Chapter 3: Beyond the Portal

[Sherwood]

With a flash, Wren draws her swords and begins to make her way to the doors, trying to put a solid surface between her back and the spiders.

OOC If any approach her while she is backed against the door, I wish to perform an attack of opportunity on it.

Spoiler

Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12

 

[Silanon]

Just a few more steps, and Wren finds herself with the comforting, sturdy wood in her back - offering both protection in one direction and a possible escape route later on.

With that, it's Renna's turn to reposition herself - or charge right into the mass of ugly bodies Psychie is up.

 

[Psychie]

Can you give me some more information? How many spiders are there, and how large are they?

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

First of all: Feel free to make a perception check to possibly get more insights - I'll only list the things that all of you will undoubtably be able to discern.

The first thing you know is that the number of spiders easily surpasses a thousand - that said, most of the moving bodies are actually too small to pose a real threat to you. A few - perhaps about two dozens - roughly dog-sized, hairy specimen seem to lead the charge, both large enough to outrun the small ones and agile enough to outdo even larger creatures that are only now starting to climb down the pillars. Thus, it's rather complicated to guess both their size and numbers.

 

[Psychie]

"Baird! My sword is going to be nearly useless against these small ones; can you do anything with your magic?" Renna begins to head for the door, thinking that getting out of here is the wisest bet.

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

Running forward, the paladin manages to at least close most of the gap between Wren and her; the clicking sound of mandibles gets closer as she moves, though, as the nasty things in the room move to interrupt her - too slow to stop herself, but quick enough to be in position to welcome those further back.

Note: After the spiders' repositioning, running towards the door will offer them at least a couple of attacks of opportunity.

Clockwork Syringe is up with Baird.

22 Wren
22 Renna
11 Spiders!
-> 10 Baird
7 Veskassdak
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

As the spiders begin to close in around everyone, Baird decides to forgo defense and decides to get the hell out of dodge as he runs towards the door.

 

[Silanon]

As you run towards the door, multiple spiders try to speed up to catch you on your way. However, you somehow manage to avoid their bites and legs entirely, reaching Renna's protective stature before you can get overwhelmed.

With that, Dicer is up with Veskassdak.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak paused for a moment to assess his options. He watched as Renna ran as best as she could to get to where Wren was. Then Baird fled to catch up to Renna. He had seen spiders all over his hime swamp. Some were as large as these, but some of them in the swamp grew to unbelievable sizes. Fortunately from what he could see none that size were here. Still the sheer number of them warranted remaining aware of the danger they posed. He knew his rage strength would be useless against so many, so he decided not to call his ancestors for aid, nor did he imbibe his "make big" drink since that would make him a bigger target with little return.


Making his decision, he would trust his ability to ignore the bites of the small spiders and move as quickly as he could to get to Renna's and Baird's spot to protect them as best as he could.

Spoiler

AC 19; HP 61 of 61 remaining; DR 2/-; Fort save +7, Ref save +2, Will save +2; Speed 40 ft., Melee Attack bonus +8 bite damage 1d3+4, 2 claws damage 1d4+4; rage duration remaining: 13 of 13 rounds.

 

[Silanon]

Being the last one to run for the doors, the lizard berserker is already facing more of the spiders than the others - hundreds of the ugly creatures do their best to somehow get a hold of him or bite him as he passes. Most do so with no success; after about two thirds of the way towards Renna and the others, though, a smaller spider covered in a mixture of silvery and black hair manages to bite through the scale-covered skin. At first, it's really just a little nuisance rather than a real wound; but as Veskassdak moves, he quickly notices that it's a little more than that. Your movements seem slightly off, just a bit slower, your balance is not as natural as usual - and there is a slight pain in your chest, as if to announce that something is wrong.

Spoiler: Poison effects

For the duration of the poisoning, Veskassdak has -2 con and -2 dex - please give me a Fortitude20- save to try to shake off the effect; apart from that, he takes 3 damage after reduction.

As Veskassdak was the first to show weakness, most of the beasts seem to focus on him - both his armor and his reflexes are enough to let him avoid any further wounds, though. The same holds for most of the others, as fewer spiders mean more options to avoid their bites. Baird, however, makes an exception - not as heavily armored as the others, the bloody things manage to break through his defenses twice, biting the sorcerer as he likely wishes for slightly more protection.

Spoiler: Poisoning 2

Same for Baird - only that it's -2 con, -1 dex for the sorcerer. You'll take 12 damage regardless.

-> 22 Wren
22 Renna
11 Spiders!
10 Baird (-12)
7 Veskassdak (-3)
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!

Sherwood is up with Wren.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Fortitude Save for Baird:
11 Total

 

[Dicer]

Fort Save is 20 total. It's 19 if the con damage happens before the save.

 

[Sherwood]

Seeing the swarm approaching, Wren is certain that if they don't get through the door, it will be a bad thing for them all. "Cover my back! I'm going to try and open the door!" Here's to hoping that I'm not about to blow us all up! She quickly sheaths one of her blades and tries to open the door.

Spoiler

Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12

 

[Psychie]

Hearing that Wren is trying the door, Renna will position herself as a living shield between the spiders and the rogue. "Do you best. I will do my best to protect you from these things, but I ask that you please hurry!"

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

While Baird can clearly feel the poison running through his veins, Veskassdak is more successful in shaking off its effects - after a moment of irritation, the resilience of the berserker overcomes the bite's impact on him.

Wren's attempt to open the door is less succesful than one would have hoped - as the rogue tries to push it open, it remains completely static; pulling, even more complicated due to the lack of any kind of door handle, grants the same result. With the kind of expertise Wren assembled over years of sneaking about, she clearly gets the impression that this door was built to keep things inside of the cathedral-like room you're in, not the other way around as one might expect. There are no keyholes or the like to be seen, only a couple of elfish runes on either side of the doors. Perhaps, those might be of help; otherwise, brute force might be your best hope to leave this place.

22 Wren
-> 22 Renna
11 Spiders!
10 Baird (-12)
7 Veskassdak (-3)
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!

Psychie Do you wish to simply await the spiders, perhaps cutting down there numbers as they approach, or do you want to change your action?

 

[Psychie]

Renna targets a pair of the larger spiders and tries to cut them down with her blade. "Veskassdak! Can you help Wren break through that door? We won't hold out too much longer if we don't get out of here."

Spoiler

Attempting a Cleave attack on two of the larger spiders.

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

Deciding to take initiative, the paladin swings her sword at one of the larger spiders. Shiny steel easily cuts through thick, hairy skin, one of eight legs is dropped involuntarily - the creature flees backwards hastily, only to see a slightly smaller specimen right next to it get torn apart as a second strike follows the first one. Chaos ensues as some of the forerunners decide to let others go at it first while those further behind show little fear - it's a bit of a shuffle that does not really solve the problem of numbers for you, but at least buys you a little bit of time as the attack comes to a halt - if only for a second or two.

22 Wren
22 Renna
11 Spiders!
-> 10 Baird (-12)
7 Veskassdak (-3)
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!

Clockwork Syringe is up with Baird.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

As Baird got to the door just in time, the spiders launched another attack. He felt two attacks, although one of them caused a strange sensation to flow through him most likely poison. With the Poison coursing through his veins, Baird was understandably pissed at these spiders. ~Ok, Kid Gloves are coming off now, I'm mad." Baird then reached into his pack and pulled out the Scroll of Lightning Bolt and recited the words to make it so. His hands began to crackle with arcane lightning as the incantation finished and proceeded to point the spell in the direction of the spiders, trying to hit the bigger spiders if he can, while making absolutely sure to not hit Veskassdak.
((trying to kill a great number of the swam atm))
((Save is a 21 Dexterity to Half the damage))

 

[Silanon]

As soon as you finish the words of power, a thundering sound drowns the permanent hissing as raw magical power leaves your hands. The flashing bolt makes its way through the hall, burning dozens of eight-legged nightmares to death; thinning out the endless numbers and buying time for the others. As impressive as the spell itself is, that's all it will accomplish, though - the flash illuminates hundreds and hundreds of spiders ready to take the place of those that perished.

Thanks to the spell, Dicer 's Veskassdak finds himself with enough breathing room to act without being surrounded by the swarm; you could certainly take advantage of the disarray and cause even more chaos if you desire.

 

[Dicer]

Thanks to Baird's spell clearing the spiders around him, Veskassdak saw that the door barring their way was the most problematic in getting out of their predicament. He took a deep breath and shouted, "Shurigrem heem korlas kles!" thus beginning his rage. His yellow eyes turned to a scary blood red while his breathing increased. His muscles bulged as blood from his rage flooded them. The sturdy straps of his mithral breastplate armor held fast against the stress brought on by the sudden increase of musculature. The coloration of his back frill deepened in shade to the familiar dark green his rage always took them. His dorsal spike tips elongated and darkened to the same blood red color as his eyes. Thus ready, he ran at the door, trying to break it down so he and his companions could escape the spidery attackers before they had a chance to regroup.

Spoiler

AC 17; HP 66 of 69 remaining; DR 2/-; Fort save +9, Ref save +2, Will save +4; Speed 45 ft., Melee Attack bonus +12 bite damage 1d3+8, 2 claws damage 1d4+8; rage duration remaining: 13 of 13 rounds. Strength modifier is now +6.
Whoo 24 total!

 

[Silanon]

As the mighty berserker throws his weight against the double doors, you can hear a crashing sound from the other side - as if something just broke apart. It's not enough for you to break through to the other side; but you can savely say that you are at least one step closer to that goal.

Behind you, more spiders fill the gaps that both sword and magic caused, and the assault continues - thanks to her superior armor, however, Renna is able to hold them back for now without taking any wounds herself. That does not mean you are save for long, though - it's only a matter of time until one of the beasts finds an opening.

-> 22 Wren
22 Renna
11 Spiders!
10 Baird (-12)
7 Veskassdak (-3)
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!

Sherwood is up with Wren.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren spins about, stepping up to face the spiders. "Renna, you're stronger than I am. If you help Veskassdak, the two of you might be able to bust us out of here! I'll take your spot here." She waves her flaming sword back and forth, hoping that the burning blade might keep back some of the mass of spiders.

Spoiler

I'll go ahead and make an attack roll.

Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12

 

[Silanon]

Wielding her swords to keep tzhe spiders at bay, Wren hits little more than thin air - none of her strikes connect with any of the hairy bodies as they manage to avoid her. At least, that means that they stay far enough back to not get hit by the blades, but it's only a matter of time for them to push forward once more.

Psychie is up with Renna.

 

[Psychie]

Not one to overlook a good idea, the paladin turns to the door and hurls herself at it with her sword swinging down at the door where the latch would be if there were one on this side of the door. With a powerful two handed blow, she does her best to sunder it.

Spoiler

Max damage on her attack. Pretty cool.

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

The mighty strike hits the door with raw strength, causing another sound of breaking material on the other side - perhaps a latch, since you feel like the door gives in to your strike just a little bit. There seem to be more mechanisms to keep it shut for now, though, as it still remains shut despite your efforts.

Meanwhile, the spiders get closer once more, trying to overwhelm Wren as she tries to buy you enough time to break through. Two bites find their way through her armor as there are too many bodies to strike at at once, causing a bit of damage as well as the poisoned feeling that both veskassdak and Baird already are familiar with.

Sherwood shall give me a Fortitude check on 20 or take -2con, -1 dex - other than that, Clockwork Syringe is up with the sorcerer.


22 Wren (-10)
22 Renna
11 Spiders!
-> 10 Baird (-12)
7 Veskassdak (-3)
3 Spiders!!
1 Spiders!!!