ComSIPL now has three main executibles:
1) sipl sipl is the SIP Listener, SIP Text and Call Manager, and the SIP Registrar
2) sipp sipp is the SIP Presence Broker
3) admini admini is the administrative console
I will likely release ComSIPL 0.8.5 today. The biggest reason for not make this a 0.9.0 release is that some clients are not accepting the NOTIFY presence packet from sipp presence broker.
ComSIPL is progressing nicely. Cisco device support and a TFTP: Trivial File Transfer Protocol is being developed. TFTP is used to load different configurations into Cisco phones and gateways before they start the SIP communication.
I would like at least a primitive, but functional TFTP server that will support Cisco's IP Communicator by version 9.0. If I can get Cisco Jabber to work, that would be great also.
The admin interface continues to improve and get better. It already has expanded into managing the TFTP and the SIP server.
Likely to continue support of Cisco products, a functional XMMP server will also have to be developed for presence.
ComSIPL, formally named VoIPSIPL, has reached the milestone of 0.7.0. Lots of new features.
Roe Skidmore Jim Dunegan , 1971, Topps Standard , Chi Cubs , 121 , RC,DH/pitcher Alan Ashby , 1980, Topps Standard , Hou Astros , 187 , ,catcher Mike Jorgensen , 1980, Topps Standard , TX Rangers , 213 , ,1st Dave Freisleben , 1980, Topps Standard , Tor Blue Jays , 382 , ,pitcher Dennis Lamp , 1984, Topps Standard , Chi White Sox , 541 , ,pitcher Kevin Bass , 1984, Topps Standard , Hou Astros , 538 , ,outfield Biff Pocoroba , 1984, Topps Standard , Atl Braves , 438 , ,catcher Mike Vail , 1984, Topps Standard , Mon Expos , 766 , ,outfield Chico Walker , 1991, Leaf Silver , Chi Cubs , 501 , ,3rd Tim Hullett , 1987, Topps Standard , Chi White Sox , 566 , ,2nd-3rd Bob Boone , 1987, Topps Standard , CA Angels , 166 , ,catcher Ron Oester , 1987, Topps Standard , Cin Reds , 172 , ,2nd Calvin Schiraldi , 1987, Topps Standard , Bos Red Sox , 094 , ,pitcher Herm Winningham , 1987, Topps Standard , Mon Expos , 141 , ,outfield Greg Swindell , 1987, Topps Standard , Clv Indians , 319 , ,pitcher Fred Toliver , 1987, Topps Standard , Phi Phillies , 063 , ,pitcher Ron Guidry , 1984, Topps Standard , NY Yankees , 406 , All-Star card ,0,pitcher Johnny Ray , 1984, Topps Standard , Pit Pirates , 387 , All-Star card ,0,2nd Pete Rose Bill Madlock Parker, 1984, Topps Standard , Pit Pirates , 701 , Career batting avg ,0,- George Brett Rod Carew Cooper, 1984, Topps Standard , CA Angels , 710 , Career Batting Ldrs ,0,- Pete Rose Bill Madlock Parker, 1984, Topps Standard , Phi Phillies , 701 , Career batting avg ,0,- Fergie Jenkins Steve Carlton , 1984, Topps Standard , Chi Cubs , 706 , Career Victory ,0,pitcher Cesar Cedeno Larry Bowa , 1984, Topps Standard , Chi Cubs , 705 , Career Stolen Bases ,0,- Tommie Agee , 1974, Topps Standard , LA Dodgers , 630T , Traded ,0,outfield Mike Squires , 1983, Fleer Standard , Chi White Sox , 250 , ,1st Rick Manning , 1983, Fleer Standard , Clv Indians , 413 , ,outfield Richie Scheinblum , 1970, Topps Standard , Clv Indians , 161 , ,OF Dennis Blair , 1978, Topps Standard , Bal Orioles , 466 , ,P Nino Espinosa , 1980, Topps Standard , Phi Phillies , 447 , ,P Willie Wison Al Oliver , 1983, Topps Standard , KC Royals , 701 , ,- Mike Harkey , 1994, Leaf Donruss , Chi Cubs , 121 , ,P Tim Crews , 1989, Score Standard , LA Dodgers , 505 , ,P Brook Jacoby , 1989, Score Standard , Clv Indians , 019 , ,3rd Joe Niekro , 1987, Leaf Donruss , NY Yankees , 217 , ,P Floyd Bannister , 1987, Leaf Donruss , Chi White Sox , 211 , ,P
INFORMATION The Brand : Fossil SERIES LABEL Grant GENDER Men's MODEL ME3052 MOVEMENT Automatic 111509 movement
- The watch has a reliable movement, no complaints.
- Very smooth and keeps itself wound well. No noticeable loss or gain in time. CASE CASE SIZE 44 mm CASE THICKNESS 13 mm CASE MATERIAL Stainless Steel CASE SHAPE Round CASE BACK Transparent The case is comfortable on the wrist.
As the weight, not particularly on the heavy or light side.
BAND BAND MATERIAL Leather (high quality thick leather) BAND TYPE Strap BAND COLOR Brown BAND WIDTH 22 mm CLASP Tang DIAL DIAL COLOR Cream Skeleton-Center TYPE Analog CRYSTAL Scratch Resistant Mineral
[above average material for mineral glass, truly scratch resistant] HANDS Luminous Silver-tone [Luminous material is horrible
- most Chinese watches do better (brighter, longer, clearer)] MAIN DIAL MARKERS Roman Numeral SECONDARY MARKERS Minute Markers around the outer rim SUB DIALS One - Small Second LUMINISCENCE Hands only... no numbers or markers are luminous. Poor material used BEZEL TYPE Fixed BEZEL COLOR Silver-tone BEZEL MATERIAL Stainless Steel CROWN Pull / Push - horribly difficult crown to use.
Never seen such a bad crown on ANY Fossil watch before.
Overall Features
WATER RESISTANCE: 50 meters / 165 feet not tested.
Front and back crystal/glass appears to be well made and water tight.
Other than control issues, lock issues, the Crown does not look to be well done for
water resistance either.
FUNCTIONS: Hour, Minute, and Seconds hand
Price purchased: $115
Recommend: No.
Nice looking watch, but better watches can be purchased for this price point.
Lee Smith 1983 Donruss Cubs [HoF] Remainder of the 1983 Topps Cubs team commons Remainder of the 1983 Topps Cardinals team commons Sammy Sosa Rookie 1990 Score White Sox Bobby Cox 1969 Topps Yankees [HoF] Nico Houerner 2020 Topps Cubs Rookie and just so many cards that I needed in my 1983, 1970 and 1969 setsI was surprised to hear that 2023 nationals had the largest turn out in the conv long history. The NSCC does not release official attendance numbers, but the 2023 Rosemount IL card show is believed to have attracted more than 100,000 attendees, surpassing the 1991 show in Anaheim, Calif. for the largest of all time in it's long history.
Quantity, year, make
5, 1966, Topps
31, 1969, Topps
102, 1970, Topps
15, 1972, Topps
2, 1979, Topps
2, 1980, Topps
3, 1981, Fleer
11, 1983, Donruss
27, 1983, Fleer
115, 1983, Topps
1, 1990, Score
2, 2019, Topps
2, 2020, Topps
6, 2022, Topps
DM: You fasten down your equipment as best you can. Sticking to the taller grass, you feel as if your presence will go unnoticed. Darby: I'm going to take the worn mountain footpath towards the fields. DM: Weeds and wildflowers have flourished among the crops. Fruit trees, herbs and grain grow from wide earthen steps carved into the mountain. The wind swells behind you, carrying dandelion tufts on the breeze into the bright blue sky above." A fermented sour smell hangs in the air. The softened mush of rotten apples collects beneath the trees, currently being feasted on by honey bees. You notice a ladybug, clinging to your tunic sleeve. Gently, you free yourself from the clinging insect, setting them down on a nearby blade of grass. The ladybug, swivels, slightly confused about the new place it finds itself in. You stand up, dusting off your hands. Darby: INVESTIGATION (DC 13) "I'll have a look around for anything useful." Int mod +0 Result of dice roll 2 DM: Looking around the terraced fields, you do not find any items or tools of use. Determined not to leave empty handed, you turn your attention to the crops, hoping to find a nice meal. You pick some odds and ends, storing them in your pack for later. Add one ration to your inventory. you see a stream and barn. Darby: Added ration. I go to the barn. DM A chicken meanders between the paddock's fence posts, occasionally pecking at stray bits of straw. The barn doors, painted a bright blue, are splayed open before you. You walk to edge of the barnyard, leaning on a fence post as you look out over the grounds. Not far from the temple's entrance, on the other side of the mountain stream, you see a metal vault door guarding the mouth of a cavern. For a moment, you could have sworn you saw something moving down there. Your eye is drawn by a single plume of dark smoke, rising from somewhere off to your right. You can smell it now. The scent of burnt wood carries faintly on the breeze. Passed the cloud of fog, you see what remains of a merchant caravan smashed against the far valley wall. Smoke curls up from behind one of the broken carts. "Is that a campfire?" The smoke stops, as if the flames had suddenly run out of fuel or had been smothered out. Noting what you have seen so far, you turn your attention to the open barn. Slowly you creep up to the barn door, peeking inside. You breathe a sigh of relief seeing that the barn is empty. "Bw-Bwak!" The chicken's shriek nearly frightens you half to death. Glaring at the chicken, you take a moment to recollect yourself. Slightly embarrassed, you circle around to the back of the building. You find a chicken coop built to look like a fairytale cottage. You feel a little jealous of the chickens. Darby: use ANIMAL HANDLING (DC 13) "Oh, hello! Could I please pet you little chicken?" Wis +2 mod I roll a 19 - success! DM: You beckon the chicken over, clucking gently at her. The chicken, keeping its distance at first, slowly approaches you. Deeming you not a threat, the chicken settles in the dirt next to you. Finally you may bask in the glory of the chicken's soft feathers. Darby: use PERCEPTION (DC 15) "I wonder what I can see from up here." wis +2 mod I roll a 12, +2 = 14... failed DM: Looking over the familiar scene, you notice a green spire, barely breaching the fog's surface. Its faint glow shines like a lighthouse above the cloud. Darby: Try INVESTIGATION (DC 15) "I'll see if there's anything good left behind." int +0 mod Sigh, I roll a 14... barely fail DM: You pull the doors open, shedding light inside the barn. The stalls have all been unlocked and opened. All you find is an old pitchfork (improvised weapon) lying on the ground. Darby: I take the pitchfork I'm going to look around again to see what I can see from here. I roll a 20 DM: Looking over the familiar scene, you notice a green spire, barely breaching the fog's surface. Its faint glow shines like a lighthouse above the cloud. Smoke draws your attention again, this time towards the metal vault door. Someone has made a fire among the rocks. Darby: I'm going to Return to the terraced fields. DM: A fermented sour smell hangs in the air. Darby: I'm going to go to the mountain stream. DM: "A waterfall cuts through the mountain ridge, cascading down into the stream below. The only crossing, an old wooden bridge, has collapsed. Jagged moss covered stones fill the stream bed, making any attempt to cross a treacherous endeavor." The bridge had been carved from a contorted white barked tree. Budding twigs of yellow leaves have sprung from its crumbling stone foundation. On the other side of the stream, a winding narrow path climbs up the valley wall towards a cavern entrance at the top. You can faintly hear the sound of a hammer striking metal over the burbling stream. It seems to originate from somewhere inside the cave.
Played a few games on the cabinet. I found the track ball and spinner worked quite well. I had heard stories about some of the pervious cabinets not doing well.
The cabinet comes with a back lit marquee, 2 built in speakers mounted below the marque, 17" Color LCD screen, and an Atari Tempest matching riser. Unlike my other Arcade1Up cabinet, this screen is horizontal instead of vertical. I thought this would hinder true game play for some of the games, but it did not. There are 12 classic games bundled into the cabinet: Asteroids, Centipede, Major Havoc, Missile Command, Akka Arrh, Crystal Castles, Tempest, Millipede, Gravitar, Liberator, Asteroids Deluxe, and Space Duel.
The control board has 7 arcade style buttons, a spinner, a small track ball, on/off switch, and a volume control.
If Arcade1Up reads this, my only complaint is that the build process was really crappy considering (a) they did not supply me any instructions and (b) they had NO INSTRUCTIONS on their web site for cabinets that have sound bars and and light up marques :(
It has been a great weekend. I had a great day with the family at Arcadia, I have also acquired 11 new Cubs baseball cards from Anne. Some new Pac-Man game room décor stuff from Maddie, and a new Atari arcade cabinet. I also acquired some D&D crystal rock dice from Amy. An official D&D log book from Vinnie. August got me a Mustang sign with 7 awesome Stang's. Parent's got me a nice telescope to top it off. So yeah, great birthday weekend.
Game 1 - Session 4
continueation of "Lost in the Dark" by Mia Johnson of
Limitless-Adventures.
https://limitless-adventures.com/
Their catalog:
https://limitless-adventures.com/catalog.php
Just to be clear, no, Limitless-Adventures is not sponsoring the play
of this game.
Here are links to the previous three sessions:
Session 1 - https://elfstones69.blogspot.com/2023/06/d-session-blogging.html
Session 2 - https://elfstones69.blogspot.com/2023/06/d-log-game-1-session-2.html
Session 3 - https://elfstones69.blogspot.com/2023/06/d-log-game-1-session-3.html
This is the character's status after Session 3:
Name: Darby Yardbar Race: Human
Class: Fighter Alignment: Good Level: 1
Height=6'
Str 17 mod +3 proficiency bonus (+2)
Athletics proficiency bonus (+2)
Dex 14 mod +2
Acrobatics proficiency bonus (+2) fighter
Acrobatics proficiency bonus (+2) peformer
Con 12 mod +1 proficiency bonus (+2)
Int 10 mod 0
Wis 14 mod +2
Cha 16 mod +3
Performance proficiency bonus (+2) peformer
Hit point : was 7 now 10
Armor Class: org 10 + 2 Dex mod + 13cm + 2sh + 1 def= 28 (or 18)
background:
Once was an entertainer. Now in military as fighter.
because of this Skill Proficiencies (+2): Acrobatics, Performance
Note:
next Stealth check will be at advantage.
Fighter Features
Second Wind: On your turn, you may expend this ability and regain 1d10+1 hit points.
You regain this ability if you use a recovery room.
DEFENSE Add +1 bonus to Armor Class when wearing armor.
Weapons:
(1) Short Fuse Bomb
- ranged weapon attack
- dex mod.
- successful hit deal 3d6 thunder damage.
(1) LONGSWORD 1d8 damage + Strength bonus to Hit and damage + Proficiency Bonus to Hit
- Versatile (Can use two-handed for 1d10 if not using a shield,
- or can use one handed for 1d8 with shield).
Armor:
CHAIN SHIRT (AC 13 + Dexterity Modifier) (Max AC 15)
SHIELD Add +2 to AC (Max AC 18)
- A colorful enameled steel shield emblazoned with a spider.
Inventory:
amulet
Fine Tinker's Tools (tool)
minor crystal fragment
Forgemaster's Broach (shiny)
whetstone (not used yet), add +1 to that weapon's damage.
- This benefit may only be gained once per weapon.
Backpack:
An insignia of rank (private)
deck of cards
bedroll
mess kit
tinderbox
waterskin
5 days of rations
small spade (tool)
1 torch.
DM:
As the path is not passable, you have returned to the Hallway.
Darby:
I will enter the double doors on my left.
DM:
"A passible narrow path, sifted out from beneath the rubble, is all that remains of the
temple refectory. Improvised support beams, crafted from splintering tables and benches
are all that hold immense slabs of stone from crumbling further downward."
You hear a sharp crack as soon as you step through the door. Oh no. Quickly
scanning the room, you identify the source. One of the benches, bowing beneath the
immense pressure of the rubble it holds at back, has began to splinter in the middle.
By the look of the bench, it is mere seconds from folding in half. Pebbles begin to
clatter to the refectory floor. "What am I going to do?"
Darby:
I am going to Grab something to brace the rubble!"
roll d20 STRENGTH (DC 13) ... I roll a 4.. fail
DM:
Your next few moments are nothing but a blur. You snatch up a
nearby bench, and jam it between the shifting rocks, trying to
reinforce the failing support. The first wooden bench snaps quickly
followed by the second, releasing rocks and masonry across the
walkway, burying it entirely. Take 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage from
the heavy rubble. Due to the significant damage, the Collapsed
Refectory is now impassible. Pulling yourself from the rubble, you
return to Western Hall and choose another room to explore.
Darby:
I roll a 5, 2, and 3
DM:
You black out from the heavy bludeoning hits. A day passes unconscious.
remove 2 ration after not eat two days as your are starved.
roll d6 for temp hit points
Darby:
I roll a 4 with a +1 Con Mod for 5 temp hit points.
I follow the hallway to the south
DM:
"The southwestern corner of the temple has collapsed, spilling rock down the southern
hall. With a bit of effort, you are able to scale the rubble without issue. Something
reflective catches your attention at the opposite end of the passage."
A single brass pipeline, around two feet in diameter, runs along the apex of the
vaulted ceiling, running parallel with the southern hall. Small hatches, sealed with an
aperture locking mechanism, are staged at the center and ends of the southern hall.
During your investigation of the rest of the passage, you hear faint skittering and
scratching noises coming from the pipe above. "I really hope it's rats."
The toppled masonry is covered in a fine layer of powdered glass, shimmering in the
dim-light. The shattered remains of a gilded mirror lay buried among the rubble. A
thin copper wire has been wrapped a dozen times around the broken mirror's backing,
twisting together into one braided lump. Above, you notice a bent hay hook connected
to a short section of chain wrapped around the brass pipeline.
Darby:
I'm going to try to reflect the light with the shiny broach.
roll d20 SLEIGHT OF HAND (DC 13) Dex mod +2... I roll a 13. success.
DM:
You use a piece of the copper wire to bind a shiny item to the hay
hook. The Bright Path is now active in the Southern Hall.
Darby:
OK..... so I Enter the first door on the right, then.
DM:
"A gnomish goddess is depicted in fresco paintings across all six panels of the domed
ceiling, ensnares avian-like creatures of immense size in metallic white thread. Resting
in the center of the room is a circular table, surrounded with cushioned benches."
A woody and sweet, almost citrusy, scent lingers in the chapter house air. The stone
walls are softened by hanging decorative tapestries. Each one a masterpiece.
Handsewn colorful cushions, arranged in small circles on the floor, are surrounded by
religious texts, papers and the occasional ink pot and quill. Brass incense burners,
hanging from the ceiling, dust the ground below them with fallen ash.
Darby:
"I'll look to see if anything useful was left behind."
I roll d20 PERCEPTION (DC 13) Wis mod +2.. 11 total fail.
DM:
You circle the room, looking for anything useful. The books would be too
cumbersome to take with you. "What's this?" You retrieve a folded scrap
of parchment from beneath the round table. The parchment is blank,
but has doodles of rude pictures in the margins. They are quite well
done. Add one parchment, quill and ink to your inventory. you exit back
to the hallway.
Darby:
I enter the second door on the right
DM:
Barely larger than an broom closet, the sacristy is packed with an oak wardrobe,
vestments, and a small collection of well crafted stringed instruments ahead of you. To
your left is a small wooden door, standing only three feet high. Where does this lead?"
Rattling the wardrobe's carved wooden handles, you determine the cabinet is locked.
A three pronged keyhole set into a small metal plate, just above the wardrobe's left
handle. Scanning the rest of the sacristy, Golden vestments, embroidered in white
thread, are laid out with care on a low dresser against the right-hand wall. Stringed
instruments, held in place by small stands, sing out in dulcet tones when plucked.
Darby:
with PERCEPTION (DC 13) "What's through that door?"
roll d20 Wis +2 mod.. I rull a 17. success!
DM:
you determine that the vestments laid out before you are much too small
to wear. The only other items left in this room are the stringed instruments.
If you wish to keep one of the instruments, add either one masterwork lyre
or one masterwork lute to your inventory. While using either of these
instruments gain advantage on all Performance checks.
Darby:
I will take the masterwork lute and leave.
Enter the side chapel door
DM:
"Flecks of pigmented plaster cover the chapel floor. Squinting your eyes, you can barely
make out the crumbling panels of fresco paintings decorating the vaulted ceiling."
The masterful paint strokes of yellows and oranges blend into a sweeping vortex.
Fiends of all kinds, hooved and winged, are engulfed in lashing white threads,
coalescing into a braided mithril archway behind Yfanti's statue at the main altar. The
statue, carved from white marble and clothed in layers of leather, silk, and woven
metal armor, wields a light metal hammer and buckler in a defensive stance.
Hardened candlewax pours from the base of Yfanti's statue, cascading down the sides
of the alter, spilling across the floor into a great congealed pool. Your eyes follow the
spill of candlewax towards the nave. What remains of the wooden benches has been
cleared from the floor, strewn across heaps of rubble collecting against the walls.
"Is that light?" At the far end of the chapel, the smallest beam of light collides with
stained glass on the floor, erupting into a twinkling starburst of color across the nave.
Darby:
I ask "I'm sorry to ask, but could you help me?"
and offer the shiny Forgemaster's Broach (shiny)
DM:
Remove one shiny, tool, or weapon from your inventory to leave on
the altar. You feel as if your offering has been accepted. Add 1d4
temporary hitpoints to your character sheet.
Darby:
I rolled 1d4 with a 2.
PERCEPTION (DC 15) "I'll take a quick look around. +2 mod
I roll a 7.. fail
DM:
You spend some time searching the chapel. Small offering bowls
of rotten fruit and woven trinkets are stuck in the melted
candlewax on the altar. Not finding anything particularly
interesting, you feel sure that there is nothing useful here.
Darby:
"I'll take a closer look at the construct."
DM:
A temple defender, just like the one you saw in the eastern hall, has been modified for
excavation. The construct's arm has been replaced with a mattock head attachment,
easily the size of your torso, frozen mid swing against the loose rock."
The construct's eyes, made from concave mirror glass, shimmer in the dark. Circling
around to look at the construct's back, you find the back plate has been removed,
exposing its core and other internal mechanisms. The core is made of a round metal
frame with three broken crystals. On closer inspection, you determine you could
replace them. As you circle around the Temple Defender, something catches your eye.
Around the base of the construct's two mining implements, a band of arcane glyphs
has been carved into its metal forearms.
If you have a lantern, torch, or other light source: As the light catches the mirrored
lenses in the temple defender's eyes, the construct takes a lurching strike towards
you. Narrowly dodging the attack, you fall backwards against the rocks. The defender,
having used the last of its power, slumps forward before going still. "Looks like I'll
have to use a light to direct this thing."
Darby:
ARCANA (DC 17) "I wonder if there is a way to improve this construct."
Requires Tool. Roll with advantage if you have Tinker's Tools
Don't need to roll with advantage. first roll is 19.
DM:
A memory returns to you. When it came time for you to learn about
arcane glyphs, both Tinker Erland and Lord Berit offered to teach.
The two argued for hours on whose methods of application were
correct. The lesson ended in foul curses and slammed doors. A vase
or two may have been smashed in their heated debate. You managed
to gleam some knowledge from the conflict. You quickly locate the
string of glyphs on the construct's forearm. Using what equipment
you have available, you take your time as you correct the engraving.
The glyphs hum in unison as their string is completed. Add the
Enchanted Temple Defender to your notes. While in combat, the
Temple Defender will gain a +2 bonus to all attack and damage rolls
Darby:
I Climb over a fallen column.
DM:
You climb over a fallen column to get into the nave, landing on the broken remains of a
marble statue. Your heart breaks on seeing the entrance of the temple, a set of gilded
brass doors, buried under stone. 'Have I come all this way for nothing?'"
A sliver of light slips between the temple doors like a thin white thread, reflecting off
shards of stained glass in a prismatic burst of colors. The glass, shifting beneath your
feet, creates a new spectacle of light with every step. Dancing hues of yellow and green
reveal the missing temple defender from the eastern hall. The construct, frozen mid-strike,
has been significantly modified to wield mining implements.
Darby:
"I'll take a quick look around before I do anything else."
PERCEPTION (DC 13) roll 11 success.
DM:
Taking a quick look around the nave, your eyes are drawn to a small
spherical object, resting on top of the piled rubble. Add one Short
Fuse Bomb to your inventory. When using the short fuse bomb in
combat, make a ranged weapon attack, adding your dexterity
modifier. On a successful hit deal 3d6 thunder damage.
Darby:
I use a bomb to blast through
DM:
You take cover behind the fallen column, watching as the temple
defender's core flickers to life, illuminating the nave in green light. The
inner mechanisms stutter and shriek. The construct's head swivels
towards the light source, crushing the fallen masonry beneath its
mining implements. Sunlight bursts into the nave. The temple
defender charges out of the temple's shadow, swinging its arms
erratically. you are ready to leave the temple.
"You take your first step out from the temple's shadow. The afternoon's heat
greets you, rushing towards you like an old friend, pulling you into an
embrace. You fall to your knees in a warm patch of grass and wildflowers,
drinking in the sun's brilliant rays."
It takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the light. A single thrush
darts across the bright blue sky, carrying a few glinting golden fibers in its
beak.
The temple grounds have been torn to shreds, littered with the remains of
fallen gnomish clerics.
Their flesh has been picked away by birds. You feel a slight sense of relief,
looking across the gore-ridden grass, not recognizing any of the fallen.
A cobbled road runs across the temple grounds towards the horizon.
Jagged mountains peek out from behind a dense cloud of fog near the edge of
the valley. A faint green light radiates from within it. Wind rushes down the
mountain carrying fallen flower petals up into the sky, the fog cloud remains
unaffected by the breeze.
Looking to your left, you see a natural rock shelter, shielding a path of carved
stone steps from the sun. Echoes of a waterfall carry across the stone. The wind
swells, this time coming from terraced fields of grains to your right. Steps cut
into the dirt lead up to a weathered barn at the top. You swear you hear the
faint clucking of a hen.
The Temple Defender charges across the temple grounds, swinging wildly at the
afternoon sun. "Where are you going? Come back!" You watch as the construct
stumbles further down the sloped path, disappearing into the rolling fog.
If you hear the Amulet, guidance is available. it says
"You would do well to go unnoticed here."
Darby:
Use STEALTH (DC 13) "That thing might still be around here."
I have stealth advantage still. simple +2 dex mod.
roll 2 and 3... FAIL big time with advantage!!
DM:
You fasten down your equipment as best you can. Sticking to the
taller grass, you feel as if your presence will go unnoticed.
NOTE: this is a continuation of
https://elfstones69.blogspot.com/2023/06/d-session-blogging.html
DM:
"The amulet's faint purple light spills from between your fingertips. The surface of the
gemstone, set into an intricate vine-like backing, is polished to perfection. A kind voice
resonates through your mind from the amulet, 'I had wondered where you went.'"
you remember the pale fog rolling down the mountainside, obscuring the road. Your
friend's howls of agony ring through your ears. Sir Berit calls out to you from
somewhere beyond the fog. You had been separated. You scramble to your feet, spring
as fast as you can through the fog, crying out for Sir Berit. The ground quakes from
the creature's thunderous impact. It rakes the earth between its claws.
Someone grabs you shirt collar, pulling you behind a rock formation. It's Sir Berit, his
face is bloodied. He whistles for his horse. He removes the amulet from beneath his
chest plate, slipping it around your neck. "Do not lose this, You understand me? The
amulet will guide you to safety." Before you can protest Sir Berit puts you onto his
horse. "Go, now!" After that the details of your memory become clouded. you realize
you still in the cavern. You can follow the cavern wall to right or left.
Darby:
I follow the cavern wall to the left.
DM:
"The fungal growths that have overwhelmed the rest of the cave system refuse to cross
the shrine's threshold. A painted statue of a robed gnomish woman rests against the far
wall. Stretched between her poised hands is a single strand of metallic thread."
The statue's features are accented in turmeric colored paint, lightly brushed over the
surface. Her robes gather at the edges of the plinth she rests on. A white metallic
thread is pulled taught between her fingers. When plucked, the thread reverberates,
releasing steady continuous note. Resting at the base of the statue is a collection of
various pottery, sealed crates, and a small brass offering bowl.
Darby:
"I could make use of these supplies."
roll d20
I roll a 9 with 0 int mod, I fail to meet DC=13
DM:
You begin your search with the glazed pottery collected at the base of
the statue. Rye, barley, and oats fill each pot to the brim. Moving on
to the crates, you find bolts of silk fabric, dyed and neatly packed
away. Placed inside each crate is a manifest, written in a language
you do not understand. "Everything here is too big for me to carry."
You move forward to an Unoccupied Overgrown Cavern
"Finally alone and unperturbed, you are now able to further investigate the overgrown
cavern. With every step a haze of spores and dust swirls up in the humid air. Rubble
from the partially collapsed cavern ceiling obscures some of the nearby passageways."
You gaze at the dense growth of bioluminescent fungi covering the entirety of the
cavern. The long tendril-like mushrooms spill from the ceiling above, creating a
waterfall of light, frozen in place. You carefully step across the cracked floor, steam
curling up around your legs before dissipating. You feel almost lucky, despite the
circumstances, to be able to find something so beautiful down here in the dark.
Darby:
"I'll take a quick look around before I move on." using perception.
roll d20
I roll an 8 with Wisdom mod of 2 -> fails for perception
DM:
You spend some time circling the perimeter of the cavern. During your
search, you are able to identify four possible paths to take out of the
chamber. Unfortunately, you are unable to find anything of use.
you see an overgrown passage, a debris filled passage, onf with rubble, or you can
Return to where you came from.
Darby:
I'll take the overgrown passage.
DM:
"Troops of mushrooms carpet every inch of the craggy burrow. Their caps crack beneath
your feet. You find a small clearing beneath a humongous mushroom cap and take
refuge there. Steam curls up from the jagged rocks that surrounds its stalk."
The bioluminescent fungi have grown so dense here that both of your shoulders brush
against them, covering you in faint glowing spores. You can hardly turn around in the
cramped burrow. As you shuffle around the large mushroom dendriform at the center
of the cave, something metallic catches your eye. An embellished metal box, lodged
behind densely packed mushroom stalks, is just out of reach.
Darby:
"No problem, I should be able to dig through these stalks."
roll d20, I roll a 10 with a str mod of 3, DC=13 barely success.
DM:
You successfully dislodge the metal box from the spongey fungi using
your bare hands. Add one Locked Box to your inventory.
Darby:
I try to open the locked box
DM:
"You run your fingers along the geometric and vegetal motifs decorating the surface of
the metal box. At a glance, you are unable to identify a locking mechanism, nor keyhole.
Turning the box over in your hands you hear a faint rattle coming from inside."
Darby:
I'm going to investigate and see if I can figure this out how to open.
D20 with DC 17 with no mod I roll a 3 and fail
I'm going to try to smash it open.
D20 with DC 15 with 3 mod for Str. I roll a 13 + 3mod for 16. success.
DM:
You smash the locked box with a sharp stone, hearing a faint
metallic chime with every impact. Suddenly the spring-loaded lid
flies open, scattering the contents of the box on the floor.
damage caused to the box and its contents.
Add one set of Fine Tinker's Tools (tool) to your inventory.
Remove the broken box.
Darby:
I continue to follow the right wall.
DM:
"A draft of damp sulphurous air assaults your senses as you enter the gargantuan
cavern. The constant flow of noxious fumes pour from a chasm that divides the cavern in
half. Not taking any chances, you cover your nose and mouth with piece of spare cloth."
Out of the corner of your eye you spot a small storage shed, obscured beneath barrels
and boxes in the far recess of the cave. Small crates and broken items have been
carefully arranged into towers, forming a grove of refuse. You take note of the building
before continuing to search your half of the cavern.
Morbid curiosity pushes you to peer over the chasm edge. There is not end in sight,
only darkness. The earth feels as if it is breathing beneath your feet. Along the left
hand wall of the cavern, a small ledge connects to the other side of the chasm. A
hastily installed safety rope hangs slack against the stone, connected by a few pitons.
A metallic crashing and scraping reverberates off the cavern walls. From your current
vantage point, you are unable to discern the source of the noise at this time.
Darby:
"I'll check out that shed before I go any further."
DM:
"Twisting your way through the swaying pillars of stacked refuse, you approach the
storage shed obscured in the back recess of the cave. Rattling the handle, you find that
the door not only locked, but barricaded by something on the other side."
The quartermaster's shed, to your surprise, in remarkably good condition compared to
the surrounding debris. Pinned to the shed door is a clipboard with a handwritten
ledger. A golden seal is pressed into the bottom right hand corner, depicting a
geometric design of a spider. On closer inspection, you find the ledger is written a
language you are unable to understand.
You try the door one more time for good measure, pressing against it with your full
weight. The door bows, but refuses to give. Peeking through the keyhole you are able
to see a fallen shelf lying near the shed door. On the left hand side of the room is a
desk, littered with papers and writing utensils. From your current vantage point, you
are unable to see anything towards the right.
Darby:
"There's got to be something good in that shed."
Roll d20 with a DC of 15 to get in. I roll a 11 with str mod of 3, I barely fail to
get in.
DM:
Digging your feet into the dust, you press your full weight against the
door. Despite giving it your all, the door refuses budge. During your
attempt to open the door, you catch a whiff of something rotting
inside.
Darby:
"I'll take a quick look around, I shouldn't linger here too long."
Roll d20 with a DC or 13 for perception. I roll a stupid 1! fail
DM:
At a glance, many of the items appear to be too bulky to carry with
you, or are damaged beyond repair. After weaving through the towers
of debris you are unable to find anything of use.
Darby:
Take it one step at a time, as long as the pitons hold there isn't
anything to worry about."
Roll d20 with a DC13 for Acrobatics/Athletics. I roll a 20!!!
DM:
Mustering your courage, you clasp the safety rope attached to the
cavern wall. Inch by inch you creep along the narrow ledge, keeping
your eyes on the pitons. A loose rock tumbles from the ledge, clattering
down the chasm wall into nothingness. You breathe a sigh of relief once
you arrive safely on the other side.
"With a new found appreciation for solid ground, you investigate your surroundings with
a more confident stride. A few paces from the edge of the chasm, you discover a
collection of standing stones. Made of raw crystalline structures, they are gathered
around a central octagonal basin. A faint, but audible hum resonates from the crystals."
The subterranean garden has a welcoming presence. Once cultivated bitter herbs
sprout along the basin's foundation. Curious, you peer over the edge of the basin,
noticing a whetstone at the bottom. You look beyond the standing stones, seeing the
faint outline of a doorway set into the cavern wall. The metallic crashing from before
has grown louder, originating from somewhere further into the cavern.
Darby:
Explore "what is that sound?"
DM:
investigating that sound, you find "Yfanti's Guardian".
"The spider-like construct's abdomen scrapes across the stone floor, sending bright
sparks crackling behind it. Each impact of the its eight legs thunders through the stone
floor. Aperture blades whine and whir behind its dark glassy eyes."
A rhythmic metal crash follows every step of the massive spider-like construct. Crash.
Crash. Crash. From your vantage point, you are able to discern the source of the
noise. Located at the top of the construct's abdomen, an armor plate hangs by a single
bolt, bouncing back and forth with every step. You catch a glimpse of the interlocking
clockwork system, and a faint green light radiating from inside.
Darby:
with insight, "I'll watch from a distance, maybe I can learn something about
it."
roll d20 with DC15 with Wis mod of 2. I roll an 8 with +2 mod for 10.. fail
DM:
You can't seem to discern any sort of pattern to the construct's
movement.
Darby:
"If I could get close enough, I could tamper with the construct."
roll d20 with DC15 with Dex mod +2. I roll a 20!! (no I'm not cheating)
DM:
You jump onto the construct, climbing to the top of the abdomen. You
peel back the armor plate of the open panel, exposing the underlying
clockwork. The construct thrashes as tear out its crystalline core. You
and the construct crash to the ground. "What's this?" Enclosed in your
hand is a small green crystal, radiating a faint green light. Add one
minor crystal fragment to your inventory.
Darby:
I approach the door.
DM:
Your find a Locked Door
"The archway's keystone strains under the weight of the massive stone slabs suspended
above it. The door in front of you, cast in metal and adorned with geometric spider
motifs, is sealed with a strange circular locking system unlike any you have ever seen."
With the addition of flourished embellishments, the top of the doorway barely stands
at six feet high. Holding out both of your arms, your fingertips can barely brush the
opposite sides of the door frame. Taking hold of both handles, you push and pull,
attempting to open the door. Despite your best efforts, the door refuses to budge. You
scratch your head. "Well, it was worth a shot."
Darby:
"I can break down the door If I get rid of the hinges."
roll d20 with Str mod +3 with DC of 15. I roll a 2... fail
DM:
"Someone's tried to pry this door open before." Many of the bolts have
already been removed, though the door remains stuck in place. You
slam your foot next to the door's locking mechanism. After a few
attempts, the door still refuses to budge.
Darby:
"Maybe I can tamper with the locking mechanism with my tools."
roll d20 with Dex mod of +2 lock is DC 15. I roll a 7 and fail.
DM:
You work clumsily with your tools at first. It has been ages since you
have had to meddle with a lock. Bittersweet memories of careless days
with your friends guide your hands. After multiple attempts, you are
unable to pick the lock.
Darby:
I'm going to try to force the door again.
roll d20 with Str mod +3 with DC of 15. I roll a 14 with mod +3. success.
DM:
You slam your foot next to the door's locking mechanism. After a few
attempts, the locking mechanism finally gives, and you are able to force
the doors open an inch at a time. Taking a moment to catch your
breath, a terrible groan emanates from behind you. You dash out of the
way as the metal doors topple over. The thunderous crash echoes
throughout the cavern.
Darby:
I enter the door:
Asteroids -- average port, fun to play, most of the same concept, but look, feel, and action does not mirror arcade. If you are looking for something really close to the arcade, this is not it. If you are looking for something in the ballpark and same concept, this will do. Rating:
Battlezone -- great port, most of the same feel as arcade. Really, graphics are pretty good for the 2600, but not vector style like orginal. Rating
Berzerk -- great port, not exact... but fun and same feel as arcade. If you like Berzerk, a must have. Even without the voice. Rating
Unlike Pitfall, Pitfall II has no time limit.
Checkpoints (red crosses) - Cross these and when you die you will start back at the last one you touched.
You win the game when you rescue:
Perfect score is 199,000. To achieve this score, you must find 28 gold bars, Rhonda, Quickclaw, the diamond, and the primitive cave rat.
Scoring:
Tip:
Use the ladder in the part ahead to get past the frog by ducking into it as it leaps over your head
Map of the game:
https://www.vgmaps.com/Atlas/Atari2600/PitfallII-LostCaverns-LostCaverns.png
