<div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">[After re-reading some of the combat rules, I have decided to amend a previous statement regarding attacks of opportunity in the Hypogeum.<br/><br/>Cages now provide cover between those inside and out, preventing the monsters within from making attacks of opportunity. Characters who end movement within reach may still be attacked, and some intelligent monsters may ready an action to grab; anyone on the receiving end of such an attack receives the usual +4 cover bonus to AC.<br/><br/>Hopefully this should make combat in the Hypogeum a bit more manageable for all those involved. (And movement as well- no worrying about being grabbed a dozen times</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Sashi wrote:</cite>"CIRO! Stay alive and try to open up that damned grate!"</div></blockquote><br/>"Right-o!" Ciro looses himself from Sashi's belt, scooping up the leash dropped by Sashi.<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Ciro taps a nutrion.</div></div></div>The squirrelboy stares pointedly at the foliage-filled cage, and begins making a noise something like a bag full of dry leaves being shaken.<br/><br/>Something in the cage stirs...<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Strength DC to bend reinforced bars: 26<br/><br/>Creature 1 Strength check: 1d20 (5) + 9 = 14<br/>Creature 2 Strength check: 1d20 (19) + 9 = 28</div></div></div>A pair of leafy appendages seizes two of the bars and begins forcing them apart. Whatever the beast within is, its strength clearly exceeds the designer's expectations- with a groan, the iron bars separate, leaving a man-sized gap.<br/><br/><br/>Sashi's blade cuts a blazing arc through the air, carving through Broga's armor with ease. The giant frogman, halfway through his expansion, grunts in surprise but keeps gulping air.<br/><br/>From Sashi's right, five serpentine heads hiss in frustration as their enclosure prevents them from snatching a bunny breakfast for a second time. Alas, the rabbit warrior has the common sense not to stand within necks' length of a ravenous hydra. But one of her assailants isn't quite so bright...<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Hydra initiative: 1d20 (9) + 1 = 10<br/>Guard A&amp;B initiative: 1d20 (3) + 1 = 4<br/><br/>Hydra attack: 1d20 (1,10,13,15,17) + 6 = 7,16,19,21,23; 1 hit<br/>(Guard A is flatfooted, but has a +4 cover bonus to AC)<br/>Damage: 1d10 (3) + 6 = 6</div></div></div>Most of the hydra heads clang ineffectively into the bars, but one manages to squeeze through and score a glancing blow on the lefthand guard's shoulder.<br/><br/>"Agh! Gedoff, 'ygreat bloody snake!" The injured guard brandishes his spear at the hydra, which pulls back out of reach.  The second guard snickers, and begins edging toward Sashi until an angry croak from Broga stops him short.<br/><br/>"Guard the stairs, ye damned idjits-<span style="font-style: italic">mmph!</span>" Broga clamps his mouth shut, but not before a rush of air escapes his lips, shrinking the big frog by a few inches.<br/><br/>Both guards plant themselves in the center of their respective staircases, spears at ready. (Guard A has the common sense to take a few steps up, just out of the hydra's reach.)<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Guards A&amp;B ready an action.</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;Round 2&gt;&gt;</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Creature 1 Strength check: 1d20 (11) + 9 = 20<br/>Creature 2 Strength check: 1d20 (12) + 9 = 21</div></div></div>Another pair of appendages joins the first in prying at the newly opened gap. The bars creak ominously, but hold... for now.<br/><br/><br/>-----<br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Oh, You’re still awake, Koren? Did you say something? Is my little treat not doing so well? It’s to be expected, considering where you are…~</span></div></blockquote><br/>Her little treat... those words send a shiver down Koren's spine, making her forget for a brief moment the pain of her situation. It's hard believe her Mistress has never done this before- the way she taunts and teases her prey, it's clear she's a natural-born pred. If Koren didn't know better, she might actually believe her Mistress really<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>dismissing her.<br/><br/>"Oh Mistress, you're so cruel!" Koren wails, squirming with renewed vigor. Despite her plaintive tone, the emotion that reaches Mindy through her connection is one of excitement, and more than a little arousal. Then again, it might simply be a reflection of her own mental condition- Koren's thoughts are growing harder to perceive with each passing second.<br/><br/>By the time Mindy reaches the arena entrance some minutes later, her stomach has fallen still. The only sound that reaches her ears is that of her own body working on its first taste of truly fresh meat.<br/><br/><br/>----<br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Alyssa wrote:</cite>"Chrrou is attempting to pick out Sashi's trail, but I'm afraid it's been something of a strain- one of our assailants used some form of enchantment, and it seems to have had a lingering effect."</div></blockquote><br/>Sen hesitantly raises his hand. "Um... I could take a look at him, if you'd like."<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Sen sacrifices <span style="font-style: italic">wind wall</span> to cast <span style="font-style: italic">cure serious wounds</span>: 3d8 (2,6,7) + 10 = 25 points of damage healed.<br/><br/>Sen's Heal check: 1d20 (12) + 18 = 30<br/>Sen's Spellcraft check: 1d20 (16) + 11 = 27</div></div></div>Sen scampers over to Chrrou's side and presses a hand to his flesh, sending a wash of curative energy through the druid's body. Chrrou relaxes slightly as the goblin fusses about him; poking, prodding, lifting eyelids, and muttering a variety of incantations. After a minute or so of examination, Sen claimbs down from his patient's back, scratching his head in puzzlement.<br/><br/>"Hm. Well, there's definitely something going on in his head, but it's no magic I've ever seen."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~So much blood...~</span>Chrrou mutters.<br/><br/>"I might be able to figure out a remedy," Sen continues, "but I'd have to have him change back first. I'd like to take him back to the suite where it's safe before I do anything else... but if anyone else needs to be looked at, I can take care of  it before I go."<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Sen's check failed due to having the wrong skill. A Psicraft check (DC 24) might turn up more useful information.</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/>"I'll pick up the trail for him," Jess offers. The huskygal closes her eyes and inhales deeply, filling her nostrils with the scent of the marketplace.<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Jess's Survival check: 1d20 (5) + 8 = 13</div></div></div>At first, nothing seems to be happening- Jess turns in an aimless circle, sniffing occasionally. Then, her eyes snap open, locked on a patch of ground seemingly like every other. The huskygal gives a sharp sniff, then two, before nodding vigorously.<br/><br/>"Got it," she declares.<br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Alyssa wrote:</cite>"Mindy... where is Soma?"</div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Oh, I'm right here.~</span>Soma answers. The statement is accompanied by a jostle of the telepath's stomach.<span style="font-style: italic">~Mindy decided to eat me before we left the garden. Isn't that right?~</span><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">[Status Scroll]<br/>Sashi: 95/105 (90%) [AC: 25 (+9 mythril platemail, +3 natural armor, +3 dex)]<br/>Ciro: (100%) [AC: 13 (+2 dex, +1 size)<br/><br/>Broga health: (86%); [AC: 20 (+8 armor, +3 natural, -1 size)] (enlarged, holding breath)<br/>Guard A health: (89%); [AC: 19 (+5 armor, +1 Dex, +3 natural)]<br/>Guard B health: (100%); [AC: 19 (+5 armor, +1 Dex, +3 natural)]<br/><br/>Nutrions and non-combatants omitted to save space.</div></div></div>