[Game Thread] A Story to tell in the Dark

[sertaki]

There are two obvious exits, the main entrance to the west - an old heavy double door, and a single door on the northern wall that propably leads to some kind of sidechamber. Wulfric standing up makes enough noise to finaly wake the two figures that were still asleep.

Tablark "By mah beard! T'is the damned courthouse! Who's playing old Tablark for a fool?!" the old dwarf suddenly shouts out after he fell from the bench from sheer surprise. He picks himself up with a few moanings and looks all those assembled in the eyes. "Ya, not very funny. Whose idea was it to tinker with mah beer?"

The halfling woman on the other hand awakes pretty much without a sound, but cannot stifle a horrified gasp when she realizes the place she wound up in.

The chaos of this situation is enough for the stout man apparently, and he walks solemnly towards the judge's emporium, adressing all from a position that was once occupied by those who dictated life and death. "It truly seems somebody had played a sick joke on our part, Tablark. It surely is not an accident that we were all collected here once again by whoever is behind this kidnapping, but I wonder who you folks are." he gestures towards the player characters. "This is no time for jokes indeed, young man." he regards René with a fiery gaze, most propably pointed at his very melodic rendition of the quite fitting children rhyme. "You Trog, I suspect to be Szanna's. From this fact and seeing that Luther, Gregor and the other absent jurors are all dead or propably unavaiable, most likely you are their kin. Am I right?" He ponders for a moment before continuing. "Yes that insane witch was there as well. the last one seems to escape me though."

[wodine]

René looked up and caught the man’s stern gaze. Careful what you say about dear aunt Almathea, if you don’t watch your tongue she’s still liable to bite it off. René stands to stretch his legs and calls off after the man he’d shared a drink with. It is of no use, I’m sure handsome, we are not just going to be able to walk out of here. I’ve all the missing pieces I think. You say it’s no time for a joke well I whole heartedly disagree. You’re the jury that hung ol’ Mord out to dry and apparently my dear sweet departed auntie was one of you and I’m willing to wager that’s how we all are connected. Now the questions are as follows, and stop me if I’m going to fast for any of you René quickly glances at the abomination at the end of the row, one why have we been collected, two who did the collecting, and three why did I have to dream about those GOD DAMNED DOLLS! René’s voice rises to a shout as he reaches the end of his aside and his eyes cross as he jostles his head emphatically on the syllable in the word ‘dolls’. René takes a moment to collect his thoughts and brush his hair back out of his face. Now, does anyone else have anything helpful to add or are we all going to wait for Mord to claim our heads one by one? Having said his fill René sits back down and takes another pull from his flask and begins to whistle the haunting Wealday tune while gazing dreamy eyed at the pretty blond cleric beside him.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[sertaki]

Talbrak "Aye, that we were - the jury. Hung that damn killer as he did deserve we did. Should have done a better job huh?" The dwarf seems to have calmed down from his harsh awakening. "But if ya ask me, no damn ghosts have taken me, I bet some damn cult's behind this."

Malgrim "Eh shut yer traps you idiots. Especially you, BOY." the hobgoblin looks fiercly into René's direction, his deep voice almost resounding like thunder at the last word. "Keep your weird dreams to yourself, we need to search a way to bust the old bugger for good. If it's truly damn hangman playing with us. God the power of the gods on our side huh!" With that he puffs a large cloud of smoke into Luxanna's direction.

"We're all gonna die here. Mord will have us, boy is right." Resignation rings in the rasp voice that emerges from the half-orc at the western wall. An almost mad cackle answers him with a mouth full of broken teeth. "They will call you Halgrak No-Head now! Halgrak Five-Toes will be old news then!" Maybe this very bad attempt at comedy is a way for the gnome to deal with the situation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, stop bickering and fighting! We shall conclude how to deal with the situation now - who knows what awaits us here." The man in the white suit says, standing up and climbing on the alcove next to the judge. "Name is Kilian Partreth, for all the new faces. I live to serve." he clears his throat, adjusts his monocle and then proceeds. "The gentleman in the judge seat is Sir Rekkart Cole. Paladin of Abadar and quite the grumpy fellow. our dwarven friend is Talbrak ... Hammergrind, if I recall correctly?" His quizzed looks is answered by an energetic bearded nod. "Lady Patrissa Vrakes is the lovely young woman's name over there, and this is Madge Blossomheart, acrobat and entertainer." He points with his silver cane first to the woman in the red dress, then the halfling. "Also Halgrak, our beloved smith from times when there was still a bluff to have a smithy on." His face then turns sour. "I also have the displeasure of introducing you to Ebin Blinthoodle and Malgrim Hurkes, but let's talk about nicer topics."

"You got guts, old man. Could crush your head anytime." Malgrim almost whispers throught the smoke. Hearing this, Patrissa finally seems to break - erupting into tears and rushing towards Wulfric. She buries her face into his chest, whispering "Make this stop, strong man!"

[wodine]

René René looks at the young woman holding onto the barbarian I can see she’s going to be a lot of help in this situation. René stands again to get a better look at the room and casts Detect Magic while focusing on any exits in the building, either doors or windows. If we are locked in as Malgrim suggested, then perhaps instead of breaking a lock we simply need break the spell, of course whether or not I’ll be able to over power the revenant spirit of a possibly wrongfully hanged man with the capacity of collecting a room full of people from across the city is…something to worry about later. With that René begins to walk around the room Dice perception: d20+1 (4)+1 Total = 5 inspecting anything that may give a clue as to how they are trapped within the courthouse that may be of a magical or mundane nature.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[PirateDevon]

Wulfric frowns as the woman pus hands on him, his attention being caught that his grandfather was involved in the issue of the hangman. Firmly placing his hands on the woman's shoulder he gently pushes her back, Sit. I'm working on it. Getting some space Wulfric then looks over at Rene, Tell me what you see.

 

STATBLOCK Wulfric HP: 16/16 Senses: Initiative: +2; Perception: +4 (Darvision) AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 16; 12; 14 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +5; +3; +0 Rage: 6/6 (daily) Languages: Common, Celestial, Draconic Traits Deft Dodger, Suspicious Notes:

[sertaki]

René lets the magic flow through him, trying to find a way out.   Neither the doors, nor the windows seem in any way magical. But while moving around with Detect Magic active, you get a glimpse of magical auras on some of the jurors. Patrissa (the weeping woman) has a magical ring and two smaller auras concealed in her clothes. Kilian (the old man) carries with him three auras concealed at his belt below his clothes and one at his breast. Malgrim (the hobgoblin) has a single small aura hidden at his body. Sir Rekkart (judge seat) wears a magical longsword and chain mail. The troglodyte has two small magical auras in his possession as well. Besides these things, the room itself shows no traces of magic. If you want to creepily stare at people for several rounds per item, feel free to make spellcraft checks to identify what they carry Make sure to be clear about what exactly you are trying to identify with each check. He takes his time, not only examining with magical help, but also mundane means - checking the floor and walls for irregularities, knocking on wood and similar things, but he seems to be unsuccessful. Regarding its significance in the old trial, the evidence table in the south-east corner seems like an obvious item to investigate and he goes on to check whether the still bloodcrusted axe that lies upon it can give him any clues. Once he approaches it though, he seems to hear a child laughing - muffled as if heard through a multitude of heavy curtains. But before he can think about its significance, a piece of the mural on the ceiling above (the portion with Iomedae’s shining sword upon it) breaks free with a groaning crack. The chunk of marble falls onto the evidence table and sends the bloody axe on it spinning end over end across the courtroom, sinking solidly into the wall behind the jurors box. On its way, it sligthly clips Wulfric and Patrissa who is still shaken by his heartless rejection. Esiak suffers a solid cut, the rusty blade hitting exactly between two thick scales on his throat. Luxanna was apparently watched over by Sarenrae, as the axe bounces off her armor at the chest. It would have struck deep had she been still in her priest clothes.

OOC René can avoid the falling marble with a DC 15 reflex save. Otherwise he takes 1d6 damage. Wulfric and Patrissa both are dealt 3 damage, Esiak suffers 5 damage.   This was a haunt, a malign spirit lingering still in the world creating a hazardous region that react violently to the presence of the living. Haunts can be destroyed by positive energy, but the timeframe in which it has an effect is small. One has to percieve the haunt with a perception check and be able to act in the surprise round before it to have a shot at interaction.   Dice Luxanna Perception: 1d20+5 (14)+5 Total = 19 Dice René Perception: 1d20+1 (12)+1 Total = 13 Dice Esiak Perception: 1d20 14 Dice Wulfric Perception: 1d20+4 (11)+4 Total = 15 Dice Patrissa Perception: 1d20+4 (9)+4 Total = 13 Dice falling debris: 1d6 5 Dice attack Wulfric: 1d20+8 (18)+8 Total = 26 Dice damage: 1d8 3 Dice attack Patrissa: 1d20+8 (4)+8 Total = 12 Dice damage: 1d8 3 Dice attack Luxanna: 1d20+8 (7)+8 Total = 15 Dice damage: 1d8 7 Dice attack Esiak: 1d20+8 (15)+8 Total = 23 Dice damage: 1d8 5

[wodine]

René is uninterested at this point in the magical gear of him compatriots as they seem to be of less significance than his immediate desire to avoid his imminent death.
René attempts to

Dice Reflex:

d20+1

(8)+1

Total = 9

avoid the falling debris. As René moves to dodge the debris the large mosaic splits in half one piece falling directly on top of him as he avoids the other. The ceiling cracks his head and he collapses under the weight of the old mural. BLOODY HELL René screams as the pieces collapse and crush him beneath their weight.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 1/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[sertaki]

The falling marble surprises the young man, almost crushing him. At least the axe seems to ignore him and misses him by a wide margin.

EDIT: I had already rolled debirs damage in my last post :/

Warning: rolls have been deleted from this post.

[wodine]

ooc Originally Posted by sertaki In the previous post you rolled a five for damage from falling debris, which should I use, 3 or 5?

[sertaki]

OOC The first one - 5. Ignore the bit about your hurt feet. Your rendition is much mor on point for losing 5/6 of your hp ^^

[Kylie]

Luxanna starts to piece together her chainmail, bit by bit as the lizardman asks her a question about her dream. She replies to him, "No the elven women wasn't trying to punish me. She was beheaded by a man her expression was as if she was calling out my name though."

Luxanna watches as the large man becomes restless and starts to search the room as the others begin to bicker back and forth. Luxanna thinks to herself, 'Is that a man?' Suddenly she interrupted by the puff of smoke blown in her direction by the hobgoblin. She coughs a couple of times before she finally finishes putting on her armor. Just then a chunk of the ceiling falls to the ground spending the axe straight towards her. It cuts a couple of people before bouncing harmlessly off her chainmail. She utters a quick prayer to herself, 'Thanks for your protection, Lady Dwanflower.'

Luxanna looks and sees the two injuries and the bleeding head of the educated man before springing into action, "Oh, no. Hang on guys, I'll treat those wounds." Luxanna takes her wooden holy symbol of Sarenrae in hand calls forth the lady's blessing. "Lady Dawnflower let your rays shine through and relieve these men of their wounds." Suddenly a warm soothing light covers the wounds of René, Wulfric, and Patrissa. The bleeding ceases and the wounds appear to never have existed at all.

Luxanna addresses everyone and tries to rally everyone, "I'm not a very bright lady, I'll even admit, it's not bright or wise to be fighting in this place. If ALL of us our going to leave this wicked place alive. We need to work together. After that we can go our separate ways." She looks to Wulfric and René as they looked for an exit to this place, politely asking them, "Have you found a way out of this building?"

 

Dice Channel Positive Energy:

1d6

5

Dice Diplomacy:

1d20+10

(10)+10

Total = 20

 

STATBLOCK Anna HP: 9/9 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +5 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 18; 11; 17 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +3; +1; +5 Channel Positive Energy (Su): 8/9 (daily), Touch of Glory (Sp): 6/6 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Stabilize, Guidance Spells Prepared Level 1: Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith (Domain) Always On: Faint Aura of Good, Halo (Bright Light: 20 feet) Languages: Common, Celestial Notes: My Channel is 1d6+1.5 Damage, DC 17 Will (Half Damage), (DC = 10 + Charisma Mod 4 + Glory Domain 2 + Sacred Conduit 1

[wodine]

René René managed to stand dusting himself off and pushing little bits of smashed rock off of himself. I very much appreciate the healing m’lady, that was quite the concussive blow. Rene pushes his hair back and fixes his clothes and smiles at the pretty cleric. I found very little useful information other than some of our cellmates possess magical items. The room itself does not appear to have any traces of the arcane, which I find odd. The only thing I know for sure is that before I was nearly knocked unconscious I heard a child’s laughter which would lead me to assume that we have more than just a single ghostly entity to deal with. René pauses and scans the room to see if anyone around him has anything of use to add. Oh sweet Amalthea is this what drove you over the edge? Did your perception of the Dark Tapestry drive you or were you hounded by such nightmares as these? René trails off and takes a drink from his flask. If exiting the building does not avail us, perhaps we should see what is through the door which leads into the antechamber then? I think I’ve done enough exploring for one day perhaps our strong and dashing barbarian friend could lead the way, yes? René smiles at Wulfric, and waits for someone hardier than himself to open the door.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[sertaki]

When the axe suddenly flew across the room, Sir Rekkart instantly drew his sword - but there was nothing to strike at and so he lowered it again a brief moment later. "Thank the gods we have somebody with us blessed with powers of healing. If such things happen again, we might be in dire need of this." He swiftly walks down from the podium and makes sure that everybody is alright again, then continues. "I shall lead the way, good people. Follow my lead and we will find a way out!" With that, he walks towards the double door entrance and slowly opens it - sword ready to guard against any fiends encountered. The halfling woman was apparently truly awoken by the strange attack, gasping from surprise. When Sir Rekkart dashes into action she follows suit swiftly, being the first person after him to emerge from the room, rushing to the left. "Stop! It might be dangerous!" he shouts out, but is ignored - the squeaking of a large door can be heard before he follows her.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I suggest we follow the dear Sir Rekkart into the main hall." Killian Parthreth say with a pale face, visibly trying to ignore what just happened. He slowly moves towards the exit with the others - making sure to stay in the middle of the group. "Damn fools. I said there's no way out. Didn't even ask how I know." Malgrim mutters under his nose and pushes through the group without regard for others.

Talbrak was visibly shaken by the event and follows silently, as does Halgrak whose face is full of quiet despair. Ebin does not make any jokes and tries to blend into the crowd, but obviously stands out thanks to his green outfit. Patrissa had cried out of pain when the axe cut her arm, but once the healing was done, she brightened up, smiling at Luxanna and making sure to stay near the woman.

Main Hall Eight enormous marble pillars fill this great hall, holding aloft grand balconies. Years of dust cover the floor, and muslin coverings are draped over the railings of baroque staircases curling like lazy serpents up to the raised landings above. A rusted chandelier in the northern part of the hall sheds the dim light of a few guttering candles. An impressive grandfather clock more than ten feet tall rests against the center of the western wall, its face decorated with guilty souls suffering Asmodeus’ torments: evisceration, force-feasting of coals, scalding blades tearing them apart, and other less savory punishments. The clock stands between a set of impressive oak doors and a lone oak door of equitable splendor, identical to another set across the hall. The largest set of doors is at the south end of this long hall. They were once barred against the night, but now one of them stands open and a halfling woman clings to the door watching something outside.

OOC I have updated the map.

[PirateDevon]

OOC Hey now it wasn't heartless per se, Wulfric is just suspicious and hard edged enough not to be moved by swooning ladies. I actually had trouble typing it out because I haven't played characters as "unmoved" as Wulfric before. Good times.

The barbarian grunts at the shower of debris and eyes the axe menacingly before pulling it from the wall. Nodding to the cleric as she heals him Wulfric's face suddenly turns to skepticism as she asks for him to lead the way. Shrugging at the notion the barbarian turns to see movement to the doors and then hears Maglrim muttering, A child mutters under his breath. You know something, Malgrim was it? Speak.

 

STATBLOCK Wulfric HP: 16/16 Senses: Initiative: +2; Perception: +4 (Darvision) AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 16; 12; 14 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +5; +3; +0 Rage: 6/6 (daily) Languages: Common, Celestial, Draconic Traits Deft Dodger, Suspicious Notes:

[chuckx777]

Esiak is careful not to quickly approach the halfling woman, sensing that she might already be in a frightened, or otherwise agitated, state.

"I am almost in a dreamlike state here, in this seemingly forgotten, pillared room. Grand it was at one time! Maybe revered! But I have also forgotten the stout man who mentioned my beloved mother!"

Noticing the dust on the floor, Esiak makes certain to lift his tail and not drag it through the years of waste and neglect.

He attempts to spot the stout man.

"My good sir! I am indeed the son of Szanna and hope to reunite with her and the Lord's family once we have sorted out our circumstances. Have you news of my other kin? Did you say they might be lost?"