Fallen Fortress (IC)

[Hestraim]

Stanley - Warped Sorcerer
Faeron - Half-Elf Rogue
Abigail Meadowlark - Dawnflower Dervish Bard
Rogran Mills - Sniper Scout Rogue
Robeh Stonebeard - Tower Shield Specialized Fighter
Labhrás - Cleric of Sarenrae

You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.

You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?

Each of you have been chosen by a wealthy historian for his own reasons to capture and collect valuable artifacts from within the Fallen Fortress.

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OOC
Just describe your PCs a little. Maybe a little background of their thoughts as they approach the large solitary tower. Once everyone responds we will begin.

[PhilMeyer]

As they approach the massive spire, Faeron whistles.

"Taller than I expected."

The half-elf is both excited to be on an adventure, and scared of what may lie within.

[shugyosha]

Rogran

Following his long time friend he adds, "Not much to look at. Hope this is all worth it."

[Ancient Hippo]

The tower was impressive, that was sure. While Labhrás was sure that it had been full of wonderful things when it was still in use, he was not very optimistic that they could find much of worth. After all, people tend to take their stuff with them before leaving. He tried to guess what the castle looked like from inside. Dusty, definitely. And probably in a bad shape, being left unattended for who knows how long.

He took a look at his companions and sighed. When a cleric is hired, it means that people are going to get hurt, and he will have to be constantly saving whatever idiot who fell in a hole full of pointy sticks from the brink of death. That, or the place is full of undead. Which would mean that he would be constantly healing idiots while having to fight a horde of zombies, skeletons, or other similar charming fellows.

He sighed again and made sure that he had his scimitar, holy symbol, and bottle of whiskey still with him.

[Morbis Meh]

Abigail had really done it now, the fact that this place smelled like wet dog rolled in horse dung didn't help, being forced to such means of survival and away from her calling... It was those damn dice and the rush of adrenaline as lady luck drew you in, oh it was glorious! Unfortunately for Abby she didn't exactly pay attention to the result which most definitely didn't go her way. Penniless and in debt she had two options... one to make some money fast by going to some rumored tower and looting everything she could get her hands on or two... She pushed that thought from her mind because it definitely was no option any sane woman would take. Resigning herself to the dank, crumbling tower she pouted.

It took a lot to get Abby in a somber mood but this had surely done it, if it was up to her she would have already left that stinky city after giving a generatious donation to needy children; but alas her she was in the middle of nowhere stuck with god knows who. One was definitely a priest, of her faith no less, but he smelled like cheap liquour and was rather sketchy looking... she would do her best to avoid him, well maybe after she lifted a drink or two from him. The others seemed more reserved and generally kept to themselves, maybe they were lovers? Abby could really care less but she respected peoples choices.

Pouting at the looming tower, Abby finally had reached the end of her rather limited supply of patience and announced "Alright, enough gawking at it, lets get it and grab whatevers useful and get out. Hopefully we can be back inside a warm inn by tomorrow."

[PhilMeyer]

"Not much to look at. Hope this is all worth it."

"Even if it we find no great treasure, I admit that exploring an ancient fortress has great appeal to me." It sounds like an adventure that uncle Fayne might have undertaken in his youth. Perhaps someday my exploits will be sung along with his.

"Alright, enough gawking at it, lets get it and grab whatever's useful and get out. Hopefully we can be back inside a warm inn by tomorrow."

So the halfling thinks she's in charge of this expedition? I suppose she did negotiate our rate.

"While I share your enthusiasm, I do think some caution is warranted. These ancient ruins are known for their clever and deadly traps. Hopefully Rogran and I will be able to find them."

[shugyosha]

Rogran

"Does anyone know anything about this place? What it was used for?" he asks as he takes a few steps forward.

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(1d20+2)[8] Knowledge History (untrained)

[Hestraim]

The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

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I am kind of an impatient DM so I will be expecting a post at least per day but more is definitely preferable. Everyone please roll perception.

[Hestraim]

Rogran
You are not able to make unchecked knowledge checks without training.

[PhilMeyer]

Perception:

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(1d20+7)[22]

[Morbis Meh]

The halfling moves in close next to Faeron and grabs his arm while offering a suggestive smile "My aren't I a lucky lady to have such a strapping man look out for little old me and I have all the faith in the world that you will be able to keep me safe." Still clinging to the half elf's arm she looks at the very dour and serious human that didn't smell like they fell into a vat of very bad ale. My if I can get these men wrapped around my finger I will not have to worry about getting into harms way... too bad there isn't a paladin here those fools always fall for the damsel in distress schtick!

She looks over to Rogran and giggles slightly "Now how would I know about some musty old tower? My caravan had no real use for books, they took up a great deal of room and were of little use, well except for kindling for a fire."

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Knowledge history (I haven't put a rank in it yet but it is a class skill!) (1d20+1)[17]

[Morbis Meh]

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Whoops forgot perception!

(1d20+6)[18]

[Hestraim]

Abigail
You remember hearing from some of the locals as your traveled through Absalom that the tower was used as a staging ground for a siege long ago. It was mentioned by one of the participants that he heard there was some unknown god worshiped there.

[Ancient Hippo]

Labhrás stands before the entrance, wondering if he should enter it first, when he heard the others speaking. He watched the halfling trying to manipulate Faeron. He hoped that the person who was supposed to keep them from walking in traps was attentive enough to notice the little woman's acting.

Suddenly he noticed the tattoo in the halfling's back. It looked oddly familiar. He tried to remember where he had seen it before, and then it hit him.

"Wait a minute, aren't you the one who got thrown out from the church that one day?" he asks from the halfling. "The old man hates when something diverts the attention from his boring sermons. If it makes you any happier, the people there were quite fascinated with your dance."

He smiles at the memory of the senior priest's enraged face for a moment, then returns at the entrance."Well, let's get this done before we get old." he says, draws his scimitar, and whispers: "Light of the Dawnflower."
The weapon starts glowing brightly, and he points it at the entrance, illuminating the inside of the tower.

Perception: (1d20+4)[17]

OOC:

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Casting light at the scimitar.

[Morbis Meh]

Abigail wrinkles in nose in disgust and almost vomits when she catches a hint of the priest's breath. She pushes down the very unladylike urge and smiles sweetly "Oh I thought I remembered that stench! Though the last time I saw you I really thought you were passed out, I thought priests were prohibited against drinking?" She taps her chin in false contemplation "That is no matter, I know the crowd enjoyed my performance, why else would they boo when that old crotchety stick in the mud sicked the guards on me."

Gripping the half elf's arm even tighter she bats her eyelashes at the poor soul next to her "Did I ever tell you I was a dancer? Maybe if you play your cards right I will give you a private performance." She gives a mischevious wink accompanied with a giggle.

[somethingrandom]

Perception

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(1d20)[2]

Looking at Abigail he says "Wow she's pretty. No sees not she far to short. Yes she is look at those eyes. No she not. Yes she is." It sounds like he is having an anguement with himself

[PhilMeyer]

Did I ever tell you I was a dancer? Maybe if you play your cards right I will give you a private performance.

Faeron chuckles at the comment. His experience with girls not of his clan has been quite limited, and is not quite sure how to react to the attention. The bard is quite attractive. Very small, but pretty.

Still, he feels he needs to offer some advice.
"Miss Meadowlark, I do not think it wise to antagonize our cleric." He then whispers, "At least not until after we know what we're up against."

[pyrocide]

a noise grew in the distance behind the group. At first the sound was indistinguishable, but quickly rose in volume to be recognized as heavy footfalls and a suit of armor.

"Hold..." The now visible dwarf tried to call out as he ... well, run isn't quite the word for it, but it was what the squat bearded fellow was attempting. "Hold up ya greased pigs.. Tall links a' lightning..."

As he came closer the group could see a stout suit of shined scale mail, complete with a horned helmet and metal face guard. Out from under the guard billowed out a long curly bright red beard, braided in multiple ends. His armor had the crest of the city of Absalom, meaning he was either a soldier or militia for the city which seemed a bit unusual for a dwarf though not unheard of.

The dwarf finally came within a casual speaking distance, and doubled over from the exhaustion. It was then the group could see a trail left behind the dwarf where his shield was dragging the ground behind him while strapped to his back. The shield was as big as he was, and the look of the shield strapped across the dwarf's back made him look not unlike a shiny bearded tortoise - further matched by the speed at with he could move.

Finally the dwarf caught his breath and stood straight. "Good Mornin' to ya! I'm Robeh Stonebeard from the Absalom militia. Call me Robeh. I've been tasked to escort this little party into them ruins over 'ere and make sure everybody comes back with all their pieces intact. Everyone ready to head in?"

[shugyosha]

Rogran

All the prattling the others were doing just annoyed the ugly man. He looked at the top of the tower and down to the bottom of the ruins.

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perception
(1d20+4)[17]

[Morbis Meh]

Abigail holds back her laughter at this extremely odd sight "Why I can not recall ever seeing a dwarf move their hairy stumps so furiously, you better hope we're not lightning or you're in a spot of trouble good dwarf. I don't recall anything in the agreement about an escort, are we not to be trusted walking around in some rubble? Though I must admit it is good to have a walking armory with us, in the front of course."

She lets go of Faerons arms and does a graceful piroette ending in a curtsy.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintence, Robbie the red, I am Abigail: Travelling celebraty and dancing queen."

[pyrocide]

"Oi, and a good day to you little miss Abigail. What is a famous dancer doin' wanderin' through some old ruins? Surely there's more money to be made from your fans than what we'll find 'ere. Well, in any case it's good to have you with us."

Robeh takes a moment to look over the rest of the crew before continuing. "Don't you worry none miss Abigail. No one's worried about what you all will do inside. It's what's possibly inside that brought me to be here. If you'll all follow me, we'll get this party started."

The stoic dwarf began walking forward toward the gaping hole in the structure, pulling his shield from his back and strapping it to his left arm. At the same time, from its hostler he pulled out his flail, the spiked end lightly swinging as he walked.

"Oi! Welcome to the Fallen Fortress everyone. Let's go over some ground rules," Robeh said as he continued forward toward the entrance, "One, stay close. There's no tellin' how small and twisty these ruins are gonna get. I wanna make sure everyone stays in sight. Some humans like to go with a "buddy system," so if it grips ya go for it. And two, if anyone has any, and I mean ANY alcohol, I would greatly appreciate some." Robeh grinned under his face guard as he walked into the giant opening.

[Hestraim]

While looking around, Abigail, Rogran, Faeron and Labhras noticed a pack of wild dogs running towards them.

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Each of the aforementioned PCs may act in the surprise round.

The five starving dogs immediately split into two groups. The first group of three approaches Stanley. (The dogs are still 25 feet away) The second group of two run directly at Robeh. (They are 10 feet away)

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OOC:
Initiative
-for the Dogs (1d20+1)[21]
-for Stanley (1d20+1)[7]
-for Abigail (1d20+6)[11]
-for Faeron (1d20+6)[8]
-for Rogran (1d20+6)[25]
-for Labhrás (1d20+1)[21]
-for Robeh (1d20+1)[6]

Anyone with a higher initiative than the dogs acts again after the surprise round.

EDIT: Labhrás you act before the dogs.

[shugyosha]

Rogran

His sharp eyes spotted the threat, a pack of dogs. Without thought he drew his bow and released an arrow at the nearest dog.

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surprise round
(1d20+4)[10] to hit
(1d8)[1] damage
(1d20+4)[7] crit
(1d8)[6] crit damage

His reflex were sharp and he had time for another arrow.

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normal round
(1d20+4)[9] to hit
(1d8)[3] damage
(1d20+4)[9] crit
(1d8)[7] crit damage

[Hestraim]

Rogran
Both shots miss the pack.

[Morbis Meh]

Abigail wiggles her hips and shakes her fingers and says "Un Ugh! Bad doggies, you all should be nice!" Out from the ether a slick puddle of grease forms in front of the pack of 3 dogs.

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So Reflex DC15 or fall on their faces... it will at the very least stop them!

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron sees his friend miss with both his arrows. "Get it together Rogran."

While not nearly as skilled of an archer, the half-elf draws his bow and attempts a similar shot.

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attack: (1d20+4)[21]
damage: (1d6)[1]

[Ancient Hippo]

Labhrás felt lucky for having unsheathed his weapon for unrelated reasons earlier. Divine guidance, maybe?

The dwarf could probably handle a few dogs himself, he thought, and placed himself between the group of three dogs and Stanley. Once there, he lifted his unarmed hand and sent a bolt of divine fire flying towards the charging dogs.

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Using my domain power.

Attack (1d20+1)[9]
Damage (1d6)[5]

On a unrelated note, I noticed that I had put a spell component pouch instead of a holy symbol on my sheet. Been doing too many arcane casters lately. I corrected it now.

[PhilMeyer]

Sneak Attack Damage (I forgot):

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(1d6)[6]

[Ancient Hippo]

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Ah, I had forgotten I had another action before the dogs. And in case it matters, the bolt was a ranged touch attack. (Although I doubt the dogs are wearing armor...)

The bolt was not very accurate, but Labhrás did not even take a look to see if it hit. Instead, he jogged towards the charging dogs, lifted his scimitar with both hands, and unleashed a vicious strike towards the nearest dog. To a untrained spectator it might have looked like the blade could bisect the dog, but the attack was angled in such way that it would not damage any vital parts.

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Attack (1d20+2)[4]
Damage (1d6+4)[10] (Note that the damage is non-lethal)
Crit (1d20+3)[23] (18-20 x2)
Crit Damage (1d20+4)[15]

Edit: Apparently hitting things is not this cleric's strong point. And the crit damage using 1d20 was a typo, not the result of freak minmaxing.

[Hestraim]

The first dog continues through the grease without falling. As it raises its head an arrow from Faeron pierces its chest. The dog falls limply to the ground skidding to a halt a pace in front of Labhrás.

The second dog in the pack loses its balance.

The thrid dog seems unaffected by Abigail's spell.

Labhrás' attention is taken momentarily as the first dog falls to the ground. His ball of fire flies over top of the remaining pack. Labhras runs forward attempting to intercept the third dog. The dog deftly dodges the attack.

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Just so everyone knows I will describe actions PCs take for my own enjoyment. If you want clarification when I post just ask. I can keep it very simple if that is requested instead.