need to keep the greenskins from interfering."

[Asharad]

Since we are predicting a larger fight anyway should we just go three on three?

Brun, solak for ae maybe and a third?

[Shiz]

The problem with 3 on 3 is that it is likely to become man on man. The minister can correct me, but I suspect that a magic wielder will be viewed as less honorable. If we can get a one on one and we know that Yserbian is going to intervene, then the rest of us can be ready to attack the dragon - 5 on 1.

[Sagar]

"So one-on-one with the woman being the champion? " asks the Minister.

Before you can answer, the Prince groans and wakes up.

"What.. what is .. where am I," he asks weakly.

The Minister explains the recent events and, as he does so, you can see the Prince growing visibly stronger.

"I offer you my thanks for saving my life." says the Prince solemnly. "I cannot, though, allow you to risk your lives on the behalf of myself and my people. I am strong enough, now, to challenge the King on my own."

The Prince swings his feet off the bed and stands up briskly. He then sways dangerously and only avoids falling because the Minister grabs him.

"Hmm.. perhaps I Am still a bit weak..."

[Shiz]

"I don't know if another healing blessing will help you, but we can offer that if necessary. Also, what arms would you use to fight? I think Mistress Brunhilde is our best bet. She is a chosen Champion of the Baron, someone with whom your tribe hopefully seeks peaceful co-existence."

[EricStratton]

"Is there going to be any sort of cultural problem with us sending a woman to fight? Perhaps insulting to the point where the King refusing the challenge and sends us all to our death?"

[Sagar]

The Minister speaks urgently to the Prince, "Do not insult providence. This opportunity is what you prayed for. Don't throw it away for pride!"

The prince sags. "Perhaps you are right."
He turns to Brunhilde, "Thank you for your offer. I accept you as my champion."

The Minister beams.
"Right. Now, to be clear. I will lead us to the room. The prince will issued his denunciation and challenge. I will shame the King for the beatings and ask for a champion. Brunhilde will accept the challenge.

If one of you wants to offer blessings on this warrior before the fight, that is allowed. Once the fight starts, though, no one can offer ANY physical assistance to the combatants. You can cheer, encourage, and shout advice, but not do anything to physically change the fight or combatants.
We will NOT cheat on this.. but we will not hesitate to respond if the other side cheats. Is that clear?"

The Minister looks at each of you sternly and waits for affirmation.

[EricStratton]

"Understood."

[Asharad]

"Suuuuree."

[Shiz]

"Agreed, but I know this won't be a simple challenge. The second treachery happens, Brun gets a heal and the dragon gets a bite from Sehanine!"

[Zyzzyx]

Solak takes a couple steps forward (he always seems to find the corners of a room), and sets his staff in front of him, holding it with both hands. His tail flicks a bit, much like a stalking cat.

"I will let Brunhilde take this challenge. But... the more I hear of the King and what has been happening here, the more I am prepared to bring him to humility. And the dragon too. It is what the Raven Queen would see done."

(iirc, this is the first time Solak has mentioned anything of his spiritual beliefs)


Solak steps back and in his usual style, again leans back a bit on his tail, lowering one hand from the staff, opening and then closing his fingers as he does so.

"I'll be ready for this in just a moment."

Strangely, for a short bit, you can just barely hear some very quiet sounds... almost as if you were in a forest, not caverns.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brunhilde grins grimly. "I vill fight vis honour and pleasure. But my kvestion stands... is za king a melee fighter, or a magic user? If magic, vhat kind?"

OOC: If it's wizardry, a-la WILL saves, I could get screwed early (14). Don't wanna spend the fight sleeping. Brun's achilles heel is her mind... She's a simple thing. I've got two heal pots, anybody got another to spare? What's the cooldown on these? (JK) I'll obviously make sure I'm surged to full and will take any and all buffs before we start (not that I think we have any).

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Is there going to be any sort of cultural problem with us sending a woman to fight? Perhaps insulting to the point where the King refusing the challenge and sends us all to our death?"
Brunhilde glares at Amaril. "I gonna give you a 'cultural problem' in a second, dress-boy.." she growls.

[EricStratton]

Brunhilde glares at Amaril. "I gonna give you a 'cultural problem' in a second, dress-boy.." she growls.
"You may already be a cultural problem, Burnhilde. That's what I'm trying to find out."

[Asharad]

Solak takes a couple steps forward (he always seems to find the corners of a room), and sets his staff in front of him, holding it with both hands. His tail flicks a bit, much like a stalking cat.

"I will let Brunhilde take this challenge. But... the more I hear of the King and what has been happening here, the more I am prepared to bring him to humility. And the dragon too. It is what the Raven Queen would see

"****!" Fandango yelps. He turns to Brun, "He can talk! Did you know he could talk? Gods, I think I peed myself. I feel prepared for the dragon now, it can't be any more shocking than Solak talking!"

[Lycos]

"****!" Fandango yelps.

Shhhhhhh! Remember, we're still sorta hiding right now.

[Asharad]

Shhhhhhh! Remember, we're still sorta hiding right now.


Don't look at me, I'm not the one startling people.

[Lycos]

I guess we are waiting on the minister and the prince to lead us to the room.

I have no buffs to offer unless I'm in combat with you.

I could offer Brun my healing potion if that is allowed in the combat.

[Shiz]

"Minister, we are ready when you are."

[Sagar]

The minister is stuck in meetings...

[Lycos]

The minister is stuck in meetings...

*watches as the minister is grabbed by the meeting police and dragged away kicking and screaming*

*blink blink* :eek!:

[Sagar]

Bah.. what a day!

The Prince says to Brunhilde, "The King is a fighter.. and a very good one. His is quick, strong, and experienced. You will do well to be on your guard."

The Minister puts a robe around the prince and leads the way to the king. You walk down to the next door on the right (the one you didn't go in) and, with the Minister and Prince leading the way, throw open the door and stride in.

You enter a 70x50' room.
This is quite a large open area; six floor-to-ceiling pillars demarcate a central area which is completely bare of furniture. In this central area the earth floor has been packed closer than elsewhere, as if by the passage of many feet. Several wooden benches stand near the north and south walls.
What appears to be a large mattress has been fixed to the center of the east wall of the room. Attached in some way to this is a large humanoid creature - strangely immobile despite the fact that four lizardmen are hurling javelins at it from the approximate centre of the area. Apparently supervising this activity, a fifth Saurian stands nearby shouting commands.
At the far end of the open central area four more lizard men are apparently fighting, two against two; they are armed with swords and carry shields. Observing this activity, three lizard men are standing to one side, near the central northern pillar. One lizard is tall and green and is obviously the king. The other two are huge, hulking black lizardmen. Behind them is a large green dragon.

http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=zxsned7pnh55tnokps5sd17psl55x1jbugy46 b76s7hnu32iul23cpmy7n4s51sm

[Lycos]

Solak, why don't you give the Prince here a trumpet blast to get everyone's attention?

[Zyzzyx]

"A trumpet? Nah, how about...."

And with a trace of his staff, the room is filled with applause, coming from all corners, floor and ceiling.


edit: Well, kinda. Just checked PHB on Ghost Sound, its more a sound coming from one location. But lets just stretch a bit, and say I moved the location around for the sound?

[Sagar]

The Minister and the Prince step boldly forward. Applause echos through the room as they stand, proud and defiant, in a faint column of light.

All activity ceases and a hush falls over the room.

Into the silence, you hear a familiar voice come from the dragon.

"Ahh, my petlings. You do tend to show up in the most unexpected places.
"Have you come to worship me, then? Ahh but I see it is too early for that. I must say I am disappointed.
"And speaking of disappointment," the dragon's attention shifts to Baladir. "I am very disappointed in you, so called defender. Did the death of a child mean so little to you? Or were you too cowardly to avenge it's death? Perhaps you secretly have goblin lover and you couldn't bear to spill her kin's blood..."

"No matter.

"It is a shame that none of you will leave here alive - where shall I find others who champion my cause so well."

.
.
.
The voice stops and, after a few moments:

Trask (passive perception) realizes that no one else heard the voice. Looking at the attitudes and body positions of the creatures around you, he realizes the party alone heard that monologue. It almost seems as if it was a classic "frozen moment" and no time passed for the others.

Baladir and Solak (passive insight) realize that, despite the taunting and the calm demeanor, that Malacon was surprised and a bit concerned that the party was present.

[Sagar]

The Prince, looking strong and regal, proclaims to the hall:

"I have come to denounce this false god. He has corrupted the King and is corrupting our people. He is not here to help us, he is here to DESTROY us!

As Chosen of the People, I hereby challenge this false and deluded King to the Trial of Fitness - to commence immediately. Let our combat reveal the truth of these matters!"

Stunned silence reverberates through the hall.

Then the King steps forward and bellows, "YOU DARE DEFY ME! I accept! and let these present see the truth of my cause carved into the flesh of your lying carcass!"

The King draws his giant bastard sword and glares at the Prince.

The Minister slides smoothly forward. "It is easy to be so confident when your guards have beaten your opponent nearly to death."

As he speaks, he whisks the robe off the Prince. All in the room can see the bruises - red, purple, yellow and green, covering the Prince's body.

The minister's voice drips scorn as he says, "You have been beating this one to near death for weeks. Of course you accept his challenge."

The King's rage evaporates. He honestly looks shocked and appalled. He turns and glares at his guards and they, in tandem, point at the dragon.
The King glares at the dragon as if to say, "we will discuss this later", then turns back to the Minister.

"The challenge has been issued and accepted. The combat must commence," says the Minister. "Under the ancient ways, the challenger may call a champion. Chosen, do you wish a champion?"

For a moment, the Prince looks defiant. Then his energy seems to run out and he slumps. "Yes." He turns to Brunhilde. "Will you accept this challenge in my name and defend our cause even unto death?"

[DinbinFanfoom]

For a moment, the Prince looks defiant. Then his energy seems to run out and he slumps. "Yes." He turns to Brunhilde. "Will you accept this challenge in my name and defend our cause even unto death?"
Brunhilde smiles grimly. She takes a step forward, grips her greataxe at the midpoint and twirls it overhead with a whoosh, and then finishes the flourish by slamming it's haft into the ground in front of her, as if planting a flag. She nods to the affirmative.

"It's vhat I do."

OOC: heck, why not throw down an intimidate (+7, IIRC) here, since we haven't entered combat yet. Not likely, but who knows?

[Asharad]

I'm going to compliment Malcaroni on looking a lot cooler than he did the last time we kicked his ass.

[EricStratton]

Amaril will study the dragon in an attempt to prepare us for what we'll be facing (Arcana +13).

[Asharad]

Fandango will make a shadow puppet dragon (thievery +11) and have it say "Wah wah wah, I'm Macaroni. I'm pretending to be a dragon but really I'm just a big pussy who is fairly incapable of doing anything for myself so I have to try and trick others into doing stuff for me and I have very low self esteem because my daddy left my mommy when I was little and so now my tummy aches unless I have people worship me. wah wah wah...puppets...wah wah...I'm controling this lizardman leader and making them do things that are in my interest and not theirs but I'm really ascared they will turn against me and throw my thousand year old ass out in the mud...wah wah wah."

I mean....he's not a dragon. he just looks like a dragon.

[EricStratton]

I mean....he's not a dragon. he just looks like a dragon.
I imagine he's going to hit like a dragon.

[Sagar]

Brunhilde (intimidate 9+7) spins her giant axe effortlessly and tries to stare down the King. The king (intimidate 6+13) seems to recover under her stare and with an equally effortless move, spins the bastard sword in a blurring arc. When he finishes, he holds the blade pointing at Brun. With a gesture, the blade bursts into flames.

"I accept this champion," he says with a dangerous grin.

"God of our people, lend me thy blessing and place your wrath upon these intruders if they dare interfere."

"My blessings you shall have," says the dragon, in a voice completely unlike the one you heard earlier. "But I have no need to spy upon this infidels like a cat waiting for an insect to do something interesting. Your guards are more than a match for such as these. I will go prepare the throne room for your victory celebration."
The dragon makes a gesture over the king and then slithers rapidly past the party. He pauses at the east door and seems to consider breathing on you all, then seems to shrug and continue out.

The minister whispers to Trask, "You should put your god's blessing on the Champion to even the odds. And watch the king carefully. Something is not right with him."

[Shiz]

"Since you received a divine blessing, King, I think it is only right that the Prince's Champion does the same."

I pull out my holy symbol and ask Sehanine for divine protection:

Shield of Faith Cleric Utility 2
A gleaming shield of divine energy appears over you, granting
you and nearby allies protection against attacks.
Daily ✦ Divine
Standard Action Close burst 5
Targets: You and each ally in burst
Effect: The targets gain a +2 power bonus to AC until the
end of the encounter.

[Shiz]

Trask will be making regular Perception (+16) checks during the fight between the King and Brun and the black guards.

[EricStratton]

"Your majesty, your god is abandoning you. He's not going to prepare your party. He's making his escape. I'm a gifted magician. I can see that his gesture was nothing but show. Concede now and spare any bloodshed." (+11 bluff. I don't expect a warrior to yield but maybe I can at least make him tentative. Give Brun a free shot or something).

Amaril will also whisper to his mates that he can tell there is some kind of magic operating on the King. He can't tell what kind, but it is active and, in some way, deceiving.

[Sagar]

We all got buffed, but hopefully that went unnoticed.
Even I missed that... very smooth.....

The King steps into the middle of the fighting area and wait for Brunhilde to do the same.

After she does so, he raises his flaming sword in salute, then assumes an offensive poise.

Round 1:

Initiative:

Brunhilde (19)
Krestallon (8)

since there are only the two of you, I will not use Roll5 for this encounter.
At least, not yet.

http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=zxsned7pnh55tnokps5sd17psl55x1jbugy46 b76s7hnu32iul23cpmy7n4s51sm

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun nods in respect to the other fighter. After a brief pause, she roars (like a Williams sister serving) and leaps to J6 and attempts to Reaping Strike Mr. KK. (+10 vs AC, 1d12+7 dam, 5 damage on miss). "Time to see vhat you are made uff!" (what your defenses are... :D)

[Sagar]

Brunhilde explodes into action - unleashing a picture perfect reaping strike (natural 20) on the surprised Lizardman. Her attack (12+7+4+11) bloodies the King.

The King responds with a daily power, Lead the Attack. As he (13+10+1+1) hits, the sword's flames shoot into Brunhilde (9+1+6+4 +4 fire damage, 5 ongoing fire damage.)
(using an action point) The King then jumps back a step and gives himself an encouraging word (heal 14+3). He looks up at Brunhilde and smiles.

Trask watches the king closely (perception 9+16 vs DC 20). (see PM)

Round 2:

Brunhilde- 24 damage, 5 ongoing.
Krestallon - 17 damage.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brunhilde bellows in pain and triggers a heal from her armour (free: +14hp) and attacks KK with another pair of Reaping Strikes (+10 vs AC, 1d12+7 dam, 5 damage on miss), burning an AP in the process.

OOC: We've learned he's a warlord... and that his sword hurts!

[Sagar]

Brunhilde takes 5 fire damage then (triggering a free surge from her armor) suddenly looks much fresher and smiles at the King. She then launches a pair of reaping strikes (2+10 vs AC 19, 8+10 vs AC 19), just knicking his defenses with each attack (5+5 damage). The king is bloodied again momentarily but uses an Inspiring Reaction to immediately heal himself (instant ability - triggered on damage to self or ally) 17 HP.
Brunhilde (ST 15) manages to put out the flames.

The King responds with Villian's Nightmare. He (15+10+2+1) hits Brunhilde (8+5+6+4+1), leaving her bloodied. Brunhilde finds herself hemmed in by weaving, slashing steel and cannot move away from the King for the rest of the encounter.

End of round.

Round 3.

Brunhilde (39 damage, +2 AC, hemmed in)
Krestallon (10 damage, +2 to hit)

Trask continues to watch the King closely.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Is that all you haff?" Brun screams, launching a Comeback Strike (+10 vs AC, 2d12+7 damage, 14hp to Brun on hit) at KK. She'll also quaff a healing potion (+? hp).

[Asharad]

I'll make faces at the blackguards.

[Shiz]

Trask whispers a message to Solak, to be passed to Amaril , to be passed to Fandango: "Fandango might want to quietly position himself in a less visible and more strategic place."

[Asharad]

I'll step back while everyone is watching the shenanigans and move around to I2, going stealth when I get to about row K.

[Sagar]

Brunhilde launches a wicked comeback strike at the King (14+10 vs AC 19), slamming him (6+12+7) in the side. He is bloodied again and she is healed (14 hp).

The King unleashes Steel Monsoon. He (18+10+1+1) hits Brun with a wave of steel, burning her (5+4+4+1) and bloodying her again.

Both contestants pause and quaff potions, almost in perfect unison.

IIRC, a potion gives 10 healing so each of you regain 10.

[Sagar]

Trask and the minister speak softly together for a moment. Trask whispers to Solak who whispers to Fandango. Fandango slides quietly back and disappears into the dimness of his new cloak(stealth: 19+11+1).

Any other actions?

End of round 3

Round 4:

Brunhilde (29 damage, hemmed in, +2 AC)
Krestallon (25 damage, +2 to hit)

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brunhilde grits her teeth and fights on.

Minor: Unstoppable (util) (+2d6+6 temporary HP)
Major: Covering Attack (enc): +10 vs AC, 2d12+7 dam, adjacent target can shift 2 (though I don't have one or need one, in this case; going for utility here)

[Lycos]

After she does so, he raises his flaming sword in salute, then assumes an offensive poise.

/ooc That bastard got my bastard sword! :mad: :lowlol:

[Lycos]

Baladir will pray and try to focus on the magic on the King. Asking for divine intervention in this matter.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Baladir will pray and try to focus on the magic on the King. Asking for divine intervention in this matter.
OOC: She'll need all the help she can get. :D Love to see the damage totals after this is over, haha! We'll have killed each other two or three times over.

[Shiz]

/ooc I wish this fight was on tape! The +2 AC bonus hasn't helped and Brun wasted her AP and she is still in this!

[Sagar]

pausing to let Amaril and Solak respond, if they want.

[EricStratton]

Amaril doesn't have much. I guess he'll see if there's anything more he can tell about the magic that's affecting the king (Arcana +13).

/ooc I'm tempted to go after Malacon. Or send Fandango to keep an eye on him. I don't like that he's out of our sight.

[Sagar]

Round 4:

Brunhilde gathers her resolve (unstoppable - 4+2+6 temp HP) and then swings her axe in a complex covering attack pattern. The King, however, neatly blocks the attack (5+10 vs AC 19).

The King, for his part, does not attack. Instead, he goes a bit defensive (+2 to all defenses) as he catches his second wind (14 hp).

Brunhilde: 17 damage, +2 AC, Hemmed in.
Krestallon: 11 damage, +2 to hit. +2 to defenses (second wind)

Neither Trask (Perception 2+16) nor Amaril (Arcana 4+13) detect anything new this round.

Baladir's insight leads him to realize that the King has developed significant respect for Brunhilde and is enjoying this fight immensely.

[Asharad]

I'll use my perception (+8) on the blackguards, see if anything is up with them.

[Sagar]

I'll use my perception (+8) on the blackguards, see if anything is up with them.
The blackguards look astonished... but they do not look at all aggressive at this time.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Round 5:

Reaping Strike (+10 vs AC, 1d12+7 damage on hit, 5 on miss).

[Zyzzyx]

Solak goes for a bit of Ghost Sound fun, perhaps to unsettle the King, perhaps to unsettle the other lizards...

At a pause in the battle, a relatively quiet lizardman voice comes from the far side of the combat area, "Go champion! You've got him beat!"


(I'd have it say 'Brunhilde', but I didn't see that her name was actually mentioned.)

[Asharad]

Nevermind, that seems silly.

[EricStratton]

Amaril whispers to the group (or we can play telephone if necessary) "There's definitely some sort of illusion magic on the king. It's targeting a very specific location, though, and difficult for me to pinpoint. ...upper body...left side."

[Asharad]

Can brun aim for it?

Someone yell for brun to aim for it. Who cares if anyone else hears?

[Lycos]

Can brun aim for it?

Someone yell for brun to aim for it. Who cares if anyone else hears?

I'll yell it out. The king's left or Brun's left?

"Brunhilde, aim for the upper right side of him."

[EricStratton]

King's left.

[Sagar]

Solak uses ghost sound as the king pauses. He is so focused on Brun, though, that he doesn't seem to hear anything.

Fandango sneaks through the open door to the east. He sees an empty corridor stretching east for well over 100'.

Brunhilde launches a reaping strike against Krestallon. She (12+10 vs AC 19+2) just beats his parry, wounding him somewhat (3+7 damage).

Krestallon responds with a wicked swing of his sword (12+10+1+2 vs AC 20+2), striking Brun solidly on her armored shoulder (5+4 damage).

Trask (perception 3+16) and Amaril (Arcana 5+13) again fail to pinpoint the source of the illusion.

End of round 5

Brunhilde: 28 damage, +2 AC, hemmed in
Krestallon: 21 damage, +2 to hit, defense lapses.

[Asharad]

I'll sneak back to where I was.

Someone please give brun the proper instructions.

I'll also use my perception on the king, looking for whatever is going on with the illusion (+8)

[EricStratton]

"Solak, try to look for the illusion as well." (specifically w/ Arcane)

[DinbinFanfoom]

Round 6:

OOC: Brun doesn't have an "aimed shot" ability... does one exist? She DOES have a "more precise" strike that sacrifices damage for precision, though...

Minor: Brun quaffs her remaining potion (+10hp)
Major: "Precise Strike" to the KK's "upper left body" (+12vs AC, 1d12 damage on hit, notice no + damage modifier)

[Zyzzyx]

Solak, being a bit distracted with his sounds, on the comment of the illusion magic now takes a closer look at the King best he can.


Arcana +11 or Insight +10?

[Shiz]

Trask continues to look for any jewelry, focusing on the upper body and upper arms.

[Sagar]

If you had a specific target in mind, you could aim for it with a DM imposed penalty to hit. For something as large as "upper left body", you penalty would only be -2. Would you like to save precise strike for when you might have a more specific target?

[Sagar]

Solak, being a bit distracted with his sounds, on the comment of the illusion magic now takes a closer look at the King best he can.


Arcana +11 or Insight +10?

Arcana.. Insight is for motivations, lying, etc.

[DinbinFanfoom]

If you had a specific target in mind, you could aim for it with a DM imposed penalty to hit. For something as large as "upper left body", you penalty would only be -2. Would you like to save precise strike for when you might have a more specific target?
Probably. I'll let the finger-wranglers narrow it down some more, maybe ("Focus, Daniel-san!")

Modifying Round 6:

Minor: Quaff remaining potion (+10 hp)
Standard: Reaping Strike (+10 vs AC, damage 1d12+7 on hit, 5/7 on miss) :D

[Lycos]

Baladir will ask the minister, "If this current King is close to death at the end of this fight is it ok for us to keep him alive, or do your people expect to see him dead and the conflict at an end? There might be a chance that we can keep the current king from dying."

[Asharad]

Baladir will ask the minister, "If this current King is close to death at the end of this fight is it ok for us to keep him alive, or do your people expect to see him dead and the conflict at an end? There might be a chance that we can keep the current king from dying."


Why would we want to? That'll only cause problems down the line.

[Lycos]

Why would we want to? That'll only cause problems down the line.

Depends on the view point of the lizardmen. If this guy was a victim rather than the master mind.

But hearing that there seems to be someone else under this illusion now, makes that a moot point. It'll be interesting to see once we pull the mask off of this guy.

[Sagar]

Baladir will ask the minister, "If this current King is close to death at the end of this fight is it ok for us to keep him alive, or do your people expect to see him dead and the conflict at an end? There might be a chance that we can keep the current king from dying."

The Minister looks thoughtful. "I cannot ever remember that being done. But then, so much about this is unusual. Do what you think you must."

You attentions are rivet back to the fight as Brunhilde finishes a potion (+10 HP) and launches another reaping strike at the lizard. Her swing (6+10 vs AC 19) misses but her backswing catches him for 5 damage. The King is bloodied.

Krestallon recovers and aims a particularly vicious attack at Brun (11+10+2+1+1 vs AC 20+2) and burns her leg (5+4 damage).

Trask (perception 8+16) keeps ALMOST seeing something but he can't quite make out what is tickling his perception. Amaril (Arcana 5+13) makes no further progress. Solak (12+11 Arcana) says "There's something on his hand or wrist..."
Fandango (perception 6+5) sees nothing new to add.

End of round:

Brunhilde: 27 damage, +2 AC, hemmed in.
Krestallon: 26 damage, +2 to hit, bloodied.

[Asharad]

Which hand? left side again?

If so I will focus on that.

[Sagar]

Left hand / wrist.

[DinbinFanfoom]

OOC: We're almost there, guys, keep focusing!

Precise Strike, +12-2 vs AC, 1d12 on hit. Passive perception: do I see any wrist jewellery / bracer from this close up?

OOC: LOL, KK and Brun have done 86 and 84 damage to each other respectively. Enough to kill each other roughly 1.5 times. About 17dam per attack, haha! Gonna need a LOT of bandaids after this!

[Shiz]

I focus on left hand/wrist. That has to be worth a bonus after all this Perception-ing.

[Sagar]

Actually, for something as small as a wrist, it will be -5 to hit...

As the King puts his left hand on the bastard sword, Brunhilde makes a curiously graceful slash with her great axe. Aiming for his left wrist, she (17+12-5 vs AC 19) slices down his hand and wrist (12 damage).

Since she did maximum damage with a large weapon, the area of effect will be larger than just wrist. The magic item, a ring, rolled a 5 for a ST so the damage went up his hand rather than down his arm.

As she does so, the gem of a large ring on his left hand is sliced off and skitters across the dirt floor.

The king's image flickers and POPS.. revealing a dragonborn warrior in chainmail. Krestallon, at first oblivious to the stunned silence around him, drops his useless left hand and uses another inspiring word to gird himself for more (heal 14). He is still bloodied... and slowly becomes aware of the growls eminating from the lizardmen around him. He glances quickly around the room and refocuses on Brunhilde. As he does so, he sees his weapon arm and his eye grow wide with alarm.

[EricStratton]

Amaril points his Sun Rod at the impostor and yells "Stay where you are!" (Intimidate +11).

[Shiz]

/ooc yeah you point your flashlight at him. Shine it in his eyes, you beast!

Trask yells "Witness the Treachery!" and draws his bow with a bead on the king. "I defer to the Prince, but this challenge is over. Do not move, Krestallon, and you will not be harmed by us. Justice is for your tribe to deliver. Blackguards, declare your intentions or be engaged!"

[Asharad]

"I hate to say we told you so," laughs Fandango, "...no, wait, I ****ing love to say we told you so."

[DinbinFanfoom]

He glances quickly around the room and refocuses on Brunhilde. As he does so, he sees his weapon arm and his eye grow wide with alarm.
"It is your moof... KING..." a blood-spattered Brun growls, the last word dripping with sarcasm. She waits to see what he does next.

OOC: Uh... he healed... is he done with his turn? I guess we wait and see how he reacts to his illusion dropping.

[Asharad]

Somebody wake up the prince.

[Sagar]

Amaril and Trask shout to the King to surrender. The lizardfolk all draw their weapons.

Krestallon raises his in defiance and, inhaling deeply, opens his mouth.

The Prince and the Minister, in one voice yell something loud and commanding in draconic. (Baladir hears "HOLD FAST! Krestallon, drop your weapon and control your breath or be destroyed for the dishonorable traitor you are!"

Amaril (intimidate 2+11) and Trask (intimidate 15+3) and the Minister (13+7) support the Prince (13+6+2+2+2 vs Will 17) in staring down the dragonborn.

Krestallen, shoulders slumping in defeat, drops his now flameless weapon to the floor. The rest of the lizardmen promptly disarm the blackguard and force them to their knees.

[EricStratton]

/ooc yeah you point your flashlight at him. Shine it in his eyes, you beast!
Shh! He doesn't know that! :lowlol: I gotta get me a wand....

[Sagar]

Wands are for wimps. Rods, now, are a REAL warlock's tool!

[EricStratton]

Wands are for wimps. Rods, now, are a REAL warlock's tool!
I *have* a rod and got made fun of. Am I holding it wrong?

(*titter titter snort*)

[EricStratton]

Arcana (+13) on the gem, ring and, while I'm at it, the sword.

[Sagar]

The gem and ring contain faint remnants of magic. The sword blazes magic (duh).

So, is anyone gonna ask the King anything?
Or are you going to go after the dragon now?

[Shiz]

I am waiting for higher diplo/insight people to speak. I am surprised the Minister and the Prince don't want answers.

Trask subtley motions at the Prince and whispers "Now is your chance to project authority and assume control."

[Asharad]

"If I may beg his majesty, the Prince's, indulgence for a few moments, I'd like to as Krestellon a question or two."

"Kresty, was it your plan or Malacon, the lich who is currently pretending to be a dragon and your god's plan to decieve these fine lizardfolk and to lead their people down this path of destruction? It was your plan, wasn't it, and not that fake gods?"

[Sagar]

I am waiting for higher diplo/insight people to speak. I am surprised the Minister and the Prince don't want answers.

Trask subtley motions at the Prince and whispers "Now is your chance to project authority and assume control."

The Prince mutters, "Act in haste, repent in leisure" then gestures to an officer and some of the soldiers. "Take the two blackguard down to the cells and lock them there for now. We will question them later."

Gesturing to one of the javelin throwers, he says "Pick up that weapon and bring it."

Turning to the party, "This may be a good time to pursue the dragon. It said it would be waiting in the throne room - and I suspect it is. We have lots of time to question the dragonborn, but I don't want that dragon to get away."
Turning to more of the warriors, he says "Show them to the throne room and assist them if they need it."

[Sagar]

"If I may beg his majesty, the Prince's, indulgence for a few moments, I'd like to as Krestellon a question or two."

"Kresty, was it your plan or Malacon, the lich who is currently pretending to be a dragon and your god's plan to decieve these fine lizardfolk and to lead their people down this path of destruction? It was your plan, wasn't it, and not that fake gods?"

The dragonborn looks at you as if you are speaking yiddish - clearly not understanding the question at all.

The Prince gestures to another soldier, "Get the second shaman and bandages. We don't need this one bleeding all over the halls."

[Asharad]

That was some ring.

Hey wait...think it will work for anyone?

[Shiz]

So did the Prince hand us the sword or not? If they did, Baladir gets it. Can someone figure out how to run it on?

Oh yeah, Brun should surge up.

Let's head to the throne room. Everyone has 2 APs except for Brun, I believe.

Lizard warriors
Baladir - Trask
Fandango - Amaril
Solak - Brunhilde

[Asharad]

Should we take as many lizardmen allies as we can.

Also, I was thinking I could put the ring on and pretend to be Krestellon. Maybe fake tie you guys up so we can get in a surprise attack.

[Sagar]

No one asked for the sword.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun will surge to full. I think she was down 2 surges to start with, and used one during battle (daily) so she probably needs to use two (28hp) to get to full, IIRC. That puts her at around 8 left? (13-2-1-2)

[Sagar]

The ring in broken.. it's in two pieces now.

[Asharad]

Rats.

Well, Brun should ask for the sword (its the least they can do).

[DinbinFanfoom]

Brun addresses the prince. "Zank you for za honour of zis fine combat. Vould it be disrespectful to ask for za sword of za conquered, as trophy?"

[Sagar]

Brun addresses the prince. "Zank you for za honour of zis fine combat. Vould it be disrespectful to ask for za sword of za conquered, as trophy?"

"No, not disrespectful at all. It is entirely appropriate."
The Prince gestures and the lizard with the sword comes over. Ceremoniously, he lifts up the sword and presents it to you.

"Now let's get that dragon!"

[Shiz]

/ooc sorry guys but I am out of the office from now until 1pm-ish.

[Asharad]

I'll warn anyone going with us that Malacon is an evil Lich and will probably talk into their heads in an effort to deceive them further. All they have to do is remember their former "king" being revealed for the sham he was. That's Malacon.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"No, not disrespectful at all. It is entirely appropriate."
The Prince gestures and the lizard with the sword comes over. Ceremoniously, he lifts up the sword and presents it to you.
Brun hands the sword to Amaril/Solak for analysis.
"Now let's get that dragon!"
"Agreed!"

[Sagar]

Most of the lizards with you don't understand much common. It's ok, though. They are pissed enough that Malacon shouldn't be able to get to them.

In fact, most of the lizard - lizard conversations have been in draconic. I went ahead and translated them for everyone rather than go through the tedium of telling Baladir and having him translate for the group. Just pretend that he did that. :p

Also, you guys played that about as well as you possibly could have. You defeated the guards (hardest entrance), rescued the captives, rescued the prince, went straight to the only guy who could help you (Minister), convinced him to let you help, picked the right fight (1-1, not 3-3. Him, being a warlord, is really wicked when he has allies. Also, people in the fight couldn't look for magic). You were not only winning the battle, but you identified the illusion and almost identified the source of the magic. All in all, very well done.

For activities thus far, each person receives 200 XP.

[Sagar]

You head about 150' east and the corridor opens to a 20x20 entry with large double doors on the north wall. Throwing them open, you see large 60x70' throne room. Columns line the sides and at the north end is a large throne. Curled up at the foot of the throne, like a sleeping dog, is the dragon.

"See, I told you you needed no help..(in draconic)" says the dragon as it lifts it's head and opens it's eyes. Seeing you, it exclaims (in draconic) "FORNICATION!" and breaths a cloud of noxious green gas at you.

The gas doesn't reach the party in force but, by the time you finish coughing and wiping your burning eyes, the dragon is gone. You see no other exit from the room and you are sure he didn't pass you.

[Sagar]

Brun hands the sword to Amaril/Solak for analysis.


Amaril: Arcana 4+13: You can tell it's magical and you saw it flame, but you don't know much beyond that.

Solak: Arcana 8+11: Pretty much ditto.

[Lycos]

Let's take some time to see if we can find an escape route that Malacon might have taken. He could've ported, but let's check to be careful that we don't miss an oppportunity here.

As far as the sword is concerned, if Brun can use it. She should have first chance at it. If she can't or doesn't want it, Baladir would like it.

/ooc Sorry, for not getting to this thread last night. It seems that a lot happened yesterday that I missed. *sigh*

If we don't find Malacon's exit then we can question Kestallon. Wrap up with the lizardmen, and we still need something to do with the Gnolls. They were assuming they would get their cave back. I'm not sure how we are going to wrap that part of this up yet.

[Asharad]

We outta line guys up at the entrance. he may just be invisible.

[DinbinFanfoom]

As far as the sword is concerned, if Brun can use it. She should have first chance at it. If she can't or doesn't want it, Baladir would like it."I am more uff axe person... sword is your schtyle, Baladir." Brun hands the sword to Baladir.

[Sagar]

You line lizards up along the entrance and fan out to search the room.

Half way across the room, Trask (perception 19+16) sees the trap door in the floor behind the throne.

Baladir gets the sword but doesn't know how to make it flame.

[Asharad]

I'll check the trap door for...errr...traps.

[Sagar]

No traps detected.