Difference between revisions of "A Mountainous Exploration Part 12"

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(Created page with "GAME: NEW ROUND! Whirlpool advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 26. It is now The Walls Have Eyes... and ears... and tentacles..'s turn! Munch...")
 
 
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You'd been traveling down a wide spiral as you further explored the mountain's shifting interiors All had been going well but it's become apparent that you have a problem.
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GAME: NEW ROUND!
  
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At some point, the ground beneath your feet had changed, from solid earth and stone, to. more of a loose covering and then to... hide. Segmented, armored hide.
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Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
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Segmented, purple armored hide. About the time this is becoming clear to you, the ground further shifts and moves beneath your feet as the enormous purple worm upon who's back you stand begins to move. And it's taking you with it.
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Round Four - Init 26.
  
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It is now The Walls Have Eyes... and ears... and tentacles..'s turn! Munch is next!
  
   
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Quickly.
  +
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You may want to hold on tight.
   
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (2)+23: 25
  
   
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (10)+23: 33
  
   
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"It's moving!" Seldan drops to flatten himself against the armored hide and grabs onto the scaled hide as best he can - there isn't much to grab onto, but a segment of its armored hide will have to do. He clings on for dear life, only barely sneaking glances back behind him, his lips moving in prayers to Eluna to shield them all.
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (2)+23: 25
  
   
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (17)+23: 40
  
   
  +
Rhar is fine. She's on Gurr. And Gurr is always stable! Just ask her!
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
  
   
  +
Gurr, on the other paw, may have a different opinion. His claws are made for digging, not grabbing. So he frantically tries to find an edge or protrusion or something to sink his teeth into.
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
  
   
   
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Malik doesn't waste any time. As the others flatten and grab on to whatever they can, the wizard does the same, cursing in that foreign tongue of his -- evident from the intonation, really.
   
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GAME: Garak rolls weapon15+4-3: (19)+14+4+-3: 34
  
   
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Olek is stable, dwarves are famous for their stability, but if this thing goes into someplace with a low overhead, standing might be a bad plan, so he will go flat also. Just in case.
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GAME: Garak rolls weapon15+4-3-5: (10)+14+4+-3+-5: 20
  
   
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GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+9+9+4+2d6: (1)+9+9+4+(9): 32
  
   
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Munch considers. He's never cut his way -into- a giant monster before. And he does have a rather nice axe. This might be a rare oppertunity. If nothing else, an axe embeded soildly into the armors plates makes for a decent handhold, right?
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Garak chants a word, and then stabs at the nearest wall with his lance. Powered by the various enchantements and held in both hands the weapon spears through a tentatcle and then pins it in place against the wall. "We have to keep moving!" he urges. "This is no place to fight!"
  
   
   
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GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
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GAME: Munch rolls ref: (15)+10: 25
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Round Four - Init 23.
  
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It is now Munch's turn! Seldan is next!
  
   
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GAME: Seldan rolls reflex: (15)+14: 29
   
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GAME: Munch rolls weapon28: (18)+20: 38
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GAME: Rhar rolls ref: (12)+10: 22
   
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GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-5: (20)+20+-5: 35 (THREAT)
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GAME: Rhar rolls companionref: (8)+10: 18
   
  +
Rhar gives a loud warning and battle cry. "Wheee!"
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GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-5: (4)+20+-5: 19
  
   
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GAME: Munch rolls damage28+1d6: aliased to 1D12+13+1d6: (9)+13+(3): 25
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GAME: Olek rolls reflex: (19)+6: 25
   
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GAME: Munch rolls damage28+1d6: aliased to 1D12+13+1d6: (3)+13+(3): 19
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GAME: Malik rolls reflex: (7)+10: 17
   
  +
GAME: Kore rolls ref: (11)+12: 23
   
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 12d6: (42): 42
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Munch chops at the wall. Well, the thing covering the wall, pretending. Well, not pretending any more. Now it's just a regular monster, that's getting chopped. A lot. By an axe that oozes lime green acid. Into the walls eyes. That's all sorts of unplesant. For the wall.
  
   
   
   
  +
The thing picks up speed.
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It isn't like the 'wall' isn't trying to hit back, anyway. Though chunks of it lay wiggling on the floor at this point, it's tentacles have slapped Munch hard several times, leaving the golems'z exterior shifting like it *wants* to warp.
  
  +
  +
A lot of speed, actually. Giant monsters can aapparently quite wuick when they burrow, and this one is.
  +
  +
It's *huge*. The hole being left behind it is easily fifteen feet around, but that doesn't help with the whole 'getting battered by debris' as it *digs tunnels* through solid stone and takes you with it.
  +
  +
Life is not good.
  +
  +
Eventually, it emerges into a more immediately open area.
  +
  +
There's a rush of warm air.
  +
  +
And then it *hits* something hard enough to dislodge all of you and send you scattering across a carven, battered by falling rocks and debris in addition to the impact.
  +
  +
Yes, you more or less got scraped off its back, though it's... pretty much nearby. You think.
  +
  +
It's dark, and you're all on the ground. In a lot of pain, to say nothing of suffering *incredible* vertigo from thw twisting burrowing of the worm.
   
  +
  +
  +
Malik's dislodge is a bit more -- violent than the others. Whatever hard surface the others hit, Malik manages to hit it headfirst. There's a sickening 'crunch' sound, and the wizard rolls off the purple worm, hitting the ground -- and not getting back up. Blood drains from the corners of his mouth, nose, ears -- and the slight, flat surface on the side of his head says nothing good. At all.
  +
  +
Luckily, he seems to still be breathing. For now.
  +
  +
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Munch blinks hard, and stands up, peering around. "...well, that was a novel and intresting experience. Let's not do it again."
  +
  +
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Olek tucks and rolls when he feels himself jarred loose, and whatever he hits and lands on drives the wind from him. He shakes his head to clear it, trying to regain his wits.
  +
  +
  +
Rhar is used to sticks breaking bones. Not so much the stones. Until now. "Ow! Bad rocks!" She yells and flails and gets to her paws. Gurr is slower to stand, and not quite as loud. Just a resigned rumble.
  +
  +
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Seldan groans, rolling over and into a sharp piece of debris, bruised and battered. But he seems to be conscious, and oh so slowly gets to his feet. If he wasn't pretty sure the worm was nearby, he wouldn't even try. "I would not have chosen it the first time," he answers Munch in a groan. Closing his eyes and chanting an incantation to summon a golden-silver ball of light, he affixes it to the shoulder of his cloak, and only then does he make any attempt to open his eyes. When he does, he fixes his eyes on a line in space to steady the room - and that line, he registers after a moment, is a badly-hurt Malik.
  +
  +
That ends the vertigo, right there. "Vanguard!" he shouts for Garak, striding over as fast as the spinning room will let him.
  +
  +
  +
  +
The vertigo begins to recede, revealing that you're in a large ravine, at least, within the mountain, a chamber criss-crossed by the burrowing creatures and gradually widened over time. The ground you're on has an odd, spongey texture with an underlying, discomfting firmness.
  +
  +
A glance around reveals... rather enormous piles of bones clumped together in round balls that you sit between.
  +
  +
Oh.. oh no...
  +
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/arcana: (4)+11: 15
  +
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls knowledge/arcana: Trained Use Only: 0
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls knowledge/arcana: (4)+9: 13
  +
  +
GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/arcana: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
  +
  +
GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (18)+19: 37
  +
  +
  +
Garak shakes his head to clear it. He blinks, possibly concussed. Did someone call for a cleric? He pushes himself to his feet and looks around. First he spots Seldan, then quickly Malik next to him. Blinking one last time to clear the last of the fuziness from his vision, he reaches for his holy symbol.
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls 7d6: (21): 21
  +
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Seeing the cleric already at work, Seldan looks down worriedly at Malik, but steps aside, and looks around. One glance around, and the first word from his lips is "_Alacha_." The armor folded in the brooch at his neck unfolds at command, and he waits only until the clash and clatter is done to draw his sword. "Ware," he says. "Those are what it could not digest. We stand on its molted skin, in its lair. It is but time before it returns."
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (7)+3: 10
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (9)+3: 12
  +
  +
GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.
  +
  +
GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.
  +
  +
  +
Rhar looks at the balls as Seldan calls out. Then she walks over to sniff at the nearest one. "Ha! It no eat us all!" Since it can't digest them, they're safe!
  +
  +
Garak gives Malik a longer look and then lurches over. As he approaches he withdraws a small wand from a satchel at his belt. He touches it to Malik and murmurs under his breath. Finally he looks around. "Is anyone else hurt? If this a temporary respite we should take advantage..."
  +
  +
  +
Malik slowly starts to come to once more, the flattened side of the wizard's skull now little more than a bruise. Slowly his eyes open, and he sits up, groaning. As his fingers move through the detritus on the floor, he simply sighs. "I hate purple worms." Clearly, his head is still a bit fuzzy, but he's already attempting to get back to his feet. Shakily.
  +
  +
  +
Olek is picking himself up and getting his wits back, as much wits as he has in the first place, but at the word that this is the lair, he will draw shield and axe and stand ready in the dark.
  +
  +
  +
Munch keeps his ax ready and his eyes open, but doesn't seem too concerned. "Just a worm, right? I mean yeah, a a really big one, but still..."
  +
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+7: 17
  +
  +
GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+6: 16
  +
  +
GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (9)+6: 15
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (13)+3: 16
  +
  +
GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (8)+3: 11
  +
  +
GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.
  +
  +
GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.
  +
  +
  +
Munch blinks again, and buzzes softly, peering at the bones. "...huh. Those are demon skulls... dang... anyone else suddenly crave BBQ?"
  +
  +
  +
Relief floods through Seldan as Malik stands, and he nods gratefully to the arvek, but tells Malik, "Look sharp. I dare not seek their presence-"
  +
  +
He stops short, but the next one to speak is the blade in his hand, the voice of the irascible old man. Oddly, for once that voice sounds positively pleased. "Caught it, did you boy? Definitely demon bones in that pile. Wouldn't have those unless they're somewhere around, right?"
  +
  +
"Worse yet," Seldan counters, "what would eating demons do to such a creature...."
  +
  +
  +
Rhar knows the answer to that. She points a stick at one of the balls of excrement. "Make poop demon bone!"
  +
  +
  +
Garak stares at the nearest ball in distaste. Then he glances at Seldan. Or rather at the talking sword. Finally he looks around for the direction the worm departed the immediate area. Like the others he was tossed and still hasn't caught his bearings. "It's eating demons? That...is both comforting and horrifying." He thinks about it and then decides, "Mostly horrifying."
  +
  +
  +
  +
There's a tremor.
  +
  +
You have a lot of potential passages to go through, agaihn, too, though you're gonna need to avigate around these...piles.
  +
  +
  +
  +
Munch buzzes quietly. "So... we're going to have to fight that thing eventually, right? Anyone spy a locaation better than here? Or someplace that might be better? I'm open to suggestions."
  +
  +
  +
Malik might be on his feet, but the wizard doesn't look like he's in much mood for a fight. He gives Seldan a look, waiting for the paladin's input.
  +
  +
  +
Garak runs his gaze across every party member, mouth moving silently as he counts. "I can cast the Wind Walk spell," he finally concludes. "On all of us. As long as we move in a group we can find a spot of our own choosing - and return to our normal forms precisely when we desire." He hesitates and then adds, "Well, two dozen heartbeats after we desire."
  +
  +
  +
Olek is just waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. Do worms even have shoes? "If we fight here in the wormcrap, it's not going to open it's maw and swallow us, right?" Or maybe it won't care?
  +
  +
  +
"It knows we are here," Seldan says, looking around, peering into the darkness. "This cavern is yet bigger than my spell will reach. I would have us add more light, that we might better see, and learn more of this place. This may be as good a place as any to make our stand. Let us make haste to explore and begone if we may, but with weapons and spells to hand should it return."
  +
  +
  +
Rhar sniffs around, aided by Gurr. To make things even easier, she climbs up on Gurr's head. Two noses are better than one! "Hunt it? Or stay?"
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Garak refreshes spells.
  +
  +
GAME: Garak casts Wind Walk. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22
  +
  +
GAME: Garak casts Wind Walk. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22
  +
  +
  +
"Leave." Malik's answer is firm, the wizard's throbbing head leaving him in little mood for argument on the matter, it seems. "We are in no position to fight such a creature. It might take an army. We leave, and come back better prepared, instead of doing something foolish." He moves to lean against the wall, resting his head against the stone there. "In case you haven't noticed, we are outmatched, and our luck has been less than ideal."
  +
  +
  +
Munch buzzes softly, muttering softly to himself. "I -am- an army.... your Mom's outmatched... whatever that means... I should ask sometime..." But the golem doesn't voice his objections loudly. If the group wants to leave, he'll leave.
  +
  +
  +
Garak looks at Malik. "We are not outmatched," he says evenly. "Look around you. Rarely does a group of adventurers this skilled and powerful quest together. Perhaps it's the first time you've been with such a party, but there is no way to be better prepared. In this place, in these circumstances...we are more effective than an army. There is no one better to be here than us."
  +
  +
  +
Olek has to chime in on Garak's side in this. "I'm not the type to turn tail just because something's big and scary. I'm for having a go at it, at least." That said, the stocky dwarf is made out of tough. "I'll feel a right fool if we're just going to run like a spooked deer. Anyhow, if I can tell those chumps back at the Temple I fought this thing, I think that'd be worth a lot of cred."
  +
  +
  +
"Either we all go, or we all stay," Seldan says firmly. "We stand together, or we stand no chance. If not all feel themselves equal to the task, then I will not force them." He does not look at Malik. "We should decide quickly, whichever we do. It is likely that we will be able to return, with more information and perhaps those specialized in such things."
  +
  +
  +
"Can go. This way!" Rhar sniffs, then she points. A way out? It will be out of where they're at right now, at least!
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls survival: (17)+17: 34
  +
  +
  +
  +
"...ah, such voices," comes a rasping, whisper. It comes from beyond some of the piles near to you.
  +
  +
"Come closer so that I may see you."
  +
  +
  +
  +
Munch perks up, the leathery 'dreadlocks' on his head wiggeling into a loose halo as he peers towards the voice. "You -want- me closer? You really didn't get a good look." The golem steps towards the voice boldly, but keeping his weapon ready. He's gulible, not stupid.
  +
  +
  +
Garak turns slowly in the direction of the whisper. He glances at the nearest party members to make sure they heard it too - and he's not just hearing things. Then he falls into position behind and to one side of Munch.
  +
  +
  +
"Ware, Munch," Seldan warns the golem. "Recall my words, and Kanian's, to you, regarding those piles." Sword still in hand, Seldan turns his attention towards the voice, but is careful not to make eye contact with it, yet."
  +
  +
  +
Olek will step up beside Munch, this is something he can deal with. Or, well, Munch can deal with it, and he can help a little. He knows where he stands in all this, but he's bold by nature and no shrinking violet. "Who's there?" he demands curiously, his tone a bit surly despite himself. He just doesn't have a gentle voice.
  +
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  +
Malik, hearing the voice, seems rather resigned to the task at hand, at this point. He leans on the strung bow for support, saying nothing, letting the others handle -- whatever is now talking to them.
  +
  +
  +
Quietly and without comment, Seldan moves a little behind the others, and with a worried glance at Malik, places himself, armor, sword, and all, between the wizard and the new presence. He does not immediately move to confront it, not as swiftly as the others, but he stands ready.
  +
  +
  +
  +
Whatever it is, clearfy, it is speaking to you from beneath a bone pile.
  +
  +
"I never thought to see a living soul here in this pit. Come, clear away the bones so that I can see you." The voice is raspy, yes, and coming from beneath the bones.
  +
  +
NO, SIR, THIS IS NOT AT ALL OMINOUS.
  +
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Olek will, with his axe used a bit like a broom, clear away the bones. We may as well at this point. If they're weak enough to be buried under bones, how much of a threat can they be? Maybe it's someone who needs to be rescued? That'd be a good reason to call out in the darkness. "Who are you?" he asks. "I'm Olek Stonesmasher, at your service, if your service needs serving here," he muddles through a sort of traditional greeting.
  +
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Munch is also inclined to move bones at this point. He doesn't really trust the voice, but doesn't exactyl feel treatened by it. "I'm Munch, the TerrorMaw."
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Stjepan looms in the back, mostly because it's hard to push forwards. It's been too close, too tight, for too long. He waits, metal scraping on metal.
  +
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Garak edges closer. He has to drop his gaze to the ground in front every half-step, to make sure he doesn't step in anything especially undesirable. He stops a half-dozed paces from the source of the voice, thinking to cover Munch and Olek.
  +
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  +
The bones rat tle. They begin shifting. It doesn't matter if you started pulling them away or not, it appears, even though you were asked. The clump starts to fall away and it reveals a... face...set in the earth, into a recess.
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  +
"The terror maw," you say, its gaping, demonic visccage moving as it speaks, an animate, twisted pile of half-melted flesh.
  +
  +
"It's *so good* to meet you, Maw. I am also a maw."
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GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/Planes: (12)+Knowledge/Planes: 12
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GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes: (14)+7: 21
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GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (20)+6: 26
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  +
GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/the planes: (7)+6: 13
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  +
Stjepan gives a grunt at that, stepping forwards a little. His hand slides to the hilt of his greatsword suspiciously. He must have left his sense of humour on the purple worm.
  +
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Olek peers at the face set into the ground, and the first thing that occurs to him is it will be very complicated to move this thing anywhere. "What are you?" he wonders, despite himself. He at first doesn't even realize he's said it aloud.
  +
  +
  +
"How did you come to be here?" Garak adds, keeping his tone neutral.
  +
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GAME: Malik rolls Spellcraft: (9)+20: 29
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GAME: Seldan rolls spellcraft: (14)+12: 26
  +
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GAME: Malik rolls 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1: (1)+6+2+1+1: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
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GAME: Seldan casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 12 DC: 19
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GAME: Seldan rolls ranged: (13)+12: 25
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GAME: Malik rolls 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1: (7)+6+2+1+1: 17
  +
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18
  +
  +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26
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Malik only has a moment to glance in Seldan's direction, both of them getting a strange look on their face. And almost at the same time, the two casters speak strange words, lines of green energy shooting from their extended palms and striking the point on the ground where the thing is, enveloping it in green energy. "HIT IT," Malik shouts. "NOW." Apparently, the wizard that didn't want a fight before wants one now. Very badly.
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  +
  +
"It's a living gate to the Hells!" Seldan adds, arm still outstretched as the tandem spells complete. His own green ray strikes the creature and seems to fizzle away, but the green aura surrounds it anyway - at least one of those auras took hold, whatever it is. "The green holds the gate closed! Kill it before the spell ends, and it will dismiss the gate. Quickly!"
  +
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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  +
Whirlpool has dropped a TIMESTOP!
  +
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Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpool to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
  +
  +
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
  +
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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Four - Init 15.
  
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−
It is now Seldan's turn! Stjepan is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 22.
   
  +
It is now Rhar's turn! Garak is next!
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GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3: (12)+16+5+-3: 30
  
   
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GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3-5: (20)+16+5+-3+-5: 33 (THREAT)
  
   
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GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3-5: (12)+16+5+-3+-5: 25
  
   
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GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+6+6+6+1: (5)+6+6+6+1: 24
 +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (1)+19: 20 (EPIC FAIL)
   
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GAME: Seldan rolls 2d8+12+12+12+2: (10)+12+12+12+2: 48
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GAME: Rhar rolls companionmelee+4: (4)+14+4: 22
   
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−
By now, Seldan is well covered from head to foot in gore and other ugly things, so much so that were he not laying about with that sword as vigorously as he is, he might be little more than a moving blood creature with ice-blue eyes. Thee chaos creature doesn't yet seem to have touched him, for all the mess it has made upon him, and this time is no different. Finding a few, soft spot of eyes yet untouched, he lays into it with all his strength, once, then twice, sinking the weapon deep into an orange-toned eyeball and putting it out forever.
  
  +
"Rhar!" Because it's always polite to introduce yourself. Even to foes you're about to kill. Before the green light goes out. Rhar's expert tactic of waving her sharp stick in the wrong direction distracts it so that Gurr can land a bite!
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GAME: Rhar rolls gurr damage: aliased to 1d8+10: (4)+10: 14
   
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Four - Init 15.
  
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  +
Round One - Init 21.
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It is now Stjepan's turn! Rhar is next!
  
  +
  +
It is now Garak's turn! Olek is next!
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Garak reaches for his holy symbol. "Serriel!" he cries. "Grant us your blessing in battle!" Each member of the party feels a sudden touch of intensity. The priest also emits an aura that grants protection against various forms of harm.
   
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Four - Init 11.
  
−
 
−
It is now Rhar's turn! Olek is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 15.
   
  +
It is now Olek's turn! Seldan is next!
   
  +
−
Rhar growls at the wall, with its evil, flailing testacles! She points her sharp pointy stick at it/them. "Rhar, Testacle Slayer, no let you hurt pack!" She threatens it with the sharp pointy stick as Gurr moves, urging those ahead forward while Rhar urges everyone. "Pack! Move!"
  
  +
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+22: (16)+22: 38
  +
  +
GAME: Olek RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 22 temporary HP
  +
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14: (4)+14: 18
  +
  +
Olek blinks in surprise as everyone's shouting and magicking and fighting all at once. This seems strange to him since the previous events of the adventure have been characterized by a slow pace, and now it's a frantic attack. He lets the rage fill him, growling in dwarfish as he raises his axe overhead, and the glowing adamantine head slams down into the face.
   
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Four - Init 10.
  
−
 
−
It is now Olek's turn! Malik is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 14.
   
  +
It is now Seldan's turn! Stjepan is next!
−
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+22: (10)+22: 32
  
   
−
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+17: (8)+17: 25
  
   
−
GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14+1d6: (9)+14+(1): 24
 +
GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+2+4: (10)+16+5+-3+2+4: 34
   
−
GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14+1d6: (8)+14+(6): 28
 +
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+6+6+12: (2)+6+6+12: 26
   
  +
Suiting actions to words, Seldan drops his hand and, sword still in his other hand, dashes in to aid in the fight with a shout of, "In holy Eluna's name, _begone_, back to the place that spawned you!" It seems that the paladin was not joking about killing it as swiftly as possible, for he stabs at it, leaving quite the gash in the maw.
−
Olek shield up, axe out, shouting defiance in crude Khudzul. He has zero class. Possibly negative class. However he wields the dwarfish greataxe with a deadly ferocity, rage fuelling his blows as he hacks at the wall with the adamantine weapon, itself glowing with rage-fuelled holy power. Heavy blows fall with full follow-through as he hacks into the wall with all the power he can muster, slashing through an eyeball and splattering more mess everywhere.
  
   
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Four - Init 8.
  
−
 
−
It is now Malik's turn! The Walls Have Eyes... and ears... and tentacles.. is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 14.
   
  +
It is now Stjepan's turn! Malik is next!
   
−
GAME: Malik casts Haste. Caster Level: 13 DC: 17
  
   
−
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20 + 13 + 4: (17)+13+4: 34
 +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1d20+24+2: (10)+24+2: 36
   
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 4d6+17+1d6+12: (11)+17+(6)+12: 46
−
Malik frowns, once again wrapping the party with the magic that speeds them through the fight, allowing them to be more nimble and graceful. "I think," he calls, "we should maybe find another corridor."
  
   
  +
Stjepan rushes forwards, happy to oblige the request for violence. He hits fiercely, striking downwards with his considerable might.
   
   
−
GAME: NEW ROUND!
  
−
 
−
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
−
 
−
Round Five - Init 26.
  
−
 
−
It is now The Walls Have Eyes... and ears... and tentacles..'s turn! Garak is next!
  
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
   
  +
Round One - Init 12.
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (15)+23: 38
  
   
  +
It is now Malik's turn! Oh no its a mawnster is next!
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (2)+23: 25
  
   
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (16)+23: 39
  
   
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+23: (9)+23: 32
  
   
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d6+4: (5)+4: 9
 +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (1)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 26 (EPIC FAIL)
   
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
 +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (7)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 32
   
−
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
 +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (6)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 31
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls fort: (19)+18: 37
 +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+4+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (18)+4+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 38
   
  +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (5)+5+3+6+2+(2): 23
   
  +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (2)+5+3+6+2+(1): 19
−
It still seems grievously offended by Munch.
 
  +
−
 
  +
GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (8)+5+3+6+2+(2): 26
−
For whatever reason, it's just... /focused/ on the golem, pseudopods lashing out at him again and again and again, battering the golem's exterior and leaving it slightly warped all the same as before.
  
  +
  +
Malik wastes no time as well, launching off a volley of arrows past the green flames. The darkness, combined with the shimmer of the magic, make his first shot harder to see, and the two arrows fired go slightly astray of their mark. But the rest find their way home as the archer compensates for the distortion.
   
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Five - Init 24.
  
−
 
−
It is now Garak's turn! Munch is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 10.
   
  +
It is now Oh no its a mawnster's turn! Munch is next!
   
−
GAME: Garak rolls weapon15+2+4+4+1-3: (18)+14+2+4+4+1+-3: 40
  
   
−
GAME: Garak rolls weapon15+2+4+4+1-3: (1)+14+2+4+4+1+-3: 23 (EPIC FAIL)
 +
GAME: Seldan rolls reflex: (5)+14: 19
   
−
GAME: Garak rolls weapon15+2+4+4+1-3-5: (18)+14+2+4+4+1+-3+-5: 35
 +
GAME: Olek rolls reflex: (15)+6: 21
   
−
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+9+9+4+2d6: (3)+9+9+4+(3): 28
 +
GAME: Malik rolls Reflex: (8)+10: 18
   
−
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+9+9+4+2d6: (6)+9+9+4+(6): 34
 +
GAME: Stjepan rolls ref: (7)+8: 15
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool damaged you for -100 points. 123 HP remaining.
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 15d6: (44): 44
  +
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls ref: (15)+10: 25
  +
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls companionref: (14)+10: 24
  +
  +
GAME: Munch rolls ref: (12)+10: 22
  +
  +
  +
There is a terrible sound. A terrible, *groaning* of the earth, of fleshy ripping and *tearing*, a sound like strips of skin being peeld away, as the great maw *lurches* up out of the earth, laughing uproariously. "Yes! Yes! Destroy! Rip! Tear!" It's head now emerges from the earth more fully and it opens it's mouth, vomiting forth a great gour of black, visible *wind* that washes across you, the power of death itself *icing* through you.
   
−
Garak takes a few steps to one side, glances up and down the line of the party and then takes one step further, until he's closer to Munch. He stabs the wall on each side. Then he settles, watching for any sign of incoming tentacles.
  
   
   
 
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
 
−
Round Five - Init 23.
  
−
 
−
It is now Munch's turn! Seldan is next!
  
   
  +
Round One - Init 5.
   
  +
It is now Munch's turn! Rhar is next!
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28: (4)+20: 24
  
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28: (13)+20: 33
  
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-5: (20)+20+-5: 35 (THREAT)
 +
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-2+6+2: (8)+18+-2+6+2: 32
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls weapon20-5: (15)+0+-5: 10
 +
GAME: Munch rolls 2d12+11+6+1d6: (10)+11+6+(2): 29
   
  +
Munch usually likes icing. The power of death icing though him? Not so much. Buzzing in anger, the metal man raises his axe overhead, and slams it down onto the creature. "Maw? Hell? A HellMaw? i thought those were like really fat goblins with extra wide mouths." ...he may have listened to the wrong bard.
−
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-5: (7)+20+-5: 22
  
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls damage28+1d6: aliased to 1D12+13+1d6: (1)+13+(1): 15
  
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls damage28+1d6: aliased to 1D12+13+1d6: (2)+13+(6): 21
  
   
  +
GAME: NEW ROUND!
−
GAME: Munch rolls 3d12+39+1d6: (27)+39+(1): 67
  
   
  +
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
Munch is really more a loner sort than a pack member, but does find Rhar's urgings motivational. But this section of tunnel with eyes seems as good as any other, so he stays put to hit harder. His axe flashes, taking out another chunk, as tentacles try to convince his torso to join the Goo Side. "No thank you. Amorphours versitility has it's moments, but a structured form has a more durible baseline and higher constructive capabilites. I'm perfectly happy as a Solid Citizen." the tentacles continue to press, and the golems eyes flash red. The massive great axe sweeps overhead, slicing open the eyes peering from above, and slams down into the floor, splattering a mass of ooze "I -said- 'NO THANK YOU'!!"
  
   
  +
Round Two - Init 22.
   
  +
It is now Rhar's turn! Garak is next!
−
GAME: Munch ends his rage.
  
   
−
GAME: Olek ends his rage.
  
   
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2: (13)+19+-2: 30
−
GAME: Whirlpool removes the timestop.
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2: (4)+19+-2: 21
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-5: (7)+19+-2+-5: 19
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-10: (18)+19+-2+-10: 25 (THREAT)
−
...well, the good news is that the good has lost its cohestion. The bad news is that this means it's now more like a mass of independent horrigble writhing things that are much smaller, going in every conceivable dir ection.
 
−
 
−
The 'okay' news is that the tunnel you're in is no longer quite so narrow, as much of that was composed of the creature. It also reveals that you're not in a single, narrow tunnel, but rather in the midst of a windy set of passages that all look alike.
 
−
 
−
In any event, there are now various off-shoots to the tunnel you're in, though a quick glance reveals that a few of them are aborted tunnels that weren't 'finished' by whatever dug them.
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls melee+5: (20)+18+5: 43 (THREAT)
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-10: (11)+19+-2+-10: 18
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls melee+5: (3)+18+5: 26
−
Olek looks around, wheezing a bit, and leans on the long handle of his waraxe. "What in the world -was- that?" he wonders. Apparently too winded to swear. When he catches his wind, he'll look around thoughtfully, wondering, "Where have we gotten ourselves to now?"
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (2)+5+13: 20
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (2)+5+13: 20
−
Garak's lance disappears and he looks around slowly. "I have no idea," he admits. "Thankfully we all seem to be in one piece." He peers at the newly revealed tunnels. He reaches up and adjusts his monacle and then looks again. "But look at these - they don't seem finished. Perhaps we are close to whatever it is that is making them."
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (13)+14+4: 31
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (3)+14+4: 21
−
Munch sighs, exhaling a small cloud of smelly, but probally non-toxic fumes. "Damn converts get pushier all the time..." He chest plate wobbles a little, but seesm to be solidifying. "Everyone okay? ...as much as can be expected under the circumstance?"
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (7)+14+4: 25
   
  +
GAME: Munch rolls weapon28: (10)+18: 28
−
Malik looks a bit on the pale side, mouth pressed into a tight line. As if concentrating on something other than the tunnels. He looks around at the others, considering a moment, then nods, though it doesn't look like his heart is truly in it. "I think," he finally says, "that we may be out of our depth. We should seek an exit."
  
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+22: (15)+22: 37
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (20)+19: 39 (THREAT)
−
Munch buzzes and shrugs. "I don't know, this place doesn't seem so bad. I mean sure, the walls try to kill you and there's an oppressive unseen evil that seems out to destroy everything we hold dear, but what place doesn't have it's little quirks?"
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite: aliased to companionmelee: (3)+14: 17
   
  +
GAME: Rhar uses an AoO! 1 remaining.
−
"I am untouched." Other than being utterly covered in blood and gore, sure. Seldan lowers his blade and looks around, especially at Malik. "A thing easier said than done, I think." He looks around them, and wipes a spot of goo off of his face. "Certainly this place is not to be taken lightly."
  
   
  +
GAME: Olek uses an AoO! 0 remaining.
   
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1d20+26: (16)+26: 42
−
Olek nods to Malik, and says, "That seems like a good plan. So which way do we go?" He looks around at the maze of twisty passages, all alike, and relies on his dwarfish intuition about caves and stonework. Or he tries to, but comes up blank. To Munch, he says, "That's a bit more quirk than I'm looking for in my hearth, thank you. I'll take ale and hot stew for a preference."
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+1d4+5+5+cavalier+cavalier: (4)+(2)+5+5+13+13: 42
   
  +
GAME: Munch uses an AoO! 0 remaining.
−
"We're not that far from Alexandria," Garak remarks. "And perhaps even more troubling, not far from the Planar Cannon." He peers at the tunnels. "But our best tactic remains to stay together. I can grant the Wind Walk blessing again, if any are willing. It will allow you to move quickly, and to fly. At the cost of being harmless in battle," he adds in a lower voice.
  
   
  +
GAME: Stjepan uses an AoO! 0 remaining.
   
−
GAME: Olek rolls perception: (6)+16: 22
 +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (4)+29+(6): 39
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (1)+19: 20 (EPIC FAIL)
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14: (2)+14: 16
−
Stjepan stands, hunched over and smeared with gore and filth. "I'm tiring of this. Let us bring it to an end, or depart."
  
   
  +
GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (3)+5+13: 21
   
  +
GAME: Munch rolls damage28: aliased to 1D12+11: (5)+11: 16
−
Olek is peering at the various tunnels, and says, "Those tunnels." he points, "don't go very far, I think. Our likliest way out, if this were a normal cave, is that way or that way," he points to the likely options.
  
   
   
−
Munch nods in the second direction Olek indicated. "I like that way. It had more green eyes. Green eyes are lucky."
  
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
   
  +
Round Two - Init 21.
−
Malik nods. "When we've rested, we can check the remainders," the wizard suggests. "But for now, we..." He grows quiet, listening to Munch, the thin-lipped grimace turning into a small smile. "Maybe we go with the metal man's suggestion. We could all use some luck. Preferably better than what we've had so far."
  
   
  +
It is now Garak's turn! Olek is next!
   
−
You take a moment to gather yourselves and then begin to head down the latest tunnel you've located. As Olek said, this one seems to continue on for quite a ways, but iut begins to wind, and then... spiral.
 
−
 
−
It's spiralling down into a slope, deeper down.
 
−
 
−
This may not be where you want to go. On the other hand, it's not like you /know/ the way out, either, and it's hard to say whether or not this will eventually bring you to the exit you need to find.
  
   
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+21: (3)+21: 24
−
Olek heads downward, it's as good a direction as any just now. He peers into the darkness, for what he can see.
  
   
  +
GAME: Garak casts Destruction. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22
   
  +
GAME: Garak rolls cleric: (7)+13: 20
−
Garak marches along in the midst of the party. He keeps his eyes peeled for new menaces and also does his best to keep track of where they've gone. "I wish we'd started a map," he suddenly says. "To record where we've gone and what we've seen so far."
  
   
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
Munch buzzes and shrugs. "With all the illusions and pits, not sure a map would help."
  
   
  +
Round Two - Init 15.
   
  +
It is now Olek's turn! Seldan is next!
   
−
Down, down, down...
 
−
 
−
...down some more...
 
−
 
−
...down a bit more...
 
−
 
−
It's a spiral, and it's getting a little dizzyingly narrow.
  
   
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+20: (11)+20: 31
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+20: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)
−
Stjepan keeps spiralling downwards. "This is dizzymaking. If I trip, I'm taking you all with me." A grunt to Munch. "I think you're right. Not sure a map would have helped, not without it being carved out of illusion."
  
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
   
  +
GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14+1d6: (6)+14+(5): 25
−
Olek nods to the others, though he continues on. He'll reach out a hand to steady Stjepan, though he can only reach like his hip. "Hang in there, we're getting out of here," he assures him.
  
   
  +
Olek hacks at the thing frantically, trying to cut it down before the glow goes away while choking on the horribleness. That hacking cough negatively affects his axe hacking, though, and he's not as effective as he could have been.
   
−
Garak follows the others. He sighs as the spiral gets narrower. "I wonder what will be at the end of this spiral," he thinks back to the magicite golem.
  
   
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
   
  +
Round Two - Init 14.
−
...and then just like that, it starts to widen again.
 
−
 
−
Widen considerably. Widen like /whoa/. These tunnels are getting *big*, the circles longer and longer. Great.
  
   
  +
It is now Seldan's turn! Stjepan is next!
   
   
  +
GAME: Seldan spends ONE use of SMITE EVIL.
−
Munch shrugs. "Maybe we'll fall out the bottom? Almost did that in Rune, when it started flying."
  
   
  +
GAME: Seldan spends ONE use of LAY ON HANDS.
   
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls 3d6: (4): 4
−
Olek smiles, breathes a sigh of relief, and says, "It's getting easier going, anyhow. If the bottom drops out, I'm OK."
  
   
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+4: (8)+16+5+-3+4: 30
   
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+4-5: (5)+16+5+-3+4+-5: 22
−
Stjepan laughs. "If the bottom drops out, I'm holding on to your thighs!"
  
   
  +
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+6+6+6: (6)+6+6+6: 24
   
  +
The cloud of choking death lances through Seldan like a knife, and he quickly lays free hand to shoulder for Eluna's blessing, but the cloud seems to choke even that like a cloud over the moon, and although the silver light glows beneath his hand, it does precious little. Undaunted, he presses the attack, one blow finding its mark.
−
GAME: Olek rolls perception: (11)+16: 27
  
   
−
GAME: Stjepan rolls perception: (15)+20: 35
  
   
−
GAME: Munch rolls perception: (15)+20: 35
  
   
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
−
GAME: Garak rolls perception: (14)+19: 33
  
   
  +
Round Two - Init 14.
   
  +
It is now Stjepan's turn! Malik is next!
   
  +
−
...so, you know, you've been moving in these for a while and it's just getting wider. FInally, you notice that the ground you're walking on is...
 
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+24: (6)+24: 30
−
 
  +
−
Oh, hey. That's not stone anymore. That's actually some kind of... chitin?
 
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+24: (9)+24: 33
−
 
  +
−
That's when the ground rumbles and /starts/ to move. The problem is that its taking you with it.
 
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+19-4: (12)+19+-4: 27
−
 
  +
−
You're oin the back of a purple worm. Better hold on tight.
  
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+14-4: (10)+14+-4: 20
  +
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (10)+29+(6): 45
  +
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (5)+29+(1): 35
  +
  +
GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (7)+29+(6): 42
  +
  +
Stjepan redoubles his attack on the huge devil-mouth-thing. He takes a thumb-grip and launches a flurry of cuts at it, bloodying both edges of his sword as he strikes!
  +
  +
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round Two - Init 12.
  +
  +
It is now Malik's turn! Oh no its a mawnster is next!
   
 
[[Category:Logs|A Mountainous Exploration Part 12]]
  
[[Category:Logs|A Mountainous Exploration Part 12]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, 29 March 2020

You'd been traveling down a wide spiral as you further explored the mountain's shifting interiors All had been going well but it's become apparent that you have a problem.

At some point, the ground beneath your feet had changed, from solid earth and stone, to. more of a loose covering and then to... hide. Segmented, armored hide.

Segmented, purple armored hide. About the time this is becoming clear to you, the ground further shifts and moves beneath your feet as the enormous purple worm upon who's back you stand begins to move. And it's taking you with it.

Quickly.

You may want to hold on tight.


"It's moving!" Seldan drops to flatten himself against the armored hide and grabs onto the scaled hide as best he can - there isn't much to grab onto, but a segment of its armored hide will have to do. He clings on for dear life, only barely sneaking glances back behind him, his lips moving in prayers to Eluna to shield them all.


Rhar is fine. She's on Gurr. And Gurr is always stable! Just ask her!

Gurr, on the other paw, may have a different opinion. His claws are made for digging, not grabbing. So he frantically tries to find an edge or protrusion or something to sink his teeth into.


Malik doesn't waste any time. As the others flatten and grab on to whatever they can, the wizard does the same, cursing in that foreign tongue of his -- evident from the intonation, really.


Olek is stable, dwarves are famous for their stability, but if this thing goes into someplace with a low overhead, standing might be a bad plan, so he will go flat also. Just in case.


Munch considers. He's never cut his way -into- a giant monster before. And he does have a rather nice axe. This might be a rare oppertunity. If nothing else, an axe embeded soildly into the armors plates makes for a decent handhold, right?


GAME: Munch rolls ref: (15)+10: 25

GAME: Seldan rolls reflex: (15)+14: 29

GAME: Rhar rolls ref: (12)+10: 22

GAME: Rhar rolls companionref: (8)+10: 18

Rhar gives a loud warning and battle cry. "Wheee!"

GAME: Olek rolls reflex: (19)+6: 25

GAME: Malik rolls reflex: (7)+10: 17

GAME: Kore rolls ref: (11)+12: 23

GAME: Whirlpool rolls 12d6: (42): 42


The thing picks up speed.

A lot of speed, actually. Giant monsters can aapparently quite wuick when they burrow, and this one is.

It's *huge*. The hole being left behind it is easily fifteen feet around, but that doesn't help with the whole 'getting battered by debris' as it *digs tunnels* through solid stone and takes you with it.

Life is not good.

Eventually, it emerges into a more immediately open area.

There's a rush of warm air.

And then it *hits* something hard enough to dislodge all of you and send you scattering across a carven, battered by falling rocks and debris in addition to the impact.

Yes, you more or less got scraped off its back, though it's... pretty much nearby. You think.

It's dark, and you're all on the ground. In a lot of pain, to say nothing of suffering *incredible* vertigo from thw twisting burrowing of the worm.


Malik's dislodge is a bit more -- violent than the others. Whatever hard surface the others hit, Malik manages to hit it headfirst. There's a sickening 'crunch' sound, and the wizard rolls off the purple worm, hitting the ground -- and not getting back up. Blood drains from the corners of his mouth, nose, ears -- and the slight, flat surface on the side of his head says nothing good. At all.

Luckily, he seems to still be breathing. For now.


Munch blinks hard, and stands up, peering around. "...well, that was a novel and intresting experience. Let's not do it again."


Olek tucks and rolls when he feels himself jarred loose, and whatever he hits and lands on drives the wind from him. He shakes his head to clear it, trying to regain his wits.


Rhar is used to sticks breaking bones. Not so much the stones. Until now. "Ow! Bad rocks!" She yells and flails and gets to her paws. Gurr is slower to stand, and not quite as loud. Just a resigned rumble.


Seldan groans, rolling over and into a sharp piece of debris, bruised and battered. But he seems to be conscious, and oh so slowly gets to his feet. If he wasn't pretty sure the worm was nearby, he wouldn't even try. "I would not have chosen it the first time," he answers Munch in a groan. Closing his eyes and chanting an incantation to summon a golden-silver ball of light, he affixes it to the shoulder of his cloak, and only then does he make any attempt to open his eyes. When he does, he fixes his eyes on a line in space to steady the room - and that line, he registers after a moment, is a badly-hurt Malik.

That ends the vertigo, right there. "Vanguard!" he shouts for Garak, striding over as fast as the spinning room will let him.


The vertigo begins to recede, revealing that you're in a large ravine, at least, within the mountain, a chamber criss-crossed by the burrowing creatures and gradually widened over time. The ground you're on has an odd, spongey texture with an underlying, discomfting firmness.

A glance around reveals... rather enormous piles of bones clumped together in round balls that you sit between.

Oh.. oh no...


GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/arcana: (4)+11: 15

GAME: Rhar rolls knowledge/arcana: Trained Use Only: 0

GAME: Garak rolls knowledge/arcana: (4)+9: 13

GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/arcana: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (18)+19: 37


Garak shakes his head to clear it. He blinks, possibly concussed. Did someone call for a cleric? He pushes himself to his feet and looks around. First he spots Seldan, then quickly Malik next to him. Blinking one last time to clear the last of the fuziness from his vision, he reaches for his holy symbol.

GAME: Garak rolls 7d6: (21): 21


Seeing the cleric already at work, Seldan looks down worriedly at Malik, but steps aside, and looks around. One glance around, and the first word from his lips is "_Alacha_." The armor folded in the brooch at his neck unfolds at command, and he waits only until the clash and clatter is done to draw his sword. "Ware," he says. "Those are what it could not digest. We stand on its molted skin, in its lair. It is but time before it returns."


GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (7)+3: 10

GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (9)+3: 12

GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.

GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.


Rhar looks at the balls as Seldan calls out. Then she walks over to sniff at the nearest one. "Ha! It no eat us all!" Since it can't digest them, they're safe!

Garak gives Malik a longer look and then lurches over. As he approaches he withdraws a small wand from a satchel at his belt. He touches it to Malik and murmurs under his breath. Finally he looks around. "Is anyone else hurt? If this a temporary respite we should take advantage..."


Malik slowly starts to come to once more, the flattened side of the wizard's skull now little more than a bruise. Slowly his eyes open, and he sits up, groaning. As his fingers move through the detritus on the floor, he simply sighs. "I hate purple worms." Clearly, his head is still a bit fuzzy, but he's already attempting to get back to his feet. Shakily.


Olek is picking himself up and getting his wits back, as much wits as he has in the first place, but at the word that this is the lair, he will draw shield and axe and stand ready in the dark.


Munch keeps his ax ready and his eyes open, but doesn't seem too concerned. "Just a worm, right? I mean yeah, a a really big one, but still..."


GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+7: 17

GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+6: 16

GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (9)+6: 15


GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (13)+3: 16

GAME: Garak rolls 2d8+3: (8)+3: 11

GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.

GAME: Garak used a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.


Munch blinks again, and buzzes softly, peering at the bones. "...huh. Those are demon skulls... dang... anyone else suddenly crave BBQ?"


Relief floods through Seldan as Malik stands, and he nods gratefully to the arvek, but tells Malik, "Look sharp. I dare not seek their presence-"

He stops short, but the next one to speak is the blade in his hand, the voice of the irascible old man. Oddly, for once that voice sounds positively pleased. "Caught it, did you boy? Definitely demon bones in that pile. Wouldn't have those unless they're somewhere around, right?"

"Worse yet," Seldan counters, "what would eating demons do to such a creature...."


Rhar knows the answer to that. She points a stick at one of the balls of excrement. "Make poop demon bone!"


Garak stares at the nearest ball in distaste. Then he glances at Seldan. Or rather at the talking sword. Finally he looks around for the direction the worm departed the immediate area. Like the others he was tossed and still hasn't caught his bearings. "It's eating demons? That...is both comforting and horrifying." He thinks about it and then decides, "Mostly horrifying."


There's a tremor.

You have a lot of potential passages to go through, agaihn, too, though you're gonna need to avigate around these...piles.


Munch buzzes quietly. "So... we're going to have to fight that thing eventually, right? Anyone spy a locaation better than here? Or someplace that might be better? I'm open to suggestions."


Malik might be on his feet, but the wizard doesn't look like he's in much mood for a fight. He gives Seldan a look, waiting for the paladin's input.


Garak runs his gaze across every party member, mouth moving silently as he counts. "I can cast the Wind Walk spell," he finally concludes. "On all of us. As long as we move in a group we can find a spot of our own choosing - and return to our normal forms precisely when we desire." He hesitates and then adds, "Well, two dozen heartbeats after we desire."


Olek is just waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. Do worms even have shoes? "If we fight here in the wormcrap, it's not going to open it's maw and swallow us, right?" Or maybe it won't care?


"It knows we are here," Seldan says, looking around, peering into the darkness. "This cavern is yet bigger than my spell will reach. I would have us add more light, that we might better see, and learn more of this place. This may be as good a place as any to make our stand. Let us make haste to explore and begone if we may, but with weapons and spells to hand should it return."


Rhar sniffs around, aided by Gurr. To make things even easier, she climbs up on Gurr's head. Two noses are better than one! "Hunt it? Or stay?"


GAME: Garak refreshes spells.

GAME: Garak casts Wind Walk. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22

GAME: Garak casts Wind Walk. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22


"Leave." Malik's answer is firm, the wizard's throbbing head leaving him in little mood for argument on the matter, it seems. "We are in no position to fight such a creature. It might take an army. We leave, and come back better prepared, instead of doing something foolish." He moves to lean against the wall, resting his head against the stone there. "In case you haven't noticed, we are outmatched, and our luck has been less than ideal."


Munch buzzes softly, muttering softly to himself. "I -am- an army.... your Mom's outmatched... whatever that means... I should ask sometime..." But the golem doesn't voice his objections loudly. If the group wants to leave, he'll leave.


Garak looks at Malik. "We are not outmatched," he says evenly. "Look around you. Rarely does a group of adventurers this skilled and powerful quest together. Perhaps it's the first time you've been with such a party, but there is no way to be better prepared. In this place, in these circumstances...we are more effective than an army. There is no one better to be here than us."


Olek has to chime in on Garak's side in this. "I'm not the type to turn tail just because something's big and scary. I'm for having a go at it, at least." That said, the stocky dwarf is made out of tough. "I'll feel a right fool if we're just going to run like a spooked deer. Anyhow, if I can tell those chumps back at the Temple I fought this thing, I think that'd be worth a lot of cred."


"Either we all go, or we all stay," Seldan says firmly. "We stand together, or we stand no chance. If not all feel themselves equal to the task, then I will not force them." He does not look at Malik. "We should decide quickly, whichever we do. It is likely that we will be able to return, with more information and perhaps those specialized in such things."


"Can go. This way!" Rhar sniffs, then she points. A way out? It will be out of where they're at right now, at least!


GAME: Rhar rolls survival: (17)+17: 34


"...ah, such voices," comes a rasping, whisper. It comes from beyond some of the piles near to you.

"Come closer so that I may see you."


Munch perks up, the leathery 'dreadlocks' on his head wiggeling into a loose halo as he peers towards the voice. "You -want- me closer? You really didn't get a good look." The golem steps towards the voice boldly, but keeping his weapon ready. He's gulible, not stupid.


Garak turns slowly in the direction of the whisper. He glances at the nearest party members to make sure they heard it too - and he's not just hearing things. Then he falls into position behind and to one side of Munch.


"Ware, Munch," Seldan warns the golem. "Recall my words, and Kanian's, to you, regarding those piles." Sword still in hand, Seldan turns his attention towards the voice, but is careful not to make eye contact with it, yet."


Olek will step up beside Munch, this is something he can deal with. Or, well, Munch can deal with it, and he can help a little. He knows where he stands in all this, but he's bold by nature and no shrinking violet. "Who's there?" he demands curiously, his tone a bit surly despite himself. He just doesn't have a gentle voice.


Malik, hearing the voice, seems rather resigned to the task at hand, at this point. He leans on the strung bow for support, saying nothing, letting the others handle -- whatever is now talking to them.


Quietly and without comment, Seldan moves a little behind the others, and with a worried glance at Malik, places himself, armor, sword, and all, between the wizard and the new presence. He does not immediately move to confront it, not as swiftly as the others, but he stands ready.


Whatever it is, clearfy, it is speaking to you from beneath a bone pile.

"I never thought to see a living soul here in this pit. Come, clear away the bones so that I can see you." The voice is raspy, yes, and coming from beneath the bones.

NO, SIR, THIS IS NOT AT ALL OMINOUS.


Olek will, with his axe used a bit like a broom, clear away the bones. We may as well at this point. If they're weak enough to be buried under bones, how much of a threat can they be? Maybe it's someone who needs to be rescued? That'd be a good reason to call out in the darkness. "Who are you?" he asks. "I'm Olek Stonesmasher, at your service, if your service needs serving here," he muddles through a sort of traditional greeting.


Munch is also inclined to move bones at this point. He doesn't really trust the voice, but doesn't exactyl feel treatened by it. "I'm Munch, the TerrorMaw."


Stjepan looms in the back, mostly because it's hard to push forwards. It's been too close, too tight, for too long. He waits, metal scraping on metal.


Garak edges closer. He has to drop his gaze to the ground in front every half-step, to make sure he doesn't step in anything especially undesirable. He stops a half-dozed paces from the source of the voice, thinking to cover Munch and Olek.


The bones rat tle. They begin shifting. It doesn't matter if you started pulling them away or not, it appears, even though you were asked. The clump starts to fall away and it reveals a... face...set in the earth, into a recess.

"The terror maw," you say, its gaping, demonic visccage moving as it speaks, an animate, twisted pile of half-melted flesh.

"It's *so good* to meet you, Maw. I am also a maw."


GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/Planes: (12)+Knowledge/Planes: 12

GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes: (14)+7: 21

GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (20)+6: 26

GAME: Munch rolls knowledge/the planes: (7)+6: 13


Stjepan gives a grunt at that, stepping forwards a little. His hand slides to the hilt of his greatsword suspiciously. He must have left his sense of humour on the purple worm.


Olek peers at the face set into the ground, and the first thing that occurs to him is it will be very complicated to move this thing anywhere. "What are you?" he wonders, despite himself. He at first doesn't even realize he's said it aloud.


"How did you come to be here?" Garak adds, keeping his tone neutral.


GAME: Malik rolls Spellcraft: (9)+20: 29

GAME: Seldan rolls spellcraft: (14)+12: 26

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1: (1)+6+2+1+1: 11 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Seldan casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 12 DC: 19

GAME: Seldan rolls ranged: (13)+12: 25

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1: (7)+6+2+1+1: 17

GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26


Malik only has a moment to glance in Seldan's direction, both of them getting a strange look on their face. And almost at the same time, the two casters speak strange words, lines of green energy shooting from their extended palms and striking the point on the ground where the thing is, enveloping it in green energy. "HIT IT," Malik shouts. "NOW." Apparently, the wizard that didn't want a fight before wants one now. Very badly.


"It's a living gate to the Hells!" Seldan adds, arm still outstretched as the tandem spells complete. His own green ray strikes the creature and seems to fizzle away, but the green aura surrounds it anyway - at least one of those auras took hold, whatever it is. "The green holds the gate closed! Kill it before the spell ends, and it will dismiss the gate. Quickly!" 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  ATTENTION  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

       Whirlpool has dropped a TIMESTOP!

       Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpool to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.

       For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 22.

It is now Rhar's turn! Garak is next!


GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (1)+19: 20 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Rhar rolls companionmelee+4: (4)+14+4: 22


"Rhar!" Because it's always polite to introduce yourself. Even to foes you're about to kill. Before the green light goes out. Rhar's expert tactic of waving her sharp stick in the wrong direction distracts it so that Gurr can land a bite!


GAME: Rhar rolls gurr damage: aliased to 1d8+10: (4)+10: 14


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 21.

It is now Garak's turn! Olek is next!


Garak reaches for his holy symbol. "Serriel!" he cries. "Grant us your blessing in battle!" Each member of the party feels a sudden touch of intensity. The priest also emits an aura that grants protection against various forms of harm.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 15.

It is now Olek's turn! Seldan is next!


GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+22: (16)+22: 38

GAME: Olek RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 22 temporary HP

GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14: (4)+14: 18

Olek blinks in surprise as everyone's shouting and magicking and fighting all at once. This seems strange to him since the previous events of the adventure have been characterized by a slow pace, and now it's a frantic attack. He lets the rage fill him, growling in dwarfish as he raises his axe overhead, and the glowing adamantine head slams down into the face.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 14.

It is now Seldan's turn! Stjepan is next!


GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+2+4: (10)+16+5+-3+2+4: 34

GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+6+6+12: (2)+6+6+12: 26

Suiting actions to words, Seldan drops his hand and, sword still in his other hand, dashes in to aid in the fight with a shout of, "In holy Eluna's name, _begone_, back to the place that spawned you!" It seems that the paladin was not joking about killing it as swiftly as possible, for he stabs at it, leaving quite the gash in the maw.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 14.

It is now Stjepan's turn! Malik is next!


GAME: Stjepan rolls 1d20+24+2: (10)+24+2: 36

GAME: Stjepan rolls 4d6+17+1d6+12: (11)+17+(6)+12: 46

Stjepan rushes forwards, happy to oblige the request for violence. He hits fiercely, striking downwards with his considerable might.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 12.

It is now Malik's turn! Oh no its a mawnster is next!


GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (1)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 26 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (7)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 32

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+9+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (6)+9+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 31

GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+4+6+5+2+1-2-3+1+4+2: (18)+4+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1+4+2: 38

GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (5)+5+3+6+2+(2): 23

GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (2)+5+3+6+2+(1): 19

GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (8)+5+3+6+2+(2): 26

Malik wastes no time as well, launching off a volley of arrows past the green flames. The darkness, combined with the shimmer of the magic, make his first shot harder to see, and the two arrows fired go slightly astray of their mark. But the rest find their way home as the archer compensates for the distortion.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 10.

It is now Oh no its a mawnster's turn! Munch is next!


GAME: Seldan rolls reflex: (5)+14: 19

GAME: Olek rolls reflex: (15)+6: 21

GAME: Malik rolls Reflex: (8)+10: 18

GAME: Stjepan rolls ref: (7)+8: 15

GAME: Whirlpool damaged you for -100 points. 123 HP remaining.

GAME: Whirlpool rolls 15d6: (44): 44

GAME: Rhar rolls ref: (15)+10: 25

GAME: Rhar rolls companionref: (14)+10: 24

GAME: Munch rolls ref: (12)+10: 22


There is a terrible sound. A terrible, *groaning* of the earth, of fleshy ripping and *tearing*, a sound like strips of skin being peeld away, as the great maw *lurches* up out of the earth, laughing uproariously. "Yes! Yes! Destroy! Rip! Tear!" It's head now emerges from the earth more fully and it opens it's mouth, vomiting forth a great gour of black, visible *wind* that washes across you, the power of death itself *icing* through you.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 5.

It is now Munch's turn! Rhar is next!


GAME: Munch rolls weapon28-2+6+2: (8)+18+-2+6+2: 32

GAME: Munch rolls 2d12+11+6+1d6: (10)+11+6+(2): 29

Munch usually likes icing. The power of death icing though him? Not so much. Buzzing in anger, the metal man raises his axe overhead, and slams it down onto the creature. "Maw? Hell? A HellMaw? i thought those were like really fat goblins with extra wide mouths." ...he may have listened to the wrong bard.


GAME: NEW ROUND!

Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 22.

It is now Rhar's turn! Garak is next!


GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2: (13)+19+-2: 30

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2: (4)+19+-2: 21

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-5: (7)+19+-2+-5: 19

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-10: (18)+19+-2+-10: 25 (THREAT)

GAME: Rhar rolls melee+5: (20)+18+5: 43 (THREAT)

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6-2-10: (11)+19+-2+-10: 18

GAME: Rhar rolls melee+5: (3)+18+5: 26

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (2)+5+13: 20

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (2)+5+13: 20

GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (13)+14+4: 31

GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (3)+14+4: 21

GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite+4: aliased to companionmelee+4: (7)+14+4: 25

GAME: Munch rolls weapon28: (10)+18: 28

GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+22: (15)+22: 37

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (20)+19: 39 (THREAT)

GAME: Rhar rolls gurr bite: aliased to companionmelee: (3)+14: 17

GAME: Rhar uses an AoO! 1 remaining.

GAME: Olek uses an AoO! 0 remaining.

GAME: Stjepan rolls 1d20+26: (16)+26: 42

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+1d4+5+5+cavalier+cavalier: (4)+(2)+5+5+13+13: 42

GAME: Munch uses an AoO! 0 remaining.

GAME: Stjepan uses an AoO! 0 remaining.

GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (4)+29+(6): 39

GAME: Rhar rolls weapon6: (1)+19: 20 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14: (2)+14: 16

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+5+cavalier: (3)+5+13: 21

GAME: Munch rolls damage28: aliased to 1D12+11: (5)+11: 16


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 21.

It is now Garak's turn! Olek is next!


GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+21: (3)+21: 24

GAME: Garak casts Destruction. Caster Level: 13 DC: 22

GAME: Garak rolls cleric: (7)+13: 20


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 15.

It is now Olek's turn! Seldan is next!


GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+20: (11)+20: 31

GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+20: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Olek rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Olek rolls 1d10+14+1d6: (6)+14+(5): 25

Olek hacks at the thing frantically, trying to cut it down before the glow goes away while choking on the horribleness. That hacking cough negatively affects his axe hacking, though, and he's not as effective as he could have been.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 14.

It is now Seldan's turn! Stjepan is next!


GAME: Seldan spends ONE use of SMITE EVIL.

GAME: Seldan spends ONE use of LAY ON HANDS.

GAME: Seldan rolls 3d6: (4): 4

GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+4: (8)+16+5+-3+4: 30

GAME: Seldan rolls weapon1+5-3+4-5: (5)+16+5+-3+4+-5: 22

GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+6+6+6: (6)+6+6+6: 24

The cloud of choking death lances through Seldan like a knife, and he quickly lays free hand to shoulder for Eluna's blessing, but the cloud seems to choke even that like a cloud over the moon, and although the silver light glows beneath his hand, it does precious little. Undaunted, he presses the attack, one blow finding its mark.


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 14.

It is now Stjepan's turn! Malik is next!


GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+24: (6)+24: 30

GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+24: (9)+24: 33

GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+19-4: (12)+19+-4: 27

GAME: Stjepan rolls 1D20+14-4: (10)+14+-4: 20

GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (10)+29+(6): 45

GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (5)+29+(1): 35

GAME: Stjepan rolls 2d6+29+1d6: (7)+29+(6): 42

Stjepan redoubles his attack on the huge devil-mouth-thing. He takes a thumb-grip and launches a flurry of cuts at it, bloodying both edges of his sword as he strikes!


GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 12.

It is now Malik's turn! Oh no its a mawnster is next!

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