Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 56/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 536 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Erik flicked his eyes around. He took some deep breaths. Then he said "Alright, Lea would want me to get out of here. She taught me a few spells." He sounded quite a lot more... present. He chanted something under his breath and placed his hand on the ground, spreading it out as much as he could. He moved his head around. "You are right, several of the passages have collapsed." He frowned. "There is no way to get where we came in from."
At the present, Erik and Alira are in a hallway. To the right is a double-wide hallway. The passage in front of them has been blocked off. Another passage, also on the right side but further down the hall, has only been partially blocked. Alira figures they could squeeze through.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira studied the two passages in front of them for several moments, before making her decision. "Erik? Through here," she said, gesturing at the passage free of rubble. "It'd make sense for the most important passages would be the sturdiest ones too."
Alira moved through the passage first, instructing Erik to follow as quietly and carefully as he could manage.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 56/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 536 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Erik nodded and cautiously proceeded through the tunnel. "You know, now that I'm not so hungry, things are getting clearer." He looked sad. "I miss them." He shook his head. "But now is not the proper time for mourning. Did that demon say what his name was? I missed it." The tunnel proved sound and they passed through it with no trouble. There was a side passage but Alira noticed something. A quick looked revealed some of the rubble had hidden a chest-shaped object. Might be worth it to take a look but it would eat up some time to remove the debris.
OOC
It fell to the floor when Lea was captured. Alira spotted it and was able to grab it.
Perception 40 + 7 vs 40 SUCCESS
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
"Rasaab. That's the bastards name." Alira grit her teeth as she stepped around a pile of broken stone on the floor of the tunnel. Not likely to forget that one.
When she caught sight of the chest underneath the pile of rubble, she held up a hand, signaling Erik to slow down. "Here, help me get this stuff off. We can use all the help we can get, so let's see what's in there."
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 56/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 536 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Clearing off the rocks and dirt didn't take too long. Eventually a chest was revealed. Erik examined it closely but didn't say anything. It was, unsurprisingly, locked. Not only that, but Alira managed to notice it was trapped as well. All she could tell was that it would activate some kind of magical effect if she failed to bypass it. Astok failed to respond to any kind of communication Alira attempted and Erik couldn't tell. Apparently Lea had one of the books he used to identify things like this.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira sighed. "Well, no one dungeon diving was an easy way to make a living." She looked at Erik, and motioned him back to the main corridor with her hand. "Back up a fair distance, just in case this goes wrong. If it does... feel free to rush in to save me."
Once Erik retreated, Alira turned back to the chest and set about the delicate task of bypassing the magical trap and picking the lock.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 536 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
It takes a moment but Alira manages to pick the lock, opening the chest. Unfortunately, while she had been sure she had avoided the trap, it activated anyway. There was a flash and Alira felt something burning hot on her chest. Looking down, she saw that some kind of symbol had been branded on her body. Thankfully it wasn't a real brand, otherwise Alira would have probably been in a lot more trouble. As it was, it itched terribly but didn't seem to be causing Alira any harm at the moment. The symbol looked somewhat like an angular eight with a straight line drawn through it.
The trap was unfortunate but at least Alira got some loot out of it. Most of the items in the chest were rusted to the point of uselessness but Alira managed to find a medium-sized sapphire that would probably be worth quite a bit to the right buyer.
Continuing down the pathway, Alira finds a stairwell. She judges it to rise high enough to escape from this place but it is sealed by a stone slab. Looking around, she finds a hole in the wall. Fear begins to trickle through her mind as she finds a switch inside the hole. For her to reach it, she would have to stick her hand in the hole. She's heard horror stories of traps similar to this. The worst one apparently trapped the victim, forcing them to chop off their own hand to escape.
OOC
Not quite sure how to handle traps and locks. I guess we'll use your stealth for picking locks and disarming traps.
Alira 34 + 4 vs 40 FAILURE Lock remains locked
Alira 34 + 14 vs 40 SUCCESS Lock opened
Alira 34 + 5 vs 40 FAILURE Trap sprung
Alira 25 + 2 vs 35 FAILURE Spell succeeds
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
OOC:
Using stealth for the lock picking stuff sounds reasonable. Where did the second part of the roll come from though? The +4, +5 stuff in the rolls. Also, how did she succeed on that second roll to open the lock?
The tip of her tongue sticking out slightly, Alira gently gave another twist to her pick and the lock responded with a satisfying click. There you go... She had spotted the weakness in the trap trigger right away, and had already disabled it. With a small, victorious smile she eased the lid open... and froze as the trap activated. Oh shit...
Alira watched helplessly as hot, glowing lines traced themselves over her chest, eventually settling into a steady, glowing pattern. Damn it all... She paused, awaiting imminent doom, but nothing followed. The writhing lines simply melded into her flesh, leaving behind an itch and a symbol she couldn't recognize branded into her skin just above the swell of her breasts. Gingerly she stood, afraid that the reprieve was temporary, but it seemed as if the curse had run its course. Huh... well this doesn't seem that bad. Yet. She briefly considered the possible implications of the mark, but cut her thoughts short. No use panicking. Whoever cursed this thing is long dead. Maybe it ends here. Maybe.
Pausing for a moment, Alira reached within herself experimentally. Astok? Only silence answered. Great.
With a sigh, she turned back to the chest, and heedlessly kicked the lid open. Shifting through the rubbish inside, her eyes quickly zeroed in on the glow of the gem. Grabbing the sapphire, Alira looked at it approvingly before stowing it in her belt pouch. Not a total disaster then...
Moving back to the corridor, she called out to Erik, and together they moved on. Briefly explaining the effects of the trap, Alira pulled down on the leather at her chest. "You recognize this thing? Because I have no idea what it is."
*******************
As they walked along, Alira kept glancing over at Erik. Should I tell him? About Astok? Last time someone found out, it didn't go so well... but that bastard and his little gang have a habit of showing up at the worst possible time. He needs to know, at least enough to prepare him for a chance encounter.
Alira stopped short, and looked at her companion. "Listen, Erik... something I need to tell you. I didn't know that Rasab was in here... but I've heard his name before..." Condensing the story, Alira quickly caught Erik up on the highlights of her relationship with Asok. "So I'm stuck with this... whoever or whatever he is," she summed up, "I didn't tell you before because the last people that found out about this tried to kill me. Almost succeeded. But I thought you had a right to know. Lea and Char... I tried to stop that thing, I did... but even it's "master" was scared of it."
*******************
Arriving at the stairwell, Alira felt a sense of relief wash over her as escape from the ruins began to look like a real possibility. The stone slab covering the exit dampened her spirits only slightly. Where there is a big honking door....Gotcha! Moving over to the wall, Alira examined the switch within. So, I stick my hand in there, flip the switch and... what? Worth the risk...but not without a back up.
Asking Erik to keep watch, Alira began to search the nearby rubble, looking for a shard of rock, a piece of wood, anything that would allow her to press the switch without risking her whole hand.
OOC#2:
Turned into a lengthy post, so I broke it out into three sections. If Alira doesn't find an alternative method to press the switch, let's assume that after examining it closer (Perception roll?), if she finds no traps, she'll press the switch herself, with Erik waiting back in the tunnel.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 538 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Alira felt something snap onto her wrist as she pressed the button. It was slippery and when she pulled her hand out, she noticed it was growing. However, the ring Alira had received from Glas glowed and the slime abruptly slid off. It hit the ground and evaporated in a matter of seconds.
Fortunately, that seemed to do the trick. The stone slab above them groaned and shuddered. Pebbles fell on Erik and Alira's heads as it began to move. Alira saw daylight through the slit. The slab seemed to get stuck halfway but the gap was big enough for them to slip out. Erik blinked. "Where are we?"
The two of them emerged into what seemed to be the bottom of a valley. Numerous caves dotted the sides. In the distance, Alira spotted what looked like a road out of the canyon. Or she could attempt to climb. The walls were rough enough and it wasn't too far, only about 20 feet. The wind blew towards her and brought with it the smell of rotting meat, sweat, and even less appealing substances. She noticed that some of the entrances into the caves seemed well-worn, as if frequently used. She also saw what appeared to be armor, flattened against a wall. This was not a good place.
OOC:
The roll came from Alira's attempt to bypass the trap which I used stealth for. Finally, the last roll came from a Resistance check to the trap's effect.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira blinked at the bright sunlight - even the relatively shady canyon bottom was harsh on her eyes after the trek through the gloomy tunnels. Where are we? How far did we walk?
"Erik, you know anything about this place? Recognize it at all?", Alira kept her voice deliberately low. Something about those caves troubled her. And that smell...
Waiting for Erik's response, Alira continued to examine the canyon. The worn entrances to the caves, combined with the sight of the crushed armor made up her mind.
"We need to leave. Now." Alira cast a doubtful look at Erik. "You're not an expert climber by chance, are you? I'd say that's our best bet. If not, we have to chance the walk." Alira glanced up at the rock ledge up above their heads. "Listen, I can try to make the climb first, and see what we're dealing with up top. I could try to lower something down for you as well. In any case, should be easier for you to follow if you can see how I do it. Stay back for now - and not out in the canyon, but back in the stairwell a bit."
OOC:
Unless Erik has a hidden climbing talent, Alira tries to make the climb up the side first.
As far as the previous rolls - I understand what each of the 4 rolls were for. I'm wondering where the numbers that you added to her stealth stat came from? A random roll? And how did she open the lock on a roll of 34+4, when the roll before that she failed with the same numbers?
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 542 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Erik shook his head. "I can guess, though. I think this is a troll dwelling. They reside in caves and in groups. They don't like the daylight so as long as we stay out of sight, they shouldn't bother us. They've got no sense of smell and poor hearing.." He retreated down the stairwell.
Fortunately for Alira, when she had bought supplies, she had including climbing gear and plenty of rope. Unfortunately, her weakened ankle was giving her trouble. As she started, the brand on her chest seemed to throb for a moment and she thought she saw something move. Then there was nothing.
She had barely started her climb when her ankle gave out. It was simply too hurt. She began to fall and then she felt a gentle wind slow her down and simply lay her on the ground. The familiar presence of Astok returned. You can't do anything without me, can you? He sounded smug, like usual, with no sign that his breakdown had effected him.
OOC
I made a mistake. It was supposed to be a 14, not a 4 for the second roll. And it worked like this: She attempted to pick the lock. She failed. I rolled and the trap didn't go off. She attempted again and succeeded but this time the trap went off.
Astok cast Gliding Winds, a 1st level spell that cost 0 EP so he didn't need anything from Alira to use it. It stops falling damage.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira stood up, favoring the injured ankle and set about repacking her climbing rope. Really, Astok? Let's try to remember who spent years in an musty, underground tomb twiddling his non-corporeal thumbs. Raise your hand if that was you.... oooh, sorry, I forgot that you can't.
She rubbed her chest, the sudden sensation from the brand troubling her. You have a nice nap? Seemed awfully troubled by the sudden appearance of one of your fantastically loyal servants.
Finished with her task, Alira walked over to the staircase, and spoke to Erik. "The sides are a tougher climb than I had thought. Looks like we'll have to chance the canyon. Let's go. Watch my back, I'll watch yours. And here," Alira handed the man one of her daggers, "just in case."
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 550 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
Oh you're never happy with my help. I see you've found yourself in a rock troll nest. I'd be careful. Those things are among the weakest of the giants but they are still very dangerous. And they tend to live in groups. She could feel a frown. Something's going on with you. Did something happen?
Alira's long years of practice served her well. She glided over the ground and didn't even leave tracks. Eric, on the other hand, was much more of an academic. There was a pile of rocks and he ran right into it. The dagger fell from his hand onto the ground. The clattering of metal against stone seemed to echo forever through the canyon. Then there was a groan.
Rolls
Alira Stealth 17 + 24 = 41 Alira is the night
Eric Stealth 3 + 12 = 15 Eric not so much
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Astok, your help almost makes up for all the problems caused by your presence, so gratitude may be in short supply for a while. And yes, something did happen while you were hiding from your fantastically loyal minion. A trap left a brand on me. I don't recognize the symbol.
Alira glanced back at Erik, to make sure he was still nearby, before moving on. She moved cautiously, measuring each step with deliberation and care. Just as Alira was beginning to think that they'd be able to make it out without further trouble, a loud clang of metal on stone behind her dashed those hopes.
Crouching, Alira spun around, looking for Erik. The hapless man had stumbled and dropped his dagger in shock. Great.... Frantically, Alira gestured for Erik to find whatever cover he could. Drawing her crossbow, the night elf pressed herself against the rocks, and waited in ambush for any unwanted interlopers.
OOC:
If a troll has been alerted by the noise, Alira goes for a sneak attack with her crossbow
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 566 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
The usual situation played out. Alira set up. A monster came in view. She fired her crossbow. However, this time the result wasn't the same. The bolt sunk into the creature's hide but it didn't go down, though it stumbled. Instead, it looked at her and growled. It was humanoid but no one would mistake it for a human, even at a distance. Its ears and nose were too big, it was covered in bumps and muscle, and its skin was mottled dark green. It move towards her, steadily. With some trepidation, she noticed the bolt was pushed out of its body and the wound began healing. Oh, good, that's a young one. He doesn't want to share either of you so he hasn't called for everyone. Now, about that brand... hmmm... it looks like one of the symbols I use to summon particularly powerful demons but it has been modified somehow. I need a moment to study it.
Rolls
Attack 10+52 vs 25 HIT (All of Alira's attacks with automatically hit)
Damage 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 6 + 8 = 26 * 2 = 52 - 6
He's far enough away for Alira to get another round off before they are in melee range.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Oh that's great news... just what I needed... I can barely keep Ahael off of me as it is.
Alira didn't have much time to ponder Astok's news however - the rock troll was heading straight for her. Damn...well, when in doubt - hide. Alira dodged behind a nearby rock outcropping, breaking the trolls line of sight, and started reloading her crossbow.
OOC:
Not 100% sure of the rules here, but I'm going for a Sneak action against the troll. If she's allowed to also reload her crossbow, great.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 53/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 598 CL: 2 Status: Weakened
There was a pulse again from the brand. This one was extra powerful and almost caused Alira to stumble. Hmmm... well, I figured out what it is for. It isn't calling demons to you. It's turning you into a demon. It seems to be sucking corruption out from Hell and directly injecting it into you. You also might want to take a look at it.
A glance at the brand revealed it had grown. Different symbols were beginning to spread from the initial mark. It had covered most of her chest and was starting to creep up her neck. Aha, that's what it is for. Once you've absorbed as much corruption as you can, it will send out a signal Rasab can detect. Presumably he'd hunt the cursed down and suck out all of the corruption. So, how do you feel about turning into a demon? That sword probably won't like you any more.
It took more than ducking behind a rock to fool the troll. She heard the footsteps stop a fair distance away. Then there was a grunt and the sound of something being thrown. A rock the size of Alira's head went flying past her and exploded against the wall behind her. A few shards from the stone were sent flying fast enough to cause a few cuts but it didn't do much damage. However, she was fairly sure the troll had picked up another rock and the longer she tried to out wait it, the more it would heal. She could see Erik on the other side of the canyon. He had opened his backpack and flipping desperately through a book.
OOC:
Don't know if you noticed but since she's gotten the brand, Alira's CL has jumped from 536 to 598 and will continue to increase.
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira spared a glance down at the symbols spreading across her skin, as her hands busily worked on her crossbow. Oh hells...
How do I feel about turning into a demon, so that creep can hunt me down and get even more powerful? Take a wild guess, Astok! Let me ask you - how do you feel about that prospect? After the little show he put on back there, do you really think Rasab will be satisfied with just draining away the corruption? Considering our link, I'm guessing some of you might end up being dessert!
The troll chose this moment to launch his attack, heaving a boulder that cracked into shards on the canyon wall opposite of Alira's hiding place, showering her with fragments. Cursing under her breath, Alira shielded her eyes with her free hand, her reloaded crossbow held tightly in the other. Once the rock shower ended, she grabbed one of the smaller pieces and hurled it away from her. Waiting until her distraction struck home, she spun in the opposite direction, leaving behind the dubious shelter. Setting her feet, she sent another bolt at the troll's hideous form.
OOC:
More flavor text, just going for another double damage sneak attack on the troll
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira: HP = 13/57, PP = 40, EP = 44/45 CP: 630 CL: 3 Status: Weakened
Alira's trick managed to get the troll off guard sufficiently for Alira to slip another bolt into its neck. The creature grunted in pain and threw a rock at Alira in response. The damage had caused it to overreact, though, and the rock just clipped her. That was enough, though. The power behind the rock was enormous and sent her spinning. Her whole body was in pain and she felt like she was about to pass out. Before she could do much more, though, she felt the brand throb again. The amount of corruption that had been absorbed into her body began to change her. Oh, I plan on shielding you from being found if your transformation is complete. I'm just wondering how much you are willing to pay to prevent the brand from completely transforming you. I'll throw in helping you deal with this fellow.
OOC:
Alira has gained another corruption level. Give her a mutation.
5 + 1 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 8 = 32 * 2 = 64
Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041
Alira grunted in pain as the troll's rock struck home. That hurt... good thing he's not the only one that can heal.
Alira sought some cover nearby, as she reached for a healing potion in her belt. As she quickly gulped down the liquid, she felt the brand on her chest throb once more. She blinked - the dust was starting to irritate her eyes... no it was something else. The world looked just a little off...
Astok's smug voice cut through her thoughts. Oh, I've had just about enough of this...
Alira crouched down and began reloading once more. Astok, you make an intriguing offer. Let me counter. You stop the seal, now, and I... do nothing. Doesn't sound like a good deal? Fine. I'll just call Ahael over for a chat... I'm sure he'd be really interested in learning how the pact has been altered by your condition. And what the hell, maybe I'll make it a romantic visit too. I mean, what's the difference right? Might as well enjoy the ride.... Or I might just find Rasab, or Bakh. Alira straightened up, her reloaded weapon in had. Sure all of them would use me for their selfish ends, and gain power...but what exactly makes that different from what you're doing? See, you're leaving me with only bad options, so I'll just go ahead and pick the one where you get screwed too.
