The Challenge Pit Remix (Part 2)
Behind you the door continues to thud with the weight of your mirror dopplegangers, but before you winds another path downwards. You follow it without much of a choice but to go backwards the way you came. Eventually along this path you will find another door. Your choices are thus: Either you can choose to try and go around the door to the path beyond it, or go through the door and see what lies there.
Sorscha stays back to let Baz open the door for now. At least, that way...she and Aurora can go in first.
There is door, there is Baz. There is Baz staring at the door and it's doorishness. Under his armor sweat begins to gather, his eyes bulge, fists tighten. The spiked armor of the Ork creaks and groans and yet the door is door. Small grunts and growls come the towering green skin, the door implacable in it's doorishness doors on. Finally, as there can only be one outcome to this stand-off. Baz reaches out a hand and yanks the door open!
The door, in it's doorishness - opens without any sort of foolishness on its behalf (say such as being locked or trapped). It's hinges don't even creak as it opens and when everyone is through it closes quietly leaving you in what seems like an entirely empty room. One without a single door in it. Apparently not even the one you came in by as it is gone as well. It seems that it's decided in a very undoorlike way that it doesn't want to be there anymore. Perhaps because of Baz's very intimidating stare.
GAME: Baz da Ork rolls perception: (19)+7: 26 GAME: Nadara rolls perception: (17)+7: 24 GAME: Sorscha rolls perception: (15)+8: 23 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
In fact now that you think of it... there is /something/ in the room. A sound, a sound like scales sliding against one another.
Sorscha starts to look this way and that. "Aurora....Can you hear that? Something's here." It's when the tiger starts to look about too...and Sorscha slowly slides her sword from her scabbard.
The scimitar is out, the shield is on. Baz peers into the darkness with his Ork vision. "Oy, I hear something you hear dat? Wot is dat?"
For her part, Nadara has remained silent. She seems ready. Tense. Gun in her hand and a worried look on her face.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (17)+13: 30 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d4+4: (1)+4: 5 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls fort: (18)+9: 27
The sound of sliding scales becomes louder for a moment, and then... Baz the ourch disappears!
GAME: Sorscha rolls will: (15)+7: 22 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls will: (13)+10: 23 GAME: Nadara rolls will: (19)+13: 32
With Baz gone you know that /something/ is off, and then like a haze the image of the room being empty vanishes leaving you facing the biggest snake you've ever seen in your entire life. If you'd gone walking around the room there's no way you could have missed running into it. It sticks its tongue out and the sound of it's scales sliding over the room makes the hissing sound it makes at you almost inaudible. It seems like whatever invisibility it had vanished when it swallowed Baz whole.
GAME: Sorscha rolls weapon1: (12)+10: 22 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d8+3: (6)+3: 9
Sorscha stabs her sword into the side of the giant snake and the tiger tries to bite, but only Sorscha's successful. "We've gotta get Baz out, Aurora...."
GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+10: (14)+10: 24 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
Schoomp! Baz vanishes into the muscular folds of whatever has grabbed him. The giant Ork snarls. "WOT?" He yells! "BAZ IS DA STRONGEST!" Then begins to thrash and bounce. Driving his spiked shoulders, fists, shield into the creature around him. Struggling to get free, to destroy!
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (12)+13: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+14: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d4+4: (4)+4: 8 GAME: Sorscha rolls fortitude: (11)+9: 20
The snake slithers closer to Sorscha, quickly striking her with its fangs but not swallowing her. Perhaps something is bothering it's tummy?
GAME: Sorscha rolls weapon1+1: (17)+10+1: 28 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d20+6+1: (9)+6+1: 16 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d8+3: (2)+3: 5
"How about you let go of our friend and you can slither away...." Sorscha bargains as she stabs the snake again. Aurora gnaws at the scales but her teeth don't go through. "FIGHT YOUR WAY OUT, BAZ!"
GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+10: (18)+10: 28 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d6+5: (2)+5: 7
"Am not food!" The Ork yells, muffled inside of the giant snake. As he continues to thrash, his spiked armor poking in all places as he elbows, fists and knees. "AM EATER!" The Ork grows more frenzied as he continues to try and fatally wound the snake from the inside.
GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+12: (9)+12: 21 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+12: (12)+12: 24 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (6)+2: 8
Remember that Bard, the one that was there earlier? He has been here the whole time, conveniently not saying anything nor doing anything that was relevant to the plot. That abruptly ends when Baz comes out the wrong part of the snake, and he snickers.
Selerik points a finger at the snake, then at Baz. "You pooped that." For some reason, him framing Baz's escape from the depths of the snake that way makes it far more awkward than it already was. Then he makes a little fart sound with his mouth that just seals the deal.
GAME: Selerik casts Unadulterated Loathing. Caster Level: 9 DC: 21 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (13)+11: 24 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (15)+13: 28
Blam! Blam blam blam!
Quickly reloading her pistol in smooth, seamless practiced actions, Nadara has opened fire and placed three expertly aimed bullets in the snake. It's like shootings snakes in a barrel.
Or on a floor.
With an Ourch shaped bulge in them.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+14: (18)+14: 32 GAME: Sorscha rolls Fortitude: (16)+9: 25
The snake seems hardly hurt by Baz's exit, but the arrows seem to anger it so it snaps up Sorscha and begins crushing her slowly and biting into her body.
GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d20+6+1+2: (16)+6+1+2: 25 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d6+2+2: (3)+2+2: 7 GAME: Sorscha rolls weapon1+1+2-4: (12)+10+1+2+-4: 21 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d8+3: (1)+3: 4 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls weapon21-2: (6)+11+-2: 15
Sorscha rrrghs loudly as she gets bitten by the snake...and held in its mouth. The sounds of pain causes the tiger to leap on the snake and bite down HARD onto its neck. Meanwhile, Sorscha stabs her sword into the snake's face....
Climbing out of the snake, the Ork stumbles to his feet and tries to wipe the blood and slime from his helmet. Swinging up his scimitar he wildly, and unfortunately inaccurate tries to carve into the giant reptile, his blade skittering off it's hide.
GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+13: (17)+13: 30 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+13: (6)+13: 19 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11 GAME: Selerik casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6 GAME: Nadara rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3
There's some obvious relief when Baz manages to crawl free from the snake -- though let's be honest seeing it makes Nadara gag a bit -- and she shoots at the snake three more times. With a helpful inspiration-boost steadying her slightly shaky hand, Nadara lands three more bullets in the mass of coils, looking relieved.
Selerik takes a moment to say a few encouraging words to Nadara, seeking to help their aim stay true. There is obvious disappointment - and concern - that his attempts to mess with the snake's mind seems to have failed. He wasn't used to animals being that strong willed. "Going to try a little trick I haven't used in ages." He takes a short step back to keep a safe distance, then weaves a sigil through the air with his hands. "Slither your way to safety! You scales are too pretty to damage them in battle! Bare your fangs no more!"
GAME: Selerik casts Smug Narcissism. Caster Level: 9 DC: 22 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d4+4: (2)+4: 6 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (11)+13: 24 GAME: Selerik rolls fort: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Selerik casts Saving Finale. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18 GAME: Selerik rolls fort: (15)+6: 21
The snake continues to crush Sorscha, bearing down on her with its immense weight, but it also snaps its poison-glinted teeth at Selerik and bites him.
GAME: Sorscha rolls 4d6: (16): 16 GAME: Sorscha rolls weapon1+1: (20)+10+1: 31 (THREAT) GAME: Sorscha rolls weapon1+1: (11)+10+1: 22 GAME: Sorscha rolls 1d20+6+1: (1)+6+1: 8 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Sorscha rolls 2d8+6: (12)+6: 18
Despite Aurora's attempts, the one lucky strike with her teeth was just her best luck she could manage. Sorscha has better luck though, as her body glows, and her sword finds the eye of the snake......and does enough damage to kill the thing. "OOF!" She yelps as she hits the floor. "I'm starting to think this 'better dungeons' and whatever the heck it is....just finds the most dangerous dungeons…
Suddenly there is a distinct chime and the body of the snake vanishes like smoke. A door appears on one wall and a voice echoes throughout the room. "You have faced a foe equal to your own strength, go forth to the next challenge!"
Selerik looks relieved as the snake vanishes, glancing around at everyone else. Sure, he can blend back into the background after that joke. Right? Eh, probably not.
Sorscha says, "So I imagine the next challenge will be greater than our own strength." Sorscha takes a deep breath. 'Is everyone okay?" She says looking behind her to the others.
"Alive" says the goblin. She take a moment and catches her breath. While she escaped personally unscathed, her eyes are taking stock of her comrades.
Selerik nods to Sorscha. "I took a hit, but it wasn't a bad one. I'll manage."
Wiping snake bile and blood off his armor the big Ork snorts and growls, then seeing door he tenses. The door in response doors back at him. The two lock into a battle of wits, impenetrable stares of doom. (d)Ork vs. Door. Finally Baz reaches forward and snatches it open.
The door opens to another staircase which leads you downwards. It's becoming a theme at this point. Particularly after you come to another door which in simple door manner opens to the ork in charge of doors. Inside is a simple room with you guessed it... another door. As you enter however there is another chime and the same voice echoes out.
"You have faced yourself and come out the other side. You have faced a foe equal to your own power. Reflect on this, and go forth."
Sorscha just.....sighs before petting Aurora. "You going to be able to manage, Selerik?" She says as she starts for the stairs…
"Down, down, down we go," says Nadara with a sigh.
"Did they really just say that? Really?" she asks of the voice. "Well, I guess we ought to gather ourselves before venturing forth." She lets out a sigh.
"Wot?" Baz says to the disembodied voice. His scimitar out and ready, as he pushes downwards and through. "Wot going on? I thought dis was a dungeon? Voice talking ta me, things eaten me. More doors, always doors!"
"Stupid doors," agrees Nadara, "Baz! Open the door!" She point at it.
A big green hand closes on the door handle/knob and opens the next door. "More door! I open door!" Baz announces and holds his scimitar up in case of sudden Ork swallowing snake.
"Baz!?" Sorscha yells before she grabs the handle too....with her Tiger right with her.
"..oh for god's sake I hope this isn't a disintegrator." She waits to see if Sorscha vanishes as well, and if she does, she sighs and does the same. Nadara is really hoping it's not a disintegrator.
With Baz vanished one after the other you... leave via the door. On the other side you find a small room with the glowing blue image of a woman. She smiles benevolently at you. "You have completed all the challenges, but one came before you so I have no final gift to offer you save the knowledge and wisdom which the Challenge Pit grants all those who come through." Before you can think to react she waves a hand.
And you find yourselves at the top of the Challenge Pit once more.
"I JUST WANT TO GO HOME," yelled the teenage shadow elf.
-End-