Are the skull gems magical as well, if so can they be ID'd?
Are the skull gems magical as well, if so can they be ID'd?
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
DATE: Still April 2nd
The party sets camp where the horses were, they spread the odd items about it the remaining sunlight and prepare for the night.
The carved figures of strange beast in an unknown black stone have not been handled and actually radiate evil.
Deor Identifies the other items. He uses 5 1st level spells.
The Elfstone: Allows Elven Mages to cast at +1 level of effectiveness and would make an excellent set-piece for a Mage’s staff or the equivalent. It might go into a Ring, set into a necklace, attached to a hilt or even a bow as examples. Nearly all Wizards will eventually make a totem type item that they partially imbue with their own magic and tie to themselves alone. For humans it is typically a staff and occasionally a rod or wand. For Elves it is often far more varying, particularly a primary weapon.
Elven Long Sword: A +5 Long Sword that gives +5 saves vs. spells & magic attacks; an outstanding item.
Elven Short Sword: +3 and does double vs. intelligent undead and may strike incorporeal evil spirits. Special enchantment vs. Ringwraiths effectively doing x3 damage and warding against their fear.
Elven Short Sword: A +3 sword weapon.
10 gems of odd cuts with Skull etchings: Ancient human works of the south. They are easily enspelled and receptive to magic. Work natively as a +2 sling stone but many spells could work with them. For instance, one stone has taken on the Bless in an odd way and will be an additional +1 to hit and damage and double that for undead. It appears a magic missile spell could store in the stones for excellent effects; one missile per stone and gives the stone a +5 to hit and an extra D4+1damage. The stones will store the spells for level of caster/level of spell days. So a 3rd level spell from a 9th level mage would store 3 days. A 4th would last 2 days and 6 hours. Warning, a fireball or lightning bolt would store but the stone would probably not survive the use. Only one spell at a time of course.
One last chance for any additional prep or precautions.
Gilraen will Bless 3 more stones and try to store a Dispel Magic on one. It appears to work. She goes to sleep early and hopes to be rested before the camp gets attacked. Missy (the cat) curls up on top of her and Kali (horse) next to her.
Last edited by What Exit?; 16 Sep 2010 at 10:17 AM.
Ceol will warn everyone to refrain from handling the black carved statues, or even spending too much time near them. "I sense that they are quite malign, and may yet be dangerous."
My word, but those are good items. Let the arguing begin (but good-natured, of course).
Librarians rule, Oook
Thoroncir doesn't have to be told twice not to touch evil artifacts. And although he is intrigued by the swords, he is still content with his current one.
Our DM has now twice asked about special preparations for the night. Any particular thoughts on this, folks?
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 13 May 2010 at 03:00 PM.
Either short sword would be a slight upgrade for Ithilneth, but she will only claim one if it would otherwise go unused, since she would like the elfstone. On the hand, if there is greater demand for the elfstone and less for the short swords, she can make do with a sword.
As for preparations for the night, Ithilneth will keep her same spell list as before. She suggests that the evil idols be kept in their sarcophagus, covered and secured. We do not want their power affecting us, either directly, or by corruption of one of us, or by seizure by an enemy.
"I do not trust the power of those figures. We must protect ourselves from them and from those who use them against us." She will keep an especial eye on them during her watch.
"A month ago, I'd have claimed that elfstone myself, Ithilneth, but an elven artifact should go to an elven mage, and I'll happily relinquish any claim. Take it in good health, friend, and may you bear it over the sea when it is your time to board the Ships."
"These are exceptionally good weapons, friends, and I am pleased to see that we might yet make good use of them."
"Mulligan, let me see these stones. I haven't got many spells left today, but I've got a couple ideas that might make the most of them. Magic Missile, if I remember my applied thaumaturgy lessons, will enchant them nicely, and we'll do that for several, but there might be a way to gain a clever tactical advantage. I'll enspell one stone with Identify, and if we see anything threatening that we don't understand or want an extra advantage to defeat, I may be able to learn something about it and gain an advantage. I could also add a Web, which might be interesting if you need to capture something without killing it, or Long Light, which might damage undead even more effectively, but I don't want to do so tonight because I'm so low on magic already, and I want to be prepared if we're assaulted."
Are these reasonable applications of the magic?
I don't see anything that I would want in that collection. I say we keep the watches as per normal, and move camp to a more easily defensible ground.
Appleciders: "Are these reasonable applications of the magic?"
Light Spell yes, even to be activated on impact.
Web? I have to say no. It needs to anchor between things.
Identify definitely not. It requires concentration and manipulation.
Magic Missile will work very well of course.
OK. Then Deor will use one Magic Missile spell to enchant Mulligans slingstones tonight.
In summary, 4 stones are blessed, 4 have magic missile and 1 has a dispel magic.
...and Mulligan is very happy hobbit.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Without prejudicing any subsequent discussion, I will gladly take that +5 long sword for now - if we have any night visitors, then better it were wielded than not. Any takers for either of the others?
Librarians rule, Oook
Prestolwen is a good candidate for one of the shorts though she is mainly an a very fast and excellent archer. I will assume watch standers have the magic swords if superior to their own. As more treasures are probably to be found no need to make the decision yet. I am also assuming Gil-Gandel is taking an extra long watch tonight. I hope that is fine.
Suits me. As mentioned in Malacandra's post 9, to which I alluded earlier:
We post one-third of our number as guards at a time, and will use the following order unless some emergency causes it to be changed.
For the first four hours after sunset good Gwaelur will watch, and also Princess Gilraen, Rorimac Brandybuck, and Ceol of Rohan.
They will then be relieved until four hours before dawn by Bitur, Redward, Mulligan Took and Theogrim.
At four hours before dawn Sir Thoroncir, Deor, Prestolwen and Sala will take over.
Since Ithilneth and I both need little sleep as you understand it, we will rest ourselves for two hours after sunset and two hours before dawn, and will both assist the latter part of the first watch, all of the middle, and the first half of the last. You will have most need of our eyes and ears in the dark of the night.
Drindoleth would take Gilraen's watch, so that she may sleep uninterruptedly, if possible.
"It might be better for Gwaelur and I to switch places on the watch. The reason I bring this up is that since I can't sleep in my armor, and taking middle watch involves me getting in and out of it twice in a day, rather than once."
"That makes sense to me," says Thoroncir. "Please confirm the change to our watch schedule with Gil-Gandel, however."
I'm happy to switch with you Bitur. I'll go talk to the elf about it.
Sounds good. Let's have some dinner before nightfall.
DATE: April 3rd
During the mid-watch as Gwaelur, Redward, Mulligan Took, Ithilneth, Gil-Gandel and Theogrim stand watch the mist begins to rise as the temperature drops swiftly. Gilraen comes awake with a start. She starts to call for the camp to be woken but Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth have already started waking everyone. Strange noises, groans and screams ring out in the night. The air feels oppressive to the humans and their eyes are heavy. The horses are acting very skittish and the horseman in the group and Drindoleth are calming them. There is plenty of time to get armor on and the minutes stretch out. Finally Gilraen casts out a light spell were some of the items were scattered beyond the camp. In the hazy glow dozens of ghostly figures are seen.
Last edited by What Exit?; 16 Sep 2010 at 10:21 AM.
Bitur has his crossbow at the ready and plans to fire at any fleshy things should they appear. He's also ready to drop-and-switch when melee starts.
Deor will seek to surround himself with the rest of the party and prepare to cast to defend the party.
By my count, I have one 2nd, one 3rd, and one 4th level spell left. Is that right?
Thoroncir hurriedly dons his armor, picks up his shield and draws his longsword. (Is it glowing?) He speaks Horse to the mounts to calm them, then moves to Gilraen's side, asking, "What woke you, my lady? And what manner of foe are those?"
Deor and the other spell casters actually have their spell points replenished, just not time to change their choice of spells.
Gilraen answers Thoroncir with a worried tone, "A dark dream and then Lady Vanimeldë appeared to me. It was a warning, maybe a sending. This is some evil presence I have never felt before. Aina Galad " and another burst of light is sent from the Rod of Kanotir towards the hill.
More ghostly figures are shown. This time among them is a darkness, a darkness even in the light. It appears nearly 7 feet tall and seems to be gesturing at the camp.
Gilraen cries out, "Ware a spellcaster"
Last edited by What Exit?; 18 May 2010 at 07:27 AM.
As the ghostly figures appear, Ceol moves to the front of the party. He holds his longsword out, blade up, towards the undead, and speaks in a loud, firm voice.
"By the power of Eonwë, I command thee to return to thy graves, and trouble the living world no more!"
Do all of these spectral figures appear just on one side of our party, or are we surrounded? Is Thoroncir's longsword glowing?
He will stand between Gilraen and the tallest foe. Perhaps it is time that our mages and archers open fire.
So far the spectral figures only appear where Gilraen has used the Rod of Kanotir to light things up. When Thoroncir allows it his sword glows and glows fiercely. Any swords that glow when undead are near will glow. There are figures stooping to the ground like they are gathering.
I'll use a Long Light in the area of the party to illuminate any apparitions around the party.
Prestolwen readies her bow and loosens her short sword in its sheath.
Thoroncir urges Prestolwen and the other archers to fire now.
"Gilraen, the only time I have heard you use the name of Lady Vanimeldë was in a well carved house near Rivendell." queries Mulligan. "Several of us were given gifts as a preparation for times to come......"
Closing her eyes and trying to remember, Mulligan recants the task set before them many months earlier. "Collectively you are a power for good. Beware Kkósal, once he was amongst us but he dreaded death too greatly and fell under Sauron’s influence. His gift for talking helped sway many others to the Dark Lord. Now each of you now enter and take these hidden relics, fight the shadow and bring home the family. So did Lady Vanimeldë prepare for this day.".
".......and I think one of those times has come. Rorimac, unsheath that sword, it was one of the gifts. "
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
An arrow - one of the best - on the string, and search the undead ranks for anything that looks like a leader; such as that gesturing darkness, for instance. If it comes to a hand-to-hand fight then I will flame my swords. While we're waiting, I'll sing up a Faerie Fire on the gesturing darkness and another one or two of the shades near it.
Librarians rule, Oook
Ithilneth wonders which, if any, of her weapons might be effective against apparitions. As a test, she'll loose one of her magic silvern arrows at the nearest spectral figure.
Gwaelur lights his helm in the hopes of aiding Gilraen's spell and shedding some additional light on things. He pulls out his bow and holds it at the ready.
Last edited by What Exit?; 20 May 2010 at 08:52 AM.
Rorimac pulls out Kkosal's Bane and watches it glowing in the night.
"Well I wasn't there when this was presented, but from what you're saying Mulligan, there is also a shadow down there, and it looks like it is controlling the other ghosts. Either we wait and see what happens next, or we take out that shadow. But I bet you that if we do nothing, there will be no coins left on this hillside by morning and we can repeat that cycle endlessly."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Thoroncir nods to Rorimac. "Then let us, advance, my friends, and take the fight to them," he says, raising his sword.
After I've cast Faerie Fire as noted above, I'll start strumming this one-string fiddle of mine, then. Form up as we did before (but find space to slot the hobbits in).
Librarians rule, Oook
Gil-Gandel has the +5 Elven Long Sword that gives +5 saves vs. spells & magic attacks
Ithilneth appears to have the Elven Short Sword: +3 and does double vs. intelligent undead and may strike incorporeal evil spirits. Special enchantment vs. Ringwraiths effectively doing x3 damage and warding against their fear.
Prestolwen has the Elven Short Sword: A +3 sword weapon
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Ithilneth’s magic arrow races through the night air and strikes a nearby spectral figure and sees the arrow fly though the phantasm.
Where Ceol commands, 7 figure turn and flee.
The 7’ apparition of darkness receives a +3 arrow from Gil-Gandel. It hits and disrupts the actions of this specter. (Well vampiric wraith as we shortly find out.) Gil-Gandel sends 2 more arrows into the figure and missed once.
Thoroncir and Rorimac start forward towards this same specter and they are joined by Theogrim. As they advance, several spectral figures materialize and attack. Thoroncir is swift with Cirist and slicers through the first one to his left. At the same time Cirist surges in light and Thoroncir feels there are two vampiric wraiths in all and nearly 50 of these minor specters. Kálthalionthe scabbard of Holy Strength is warm on his hip.
Rorimac hits with Kkósal bane and with his Dúnedain sword and drops one.
Theogrim attacks another with his great sword and damages it but does not drop it, as it is about to strike him, dual crossbow bolts from Gwaelur end it.
Bitur’s bolt strikes another nearby figure as it turns corporal. It is followed by another arrow from Ithilneth which staggers it. The minor specter reaches for Rorimac but Ithilneth’s next arrow goes through the reaching arm and the specter dissipates.
Thoroncir steps forwards and runs Cirist through the last nearby figure.
To the rear several specters step into the light as Drindoleth raises a Ring of Fire to protect the party. The specters scream in pain and fear and those further back stop.
Redward attempted to turn another group but has no affect.
Prestolwen guards the left side of the party & Mulligan guards the right side. Sala is ready to protect wherever he can be of aid. However the specters seem reluctant to step into Deor’s light.
Last edited by What Exit?; 20 May 2010 at 10:19 AM.
Ceol looks for a path to get to one of the vampiric wraiths, suspecting that, if the leaders can be taken out, the lesser undead will flee. If he has a path towards both, and needs to make a choice, he'll head for the left-hand wraith. Once he gets there, he will engage with his swords.
Seeing what his friend is up to, Theogrim will fall in at Ceol's side and fend off any undead who attempt to intercept the paladin on his route to the lead wraith(s).
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If Gilraen does not seem in danger, Thoroncir will charge the nearest vampiric wraith and have at it. Elendil!
Deor will continue to scan for enemies who can be hit with a Fireball, but he won't let fly unless the party is doing badly. He'll call Folca down to his wrist to make sure that she's safe.
Since things seem to be a bit crowded around the main specter, Bitur will drop and engage in melee the closest specter to his side of the formation that is is inside the ring.
If there isn't one, he'll keep plunking away with the crossbow into fleshy things, preferably the lead specter, but only if he stands a decent chance of getting a clear shot and won't risk hitting his compatriots.
Ceol nods to Theogrim as they work their way across the battlefield.
"Let us show these creatures that we do not fear them in the slightest."
Keep up with the supporting fire for now, from inside the ring of fire. Go to flaming swords if we are getting overrun. And recite a few stirring verses while I'm at it, as I can do that without stopping what I'm doing:
Get out, vile wraith! Flee before the men of faith!
Come no more where the bright swords cleave!
Shaft and spell scourge you, Vala-power urge you
Haunt this place no more, make haste and leave!
And everyone in on the repeat, please.
Librarians rule, Oook
Rorimac goes side by side with Thoroncir to provide cover and also engage the vampiric wraith.
"Deor, Gilraen, Is there any magic down there?" asks Mulligan keeping an eye out.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Gilraen herself lights up like an Elf of the Light and while holding forth the Rod of Kanotir in her right hand and Galadriel’s gift in her left she sends a beam of light blasting through the mist with a command where those that speak Noldorin pick out the words Eärendil, Telperion and Laurelin. The haze itself parts as the bright light causes a second darkness to illuminate as a hideous figure. The flesh looks rotten on it bones, many of which are exposed. It appears to have hideous wings of flesh and foul looking fangs. In the blast of light, 17 minor specters are destroyed in a flash that briefly reveals their former humanity and then just wisps of foul mist. The Vampiric Wraith is not destroyed or turned but did cower back a bit from the light. He then begins to make odd motions and seems to be chanting.
Mulligan’s minor ring glows and she allows herself to be invisible long enough to see that the mist is nothing to her and that specters are numerous and without any real weapons but their evil and fear. The Vampiric Wraiths on the other hand are extremely physical and ghastly looking as many have now seen. They each carry foul weapons and fouler items on their belts. The one Gilraen tried to turn has 3 heads on his belt and a wicked looking knife.
Gilraen says to Mulligan; “Let the Wraith be your target. The specters are far less dangerous. The Wraiths are the casters.” Mulligan lets fly a pair of Chalcedony stones into the Vampiric Wraith and does 25 points as both hit.
Bitur sees that a good dozen are coming in from side opposite of Gilraen’s facing. He charges in and begins swinging but soon sees he will be overwhelmed by the numbers. His Axe drops one and his shield bashes another back. Gwaelur sends two of his Mithril Bolts through one attacking Bitur and races to join him. Deor unleashes his first fireball on the Specters swarming Bitur. It destroys the 7 beyond Bitur and leaves only 3 on him. Prestolwen sends arrow after arrow with deadly accuracy into the specters attacking Bitur. She drops one with 3 arrows and the last two attack Bitur and one seems to reach through his Dwarven Plate for a cold touch doing 3 points of damage. Bitur’s axe drops a second one leaving only one and Prestolwen’slast three arrows hit twice dropping this last one. Gwaelur lets out a cheer.
Ceol & Theogrim have a clear path to the left Vampiric Wraith thanks to Gilraen. As they charge over Theogrim takes 26 points of damage 7 magic missiles striking him. They close on their target who seems to loom larger as they approach.
Thoroncir and Rorimac try to slice their way to the Vampiric Wraith. Gil-Gandel keeps the arrows flying into the Vampiric Wraith as he sings out verses that help his friends and comrades. Ithilneth fires arrows to support the pair of fighters on their way. Her arrows strike into the specters as they try to attack. Thoroncir and Rorimac slice left and right and cleave their way to their target.
Sala stayed back to protect Gilraen and Deor and sees that Gilraen has little need for protection and races to stop a specter heading for Deor from the flank. His swift blades fly with desperation as he holds of this horror. He joins Gil-Gandel in verse though and seems to take strength from it.
Get out, vile wraith! Flee before the men of faith!
Come no more where the bright swords cleave!
Shaft and spell scourge you, Vala-power urge you
Haunt this place no more, make haste and leave!
Redward moves towardsanother group of specters and blows a great blast from the Seolhorn and commands them to trouble humanity no more. This time he is rewarded with a dozen fleeing.
Drinoleth moves slowly to use his ring of fire to drive back the specters.
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Surveying the field, Thoroncir and Rorimac are near the first and injured Vampiric Wraith and another 8 specters approaching them.
Ceol and Theogrim are near the other Vampiric Wraith. There are another 6 or so approaching where only Sala guards.
The Dwarves are free for the moment but see a few more out beyond the circle.
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Thoroncir reaches the Wraith first and is rewarded with it leaping for his face fangs and claws out. He swipes with Cirist and strike hard but the creature hits with both claws cause streams of blood for the gouges as he takes 17 points of damage. Rorimac is in with both swords and hits twice. When his Dúnedain Sword strikes home in the undead flesh, the creature shrieks as if mortally wounded. Thoroncir hits again with Cirist and cleaves off the monster’s left arm. Rorimac strikes once more with Kkósal bane and the monster looks to be in bad shape.
Gil-Gandel, Ithilnethand Prestolwen continue to drop the specters trying to harm the pair of warriors. The music of Elven Bows is quite lovely to the pair.
Gilraen still glowing destroys the 6 specters nearing Sala.
Mulligan sends another Chalcedony stone into the wraith by Ceol and Theogrim. Ceol strikes true with his silver long sword, symbol of his faith in Eonwë and Theogrim hits with magical Two Handed sword. The monster has a foul three headed flail and strikes a blow on Ceol for 15 points of damage. To his horror Ceol sees the flail is made from human skulls and metal spikes. Ceol hits the horror again and Mulligan sends one more stone sailing over its head.
Redward looks for a shot to help the pair but knows it is too risky and settles for putting two magic arrows into a fleeing specter. He is rewarded with it dropping.
The Dwarves race to help Ceol and Theogrim.
(I wait only on Deor for this round and an idea of what if anything for next would be good. The two major undead figures are all that remain near and some Specters are fleeing.)
Last edited by What Exit?; 25 May 2010 at 01:47 PM.
"Come on Thoroncir, lets finish it." Rorimac swings his swords again looking to end the existence of this monstrous creature.
"Right, let's see how you like these as well". Mulligan switches to the blessed skull gems and takes aim at the Vampiric Wraith facing Ceol.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
If Ithilneth is under no immediate threat, she will do what is necessary to cast Protection of Evil 10' Radius on Theogrim.
Thoroncir strives to disregard the pain of his wounds and says to Rorimac, "I couldn't agree more, my halfling friend. Let us ensure that this unspeakable thing troubles Middle-earth no more. Elendil!" With renewed vigor and gritted teeth, he attacks with his longsword from the opposite side as Rorimac, dividing the wraith's attentions, intent on its speedy destruction.
Wow! Great battle description, What Exit?
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