Spectrum's Comments: The Seekers attack on the ruined city continues. Much like the previous file, this one is also split up in to A, B, & C posts. First for Post #44 and then #45.
The Frontier #44
A few miscellaneous notes before I get going here...
The top of the tower is open, protected by a low, 3', wall. Kaan exaggerates a little at the number of Orcs; there are perhaps a total of 80 in sight. Majority of the group would be at Long range for missile weapons. A few of the smaller groups are Medium to Short.
From this vantage point, you get an excellent view of the battle. You can see that Group B is holding it's own in the face of the orc horde.
Araduin casts Flaming Sphere, sending a ball of fire into the advancing orcs. Eagle uses the wand, covering most of the advancing group. All but a handful flees from its effects. Those that are unafraid, move into HTH range with Group B.
The group bearing torches are dropped by a Sleep spell from Finrod.
At the base of the tower, the door is beginning to give... The toll of the orc's pounding beginning to show...
As if that isn't enough, something large and shadowy moves in the grove...
SUBJ: Kaan FROM: Xent6 06/17/90 S#: 791921
"Good bye, my friends. I am willing to sacrifice myself for you. (I have to leave Qlink forever)."
I will run down the stairs and start butchering Orcs, without regard of my health. (Kind of like a berserker until death.)
This was the best RPG I played so far, Bye,
Moritz alias Xent6
Spectrum's Comments: That was certainly a bit of a surprise, but part of the nature of Q where people could just disappear and never be heard from again.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus.... FROM: Kazaroth 06/19/90 S#: 496963
looks on shocked as Kaan first makes his declaration and then makes his suicide attack. Indecision is not his forte however and Dar swiftly recovers. Leaping down the remaining steps Dar jumps into the fray, yelling behind to the others to attack as well.
Once the orcs are vanquished Dar turns breathless to the survivors. "Arathron, you and Bernice will remain near the tower and give group B some rear guard cover fire. Try to stay under cover as best as possible while still maintaining a semblance of worthwhile missile power. I'm going off to check out that movement in the Grove and attempt to ascertain its motives. If it is hostile..." Dar shrugs "then I shall deal with it as best I can till help arrives. If it is friendly then I shall try to enlist its aid against the orcs."
Dar will take a brief moment to see if any of the orcs were armed with shortswords. If so he quickly scoops one up, checks the balance then heads off towards the Grove. As Dar gets closer to his destination the others might notice he crouches and begins to move more stealthily, using whatever objects and shadows are available to shield his movement. If at all possible Dar will then observe the entity in the Grove and see if its nature and intent can be discovered without actually meeting it first.
Post 44B-
The remaining Orcs move to the attack!
Araduin continues to move his Flaming Sphere about, setting two more orcs ablaze.
Finrod moves off to the side, casting Sleep on a group of 3 orcs attempting to burn down the web.
Arocken fires a pair of shafts towards the orc chief, one hits, wounding him.
The orcs close, moving into HTH range. Eagle attacks with his mace, downing an orc, but getting wounded in the process.
Araduin takes particularly nasty hit from a charging orc.
Fin likewise engages the orcs, exchanging hits. Valgrin slays yet another orc as another stabs him with a short sword.
GM Notes:
Eagle, there is not enough vegetation to warrant casting an Entangle spell.
You're down to 11 orcs, including the chief and his guards.
Party Status
Name Hit Points
Araduin 8 of 14
Eagle 10 of 12
Finrod 23 of 24
Valgrin 9 of 12
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 06/16/90 S#: 824800
I will draw my dagger and long sword and move into the fray. If the leader still lives I will move to attack him first. If I am cut off by another orc I will gladly cut him down.
SUBJ: Eagle FROM: Perpbuster 06/16/90 S#: 469559
I swing my mace at the nearest orc. I say Heironeous for his guidance in swinging my mace so that it will swing true. If anyone gets to look like they are in bad shape I will CLW on them.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 06/17/90 S#: 521767
"Foul spawn of evil, you and your foul brethren shall die this day!"
I'll attempt to continue moving the flaming sphere toward groups of orcs, while protecting myself from my attacker with my quarterstaff. Once the spell has run it's course, I'll take a more active interest in terminating the orc confronting me.
Post 44C-
The Seekers continue to explore the terrors of Hextor's Temple...
Cereld is enraged at what he finds inside the temple. He spills the contents of the cauldron onto the floor. He shouts, demanding that the evil priests show themselves.
In one cell, Kam discovers a young woman chained to the wall. He finds no evil in her. He lays hands on her, healing some of her damage. She does regain consciousness, but is not coherent. If you didn't know any better, you'd say that she was drunk.
In the other cell, Stephanie struggles with the chains holding the two men, but they fail to yield to her strength.
Finding nothing in one room, Validar goes to the remaining door on the left side. Opening the door, he comes face to face with a woman decked out in the trappings of the priest of Hextor. Behind her are two other priests. She goes for her flail...
The same door on the other side of the room opens and three more Hextor priests burst out. A pair of Spiritual Hammers flash out towards Cereld and Blod, but both miss.
'Prepare to face the wrath of Hextor invaders!!'
SUBJ: The Enraged Kamreill FROM: DM Texas 06/14/90 S#: 813659
DIE FOUL DEMON SPAWN! YOUR MOTHER WAS A HAMSTER, AND YOUR FATHER WAS A CIHUAHUA!! :D
Kamreill will run to Val's aid, and start hackings at the foul priestess, and after the first hit that they score; I'll quaff my magic liquid, and go with the effects, using them to my advantage.
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!!!"
Kamreill
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther l3 06/15/90 S#: 832175
Validar is somewhat calmer in his actions than some of his emotional teammates. If anyone could see under his full helm, they would see a smile cross his lips for a moment. His eyes flash with controlled hatred, as his weapon slashes forward at the foul priestess.
"Prepare to meet the soulless slug you pitiful creatures worship! Your black foulness shall end this day, villainess."
Validar will attack behind a steadied rage, concentrating on the high priestess first, and then turning to any of her assistants after disposing of her.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 06/16/90 S#: 510264
"No foul villains. Today we shall not fall here, but rather you will meet your god in hell today. Seekers attack!" Cereld will start running up towards the clerics, silently mumbling the words to his strength spell which he casts on himself. When he reaches the clerics he will let his axe sing.
SUBJ: Tapping FROM: Zynara 06/16/90 S#: 816346
I tap Steph on the shoulder and make the motions of going out and getting a key and for her to follow. If we can't see the fighting going on, I will point to the other doors and shrug my shoulder.
If I can see the fighting, I will wait for Steph to run forward taking the silence spell with her. I will then cast chill touch and rush forward and show these priest, the proper use of fists.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Begal 06/17/90 S#: 73560
I will follow Cereld into, attacking the first cleric I come upon.
SUBJ Stephanie
Nods to Zyn that she will follow.
Once out in the main temple, and seeing the evil priests attack, I'll rush the bunch menacing Cereld and Blod, covering them in my silence. Slay them with Lighting!
Spectrum's Comments: And back to the beginning with the A posts for Frontier #45.
Frontier 45A
Kaan rushes down the stairs and casts his sleep spell on the landing above the ground as the orcs crash through the door. The five orcs all fall under the spell's effects and fall into a deep slumber. Kaan goes berserk and kills the snoring humanoids, as Dar rushes down the stairs to his aid.
Arathron and Bernie watch the proceedings from above and see Kaan rush out into the obscured area screaming wildly. Dar follows, but moves toward the grove. Along the way, he sees Kaan battling a small group of orcs and soon falling to the ground. As Arathron and Bernie rain missile fire on various orcs, Dar approaches the grove without an encounter. All three are quite surprised to see the grove's inhabitant step out of the concealing overgrown area.
In a booming voice, the green dragon speaks.
"Who dares interfere with my slumber?!" The large (100' from nose to tail) reptile swishes its tail behind it in anger.
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, the occupant of the grove was a green dragon. Fortunately, it was a little one. Age level 4 I believe.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus.... FROM: Kazaroth 06/24/90 S#: 814755
suddenly becomes acutely aware of his fragile mortality at the sight of the massive serpentine figure before him. Remembering childhood tales of these fearsome beasts and their fondness for the taste of elven flesh Dar's visage hardens and a grim smile plays across his lips. Dar swiftly incants the prayer for his FLAME BLADE while hefting the dragonslayer in his right hand. Dar then steps forward and to the side diagonally opposite the greenie's long tail. Without hesitation Dar surges forward and begins to mount a furious attack upon the vile monster's scaly hide. Swinging viciously with his fiery blade in left hand and his enchanted wyrm slayer in right Dar cries out "Feel the bite of my blade foul worm and learn fear! For this day you shall surely perish! Partake of Ehlonna's wrath as well as you experience the flaming blade of her anger!!" Dar will continue his verbal assault while simultaneously maintaining his blade work. No quarter is expected as he combats the evil dragon and none will be given to this most terrible of foes.
Spectrum's Comments: That's quite a coincidence that Dar had a Green Dragon Slayer in his possession. Or good planning on his GM's part?
Frontier 45B
Valgrin rushes to Araduin's aid, but misses the orc. Arocken meets the orc chieftain and stabs him, while Finrod also wounds one of the chief's guards.
Araduin moves the Flaming Sphere about and sets two orcs on fire, killing them, and wounds two others. Eagle hits his opponent with his mace and drops him. The chief returns Arocken's attack and hits with his large battleaxe. Arocken is badly wounded.
A guard moves up to Eagle and wounds him slightly, while Araduin is also hit by his opponent. Nearby, Finrod kills one of the two guards fighting him with his sword and then sticks his dagger into the other. Araduin uses the last few moments of the Flaming Sphere to wound two more orcs and then it poofs out of existence.
Arocken is hit again by the chieftain and is severely wounded. He drops to the ground, blood seeping from his wounds. Eagle is wounded again by an orc and he counters by using the Wand of Fear. The pale amber ray engulfs both of his personal opponents and also the chieftain. All three fall under the Wand's effect and break from the battle, running. The other orcs see their leader retreat and do so also.
As Eagle moves over to the fallen Arocken and casts a Cure Light Wounds on him, the others take a moment to recover form the bloody battle. But only a moment!
Over the top of the webs, you all can see a large reptilian head rise up. It is the head of a green dragon! Fortunately for you, it doesn't seem to be looking your way......yet.
Araduin 6 of 14
Arocken 1 of 17
Eagle 3 of 12
Finrod 23 of 24
Valgrin 9 of 12
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 06/22/90 S#: 517826
"I don't recall there being a green dragon in our plans."
I'll take a moment to determine the status of our force.
"I suggest we get out of the line of sight, and fire, of that dragon. Don't run, that will only draw its attention."
Once we've moved closer to one of the buildings, I'll continue.
"This could well work to our advantage, the dragon is likely to be drawn to all the orcish activity around here. I suggest we continue our holding action here, and see what develops next."
SUBJ: Eagle FROM: Perpbuster 06/24/90 S#: 826219
Eagle agrees that we should get out of its line of sight. I suggest that we regroup with the other groups and then take on the dragon.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 06/25/90 S#: 463230
::Falls to the ground and begins to pass out, only to awake to find eagle casting a healing spell.::
::Sits up:: "thank you friend, Eagle your aid and that of your deity was most appreciated"
"I suggest we regroup with the rest of the party before we consider an attack on the large reptile."
::I will look the ground over for the chieftains battle axe to take as a souvenir if it is not there I will take any of the fallen weapons.::
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 06/27/90 S#: 427392
After Validar's headlong gallop past, I'll again address our group.
"Looks like plans have changed. We've got a least one, and I would guess others moving in to assault that dragon. I suggest we head over there to assist. We should spread out once we get near it, no sense letting it get us all in one breath. While my own magicks will have no effect on such a beast, I can at least help fend off any remaining orcs who decide to hassle us."
Frontier 45C
On one side of the room, Validar opposes three of the clerics. One of the assistants tries to hit him, but misses. Validar counters with two powerful blows, severely wounding the priestess. Telinos moves in to assist and trades blows with one of the clerics.
Demonslayer moves in behind the two and casts his Magic Missile at Telinos' opponent. Kamreill also rushes to the battle, but misses the priestess with his weapon.
Kamreill is wounded by one of the clerics and steps back to consume the contents of his potion. After a moment, he feels as though birds will listen to his commands. Meanwhile, Validar kills the priestess with another telling blow. The other cleric hits Telinos and he falls to the temple floor unmoving.
Validar turns his attention to Telinos' killer and obliterates him in two savage blows. Demonslayer moves in and hits the other cleric, while avoiding his flail. A moment later, Validar kills this man as well.
On the other side of the room, Cereld is missed by two more Spiritual Hammers. He casts Strength on himself while further down the room Zynara also casts her spell. Blod is hit by yet another Spiritual Hammer.
Steph moves in from the bottom part of the room, the Silence still in effect. She misses with her initial attacks, but is quicker than her opponent and dispatches one of the assistants before he can attack again. Blod moves in to assist Steph in the close quarters. There is a flurry of blows with no real damage done. Zynara also moves into the area and tries to punch a cleric, but misses.
Suddenly, the sound returns, and in a big way! A column of flame, 5 feet wide by 30 feet high, roars down out of the sky, striking the ground where Cereld stands. He is burned slightly by the attack, as is Blod.
More blows are thrown in the close quarters of the smaller room, but only Steph manages a hit on the high priest. Blod wounds the other cleric with his two-handed sword. Blod's opponent returns the blow and Blod drops to the floor.
The battle continues and in a few more moments, Cereld and Steph manage to kill the high priest and the remaining cleric is dealt with as well. At approximately the same time, both groups turn to each other and see the final Hextorites fall.
The priests are all dead, now what?
Blod 0 of 15
Cereld 24 of 36
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph is momentarily startled as sound returns to her, but ignores it, continuing on with her task. At last the high priest falls.
'Well struck, good cleric!'
Looking around, she can see that all the priests are down... include several of her teammates.
'A pity... But we are still are not safe yet...'
She looks around, expecting more foes to attack at any moment. She stares out the front door as the roar is heard.
'What was that?! Shall we investigate in o'leaders?'
SUBJ: Dead me... FROM: DM Texas 06/21/90 S#: 510755
::disembodied voice::
and thus, with a kiss, I die :*
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther l3 06/21/90 S#: 466525
Upon seeing the last of the clerics on this side of the room fall, Validar looks about and sees that everyone seems to have the situation under control. He will turn back to the fallen clerics, slightly disappointed.
"It seems that your prowess is somewhat overrated, my dear departed Hextorites." Validar bends down to wipe the foul clerics blood from his sword on the back of the priestess' cloak.
Validar will then turn a moment to view the faces of his dead comrades at arms. He looks on silently for a moment, then the roar from outside intrudes upon his thoughts.
Validar will rush up the stairs and to the fallen front door to try and get a better idea of where the roar came from and what it might be. Validar thinks for a moment, and then turns to his comrades.
"It seems that the one unanswered question has just spoken up. Whatever that was must be the grove's inhabitant. Whoever wishes to confront the foul creature, come with me!"
Validar will remount his warhorse and take up his lance, not waiting for any of his teammates to catch up. He will race at full speed to the source of the roar and charge it.
SUBJ: Looking FROM: Zynara 06/22/90 S#: 843590
I search the bodies and area for anything of value, especially keys. If I don't find anything, I will go down the hall looking for keys and other things of note.
Hopefully I can locate something to release the prisoners we found before. Maybe they can help with what ever just roared.
GM Notes:
Validar exits the temple. Looking around, he sees a green dragon coming out of the grove!
Back in the temple, Zynara locates a ring of keys on one of the priest belts. After some experimenting, she finds the right keys and frees the prisoners. They are all still unconscious.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 06/24/90 S#: 800466
When the clerics are no more, it appears reason once again returns to Cereld's eyes. "Blod, before you go charging off after Validar, perhaps it is best that I release the healing powers of Heironeous into you. (Cereld will cast 2 clw on Blod if necessary). Come fellow Seekers, let us see what dangers threaten us still. Everybody be careful, I have a feeling this isn't over yet."
Upon seeing the dragon, Cereld quickly tries to assess the situation. "Ok everyone, split up into the two groups we just used. Don't stay to close to allow the dragon a good target for his breath. We must try and stop this beast quickly. The former slaves are still trapped in the slave house. We have got to keep this beast away from there or its bulk alone could kill them. Now is our true test Seekers. Charge!! Along the way to the dragon, Cereld will cast his Prayer spell. (We are going to need it.)
GM Notes:
After Cereld's two CLW's, Blod is up to 13 of 15 hps.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph stands in silent awe of the great worm in the grove...
'Wow... big... dragon...'
Upon hearing Cereld's words, I mount up on Thunder and await the rest of the group I was in to gather. After that, I shall ride forward and see if yon dragon can withstand a few strokes of lightning...
She sounds confident, but doesn't feel so good down inside...
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther l3 06/25/90 S#: 482732
Validar will spur his mount on toward the dragon, rushing past the retreating group just done battling the orcs. Once rounding the building, Validar will ready his shield and lower his lance and charge.
Validar will hope to use the fact that the dragon should be focused on Dar's sword to get a strike at the reptile's back.
Spectrum's Comments: The battle against the dragon shifts into high gear in the next file.