20060114 Golem03

<H1> Golem Armor: Making a Mess of Things </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Mirto </TD>
 <TD> 15th Human Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Thorfinn the Lucky </TD>
 <TD> 13th Human Bard </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kha'Narek </TD>
 <TD> 11th Githzerai (CL13) Monk </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Olaf Olafson </TD>
 <TD> 11th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mercator Julius </TD>
 <TD> 8th Human? ? </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 19th/1st Human Cleric/Parthenian Friar </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Ladron </TD>
 <TD> 9th Human Thief </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Ruffled Feathers </H3>
Everyone starts off getting XP (reflected in the new levels above).
The next morning, the party prepares for a potential battle between Rageflame and the Myrmidon's forces. After finishing a Heroes' Feast, Estus teleports the party to XXX. However, the entire party ends up 5700 feet above the ocean. The party manages to change into Wind Walk form before hitting the ground (barely by our calculations). They land outside of town and discuss what to do next. Mercator suggests simply scouting out the town. Thorfinn casts Invisibility on Ladron and he flies off to scout out the area.
Ladron flies off towards town. He still sees the mercenary camp. It appears to be as active as before. There are mercenaries going in and out of the mine. It appears as though the party will have to wait for Rageflame's appearance. It's been two days since they arrived and Estus pays 1 GP for 5 days.
Around the middle of the second day, there's been some murmurs going around about some of the mercenaries turning up dead away from camp. Around ten have been found dead. The stories about the cause of death vary. Some look like wild animal attack. Others look like they've been killed in an attack (say by bandits). All of the bodies were robbed. Not much word is getting around town about it. However, some of the townfolk have been taken in for questioning. At the scenes where teh bodies were found. They looked like multiple attackers, bipedal with clawed feet (trolls or lizardmen). No miners or townpeople have been killed.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mercator:</B> I suspect that it may not be the dragon's hand. That may be a plan of Darius'. To make their stay here more expensive, as it were.
<B>Estus:</B> That's possible.
<B>Mercator:</B> Rageflame is intelligent and perhaps subtle, but this would seem a rather slow methodology.
<B>Estus:</B> I agree with you on that.
<B>Mercator:</B> So, what do you want to do?
<B>Estus:</B> I'm still inclined to wait for now.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
No one seems to know where Ladron's last contact has gone off to. However, during his search, he notices a change in the past few days. There is one miner who has lost one arm--he's down on his luck and always mooching drinks off other people.. Ladron spots him talking at the Hog's Snout. He buys four of his own drinks in a row. That strikes Ladron as unusual.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ladron:</B> Hey, what's going on with that guy? (Indicates one-armed person)
<B>Miner:</B> I don't know. Maybe he talked someone into giving him some gold. I wouldn't... Someone maybe took pity on him. What with the arm and all.
<B>Ladron:</B> I suppose...
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ladron's professional analysis is that the guy probably has about 10 GP. He does buy a person a drink. Someone who's a "regular patron" for the guy.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ladron:</B> How's it going? You're looking awfully chipper.
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> Yup. Got me some bonefide work! I'm a working man again.
<B>Ladron:</B> Making an honest living?
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> I wouldn't go that far. It's all on the up and up as far as the militia's concerned.
<B>Ladron:</B> Can you tell me who?
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> Can't say that. That would be a violation of my contractual obligations. Let's just say I'm being paid for my intelligence.
<B>Ladron:</B> That could be good work.
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> Yes indeed. I intend to ride this pony as long as I can.
<B>Ladron:</B> 
</BLOCKQUOTE>
After a couple more drinks the one-armed miner becomes more talkative to Ladron. After a while he intimates, that he meets a guy once every three days (at least) and this guy individual asks him for information on the movement of the mercenaries, such as what they're up to, what their leaders are up to, etc.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> He asks me all kind of crazy questions, like " What's the name of the lieutenant?"
<B>Ladron:</B> Which lieutenant?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> All of them.
<B>Ladron:</B> Do you know all the officers?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Sometimes I make up names and he tells me more.
<B>Ladron:</B> What can you tell me about the guy you meet?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> He's a funny fellow. Big. Not human if you know what I mean.
<B>Ladron:</B> Really?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> And he's not alone either. I think there's about 20 more like him. I can't ever seem to get a good look. He only seems to want to meet at night. I think he might be a Saurian. You know, one of them crafty lizard folks at the river bottoms? I don't know though, his money's good.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
As he pays with a gold coin, Ladron notices the stamp is weird. It's a stamp
he's never seen before. (Slight of hand...)
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ladron:</B> I've never seen a coin like that before. I'm a bit of a collector. Can I trade you for one?
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> Two for one?
<B>Ladron:</B> Come on!
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> 1 and a drink.
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> I think I've seen his face a bit. Kind of long. And he always wears a large cloak.
<B>One-Armed Miner:</B> I don't know how many friends he has. This guy says he has several. But I can hear 'em when I meet him. I know they're out there.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ladron brings the coin back. Thorfinn identifies the coin (Rolls 20. 35 Bardic check). If the stamp is real, then the coin was mined and minted on the Elemental Plane of Earth. That stamp is from one of the Elemental Princes of Earth. And that Prince has long since been deposed. The coin looks to be in excellent shape considering its age.
Later that evening, Ladron is awakened by some sound (only one to make listen check DC25). There sounds like a rustling, flapping sound. It sounds larger than a bird (like large sheets of cloth. There are overlapping sounds of this. Ladron shares a room with Olaf, Kha'Narek, and Mercator ("low level room"). Estus shares a room with Mirto and Thorfinn. Ladron wakes up Kha'Narek.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ladron:</B> (Whispering) There's flapping
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ladron looks outside and it's a new moon. And it's been clear a few days, but it's now overcast. He can barely see anything. Barely illuminated from the lights in the town below, it looks like a group of some creatures doing stuff in the south end of town (where the Myrmidon's camp is located).
Fly and other spells are cast on Ladron and Estus. Estus casts a few Auguries.
Going out without Invisibility: Weal and Woe
Going out with Invisibility: Weal
There is a huge commotion in the mercenary camp. Total Chaos. Everyone is running around and definitely they're on alert. People are preparing for battle.
There are a number of tents that have been torn open and knocked down. Probably about ten. Circling above the camp, there are several large winged figures. Below are several soldiers putting together some kind of siege weapon. Near that group is someone clearly in command. He keeps things calm near him. Soon, several lights start stabbing up into the sky--sort of magical spotlights (or siege lantern). As the lights start swooping around. The flapping figures go higher and scatter.
The Myrmidon's Spell Corps starts getting out and start casting spells and preparing. The entire unit appears to be about twenty. At least half are spellcasters. There also appear to be other individual spellcasters (lighting lanterns, healing wounded).
The word around town the next day is that a number of officers were taken last night. Their tents were knocked down and some sort of trolls or lizardmen that could fly.
The next evening, there is quite a bit of buzz going on in the taverns. A messenger comes for Mercator. He opens it up. It's from Darius and he wishes to speak with him.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Darius:</B> We've got a serious problem. In fact , if we don't take care of this problem--we could lose control of this town. The attack last night, I don't know whoe's behind it, but the Myrmidon is blaming us.
<B>Mercator:</B> It seems ludicrous.
<B>Darius:</B> The problem is that he's going to start serious interrogations. And he may very well take out his displeasure on the power structure here. We could lose control of this town. He could take control of this town. I'm not going to do that--I'm not going to lose control of this town?
<B>Mercator:</B> How can I help you?
<B>Darius:</B> Kill him.
<B>Mercator:</B> There are plans in motion to bring that about, but I'm not sure how soon that will come to fruition.
<B>Darius:</B> Can you fill me in?
<B>Mercator:</B> Estus has come into contact with... 
<B>Darious:</B> (Interrupts) Estus made a plan? (Pauses) I'm impressed. The word about the man leading your expedition is that he is not particularly devious.
<B>Mercator:</B> I have to say that perhaps that was the case before I met him. But since I've had the grace of being in his presence...
<B>Darius:</B> So it was <I>your</I> plan..?
<B>Mercator:</B> There is unfortunately some adjustment period, such as the one last night. But the conclusion of the plan will be satisfactory. The question is how we can handle this rough growth spurt.
<B>Darius:</B> Well, I can cooperate with the Myrmidon for time.
<B>Mercator:</B> If that buys us a day or two, that will be sufficient.
<B>Darius:</B> There will come a time when he will not be satisfied with the results.
<B>Mercator:</B> What would make me very distraught would be if the innocents were harmed. That might be...
<B>Darius:</B> I'll tell you this. We will definitely have a problem if he is not eliminated within a week or the one behind his attack is not eliminated within a week. If he feels he is not getting the support that he needs, he will turn his resources toward the one. If we cannot turn the person who did it or turn him ourselves, he might take over the town.
<B>Mercator:</B> How much of a threat would he pose on the town? What sort of damage would he cause?
<B>Darius:</B> He would sieze the town from our family.
<B>Mercator:</B> Are there people in the town who would fight that?
<B>Darius:</B> To a point.
<B>Mercator:</B> So there could be a small war between the town and his troops.
<B>Darius:</B> Let's be frank. We control this town by Imperial mandate and the town militia. The militia cannot face his mercenaries. The townspeople will not fight either the militia or his mercenaries. If he takes over the town, it will be an afternoon's work at most. What will happen is that our family will lose this mine.
<B>Mercator:</B> For as long as he holds it.
<B>Darius:</B> It could very well be permanent. You know that might makes right in these parts.
<B>Mercator:</B> 
<B>Darius:</B> Remind Estus of his promise to eliminate the Myrmidon.
<B>Mercator:</B> I think it will help, but anything you can do to buy time will help.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> How'd the meeting go
<B>Mercator:</B> The mercenary whose methods are very draconian and brutal. and he might take out his agner on those nearby. So, unless we can move within the week or our friends, he's basically going to sieze control of the town.
<B>Estus:</B> I see.
<B>Mercator:</B> He said that I should remind you of your promise.
<B>Estus:</B> I have not forgotten.
<B>Mercator:</B> Our best outcome with be all those would be to spend so many resources.<BR /> You generally negotiate if you come from a position of power.<BR /> That would give you an option of directing the course of things to your benefit. And certainly if you don't, someone will.<BR /> That's all I have to report, the decision is yours.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> What would happen
<B>Mercator:</B> With a group as sophisticated as his, the lower will be promoted. Based on your observation, it won't affect him severely.
<B>Mercator:</B> If he wants to do things like that it over the town as quickly as possible. 
<B>Mercator:</B> His troops are fodder, while his officers are the people who can really assit him. He's really weakening the Myrmidon's force, because there won't be as many of the able people around him.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> He's reducing the ability of the Myrmidon to control his forces. There
was utter chaos in the camp around him. He could promote others, but
they're not used to that position and would take time to develop.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> They make take to it.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Those men may be fairly rare.
</p>
<H3> False Alarm </H3>
The party considers three options concerning this recent attack.
<OL>
<LI> Investigate the attacks secretly.
<LI> Investigate the attacks don't care who finds out we're seeing.
<LI> Investigate the attacks and tell the Myrmidon.
</OL>
<B>Olaf:</B> The problem is when Rageflame is doing it, when he sees us cooperating with the Myrmidon, he might take exception to that.
Estus tries several spells to determine the best course of action:
<UL>
<LI> Estus casts a Divination: Coordinating with Rageflame in eliminating the Myrmidon and his forces. Result: Spell Fails.
<LI> Estus then follows with a Sending to Rageflame: "This is Estus. My allies and I are in Valor's End. Do you require any assistance?" Rageflame's response: "Interesting. I hope things are going well out there."
<LI> Concerned about a third party entering the picture, Estus casts Discern Location on Rageflame: "The Pit of Living Flame."
<LI> Estus continues with a Sending to Rageflame: "Have one Sending spell left after this. Saw winged creatures attack Myrmidon's camp last night. Is it your doing?" Rageflame's response: "If you've got a better way of gathering intelligence. Employ it and pass the fruits to me."
<LI> Estus' last sending to Rageflame: What information do you require? Rageflame's response: First, whether you are lying. Second, whether you are mistaken. Third, anything that will make the killing easier.
</UL>
Later that day, Thorfinn and Ladron go out to find out more information about the Myrmidon's camp and his army.
500-700 soldiers. Spread out over compound about 200 yards across. Some earthworks. Largely tents. Operate on 24 hours cycle. Always some troops asleep and some troops on duty. All infantry. There are some war machines, kept covered. Some magical devices for hauling out for specific situations (e.g. siege lights). Thorfinn (29 Gather Info) and Ladron (24 Gather Info) hear from certain sources that they can raise the dead. Townspeople mention that the soldiers all appear to be in rapid communication with leaders. (Witchery? Magical devices? Or some way of passing communication around without messengers) Word about Myrmidon prefers to be visible. Some unknown amount of time Myrmidon appears to be standin--gives him appearance of 24 hours awake time. Soldiers paid well. There appear to be spellcasters scattered throughout the forces. The main to worry about is the spell corps, group of wizards and priests who have never left the encampment. Several townspeople have been warned not to enter the camp except with a pass and via the prescribed routes--otherwise, they would be killed and before they could be reached.
Estus does another Sending the next day: "Myrmidon's Forces. 700 soldiers. Compound 200 yards across. Troops on 24 hour schedule. Main corps of 20 spellcasters. More spellcasters around. Camp magically trapped." Rageflame's response: "That matches what I know. One of my minions will contact you."
That evening in the tavern, the one armed miner asks the barkeep something and the barkeep points at Estus.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> You're Estus
<B>Estus:</B> Yes
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Mind if I have a drink?
<B>Estus:</B> Sure
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Got a message for you. There's someone you've gotta meet.
<B>Estus:</B> Okay
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Gonna have to be after dark and he'll be outside of town. You can bring everybody, it's not going to matter.
<B>Estus:</B> Is there anything more?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Nope.
<B>Estus:</B> Can you tell me your name?
<B>One Armed Miner:</B> Fargo.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
As the party goes out, (DC 20 Spot) there are several figures up in the branches of the trees ahead of them.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Fargo:</B> Well, this is it. Guess we just wait for him now.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party is surprised by a large group of 10 reptilian figures. They land with a resounding "thud".
They're not wearing cloaks. And Fargo's eyes grow wide. They appear to be the size of ogres, reptilian with draconian features. Like dragons with wings and tails. And they are a deep dark blackish red in hue. And heavily armed with 3-4 weapons each. They look in every way draconian.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Saurian:</B> Who is Estus?
<B>Estus:</B> (Steps forward) I am.
<B>Saurian:</B> I see. Our master bids us meet with you to find out what you know.
<B>Estus:</B> 
<B>Saurian:</B> I see.
<B>Saurian:</B> We have learned quite soemthing from these soldiers. We do not believe that their master sleeps.
<B>Saurian:</B> We also believe he seeks something that our master owns. This, of course, means death.
<B>Olaf:</B> Permanent?
<B>Saurian:</B> Of course. Only for the powerful, the weak may return.
<B>Saurian:</B> If you decide to become more involved. If you decide to strike, we'll consider helping you. Tell this one and he will let us know.
<B>Saurian:</B> We have many more questions to ask our prisoners. It may take some time.
<B>Saurian:</B> Oh, we never do the attacking. That is for our master. We are here merely to learn and to tell. If you should do our master a favor, we will help. If you choose to do this yourselves, we will help. We will not otherwise seek to do it ourselves. Unless our master wishes it. He is changeable...
<B>Estus:</B> Very well. It seems as though the information you seek may
<B>Saurian:</B> Give me your hand.
<B>Estus:</B> (Holds out hand)
<B>Saurian:</B> (Gives medallion. Holds out in front of mouth. Medallion burns red, burns for a minute on to Estus' hand. Red mark is left.) This will heal in time. For the next weeks however, you now have a way to tell us who you are. Show this mark to any of us and you will be spared. In the chaos of battle, it can be difficult to tell you humans apart.<BR /> Should you decide to attack we will help. This will make it possible for any of us to know you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Everyone in the party takes the mark of the lizardmen.
Thorfinn identifies them as Dragonkin. They claim ancestry and worship true dragons. They can often be found serving true dragons. They are not known to have any draconic abilities beyond skin, wings. Rarely show some spellcasting ability. They are often barbarians.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mercator:</B> I think I've got us to the point now where 
<B>Darius:</B> You're going to do something?
<B>Mercator:</B> Yes, you may do something.
<B>Darius:</B> Kill him.
<B>Mercator:</B> We were hoping for ideas that might draw him away from that
<B>Darius:</B> Let's see. If you're ready to ambush him. If you're really ready to take care of business. I could invite him here for a meeting.
<B>Mercator:</B> He'd bring his best forces.
<B>Darius:</B> Here's what I'd do. Give him some indication that you may be close to finding something in the mines. Then, I'll send him a message that I need to meet with him. Then, when I get confirmation, I can pass that along.
<B>Mercator:</B> I have real information.
<B>Darius:</B> Even better. First, we get him to put more men in the mines. Then, I get him to see me. For deniability, I'd need you to ambush him outside the keep. And simultaneously, once I found out he's engaged with you. I'll give word to the mine foreman to spring the traps. Then he'll have one shift sleeping at the camp, one shift guarding, and one shift at the mines. Once we take care of him, I can join you guys in a sweep. Works for me.
<B>Mercator:</B> He'll be recalcitrant, but I'm certain I can be a key factor in this.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H3> Confrontation </H3>
The lizard kin wish to meet. They have confirmed that the Myrmidon never sleeps. (No indication of doubles. Lots of indication that it's him all the time) The other thing is that he apparently has extraordinary staying power. Having taken many mortal blows, it didn't even slow him down. They found out that he is after the Golem Armor. And furthermore, they found out how the communication works. They heard is that all commisioned officers wear rings that permit them to speak to all other commisioned officers and the Myrmidon. Those that they captured were the best knowledge/defense ratio. Especially with the rings, they are very glad that they made that decision.
Another day goes by and Estus gets a message from the lizard men. They will keep a watch on the town and when they see the Myrmidon heading for the keep, they will get in position and await the party's engagement to assist in the fight.
Estus casts the following spells on the party (some much earlier in the day, some just before combat):
<UL>
<LI> Heroes' Feast
<LI> Mass Resist Energy
<LI> Mass Bear's Endurance
<LI> Mass Owl's Wisdom
<LI> Mass Lesser Vigor
<LI> Holy Aura
</UL>
A group of dozen or more go through town. The Myrmidon is in front and the rest are following. There are 10 guys that are heavily armored. They appear to have two unarmored soliders in the middle of the group. Every one is carrying a significant number of weapons. All the soldiers have spiked armor. The two in the middle are not wearing any armor. It does appear that one of them is on fire. The other appears to shimmer a little bit (phase or force effect). Troll. A couple of ogre sized (minotaurs). One of the armored figures is a quadriped (perhaps centauroid) in plate barding and armor (snouted head). Giant is stone golem in iron plate (Mog--a race of constructs from Acheron).
<H2> Combat </H2>
<B>Round 1:</B> (The group gets a surprise round on the Myrmidon's group) Mercator enlarges himself. Thorfinn does Inspire Greatness on Olaf and Kha'Narek. Kha'Narek runs up towards the enemy. Olaf (Spell Penetration 28,24) casts Flame Strike on the group in the center, doing 34 points. Ladron fires a bow and hits a cloaked spellcaster for 9. Mirto (Spell Penetration 37,36,36) casts an Empowered Fireball for 61 points. Estus (Spell Penetration 25,38) casts Flame Strike on the same group as Olaf for 59 points. The figure that had been shimmering falls over.
<B>Round 2:</B> An armored troll runs up to Kha'Narek, but is unable to attack. The other casters begin casting. As the centauroid charges, he doesn't appear to be wearing plate--he is made of plate. He is moving spitting mad (berserker?). The Mog aims his shoulder and fires a strange glowing rock at Kha'Narek, but misses. One of the casters casts an Acid Ball on the party (DC 17) for 60 points.<BR /> Mercator delays. Thorfinn attacks with a bow (AC 24, misses). Kha'Narek moves up to the Myrmidon and misses (due to the displacement). Ladron moves back and fires a bow at the centaur type for 11 points. Olaf casts Invisibility Purge and moves up towards the Myrmidon. Mirto casts Forcecage (one spellcaster fails to counter) around the Myrmidon and the spellcasters. Estus moves up and casts Greater Command "Fall!" (Spell Penetration 27,35) on the bulk of the group left around the Myrmidon. 3 fighters fall. Mercator moves up and does Total Defensive, facing the berserking centauroid.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
<P>
Myrmidon's group
</P>
<P>
<B>Base Experience:</B> 8340 (at beginning)
</P>