Adventure 3: The Temple of Doom

[Ebiris]

Valuables

4261gp worth of gold, platinum, and precious stones.

Weapons and Armour

3 halberds (30gp)
3 suits of chainmail (450gp)
2 light crossbows (70gp)
4 daggers (8gp)

Magic Items -500gp for identifying

Lesser Metamagic Rod - Extend - 3,000gp
Nymph Cloak +2 - 4,000gp
Boots of Levitation - 7,500gp
Short Sword +1 - 2,000gp
Leather Armour +1 - 1,000gp

Wand of Hold Person (15 charges) 1,350gp

2 Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds (600gp)
5 Potions of Cure Light Wounds (250gp)

Scrolls

Steeldance (in Magic of Faerun)
Scrying
Dominate Person

Experience

1 Kristina Alis (Sorceror 6/Alienist 3) - 750 XP
3 Cultists (Adept 3) - 300 XP
3 Guards (Warrior 3) - 300 XP
1 Pseudonatural Giant Preying Mantis - 200 XP
2 Pseudonatural Hippogriffs - 200 XP

[Ebiris]

[15:03] <Ebiris> And so after a week of loitering around the woods by the gnome's forest abode (still somewhat trashed by the passage of his giant mechanical crab on its earlier rampage), Amonet is finally presented with her enchanted weapon! The blade now shimmers with potent arcane fury, almost seeming to glow a fierce red under the noonday sun as its presented to the cleric. "I hope it serves you well, Miss Amonet," the mage burbles cheerfully.
[15:05] <Amonet> "It's so shiny!" she exclaims in awe, taking it reverently.
[15:06] <Ebiris> It feels a tad lighter in your grip as you hold it, seeming to cut through the air with ease at even the slightest movement. Might take a bit of getting used to, but no doubt it'll allow for more powerful slashes, now!
[15:06] <Alveria> "May it keep zombies far away from us," affirms Alveria. "I like the selection of colour, too!"
[15:06] <Amonet> "Fire is most potent against the foulness of the undeath," Amonet affirms with a nod.
[15:06] * Gourash shrugs, though respecting the appreciation of good weapons
[15:07] <Ebiris> "I'm glad you like it," Calad nods amiably. "So, will you be resuming your travels now?" he asks, almost hopefully as he glances slightly towards Gourash and Varul.
[15:07] * Varul nods once, "We have a destination, yes. Hm?" Varul looks back at the gnome plainly.
[15:08] * Gourash grunts back. "Money doesn't just come to the pockets.
[15:10] <Alveria> "But it sure doesn't leave them for overpriced scrolls," mutters Alveria, starting to leave the hut.
[15:11] <Ebiris> And so the party leave behind this small valley, continuing their journey up into the mountains proper and the lost temple of Amaunator...
[15:11] <Ebiris> OOC: Survival checks, please
[15:12] <Gourash> roll 1d20+5 I AM A WOODSMAN!
[15:12] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+5 I AM A WOODSMAN! and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[15:12] <Ebiris> OOC: Gourash hit the DC. No one else needs to bother.
[15:15] <Ebiris> Making your way through the foothills, Gourash happens to find a sloping and winding path that seems to ascend all the way up to your destination peak, forgoing the need for difficult climbing and the possibility of leaving your horses behind. However, thick snow once you reach the cloudline does slow the going down considerably, and it's several more days of difficult travel before you finally reach your goal. (more)
[15:18] <Ebiris> Just shy of the summit, the path opens up onto a shallow plateau, and what can only be the temple lies before you. A heavy set of iron doors as tall as two men are set into the a domed archway carved out of the mountain itself. But... the party finds they are not the first ones here! Two figures stand guard of the doorway just under 100 feet away, a small campfire burning on the ground beside them.
[15:19] * Aramas raises an eyebrow..
[15:19] <Aramas> "Well, well.. What's this now?"
[15:19] * Gourash eyes the others in sort of a silent 'Do we take them now or later?'
[15:20] <Alveria> "I don't know, but let's go talk to them!" pronounces Alveria.
[15:20] * Varul slowly watches them, trying to get an idea of what sorta of type they are.
[15:20] <Amonet> "We should approach them, friends, and introduce ourselves!" Amonet suggests brightly, smiling at her companions.
[15:20] <Aramas> "Mm. Indeed.. Be on guard, however."
[15:21] <Ebiris> They both look human at a glance, wearing thick fur cloaks. One is holding a halberd while the other seems unarmed. They seem to be discussing something between themselves as they look in your direction, before the unarmed one raises a hand and calls over. "Ho there, travellers!"
[15:21] <Alveria> "Hello!"
[15:22] <Amonet> "Greetings!" Amonet echoes Alveria, waving at them.
[15:22] * Gourash grunts and stays around the middle of the group, not getting in the way, but ready.
[15:24] * Aramas takes up a position on the left flank of the group, keeping a clear shot, but not getting in the others' way.
[15:24] * Varul takes point, ready but making no directly aggressive moves.
[15:24] <Ebiris> Both of them begin to walk closer, and you can see they're quite definitely humans. The unarmed one wears a light blue robe under his cloak, while his companion wears chainmail. "Greetings," the unarmed one smiles, while the other eyes you all warily. "We weren't expecting any new arrivals this week - are you enlightened, or have you lost your way?"
[15:25] * Gourash twitches a bit at that kind of line, tensing a little.
[15:25] * Varul makes no comment externally. Internally? FUCK. An array of possibilites runs through Varul's head, none of them terribly kind.
[15:26] <Amonet> "We came to pay our respects to the Sun!" Amonet returns, still smiling. "How about you, friends?"
[15:26] <Aramas> "None but the gods are truely enlightened. We, however, are mere travelers."
[15:30] <Ebiris> "They're ignorant," the man with the halberd scowls, while his companion's expression droops.
[15:30] <Ebiris> "Ah, I see, you are followers of the false Gods... I believe it would be best if you were to leave, in that case. This is a private retreat for our more select members - ordinarily I would be happy to educate you, but this is not really the place." He pauses a moment, as if about to turn away before, "That said... how did you know this was once a temple to a false one?" he asks curiously.
[15:32] <Varul> "We have our information...but I'm curious now. False ones?" Varul rumbles quietly, watching both men with more interest now.
[15:35] <Ebiris> "Yes, the false Gods who dupe their followers across all of Faerun," the robe-clad man nods animatedly. "As I said, I would dearly love to tell you more, but this is not really a place suitable for most new recruits. We do have a chapter in Sundabar I could direct you to if you wish to know more, however."
[15:35] <Ebiris> "Maybe we should tell Kristina," the other man rumbles, eyeing the group suspiciously. "This isn't the place people just come on a walk."
[15:35] <Alveria> "Nope! But we do like to learn things," says Alveria, cheerily. "It's fine if you want to tell me about your god- I'm really interested in this sort of knowledge!"
[15:36] <Ebiris> OOC: Knowledge religon checks that I forgot, btw
[15:36] <Alveria> roll 1d20+5 huhwtf
[15:36] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+5 huhwtf and gets 12." [1d20=7]
[15:36] <Aramas> roll d20+4
[15:37] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+4 and gets 17." [d20=13]
[15:37] <Varul> OOC - That's int?
[15:37] <Aramas> OOC: Yes.
[15:37] <Ebiris> OOC: you can't - it's trained only
[15:37] <Varul> roll 1d20+1
[15:37] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+1 and gets 5." [1d20=4]
[15:37] <Varul> OOC - Oh, okay, nevermind.
[15:39] <C> roll 1d20+6
[15:39] * Hatbot --> "C rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8." [1d20=2]
[15:41] <Ebiris> He frowns for a moment as he looks over the group, before finally nodding. "You know, I think you're right - we should tell Kristina. Even if they're unbelievers, it could be a sign for them to have come here - could you go and get her?" he asks his companion, who nods and heads back to the doors while he smiles at Alveria, "Perhaps we will be able to indoctrinate you, after all."
[15:42] * Gourash growls a bit under his breath, eying his companions at that.
[15:42] <Alveria> "..wait, indoctrinate? No, no, I'm not some kind of faithless, egoless moron, oh, no!" she replies, totally oblivious to the undertones and taking everything said at face. "..wait, is that how it happened to you? I'm *so sorry*, really."
[15:43] * Aramas smirks at Alveria, amused by her ramblings this time..
[15:46] * Varul sighs. Oh Alveria...
[15:47] <Ebiris> The man actually laughs in reply to Alveria, "Ah, you misunderstand, madam. But then, so do most people, too blinded by centuries of the false Gods' teachings - however, we cannot spread our message freely for just that reason."
[15:47] <Ebiris> "There are far too many powerful churches in Faerun that would seek to stamp us out - that is why the mysteries of our faith can only be revealed to those who are indoctrinated, and even then only slowly as you prove yourself ready to advance."
[15:49] <Alveria> "Wait, wait, lemme guess- you're Sharrans? Or... A-HA! I bet you're Velsharoon? Wait, no, no symbol. Wouldn't be Banite, they're pretty open about this sorta thing..." mumbles Alveria, glancing at Amonet. "Any ideas?"
[15:49] <Ebiris> The man sighs and shakes his head. "We serve a far higher power than any of the false Gods you name," he tells Alveria. "But to know more you must become indoctrinated."
[15:50] * Gourash grunts. "Maybe you should Alveria. Not like it'd do anythin'."
[15:50] <Alveria> "Cyric?"
[15:50] <Alveria> "Ah, no!"
[15:50] <Alveria> "Couldn't be Cyric."
[15:50] <Varul> "Let's just go," Varul rumbles tiredly, annoyance in his voice. "Do you really want to pick a fight that badly?"
[15:50] <Alveria> "Way too crazy."
[15:50] * Alveria blinks. "Huh? Fight? What're you talking about?"
[15:52] <Varul> "..you know what? Nevermind," Varul just shakes his head, going quiet after.
[15:53] <Aramas> "So, who is this Kristina? Your High Priestess?"
[15:55] <Ebiris> "Please, madam, you insult me," the man shakes his head at Alveria before nodding to Aramas. "For this retreat, anyway. She is an E-9, and her devotion is beyond reproach!"
[15:56] <Ebiris> As you talk,the doors open once more and the guard you saw earlier emerges with a woman who starts walking towards you. The woman is attired in deep purple robes with a dark blue trim, a cloak of the same over her back as she strides closer. She's a bit overweight, but there's something in her eyes... they pierce every one of you, the woman's bearing that of a Queen despite her average looks.
[15:57] <Amonet> "I am sorry," Amonet says regretfully. "I have only heard of the K-9 designation. What would this mean?"
[15:57] * Aramas mutters to himself. "Oh lord.. I can see this going downhill already."
[15:59] <Ebiris> "It means I have ascended through nine levels of enlightenment," the woman announces as she reaches you, "Perhaps you could as well, if you prove sufficiently devoted... are you interested in knowing more about how to break free of the chains that bind Faerun's inhabitants to the whims of the false Gods?"
[15:59] <Amonet> "It would certainly help to know which god was false, and which true," Amonet points out.
[16:05] <Aramas> "I believe they are saying *all* the known gods are false.."
[16:05] <Ebiris> "All of the ones you know are false..." the woman begins before trailing off as she studies Amonet. "You... you in particular are in dire need of our help, I can tell." She frowns for a moment as she looks over the rest of the party, eyes lingering a moment on Amonet as well.
[16:05] <Ebiris> "I don't believe your coming here is coincidence... It goes against our usual methods, but I will waive the usual devotion fee to educate you in the truth. Would you be interested in that?"
[16:06] <Alveria> "Ok!"
[16:06] <Amonet> "If friend Alveria is interested, I see no harm in that," Amonet agrees, nodding.
[16:06] <Ebiris> * lingering on Aramas as well
[16:07] * Varul shakes his head once, "I'm not interested."
[16:07] * Gourash shakes his head as well.
[16:11] <Ebiris> "Very well," she nods to those who are staying, before smiling at the ones who agreed to come - for a moment your heart skips a beat. This woman exudes presence, if nothing else. "Come, let us get in out of this cold and I will tell you of our faith," she beckons before starting back towards the temple entrance.
[16:11] * Alveria absently casts a spell, patting both Gourash and Varul on the head. "Ok! You guys wait out here," she says, starting to walk in after the woman. OOC: Message lol
[16:13] <Aramas> "I suppose I shall as well, if just to slake my curiosity.."
[16:13] <Ebiris> Entering into the temple, you can see that it must have once been a grand place of worship, although centuries of neglect and wear have taken their toll, the temple's new inhabitants are at least keeping the place in some semblance of order. Before you is a circular atrium, with a floor of veiny black marble - in the centre lies a large sunburst pattern in gold filigree, flares branching off in the four cardinal directions.
[16:13] <Ebiris> To the North and South are short corridors which turn to the East and stairs rising up, curved slightly to stay within the peak of the mountain. Ahead and directly to the East is another stairway, this one heading down and spreading out. There is also a wooden door directly South, before the stairs leading up.
[16:14] <Amonet> "Would you mind a question?" Amonet asks of this Kristina.
[16:15] <Ebiris> "Of course not," Kristina nods as she continues onwards down the middle staircase, a few other figures in blue robes seen milling about.
[16:16] <Amonet> "If I understand correctly, you say all gods are false, including the one who was worshipped here." Frowning, she says, "In that case, why base yourself in a place of worship?"
[16:18] <Ebiris> "It saves us having to build a new one ourselves - I hardly think anyone is in a position to object to our taking over this place, after all," the woman returns as she leads you down the sweeping staircase into the main temple hall. Stone pews are on either side of a walkway leading to a raised platform with an altar on top of it, while light spills down from windows on the upper East wall, above the altar.
[16:18] <Ebiris> A large statue of what might be Amaunator also resides behind the altar.
[16:19] <Amonet> "Why would you leave a large statue venerating a god you believe is false, then?" Amonet presses on.
[16:20] <Ebiris> OOC: Knowledge religon please
[16:21] <Alveria> roll 1d20+5 wheee
[16:21] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+5 wheee and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[16:21] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[16:21] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[16:21] <Aramas> "And why this specific temple?"
[16:21] <Ebiris> OOC: knowledge the planes while you're at it.
[16:21] <Alveria> roll 1d20+10
[16:21] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[16:21] <Amonet> roll 1d20+2 might as well!
[16:21] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+2 might as well! and gets 4." [1d20=2]
[16:22] <Aramas> roll d20+9
[16:22] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+9 and gets 26." [d20=17]
[16:23] <Ebiris> Alveria and Amonet both know that Amaunator did not have tentacles. Unlike this statue. Further, Aramas and Alveria actually recognises the statue as, far from being Amaunator, actually representing an entity from the Far Realms.
[16:27] * Alveria cups a hand over her mouth, whispering something faintly. "Oh, man, are these guys crazy. Like, for real," she says.
[16:27] * Aramas nods.
[16:28] * Aramas responds, "We shall have to.. tread lightly until we are not surrounded by so many, perhaps.."
[16:29] <Alveria> "Sooooooooooooooo, what's this all about?" asks Alveria, brightening up again. "Sure doesn't look like any god I've seen before!"
[16:29] <Alveria> "Not that I've seen many in person or anything."
[16:30] <Ebiris> "That is not a false God," Kristina shakes her head, "That is a messenger from beyond most mortal understanding - and indeed past the understanding of most Angels and Demons. Perhaps if you stay to learn more you might gain such knowledge, but for now it will suffice for you to know it is merely an aspect of a greater truth. A messenger, if you will."
[16:31] <Aramas> "Mmm.. And what is this truth? 'Abandon the false, follow the true, be granted enlightenment, and glory will be to you'?"
[16:34] <Ebiris> "Isn't that the message of every other God in Faerun?" Kristina asks as she stops and turns to face you just in front of a large grey marble altar. "There is so much more to understand, but we must be very careful in what illumination we provide." She shakes her head sadly, "Unfortunately, many people are unable to handle the truth that we guard..."
[16:34] <Ebiris> OOC: spot checks
[16:35] <Amonet> roll 1d20+5
[16:35] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[16:35] <Alveria> roll 1d20+3
[16:35] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+3 and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[16:35] <Aramas> roll d20
[16:35] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20 and gets 19." [d20=19]
[16:37] <Ebiris> As she talks, Alveria and Aramas both happen to notice on the altar... while mostly clean, there are a few flecks of something dark and rusty marring its surface, as if something was splashed across it.
[16:37] <Amonet> "Interesting," Amonet muses, nodding to herself. "And this greater truth is taught in that place... your friend at the gate mentioned it, but the name escapes me." She shakes her head. "I do apologize, but I am terrible with names."
[16:38] <Alveria> "Oh, wow, they even conduct sacrifices," whispers Alveria. "They're so stupid! Like the gods of the Far Realms listen, anyway."
[16:39] <Ebiris> "We have chapters across Faerun," Kristina waves dismissively, "This is but one of many. However, you in particular would be advised to take heed... I'm sorry, I never actually got your name?" she stops with a questioning look at the cleric.
[16:41] <Amonet> "Oh, it's Amonet, friend Kristina!" she tells her with a smile. "May we hear more of your other chapters? There just might be some near my home!"
[16:44] <Ebiris> "Amonet, then," she nods slowly, before going on and ignoring the actual question. "As one who carries the blood of an outsider in her veins, you especially need to hear the truth. For when the false Gods are cast down, all who share their blood will bear a terrible backlash - and the signs say that day draws ever closer."
[16:44] <Alveria> "Really, REALLY stupid."
[16:45] <Alveria> OOC: Whispered, yeah.
[16:45] <Ebiris> OOC: I hope so!
[16:46] <Amonet> "It sounds really unpleasant," Amonet says mournfully. "Does this mean I need to warn my family to prepare for that?"
[16:48] <Ebiris> "Yes!" Kristina nods brightly. "You must spread the word, that is exactly right. The Time of Troubles, the coming of the Kir-Lannan, even the arrival of the lost Netherese City - all these were foretold, which means that time is running out. Knowledge is your saviour, though - the knowledge that we provide!" she goes on animatedly, sounding oh so very earnest.
[16:48] * Amonet nods politely as Kristina speaks.
[16:50] <Alveria> "Maybe... ah! At once! To Candlekeep!" states Alveria, shocked. "We must crossreference with the prophecies of Alaundo, who was ALSO never wrong!"
[16:51] * Amonet turns to look at Alveria, her eyes widening. "You know more of this?"
[16:51] <Ebiris> "Alaundo was a mere amateur compared to our founder..." Kristina huffs dismissively.
[16:52] <Aramas> "Are these writing claiming that your god will soon appear to this world?"
[16:53] <Alveria> "Oh, a little, here and there," replies Alveria, shrugging. "I mean, you can't HELP but pick up this sort of thing. But, yes, Alaundo has never been wrong before! He's got all the right credentials for this sort of confirmation."
[16:54] <Amonet> "I would like to see those writings myself and examine them," Amonet muses slowly.
[16:54] <Aramas> "As would I."
[16:54] <Alveria> "I wouldn't. You guys can go mad, I'll pass," mutters Alveria.
[16:55] <Ebiris> "Not just our God..." Kristina begins, before shaking her head, "Ah, but I say too much. Suffice it to say, you would be well advised to heed our message, for the Time of Troubles was but a teaser of events to come."
[16:57] * Amonet nods, gravely this time. "Yes, your message was most insightful and had a considerable impact."
[16:57] <Aramas> "Indeed. This has been quite an experience so far.."
[16:58] <Ebiris> Kristina nods, "I am glad - if you wish to learn more, there will be a sermon later tonight. I am sure you will find it most illuminating."
[16:59] <Alveria> "Wonderful! We need to go back and secure some of our supplies, but fear not, we will return!" replies Alveria, cheerfully.
[16:59] <Amonet> "It brightens my heart that even outsiders to you are welcome to learn," Amonet agrees, and nods at Alveria.
[16:59] <Aramas> "And, if perhaps we get delayed, is there a way we can find you or another chapter?"
[17:01] <Ebiris> "Excellent," Kristina smiles. "You may wander freely about the temple as you please, and by all means speak to the other members." Nodding to Aramas, "Of course, the nearest one is in Sundabar - it's at number twenty two Forge Street. Biggest building there, so you can't miss it."
[17:01] * Alveria starts making with the leaving.
[17:02] * Amonet bows to Kristina, and quickly jogs up to Alveria.
[17:03] * Aramas inclines his head to Kristina and follows them out.
--------
[16:14] <Ebiris> "Well... I suppose we'll be waiting out here, then..." the blue-robe clad man smiles a bit nervously at the two warriors while his halberd-toting companion just scowls.
[16:15] * Varul shrugs in the cold weather, settling back to wait. He looks about, getting a good idea of the area.
[16:15] * Gourash grins a bit toothily. "Indeed."
[16:16] <Ebiris> You're on a shallow plateau extending for a few hundred feet in either direction before it falls off the precipice of the mountain. The path you took up here slopes down more gently to the Southwest, while the peak of the mountain looms a short distance up over the temple doors.
[16:18] * Gourash sits near the fire, joining the men and also placing himself in closer range. "What's important about the temple anyhow?"
[16:20] <Ebiris> "It's a private retreat where some of our members come to remove themselves from the distractions of civilisation as they strive for self improvement and a better understanding of the universe," your talkative greeter recites as if by rote, smiling emptily.
[16:21] * Varul grunts at that answer, merely keeping watch.
[16:27] <Gourash> "Hmph."
[16:42] * Gourash listens to Alveria and eyes Varul in a sort of 'time to act?' manner.
[16:50] * Varul is now known as Koaway
[16:51] * Koaway is now known as Varul
[16:52] <Varul> First, Varul galnces at the two guards - what are they diong?
[16:53] <Ebiris> The one in the blue robes is looking between the two of you and fidgeting nervously, while his companion is leaning against the door and scowling suspiciously at both of you. "Lovely mountain air, isn't it?" blue-robes tries gamely.
[16:54] <Varul> "Yeah, yeah. ...oh fuck it." Varul whips his sword out, looking to decapitate one or the other speedily, prerably the one with the robe on.
[16:55] <Ebiris> OOC: init!
[16:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 and gets 12."12 [1d20=12]
[16:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[16:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[16:56] <Gourash> roll 1d20+1 AMBUSH...OH NOT!
[16:56] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+1 AMBUSH...OH NOT! and gets 6."12 [1d20=5]
[16:56] <Varul> roll 1d20+6
[16:56] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[16:57] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Varul > Robes > Halberd > Gourash'
[17:00] * Varul looks to take out the robed one with a nasty sword hit!
[17:00] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:00] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[17:01] <Ebiris> OOC: critfail check
[17:01] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:01] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[17:02] <Ebiris> The man yelps and stumbles back as Varul attempts to decapitate him, thankfully keeping his head and promptly backing away to open the door and yell inside. "Help! We're under attack!"
[17:02] <Ebiris> OOC: AoO, Varul
[17:02] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[17:02] <Ebiris> OOC: damage
[17:02] <Varul> roll 2d6+10
[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+10 and gets 15."12 [2d6=3, 2]
[17:04] <Ebiris> This one strikes true, cleaving him at the neck as soon as he yells out his warning, and causing the decapitated head to bounce into the temple's entrance!
[17:04] <Ebiris> OOC: you can cleave halberd dude as well
[17:04] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:04] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 24."12 [1d20=15]
[17:04] <Ebiris> OOC: it is a hit
[17:05] <Varul> roll 2d6+10
[17:05] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+10 and gets 20."12 [2d6=4, 6]
[17:06] <Ebiris> The swing of Varul's sword carves deeply into the other warrior's chainmail, brutally wounding him but not putting him down just yet! "Bastard heathen!" he spits out some blood before retaliating!
[17:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 14."12 [1d20=8]
[17:06] <Ebiris> But it only glances off Varul's armour!
[17:08] * Gourash brings his axe down from behindd the man, stepping in to trap him between the two if he can.
[17:08] <Gourash> OOC: Can I flank?
[17:09] <Gourash> roll 1d20+10 (-2 PA)  (-2 more if not flanked)
[17:09] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+10 (-2 PA) (-2 more if not flanked) and gets 15."12 [1d20=5]
[17:09] <Ebiris> OOC: his back is to the door, you'll provoke an AoO if you go to flank
[17:09] <Gourash> OOC: Then no flank.  13.  Prolly a miss!
[17:10] <Ebiris> A powerful strike it is, but it only cleaves the air, not hurting your foe!
[17:11] * Varul brings his greatsword around, repeating the former attack on a new target!
[17:11] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:11] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 28."12 [1d20=19]
[17:11] <Varul> OOOC - Threat.
[17:11] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-1 PA)
[17:11] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-1 PA) and gets 14."12 [1d20=5]
[17:12] <Ebiris> OOC: normal hit
[17:13] <Varul> roll 2d6+10
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+10 and gets 17."12 [2d6=6, 1]
[17:16] <Ebiris> A quick follow up on his last strike by Varul leaves the poor cult guard spilling his entrails over the frozen ground! Through the open doors, you see your comrades just ascending the stairs with looks ranging from horror to weary resignation, while a few cultists are seen as well, only just rousing themselves to alert vengefulness!
-------
[17:04] <Ebiris> As you climb up the stairs, the door bursts open and the man you saw earlier leans in, calling out "Help! We're under attack!" before a familiar sword seperates his head from his body, which gushes blood as it falls into the temple!
[17:05] * Aramas just sighs.
[17:06] <Amonet> Her eyes widening, Amonet rushes forward at the best speed she can keep.
[17:06] <Alveria> "You've got to be fucking kidding me..." mutters Alveria, hand raising to rub her forehead as she runs after Amonet, beginning to cast Mirror Image...
[17:06] <Ebiris> OOC: initiative
[17:06] <Alveria> roll 1d20+5
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20." [1d20=15]
[17:06] * Aramas follows sedately, calling his power forth to engulf his form in whisps of dancing flames.
[17:06] <Amonet> roll 1d20
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20 and gets 18." [1d20=18]
[17:06] <Aramas> roll d20+2
[17:07] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+2 and gets 3." [d20=1]
[17:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 Kristina
[17:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 Kristina and gets 2." [1d20=1]
[17:07] <Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+1
[17:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 3#1d20+1 and gets 48." [3#1d20+1 = 14, 15, 19]
[17:07] <Ebiris> roll 2#1d20
[17:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2#1d20 and gets 17." [2#1d20 = 14, 3]
[17:09] <Ebiris> OOC: do your spell, Alvie
[17:09] <Alveria> OOC: Where ARE people
[17:09] <Alveria> OOC: And Aramas isn't there
[17:09] <Ebiris> OOC: I said there were cultists milling around!
[17:10] <Ebiris> OOC: I didn't expect combat so soon so I didn't describe them in detail!
[17:10] <Alveria> OOC: I know that, where are they, where are we exactly, in front or behind the intersection, etc.
[17:11] <Ebiris> OOC: prepare for a map!
[17:19] * Alveria mumbles out the words to her mirror image spell, look of horror and irritation replaced by one of concentration and edginess! She takes a step around to the left, putting cover between her and the Kristina woman, and remains there for the time being.
[17:19] <Alveria> roll 1d4+1
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 1d4+1  and gets 4." [1d4=3]
[17:19] * Alveria then splits into five seperate images, each crazier than the last!
[17:21] <Ebiris> While Alveria casts her spell, one of the cultists just coming down the corridor on her right promptly casts a spell of his own, calling upon dark beings to aid his allies!
[17:22] * Amonet retreats towards the exit, her eyes radiating confusion, and red blood spontaneously covers the tip of her ranseur, said weapon held protectively between her and any cultist who would try to approach her.
[17:26] <Ebiris> "What's going on?!" One of the cultists behind Aramas cries, rushing up the stairs past him and Alveria before he spots Varul and Gourash standing over the bloody corpses of one of his fellows, the blue-robed man scowling and raising his hands to loose a jet of flame over the pair, and Amonet as well!
[17:26] <Ebiris> roll 3d4
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 3d4 and gets 11." [3d4=4, 4, 3]
[17:26] <Ebiris> OOC: reflex saves you three
[17:27] <Gourash> OOC: Myself and Varul as well?
[17:27] <Ebiris> OOC: Yes. Gourash, Varul, and Amonet.
[17:27] <Amonet> roll 1d20 wow
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20 wow and gets 17." [1d20=17]
[17:27] <Varul> roll 1d20+3
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: Amonet gets an AoO since she has a reach weapon
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: which could interrupt the spell.
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: so do that first
[17:28] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[17:28] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: critfail check
[17:29] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[17:29] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[17:29] <Ebiris> OOC: Oi. 1d100?
[17:30] <Gourash> rolll 1d20+2 (+3 versus traps)
[17:30] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+2 (+3 versus traps) and gets 5." [1d20=3]
[17:33] <Amonet> roll 1d100 don't break the shiny ranseur of justice
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d100 don't break the shiny ranseur of justice and gets 6." [1d100=6]
[17:34] <Ebiris> Amonet slips slightly, leaving herself open for a counterattack, but luckily no one is in range to take it! Said slip also helps her duck under the worst of the flames that wash over the trio, but it's still a nasty scorching all round!
[17:36] <Ebiris> Meanwhile one of the other cult guards near Alveria rushes to the doorway and swings his halberd at Varul!
[17:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[17:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+3
[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d10+3 and gets 11." [1d10=8]
[17:37] <Ebiris> Its a solid hit, the blade sinking into Varul's shoulder after penetrating his chainmail!
[17:37] <Ebiris> The other guard meanwhile looks between the crowded battle at the door and then at Alveria, before deciding to go after the elf despite there being five of her!
[17:37] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[17:37] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 24." [1d20=17]
[17:37] <Ebiris> roll 1d5
[17:37] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d5 and gets 1." [1d5=1]
[17:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+3
[17:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d10+3 and gets 6." [1d10=3]
[17:38] <Ebiris> Sweeping through the images, his weapon somehow hits the genuine article, drawing blood and cutting up Alveria's fancy robes!
[17:40] <Ebiris> As the battle goes on, a few other cultists scream and run for cover, fleeing up the stairs or towards the side walls of the temple hall! (there are a few noncombatant cultists around - not in initiative, just so you know they're here)
[17:45] <Ebiris> Meanwhile, the last combat-capable cultist runs up to Aramas and casts a spell, his hand glowing with negative energy before he reaches out for the Warlock!
[17:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 touch attack
[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 touch attack and gets 2." [1d20=2]
[17:45] <Ebiris> But hilariously he misses, unable to even manage that simple task!
[17:51] <Ebiris> Glaring at Kristina, Aramas summons a roiling ball of hate and tosses it at her!
[17:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[17:51] <Ebiris> roll 2d6
[17:52] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=1, 4]
[17:55] <Ebiris> The blast smacks into the priestess, causing her to recoil noticably as her robes are burnt. "Damn you!" she howls, before spitting out her own words of arcane power and causing what at first glance looks like a giant preying mantis to appear on the stairwell behind Aramas... except rather than being made of green chitin, it seems to be covered in fleshy pink pustules and extraneous eyes, along with a few tentacles at random points on its body.
[17:55] <Ebiris> The creature immediately takes a swing at Aramas!
[17:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[17:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+4
[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d8+4 and gets 12." [1d8=8]
[17:56] <Ebiris> OOC: grapple check for Aramas, but let's jsut pause since we're missing both him and Drac, now.
[17:56] <Gourash_> OOC: I'm here.
[17:56] <Ebiris> * random points on its body.
[17:57] <Ebiris> OOC: not pausing then.
[17:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[17:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Good luck Aramas!
[17:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 Good luck Aramas! and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[17:58] <Ebiris> Unable to fight off the overpowering insectile aberration, Aramas finds himself captured in its deformed claws!
[18:01] <Alveria> "Oh, god! You're ALL stupid!" shouts Alveria, angrily. "You can't cast a fire spell worth crap, you're a bloody ugly bug, and you have the balls to hit *me*? You're all gonna burn!"
[18:05] * Alveria angrily steps forward, hands burning with righteous fury! Spreading them apart for a moment, she clasps them together with utter fury, and the air all around her ignites with exceedingly hot flame!
[18:06] <Alveria> OOC: AoO it up, sucker
[18:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[18:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 threat
[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 threat and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[18:06] <Alveria> OOC: That could get real bad, but I live in hope of MI
[18:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d5 better not be a 1
[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d5 better not be a 1 and gets 3." [1d5=3]
[18:06] <Alveria> roll 5d8 haha die, reflex 18
[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 5d8 haha die, reflex 18 and gets 26." [5d8=2, 7, 5, 8, 4]
[18:06] <Ebiris> The guard makes a vicious swing with his halberd, which annihilates one of Alveria's duplicates but nothing else, right before the elf explodes!
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18." [1d20=17]
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 and gets 11." [1d20=11]
[18:08] <Ebiris> OOC: wait, I rolled one too many times. Since I'm nice, ignore that second 18.
[18:10] <Ebiris> The blast of fire immolates the guard who just attacked Alveria, the man collapsing as a charred husk! Meanwhile the blue-robed cultist is just able to dive for cover, but still takes a vicious burning, while the mantis screeches in agony but remains locked in its cruel embrace with Aramas!
[18:11] <Varul> OOC - The guard that's attacking me is still alive?
[18:11] <Ebiris> OOC: he is
[18:11] * Varul attempts the remedy this situation by hitting the nearest guard, the one that cut him.
[18:11] <Varul> roll 1d20+8 (-2 PA)
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+8 (-2 PA) and gets 18." [1d20=10]
[18:11] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[18:12] <Varul> roll 2d6+12
[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+12 and gets 19." [2d6=3, 4]
[18:13] <Ebiris> It's a vicious blow, cutting deeply into Varul's foe, but not enough to put him down even as he cries out in pain and blood sprays from wounded form!
[18:13] * Gourash_ roars in a mighty rage, charging violently through as Varul slashes, hauling down the stairs towards the Mantis with his axe raised to cut.
[18:14] <Ebiris> As Gourash charges, Varul's opponent is able to exploit the opening, halberd lashing out at the passing half-orc!
[18:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[18:14] <Gourash_> OOC: Rage: +4str, +4con, +2 wil, -2 ac, next 5 rounds.  hp up 8. +2 atk/+3 dam.  TOtal ac is down 4 with the charge.
[18:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+3
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d10+3 and gets 9." [1d10=6]
[18:15] <Ebiris> It's a nasty hit, carving open part of Gourash's stomach, but it doesn't stop him as he charges at the deformed giant insect!
[18:16] <Gourash_> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PA) Hit hit hit
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Gourash_ rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PA) Hit hit hit and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[18:16] <Ebiris> OOC: damage
[18:17] <Gourash_> roll 1d12+8+3+6
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Gourash_ rolls 1d12+8+3+6 and gets 24." [1d12=7]
[18:17] <Ebiris> With a wet squelch, the mantis releases Aramas as it expires, before vanishing abruptly into thin air!
[18:20] <Ebiris> "Hey!" the cultist who just cast burning hands cries weakly as Gourash rushes past him, yelling after the half orc, "FALL!" in a voice filled with arcane power!
[18:20] <Ebiris> OOC: will save
[18:20] <Gourash> roll 1d20+4 My highest will save!
[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+4 My highest will save! and gets 17." [1d20=13]
[18:20] <Ebiris> Gourash pays no heed to the silly man's words, however!
[18:23] <Amonet> "I'm sorry it had to come to this," Amonet intones, striking at the cultist facing her. "Even if you are creepy and sacrifice people and small furry animals to your abomination of a deity from beyond, I really hoped we could part under better circumstances."
[18:23] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+6 and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[18:23] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[18:24] <Amonet> roll 2d4+5
[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 2d4+5 and gets 12." [2d4=4, 3]
[18:24] <Amonet> roll 1d6
[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d6 and gets 2." [1d6=2]
[18:25] <Ebiris> Amonet's newly enchanted ranseur stabs into his chest before he can muster any reply to her words, the man's weapon slipping from lifeless fingers as he gurgles and collapses!
[18:28] <Ebiris> "Xenu take you!" another blue-robed cultist cries as he rushes from the side corridor and tries to cast a spell without leaving any openings to the Aasimar's bloody ranseur of justice!
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25." [1d20=19]
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 3d4
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 3d4 and gets 8." [3d4=2, 3, 3]
[18:28] <Ebiris> OOC: reflex saves, Amonet and Varul
[18:29] <Amonet> roll 1d20
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20 and gets 16." [1d20=16]
[18:30] <Varul> roll 1d20+3
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+3 and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[18:30] <Amonet> "That sounds most unpleasant," Amonet returns, wincing. "I would rather put my faith in Horus-Re the ever-shining!"
[18:30] <Ebiris> Both Varul and Amonet are able to duck to the side, escaping the worst of the burning! Still going to leave a mark, though...
[18:32] <Ebiris> Arams picks himself up from where he was being grappled, managing a nod of thanks to Gourash before he steps back and hurls a ball of rolling hate at Kristina! At the same time, the cultist tries again to touch him with his negative energy infused hand!
[18:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Aramas go
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Aramas go and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[18:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 cultist go
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 cultist go and gets 15." [1d20=15]
[18:32] <Ebiris> roll 2d6
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=2, 5]
[18:34] <Ebiris> Aramas droops noticably as he's touched, but his bolt still flies true, knocking Kirstina back a step!
[18:36] <Ebiris> Kristina yelps slightly in pain, but still gestures and spits out more eldritch words of power, summoning further servants to protect her!
[18:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d3
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d3 and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[18:37] <Ebiris> Upon her command, a pair of horribly deformed hippogriffs appear in front of Gourash! Flapping their oozing pink wings and thrashing serpentine tails about, one puts itself between Gourash and Kristina before clawing at the half-orc, while the other lunges at Aramas!
[18:37] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 for Gourash
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 for Gourash and gets 27." [1d20=19]
[18:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 for Aramas
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 for Aramas and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[18:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+6
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+6 and gets 8." [1d4=2]
[18:38] <Ebiris> Gourash takes a vicious raking claw down his chest, but Aramas is just able to duck out of the way!
[18:40] <Alveria> "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!"
[18:41] * Alveria sets the idiotic FOOL who thinks he can set things on FIRE on FIRE.
[18:41] <Alveria> roll 5d4 reflex DC 17
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 5d4 reflex DC 17 and gets 13." [5d4=2, 3, 2, 2, 4]
[18:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16." [1d20=15]
[18:42] <Ebiris> "Gaaah!" he shrieks as Alveria burns him horribly, blue robes turning black and charred! Yet somehow he manages to keep himself upright, looking considerably worse for the wear. "A harsh lesson..." he gasps out.
[18:42] <Varul> OOC - Is anyone within range fo me?
[18:42] <Ebiris> OOC: Guy Alveria just burnt. You could charge the hippogriff fighting Gourash.
[18:43] <Varul> OOC - I'll finish the burntee off so the others dont' get more spell flak.
[18:43] * Varul proceeds on, gritting his teeth as he goes for the burnt mage! HIs sword goes up and then comes down, a giant cleaver!
[18:43] <Varul> roll 1d20+10
[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12." [1d20=2]
[18:43] <Ebiris> A giant cleaver that only cleaves the air, your target swaying dizzily to the side and remaining whole! Or at least... not even worse off than he is right now.
[18:45] * Gourash brings a giant cleaver horizontally towards the nearest hippogriff in return with tremendous strength behind it.
[18:45] <Gourash> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PA) hit again!
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PA) hit again! and gets 28." [1d20=17]
[18:45] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[18:45] <Gourash> roll 1d12+8+3+6 I CUT YOU =D
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d12+8+3+6 I CUT YOU =D and gets 18." [1d12=1]
[18:47] <Ebiris> The unnatural thing from beyond that should not be emits a burbling shriek as Gourash hacks into it most viciously! Yet it remains upright, somehow!
[18:47] <Ebiris> The cultist Alveria just burnt decides he doesn't like these odds, and turns to flee back the way he came and up the stairs!
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: AoO Varul if you want to cut him down
[18:48] <Varul> roll 1d20+10
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: hit lol
[18:49] <Varul> roll 2d6+8
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d6+8 and gets 17." [2d6=3, 6]
[18:49] <Ebiris> Yet he barely gets a step away before Varul makes up for his previous error and bisects him from shoulder to hip!
[18:51] * Amonet decides to charge the monstrosity Gourash is battling, hopeful that Justice is on her side!
[18:51] <Amonet> roll 1d20+8
[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[18:51] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[18:51] <Amonet> roll 2d4+5
[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 2d4+5 and gets 12." [2d4=3, 4]
[18:52] <Ebiris> With a noxious gasp, the creature almost seems to deflate at Amonet's strike, pustules bursting with ichor as it collapses before vanishing into the ether!
[18:52] <Amonet> "Justice is indeed on our side!" she exclaims happily.
[18:53] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the cultist who earlier hit Aramas with his touch of fatigue decides he's had enough, and bolts across the temple to a door on the Southeast.
[18:56] * Aramas focuses his attention on Kristina, letting the hellish power of his soul come forth and outline his body, larger flames flaring around his hands as he waits for a moment to strike.
[18:57] <Ebiris> Kristina does indeed begin to mumble another dark incantation!
[18:57] <Ebiris> OOC: you should five foot step away from the Hippogriff as well, Aramas. Anyway, go
[18:58] <Aramas> roll d20+6
[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+6 and gets 20." [d20=14]
[18:58] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=1, 6]
[18:59] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 concentration check
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 concentration check and gets 17." [1d20=10]
[19:00] <Ebiris> Despite flinching at the blast, Kristina completes her dark spell, a shimmering silver gate appearing by her side which she promptly steps through, vanishing from sight!
[19:01] <Ebiris> OOC: axe that.
[19:02] <Ebiris> Flinching at the blast, Kristina's spell is lost, the mage uttering a foul curse as the magic fizzles!
[19:03] <Alveria> "You're so lucky I'm out of fire spells!" rants Alveria, hands curling around, reading themselves to cast a magic missile when Kristina acts again!
[19:04] * Gourash growls and slashes hard at the remaining Hippogriff, stepping forward.
[19:05] <Gourash> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PA) hit again!
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PA) hit again! and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[19:05] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[19:05] <Gourash> roll 1d12+8+3+6 MIGHTY STRIKE
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d12+8+3+6 MIGHTY STRIKE and gets 22." [1d12=5]
[19:05] * Varul takes this chance to take one of his healing potions out, gulping it down for dear energy.
[19:06] <Varul> roll 2d8+3
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 2d8+3 and gets 18." [2d8=7, 8]
[19:06] <Ebiris> It's a vicious blow that makes the unnatural hippogriff buckle and screech, yet it somehow remains upright! Growling wetly, it retaliates with a pair of slashes and a bite at Gourash!
[19:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[19:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[19:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19." [1d20=18]
[19:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+6
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+6 and gets 9." [1d4=3]
[19:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+4
[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d8+4 and gets 11." [1d8=7]
[19:09] <Ebiris> It's a vicious slash and a harsh bite that maim Gourash horribly, not even his raging constitution able to withstand the assault! With a cry, the half-orc barbarian falls, perhaps mortally wounded!
[19:14] * Amonet is there beside the half-orc, shifting her ranseur to ward off the monster as she speaks a prayer to her god and briefly presses her left palm against Gourash's skin!
[19:14] <Amonet> roll 1d8+2
[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d8+2 and gets 6." [1d8=4]
[19:14] <Ebiris> Gourash stirs groggily, death's cold embrace warded off by Amonet's healing hands!
[19:15] * Aramas once more lets his power flow over him and focuses on Kristina, waiting to burn more of her flesh away at the best moment.
[19:18] <Ebiris> Kristina spits a dark curse and eyes Aramas balefully for a moment, before she promptly turns and bolts through the door directly South of her that was opened by another fleeing cultist earlier!
[19:18] * Alveria flings forth a pair of missiles as the woman flees away!
[19:19] <Alveria> roll 2d4+2
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Alveria rolls 2d4+2 and gets 5." [2d4=1, 2]
[19:20] <Aramas> roll d20+6
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+6 and gets 14." [d20=8]
[19:21] <Ebiris> OOC: damage
[19:21] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
[19:21] <Ebiris> The missiles slam into Kristina's back even as she flees, causing her to buckle and stagger before Aramas' bolt blasts into her back, ending her life and making her topple to the floor!
[19:22] * Varul goes and charges the remaining hippogriff!
[19:23] <Varul> roll 1d20+9(-3 PA)
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9(-3 PA) and gets Error: Unclosed parentheses."
[19:23] <Varul> roll 1d20+9 (-3 PA)
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Varul rolls 1d20+9 (-3 PA) and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[19:24] <Ebiris> Varul's sword only bounces off its thick flesh, bursting a few pustules of mucus but not seeming to hurt it any! The creature screeches in return and retaliates at the swordsman!
[19:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[19:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8." [1d20=2]
[19:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 11." [1d20=10]
[19:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+6
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+6 and gets 8." [1d4=2]
[19:24] <Ebiris> One claw finds its mark, raking several bloody gashes along Varul's flank!
[19:25] <Amonet> "Follow your mistress into the Abyss!" Amonet calls out, her weapon striking at the hippogriff!
[19:25] <Amonet> roll 1d20+6
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8." [1d20=2]
[19:26] <Ebiris> But its a whiff, Amonet's ranseur only striking air!
[19:26] * Aramas turns and releases a firey bolt at the thing.
[19:27] <Aramas> roll d20+6
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls d20+6 and gets 24." [d20=18]
[19:27] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Aramas rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=6, 3]
[19:27] <Ebiris> Coring right through its disgusting flank, Aramas blows its disfigured flesh and bones apart, the creature vanishing into thin air an instant after its messy expiry!
[19:28] <Amonet> The danger gone, Amonet kneels next to the half-orc and sends healing energy through her palms and into him.

[Anastasia]

Are we going to be doing anything else around this temple?

[Ebiris]

With all the combatants neutralised, the party now has free run of the temple. The remaining cultists, despite a lot of horrified grumbling, don't muster much resistance to Alveria's command of "Get the fuck out." One of the cultists also had a magic short sword and leather armour which are summarily confiscated.

Looting the dead, you find the weapons and armour you'd expect. Kristina herself wore a magical cloak, magical boots, and carried a magical rod and wand. She also had some decent healing potions she must have forgotten to use.

Looting the cultists living quarters and dining area finds a small amount of valuables and a few healing potions, along with plenty of food.

In a private bedchamber that could only be Kristina's, a far more lucrative haul is found. Along with several scrolls, a chest filled to the brim with gold and precious jewels is found (Gourash got hit by a poison needle while opening it, but he seemed fine after waking up an hour or so later).

Also within her writing desk is a ledger which details donations from cult members who have visited this retreat - Amonet happens to recognise more than a few names as belonging to minor nobility, most notable being a Vincent Silvershield who visited last year, and happens to be son of one of the Duke's of Baldur's Gate.

------

Anyway, we're pretty much done here. What do you want to do now guys?

[Anastasia]

I do want to ask/search the temple grounds. I'm curious if there is anything else interesting poking 'round here. Past that? WE have a hook to Balder's Gate if we wanna go there, or a few others. I'm a little wary of tangling with a Duke, but I suspect it's noe of those instances that'll scale with us. The sooner we look into it/perhaps stop evil extraplanar plan, the less difficult it is. Like level scaling!

[Anastasia]

On the magical items? Um. I assume we'll keep the healing potions since that saves us expenses down the line. I don't have any interest in any of the items, beyond perhaps keeping the short sword for another magical weapon in our bag, just in case.

[Carthrat]

I say we go to those mines next!

These guys had a plan? Looked to me like they were just waiting for some prophecy. Anyone dumb enough to believe in it isn't some I care about.

I don't care about the scroll of Dominate Person, but I'll grab the other two. Nor do I care about the Wand of Hold Person.

The rod of Metamagic is nice, I'll probably grab it.

Steeldance appears in the Spell Compendium, too. Don't use outdated 3.0 sourcebooks! Use the real, better versions!

I see no reason to keep the short sword, personally, but if you really want.

Anyway, that's 14777.5 bonus gp of loot total (if we sold everything, which we won't, as usual.) That's 2955.5gp each. Remember, you can effectively 'buy' items from the lootlist here at half price.

Let the pseudo-shopping commence!

[Corwin]

Interested in buying the weapons/armor and anything else we can only sell at half price. Though it would probably seem hilarious as I carry all that junk around.

Also, did you guys (sans Drac) add the 400gp from the ranseur thing already?

[Dracos]

Let's see.  My math says we all just barely leveled up.

I'll level up later today or tomorrow if I have time.

So let's see..

Gourash starts with 2955.5gp from this.

Gourash would like to cash in the 400 gp I owe you from Amonet.  Is amonet ready to pay the 400 back now?

I would like one moderate healing potion and will pay the 300 gp for it.

What's the nymph's cloak?

Dracos

[Ebiris]

I probabaly should have just called it a Cloak of Charisma like in the SRD, but I prefer a more flavourful name...

It's a cloak that boosts charisma by 2.

[Corwin]

Interested in buying the cloak, cloaks are good.

Re: 400gp, I'll assume everyone sans Drac added them last time like they were supposed to. Drac, add 400gp now, and I'll just take 400gp less from the 2955.5gp we each get now.

Anyway, anyone else who wants the fun cloak of cha +2?

[Iron Dragoon]

I'm interested in the cloak, as all save DC for my abilities come from Charisma.

[Corwin]

I don't mind compromising, then. Just return the favor some day.  >_>

[Dracos]

Assuming I can buy that moderate potion and modifying my gold now.  If anyone(varul) wants to argue about it, poke and I'll put it back on the table.

[Dracos]

I probabaly should have just called it a Cloak of Charisma like in the SRD, but I prefer a more flavourful name...

It's a cloak that boosts charisma by 2.

That's cool, could you just add what it does in the future too? (assuming we have identified it).  I like flavorful names too.

Dracos