Sidequest 1: Shadow of the Mechanical Crab Monster

[Ebiris]

Loot

None! But see below

Experience

Stopping the construct before it reached the village - 400

1 Air Elemental - 100

[Ebiris]

[15:05] <Ebiris> Having spent some time in Moonhaven restocking and considering their next move, the party finally departs on their trek to the fabled lost temple of Amaunator.
[15:05] <Ebiris> Heading south and skirting around Silverymoon, the party rides east through the valleys and foothills of the Nether Mountains, keeping mostly to the well travelled road between Silverymoon and Sundabar for most of the journey before starting to veer off towards the South and closer to the peaks where their goal lies...
[15:06] * Alveria looks *horrible*. From the start of the day, she's been holding her head, and though she always appeared somewhat careless with her dress, it appears more.. rumpled than usual.
[15:07] * Varul keeps an eye out as is good caution, but can't help sending a few look sto Alveria. No smirking or anything, just amused. Women.
[15:08] <Gourash> Gourash is an odd contrast, seeming much the same as always and finding the road as homely as ever, his eyes roaming the path ahead, almost wantingly.
[15:09] * Amonet is quite content to quietly sing praise to Horus-Re, the one who lights the world.
[15:11] <Ebiris> And so another day of travelling winds on, the pale Northern Sun winding its path through the sky above... Its looking like another night camping under the stars is ahead, when the party crests a small hill into the valley below and sees what looks to be a small hamlet nestled in the gully, a stream running by it and woods on the far side.
[15:11] <Ebiris> From this distance you can see perhaps a dozen squat circular buildings, and several fields of crops and livestock.
[15:13] <Amonet> "A pleasant place to spend the night, friends!" Amonet exclaims, pointing at the hamlet.
[15:13] <Varul> "See anything interesting, Alveria?" Varul banters lightly, shrugging. Probably just a normal town...and Lady Amonet is right, too. "We can hope so, yes."
[15:15] <Gourash> "Doesn't look like it'd have much work," Gourash eyed it more from a profiteering side.
[15:15] <Alveria> "I see a town. Like any other," mutters Alveria, rolling her eyes.
[15:15] <Amonet> "A town with beds!"
[15:16] * Varul glances at Gourash, "That's not the goal. I'll be happy if we get a hot meal here and a bed that isn't full of crickets and grass." But that even tones fades at Alveria's crossness, turning into slightly digging, teasing words. "Like any other - a town with beds, food and perhaps even a bath? I think all are needed today."
[15:17] <Ebiris> As the party rides closer, they can see the town's inhabitants returning from the fields, a few stopping to point towards you. Even from this distance you can see they're far shorter than yourselves, though. The scale of the buildings also seems to fit with the furry toed inhabitants...
[15:17] * Alveria looks a little more cheerful. A little. "Bath. A bath sounds good," she affirms. "I can think of at least one person here who needs one badly..."
[15:18] <Varul> "Halfings? Dwaves?" Varul notes, idly checking over his pounches and supplies to make sure they're firmly on person. Something about short people..."Oh, a bath would be wonderful for you, wouldn't it?" Varul says blandly.
[15:18] <Amonet> "A bath does sound most pleasant!" Amonet agrees, blissfully ignorant of any teasing.
[15:19] * Gourash laughs bluntly at Varul's line.
[15:19] <Alveria> "It will be hard to take a pleasant bath if the basin is too small, however," she continues, rapidly falling back into a glowering mode.
[15:19] <Ebiris> There's a telling lack of beards, and the people seem far too slim to be dwarves. A small group move to mill around the entrance to the hamlet closest to yourselves, seeming to be waiting for you.
[15:19] <Varul> "I think the people of this burg are just your size for that, Lady Alveria," Varul finishes with that little barb, heading along into the town and looking over the peasantry.
[15:20] <Alveria> "Think harder, then."
[15:22] <Ebiris> As you finally draw close, one of the halflings waves to greet you. "Ho there, travellers!" he chirps, the stereotypically squeaky voice of a halfling sounding weathered by age. His frizzy brown hair and bushy sideburns are speckled with grey, and he wears several layers of decent looking cloth to ward against the weather. "What brings you to Yulla's Meadow?"
[15:23] <LadyAmonet> "Oh, hello!" Amonet returns brightly, smiling at him. "We were just looking for a place to rest for the night! Would it be possible to intrude upon your hospitality?"
[15:25] <Varul> Varul just keeps his eyes out and open, letting the paladin talk it up for now.
[15:26] <Ebiris> The halfling smiles widely at Amonet. "Of course not!" he bobs his head up and down, the other short people behind him seeming to relax noticably. "We don't have much here, but we'll gladly share what we have for the pleasure of some good company. My name is Halandar Bramblefoot, and I welcome you to our village," he burbles cheerfully.
[15:28] <Amonet> "I am Amonet," she responds, and gestures calmly at the others. "And these are Sir Varul, Lady Alveria, Sir Aramas and Gourash."
[15:28] <Alveria> "Hi." Alveria manages to out-bland even Varul with that remark.
[15:28] * Gourash doesn't seem to notice, or care, about the lack of of title, but then he's not really even waving at the cheerful creatures..
[15:30] <Ebiris> Focusing on the far more pleasantly dispositioned cleric rather than the bland fighter and mage, or the scary looking barbarian and warlock, Halandar waves you all forward, "Please, come in and tie up your horses - we were just about to sit down for supper. We don't hear much news from past these valleys, so we'd love to hear what's happening in the world out there."
[15:32] * Amonet inclines her head and dismounts, following Halandar. "Certainly, friend!" she agrees readily.
[15:33] * Gourash joins them, careful not to step on the little people... for values of careful that meant he wasn't shoving his own compatriots out of the way and was mostly following boredly.
[15:34] * Varul follows alongs along without comment.
[15:34] * Alveria follows after Amonet, rolling her eyes like little white marbles. "News? Won't be getting any from us..." she mutters, tossing back some red curls as she walks.
[15:36] <Ebiris> In short order you're led into Halandar's house - it's the only one in the village with two storeys, the halfling calling out, "Karmil, dear, we have company! Get the good tableware out and throw some more stew in the pot, would you?" as he enters, ushering the party inside and followed by a handful of other halflings who all seem quite interested in the new arrivals.
[15:37] * Gourash does not tighten his pursestrings or anything in the face of such cheerful beings, knowing his own intimidating presence likely enough to keep from small thieves.
[15:39] <Ebiris> Some of you (like Varul and Gourash) have to stoop a bit once inside, but soon you're all seated in the halfling's sitting room around a warm fire. It's a bit crowded with the party and at least a half dozen of the little people, but none of them seem to mind, one young looking girl touching the hem of Alveria's robe and cooing, "Is this the fashion in the big cities, now?"
[15:42] <Alveria> "Fashion? I don't have time for fashion," replies Alveria, blinking. "But I DO think lots of colours are pretty. Better yet, the thickness of the patchwork keeps me nice and warm, even this far north!"
[15:43] <Varul> "Nice place," VArul ventures as he looks about.
[15:45] <Ebiris> The girl nods, smiling. "We don't have much dye here, so our clothes aren't very colourful. The gnome in the forest sometimes comes into town and sells them, but they're so expensive..."
[15:45] <Ebiris> Looking around, Varul can see it is a pretty humble place but homely place. The furniture is weathered but well cared for and comfortable, and there's no real ostentatious decoration - a few pieces of clay pottery and earthenworks and the like. "I'm sure it's not much compared to what you're used to," Halandar shrugs, glancing briefly at the array of shiny armour and weapons the party is kitted out with before smiling, "But it's home."
[15:45] <Varul> "It is," Varul smiles ever so silghtly at it, but keeps his peace
[15:46] <Varul> .
[15:47] <Alveria> "Home, huh," mutters Alveria. "It's plenty compared to outside, don't worry."
[15:47] <Ebiris> "If you'll pardon my asking, though, we don't get many travellers around here, and certainly not ones as well, ah, equipped as you are," Halandar goes on, "What brings you this far off the beaten path?"
[15:50] <Varul> "Exploring," Varul says blandly, "Last time we wiped out a pack of cursed undeath. This time..." A great rolling shrug from the big man.
[15:51] <Ebiris> "Are you going to do something about those ogres?!" a young halfling boy pipes up excitedly, before Halandar hushes him.
[15:51] <Ebiris> "Now, now, Bilbo, I'm sure they've got more important things to worry about. Besides, those ogres haven't bothered us yet, have they?"
[15:53] <Gourash> "we do paid extermination don't we?" Gourash asked Varul.
[15:55] <Ebiris> Halandar spreads his hands, shaking his head, "I'm afraid we don't have much to pay you with. Besides, we're used to having inhospitable neighbours - we'll manage."
[15:55] <Ebiris> Little Bilbo looks rather forlorn, however. "They're scary, though!"
[15:55] <Varul> "What's the problem with them," Varul asks simply, frowning at the little boy's chiding.
[15:58] <Ebiris> Another halfling speaks up now, this one wearing supple leather armour and reclining on one of the chairs in a shadowy corner of the room. "Tribe of ogres recently showed up in the valley over yonder," he gestures towards the Southeast, voice unusually raspy and grizzled for a halfling. "Haven't poked their noses around here yet, but some of us have seen them when hunting over that ways."
[15:59] * Alveria looks a little uneasy. "What sign of them being up to no good have you seen?"
[16:00] <Varul> "Yes...are they merely living here?" Varui nods quietly.
[16:01] <Ebiris> The shadowed halfling shrugs. "None, really," he glances at Bilbo, "Ogres are scary, no doubt, but they haven't troubled us so far. First appeared maybe a month ago. Probably got kicked out of their last cave by something nastier and just moved further down the mountain."
[16:04] <Alveria> "Well. I guess it's not far out our way," says Alveria, slowly. "I don't mind going to have a look. But if they haven't done anything and they don't look to be, there's no need to ignite them."
[16:04] * Gourash shrugs, not enthusiastic either way with no hint of profit involved.
[16:05] <Ebiris> Halandar nods firmly. "Exactly. Live and let live is the halfling way," he agrees sagely. "Leave the wars and fighting for the big folk - no offence."
[16:06] <Alveria> "Well. Let us rest up here-" Alveria smiles a little. "And we'll go have a look after we've freshened up." Her gaze flickers towards the shadowed halfling. "You seem to know what you're talking about. Mind showing us the way?"
[16:07] <Amonet> "I too do not believe in the necessity of fiery justice," Amonet agrees, nodding. "Words alone, to strike awe and respect into the jaded hearts of ogres... they should be enough!"
[16:08] <Ebiris> "I could," the halfling nods slowly. "If'n the mayor allows it..." he turns towards Halandar.
[16:08] <Ebiris> For his part, Halandar just shakes his head slowly, "If you're determined to poke around that hornet's nest, better to have a guide to make sure it doesn't go too badly," he relents.
[16:09] <Alveria> "We could also not go poke around and continue on our way," adds Alveria.
[16:10] <Varul> "That...may be wise," VArul agrees at last, "If they see us there they make take it as aggression by the halflings, and ogres may need little reason to become warlike." Oh damn it, Alveria. So Varul thinks in vague pique.
[16:10] <Gourash> "Mmm, sounds reasonable to me," Gourash grunted in agreement with Alveria.
[16:11] <Ebiris> "It's entirely up to you," Halandar replies. "We can offer no reward if you get rid of the Ogres, even if we earnestly wanted them gone. As it is, they haven't bothered us besides scaring a few of our younger townsfolk."
[16:11] <Ebiris> "That could change once Winter hits and they become hungry," the shadowy halfling interrupts, prompting a scared whimper from Bilbo.
[16:16] <Varul> "Well?" Varul looks to the others, waiting.
[16:16] * Alveria just looks exasperated. "Do you want us to look around or not? Say yes and we'll do it. Say no and we'll carry on," she replies. "It's your village."
[16:17] <Amonet> "We shall abide by your wishes, naturally," Amonet agrees.
[16:17] <Ebiris> "I would prefer if you didn't," Halandar replies gently, yet carrying a trace of authority in his tone. "There's no need to go stirring up trouble where none exists."
[16:19] <Alveria> "Alright, then," responds Alveria, shrugging. "That's settled. Now, about that bath..."
[16:19] <Ebiris> -------
[16:22] <Ebiris> The following day, a drizzly morning greets the party as the make ready to hit the road once more, at least rested and well fed from their hosts' hospitality - Halandar's wife sure knows how to cook, if nothing else!
[16:22] <Ebiris> Also taking the chance to restock and replace some of their rations for the journey ahead, the party leaves the village, a somewhat unkempt and winding path leading East that you are assured will take you up into the mountains you are headed to in the most trouble-free manner.
[16:22] * Alveria looks much better now!
[16:23] * Gourash marches onward in a military manner.
[16:23] * Varul makes a note to check his items and supplies, just in case. They were wonderful folk, but his life depends on thoose potions and rations being there! Assuming that goes without incident, "How far along are we to our goal? Any idea yet?" Varul asks as the mountains loom above him.
[16:25] <Ebiris> While the directions weren't exact, you're about ten to fifteen miles as the crow flies to the general area of where the temple was supposed to be. Of course, that's way up the mountains, so it'll probably take a lot longer than just walking that equivalent distance to get to.
[16:25] * Gourash marches on, mile after mile~
[16:26] <Alveria> "Two or three days away, I'm supposing," remarks Alveria. "Lousy weather..."
[16:26] <Ebiris> Varul also doesn't appear to be missing anything.
[16:26] <Varul> "Isn't it?" Varul says agreeably enough, patting his supplies and ready to go. "What weather do you like, Alveria?"
[16:27] <Ebiris> The path takes a few twists and turns along the way - at one point it has to wind up a fairly steep incline on the side of a waterfall that empties out into a small but deep looking lake, filled with jagged looking crags jutting from the water. The lake empties out into the stream you saw earlier running past the halfling's village, while the path curves off North after this, moving closer to the woods once more.
[16:29] * Alveria peers down into the lake, marvelling at natural beauty for a moment before continuing!
[16:30] * Varul smiles a moment - what a scenic position. So enjoying it Varul casually looks about at the rest of the terrain, shaking his head. Probably will get a lot more views like this, at least.
[16:31] <Ebiris> It is pleasant! The deep water is still a pleasing shade of blue despite the overcast grey sky, foamy waterfall cascading down over the precipice and forming a small rainbow for your viewing pleasure.
[16:32] <Varul> OOC - To elaborate... can we get at the lake at all?
[16:32] <Ebiris> OOC: you could, it's not far from the path at the bottom before it starts to wind up the steep incline.
[16:33] <Varul> OOC - Can I see behind the waterfall?
[16:34] <Ebiris> As you ascend the path beside the waterfall to the higher terrain, you have a perfect view of the waterfall from the side, rainbow arcing down into the water below as the stream tumbles over the small cliff edge, grey shale visible behind the fall itself.
[16:35] * Varul glances down, making sure there isn't a natural cave there, a moment of fancy. If not...time to keep going.
[16:36] <Ebiris> No cave that Varul can see, at least above the surface... Cresting the top of the incline, the party can see the stream curves more directly East before the waterfall, while their path continues on to the North, only curving in that direction itself just before hitting the thickly wooded area to the North and West.
[16:38] <Ebiris> OOC: listen checks, everyone
[16:39] <Alveria> roll 1d20+3
[16:39] <Reiko-chan> Alveria rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{16}
[16:39] <Gourash> roll 1d20+5
[16:39] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
[16:39] <Varul> OOC - What stat is that off of?
[16:39] <Ebiris> OOC: wis
[16:39] <Alveria> OOC: Wis
[16:39] <Amonet> roll 1d20+5
[16:39] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{15}
[16:39] <Varul> roll 1d20+2
[16:39] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
[16:41] <Ebiris> As you reach where the path begins to turn East once more, Alveria and Amonet's ears both perk up, hearing what sounds to be a lumber clearing in the distance - sound of trees creaking and groaning as they're felled. Gourash hears this as well, as well as... sounds like someone scrambling madly through the undergrowth ahead, heading right for you!
[16:41] * Gourash draws his axe, readying himself for something large and charging. "We've got company..." He grunts.
[16:41] * Gourash turns in the direction of the sound.
[16:42] * Alveria shudders, and starts intoning defensive magic!
[16:42] <Alveria> OOC: Mage armour ftw, lemme know if there's a second round.
[16:42] <Varul> Varul whips his sword out, ready and waiting!
[16:43] <Ebiris> Suddenly, a figure bursts out of the treeline! It's a halfling in leather armour and with a thick green cloak trailing his shoulders. "Run for your lives!" he screams, panicked upon seeing the party. "There's a monster headed right for the village!"
[16:43] <Alveria> "You keep going! We'll blow it up!" pronounces Alveria, starting to cast Mirror Image, too!
[16:44] <Gourash> "eh...okay," Gourash nods and stays his ground.
[16:44] * Amonet twirls her ranseur expertly, ready to do combat with fell monsters!
[16:44] <Ebiris> Varul can now hear the noise of trees being toppled as well - whatever it is, it's getting closer! "It's huge, you'll never be able to stop it! I have to warn everyone!" the halfling cries, before continuing to bolt past the party and back into the woods as he takes the most direct route back to the village, forgoing the path you used!
[16:45] <Alveria> roll 1d4+1 lolzors
[16:45] <Reiko-chan> Alveria rolled : 1d4+1 lolzors --> [ 1d4=1 ]{2}
[16:47] * Varul takes a moment to drink a potion of Bull's Strength before it reaches us?
[16:47] <Alveria> "Guys! Back!" pronounces Alveria, nodding quickly. "I've got a plan! If Aramas jumps in the water somewhere, and the monster comes down this way, I could make 'em switch places, maybe! Then it'd probably be helpeless!"
[16:48] <Ebiris> It's getting closer - you can see flashes of metal through the undergrowth, and a few taller trees are visible toppling - if you're going to do something, you better do it now, since it's almost on top of you!
[16:49] <Ebiris> "Why must I jump in the water?" Aramas asks, summoning a roiling ball of infernal hatred.
[16:49] <Alveria> "Because if I fall in my scrolls will get wet, everyone else is wearing armour, and even if it doesn't work you can still zap it," says Alveria, frustrated. "There's no time!"
[16:49] * Varul backs up on command, strengthened up and ready!
[16:49] * Alveria backs up!
[16:50] * Amonet positions herself to cover the mage in case something goes wrong.
[16:50] * Gourash waits to see if Aramas starts running to the water, if so, he follows Alveria's plan.
[16:50] <Ebiris> Suddenly, the trees are splintered before you, knocked forward and to the side by the great monstrosity that emerges...
[16:50] <Ebiris> It's gigantic - at least twenty five feet long and fifteen wide in body alone, you're confronted by a mechanical insectile horror! The creature's main body seems to be plated in steel, a long oblong construction with an opaque glass window at the front.
[16:50] <Ebiris> Six spindly legs jut out from its sides, segmented wooden things with only a few steel plates arranged seemingly at random on them, the narrow limbs somehow bearing the monster aloft despite their fragile appearance.
[16:50] <Ebiris> But that's far from all - on either side of the construction's front and raised above the legs are two more equally spindly wooden limbs, but instead of being legs, each of these ends in an enormous steel claw of jagged metal, completely oversized compared to the limbs that bear them, and looking able to snap trees or people with ease!
[16:51] <Alveria> "...ooooooooor not."
[16:51] <Varul> "So..." Varul begins as he stares, suddenly feeling like one potion wasn't enough.
[16:52] <Ebiris> OOC: initiative
[16:52] <Gourash> roll 1d20+1 I suck'
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+1 I suck' --> [ 1d20=9 ]{10}
[16:52] <Alveria> roll 1d20+5 I don't
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Alveria rolled : 1d20+5 I don't --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
[16:52] <Varul> roll 1d20+6
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[16:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20-2
[16:52] <Amonet> roll 1d20
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{0}
[16:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[16:52] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
[16:55] <Alveria> "Um..." mumbles Alveria, totally shellshocked, somehow piecing together the words of a webbing spell, casting it forth amongst the feet of the monster!
[16:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[16:56] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{7}
[16:57] <Alveria> "Blast the windows, Aramas!" she adds!
[16:57] <Ebiris> At Alveria's command, a series of thick gooey grey spiderwebs erupt around the monstrosity's legs, gumming them up and slowing it for the moment!
[16:58] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[16:58] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
[16:58] <Ebiris> Aramas nods, about to focus his infernal power, before his horse suddenly bucks wildly in fear of the gigantic unnatural monstrosity before it, turning and bolting furiously away from the battle back the way you came!
[17:01] * Varul just gets off his horse a moment, knowing he'll need to prepare and charge soon - or run in terror, whichever.
[17:04] <Gourash> "Bigger they are...More they've got to cut!" Gourash uncleverly growls as he kicks his horse, charging towards it...no around its left side until he gets close to the back where he lashes out with his axe.
[17:04] <Gourash> OOC: Sunder on backmost leg.  Does this count as a charge?
[17:04] <Ebiris> OOC: It can if you want it to be!
[17:04] <Gourash> OOC:Sure!
[17:05] <Gourash> roll 1d20+12 (+4 PA)  Sunder
[17:05] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+12 (+4 PA) Sunder --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
[17:05] <Ebiris> OOC: damage
[17:06] <Gourash> roll 1d12+16
[17:06] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d12+16 --> [ 1d12=6 ]{22}
[17:07] <Ebiris> Charging past the thing's unwebbed side on his mighty steed, Gourash cleaves out a vicious blow with his axe which catches the rearmost leg right at the wooden joint, bisecting it completely from the body! The construction wobbles slightly as its balance is shifted, but still remains upright!
[17:08] <Ebiris> Moving around its rear, the half-orc can see the top of the construction, and what looks to be a circular hatch nestled towards the rear of its top side.
[17:09] * Amonet follows Gourash's example, urging her warhorse to charge into battle as she holds her ranseur not unlike a lance, aiming at the remaining wooden appendage!
[17:09] <Amonet> roll 1d20+12
[17:09] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{31}
[17:09] <Ebiris> OOC: damage
[17:10] <Amonet> roll 2d4+4
[17:10] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 2d4+4 --> [ 2d4=3 ]{7}
[17:11] <Ebiris> Amonet's blade cuts deeply into the wooden portion of the leg, but clangs off steel before she can penetrate fully, the limb remaining intact still!
[17:12] * Varul follows behind Lady Amonent, looking to finish off that leg!
[17:13] <Varul> roll 1d20+16
[17:13] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{29}
[17:14] <Ebiris> OOC: it is a hit.
[17:14] <Varul> roll 2d6+10
[17:14] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 2d6+10 --> [ 2d6=10 ]{20}
[17:16] <Ebiris> Varul's strike finishes off that leg, the limb of metal and wood flying off wildly from the force of his blow! The crab-like thing wobbles, yet somehow stays upright despite only having one limb keeping it up on that side, the legs on the other giving up their attempts to get free as instead one of the claws twists to come crashing down towards Varul!
[17:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[17:17] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
[17:17] <Ebiris> OOC: oh man...
[17:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 threat
[17:17] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 threat --> [ 1d20=18 ]{28}
[17:17] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+20
[17:17] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2d8+20 --> [ 2d8=10 ]{30}
[17:19] <Ebiris> OOC: ride check, Varul
[17:20] <Varul> roll 1d20+2
[17:20] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
[17:20] <Ebiris> With a brutal slash, the claw bludgeons into Varul, nearly knocking him clean off his horse! Somehow he manages to stay in the saddle despite hthe hideous blow, although his armour crumbles with the force of it, bones surely shattered in the stalwart warrior!
[17:22] <Alveria> "Aramas, shatter the bloody window!" snaps Alveria! (Holding until he does that.)
[17:23] <Ebiris> In the distance, Aramas is able to get off his horse and starts running back towards the battle to aid his comrades!
[17:23] * Varul has no idea how he stays on his horse, in total agony. Why him again? Potion..ow...argh..."Lathander..." Varul manages to somehow grind out, horribly wounded.
[17:25] * Varul gets his horse to fall back, getting a potion of healing and guzzling it down like the sweet nectar it is!
[17:25] <Varul> roll 2d8+3
[17:25] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 2d8+3 --> [ 2d8=3 ]{6}
[17:26] <Amonet> "The window it is, Friend Alveria!" Amonet calls back to the elf, striking at the glass!
[17:26] <Ebiris> Aramas does not run closer after all, instead he fires a rolling ball of hatred at the crab thing's window!
[17:26] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:26] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{20}
[17:26] <Ebiris> roll 2d6
[17:27] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{5}
[17:27] <Ebiris> It splashes off the window, not seeming to affect it at all!
[17:27] <Amonet> roll 1d20+10
[17:27] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{11}
[17:27] <Ebiris> OOC: critfail check
[17:28] <Amonet> roll 1d20+10
[17:28] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[17:28] <Ebiris> Amonet's blow only glances off metal instead, the crab thing taking this chance to strike at the aasimar cleric with the claw that didn't just brutalise Varul!
[17:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[17:29] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
[17:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+10
[17:29] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8+10 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{13}
[17:30] <Ebiris> OOC: ride check, Amonet
[17:30] <Amonet> roll 1d20+1
[17:30] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{5}
[17:31] <Ebiris> Horus Re, that had to hurt! The oversized claw clubs Amonet on her flank, the noble cleric almost slumping off her horse with the force of it, yet somehow she manages to stay in the saddle despite her wound!
[17:35] * Amonet urges her obedient horse to retreat from the four-legged monstrosity, wincing at the pain.
[17:37] <Gourash> "Hey..." Gourash notices the hatch, and being a bold orc, makes a leap for it, scrabbling up the back of the creature as he tried to get to it.
[17:37] <Gourash> roll 1d20+6 JUMP!
[17:37] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+6 JUMP! --> [ 1d20=12 ]{18}
[17:37] <Gourash> roll 1d20+6 CLIMB!
[17:37] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+6 CLIMB! --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[17:37] <Ebiris> Leaping bravely off his horse, Gourash grabs onto the back of the monstrosity, clinging on valiantly, yet unable to pull himself all the way up!
[17:38] <Alveria> "Amonet!" speaks Alveria, fretfully... dismounting! Attempting to do so quickly, too!
[17:38] <Alveria> roll 1d20+1 haha if I pass this it'll be hilarious
[17:38] <Reiko-chan> Alveria rolled : 1d20+1 haha if I pass this it'll be hilarious --> [ 1d20=10 ]{11}
[17:39] * Alveria gets off at a normal speed, and pulling out a scroll, she casts glitterdust upon the window of the contraption, showering it with blinding golden light!
[17:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[17:41] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{17}
[17:42] <Ebiris> Forgoing a further attack this time, the monstrosity's legs begin to work themselves once more, attempting to free themselves of the webbing that has it snared!
[17:43] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[17:43] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[17:43] <Ebiris> Webbing strains and snaps as the behemoth forces itself forward, lunging onwards out of the effect of Alveria's spell with Gourash clinging for dear life to the back end of it!
[17:45] <Amonet> Glaring balefully at the mechanical monstrosity, Amonet strikes at its body, Horus-Re's name on her lips!
[17:45] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[17:45] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
[17:45] <Ebiris> OOC: it is a hit. Damage?
[17:45] <Amonet> roll 2d4+4
[17:45] <Reiko-chan> Amonet rolled : 2d4+4 --> [ 2d4=5 ]{9}
[17:46] <Ebiris> With a shower of sparks, Amonet's ranseur cuts into the steel shell surrounding the thing's main body! It doesn't seem to affect it much at all, however...
[17:47] <Ebiris> Aramas meanwhile rushes forward to join the others, firing off another rolling ball of hatred as he goes!
[17:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:47] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{8}
[17:47] <Ebiris> roll 2d6
[17:47] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=4 ]{4}
[17:47] <Ebiris> Again it spatters worthlessly against the opaque window, not even scorching it in the least!
[17:48] <Gourash> roll 1d20+6 make it up!
[17:48] <Reiko-chan> Gourash rolled : 1d20+6 make it up! --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
[17:49] <Ebiris> Gourash struggles to find purchase, for one horrifying moment he almost slips free against the rain-soaked metal hide of his foe, yet somehow he still clings on, not advancing but not falling!
[17:54] <Amonet> Nodding to herself, she moves further back out of the mechanical terror's reach and calls out, "Sparks lead to immolation, foul creation of the nether world!" Her head whipping around her to seek out her comrades, Amonet calls to them, "Take heart, friends! The might of Horus-Re shall be revealed to all on this glorious day! May his strength flow through your veins, may his bravery inspire you to greatness, may his infinite justice be revea
[17:54] <Amonet>  may his infinite justice be revealed for all to see through your actions!"
[17:59] * Alveria speedily runs forward to the side of the creature, skirting dangerously close!
[17:59] <Ebiris> Despite the elven mage leaving herself wide open, the monstrosity doesn't deign to acknowledge her, seeming only focused on dragging itself forward on its gimped legs!
[17:59] * Alveria proceeds to explode!
[18:00] <Alveria> roll 5d8 reflex DC 18
[18:00] <Reiko-chan> Alveria rolled : 5d8 reflex DC 18 --> [ 5d8=24 ]{24}
[18:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:00] <Reiko-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{17}
[18:02] <Ebiris> Alveria's raging flames burst forth from the elven mage, scorching and burning the steel hide of the mechanical contraption, but not stretching far enough to threaten her allies! It lurches dangerously with the force of the blast, but somehow remains upright, one side now scorched black and burnt!
[18:04] * Varul rushes in, looking to Sunder that last bothersome leg and praying to Lathander it works without harm!
[18:04] <Varul> roll 1d20+12 (+4 PA)
[18:04] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+12 (+4 PA) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
[18:05] <Ebiris> OOC: critfail check
[18:05] <Varul> roll 1d20+12 (+4 PA)
[18:05] <Reiko-chan> Varul rolled : 1d20+12 (+4 PA) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
[18:05] <Ebiris> Varul's sword only slices the air, missing the leg completely!
[18:07] <Ebiris> Meanwhile, the creature grinds to a halt once more now that it's free of the webs, claw now splitting itself wide and lashing out at Alveria to grab her!
[18:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[18:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 24." [1d20=2]
[18:08] <Ebiris> OOC: grapple check!
[18:08] <Ebiris> OOC: wait, forgot MI
[18:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d3 hope it isn't 1!
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d3 hope it isn't 1! and gets 1." [1d3=1]
[18:09] <Ebiris> OOC: now make a grapple check. <_<
[18:09] <Alveria> roll 1d20-1 you're kidding, right?
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20-1 you're kidding, right? and gets 10." [1d20=11]
[18:10] <Ebiris> Snatching Alveria up through her magical protections, the poor mage is hoisted aloft by the mechanical crab, holding its prize up triumphantly!
[18:11] <Ebiris> Meanwhile Aramas rushes forward, finally getting into range and spitting a vile curse at the window of the construct, which begins to reverbate...
[18:11] <Ebiris> roll 4d6
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 4d6 and gets 8." [4d6=1, 3, 3, 1]
[18:11] <Alveria> "Put me down, you cantekerour contraptation of cold claws!" snarls Alveria, futilely!
[18:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[18:12] <Ebiris> The window cracks noticably, a spiderweb appearing all across it, yet it doesn't quite shatter completely!
[18:12] <Amonet> "The Light guide me!" Amonet yells as she charges the last leg on the creature's left side, aiming to smash it into rubble and topple the fell contraption, hopefully freeing Alveria!
[18:12] <Amonet> roll 1d20+14
[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+14 and gets 20." [1d20=6]
[18:12] <Varul> OOC - Can I try to sunder the claw and free Alveria if Amonent fails?
[18:13] <Ebiris> OOC: you certainly can, Varul.
[18:13] <Gourash> roll 1d20+8 GET UP THERE!
[18:13] <Ebiris> OOC: damage, Amonet
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+8 GET UP THERE! and gets 28." [1d20=20]
[18:13] <Amonet> roll 2d4+6
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 2d4+6 and gets 10." [2d4=3, 1]
[18:13] * Gourash growls and puts all his will to getting up and tearing open that hatch!
[18:13] <Ebiris> Amonet cuts a gouge into the last leg on its left side, but not enough to sever it completely. Meanwhile, Gourash hoists himself up mightily, quickly putting his brute strength to work on ripping the hatch open! (strength check, Gourash)
[18:14] <Gourash> roll 1d20+7 HOO HA!
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+7 HOO HA! and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[18:15] <Ebiris> The hatch is easily wrenched free even as the metal protests, Gourash opening up the interior of the construct to his not so tender mercies! There looks to be a fair amount of room down there, although he can't see towards the front from this vantage.
[18:15] * Varul curses darkly and pursues the injury Amonet scored! Varul only wants to Sunder that stupid arm into oblivion!
[18:15] <Varul> roll 1d20+14 (-4 Pa, forgot the +2 from nobility last round)
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+14 (-4 Pa, forgot the +2 from nobility last round) and gets 34." [1d20=20]
[18:16] <Ebiris> OOC: it's a construct so no crit, but you're probably going to sever it anyway. Damage.
[18:16] <Varul> roll 2d6+20
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+20 and gets 28." [2d6=3, 5]
[18:16] * Gourash jumps in!
[18:21] <Ebiris> The leg flies off cleanly at Varul's strike, the construct lurching heavily onto one side, yet its unfeeling claw still restrains Alveria! Inside, Gourash stumbles at the sudden movement as it shifts, seeing an array of levers up at the front before the cracked glass, and a strange creature of shifting air and wind, only barely noticable.
[18:21] <Ebiris> It notices Gourash, however, turning to face the intruder! Something is babbled in a voice he can't understand, however - though he does notice a gnome with a bleeding head laying insensate off to the side underneath some pipes.
[18:22] * Alveria attempts to squeeze her way out, somehow!
[18:22] <Alveria> roll 1d20+1
[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19." [1d20=18]
[18:22] <Alveria> OOC: Actually 21 due to +2!
[18:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 32." [1d20=10]
[18:23] <Ebiris> It's a valiant effort, but Alveria can't quite wriggle free, the cold unfeeling claws grasping her too tightly!
[18:24] <Ebiris> However, it doesn't follow up its advantage, the construction seeming to become inactive to the observers outside. Inside, Gourash suddenly finds himself rushed by the unhappy driver, however!
[18:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 9." [1d20=1]
[18:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 critfail
[18:25] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 critfail and gets 23." [1d20=15]
[18:25] <Ebiris> But it misses, only bouncing off the side of the interior as it misjudges against the sloped surface they stand on!
[18:26] <Ebiris> With another vile curse, Aramas gestures at the window, glowing with infernal power!
[18:26] <Ebiris> roll 4d6
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 4d6 and gets 12." [4d6=2, 6, 3, 1]
[18:26] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[18:26] <Ebiris> This time its enough, the window shattering completely and allowing the rest of the party to see inside as Gourash confronts the air elemental!
[18:27] <Varul> OOC - Can I go to the front and climb up the front and into the window? Can I get through the window? Does it have the means(A claw left or whatever) for an easy AoO?
[18:27] * Amonet strikes at the joint where the claw holding Alveria meets with the mechanism's body, attempting to ruin it.
[18:27] * Gourash growls and rages on the creature, smashing his axe violently into the windy mess.
[18:27] <Amonet> roll 1d20+12
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25." [1d20=13]
[18:27] <Ebiris> OOC: It has a free claw, Varul. But you could climb up.
[18:27] <Gourash> OOC: Rage, +4str, +4 con, +2 will, -2 AC
[18:27] <Amonet> roll 2d4+6
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 2d4+6 and gets 10." [2d4=1, 3]
[18:28] <Gourash> roll 1d20+10 (+4 PA) RAGING AXE!
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+10 (+4 PA) RAGING AXE! and gets 29." [1d20=19]
[18:28] <Ebiris> Amonet cuts into the base of the limb holding Alveria aloft, but can't quite sever it completely! Sparks and splinters fly at her effort though, something surely damaged!
[18:28] <Ebiris> OOC: hit, Gourash
[18:28] * Varul looks to continue Amonent's effort again, trying to finish it off!
[18:29] <Varul> roll 1d20+16(+2 PA)
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+16(+2 PA) and gets Error: Unclosed parentheses."
[18:29] <Varul> roll 1d20+16 (+2 PA)
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+16 (+2 PA) and gets 23." [1d20=7]
[18:29] <Gourash> roll 1d12+18 MASSIVE DAMAGE!
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d12+18 MASSIVE DAMAGE! and gets 27." [1d12=9]
[18:29] <Ebiris> OOC: damage, Varul
[18:29] <Varul> roll 2d6+14
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+14 and gets 19." [2d6=2, 3]
[18:29] <Varul> OOC - 21, forgot a +2.
[18:30] <Ebiris> Varul manages to sever the limb completely, heavy claw dropping to the ground like a very big stone that happens to have a screaming elf inside it. Meanwhile, Gourash slams into the Elemental with a fury, only taking a single strike of his mighty axe to dissipate it completely!
[18:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d6
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[18:32] <Ebiris> Alveria lands with a painful thud, but the impact at least loosens the claw's grip on her!
[18:32] <Alveria> "Ow!"
[18:33] * Gourash looks around wrathfully for any more!
[18:34] <Ebiris> The only other occupant of the vehicle seems to be an unconscious gnome, to Gourash's keen eyes!
[18:34] * Amonet is there next to the poor elf, sympathy and healing energy pouring from her in waves!
[18:34] <Amonet> roll 1d8+2
[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+2 and gets 7." [1d8=5]
[18:34] * Gourash looks out the window and calms down, waving to his allies.
[18:34] * Varul sags a moment now that it's over, kickign the side of the metal and wood beast in spite. "Got it?"
[18:35] <Ebiris> The mental clangs at Varul's spiteful kick, but the contraption doesn't protest further.
[18:35] * Amonet waves back, using her wand on Varul as he sags.
[18:35] <Amonet> roll 1d8+1
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+1 and gets 9." [1d8=8]
[18:35] <Gourash> "There's some stupid gnome in here," Gourash grunts.
[18:35] <Amonet> roll 1d8+1
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4." [1d8=3]
[18:36] <Amonet> roll 1d8+1
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+1 and gets 7." [1d8=6]
[18:36] <Varul> "Get him out, make sure he's out, and make sure that THING can't be controlled again anytime soon!" Varul shouts back up, smiling am oment to Amoment. "Take care of yoruself, too."
[18:37] <Amonet> "Horus-Re would provide," she agrees, and is covered briefly in light.
[18:37] <Amonet> roll 1d8+2
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+2 and gets 6." [1d8=4]
[18:37] <Amonet> roll 1d8+2
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+2 and gets 7." [1d8=5]
[18:40] <Gourash> "Sure thing!"  Gourash proceeds to ensure that the device controls are in strictly nonfunctional condition.
[18:40] <Varul> "...I'm tempted to want to take this thing apart the hard way, too," VArul growls, glaring at it ashe holds his greatsword.
[18:41] <Ebiris> Gourash is able to wreck the controls in short order. He might not know how it works, but he sure knows how to stop it working!
[18:43] <Ebiris> With things under control now, Aramas decides to run back and catch his wayward horse.
[18:43] * Gourash takes the gnome down out of the device.
[18:44] <Gourash> "Hum..."  
[18:44] <Ebiris> He looks pretty banged up - skin pale and waxy and a still oozing headwound. Alive, but barely, in Gourash's grasp as he exits the machine.
[18:44] * Gourash heads back and searches the device for treasure after depositing the gnome with Amonet.
[18:45] <Varul> With a grunt Varul heads around, deciding to sunder the other three legs, just to be sure.
[18:45] <Ebiris> Doesn't seem to be much in the machine that Gourash can make sense of. Although the gnome is carrying a wand and a grey sack that Aramas is able to point out as being magical when he returns with his horse.
[18:46] <Ebiris> Gourash is also jolted inside the contraption as it suddenly collapses on the other side after Varul severs the remaining limbs!
[18:47] * Amonet takes stock of the gnome's injuries, and whether he requires any immediate medical attention.
[18:47] <Ebiris> He looks really badly hurt. Stable, but he's not getting up any time soon without magical assistance.
[18:47] * Gourash gets out afterwards and glares at Varul.
[18:48] <Gourash> "Wait till I'm out, numbskull," He grumbled.

[Ebiris]

Healing the gnome after the battle, he identifies himself as Calad Neboan, a gnomish alchemist and inventor. Apparently he was creating a gigantic mechanical crab monstrosity (questions as to why he felt the need to do so are met with evasive replies along the line of "Why do people climb mountains, my boy? Because it's there! Or in this case... because it wasn't. Something I saught to rectify!") and decided to bind an Air Elemental to act as a co-pilot, since it was difficult to pilot all by himself with so many levers to control.

Sadly, the spell went awry as they tend to do, and the Elemental managed to overpower him before running amock. Quite ashamed over having nearly destroyed the halfling village, he's naturally grateful to you guys for stopping his creation - although worryingly he doesn't seem at all deterred from trying again.

Regardless, in gratitude he offers the following:

Option 1: Two arcane potions of up to 3rd level for each party member (any from the DMG)
Option 2: He will enchant any one weapon or armour you possess up to +1. Doing this will take a week, however.

[Corwin]

I want a magical polearm of reckless impunity so much I want to pay everyone 400gp for the chance. Any chance you guys would bite?  >_>

[Dracos]

I'll bite.

Gourash though finds that Amonet can't actually pay, but being nice is willing to wait while holding:

"I owe you 400 gp, <3 Amonet" paper

=p

Dracos

[Anastasia]

I'll go with that, it'll let me nearly pay Amaras off entirely.

I personally think we'd probably get more bang for the potions, but if you want the +1 that badly? Go for it.

[Carthrat]

3rd level potions are worth 750gp each. Enchanting a single weapon costs 2k.

So we can either have 2k worth of goods, or...

7,500gp worth. Even if we sold them all we'd get 3,750gp total.

I know what I want. >_>

[Dracos]

True.

But I don't think Eb is short changing us money amount such that we have to worry too much.  Thus I figured if someone really wanted an enchantment right now, why not?  *shrugs* I won't argue much either way, but that's pretty much what I said then that semi encouraged cor down this route I think.  If I was getting the sense we had a need to nitpick money, I'd be right with you, but without that I see it as just 'if it's convienent, why not?'

Dracos

[Carthrat]

I'm not making arguments based on the fact that Eb may or may not gives us more money in the future. We're talking several grand of difference, here; heck, it wouldn't be OOC to just drop what we're doing right now and go sell them (even if it is a little boring).

And then we could freaking buy a magic weapon. >_>

[Anastasia]

Or, y'know, get a few potions that we can use?

[Carthrat]

Either/or, really. >_>

[Anastasia]

Clarification:

> ...so we can get any arcane potion basically
> ?
<Carthrat> Yeah.
> It seems a bit much that by what Usa said we could get a Greater Magical Weapon+5
<Carthrat> Hmm
<Carthrat> Potentially. I assume he actually means 'get any arcane potion as if crafted by a 5th-level caster'
<Carthrat> Which would limit the scale of bonuses like that. I guess we should check.

[Corwin]

Yes, except does anyone particularly need 3rd level arcane potions at the moment? I'm not all that sure always picking the option that is worth more gp is best.

[Ebiris]

All potions are CL5, yes.

[Carthrat]

Except when it's literally worth 4 times as much, yeah.

And on that note, a +1 weapon is basically a joke of an enchantment that has the one virtue of being relatively cheap. It's not going to dramatically alter any battle unless the critter has DR/Magic (in which case Gourash, Aramas and I should have it covered, and you can cast magic weapon anyway.)

Sure, potions might be single-use items, but they give us capabilities we don't already have; the ability for our fighters to fly, for instance, which has the potential to drastically alter any of our low-level combats heavily in our favour.