Draining The Sewers
Log Info
- Title: Draining the Sewers
- GM: Telamon
- Place: Alexandria Sewers
- Summary: The sewer sluices have to be opened before winter really sets in, but the otyugh Garbonzo has warned that the route is not unoccupied. So of course, send in the adventurers! Patch, Mara, and Schara face off against three garden oozes, and triumph (if not without pain).
The sewers. Of COURSE it's the sewers.
Still, the Guild and the city are paying, and that's really what matters. At least you'll be out of the cold that's inexorably moving over the Alexandria streets -- but it doesn't improve the smell.
Standing outside one of the road hatches that lead into the mains proper, the city representative is bundled up against the chill of autumn and coming winter. "The good news," he says, "is that all you have to do is check down this way for any nasty, moving critters. Once you've cleared the area, we can send in our crews to clear the sluices, and then we won't have to worry about it again for a few months. Hopefully there won't be anything, but, uh..." He pauses, then continues, "...there's a fellow that lives in the sewers, friendly to our workers, named Garbonzo. He's mentioned things down there and suggested we might not want to have someone go down unguarded."
"Oh, yay. 'Maintenance'." Patch says dryly, looking at the small group that's gathered to do this job. She's dressed for work, a mithril shirt half-hidden under a vest, and a maroon cloak drawn tightly to her. "Well, look at you Schara. You found yourself some work real quick." she muses, her annoyance fading quickly. She knows at least one of those she's working with. That's a bonus to the dealing with 'ick'.
"So. Kill the bad creatures, be nice to a Garbanzo. Okay. Simple enough." Patch says to the representative, keeping a bit of distance from Mara and her snake. At least for now.
"One of the otyughs employed by the city?" inquires the party member who is, it seems, the designated Stereotypical Elf for the day. As the small group gathered, she introduced herself as "Cilimarathlien", but added that just "Mara" is fine, so there's that. But, seriously though, a silver-haired elf with impossibly bright-coloured eyes and a *silverwood bow*? It's just asking for parody. "Or did that arrangement lapse? I have been away for some little time."
The elven woman has a snake with her. It's roughly the mass of a warhorse, so its presence cannot quite be overstated. It's enormous, shimmery-green scaled and looks like it could swallow a grown man whole. Happily, it seems content to sit coiled up beside Mara, tongue flickering unsettlingly out every so often, and shooting her baleful glances every time it does.
The sewers, Schara had been preparing for this! They had expected some of their first work to be dealing with things in the sewer, so they came prepared. there was a faint sheen to the bronze armor from the waterproofing, but stranger was the oilcloth waders they had over the legs and far up the chest plate.
"Yes, the work is certainly quick enough. I took some time to prepare, I made sure my equipment was sewage proof, packed several vials of aromatic oils of varying intensities, and other such preparations." They reply with a nod, while keeping a wide berth of the large snake. "I'm ready to work if you all are, I believe."
"Oh no, the otyughs are still there. Garbonzo seems to be a slightly more... intelligent specimen of their kind. He's quite noticeable -- gods only know where he got it but he wears a hat on his eye-tentacle. It looks very strange, but who's going to tell him that?" The city representative spreads his hands helplessly. "In any case, Garbonzo can't fit down into this section of the sewers, so I'm afraid you're on your own."
The representative leans down and unlocks the hatch, laboriously swinging it open to reveal a set of rungs descending into darkness. "I do hope everything goes calmly. I'll, uh... wait up here for you to report back."
"Wait, Garbanzo is an otyugh? I didn't connect those dots. Or, well... I didn't want to." Patch admits, sighing. "So he wears a hat on an eyestalk? Sounds fun."
"And it's a pleasure Mara." Patch says in return to the introduction. "I see you also used your grown up name. Most call me Patch, but since you offered? I am also known as Siofra.... but not by many." she says with a smile, and partial dip as formality. "I see you are well prepared, and brought with you a companion of scales. From the Mythwood, cousin?" she has to aks, the clich noticed, but she doesn't pick too hard. Yet.
For Schara, Patch nods, smiling wide. "I wish I could make such preparations, but... who goes first?" the last change in topic a statement to expedite the mission. "I don't much think I will do well in the lead. Lest I be trying to sneak."
Pulling a pouch from her belt, the silver-haired... huntress? produces several small objects that appear to be wrapped in leaves, and offers them to her apparent companions. "I prepared these beforehand," she announces. "I thought they might come in handy. Softened beeswax infused with mint." That said, she unwraps two of them herself, revealing, predictably, a pair of amber-ish coloured spheres, which she proceeds to knead into shape and... stick into her nostrils. "I've beed dowd these parts before," she announces, stuffily. "It is for the best, I caddot sbell adythi'g dowd there adyway."
The snake is not given any. It seems to resent its companion for it.
"I ab sure everythi'g will be fide," adds Mara in the representative's direction. "What cad go wro'g?" Oh, no. She said the thing.
Mara adds, belatedly, a rare flicker of a smile in Patch's direction. "We should talk, after." The effect is somewhat marred by the clogged nostrils.
"You can make such preparations no doubt, quite easily as I imagine you have much more in the way of silver and gold." Schara replies with a nod. "I am, but, wait no, I'm not from there. I am from up north." They also respond and correct in a fraction of a second. The offer is a welcome distraction. "Oh, oils worked into wax, that is one way to do such. I will try it if necessary, but my helmet already has a layer of oil applied on the inside." They add in a low, somewhat staticky voice.
The three -- well, four of you, including the snake -- make your way down the ladder. The upshot: you're out of the wind, and it's noticeably warmer down here, as you descend into the sewer tunnels. The downside, though, is the smell. Oh, it's not crippling, but it's pretty rank, even with precautions taken. The only one who seems eager to go down is the serpent, despite the tight squeeze -- probably because it's indeed less chilly than up above.
You find yourself standing in a large cross-corridor area, with 'canals' for runoff and fouled water running north to south and east to west. While the canals don't seem particularly deep, there's a narrow bridge that crosses them at points along the way. Greenish-brown mats of lichenous plant matter cling to the floor in places, as well as the walls and ceiling. In short, it's an unpleasant place.
According to the city rep's directions, the sluice gate levers are westward.
Patch takes the offered nasal plugs made by Mara, looking at them with an appreciative smile. "I had brought a kerchief and perfume, but this... this is fancy." she teases of Mara, nodding. "Sure, sure. Talk after the work is done." molding the wax pellets into her nostrils before descending with the others. Once down in the corridor, she looks across the canals and sighs. "Which way?" she asks. "Should I make a light?"
As the group descends the ladder and find themselves on solid ground, Mara proceeds to unsling her bow from across her back and string it. It's a fairly involved process, necessitating her having to use her full body weight to bend it enough to fit the string's "pocket" over the "saddle" in the wood. Once she's done so, however, she appears ready to go, running her fingers over her snake's flank, tapping her fingertips in a rhythmic pattern against its scales in what seems to be some kind of silent communication. "I am dot buch of a fro't lide fighter either," she admits, solemn tone only slightly marred by her stuffed nose. "By frie'd cad protect be if deed be, but she is dot... buch suited for a prolo'ged belee."
Bright lapis lazuli eyes scan their surroundings, gleaming in the dim light as the silver-haired elf takes a step or two westwards, glancing at her companions as if asking, wordlessly, if they're ready.
Schara descends last, an awkward combination of hooks and working hand until they reached the ground.
"No, it still smells unpleasant down here, and is rather filthy. I would think they would take better care of this area." Schara notes. "Please do not take this armor as a sign to put me in the front if something tries to attack us though, I really don't know what to do."
<OOC> Telamon says, "So, are you moving, and where to what order?" <OOC> Patch will cast her racial spell 'Light' and takes the lead. "So, party decision? Which way? X11, y13 ish, and look about?"
Plip. Plip. Plip. There's water dripping somewhere. As the trio (and their snake) make their way cautiously down the access tunnel, the light helps, but it's still very dim at the edges. There's a weakly flickering mage-lamp across the waterway, but other than that, the light Patch bears is all she has to see.
The green and brown growths coating the tunnel are no less disgusting up close, a bizarre blend of vegetation and fungal matter, somehow knitted together and surviving down here in the warm, damp tunnels...
<OOC> Telamon says, "Everyone make perception checks." GAME: Patch rolls perception: (12)+10: 22 GAME: Schara rolls perception: (17)+8: 25 GAME: Mara rolls perception: (7)+14: 21 <OOC> Telamon says, "Snake gets a check too :)" GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10 <OOC> Telamon says, "Alright, so..."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Telamon has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Telamon to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Suddenly, something -moves- on the ceiling. Patch sees it. Schara sees it. Mara sees it. In fact, the only one who misses it is the snake (in their defense, the poor snake is having to -taste- the nasty air down here and is probably distracted).
There's a wet sound and large, four-foot wide globs of animate ooze drop from the ceiling, tendrils seeking tasty, tasty flesh!
<OOC> Telamon says, "OK, so Snake is the only one surprised as the oozes drop from the ceiling." <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 3's action is to drop from the ceiling during the surprise round." GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 12. It is now Ooze3's turn! Mara is next! GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 11. It is now Mara's turn! Ooze1 is next! <OOC> Mara says, "Reach out and touch someone. Someone being Snek. With Magic Fang at my fingertips." <OOC> Telamon says, "Fair enough." <OOC> Telamon says, "Cast the spell." GAME: Mara casts Magic Fang. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15 <OOC> Telamon says, "Go ahead and pose it. That's your turn."
Almost immediately, the intensely blue-eyed elf takes a step towards her companion, pulling an earthy-smelling paste out of a pouch at her side and rubbing it into a shimmery green scale, murmuring something in a language that sounds more like the rustling of leaves than actual speech. The giant snake rears up and turns its head in the direction Mara is focusing - the nearest ooze. There's a strong sense of "I totally saw that" from it.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 10. It is now Ooze1's turn! Patch is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 1's move action is to drop down next to Schara and Mara..." GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 9. It is now Patch's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Sidenote: Snake acts on Mara's turn, or will next round since he was surprised." <OOC> Telamon says, "Patch, you're up." <OOC> Patch says, "Alrighty. 2 - 3 are still on the ceiling?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Only #2 is still on the ceiling. 1 and 3 have dropped down." <OOC> Patch says, "Sorry, dogs. I missed 3's action. What I would like to do is start a performance as a standard action, and draw my weapon. I'm not keen on moving. Inspire Courage +2" <OOC> Telamon says, "You can only take a move or standard action this round." <OOC> Telamon says, "(I suggest going ahead with inspire courage, myself)" <OOC> Patch says, "Oh, apologes. Just start up the performance then!" <OOC> Telamon says, "Epic guitar solo is a go then." <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it :)"
Patch's instrument on her back is ignored, but it's not needed. She has another thing that works well enough when her hands are free. She stamps a foot quickly, sorting out a beat in her head. "Oh, am I in a zone of danger?" she muses to herself, and suddenly she launches into a song.
"I'm breaking inside, and I don't belong here!"
a foot stamp helping Patch keep a rhythm.
"Oh, I'm losing my mind!"
(Inspire Courage: +2 Attack/Damage and +2 vs Fear/Charm)
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 8. It is now Schara's turn! Ooze2 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara, you may take a move or standard action :)" <OOC> Schara says, "okay uh, hmm" <OOC> Schara says, "sorry not sure what I want to do" <OOC> Schara says, "move to 17,11" <OOC> Telamon says, "Alright. Pose it."
Schara looks up just in time to tap one of the lenses on their helmet. "There are not normally giant masses of goo on the ceiling, are there? I have never been in sewers before." The artificer notes before they drop down. They look around quickly, before running back the way they came.
"I'm not running away and leaving you to your fates!" They shout back. "I just require some manner of room with which to actually do something. Be careful! I don't know if I have heard of these before."
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 7. It is now Ooze2's turn! Ooze3 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 2 drops down from the ceiling. Hoo boy."
Meanwhile, green and brown lumps of animate slime and plant matter are dropping down from the ceiling. Three, in fact. Tendrils wave questingly, and the smell is definitely not something to write home about as the oozes shuffle towards the heroes. Leaving trails of clear mucus, as they approach with a purpose...
GAME: NEW ROUND! Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 12. It is now Ooze3's turn! Mara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 3 will attempt to slap Patch around..." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22 <OOC> Patch is slapped. :/ GAME: Telamon rolls 1d4+2: (3)+2: 5 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8: (3): 3 <OOC> Telamon says, "You take 5 bludgeoning, 3 acid."
The lead ooze lunges at Patch, striking with a pseudopod at her, the slimy limb hissing when it touches her to leave burns and marks on her skin as it burbles.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 11. It is now Mara's turn! Ooze1 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Mara, you're up." <OOC> Telamon says, "(also, Snek is up)" <OOC> Mara says, "Any chance I can recognise what kind of oozes these are?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Knowledge/Dungeoneering" <OOC> Mara says, "Alas. I was hoping it was a natural thing xD" GAME: Mara rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: Trained Use Only: 0 <OOC> Telamon grins. What do you wanna do? <OOC> Mara says, "Oh well! I'm going to pull out my scythe(yes, a scythe) and whack at ooze #2. For all the good it'll probably do me. Meanwhile, Snek is lunging at ooze #1 to try and grab it." <OOC> Telamon says, "Does Snek have reach?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Well, then again he could probably balance on the edge there north of you" <OOC> Telamon says, "It's a snake, after all." <OOC> Mara says, "That's what I figured. Long and narrow(ish)" <OOC> Telamon says, "Alright, roll your attack first..." <OOC> Telamon says, "(You have +2 from Patch's rhythm)" <OOC> Mara says, "To be precise, the snake has a bite attack that can automatically constrict, if I remember correctly." GAME: Mara rolls weapon3+2: (19)+5+2: 26 <OOC> Telamon says, "Hits with the Scythe. Roll damage." <OOC> Mara says, "+2 to damage too?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Yes." GAME: Mara rolls 2d4+1+2: (4)+1+2: 7 <OOC> Patch woos! <OOC> Telamon says, "Good hit. Snake next." <OOC> Mara says, "... does the snake get inspiration? I honestly have no idea." <OOC> Telamon says, "... He is a friendly creature and he is not mindless, so... yes." GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+9+2: (1)+9+2: 12 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Mara slumps. <OOC> Telamon pats Mara. <OOC> Patch says, "Snek is clumsy, it's okay." <OOC> Telamon says, "Go ahead and pose slashing the ooze and your snake missing, Mara :)" <OOC> Mara says, "At least the ooze's attention will have been drawn away from Schara, likely!"
There's a solid "shunk" sound as the long haft of the weapon that was strapped to Mara's back in an easily accessible pull-away strap is drawn and... *opens* as a wicked-looking blade locks into place. The pale huntress whirls around in a maneuver that seems like it was designed for less cramped quarters, but somehow the edge of the curved blade bites deeply into the wobbly gelatinous flesh of one of the oozes threatening Patch. "Watch out!" she calls, completely unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, the glistening shape of Mara's serpentine companion coils up dangerously -- and *springs* towards the ooze between it and Schara, fangs extended! And misses entirely. One moment it was about to latch onto a piece of uncertain gelatinous anatomy, the next it's simply not there. The snake shifts its head around, body language somehow conveying a "Oh come on, it was right THERE" kind of offended surprise.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 10. It is now Ooze1's turn! Patch is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "While Mara is posing. Ooze1 is very startled by HUGE SNEK next to it and reflexively lashes out..." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11 <OOC> Telamon is pretty sure that doesn't hit. <OOC> Mara says, "AC 18." <OOC> Telamon says, "So no. Ooze oozes oozily but does not connect with Snek."
One of the oozes actually recoils as Mara's Snek snaps at it, evidently startled by the rather large serpent that has taken offense to it. A pseudopod slashes out, but it slaps into the stone of the tunnel floor rather than connecting with the snake's brilliant green scales.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 9. It is now Patch's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Patch, whatcha doing?" <OOC> Patch says, "Stopping the performance. It still lingers, giving us the bonus 2 rounds of +2's. First, I'd like to use Bardic Knowledge in place of Knowledge/Dungeoneering. It will be at a 1d20+2+2 After the results I'll decide to use a spell or not?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Go for it." GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+2+2: (14)+2+2: 18 <OOC> Patch says, "Next question! Can I cast an instant spell with close range one the ooze next to me? I want to Ear Piercing Scream at it." <OOC> Telamon says, "Ear Piercing Scream is a standard action, and will provoke an AoO." <OOC> Telamon says, "You -could- 5' step to 10,12... into the water... and hope it's not too deep." <OOC> Patch says, "I can 5'ft step, but I am still in one's range. SO my thought here. Provoke once, or twice. seems clear. I will go ahead and 5'ft to 11x, 12y and cast it on Ooze2." <OOC> Patch says, "Sorry about that." <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 2 will slam at you (AoO)" GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 <OOC> Telamon says, "(Failed)" <OOC> Telamon says, "Make your cast." GAME: Patch casts Ear-Piercing Scream. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 <OOC> Patch says, "It's 2d8 and Daze. Save is 1/2 damage" GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20 GAME: Patch rolls 2d8: (5): 5 <OOC> Telamon says, "It jiggles, much the same way jello shouldn't but that's about it." <OOC> Telamon says, "(2 pts of damage, after save)"
Patch takes that punch like a champ, her stern glance at the ooze a bit intense as she feels the acid creep through where its blow fell. "Garden oozes!" she calls after the others, her footwork shifting from being about rhythm, to dance. She moves away from one of her foes, but inviting attack from another! It's good she's lithe, fairly small, and has armor. She doesn't feel a second sting, but as she begins to channel her magics she focuses on Ooze2. "You need to..." the speaking being the trigger for her next evocation of power. Nothing is heard of her scream by the party, but the small Ooze2 hears it as if a megaphone was in its ear! sadly it seems its 'ears' don't work as well as other creatures. Ooze selective hearing? "CHILL OUT!" the spell doing something!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 8. It is now Schara's turn! Ooze2 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara, you're up!" <OOC> Schara says, "okay! Uh" <OOC> Schara says, "set up the death ray, shoot ooze #1" <OOC> Schara says, "oh and activate titan armor" <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, it's a ranged touch, but you will be firing into melee" <OOC> Schara says, "+4 dex" <OOC> Telamon says, "Go ahead, activate armor, then make your attack." <OOC> Schara says, "I forgot the command already" <OOC> Mara says, "Plus 2 from lingering inspiration, too." <OOC> Patch says, "+activate? Not sure. I just know rage is +rage." <OOC> Telamon says, "+armor Dexterity" GAME: Schara activates her Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll, adding in the +2 for lingering performance :)" <OOC> Patch nods! "It's active this round and the next." GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+7+2-4: (1)+7+2+-4: 6 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Telamon reminds people you have one free reroll. <OOC> Schara says, "I would like to reroll that" <OOC> Mara looks around for Whirl lurking in the corner. <OOC> Telamon says, "OK!" GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+7+2-4: (17)+7+2+-4: 22 <OOC> Mara says, "BZOT." <OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit." <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll damage! Add +2 from bardic performance." GAME: Schara rolls 1d6+4+1+2: (5)+4+1+2: 12 <OOC> Telamon says, "Oooh. What kind of damage btw?" GAME: Schara rolls 1d4: (4): 4 <OOC> Schara says, "fire damage and dazzled for 4 rounds" <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, the bad news is that it can't be dazzled. No eyes. Good news: it takes full damage. :)" <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose burning it pretty seriously."
"Alright! Please just, don't wait there if it's not safe, but don't wander too far if you don't have to. I'll do what I can, please don't be scared of any bright lights or fire, it shouldn't set anything on fire." The artificer shouts down the hall. They fumble with their left arm, pulling a lever that causes all of theor armor to shift and emit a hiss of steam, while the hooks and claws where the hand should be retract back into the limb. The block underneath the arm flips out into what looked like a thunderbelcher barrel, and the metal plating on the forearm flipped out and over it, leaving the metal framework underneath exposed with a variety of coiled wires that are glowing red hot. The artificer takes one moment to adjust with her remaining hand, before the weapon explodes in a burst of light, sending a small fireball hurtling towards the ooze and searing a large patch of it, while ignoring the Patch that was nearby.
"It worked! I can't believe it actually was able to function and convert all that into elemental fire energy!" Schara shouts. "I need to stop and make notes after this is done."
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 7. It is now Ooze2's turn! Ooze3 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, so. Ooze 2 was injured, so it farts this turn. Patch, Mara, need you to make Fortitude saves, BUT -- at +2 because you had those wax filters in your noses :)" <OOC> Telamon says, "(No, seriously, this is an actual ability the ooze has.)" GAME: Patch rolls fort+2: (20)+4+2: 26 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Mara rolls fort+2: (4)+6+2: 12 <OOC> Telamon winces. That will fail, unless you want to reroll, Mara. <OOC> Mara says, "... yeah I'll reroll." <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll 'em." GAME: Mara rolls fort+2: (14)+6+2: 22 <OOC> Telamon says, "THAT will do it."
The ooze that Mara slashes with her scythe burbles almost angrily, and then it vents out a foul, greenish burst of gases that roll out around it. The other ooze is unaffected, but the sickening scent wafts over Patch and Mara like a horrid bit of incense.
Fortunately, thanks to the wax filters, they aren't unduly harmed by it.
GAME: NEW ROUND! Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 12. It is now Ooze3's turn! Mara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 3 pursues Patch and slams at her again..." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21 <OOC> Mara winces. <OOC> Telamon says, "... Hoo boy." <OOC> Schara ;w; <OOC> Patch bets Sandy hits harder. GAME: Telamon rolls 2d4+4+2d8: (7)+4+(11): 22
The third ooze barrels down on Patch, and this time it actually seems to consider its attack, on some level. Corkscrewing its oozing form into something like a corrosive tentacle that smashes into Patch brutally, staggering the elf as acid and force injure the bard.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 11. It is now Mara's turn! Ooze1 is next! <OOC> Patch hrms, and just headshakes. "Little Oozes have no chill." <OOC> Telamon says, "Mara, you and Snek are up." <OOC> Mara says, "I'm... going to 5-foot step up to Patch and bop her on the head with my wand of CLW. Not that it helps MUCH, but, yeah." <OOC> Mara says, "Snek is going to TRY AGAIN." <OOC> Telamon says, "Use your wand." GAME: Mara used a Wand of Cure Light Wounds. <OOC> Telamon lets Mara roll the healing? <OOC> Mara says, "That's just a straight 1d8+1, right?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Yeah." GAME: Mara rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7 <OOC> Telamon says, "Alright, Snek go!" <OOC> Mara says, "Snek has Grab, so if the bite attack hits, it can try to Constrict." <OOC> Telamon says, "Well, he'd get an automatic grapple check." <OOC> Mara says, "Oh right, yeah, it's just a free grapple with no AoO" GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+9+2: (7)+9+2: 18 <OOC> Telamon says, "That is a hit. Make your grapple check." <OOC> Telamon says, "(Also, roll damage)" <OOC> Telamon says, "Don't forget +2 from bardic performance." GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+11+2: (3)+11+2: 16 <OOC> Mara says, "What even are these dice." <OOC> Telamon says, "Snek fails his grab. Still hits tho." <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll his bite damage." GAME: Mara rolls 1d4+10+2: (3)+10+2: 15 <OOC> Telamon O_O. +10? <OOC> Mara says, "Snek bites pretty hard." <OOC> Telamon says, "Holy spit." <OOC> Mara says, "24 Str." <OOC> Telamon says, "Get a mop. It's dead." <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it." GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 9. It is now Patch's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "While Mara is posing, Patch, you're up."
With a hop and a skip... well, not quite, but Mara is really pretty graceful on her feet, it must be said. Sidestepping a swipe from a pseudopod, she brings out a slim length of wood from one of her many pouched and/or pockets and... bops it on Patch's head. There isn't much of a visible effect other than a very faint sheen emanating from the wand, but. She's Helping!
Meanwhile, the snake has had enough of these mothertrucking oozes in this mothertrucking sewer and rears back for another bite. This time it hits! Way too hard. The snake's head, fangs and all, go *through* the ooze in a miniature explosion of horrible gelatinous bits, leaving the poor anaconda looking confused and horribly, horribly disgusted at the taste in its mouth.
<OOC> Patch says, "Alright. I want to 5ft step back to 11, 11?. Cast CMW. Precautionary. She needs some breathing room." <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, cast and roll 'em." GAME: Patch casts Cure Moderate Wounds. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15 GAME: Patch rolls 2d8+5: (9)+5: 14 <OOC> Telamon says, "Pretty good heal there. Pose 'em." <OOC> Mara says, "Nice!"
Patch is forced back, retreating 5'ft. That heavy blow followed by the acid seeking anything to bite into. She's steaming, a howl coming from her a she tears at the mess, vest in tatters as holes begin to appear in her pants. It's agonizing. The elf stays collected enough, the healing from Mara helping, but that scared her! She's already casting, a hand layed upon he mirthril of her chest. "Vaire, heal me! It.... gods it hurt!" she gets out, the verbal part of her casting somewhat a prayer. Do bards pray?<Sylvan>
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 8. It is now Schara's turn! Ooze2 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara, the snake just obliterated your target. Where to next?" <OOC> Schara will move to 13 12 <OOC> Schara says, "burninate ooze number 3" <OOC> Telamon says, "You will provoke AoO from ooze 23." <OOC> Telamon says, "er, ooze 2" <OOC> Schara says, "oh, right" <OOC> Telamon says, "You can move to 14,11 and still have LOS" <OOC> Schara says, "make that 14 11" <OOC> Telamon says, "You will also attack at -4 since 3 is in range of Mara." GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+7+2-4: (11)+7+2+-4: 16 <OOC> Telamon squints. Patch, is inspire courage still up? <OOC> Mara says, "Should still be in this round, no?" <OOC> Patch says, "Yes, it lasts till Ooze 2." <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara still hits touch AC even without it." <OOC> Telamon says, "OK. Schara, roll damage +2." <OOC> Patch says, "Wait.. or does it end on my turn?" GAME: Schara rolls 1d6+4+1+2: (6)+4+1+2: 13 <OOC> Telamon says, "Eh, we'll say it ends on this turn." <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara deals a respectable burn to it. Pose it."
Whatever excitement was in the air was dashed by the screaming from right around the bend. The artificer sprints closer, just in time to see one of the slimes, where she veers off to the side.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I don't have any healing so just go back to the ladder if you need to." They call out before steadying their arm again, glowing a bright red at the coils before another gout of flame is expelled at one of the oozes.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 7. It is now Ooze2's turn! Ooze3 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 2 will try to ooze all over Mara." <OOC> Telamon says, "Because elves are tasty with ketchup." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10 <OOC> Mara says, "DENIED."
The oozes are being pressed back, though they're clearly not daunted by the obliteration of one of their kin. As one ooze is lashed with a fiery beam from Schara, another flails at Mara, pseudopods slamming into the ground, the wall... everything BUT the elf. Burbling and making sickening wet sounds.
GAME: NEW ROUND! Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 12. It is now Ooze3's turn! Mara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 3 steps forward and farts on everyone. Snake, Patch, and Mara all need to make Fort saves." GAME: Patch rolls fort: (10)+4: 14 <OOC> Telamon says, "Snake does not get benefit of nose plugs." <OOC> Mara ;_; GAME: Mara rolls fort: (2)+6: 8 <OOC> Patch says, "Oh! That would be 16 with +2 noseplugs" GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Mara says, ".." <OOC> Telamon says, "Patch passes. Mara and Snek do not." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d3: (1): 1 <OOC> Telamon says, "Fortunately, you are only sickened for one round."
The other ooze shuffles forward, and vents off another disgusting wave of flatulence at the elves and their snake ally. The stink rolls over them, and while Patch can cover her mouth, Mara and her serpentine friend get the worst of it, gagging for a few moments.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 11. It is now Mara's turn! Patch is next! <OOC> Mara says, "Can I... swap places with the snake?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Mara, you are sickened. You take -2 to attacks, damage, saves, skill checks, and ability checks for one round." <OOC> Telamon hmms. I think so. You both act on the same round, so... <OOC> Telamon says, "Actually, no. There's not enough room for you." <OOC> Telamon says, "You can move east, but he's too big to shift south and for you to shift north." <OOC> Mara says, "Dang. Hm. Can I move out of the way and Barkskin on the way past?" <OOC> Telamon says, "You can, but you'd draw AoOs from both oozes as you fled east." <OOC> Mara says, "Hm." <OOC> Mara says, "Heck, I'll do it. Snek is way better than me in melee anyway." <OOC> Telamon says, "Where do you want to move to." <OOC> Mara says, "Uhhh, adjacent to Schara?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Here?" <OOC> Mara says, "Can I do that and still do the casting thing?" <OOC> Telamon says, "You can, they're just going to AoO you on the way out. But, since you're casting AFTER you're clear, you won't have to worry about spell fizzle." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 <OOC> Telamon says, "Well, one tagged you." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d4+2+1d8: (3)+2+(7): 12 <OOC> Mara says, "Oof." <OOC> Telamon says, "Go ahead and cast." <OOC> Telamon moves Snek into position for his part of the turn ;) GAME: Mara casts Barkskin. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16 <OOC> Telamon says, "Alright, Snek is also sickened, and bardic performance isn't a thing. So he's attacking at -2." <OOC> Mara says, "She, thank you very much, will target the least damaged of the oozes. So, 3, I think?" <OOC> Telamon says, "2 is least damaged :)" <OOC> Mara says, "Oh! Right." <OOC> Mara says, "Yes. That." GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+9-2: (9)+9+-2: 16 <OOC> Telamon says, "Just misses." <OOC> Mara says, "Poor snek. ;_;" <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it."
Pulling away from the general melee, Mara steps backwards -- but in so doing, lets down her guard just enough for an ooze to slam its pseudopod into her thigh, crushing and searing it with acid. To her credit, she doesn't yell out, but a hiss of pain escapes her and her usually-impassive features scrunch up. On her way past her companion, she manages, despite the agony of the acid eating through magically enhanced armour and into the skin of her leg, to stroke a gentle hand along the snake's flank, murmuring as she does. "Moss and stone, bark and wood, protect my friend," she mutters, and busies herself pulling her bow into a ready position.
For its part, the snake, its scales taking on a knobbly, distinctly *woody* texture, pauses as if unfamiliar with the sensation, and between that and the horrible stench still lingering in its sensitive olfactory apparatus, misses its lunge at the ooze entirely. <sylvan>
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 9. It is now Patch's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Patch, you're up." <OOC> Patch says, "I am going to draw a rapier as a movement, and start up Inspire Courage once again. I don't know if performance provokes AoO." <OOC> Telamon says, "I'm going to say no. I don't see anything that states it provokes an AoO, and Inspire Courage is specifically a Supernatural ability that does not provoke anyways." <OOC> Patch says, "That would be my turn. I trust in the others. +2. :P" <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose 'em."
Refocus. Refocus! Patch is finally back in the game. Player 3 returns, and she is cackling. Two stamps as she whips out a rapier. People who don't know patch well would think her sane, but in the moments when Patch can be herself, crazy reigns.
"Flair up before I disappear!"
"Lay waste to all that is keeping me here!"
Patch's beat and words flourishing into a crude accapella song. "We have got to finish this."
(Inspire Courage: +2 Attack/Damage and +2 Save on Fear/Charm.)
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 8. It is now Schara's turn! Ooze2 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Schara, you are now benefitting from Inspire Courage. +2 to attack and damage." <OOC> Schara will attempt to zap the ooze again <OOC> Telamon says, "#3?" <OOC> Schara says, "yeah" <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, firing into melee." GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+7+2-4: (15)+7+2+-4: 20 <OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit!" GAME: Schara rolls 1d6+4+1+2: (2)+4+1+2: 9 <OOC> Telamon says, "Still up, but it's looking bad. You're burning it up steadily." <OOC> Telamon says, "Anything else?" <OOC> Schara says, "that's all for me" <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it then :)"
"Wait, no, no, you aren't going to be dissapearing!" Schara shouts to nothing as all they can do is just watch the others getting burnt by acid. The artificer ends up pulling a fused together coil of warped metal out of their arm, replacing it with the same piece from one of the many pouched by smacking it with their fist. "W-we do need to finish it, though." They agree as their arm glows and sends another fire burst at one of the oozes. "I don't have any more parts and, I'm getting a bit tired. But I'll be okay, so you all need to keep fighting and never give up!"
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 7. It is now Ooze2's turn! Ooze3 is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "OK, while Schara is posing... Ooze 2 slams at Snek." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 <OOC> Mara says, "Thank goodness for barkskin. Miss." <OOC> Telamon checks. Yeah, that WOULD have hit, but... barkskin says no. <OOC> Mara says, "DENIED." <OOC> Telamon says, "Hmmm." GAME: NEW ROUND! Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 12. It is now Ooze3's turn! Mara is next! GAME: Telamon rolls 1d2: (2): 2 <OOC> Telamon says, "Ooze 3 will try and pile on the Snake..." GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d4+2+1d8: (2)+2+(3): 7 <OOC> Mara shakes a fist. <OOC> Patch says, "Big meanies. :/"
The two oozes move in, their pseudopods flailing. One misses the serpent as it writhes in an elegant dance, but the other slashes through the moss and bark armoring its scales, leaving an acid burn along the snake's flank and drawing an angry hiss.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 11. It is now Mara's turn! Patch is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "Mara!" <OOC> Mara says, "I'll try to nail it with an arrow. Shooting into melee, so I'll probably miss, but it is what it is." <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll 'em." <OOC> Patch says, "+2!" GAME: Mara rolls weapon2+2-4: (18)+7+2+-4: 23 <OOC> Telamon says, "Hitting 3, I take it?" <OOC> Mara says, "Oh! Yes." <OOC> Telamon says, "(Cause you can't hit 2, no LOS)" <OOC> Telamon says, "Roll damage +2." GAME: Mara rolls 1d8+1+2: (1)+1+2: 4 <OOC> Telamon says, "Just enough to turf it." <OOC> Mara says, "And snek, well, it's snekking time." <OOC> Telamon says, "Snake? He's not sickened any more, and he's probably dancing to Patch's beat like a cobra and a flute player :D" GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+9+2: (19)+9+2: 30 <OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit. Roll damage first." GAME: Mara rolls 1d4+10+2: (3)+10+2: 15 <OOC> Telamon says, "He's still up. Roll your grapple check." GAME: Mara rolls 1d20+11+2: (4)+11+2: 17 <OOC> Telamon says, "...JUST missed it." <OOC> Mara says, "You're kidding. xD" <OOC> Patch says, "Is it too late to gallant inspiration?" <OOC> Telamon says, "Sadly, no. You still deal a ton of damage. It is at death's door, knocking loudly and asking if it's heard the good word about Juiblex." <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it, Mara :)"
Finally! That silvery recurved longbow comes into play! Time to shine, Mara! The elf takes careful aim, drawing a white-fletched arrow and pulling... and looses! Dramatically, the arrow -- thuds into the ooze's flesh and remains there, jiggling gently. The silver-haired Sylvaroni doesn't look disappointed, her face has slipped back into the inscrutably impassive mask she usually wears, but she shakes her head minutely, reaching back for another arrow.
At the same time, the anaconda has quite had enough of this "missing" nonsense, and sinks its fangs into the wobbly, jelly-like flesh. It's really quite hard to tell if it's damaged or not, what with it being all... amorphous... but the bite was a solid hit, at least, and it seems bits of it come loose. The snake could not look any more disgusted.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 9. It is now Patch's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Telamon says, "However, Patch, you are up and ooze 3 is dead." <OOC> Telamon says, "which clears your way" <OOC> Patch says, "I am going to stop the performance (Free), cast Ear-Piercing Scream (Standard)? She'd feel bad running and letting the snake get beat up. Lingering performance will carry the +2's 2 more rounds. No move?" <OOC> Telamon says, "OK." <OOC> Telamon says, "Cast it." GAME: Patch casts Ear-Piercing Scream. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 GAME: Patch rolls 2d6: (8): 8 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (12)+3: 15 <OOC> Telamon says, "Half damage, but... it had one HP left." <OOC> Telamon says, "Pose pulping it, Patch."
As quickly as the song started, Patch ceases it with a large breath. Only one remains, her focus on the offending ooze as she refuses to let any more ground slip. Her voice is often a conduit because she chooses to sing as much as play something. "I am tired of running." and her next words something the party cannot hear. "I just wish you'd die already!" the inaudible scream, something she takes advantage of in many ways. People need to vent. With a panting breath, she looks up to see the ooze shaking violently until it is suddenly rent and shredded to pulp with a juicy pop. "Oh, yes! You deserved that you little bastard!" she hollers.
GAME: Schara deactivates her Titan Armor. GAME: Telamon removes the timestop. Timestop by Telamon has left.
And suddenly... silence. Just the 'plip, plip' of water dripping again, and the sound of reptilian scales on the stone floor -- oh, that's just Mara's snake. Nothing stirs now, except the four of you.
Immediately - yes, immediately - Mara rushes to her companion's side, kneeling down to inspect the damage done to its scales and flesh where the acid hit it. Her own wounds are forgotten entirely in the moment, it seems; she murmurs softly, moving her hands over the injured flesh, and *water* streams from her palm, washing over the burnt scales. "Glade's stream, pure and clear," she says as the pure water cleanses the wound of any remaining acid. Only then does she look up to gaze at her other party members, first Schara, then Patch, letting her hand remain on the huge snake's flank as she rises, with a wince, back to a standing position.
The snake, for its part, makes a *shivering* motion, the scales on its hide seeming to rise minutely then fall again in a motion that ripples down along the length of its body. <sylvan>
Patch has ceased to steam, her wounds not as grievous as they were. She's no less spent, her shoulders drooping as she mutters something to hers. "Oh, everyone warned me about the sewers. Did I listen?" her looks shot to the others. "Not. Let me tell you, my career has been short, but I have seen some /SHIT/, but this place is just terrible!" her words a bit fervent as one of her braids falls out, just careening into the soiled stones next to her with a wet plop. A casualty of acid, and a heavy hit. "Thank you for the nose plugs, Mara. They helped." her tone suddenly soft.
"I can help with the healing too." Patch says, returning her rapier to its sheath. "I just wonder, is that all? We barely just...." her glance then going about the room. "Is there more?"
Schara looks over to the slime, ready to fire- quite literally, only for it to burble and fall apart. They look to see if any more were present, and seeing none, flicksa switch on their arm as the steam from the armor ceases.
The death ray on their arm proved an excellent prop at the artificer doubled over above the sewer, making various retching noises.
"Glad you're both alright." They manage to offer between bouts of nausea. "I hope there are not more, as the heat sinks on my arm are nearly spent, I am spent, and I don't wish to see anyone further burnt by acid."
However, it seems the sounds of the melee have frightened off any interested parties. Except...
Far down the west tunnel, there's a rather coarse, gurgling voice. "Hello? Is someone in there? Can you speak and vocalize in proper sentences like a thinking creature?"
"I think," says Mara, now apparently a little more used to talking with her nose plugged up, "cleaning up this section is probably a job for a larger team." She still sounds stuffed up, of course. She opens her mouth again to continue, but then pauses at the sound of another voice. "Ah. Garbanzo?" She raises her voice a little, calling out. Out of an abundance of caution, she keeps her bow relaxed but ready, peering into the relative gloom in the direction of the voice.
The snake, for its part, stays silent. Unsurprisingly.
"Most days." Patch spits back quickly, eyes darting towards the direction of the voice a as she is left giggling by Mara's reply. "So, uh." her words now focusing on the party with her. "I bet you're right, Mara. That might be our hat wearing friend?" her glance turning back to where the voice came from. "If ye be friendly? Wave a stalk and keep talking nice?" all suggestions.
"You okay, Schara? Get any scrapes? Was a bit distracted to notice what went down on your end." an apologetic smiled flashed with Patch's words.
"I'm fine, do not worry about me, there is nothing of concern." The artificer replies, finishing their unpleasant recuperation and standing up straight again. "There is something in the water there? We are sapient creatures capable of rational thinking and vocalization, but we have no reason to tell it that if it would put us in danger. I suppose it is too late for that, however."
Advancing down the passageway eventually reveals a hole high up in the wall, about a foot in diameter. Beyond that is a heavy door, marked with 'SLUICE SYSTEM ROOM 6', securely locked (presumably the city maintenance has the key).
Sticking out of the hole is... a tentacle, tipped with eyes, and a jaunty, surprisingly-clean hat with a large feather in it perched on the tentacle. "Greetings and salutations!" comes from the hole. "Yes, it is I, Garbonzo the Strong -- originally the Foul, but someone told me that was a poor sobriquet. Are you two legs well? Ah..." It, he, catches sight of Mara's snake. "A no-legs as well. Fascinating! As you can see, I would come help, but..." The tentacle actually looks abashed. "A bit of a tight fit for me. I have put on some weight."
The expression on Mara's face is completely, inscrutably, blank. Unreadable. Her free hand tapping a rhythmic pattern against her thigh - her unwounded one - however, speaks to a certain... apprehension? Regardless, her response is smooth and unruffled. If stuffy. "There were several slimes - or oozes, or some variety of jelly, I am not sure which - in the very first area we encountered," she supplies helpfully. "Were those the "moving critters" you were telling the officials about?" She does not mention the rough shape the little group is in, but as she pauses, her brows knit together faintly as she gives her companions the once-over, luminously lapis lazuli eyes gleaming.
Patch looks at this situation, and purses her lips. Unlike Mara, Patch is clearly a bit impatient, although it is crossed with perplexed. "Good questions, Mara." her head bobbing in agreement. "My other question? Are you stuck?" she has to ask. "And, they were Garden Oozes. Little stinky thinks." she chimes in about the things they fought. "I don't really see why they would be in the sewers... unless they grew down here because something died." the realization of that coming in a dead-pan tone and groan. "So, yeah. They might of just come from the ick. I'm not a wizard. Not for sure." she rambles.
"Oh, interesting! I've never met someone wearing a hat on an eye stalk. it's an interesting look!" The artificer exclaims in spite of earlier trepidations. "Yes, P- The elf here with me that is not the one with really glowy blue eyes referred to them as garden slimes. I have no knowledge of them personally, but they seem to be acidic in nature and quite dangerous."
"Ah! Yes, that is exactly and precisely what I was meaning, yes. I call them," and here Garbonzo makes a gods-awful sound like he's yacking up a hairball. "They are nasty little things, not even good eating. It's good you've cleared them out of the way, so that the two legs can come down and make sure the sewers drain properly. After all, we live here too."
At Patch's question, the eyestalk looks at her. "Stuck? Oh no. I am merely keeping an eye out. Well, several eyes. But, since you've dealt with the problem in limb, I won't delay you any furthermore. Please give my best to the Guild, they are such nice people to talk to!"
With that, the tentacle is carefully pulled back into the hole (so that it doesn't lose its hat) and the sounds of heavy footsteps can be heard receding.
The big, silvery recurved bow is rested one tip on a boot, length of the weapon leaning against the silver-haired elf's shoulder. "Well," she says, significantly, and raises both her arms up in a very expressive, near exaggerated, shrug. "I believe we have been dismissed." Mara heaves a small sigh and keeps watching the vent the tentacle was coming from for another few moments. "Are you both all right?" Bit late to the party to ask that, isn't it? Never let it be said druids are great at social interaction.
"A great bit more friendly than 'friend' spider, they are. Almost charming." Patch says to the others, shaking her head. "The city and the surrounding area are littered with sentient creatures. I wonder if someone is keeping a full catalog?" she wonders to herself.
At the mention of health, and status, Patch grins. "I am, alive. I will be 'okay' once we get out of this place." a musing tone flowing from her lips. "A bath. Imagine we'd want to wash off before the plugs come out." speaking of the handy nose pieces.
"Yes, they were quite nice, weren't they? Very polite and easy to talk to." The artificer nods once. "And I am happy to know our part in this job is done. Do not worry though, like I said. None of the slimes touched me, I will be fine, I think.
Schara looks to her arm and flips a switch after pulling a few parts out of her arm, some of which were still red hot. The plates slide back into place, and she finishes stowing it away till it was back to the usual hooks and claws. "I should clean up my armor and bathe, yes. Such Effluvia is bad for your health if left without cleaning. If no one has a catalog, they should. I never would have imagined running into something like that, here."
Map: https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=m4yjcdv4pgs Pipes are Patch, helmet is Schara, bow is Mara, and snake is Snake.