The Lollipop Guild - Dm shawn Monday March 7th, 2016 10:10:57 AM
The next morning, camp is broken early to reveal a cold, cloudy day. The rain has stoppped, so atleast it's a start.
A few hours in and the woods break to reveal a strange site. A wooden wall of sorts, made out of mud and logs. Some short humanoids are moving around. Perception DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Halflings! }
A loud crash and screams interrupt the day. Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Part of the wall has collapsed and crushed some halflings!!!! }
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+13=14 ; d20+13=24 ; Monday March 7th, 2016 10:32:37 AM
Perception: 14
"Halflings ahead," says Kezzem. "Alleah, get your cards ready, time to earn some coin!"
Perception: 24
"Nevermind, they's in trouble! Let's move!"
Kezzem rushes to help.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+22=27 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+6=26 ; Monday March 7th, 2016 3:47:22 PM
"I hadn't been aware of a forest in the Red Hills," Murphy comments as they travel the way. "Most always one thinks of the dry deserts of this land. Am very glad to find this area in the hills. I'm marking our map along the way. 'Burnt Tree campground,' is where we stayed night before last. Wonder what locals call this forest?"
Further along the way, he notes the wooden walls and, "Hey, halflings ahead!" he says to the others, almost at the same time as Kezzem says the same thing. He hears Kezzem's suggestion to smiles, and adds. "And, maybe we can get a good meal."
Then he hears the crash and screams. "The wall fell down - quick, this way!" he says, urging his mount quickly forward.
[Perception 27, 27 Handle animal: a perfect 26]
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d20+12=28 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+8=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; Monday March 7th, 2016 4:22:21 PM
Cameron has no trouble seeing that the humanoids are halflings (auto pass) and the crash and resulting screams tell him that some of them were just buried by the wall they are attempting to construct. He spurs Cudgel forward to get within 15 feet of the collapsed wall. Once that close he pulls his goddess's holy symbol out and channels positive energy, attempting to heal the wounds of the buried or crushed halflings. Having grown up with dwarves and miners though, he knows that any buried too deep will ned to be dug out quickly so they do not suffocate. These are the positive things he does. On the other side of the coin, his free hand (guide mount with knees, auto pass) dips into his pocket and calls to hand the wand of Scorching Rays. He has not forgotten what they were told about anyone they met in the Red Hills. Most people were here because they were not welcome anywhere else. That could be for many reasons, but antisocial behaviour was the leading one. His eyes scan the assembled halflings and his quick to judge heart decides if they mean him or his friends any ill will. Perception 27 Sense Motive 18 Any that decide to point weapons at him will not be automatically roasted, but will be given a stern look that says 'don't try it buddy' quite well in any language. The channel heals 7 points of damage to anyone within 30 feet of Cameron. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Bliss sees what is happening, but some bite of intuition makes him pause. "What are halflings doing way out here in such a dangerous place?" he asks. He sneaks along, alert to something strange maybe.
Perception 34
Stealth 47
Loaded Bah in hand.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Monday March 7th, 2016 8:47:11 PM
"Ok, I see them," Pressi begins as she pulls out her rope and climbing equipment. "Just let me get my strength boost going..."
Pressi hops off of her mount before changing into a bugbear.
Bow still in hand Trill quickly moves forward to see what there is to see and help if they truly are in need of help and not just playing opossum.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday March 7th, 2016 9:08:26 PM
Shel casts Invisibiloty on herself, after hearing the warnings of the others. Much better to get the drop on any enemies that might attack the others, and to decide how to respond.
She was surprised at herself. Less experienced Shel would have thrown herself directly into trying to help the buried halflings. Time had taught her to apprise the situation fully, then respond as she could.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Monday March 7th, 2016 11:12:11 PM
"Bliss, it's known that some halflings live in the hills," Murphy answers his tiny friend.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+14=26 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2016 4:56:42 AM Perception: 26
Alleah joins the others in rushing towards the scene. If there are halflings trapped under the wall, her plan is to cast Reduce Person on them, making them small enough to hopefully escape. She only needs to be able to see a moving body part to target.
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Tuesday March 8th, 2016 11:08:12 AM
Bliss tries to judge distance. How far away is the collapsing wall? If it is more than 300 ft, then he'll run 150 ft closer, abandoning stealth. (Run action, 5x30=150)
When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn Tuesday March 8th, 2016 7:40:59 PM
Kezzem sees the wall crash and rushes forward to help.
Murphy informs the others of the normal fauna of the area, but when he hears the crash he rushes in to help.
Cameron also rushes forward, just stopping short of the crash. He channels energy helping those who need it. He also reaches in and grabs ahold of his wand just incase. The halflings standing around do nothing aggressive towards him or the others.
Bliss moves closer as stealthily as possible. He doesn't trust halflings being out here but Murphy informs him that in fact some live out here. He is only around 100' away. (So he keeps his stealth?)
Pressi gets her ropes and chains out to help, and changes into a bugbear for some extra strength.
Trill moves with her bow in hand. She wants to know If this is a plouyoung or not.
Shel casts invisibility on herself to get the drop on the enemy, if there is indeed an enemy.
Alleah comes forward also, and quickly carts reduce person helping the process of rescuing the halflings by shrinking them down.
The reduce person spell helps the halflings pull their neighbors out from the collapsed wall. Camerons healing helps stabilize them. The group aids in pulling them out from the knee deep mud, and broken timbers. Two halflings comes out hurt but alive. The third is worse, just hanging on and if not for Camerons spell would probably be gone. The noise dies down as the last halfling is pulled out. His broken body doesn't hide the fact that he is gone as No breath comes from his chest. The closest halflings begin tearing up and some outright cry.
Some of them stop and pull their weapons up staring at Pressi in bugbear form but before a fight can erupt a meekish halfling woman steps forward.
" I am Henwi Greenfoot and I thank you for your help even if we weren't quick enough. May I ask who you are and why you have come to Bombul's Hollow?"
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) d20+17=30 ; d20+29=41 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2016 8:36:30 PM
Bliss sneaks closer still stealthily. He looks around for clues.
Perception 30
Stealth 41
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d20+7=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2016 9:09:33 PM
Cameron steps between the halflings drawing weapons and Pressi. " SHe isn't really a bugbear, just took that form for some extra muscle to help pull your friends out of this mess. Put your weapons down." Shifting his attention to the woman who seems to speak for the halflings he answers her, the WLA pin on his coat showing forth, as does his holy symbol, still clutched in his hand. " My name is Cameron,Avenger of Jancassis. We hail from Humble's Ford. We ventured into the Hills looking for some friends who went missing. We have it on good authority that they were snatched. You haven't heard of any halflings being held hostage around here have you?" "If you move the wounded all together I can heal them some more, some of you are still a bit banged up from the look of it." He keeps the details vague, still not fully trusting these halflings, but willing to give them the benefit f the doubt. He speaks the truth though and tries to remain friendly. He will channel energy again once they are all gathered up, healing another 9 points of damage. Diplomacy 15 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 2/5 channel energy used for today
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Tuesday March 8th, 2016 10:20:29 PM
Still not totally trusting any of these halflings Trill stands to the side bow in hand listening and watching.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+6=13 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2016 2:20:29 AM
Alleah takes death very seriously - even for those she does not know. She kneels by the body of the deceased and casts a few spells. Prestidigitation and Clean Blood to clean the body, followed by Gentle Repose so that the body will not decay. With those spells cast, hopefully his loved ones will have time to prepare for a proper funeral and burial. She clutches her holy symbol as she says some final words: "Watch over this man's soul, Lord Gargul, and judge his life fairly."
Alleah too has a WLA badge, though the holy symbol she clutches is for Wardd.
"My condolences for your loss" she says gently to the grieving halflings "My name is Alleah. As Cameron said, we are looking for some friends of ours we believe were kidnapped. We mean no harm"
Aid Another in Diplomacy: 13 = Pass. +2 bonus to Cameron's check
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday March 9th, 2016 6:14:37 AM
Once she sees no violence was forthcoming, Shel concentrated and dismissed her Invisibility. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish we were a bit closer and maybe we could have helped more."
She stood by as the others expressed the deeper sympathies. She wasn't terribly comfortable sharing much more than that.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday March 9th, 2016 6:41:12 AM
"Henwi Greenfoot, my friends largely have answered your question. My name is Murphy, from Crescent Valley. We were passing through on our way to effect a rescue of friends, when we just now came upon Bombul's Hollow - which we really did not know was here. I'm very sad at the injuries and loss of life here. How this wall just now came to fall? Were you attacked? If so, are the attackers still about?" Murphy asks, looking around briefly, as well as up in the air.
If no local enemies are evident or mentioned, he further asks, "Is there anything we can do for you?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Wednesday March 9th, 2016 9:26:02 AM
"How dare you!" Pressi growled in her bugbear form as the very people she helped turned their weapons on her. Stretching to her full seven feet did not help her diplomacy roll.
As Cameron and other teammates began to insert themselves between her and the group, she did have the presence of mind to shed her bugbear form and to keep her hands away from her weapons.
"What are you guys building, anyway?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+4=16 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+13=21 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2016 10:37:52 AM
Knowledge (local) on Bombul's Hollow: 16 Sense Motive on Henwi Greenfoot:16
"I don't think feet were supposed to be green," says Kezzem. "Cameron, maybe you should take a look at that."
Bluff 21: Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: { Kezzem is attempting to use humor to deflect his irritation about that "not quick enough" comment made by Mr. Greenfeoot }
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) d20+17=22 ; d20+29=35 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2016 7:57:26 PM
Bliss continues to sneak closer. Hearing Alleah praying over the dead makes him feel bad for being suspicious, but this time at least, he wants to be sure. He peeks around or through the gap in the wall. What's on the other side? A village? Just how many hobbits are there around here? What do they do? Are there roads or paths in or out? Are there fields?
Perception 22
Stealth 35
When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn Wednesday March 9th, 2016 10:06:51 PM
Bliss sneaks ahead and scans for anything but Nothing is out of the ordinary. Beyond the wall are small huts made of mud and straw. The town is empty as every halfling is at the wall.
When Cameron tells them to put the injured halflings together, the townsfolk listen and gather them up. The extra healing coming in helps mend their wounds but they do have some minor injuries left.
Trill stands by, ready for a fight but listening for now.
Alleah prays over the body and cleans it up. The eyes of the villagers let her know she Is doing the right thing.
Shel dissipates her invisibility spell and steps forward to pay her condolences.
Henwi tellS Murphy that they were building the wall to protect from giants and some bears. They haven't been attacked lately but they were trying to be preparEd.
The halflings jump back at Pressi's roar. When she reverts back to her form the halflings calm a bitt.
Kezzem tries to use comedy to alleviate the situation but the halflings seem very Stonefaced at the moment.he doesn't recall anything about the town and it's inhabitants.
Henwi tells you " There isnt anything in way of coin or treasure but you are more then welcome to stay as long as you need. "
When Alleah asks about the kidnapped dinner club she thinks for a second before saying " seek out a human named Greyson in a town called Woodbridge a couple days further down the road. Greyson has always been kind to the halflings here, and seems to travel in the area. He may be able to help. Tell him to say that Henwi Greenfoot sent them."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday March 9th, 2016 11:11:54 PM "Henwi Greenfoot? It's a pleasure to meet you. We appreciate your offer of hospitality, but we are in a bit of a rush. Maybe we could share a supper, and then we could head onwards toward Woodbridge. The sooner we get there, the sooner we could find Greyson and attempt to find our friends."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d20+2=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; Thursday March 10th, 2016 4:34:33 AM " Oh Shel, you know our mounts are overly sensitive to emotional turmoil. This wall collapse has probably completely stressed them out. There's no need to hurry along now. It might emotionally harm the poor beasts." "What I don't get is we have a perfectly good lead on whee they were taken, why detour to find another lead before we investigate the one we have?" " Henwi, we had heard that someone in Bright Springs had been paying for halflings to experiment on. That's where we were headed. You might want to make sure all of your folk are accounted for until we can put a stop to this halfling snatching. I have a little military experience. I'll take a look at your earthworks and see if I can suggest some improvements." Cameron steps away to look over the shoddy wall they are building to see if he can suggest anything. Though he had been a soldier and in his youth had seen plenty of walls built by master stone masons, he had little in the way of knowledge to actually suggest a solution. But he would help out any other halflings trying to make the wall better. Knowledge Engineering 22 (untrained) Cameron will also tend to the other wounded before they leave, channeling a third time to make sure all of the townsfolk that are hurt are back to full health. Life in the Hills looked like it was hard on these halflings, and the Avenger wanted to make sure he had done all he could to help them survive rather than needing to Avenge them if they passed back this way and found them murdered or missing. Channel energy 4 more healing ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 3/5 channel energy used for today
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Thursday March 10th, 2016 5:13:31 AM "I'm inclined to agree with Cameron. We now have two leads. If they are in the same direction, then perhaps whichever we come to first we investigate further? That is, no point completely disregarding Woodbridge if it's on the way"
"We've pushed the mounts quite hard today. What say we rest here the night and be grateful for the hospitality that Henwi is offering? We in turn can help tend to the wounded and perhaps even help with this wall. Then in the morning we set off fresh"
She then adds quietly to Cameron "And we may be able to help them with the funeral as well. Having two clerics on hand might help give them some spiritual peace"
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Thursday March 10th, 2016 6:39:46 AM
Relaxed at there being no apparent subterfuge, Trill lowers her bow and puts it away.
"I'm in favor of some rest for the night and leaving early in the morn. There is no need for us to be exhausted when we get to our destination."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Thursday March 10th, 2016 11:51:53 AM
"Is this Greyson fellow a wizard or something?" ask Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday March 10th, 2016 2:14:27 PM
"So let me get this straight," Pressi began towards Cameron. "We don't have time to meet this Greyson fellow, a person who might be able to corroborate this lead or keep us from wasting time walking in the wrong direction, and oh yeah might give us a better idea of what we are walking into. But we DO have time to hang around here for a spell. And I'm sure the mounts are your only priority...
"Honestly, I don't get this group. Stop. Go. We're running out of time so lets push ourselves to the point of exhaustion until we can find a bed and breakfast..." Presi turned to Henwi. "You guys have alcohol, right."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 10th, 2016 4:32:54 PM " Exactly Pressi. Finally someone else has an opinion. To me, the mounts are tools, nothing more. See, two days ago, I mentioned that we could go alot faster. It would harm us a little, but I was up to the challenge of keeping us all healed, and by doing so, eliminating the fatigue brought on by going faster. That was the plan to help save the halflings." "Instead, I was told that that would stress the mounts so no dice, we plod along at normal speed. I said what I just said because we SHOULD be riding, hellbent for leather, to get to Bright Springs where our first lead sent us, but instead we are moseying through the Hills as if two very important halfling's lives didn't depend on us saving them. Should we talk to this person? If they are on the way to where we are already going, or can be gotten to without too much delay in the path to where we were headed, then yes, of course. But we need to decide what it is we are really doing. Are we babysitting some mounts, or are we using the tools available to go save some halflings? Until we make up our minds about that we really aren't getting anywhere fast." "Stopping and holding a service for this fallen fellow will surely make us and the folks here feel better. Of that I have no doubt. But please recall that two halflings you all know, but I have never met, are being tortured while we do that. I know them about as well as I know this poor fellow here, so to me it shouldn't make a great deal of difference either way. But it does matter to me, because the ones still alive I can help. This fellow, nice as he might have been, I can only offer the words of a goddess he probably never prayed to to send him on his way to visit Gargul and hopefully to a deserved rest he earned out here living in these harsh Hills." Cameron stops, out of breath. He has been holding in the fact that walking towards the solution to their mission instead of running has been driving him nuts, but for the sake of unity he has held that in. Finally someone else has seen this and called him on it. Is his view harsh? Probably more than is necessary, but yes it is. He hasn't lied. He knows the mages actually less well than this poor dead fellow, since he has actually seen this halfling. But it is true that there is little he can do for this dead man, and alot he can still do for the mages, and they for the Crescent Valley. If only others could see that too. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 3/5 channel energy used for today
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday March 10th, 2016 10:03:03 PM
Shel rolled her eyes at the two arguing. She knew that fighting and fussing wasn't going to help the group on their tasks. Shel nods at Alleah's idea to try and follow no leads, and simply deal with the first one that presented itself first. If that led to a dead end, then they could explore the next one.
Listening to Cam some more, Bliss walks over to him and says, "Well, Cam, you have good ideas. You were right about the circus folks. What should we do?"
He ignores, or does not see, Mookie sneaking up on him, a worm in his beak.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+4=21 ; Friday March 11th, 2016 12:43:29 AM
Murphy takes a few minutes to investigate just what they were trying to do - how they were setting up the palisade. After considering what they were up to, he offers a quiet suggestion or two for an alternative, safer way of erecting the structure [Knowledge: Engineering: 21], including having several temporary supportive, tip-pointed poles leaning in close to the structure on both sides of the wall to catch it quickly should it start to lean one way or the other as they work to bury the bottoms of the posts in the ground, and several ropes supported by firmly planted stakes - and helped by halflings - on both sides during the process of raising the sections...
He asks people how Bombul's Hollow came by its name. He mentions he knew there were halflings scattered here and there in the Red Hills, but they were the first he himself has come upon. "How was it you found this place?" Also - do they speak Halfling, or common, as they converse?
"Our mounts are helpers," Murphy answers Cameron. "They move faster than most of us. We may need their help as we take away some poorly treated people. Complain away, if you please, Cameron, but several of these mounts have been with me longer than anyone here except Shel. Good folks have regard for the lives of their animals. And we all have regard for the lives of those we seek to rescue.
"We are not some Dragon group who can teleport here and there willy nilly. We generally get where we are going by walking, or by riding. Some of us could travel faster alone. But to do so means that one or two can get there quickly. Likely, more than one or two of us will be needed once we come to our destination.
"One more thing - according to the maps I have seen, it should be about a hundred to a hundred fifty miles from Hovel to where we are heading. Practically speaking, the question of the time it takes to travel through the Red Hills seems to be a changeable thing, which I do not entirely understand," he says, looking in Trill's direction for some reason or other.
"First time here it took us about a week to travel out to the Parley House. Second time, it took about a day and a half. Doesn't make sense to me," he says, running his hand through his sandy hair. "If we can drive the ponies, but between you and Alleah get them freshened up again from time to time, I'm for that. I won't allow having us kill them, though, to gain an extra mile or two.
"Also, we need sleep. I can stay up overnight once in a while. But it can take time to get over that loss of rest. Several spell casters here must have sleep to renew their spells."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Friday March 11th, 2016 2:21:30 AM "You'll have to forgive us. It has been a stressful day" Alleah says to Henwi "If there are any chores that need to be done before supper I'm sure we could help. We have an excess of energy to put to use"
When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn Friday March 11th, 2016 3:52:18 AM
Cameron helps walk around and examine the wall. The mud and logs is so basic he needs no engineer studies to see it is flimsy. A few spots to beef up but nothing else will really work.
Cameron, Pressi and Alleah have a little back and forth about pushing the mounts. Murphy even chips in his opinion.
Shel is in favor of following the first lead.
Bliss and Trill realize they are in no danger and drop the Invisibilty and lower weapons.
Kezzem asks about Greyson, to whichHenwi says she is unsure. " never seen him cast no magic " .
Decisions need to be made on the staying or pushing the horses. Henwi would be honored if Alleah would help with the funeral process but if time is an a issue, she understands.
She tells Murphy it was named so for a small watering hole close by. Bombols Hole it is called so it just fit. She and the others have only spoken common.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Friday March 11th, 2016 8:29:37 PM "Of course, Henwi. I would be honored to speak the final words for the deceased"
Alleah spends the time before supper talking to the locals and learning about the deceased man. She helps coordinate a few mean to dig a reasonable sized grave whilst the women tend to making the deceased look nice.
Finally the time has come...
Alleah gathers everyone to stand around the grave with the deceased man lying in it. She bows her head, and begins the service.
"Friends. Today we gather to say goodbye to the local baker, Mr Lee. Rikasst, as he was known to many, was a kind man. He was an extremely talented baker, and was always willing to lend a hand to others. Wheverer he went he could always help put a smile on a persons face. He was not the kind to give you up, nor did he ever let you down. He grew up a local to this town, never running around or deserting anyone. And now, as we cry, it is time to say goodbye. Goodbye, Rikasst. Your rolls will be missed."
She gives everyone an opportunity to grieve, before concluding the ceremony. She nods to a man holding a shovel, indicating now is the time to bury him.
"And so, Lord Gargul, we pray you will see fit to look after this man. Judge his soul fairly, and we pray you see fit to send him to the Lands of Rest, and that his soul finds eternal peace"
When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn Saturday March 12th, 2016 2:55:15 AM
Not a dry eye is among the halfling population as Alleah does her part of the funeral. Some of the others come up and say words for their friend, and some just pay their condolences quietly.
After the funeral, all the halflings of the hovel gather in the center of the town, and start a great fire. They cook some venison that was freshly killed. The time of sorrow is over and the time of remembering their friend and the good times has begun.
The rest of the night is uneventful, but feel free to talk to Henwi or others. And decide were the group would like to go.
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Saturday March 12th, 2016 8:50:38 AM
Bliss feels sad at the funeral. Miss Alleah's words are so beautiful! Feeling safe in the halfling community,
He asks around to see if this Mister Greyson in Woodbridge is on the way to where we think the captives are prisoners. Bliss does not want to go to Woodbridge if it means delay in doing the rescue.
But that is for tomorrow. Bliss beds down in his usual summoned cauldron with Mookie and gets a good rest.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Saturday March 12th, 2016 10:26:14 AM
Having no real dog in the fight and having put forth her opinion, Trill listens to the bickering and conversation, watches the funeral and then sits down with the others.
" Look I know we are kind of in a hurry, but we will neither do ourselves nor the captives any good if we show up unable to help. The ponies need a rest more than we do actually as they are doing all the real work, not to mention having nearly been fried to death the other day. Unless we know for a fact that this Greyson guy knows something that is absolutely necessary for rescuing the captives, then I suggest we bypass him and head on. Unless of course we have lost our way of finding the route we have been using."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Saturday March 12th, 2016 11:09:34 AM " All of us were nearly burned alive, and all are now healed and fit. The mounts get to rest for two thirds of the day since we travel only eight hours. They do not lose sleep to setting watches or making a camp.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Saturday March 12th, 2016 7:27:33 PM "If Greyson is on the way, we might as well check him out Trill. Like I said, let's not make a set plan now. Let's leave it to Wardd. Whichever lead we come to first we investigate. What do you think?"
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Saturday March 12th, 2016 9:02:02 PM
Shel was content munching on the crispy venison and listening to the party discuss their preferences. She still felt it was more pragmatic to investigate whatever clue the group happened upon first, then if it were unfruitful, then follow up on the next clue
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Saturday March 12th, 2016 9:34:03 PM
Pressi does freak out a little bit about Trill's statements. She was sure Trill would talk about how animals were people and the will of nature and all. No morality statements at all?
She had been discussing in the background a good deal about whether to push the horses and all. She agreed with Trill that, great as speed was, it was also good to keep resources. Though there did seem to be a plan developing that would make their speed more efficiently.
As for Greyson, "It is my opinion that we need to figure out not only where our friends are, but who took them and why, and what they might do to keep us from getting it back. If this Greyson fellow can give us even the slightest edge, he's worth going a bit out of the way for. And as for Waard, I prefer to avoid leaving it to him when possible. But it seems to me that if Waard didn't want us to go to Greyson, we wouldn't have randomly acquired his name in the first place."
Pressi goes to bed early once it is clear they don't have alcohol.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d100=7 ; d100=56 ; Saturday March 12th, 2016 11:11:56 PM
Before bedding down for the night, Alleah will go talk with the ponies. She wants to hear from them what they think about being pushed so hard, in an effort to save the halflings sooner. She wants it straight from the horses mouth, so to speak.
-------------------- Cast Speak with Animals. Leyline check: 7 = Fail! Well, if you're ever going to fail a leyline check, this is a pretty good time. She recasts, this time successfully. Leyline check: 56 = Pass
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Sunday March 13th, 2016 4:41:09 AM
Murphy joins in with the community, listening to stories, getting a feel for the people who dwell here. He does ask if they speak the halfling tongue.
Regarding their plans, he says to the group, "From what she said, Greyson is en route the way we are going anyhow. So let us continue our path, and, if he is available, consult briefly with him to see if he may help us come up with a plan as to how we will rescue the wizards."
He is fine with the proposed means to speed their journey for now. "I will be watching the ponies closely to see how this new plan works. The sooner we can get there, the better."
As it is about 100 miles from Angel Springs to Dourscale, Murphy puzzles over why it takes so long to go roughly that distance, mentioning his ponderings to Pressi.
Meanwhile, once the rescue is accomplished - he is all for having a talent show.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Sunday March 13th, 2016 5:30:10 PM
"I say we check on this Greyson fellow," says Kezzem. "I wonder if he's part elven. I knew an elven wizard once that called himself Grand Elf the Greyson."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+22=24 ; d20+22=32 ; Sunday March 13th, 2016 6:39:28 PM
"Alleah," he says sometime during the socializing after the formal service, "those were good words you offered on behalf of Rikasst Lee."
He takes time to talk further with Henwi Greenfoot, in the company of as many of his friends who care to be there, and in the company of whoever she is with. He will try to get to know the names of others from here. "My friends and I make up what is called Humble's Sword - originally from Humble's Ford, up in Crescent Valley. A group of us won the Valley Competition, and soon we found ourselves getting involved here and there as opportunity and need arose. Anyway, we like to help folks out as best we may.
"What is your story, ma'am? How did you come to lead this town? What are some of the things people do here to make a living? And how do things fare for you in general here in this part of the Red Hills? Is there much trade? If so, of what sorts?" On the topic of trade, he mentions his family's toy and music business.
He also asks about the size of the local forest, and what they call it. He shows her his maps, and verifies where to place the town on his main map. He shows her the location of burning tree, and tells her of the attack by the goblins.
"We have encountered giants here in these hills. My sister and brother and cousins ended up fighting a huge white bear in the Red Hills once. Have you heard rumors of any giants on the move? We ran across a two-headed troll some time back, and fought some ogres and ogre mages.
"Besides the palisades you're working to build - which is an excellent idea - what other defenses do you have against attacks?" He mentions the pack of wolves they came across many hours ago.
He speaks with his friends, and says, "I don't know exactly what it is, but we seem to attract attacks. With the folk here preparing against incursions from bears and giants, or maybe even wolves - perhaps some such may choose to attack this place tonight. Despite us being in this nice little town, perhaps we might prepare in case something should occur. I'm sure Bliss has his bah loaded."
For the evening, before watch: Perception 24 During watch: 32
If Ponies could Talk - Dm shawn Monday March 14th, 2016 10:45:38 AM
One of the townsfolk, Jago Rumble let's Bliss know that Woodbridge is only a few days down the same path.
Trill finally shares her opinion on the ponies while also throwing out the idea of skipping Greyson unless they know he has some inportant information.
Cameron argues back that the mounts get rest while the menial chores of camp are being done.
Alleah throws out the idea of letting Waard decide for them. Which ever one they come across first they deal with.
Shel ate her venison and quietly thought to herself what the whone situation entailed.
PressI adds to the discussion, saying any lead helping them not only get the missing halflings, but also figuring out why is a good idea.
Before bed Alleah heads over to the mounts to eat their opinion.
Murphy picks up some of the halflings speaking the halfing tongue to each other. Most conversations are in common but even once in a while it goes to the racial tongue.
Kezzem wants to check.out Greyson and even ponders if he has any elven blood.
Murphy meets more with Helwani. Some of the townsfolk are there as well to listen and share.
" We have members of the Soggybottoms, and Undertrees, the Holehoppers and Junk. We are small, but made up of some diverse personalities. Me pa started the town with some others,trying as most new towns do to get away the big city life. Unfortunately there is not much by way of trade.
As for giants, some of our hunters have seen prints bUT nothing factual spotted. "
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The pony Alleah talks to almost makes a laughing noise. " No.. we would help you as much as we can. The little one who talks alot saved us from the fires."
" Yea.. we'd carry you as much as we can as long as we know we are going to be Ok. "
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Monday March 14th, 2016 11:25:18 AM
Bliss thanks Bango and tells him that he has often admired his work.
The tiny halfling is eager to get on the road and find this Gruesome fellow
"He may be gruesome, but that's no reason to delay," says Bliss.
"His name is 'Greyson,' Kid," says Mookie.
"I don't care if his NAME is gruesome," says Bliss. "probably he's a very nice person. We can't all have nice names. Like me."
He works hard to get the party on the road.
Mookie hides his head under his wing.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Monday March 14th, 2016 9:30:42 PM
"Huh, I guess it does feel a little like we're moving more slowly than we should," Pressi commented. "Almost as if you can't just compare distances and mount speeds, but you instead get to your destination on a certain day no matter what. I always just blamed my poor survival training. You don't spend a lot of time studying the forest when you travel through city alleys.
"I really wish I had answers for you, but I don't. Maybe it's my paranoia and my sense of unknown but every time I think about these events, I just get more questions. I try to think of why anyone would capture the dinner club or experiment on them. I try to think of who even knows about the second dinner club and can formulate a way to catch them. I just... something is wrong, and I can't shake this feeling that we don't know everything about the tower's collapse."
So later, as Pressi overhears Murphy's discussion, she admonishes him for not mentioning that they fought battles in here before. "Who were these ogres and giants? What did they want?"
---------------
In the morning, Pressi loaded up the horses, pretty sure the mount driving and Greyson destination has been agreed upon.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday March 14th, 2016 10:12:24 PM "Good thinking, Alleah. If they are okay with being pushed a bit, so long as we heal them up nice, then everyone's happy. Maybe we could sneak them an extra apple or two if we found them," Shel smiles at the thought of babying the remaining ponies. That fire was terrifying for everyone.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Monday March 14th, 2016 10:35:54 PM "Great idea, Shel. Much like with men, the way best way to keep these ponies on side will be with food"
In the morning Alleah looks for some wild-flowers. She wants to lay a bunch on the grave before they leave.
"Is everyone ready?"
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Tuesday March 15th, 2016 1:05:16 AM
"Well, I did mention in your presence - remember the winged gnomes? - that we had killed giants before. And then as we traveled through the Culverwood, after leaving Cnossia and the waterfall pool, I spent time along the trail going through most of our stories, and did mention the Red Hills, and the ogres, and the two-headed troll named Stupid, and the ogre mages, and lots of other things. Of course, if you weren't listening as I told the tales, but were daydreaming about your own things, well," Murphy says with a twinkle in this eye, "I guess I did not tell them in an interesting enough fashion for you, Miss Pressi!" [The notion was that you read through the game archives, and Murphy's tales along the way filled you in on what you would need to read to grab all of that. Did not wish to fill page after page with his tales.]
"However, by way of review - there were two brothers, ogre mages both, called - and these really were their names, 'Idafeatyu' and 'Noyudint.' Idafeatyu sponsored the assassination of our beloved High Priestess of Flower, Sarabella. That evil deed was somehow laid at our feet, and we had to work hard to clear our names. Idafeatyu had taken over the old Parley House in the Red Hills." He shows her on his map the location. "What did they want? Oh, power, influence, wealth, control, havoc, and general evil things that bad guys like.
"We tried some sort of negotiation with him - Idafeatyu. But the way it wound up, he finally attacked us, and we killed him. He and a few of his companions are buried there on the grounds of the Parley House. Well, at least their ashes are buried there. At a later time in the same place Noyudint showed up with giants and biguns, and proved as skillful a negotiator as his dead brother. Of course, he started a fight, so we killed him, and all of his companions save one. Oh, on that trip, we also got a large, beautiful bell back that had been stolen from our town a while before.
"Now, there are lots of other stories, and I'd be happy to go through them for you as we travel the way. Also," he adds, as he pulls a book from his haversack, "I have this journal I've been keeping. Most of it, except for what I wrote since we left Humble's Ford, I've left copies of back home, and with the WLA. But you can read it anytime you want, except when I'm writing something new in it. Here, look over the first chapter or two before you go to sleep, if you want."
"Oh, it was the Trading Bell - which magically calls out to customers and traders from far and wide, and it was re-installed near our town. The cleric of Ffloy was overjoyed. Hah! That rhymes. Well, except for the 'd' at the end."
Murphy lightens the load of the ponies a bit more. Some of the items had burned in the tree fire, including some food. He tries to get to where most of the ponies have a light load, or something toward the low end of a medium load.
He gives thanks to the villagers, and petitions their prayers on behalf of those they go to help.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Tuesday March 15th, 2016 4:20:26 AM
In the morning when the others wake up, Cameron and Cudgel are ready to go. Cameron watches impatiently as the others plod through breakfast and loading their gear and nearly cries that getting going takes so long. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Tuesday March 15th, 2016 12:02:24 PM
"Dude, those ogres have the best names!" says Kezzem. "We need to find more of these guys!"
If Ponies could Talk - Dm shawn Tuesday March 15th, 2016 1:21:43 PM
Bliss has a bit of name trouble but is quickly educated by Mookie.
Pressi shares her opinion on travel while also admonishing Murphy about not sharing past practices
Shel loves that the ponies are willing to push. She also likes the fact she can baby them a bit.
Alleah is in agreementhe with Shel. Before they depart she wants to layou some wildflowers on the fresh grave.
Murphy reminds Pressi that he shared the stories before, but his own lackluster way of telling might not have kept her attention.
Cameron is set to go the next morning, not even looking to partake in breakfast.
Kezzem loves the names of the ogres.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After final good byes, the village of Bombuls Hovel is in your dust. The going is good and fast. The weather is clear and a bit warmer. The ponies are pushed, but cured at the same time. If they were angry, they don't look it.
Once at camp, it is another easy transition. During the night, wolves begin to howl from far away, move a bit closer and then move off.
The night changes though when during Murphy's watch the Vision from Veseley again appears as an apparition before him. He says the food is terrible, and it stinks there. But even worse, is a large wood and metal machine he and Tiana are strapped to for experiments. He does not know what it does, but he is weakened by the experiences. They are in some sort of a building, in a town near a lake.
Just as quickly as he came, he is gone. Murlhy gets a strong sense of his direction for about an hour southward still.
Assuming Murphy shares his vision -- and surely Murphy is not one to keep things to himself! :-) -- Bliss tries to align the direction from the vision with the direction in which the party is travelling to meet with Greyson. Are these in the same direction? Opposite? Something else?
The answer to that question seems important, since Bliss will not want to move AWAY from the people they seek to rescue.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Tuesday March 15th, 2016 2:54:59 PM
((OOC: Brian, Kezzem, Those ogre names were actually names of two Orc PCs I used to play when I was Table topping back in the 70s)
-------
Trill accepts the group's decision and is fine with the pony plan and again moves to the front of the group for scouting purposes.
She shivers a bit as the wolves howl and speak as she is not overly fond of dogs and their ilk.
"Wolves, why does it always have to be Canines."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+12=28 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2016 9:39:13 PM
Shel tries to think of any monsters resembling the one Murphy saw in his vision. Wood and metal together? Interesting.. She ponders on the visual, trying to recall any arcane creations.
OOC: Knowledge Arcana 28. Not sure if that skill will help or not.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+14=17 ; d20+7=8 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2016 12:15:19 AM
Based on the watch order, Alleah was fortunate enough to again be awake when Vesseley came to the party in a vision.
She tries to see if he still holds that gem in his hand that he used last time.
--------------------------- Perception: 17 Knowl Geography to determine where he might be held: 8. Yeah, probably not :)
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+7=11 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=21 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2016 12:19:40 AM
Murphy is puzzled at Cameron's grief, as he himself is up for last watch, and uses most of the time for preparations for when the rest arise - including preparing ponies, food, and gear, working with the seldom-sleeping Alleah.
Nonetheless, his normal diligence had been interrupted by the vision Veseley cast his way. He calls for Alleah as he sees it, describing it for her, and asking if she can see. "Veseley, can you see us or hear us? Wink your left eye once, right eye twice, then blink both eyes three times if you can hear. This is Murphy. We are coming for you."
The wood and metal contraptions sound like something the old Sons of Dread might have fashioned, based upon a story or two he's heard here and there, though he really does not know too much about that nefarious organization. [Knowledge: history 11]
He marks the direction that he senses, choosing several landmarks within and shortly outside the village to line up. He then takes out paper and ink, and sketches to the best of his ability the face of Veseley, and the machine he described. The first two sketches were barely passable, but the third seems to satisfy him more [Profession: Artist: 13, 14, 21]
He tells the others about the vision as they rise for the day, and has breakfast ready for them. Unless someone from the town prepared them something. The ponies already have had a bit to eat, water to drink. Murphy with his friends bids farewell to whoever in the town may be there to see them off, thanking them for their kind hospitality, and urging them to go ahead with the building of the palisades, yet with safety of the workers always in mind.
He thinks on wolves, and meditates on the process of shapechanging into a large wolf. He thinks through what he might say should be be able to cast speak with animals just before changing into their form. He envisions something like the wolf they saw recently. He considers their howling, and forms his mouth around the sounds, albeit at a very quiet volume. He rides Pippa for now. Keeping his promise, he tells Pressi and anyone else who would care to listen bits and pieces of the Humble's Sword adventures.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Wednesday March 16th, 2016 4:21:23 AM
Based on this current vision, and the ones before, Cameron is sure that they are being held in the town by the Lake, what had the old merchant called it, Bright Springs? That would account for the lake, the foul smell and the direction. As described earlier, he is trying to record where to the south the feeling guides the group from where they are when the get it. ( Do these "south" pointing arrows all seem to go towards that town on the map? We have a few points now to triangulate with and I am sure we are not traveling in a straight line due to terrain and whatnot, so they should be at slightly different angles.) Cameron continues to pray nightly to Jancassis that the wizards have the strength to endure their trials and the desire for vengeance once rescued.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Wednesday March 16th, 2016 10:39:59 AM
OOC To Kent: Nice
"I've known some ladies that liked to be tied up in bed," says Kezzem, "but somehow I don't that's what the Vesely fellow is talking about. Though it would be mighty awkward if we showed up to rescue him and that was the case."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+5=9 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=24 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2016 10:42:32 AM
In the evening, Pressi can be seen flipping through Murphy's journal while making basic notes and sketches in her own. One particular question that jumps out to anyone looking over her shoulder: "Are we the invaders?" Pressi takes a moment to try to remember the origins of Humble Ford (Know History 9, Know Local Natural 20) and adds what she can remember to her guide book.
A little later, she writes down "B" and circles it.
In response to Trill's statement of wolves, she replies "Because we'd abandon the second dinner club to their fate if we were facing Dire Marmosets and Spooky Boll Weevils. We just have to accept the fact that wolves are a classic."
In the morning, Pressi adds her own thoughts about the machine, considering that it might be some part of ceremony (Know Religion 23). She also tries to think about why they might choose near a lake - and in a building in town. "Why not someplace away from prying eyes? Why not in a cave or on a mountaintop?" (Know Dungeons 24).
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Wednesday March 16th, 2016 4:30:56 PM " The merchant in Hovel, the eccentric guy, he didn't give Bright Springs a very high reputation. Said something like it had turned evil the same way that the lake had turned foul with the mining runoff. Where better than an evil town to hold good captives and perform evil experiments on them? It's an evil town in the middle of a dangerous land filled with evil inhabitants that don't care who is being tortured as long as it isn't them." "We are either going to need to sneak in there, unseen or send in someone they can believe isn't evil and that they haven't seen before if they have seen you guys with the wizards. I am still new so I would be safe, but I'm not a good liar. I do have the fact that almost everyone considers Jancassis evil on my side though."
Visions - Dm shawn Wednesday March 16th, 2016 5:38:31 PM
Bliss hopes the direction lines up with their travels and luck be a lady, it does. A few twists and turns but it seems to be the same general direction.
Trill shares her disdain for the wolf sounds. It would be a shame if one of these nights the wolves got closer....
Shel can't think of any monsters that resemble a wooden/metal machine.
Alleah canot tell if he holds the gem. Veseley'S hand is clenched while talking.
Murphy asks Veseley questions but no answers come as the apparition fades before he can answer. As for the description of the machine, nothing comes to mind. For the drawings.. Veseley'S face is easy to replicate, but the machines description of wood and metal leaves much to be desired.
Cameron too noticed that the direction matches up with the way they are headed. He prays to Jancassis for the dinner club to have strength.
Kezzem recalls a past memory that might prove awkward now.
Pressi tries her best to recall a religious ceremony with the machine, but nothing. As for the possible dungeon or cave complex. Who is to say there isn't more then meets the eye. She recalls the origins of Humble's Ford and adds it to her diary.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning Cameron and Murphy gets the mounts ready. After a delicious breakfast the ride begins. The Weather remains clear and relatively warm.
After a few hours while riding along, right before Shel's face another Vision from Veseley He appears for a moment, has a sudden surprised look, and then disapears. Shel gets a strong sense of his direction for about an hour toward Dour Lake.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday March 16th, 2016 6:55:24 PM "We have to head for Dour Lake! Something strange happened with the vision this time. He appeared, looked surprised, and vanished before he could say anything. I'm afraid he's been caught communicating with us somehow! We need to hurry...I'm afraid this might be his very last vision," Shel calls out, very worried by the surprising message, or lack of a message, more precisely.
Bliss is eager to head on. "Come on, before it is too late!" he cries.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday March 17th, 2016 1:26:07 AM
"We're heading, we're heading," replies Murphy as he heads forward.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d100=71 ; Thursday March 17th, 2016 5:24:02 AM "We've been pushing quite hard. Can we afford to take an hour's break? If Veselley can message out, then perhaps whatever was blocking my scry attempts earlier is gone and I can get a clear picture on him. I know we'd lose an hour's travel time, but being able to see what is around Veselley could be invaluable intel. We could get a clearer picture of where exactly he is, his current state, and perhaps even who has him"
If there aren't any disagreements, Alleah immediately begins to cast a Scrying spell.
Leyline check: 71. Veselley can make a Will Save vs DC19 to stop Alleah from Scrying on him
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday March 17th, 2016 10:34:33 AM
"Fine with me, Alleah," Murphy replies. "How about the rest of you?"
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 17th, 2016 11:48:36 AM " Sure. How far do you think it is to Dour Lake? I'm no good with maps." Cameron will feed and water the mounts while Alleah scrys on Veseley.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday March 17th, 2016 1:20:04 PM
Pressi responded to Cameron, "People don't just go along with their neighbors experimenting even if they are all evil. I mean, it would just... The lake and people mysteriously turned evil, the economy cratered, we haven't even heard anything from this town in some time....
"The way I see it, there are two possibilities. The first is that they promised the townspeople lots of money and power in exchange for resources now. Food, water, manpower. The second... I have to think on this...."
----------------------------
Pressi continued to ride Sugar as Shel screamed out. As Alleah raised the idea of trying to scry again, Pressi rejected it. "We've already tried scrying a couple of times. It's not going to work now that their security is going in overdrive."
Pressi resists telling the second portion. The part about how evil beings that kidnap and extort, upon finding out that their careful security has been penetrated, are not known for merciful or reasonable behavior. They've already punished Veseley, she thought with grim detachment. Maybe not killed him - they still need him - but they've found a way you don't want to see.
Bliss is eager to learn more. "Go ahead, Miss Alleah! See what you can find out!"
"I just wish we had another witch so we could make a circle and help you."
Visions - Dm shawn Thursday March 17th, 2016 9:08:21 PM
Alleah tries scrying but gets nothing back from Veseley.
The rest of the travel, for the few hours, is uneventful. Finally the woods start to thin out little by little. Eventually the trees break and a clearing before you reveals a small village. Bigger and more secure then Bombuls Hovel but still leaves alot for want.
Some men can be seen walking atop a wooden wall. Logs stand straight up to secure the town, and look sturdier then the ones at Bombuls.
" What warrants a visit from the halflings " one of the men calls down from the wall. The men have crossbows and bows and arrows, they're pointed in your general direction but not directly at anyone. " Be quick, the town of Woodbridge had no visitors schedule for today. "
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+6=19 ; d20+14=15 ; Thursday March 17th, 2016 10:08:27 PM
The failure of the scrying spell bothers but does not entirely surprise Alleah.
Woodbridge looks to be significantly more protected than Bombuls.
"Well met!" Alleah calls out. She raises her hands in the air and takes a step forward "We're here to see Greyson. Please tell him that Henwi Greenfoot sent us. We only seek his counsel and then we will leave. We aren't here to cause trouble at all, good sirs"
Diplomacy: 19 Perception: 15
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday March 17th, 2016 11:44:09 PM
"Also, do you have any bread surprise?" Murphy thinks to add.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+9=13 ; Friday March 18th, 2016 12:00:41 AM Aid another Diplomacy of 13 to Alleah's roll.
Shel calls out, "She's right. We are just here for a pop in visit and then we have to be on our way. Very busy indeed. We won't take up much of your time at all. I promise!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Friday March 18th, 2016 2:12:51 AM
"Would you like to hear about are lord and savoir, Alemi?" says Kezzem.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) d20+15=32 ; Friday March 18th, 2016 8:06:33 AM
Quietly watching the Guards? as they patrol the walls, Trill tries to get a sense of whether the guards are over vigilant for a reason or if they seem to be doing their job in a particularly routine manner. Perception DC 32
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Friday March 18th, 2016 10:00:01 AM
Pressi continues to ride silently, not really having anything to do at this point.
Mookie chimes in, "Yeah, Henwi Gweenfoot told us to see Gwayson!"
The bird caws, "We fought dwagons and gobwins to get heah, too!"
Bliss chimes in, "Yeah, and Mister Gruesome, too! We're here to see both of those guys! So please let us in because we are on a proper and honorable quest!"
Sotto voce, Bliss asks Mookie, "I remember the goblins, but when did we fight a dragon?"
Diplomacy Aid Another checks (feel free to add a circumstance penalty): 14 and 14 for something between a +0 and a +4.
Visions - Dm shawn Saturday March 19th, 2016 8:14:29 AM
Trill can tell the guards are being very protective but not aggresive.
The gates open and a man steps through. His chain mail is clean and dent free. His blonde hair is long and hangs down the back a bit. On his side is a long sword. In the village of Woodbridge this is probably the best equipped man, but in most major cities he would be an under equipped city watch.
Behind him comes a half orc. His leather armor is very meticulously clean, and his war hammer has a clean shine to it.
"Well met, I am Morrow Thorton and this is Chom. " the human says. " We don't get many visitors here that much and most that do come are nothing short of evil. Greyson, you say. Yeah Greyson lives here, but that doesn't mean we are going to let you just walk in. "
Chom puts his hand on Thorton'S shoulder..
" We do allow people in, but we need to know if you are worthy of sorts. Anything you can do to provide entertainment, or any way you can prove you have goods or services we need. We are flexible on what it is but just want some assurance."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Saturday March 19th, 2016 11:10:27 AM " Oh, is that all? This was an unnecessary waste of time. We should keep riding and make as many miles as we can. The wizards have been found talking to us and their captors are not going to be very nice about it. We don't have time to entertain people we don't know just to talk to a man that might know something about our quest." Cameron wheels Cudgel around, ready to leave. He could probably take this town by himself in less than a week, so these humans had good reason to be mistrustful. But they did not have the luxury of time to play nice and entertain them. ENTERTAIN THEM! Goddess how he wanted to cram those words back down this popinjay's throat. Did they look like entertainers? Pressi was, but in her monk garb she was an adventurer just like the rest of them. Were the WLA pins not clear on their chests? Was this place so remote that such symbols meant nothing to them? It didn't matter to Cameron. His path had been clear to him since the first vision and the meeting with the half mad trader in Hovel. He could tell it was a town by the fouled lake, he just didn't know which town. Bright Springs was what the trader had called it, and the goblin had said that was the place. Cameron would level the place looking for these mages. He had given his world he would return them, and as an ex-mercenary, he knew what weight that held. Cameron nudges Cudgel into action and begins to leave. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day ?/5 channel energy used for today (How many have been used to heal the mounts?)
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+10=21 ; Saturday March 19th, 2016 8:01:40 PM "I hate to be rude, but we are in a hurry here! Do you our WLA badges? They just don't give those out to everyone! We need to talk to him. If you let us in, there won't be any trouble and we might toss you some gold on the way out! If you don't love, we will have to run you down, though!". Shel blushed at her outburst, but she was serious.
Intimidate 21.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Saturday March 19th, 2016 9:52:26 PM
Alleah sighs. Not because of the request of these men, but just at the response of her friends.
"Let's see.. I can do this" Alleah casts a Prestidigitation spell to create a small statue of Chom. It's a crude representation and the nose is a little big, but it's obviously him.
"I also have this" she says as she pulls out her holy symbol for Wardd "And as you would know, Clerics of Wardd are thought to be harbingers of good fortune. It's said to be good luck to invite us in"
"And finally I have this" Alleah smiles as she holds up her coin purse. "There's about 200 gold pieces in here. A town can't survive without trade, as you'd know. But if you'd rather I spent my money elsewhere..."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+9=16 ; Sunday March 20th, 2016 12:15:24 AM
"Cameron here just recently joined our group," Murphy says to the two who have just come forth with their request, "and may not be fully aware that we have been called upon from time to time to provide entertainment, and have been of service at various times and in many ways to others. Aside from a modicum of firewood and feed for ponies, we do not have much in the way of trade goods, though it appears that Alleah is willing perhaps to purchase some of whatever it is you may produce.
"We are in a situation, however, where time is of the essence. Wicked people have kidnapped some of our land's leaders, defenders and sages, and their lives and welfare are threatened. We need to get to them with due haste.
"But what services do you seek? If it is to serve as reliable messengers, or to convey some light weight goods or items to another point, we may be able to help you there."
Supporting Alleah, the druid adds, "If it is entertainment you want..." and he casts create water off to his side, about 30' up in the air, "we can quickly water a garden," then he sends a lightning arc off a bit to the other side, with a small crack and flash of electricity, "or exercise a wee measure of control over some of the elements. And, we have stories."
He looks to his friends, and says to them, "We will neither threaten nor harm these people. I do not take kindly to rude behavior," and then turns his attention back to the two sent out to them. "Would you not agree that good comportment is mutually advantageous? Now, sirs, if you would be so kind, take us in to meet with Greyson. I speak true when I say it may be a matter of life and death. Not of yours, not of ours, but of our friends and mentors, and of a beautiful and brilliant woman."
[Diplomacy: 16]
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Sunday March 20th, 2016 6:59:41 AM
Trill watches and listens amazed at the temerity of some people. It is not as if we look like a group of thieves and ruffians, she thinks to herself.
Stepping slightly forward, Trill looks at Morrow.
"If you are interested in trade, I can discuss some possible options for bringing in certain beverages from Green Gnomish Industries or at least give you letters of introduction the owner and purveyor of the Brewery/Winery/Distillery."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Sunday March 20th, 2016 10:19:12 AM
"How dare you," Pressi shouted at the man. "If you think that you could ever get me to just willy nilly entertain you, you have another thing coming."
The rest of the group looked over to see that Pressi was already in her entertainer's outfit and made up.
"Ok, fine,if I have to do it..." Pressi muttered as everyone else in the group tried to get out of it. "No, no, if it's for a good cause, I will somehow find the fortitude to survive the limelight yet again...."
The rest of the group tries to figure out how she changed in 30 seconds without getting off her horse. Right next to them. In the middle of an open field.
"I do have a couple of observations. First, I love that they spent all this time considering who would be the height of trustworthiness and well behaved and decided on entertainer. Second, this would seem to boost my theory that no matter what we do or how much we rush or stress, we will somehow get to the wizards on the same day with them at the same condition. You'd think I'd eventually get tired of being right, but it actually excites me... a lot."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Monday March 21st, 2016 10:58:28 AM
Pressi's naiveté startles Cameron enough to make him stop. He speaks to them in halfling, hoping Bliss will forgive him for leaving him out. " Wait, you think that they will trust us because we entertain them? Really? " "What I read from their exchange was that they live in the Red Hills where anyone can be an evil bastard and try to kill them. For that they are actually smart. They should vet people before letting them into their walls. I just don't have time for that right now." "The other thing I heard them say, was that halflings are small and of no use to them other than traders and entertainers. I could have proven them wrong on both accounts, but chose to not threaten, hurt, poison, kill or curse any of them, just to turn and ride away." " I'll be heading on, towards the lake. You folks can make nice with these racist jerks and either catch up, or catch up tomorrow if I sleep in. I won't push Cudgel any more today, but tomorrow will be a whole new day. I said I would rescue those wizards, and I do what I say I will. The world is a messed up place, and some things can't be changed in a few easy words or gestures. " " For the record, I don't think you are right. What we do, and how we do it matters. It always has, and it always will. I have stood before Gargul, and read in his face the depth of hero he expects when he returns someone to the Wold instead of letting nature take it's course. I want to be able top say I did all I could to live up to that gaze. To say I worked to make the Wold better, that I kept my bargains, that I tried my best, despite what others thought. Because one day it could be me he is deciding whether or not I should be allowed to go back. Whether or not I made all the difference I could." " See, to me it doesn't matter why they were taken. I will get them back. The why either doesn't matter, or can be figured out later. Right now though, two people I made myself responsible for by sayng I'd help are getting tortured and the how or why doesn't matter. What matters is that I get there as soon as I can to help them. Anyone or anything that tries to stop me once I get there will be sorry." He nudges Cudgel again and keeps heading out the way he came, heading for Dour Lake. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day ?/5 channel energy used for today (How many have been used to heal the mounts?)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+5=20 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 12:53:06 PM
Perform (oratory): 20
Kezzem recites a limerick to the man.
"There once was a man on a wall, Who took a most unfortunate fall, But you need not fear, For halflings are here, And we're lucky according to Wald."
Though shall not Pass - Dm shawn Monday March 21st, 2016 2:06:01 PM
Cameron outbursts to the human and orc. Both stab dmotinless and wait for him to finish before replying. " So... no one invited you to the village. If you want to leave, then leave. We have people perform because it makes it easier to spot who is here to do harm. "
Shel tries to intimidate and throws around the Wla name. The human again answers wen she is done. " The group holds no power here. You showing me that pin is the same as me showing you a button. "
Alleah uses her magic to make a small statue of Chom. The half orc looks genuinely touched at getting the statue. " You may enter" Chom says.
The human nods his head to Murphy's display of magic.. " You too may enter."
Morrow listens to Trills idea of trade, and Morrow seems Intetrsted. Howeve he adds " That is an issue for you to discuss with the elders of town. I am just a guard capatain. "
At Pressi's sudden outburst, bothChom and Morrow let out a little giggle. They both look intently to watch what she can do as far as a performance.
Kezzem adds a limerick that is a little close to the actual situation, but he too gets the gates opened before him.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
For those on the outside, the two men do not budge.
Inside, the guards ands villagers passing by Alleah, Murphy, and Kezzem get a wave or a nod. An occasional Good day. The villagers inside, do not seem as tense as the guards.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Monday March 21st, 2016 2:10:11 PM
Murphy holds up a finger, and says, "Excuse me."
He dismounts, then runs full out until he stands before Cudgel. He then steps aside to draw next to the pony, his back to the party, and says, very quietly, and in the halfling tongue, "Cameron, listen to me. I welcomed you into this group. Do not leave us now, regardless how justified you may feel to do so. You may think yourself wiser than all the rest of us. But do this, I request of you. Ride in a wide circle around this place, then back to the front gate. Keep an eye out. Hope to see you soon. Just nod if you are willing."
If Cameron nods, he brushes Cudgel's flank, and lets them go on. If he does not, then Murphy says, "Your leaving may lead to unforeseen peril, and slow us down further in our purpose. Yet, fare well, friend."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Monday March 21st, 2016 3:46:10 PM
[Note - I posted before I saw our DM post. Murphy still does that, then returns.]
Murphy says, "Thank you. We are Humble's Sword. I will wait until my friends have met your simple request - yet, I do believe that what Trill had to say regarding trade does fall among the options you listed as qualifying for entry. As you said, 'entertainment, goods or services.'
"As well, in such a land as this, testing those who come to your gates seems prudent."
He turns. "Shel, honey, not vinegar. Unless you have some real good vinegar. Bliss? Anything entertaining, or a trade good?"
Regarding Pressi, he waits, and is ready to see what she can pull off. No, he didn't mean it that way. Whew. He didn't say that out loud.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+4=22 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+24=41 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 4:13:25 PM
[OOC - I'm assuming the wall is roughly 20 feet tall. If it's a different height, adjust accordingly.]
(Dance 22, Acrobatics 27)
With fans in each hand, Pressi flew through the air without hesitation, almost like fluid. Behind her happy and flirty nature, she moved with grace until she seemingly stopped right in front of the gate. She gives Morrow a wink and a smile, preparing her big finish.
(Acrobatics High Jump 41)
Pressi soared easily up the wall, landing among the crossbow wielders, shyly hiding her face with one of the fans. Before they could react, she falls off the wall (slow fall 20), attempting to get the human to catch her. (If he doesn't, she just lands normally.)
"So, did you like what you saw?" she asked.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Monday March 21st, 2016 8:45:06 PM
"Glad the let us in, but no I won't get to use my giant wooden badger idea.," says Kezzem.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday March 21st, 2016 9:18:31 PM
While Pressi uses her powers of ...entertainment, Shel takes the opportunity to cast a Silent Invisibility spell. She was quite put off at a request to entertain the guard when something serious was happening. She would just sneak in under the power of her spell. Its about the principle now, she told herself as her magic took effect.
When the others were ready to head on in, Shel followed closely behind them, quiet as a churchmouse.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d20+15=35 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=14 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 11:16:21 PM
Cameron didn't think they would all speak halfling, but apparently they do. (everything Cameron said was said in halfling to Pressi, in case that wasn't noted when I said that it was spoken in halfling) As Murphy tries to pull Cameron back into the fold, and issues him a secret plan to watch their backs the Avenger nods and says in the giant tongue" Send Mookie out if things go badly. I'll be nearby." and heads out. Once he is well out of sight of the place he dismounts Cudgel, and tells the DOG to stay. He then casts Longstrider on himself and circles the town, looking for anything out of place or that makes him feel uneasy about letting his friends enter. He tries to remain hidden as he looks.
Stealth 35 natural 20 Perception 20, 19, 22, 16, 14 not sure how many I will need, so I gave you 5, all pretty mediocre.
If nothing alarms him... Once his tour is complete he will head back to Cudgel, bed the dog down for the night, and hoist his tent up into a tree to pass the evening, waking for prayers at midnight. He makes no fire and draws no attention to himself. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Spells and effects on Cameron Longstrider 5 hours duration
Bliss sends Mookie to fly after Cam. "Go take care of him, old pal," whispers Bliss.
Then he tries to sneak into the place with his friends, right under that annoying fellow's nose.
Stealth 47
=====
With Cam, Mookie says, "So, lone wolf, huh? Good luck with that."
The bird pauses and cocks an eye at Cam.
"You know I'm flying away if things go south."
OOC: Bliss does not speak halfling because he was reincarnated, and never learned it.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 12:07:18 AM
Dog ... right, dog. Sorry, Cudgel.
OOC: Murphy has offered to teach Bliss the halfling tongue, if he would like to learn it.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 1:21:55 AM " That's what I'm counting on you bag of feathers. Go back with the others and come find me if things inside aren't as rosy as the humans are making them out to be. I'm the escape plan." "And lone wolf always works out for me, until it doesn't." Cameron has Mookie stick around until he finds Cudgel a place to wait for him, so the bird knows where he will be. Then he sends him back to the others. " Remember, secret plan, so mum's the word."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+14=28 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 4:33:21 AM "We should make this quick" Alleah whispers to Murphy and Kezzem "The others probably wouldn't see the funny side in us having a banquet and partying all night"
She approaches one of the people who were kind enough to wave "Pardon me, but could you tell me where we could find Greyson?"
Perception: 28 - Are there many guards walking about inside the town?
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+22=26 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:50:02 AM
Murphy does enter the town. He acknowledges the greetings he and the others receive, and looks about to see what the town is like inside. What sorts of architecture, density of population, what the people look like, what types of clothing they wear, whether there is a nearby fruit stand - and, if so, he purchases a bag of apples, or pears, or melons, or what have you.
He attends to the reply Alleah's question engenders, and will head in the direction indicated by the respondent. "Yes," he answers her earlier comment. "time spent here should be brief."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 10:14:15 AM
(OOC: A quick correction to my last post. I forgot that a high jump's distance is basically the acro roll / 4. So Pressi jumped 10 feet in the air. Spending a ki point brings her to 15 feet in the air. Haste adds another 3 feet. So no, Pressi cannot make a 20 foot high jump in her current form. As an elf, she could make it on a natural 20 and hasted.
Anyway, we haven't established the height of the wall, so I leave it up to the DM what flavor he wants to add - and to Alleah or Shel if they want to cast haste beforehand.)
Pressi jumps as high in the air as she can (spending a ki point). It is an impressive distance, capped off by a tumble up the wall, almost as if she is running upwards, before floating towards the ground.
Though shall not Pass - Dm shawn Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 3:23:02 PM
Murphy talks Cameron into walkING around the town and coming back to the gate to camp.
Inside the town, the villagers are all human and half orcs. Some are weary and nervous but others are kind to the trio inside. One man stops and thinks for a second... " ehh.. Greyson usually hangs out by the smoke tent. He keeps up with the going ons of town.
Outside Pressi does her best to reach the top of the wall but comes up short. Shel uses the chance to disapear, as does Bliss.
It would be a great plan if everyone watched Pressi's display, or was dumb enough to not notice Shel and Bliss missing when there were only three party members left outside.
"INVISIBILITY " The call comes from the gate. Morrow's sword comes free from the sheeth in a flash. In the spit second fingers are itching on triggers, and now Strings...
" Freeze" Morrow yells. " Move and we attack." Without taking his eyes from the area that Shel was he calls into the wall. " Send those three back out. They lost their Woodbridge privileges."
" This is the reason for the tests. We could care less if you could dance or sing. We just want you to prove to us that you're not here to harm us. But disappearing before us? That seems an aggresive move. ....... You leave now. All of you. We didn't ask you to come here, we didn't Invite you. You needed something from us and we were delivering and then you did this. "
Chom, Who never took out a weapon, puts his hand on Morrow' s shoulders.
" ease the tensions my friend." He says before turning to the gate.
" Come wait back outside and I personally will get Greyson for you. If you do not take this chance now.. then I can only say I am sorry."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 4:38:01 PM
"We should make this quick" Alleah whispers to Murphy and Kezzem "The others probably wouldn't see the funny side in us having a banquet and partying all night"
"This is no time for jokes," insists Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+5=24 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 5:32:16 PM
"Woah, woah, woah," Pressi began as everyone drew weapons against them. "Ok, that's my fault. I saw the wall and decided to show off. But honestly, did you not feel any excitement that.... What do you mean by invisibility?
"Oh come on, do you really expect me to believe that we have two team members who are so stupid as to... oh, right, those two. Yes, they are that stupid. I'd like to tell you this is an aberration, but I can't sell that.."
"But Morrow... Morrow was it? Surely with all that fear that you have for us, you could understand how much we fear you. Certainly, we can find a way to get past this? A better way to show that we are serious in our respect for your town?" (Diplomacy 24)
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 6:47:15 PM
So Murphy heads toward the smoke shop - unless he heard the instructions from outside the gate. If not, he seeks Greyson. If so, and if he heard the shout of 'Invisibility!' - then he calls out, "Shel. Did I not say 'honey' and 'not vinegar'? Please just show yourself. Bliss? Come out of the shadows.
"Do not be so easily affronted, my friends," he says, speaking mainly to he companions, but loud enough for Chom and Morrow to hear. "Humility goes before honor. In the Red Hills, caution, as well as courtesy where it may be offered, are two skills further to develop."
And he then turns to Morrow and Chom. "Forgive, please, my friends. Some have thin skin, after all we have been through. I pledge you none of those with me would have done you any harm, so long as you did not advance harm upon us. My name is Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, of Humble's Ford in Crescent Valley. I am the putative leader of this group, and any... inappropriate actions on the part of my companions should be laid at my feet.
"You have never heard of us? Not surprising. You have never heard of the Woldian League of Adventurers? I do not mean to be indelicate, but do any of you get out much? I mistakenly thought that nearly all of the Wold was acquainted with the WLA. We are sworn to fight evil, and to protect the innocent. I see that not all of us have made a good impression upon you.
"I think you may safely sheathe your sword. None of us have drawn against you. And, may I compliment you on your tight security measures.
"As you have offered to bring Greyson to us, we will take you up on that offer - though, again, I tell you that we did not come to bring harm to you or yours. As you did not know of the WLA, neither did we know of you, prior to mention of Greyson by some distant relatives we found on our way southward."
Murphy assumes that all halflings are at least distant relatives.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:34:03 PM
Trill rolls her eyes at all the nonsense, hoping again that this side trip actually turns out to be worth it.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 9:04:26 PM
Shel doesn't reappear, but if she did her frown would be quite noticeable. "Just bring Greyson out then," she fumes, still invisible to the group, if no one else. Im surprised this one horse town has such a strong defense. It's impressive, if annoying," she thinks to herself, impatiently tapping her foot on the ground while waiting on the man.
Mookie grins an open mouth avian smile at Cam. "Ah. I shoulda remembered that you're smarter than you look," he says. "Okay, I'll play go-between."
===== ===== =====
Bliss wonders if they are talking about him. Well, no matter. He slips out the way he came in. Mookie gets a feeling of chagrin coming though the empathic link.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 11:28:36 PM
Cameron stops at the order, and turns Cudgel around to watch the show. " Yup, this was totally worth it. Not like anyone is being tortured while we fool around here."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 12:23:45 AM
"Shel, Bliss. This is no longer a polite request. SHOW YOURSELVES! STOP YOUR HIDING, NOW."
This is a very rare occasion in which he uses the imperative with his friends. He understands that his doing so may be particularly irritating, especially to his good and trusted friend Shel, who he knows is already well settled into irritation by the guards' challenge. If Bliss just pops up somewhere among him, that will be fine.
He adds quietly, a muttered comment, 'What is the opposite of socially functional? There has got to be a word. Because that word describes us as a group.'
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 1:41:13 AM
Alleah pulls the hood of her cloak up over her head, and holds it tightly. She is so embarrassed at having to be escorted out of the town.
As she stands there waiting for Greyson, she nods along vigorously at what Murphy has to say.
"Seriously guys? It's not like we're trying to enter the tower of a lich, or some evil lord. This is a peaceful village we have come to to ask for information and aid, and you act like, like, like this?!?
Bliss, Shel, you're not helping. Show yourselves or walk away"
Ready action: If Shel does not drop her Invisibility, Alleah will cast See Invisibility
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 11:49:02 AM
Bliss steps up to wherever Cam is and then steps out of the shadows.
"Hello!" he calls. "I'm right here!"
Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 12:10:50 PM
No weapons are put away. No fingers come off of triggers or strings. Chom heads inside the gate, first stopping next to Alleah and handing the statue back. Morrow follows behind moving backwards. The gate shuts with a resounding THUNK. After a few minutes Morrow appears back at the top of the wall.
After a couple more minutes the gate opens again and out comes a human. His blonde beard is almost as long as his grayish blonde hair. Hanging from his lip is a rolled cigar. He looks to have a perpetual squint as if the sun is always in his eyes. He wears no armor or weapons, but is is safe to assume the volley of bolts and arrows from the wall would be enough defense.
" I am Greyson. " the man says. " Chom said you requested me? I don't recall knowing you. "
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+13=20 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 1:02:09 PM
Bluff: 20
"Greyson, surely you remember you're old friend Kezzem! These folk are from Humble's Ford, and we are looking for the Second Dinner Club. I know they were all put off about not being the First Dinner Club, but that's no reason to up and disappear now, is it? So be a friend and tell your all pal if you've seen them about these parts."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 5:16:21 PM
Murphy looks over to Kezzem, highly doubting the claim he is making about his acquaintance with Greyson, as this is the first mention he has made of it, and the day before had been asking questions about him as someone who had never heard of him before.
"Hello, Greyson. Looks like a fair cigar you have there. My family smokes more the pipes. Have you ever tried Thistleleaf Pipe Leaf? It's a favorite in our parts. Oh, my name is Murphy. Thank you for coming out to talk with us. We just came south from Bombul's Hollow, where Henwi Greenfoot spoke well of you, and, after we told her of what we seek to do, said she thought you may have some insight.
"As Kezzem just alluded to, we seek the two remaining members of the Second Dinner Club, wizards both, and long-time defenders of our community, Humble's Ford, and of Crescent Valley. They were captured by someone - we do not know precisely who, but have various reasons to believe they are in the vicinity of Bright Springs. One of the two, Veseley, has been able to establish occasional one-way telepathic connections with various ones of our group who were aquainted with him. He and Tiana Taithen are undergoing torture. He spoke of wooden and metal contraptions they were strapped to, and said he is weakening, feeling drained.
"Yesterday, while trying again to communicate with us, apparently one of his captors came upon us as he did so, and we have not heard from him since then.
"What we hope to speak with you about is whether you may have any idea who it is who holds them captive. We learned from some goblins a few days ago - after they tried to kill some of us, intending to sell us to the same people in Bright Springs - that they are paying money for creatures they can molest, experiment upon, and do heaven knows what."
Murphy takes a breath, and continues. "It all comes down to this: Do you have any knowledge about these matters, or about Bright Springs, which may help us effect a rescue?"
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 5:59:17 PM
Cameron just shakes his head. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out some dried meat from his rations. He gives a stick to Cudgel and offers some to Bliss and Mookie. If only he had popcorn in his pockets.... ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Spells and effects on Cameron Longstrider 5 hours duration
Bliss munches the slim jim -- Mookie gives his share to Bliss.
"Hey Cam," he says, "Cam? Cam? Cam, guess what? Cam!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 8:43:32 PM
"Now, before you say anything," Pressi added after Murphy finished, "you probably think after all this that we're a little stubborn and foolish. I want to put your mind at ease. We are extremely stubborn and foolish. Sorry you had to find out like this.
Pressi backs up Murphy's story, adding how as a transplant to the town of Humble's Ford, the dangers that the club face affects her deeply. "I'm sure that, back in your day, you had people who got you thrown out of town on occasion.
"Speaking of which, I'm going to turn the diplomacy over to Murphy. Shel's invisibility should run out any minute now, and I want to be prepared to bull rush her when it does."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 10:18:18 PM "Oh quit kissing up to Murphy, Pressi. You hoping the Sherrif of the group will make you a Deputy? And Murphy, I know you've seemingly appointed yourself leader, but you don't order me to do anything, thank you very much. I dont order you to stop prattling when you ramble on another tangent about nothing at all for half an hour. Cameron is actually right, we should've just passed this place by. Obviously, they don't anything or they wouldn't have made us put on a show for them.". Shel was mad at the whole situation and at Murphy for talking down to her. They were equals.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 24th, 2016 12:17:34 AM
Cameron looks toward Bliss and raises an eyebrow. " Yes Bliss?" After the tiny halfling spits out his important tale, Cameron leans in close and whispers to him. " Does this Greyson guy remind you of anyone we used to know? A silver would get you a gold if he isn't some half baked hippie just like Linden was. Someone who sits around all day smoking herbs and seeing things, you know, hallucinating." " Now hush, Shel just agreed with me. That's never happened before. I want to watch how this plays out. Cameron slowly chews his jerky, getting all of the flavor out of it before he swallows it.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Thursday March 24th, 2016 2:31:42 AM
Alleah just covers her eyes and sighs to herself. She'd heard tell that it was easier to herd cats than halflings, and that was starting to look very true.
She just needs a moments peace to collect her thoughts.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday March 24th, 2016 2:39:51 AM
"Shel, sorry to hear you are so offended today. We can discuss details later. Right now, feel free to keep talking, or to stop talking, if you think that either approach will help us accomplish our objectives - to rescue the captives, and perhaps break up the wicked enterprise." Murphy replies.
He returns his attention to Greyson. "By the way, I meant earlier to say that one of their captors came upon Veseley, not upon us, as the wizard attempted telepathic communication."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+13=21 ; Thursday March 24th, 2016 3:27:29 PM
(Perception 21)
"That's really brave of you to say while hiding. Why don't you come out and say it to my face."
Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn d20+5=17 ; Thursday March 24th, 2016 4:27:47 PM
Kezzem tries to use the " old friend" technique and luck has it works a bit. The man squints his eyes more then they should be. " I think I remember you.. but I dont recall any first or second dinner club. Sorry"
He stands and listens to Murphy tell the entire situation up to this point. He takes a big inhale before blowing the smoke out.
" You have any of that leaf to trade? If you have it or some other I can tell you who you're looking for. "
If... ONLY IF Murphy or someone else produces some tobacco. Highlight to display spoiler: { You're looking for Uthvas, a necromancer and a taxidermist, and works on dead bodies. He is tolerated in the town, and supported by the Mayor, a halforc named Hammish. He will pay for freshly dead bodies. }
Cameron feeds cudgel while still upset at the whole matter.
Bliss and mookie share in Camerons meat treats.
Pressi adds to Murphy's story before her and Shel have a full back and forth. Hostilities are thrown back and forth and invisibility iS waiting to be dropped.
Alleah has to collect her thoughts and just shakes her head. Halflings were a handful.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:43:18 PM
Her beef with Shel forgotten, Pressi begins to rummage through her bag. "As a matter of fact, I happen to have a bag of special tobacco that I happened to have with me on our way back to... Domi's Betrayal. Yeah, I'm out.
"Ooh, I do have this." Pressi shows Greyson a small hourglass where the sand runs continuously upwards. "I also have some hemp rope that goes with it."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 24th, 2016 8:13:35 PM
Cameron watches the back and forth of the group and wonders how they haven't been killed yet. They do come together in a fight pretty well though, he has seen that. When it appears Presst is out of tobacco,Cameron reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pipe and pouch. He extracts the pipe, but closes the pouch and offers it to Mookie. " Think you could fly this to Murphy, Mookie? I don't think those guys on the wall really liked my comments, and I learned a long time ago not to offer people a reason to take a shot at you. You're a bird and haven't spoken in their presence yet. They should have no beef with you. This tobacco isn't special, but it might be enough to get this guy to talk. Who knows, he might know something after all." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Bliss looks around, a little wide eyed. "Cam! Cam! Where is everybody? Shouldn't we oughta stick together more, like?"
"Oh wait, I see them over there talking to that fellow. He doesn't look all that gruesome, so it must be the other guy. Let's hear what he has to say, come on!"
Bliss tugs at Cam to get him to move up within hearing range of that fellow.
Mookie watches Bliss tug ineffectually on Cam, and caws, "Sure, no problemo, I got this."
He flies the pouch of tobacco over to Greyson, drops it at the man's feet, and takes a bow.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday March 24th, 2016 10:35:07 PM "Veseley looked positively panicked during his last 'appearance.' Something terrible happened, I could tell that much.". With Greyson finally appearing, Shel finally dropped her Invisibility spell. "And the third member of the Dinner Club was a relative of mine, and we saw him killed in front of us, so I apologize if I came off as a little testy to your guards, but patience isn't my strong suit right now."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Friday March 25th, 2016 2:09:34 AM
"Tobacco? Sure. Just a moment." He walks back over to where he left Pippa, and gets into the saddlebag. He pulls out a bag containing a pound of tobacco, then takes an empty pouch and fills it with about a quarter pound. Next he reaches into his haversack and extracts a six foot narwal ivory pipe. He brings the remaining bag with 3/4 of a pound of tobacco with him. As he walks back, he sees Mookie drop a bag at Greyson's feet.
"Looks like the bird beat me to it. This here is some of our everyday pipe tobacco - not Thistleleaf. But you're welcome to give it a try. It's called 'Orby's Smooth.' Orby is my father's older brother."
Murphy takes a bit of the tobacco, and tamps it into the bowl of the pipe. He hands over the pipe (perhaps made from a narwal horn). "This pipe smokes smooth, too."
Following the two deliveries of pipeweed, he listens to Greyson's brief information.
"So, just to ensure I've understood correctly, you believe the fellow who has our friends captive is Uthvas. And Uthvas practices necromancy and taxidermy. Mayor Hammish, a half-orc, supports Uthvas in his work. Can you elaborate in what manner he supports him?
"Oh, and have you any recommendations as to how we might best approach the situation? We want to rescue our friends with no further harm coming their way. Should the opportunity show itself, we may want to treat with their torturer, as well..."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Friday March 25th, 2016 2:12:36 AM
If Greyson wants the help, he will strike spark to pipeleaf as the tobacconist pulls in air.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Friday March 25th, 2016 4:13:19 AM "putative leader? Oh brother!" Alleah rolls her eyes, but continues to remain silent.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Friday March 25th, 2016 8:31:48 AM
Trill joins the others as Greyson speaks but doesn't say a lot at this point. So far all we have really learned is the name of the Mage and a supporter. Not as much help as she was hoping for.
As Murphy asks a couple of questions, Trill is somehow moved to ask a few of her own as well.
So Greyson,
* Where exactly does this Uthvas hold up? * Have you ever been there, and if so can you provide any sort of floor plan? * Does he have any other followers/men/associates that are usually with him. If so do you know anything about them? * What will mayor Hammish's, and the town's, response likely to be if we end up having to Kill this Necromancer
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Friday March 25th, 2016 9:59:06 AM
"Huh, so now we have information that can allow us some guesses about the second dinner club's condition," Pressi says not at all directly to Shel, Cameron and Trill. "And more to the point, now we have some idea of what to do rather than just rushing blindly towards someone that could turn us into zombies in a blink of an eye. It's almost like this side mission turned out to be time worth spent, is it not. Because I'm beginning to feel that it is. Though there's something that I feel like I'm forgetting, what could it possibly be....
Pressi jumps into Cameron's face. "Booyah!"
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Friday March 25th, 2016 11:23:25 AM
Bliss laughs at Pressi. "Oh, you make me laugh! Maybe we'll see ghosts too! And you can say 'Boo' to them!"
"Boo!"
"Ha! Cam, we're all ghastly ghosts!"
Mookie looks back over his shoulder. Er, wing. "Kid, stop goofing! Be a hero!"
"Oh yeah," says Bliss, standing up straighter. But he cannot help thinking again that he really needs a hat of Disguise. He would enjoy pretending to be a ghost or a zombie. Just a little one.
Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn Friday March 25th, 2016 5:09:48 PM
Greyson takes a string pull on the pipe, expands his lungs with the smoke and blows it it in a big ring.
" That is all I really know. He's holed up in Bright Springs and that half orc helps him get away with his experiments as long as he is taken care of. I never was in his residence or even know where it is. "
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Friday March 25th, 2016 9:50:47 PM
Alleah isn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but still "Forgive my curiosity sir, but how did you come to know this information?"
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Friday March 25th, 2016 10:25:43 PM
Shel waits for any more information before heading out. "Anything else we need to know about the surrounding area or the necromancer? Necromancy magic is so nasty. I don't know who would want to use much of that stuff!"
Bliss whispers to Cam and Pressi. "He says the bad guy is in Bright Springs. Is that the same place where they want a song and dance to get in? Maybe we should start practicing the hootchy-kootchy."
Mookie, who has wandered back, laughs harshly. "Yeah, or the macarena!" he says.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Saturday March 26th, 2016 7:44:55 AM
"It sounds, though, if I am not mistaken, that you have at least some acquaintance with Bright Springs." Murphy pulls out some paper and ink. "Might you be able at least to sketch out a simple map of the town? Oh, and, how's the pipeweed? Nice ring!"
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Saturday March 26th, 2016 7:45:52 AM
"I forgot one more thing. Do you know how far Bright Springs is from here? Miles, or time-wise?"
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Saturday March 26th, 2016 5:18:23 PM
Cameron has asked that distance/time question repeatedly, and there has been resounding silence each time. Makes planning in any way very difficult. As Bliss chatters away about nonsense and Pressi is still more concerned about knowing whats going on rather than fixing the problem, Cameron starts making plans as the fellow is asked to draw a map. He tries to catch Kezzem's eye and motions him over. Cameron has a plan to get them all into this necromancer guy's presence at the very least. It is not nice, nor is it friendly, and he want's the opinion of the guy who is constantly telling stories that may or may not be true to tell him if it will work.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Sunday March 27th, 2016 10:42:42 AM
Trill shakes her head at the lack of information they have received from this visit. They have a name, and the fact that he is a necromancer and that he is at least tacitly supported by the mayor of this town.
"Ok all, so we may be dealing with some sort of unholy, undead beasts of some sort." Who has any thoughts about dealing with them?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Sunday March 27th, 2016 11:00:48 AM
"Well, I believe Cameron was thinking about at least some of us walking in disguised as evil traders, particularly him because he follows Jenasscis and wouldn't be recognized by anyone. To add to that, I have a few disguise items (bugbear servant as circumstance bonus?), you could throw someone like me or Murphy in "not at all easy to remove" ropes because we don't need gear, and the rest could walk in invisible.
"I think the other key is that we could weaken him before we strike. The half orc helps AS LONG AS he is taken care of. The people in the town, and it doesn't sound like they're just zombies, are probably relying on the necromancer for food and promises of money. That means we can split them off.
"Also, I'm pretty sure Bright Springs is where my black aviator alter ego is running around right now..."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Sunday March 27th, 2016 11:01:43 AM
"There is one other thing," Pressi said silently. "We have to assume that the second dinner club has already been killed. At least once."
Bliss offers Enlarge Person to anyone who wants to be disguised as a human r a half-orc or a bugbear. He just has to recast it every three minutes.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Sunday March 27th, 2016 8:43:40 PM "Or since he's a taxidermist we walk straight in with a dead animal" Alleah suggests
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+11=19 ; Monday March 28th, 2016 12:26:19 AM
Sense Motive (Cameron): 19
Kezzem notices Cam trying to get his attention and mosey's on over to him.
"What's up, Cam?"
"Or since he's a taxidermist we walk straight in with a dead animal" Alleah suggests.
"Nobody's killing an animal!" Kezzem shouts back.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Monday March 28th, 2016 1:19:16 AM "I wouldn't dream of killing an innocent animal. I would imagine though we would find something deceased between here and there. A dog, a bird, a wolf, a boar. It could be anything already dead"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Monday March 28th, 2016 10:09:40 AM
Pressi stared a bit at Kezzem, surprised for the first time in a while. "Since when have you cared about killing an animal?"
-------------------
Later on, Pressi took Bliss aside. "I want to talk to you a little about what happened back there. I don't approve of what you did, but I singled out Shel because she's supposed to be the adult. She should have known better, and you....
"Well, I guess I can understand based on how I was at your emotional and intellectual age. It would be nice if it matched your actual age, but we're given the cards we're given. I just need you to understand that resisting authority isn't what makes you an adult. Doing the right thing, even if it's hard or scary or hurts you emotionally is what makes you an adult. And sometimes, you're not going to be sure what the right thing is.
"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I used to confuse the two, and that's why I left home. So if you ever felt unsure and wanted to talk about it, I'm here to at least talk about it."
Pressi shuddered at the thought that Bliss might soon discover puberty.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Monday March 28th, 2016 11:36:37 AM
Cameron is about to start explaining what he has in mind when he realizes they are still standing in front of the town and Grayson is kinda right there with them. " I wanted to talk strategy with you Kezzem, because you seen to be the one that can make people believe the most improbable of stories. But I don't want to do it here. We'll all talk once we hit the road again. I have an idea that is pretty close to your wooden rabbit idea."
Exit the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn Monday March 28th, 2016 4:13:58 PM
Greyson turns to Alleah. " About Uthvas, anyone who deals with Bright Springs has knowledge of him. I don't know everything about him, but what I do I shared. "
Turning to Shel. " I know nothing about Necromany. As for the surrounding area.. don't drink the water or eat anything out of the water. It is very dirty to say the least.
Bliss Confuses Bright Springs for the town they are standing in front of.
Greyson takes the paper and draws a very crude map. The town is on the shores of the lake and lays against hills and mountains.
" It's a walled city. Main gate is guarded but easy to get through. Should take you no.more then two days.
Cameron tries to get Kezzems eye to tell him the plan he has for getting close to Uthvas.
Trill doesn't like the ammount of info they received, nor does she like the idea of battling some neceomany. Maybe diplomacy will win.. ( tried with a straight face.)
Pressi brings up the idea of posing as traders and sneaking In.. and also.mentions the elephant in the room... What if the second dinner club is dead?
Bliss can cast enlarge to make the little halflings look like little humans.
Alleah suggests bringing in a dead animal to the taxidermist to which Kezzem snaps back about not killinh animals. AlleahS assures him that wasn't her plan while Pressi was shocked he would snap.
Kezzem is about to share his plan when he realizes Greyson is still there.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As if taking the cue Greyson gives a nod and heads back to the wall. He kmocks on the gate and waits for it to open.
He turns, as the door is opening.. " I know I don't know you, but be careful. The people of Bright Springs are good but some bad things happen there. I know you have heard the sayING about poking the bear.. well Uthvas had many stuffed bears and doesn't want them poked. Just be careful. And this is some good smoke. " he adds as he heads in blowing a gigantic smoke ring.
The gate shuts behind him with a resoundING thud.. again the Sword is by themselves.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Monday March 28th, 2016 4:47:21 PM
As the gate thuds shut, Murphy asks, "I wonder if Uthvas has undead bears."
[have to run back to work... more later]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Monday March 28th, 2016 6:14:24 PM
"They're probably..." starts Kezzem.
Murphy says, "I wonder if Uthvas has undead bears."
"I was just about to say that! Hey, maybe those bears have been...taxizombied."
OCC: Sorry.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Monday March 28th, 2016 8:35:48 PM
Oh Great, Zombie Bears!! Well let's get back on the way. We are killing daylight right now.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday March 28th, 2016 10:16:43 PM "Only two days? That's not so far away. Trill is right! Let's get going. We can discuss plans on the road. I agree that a disguise is probably our best bet, especially if every town in this area has an Invisibility detector at its gate."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Monday March 28th, 2016 11:18:56 PM
After they have ridden on a bit, Cameron explains the plan he had been working on back when Ringrot was part of their lives. " So Ringrot got me thinking. This Uthvas guy is recruiting every lowlife in the area to 'bring him subjects' for his experiments. Why don't one or two of us pose as people taking him up on the offer. I am not considered a good person because of the holy symbol I wear, but you all know me better than that. I tell the guy a story, a mostly true story, since there are magics that can detect a falsehood. If he buys it you all are my prisoners that 'had it coming' and you will all be in with the Second Dinner Club, or whatever is left of them. I know you guys are resourceful and if given a chance will be able to get free. I keep him busy and you free the hostages. Then I leave, with our business concluded. Once the mages are safe we decide what, if anything else, needs to be done in Bright Springs." "Would that work? Do you all trust me not to sell you down the river?" " I thought of Kezzem as the other guy selling you off because he has a knack for telling believable stories. I am not well known in Crescent Valley, so if I wanted you guys to say, disappear so that I could land your cushy job as protector of Humble's Ford, most people would believe that. I tell him that I lured you out by telling you that the mages that almost everyone knows are missing from the Ford were being held in the Red Hills. When I saw my chance I poisoned you all and tied you up. I am quite sure that between myself, Trill and Murphy we can find some sort of herbal poison out here that would knock a halfling out for a few hours." " What do you think?" ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:57:28 AM
As Bliss listens to Pressi, a bit of a change slowly comes over his demeanor. He stands up straighter, looks straight at her, and when she pauses, answers, "Yes ma'am." When she is done, he says, "Thank you, Miss Pressi. I'll visit you if I want to talk."
Bliss is grateful to understand that they have to go two day's travel further on to get to the necromancer's village. He worries about fighting undead -- his new bah is less effective against those. And he is worried about the Breakfast Clubbers. He hopes they are still alive.
"Come on, we have travel to do." he says to his comrades in arms.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Tuesday March 29th, 2016 2:36:44 AM
"Sounds like a decent germ of a plan, Cameron. Let's think through it thoroughly as we travel, and work out the details. Does anyone have any other suggested approaches?" Murphy asks everyone.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 5:38:31 AM
Alleah waves goodbye to Greyson and the town.
"Greyson didn't specifically say that this necromancr taxidermist has the Second Dinner Club. Just that we should look for him. I'm not really keen on a plan that involves half of us being drugged and at the mercy of any of this necromancer's associates. Having half of us unconscious weakens the collective group.
A few less risky, and perhaps less direct, plans come to my mind.
The mayor - Hammish - could be our way in. We either find a way to get him on side, or, we charm him to help us.
Failing that, it sounds like this Uthvas necromancer fellow tries to run a legitimate taxidermy business on the side. Well, we could just walk up to his front door asking him to stuff an animal of ours. We could very truthfully say that a much loved pony recently died and we require it, er, preserved. Then we start poking around.
Or we could try and find him from a distance without being detected. If he Detects as evil, we could even try and abduct HIM from the streets and question him ourselves."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:10:42 AM
"Yeah, and I never agreed to just letting myself be paralyzed," Pressi objected. "Nor did I agree to just let you run around unsupervised, Cameron. Not that I think this is some sort of trick and you'll suddenly turn out to be evil. But no, I don't entirely trust you, or your judgment. Though I suppose if Kezzem is babysitting you... I guess he would be good, especially if things went south."
Pressi leaned back, listening to Alleah's statements. "True, but when someone says you're looking for a kind of guy, that's the guy. I do think we have to go to him directly, though getting the town mayor to vouch for us is not a bad idea. That's going to be the key - to show enough circumstances that they'll buy this. And I suppose to be as subtle as a criminal normally would be.
"I'm kind of wondering, and I know the dangers of this, if this is one of those times we do need to split the party. It's more believable that Cameron would take down two of us than all of us, a couple could follow us, and the rest could see if we can get the town to turn against our Uthvas friend."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:40:57 AM
" I thought of Kezzem as the other guy selling you off because he has a knack for telling believable stories," says Cam.
"The trick is to tell the biggest lie possible without it being absurd," says Kezzem.
Bliss says, "I can just sneak around pretty sneaky like, and probably go unnoticed. Mookie would stay outside to rescue us if things go belly-up."
"Yeah," says Mookie, "I'll be the freaking flying cavalry to save your sorry hides. That's what I'll do."
"Especially since I can see in the dark pretty good now," continues Bliss. "So I would not have to pretend to be a prisoner or a druggy or anything like that. I could also sneak around inside first before we enter to do some scouting. Tiny like I am, I can squeeze in some teensy ways. Then come back and draw us a map of the place and such."
Bliss says to Kezzem, I'm not too good at lying, so you better do that tricky stuff.
He says to Pressi, "Oh, miss, you can trust Cam all right. He's for sure one of the good guys. We trained and adventured together, and he is brave and determined!"
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Tuesday March 29th, 2016 1:22:04 PM " Oh, I never intended you to still be poisoned when I turned you in. The fact is that if they are dealing with a cleric, follower or, in this case Avenger of Jancassis, Poinson is expected to be used in some way at some point. It would be absurd to claim that the two of us could bring you all down, even while sleeping without some kind of edge. That edge is that you were all slipped a mickey during dinner that dulled your reflexes to the point that we could deal with whoever was on watch and tie the others while they slept a drugged slumber. AFter that, poison would not be needed, you would already be caught. I would never let them take you while you were still poisoned." "The rest of it, and the reason I would rather poison you mildly, than just say that I poisoned you is truth. I may bend it, but I have to deal in the truth. Every person that comes to me asking for help in gaining revenge I have to believe is doing it from a point of they were hurt and now seek to return the favor. If I am to work on that pemise, that the other people I am dealing with are telling ME the truth, I need to tell it and know when to recognize it is not being told." "The only problem I see with gaining the mayor's trust is again the spectre that has haunted me this whole trip, time. If we take the time to treat with the mayor, maybe do something to earn his trust, we will be allowing the experiments to continue. I am with Pressi that we may not get beack whole halflings at this point, we may not even get live ones. If this guy is a necromancer, he may be experimenting in a way to remove life from one being and store it for another use. Perhaps eternal life, resurection or something else. If he was proceeding slowly, then discovering that they have been calling for help may accelerate his tests, and that may well kill the mages. I think now more than ever we need to hurry." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Plans in motion - Dm shawn Tuesday March 29th, 2016 10:11:35 PM
The group heads out bouncing ideas off of each other to figure out how to get inside and to Uthvas. Only an hour into the journey, poof... Veseley appears for the first time before everyone. He appears as an apparition. He says his captor is some sort of necromancer named Uthvas. Uthvas continues his experiments on the two mages, but also on a great hill giant there. Veseley does not know what Uthvas wants from the two halfling mages, but they remain very weak after their experiments. The necromancer seeks something from the giant called Giant Essence. This is what fueled the protection of the towers around the Crescent Valley.
And just like that he is gone again...
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 10:27:34 PM
Shel was slightly relieved at the vision, as strange as the feeling was. "At least they are still alive. Thank goodness. I agree with Cam that we need to hurry. I doubt we have time to bring in the mayor. That leaves us with either being turned in as captives, or approaching to talk about taxidermy and trying to turn the tables on them. I think I'd rather try the direct approach. Maybe we can wait by the ship for a little bit, until there is no other customers inside. We rush in and ask our questions...if he doesn't cooperate, maybe we could take him and find a quiet spot to talk more to him?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:01:11 PM "I'm in favour of that direct approach, Shel. We should do it quick and quiet. Try and catch him by surprise and before he can react. Keep in mind that if we do make a scene, the mayor might call the city guard on us."
Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:40:19 AM
Bliss says, "He's experimenting on giants!"
Mookie says, "Maybe we should cut a deal with this guy. He seems more competent than the Breakfast Club, and probably knows more about fixin the tower than they do! We have not heard that he's killed anybody. Not all necromancers are bad guys. In fact, there was this guy who hung around with the Boss and her crew who was practically a walking corpse. What was his name ..."
Bliss says "What? Wowsy! My mom used to hang out with a necromancer?"
"Sure," says Mookie. "They were like best friends. And even though he was half-undead, boy he was good at killing liches. Wait, I can think of this ... Jester? Joust? Good lookin fellow, even if he was tainted by death. Not that I notice those things much, but this guy was smoooth."
[OOC: Mookie is talking about Jass, an undead bloodline sorcerer and a Hero of Blackbird Lake, a level 20 retired PC with a 34 Chr played by SteveK.)
"Anyhow," adds Mookie, "Maybe this Uteva guy is not so bad, is all I'm saying. Do we KNOW that he has killed anybody or created any undead?"
"I could sneak in and find out!" offers Bliss, enthusiastically.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:42:49 AM
"Evil and distasteful as Uthvas' investigations may be, if he is trying to acquire essence of giant, might that serve as a key to rebuilding the now fallen giant tower north of Humble's Ford?" Murphy asks. "And we must also ask the question: Is this death spell maker trying to perform a similar extraction from his halfling victims?"
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:46:49 AM
[concurrent post with Cayzle's above]
"I met Jass at The Giggling Ghost," Murphy says to Mookie.
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Wednesday March 30th, 2016 9:15:01 AM
"Umm Mookie, we know he is evil because he has kidnapped two innocent halflings and is doing experiments on them without their permission and causing harm to them." This mention of Giant's essence may have something to do with the giant towers and perhaps the reason the one has failed."
"I say we need to get a move on and at the bare minimum remove the mages from his grasp."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:32:48 AM
"I'm pretty sure the taxizombie guy torturing halflings is not a good guy," says Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:57:54 AM
Pressi almost fell over at Bliss and Murphy's conversation, making it quite clear that she is NOT going to strike a deal of any necromancer. Even if this Jass guy was the pinnacle of goodness - and she had doubts that this guy would be fun to be around - the combination of magic and desecration made it more likely than not that striking a deal would be a great idea. She had already decided that, whatever this guy turns out to have done, she was going to pound him into the ground.
"At the very least, are you sure it's unlikely he's evil? Or are you just hoping he turns out to be?"
Pressi sighed, moving on. "Can someone explain to me what 'Giant's essence' actually is? Or what it has to do with the towers?"
Returning to the planning, "Well, in all honesty we all kind of agreed not to do the most direct approach. The most direct approach is to just ride through the town to this guy, weapons drawn, screaming the names of our respective gods in a far more noble manner than anything we've contemplated thus far. So now we're just arguing over how subtle we want to be. And over what we think Uthvas is like and what protections we think he has. That's why I suggested a split party and some investigations - so we could quickly switch if we guessed wrong.
"Though I might be able to convince some of you to do the 'storm the castle' method instead," Pressi said as she turned to Cam. "I'm not familiar with Janasscis having a problem with lying. Even Domi doesn't stop his lawful good monks from just stating outright falsehoods. Is this a personal belief, then?"
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Wednesday March 30th, 2016 4:45:27 PM
Cameron had been listening to the discussion, and thought that direct questioning followed by more direct questioning would probably be the best path, until the town guard got involved anyway. Pressi's question sort of caught him off guard. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts and then answers her. " Yes, it is a personal choice. But from what I know, she has a huge problem with people lying. " "Look, I see it this way. My goddess is the one folks pray to when they have been given a raw deal and no one else will take their side, and they are too small or weak to enact revenge themselves. She looks into their plight, maybe by using one of her followers in the Wold, most likely an Avenger. If she finds their case has merit, she assigns someone, again probably an Avenger, to mete out a vengeance that is equivalent and just. She doesn't just harm folks willy nilly. If what she is doing is looking for the kernel of truth at the heart of a wrong that has been done, she needs to have honest testimony. I have heard more than one story about those that have lied to her, to get her to harm a rival, or make way for them to overcome someone to make a profit. They find out what real vengeance feels like really fast." "On that note I try to tell the truth as much as I can, and to be honest and fulfill bargains I have made. The Fist fostered that in me, and Jancassis shows me why it is best to deal honestly and squarely with others. If you screw someone over and they survive the encounter, then you might be the next person she is looking to take vengeance on. It also explains why I try to give people only one chance to kill me. If they fail, they die, no second chances. Basically, if I offer no offense, then I should expect no vengeance be wrought upon me." "I like the direct approach too, my only question would be what to do if and when the guards are summoned to stop us. I can knock them down, and generally keep them from getting to us and hurting us, for awhile anyway. If their numbers are too great, or they have ranged weapons, well, then we may have to hurt them, and I don;t think we want to go into what was recently described as a town where 'the people of Bright Springs are good but some bad things happen ' and start hurting guards that are just following orders. We need to keep the rest of the town out of this conversation. OR, we need to include them in the conversation, and let them know the truth of what happens in their own town. Evidence like that will not be easy to collect, and it may get the guard sent after us anyways." " By all accounts that I am hearing, this Uthvas guy and the mayor perhaps have some vengeance coming their way, but the guard and the rest of the town sound like they are either pawns, or just stuck in the middle. If we can get the evidence, and can control ourselves long enough to talk to most of the town, I may have spells available to me that can keep the common folk from getting involved in stopping us. Maybe. It would take preparation, and I would be almost useless in combat if I tried it." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Bliss nods at the things Kezzem, Pressi and Trill say. "You guys are prolly right. I just don't want us to kill the only guy who can fix the tower, is all. Maybe I can shoot him with my bah, so he just gets knocked out, not killed, and that way we can save him to help us afterwords."
Bliss looks up at Cam, listening, and then shakes his head. "Good for you, Cam!" he says. "You got a lot juggled up in your head right there. My little brain would explode tryin to keep up with all that. I have enough trouble remembering that I want to do hero stuff and not mercenary stuff or cowardly stuff or murder stuff or goofy stuff."
"You have a lot of trouble staying away from the goofy stuff," says Mookie.
Bliss laughs. "True!"
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday March 30th, 2016 9:49:33 PM "If we move quickly enough and quietly enough, we won't have to worry about hurting any guards. I can make a few of us invisible, but after getting caught last time, I'm a bit wary of that tactic as our sole cover to approach. Maybe the people in this area have to struggle with invisibility magic more than in the Ford, so they are used to trying to deal with it."
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:28:04 PM " No, they were just smart enough to count. They stopped 7 halflings, one rode away, then four more did what they wanted and entertained or traded with them and were le in. Suddenly there wee no more halflings. A ten year old can do that math, Seven minus one, minus four means if there aren't still two halflings in front of you, then you are being invaded by the two you took your eyes off of, stop everything." "Simple math really"
Plans in motion - Dm shawn Wednesday March 30th, 2016 11:35:09 PM
Plans are being thrown back and forth and actually starting to come together. The day flies by even though the weather is pretty bad. Another soaking rain through out the day.
Camp is another easy set up, and the usuall watches are taken. The wolives are back, howling in the distance.
During Shel and Camerons watch things change though. . The howling goes away.. and a low, laughing sound can be heard in the darkness.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday March 31st, 2016 12:36:31 AM
During the discussion, Murphy tosses in a few coppers. "Is what the necromancer doing evil? Surely looks like it concerning our halfling friends, and one may even call into question what he does with the giant. One could argue most hill giants are evil, and seek to justify him on that count.
"But let's say, all right, his practices, at least some of them, fall into the evil category. Well, then, what is to be done about that?
"One could say, 'Hey, he's evil, so kill him.' Or, less drastic, 'Hey, he's evil, so let's stop him, and punish him.' Often attempted here in the Wold. Stop the oppressor, offer a meaningful measure of retribution for his misdeeds.'
"One could also say, 'Hey, he's evil, but perhaps he could be turned towards the good.' Perhaps an appeal to conscience? To the long-term benefits of good versus evil? 'Because your mother would be proud of you'? Or, 'Change your way of thinking, learn to do good. We could come down on you severely for your past misdeeds. However, if you acknowledge the error of your ways, and turn your heart, and hands, and mind toward helping, serving, blessing others, forgiveness and redemption are available.'"
Murphy then adds, "We won't know whether the fellow is persuadable. If so - if we can build a convincing case that he is open to considering, then perhaps he can be moved toward doing what is right. Frankly, though, I am not optimistic.
"However, like Bliss, if, besides rescuing our two town wizards, we can also gain information that may help in rebuilding our warding tower, that could benefit the whole valley, and serve to ensure the future..." he pauses, then grins, "as much as we have lately seen that the future might be ensured."
"Pressi, Shafbaffum years ago build the warding towers. It is commonly said that he used 'essence of giants' in effecting the defense. I would suggest, among other things, that we not include massive burning of the necromancer's goods and possessions as part of our strategy - in case Uthvas has taken careful note of his work."
Considering further, he says, "Like as not Uthvas has other research victims under his roof. Rather than freeing two halflings, we may want to consider whether we may be able to liberate a whole host of prisoners."
Camp As they set up camp, Murphy casts speak with animals, and spends some time talking with the ponies, praising them for their brave hearts and swift movement. He gives them extra oats with their feed, and sees if others would like to help him brush down their coats. He looks them over with care, checks their shoes, and does what he can to see to their welfare.
Wolves Murphy thinks he would like to talk with the wolves. Perhaps they can ally? Or, something...
He considers the report of the laughter as he comes on watch.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d20+9=29 ; d20+12=30 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 4:30:32 AM
Cameron's ears perk up as the laughter begins. Is it menacing laughter? Jovial? Is it in any language he recognizes? He speaks Common, Halfling, Giant, Dwarven, Tauric and Orcish. Without any more information, it is difficult to give you any reaction to this laughter. Cameron does call the dogs to him. He orders them to stand alert and prepares to take them with him to check on the other, more skittish mounts. He casts light on the fletching of a goblin arrow and pulls out a goblin bow to use as he goes to check the mounts as well. Handle animal 29 Perception 30 -------------------------------------------------------- On the matter of Uthvas, Cameron is flabbergasted at his companions inability to spot evil. " Um, this guy is hooking unwilling subjects to some kind of device and pulling their essence out of them. Note the unwilling part. If you are questioning if he is evil or not then I am the embodiment of Alemi among you." " Holy moley folks it would be the same as me tying one of you up and torturing you for information. Hot pokers and knives and acid Oh My. It doesn't matter that one of his subjects might be a giant. That he is extracting giant essence and that it may have been used in the towers creation brings that whole enterprise under my scrutiny too. Screw your heads on straight. Evil is evil no matter who is doing it to whom. I am shocked that I of all people need to point this out." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Thursday March 31st, 2016 7:18:16 AM "I can't believe it, but I think Cameron and I are actually in agreement! Let's nab this necromancer guy and do it quickly. If we take him without raising any alarms we can question him to find out what he knows. If, and that's a HUGE if, he has done nothing wrong then we compensate him and let him on his way.
If the guards are called, I'll do my best to placate them, or, bluff them into heading a different way if I can. Of course, Calm Emotions and Sleep spells might come into play too"
------------------------------------------- Unless disturbed by Shel or Cameron, Alleah continues her meditations.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:23:06 AM
Shel agrees with both Alleah and Cameron. Strange circumstances make for strange bedfellows.
The sorcerer doesn't move to wake up any of her friends as the strange sound still seemed far away,a nd she didn't want to disturb them. If it draws any closer, she will begin waking them up, starting with the ones closest to her.
Plans in motion - Dm shawn Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:38:53 AM
Ooc: Sorry. The laughter sounds menacing aND has an animal quality to ut.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday March 31st, 2016 11:09:40 AM
"Well, here's the problem," Pressi said to Cam. "You're operating on the assumption that Shel has the ability to do simple math, or really any intelligence at all. I suppose it's possible, but I have no evidence to verify it.
"I guess on some level, I figured I'd agree with Cameron about tactics. Jenasscis and Domi... I guess we have a lot more in common than we sometimes care to admit. The need for physical and natural conquest. The need to get involved in the truly hopeless. The refusal to back down until the job is done, and to be trustworthy in your dealings. There's a few areas where we quibble... but I don't always want to win the argument. I just want to make sure that in your emotion or your stubborness that you haven't forgotten to keep an interest or tradeoff in mind.
After listening to Murphy, Pressi rolled her eyes and continued with Cam. "Eberryon. A little too far on the mercy, hopey and strategic deal scales for my tastes sometimes. We haven't always seen eye to eye either. Though... you are kind of talking to someone who needed those several chances you never would have granted. Have you never wondered what might have been had you shown mercy... oh, right, you once did. Sorry. It's just.... the key is always about balance. I learned that from Waard.
"One other thing we haven't discussed. Domi and Waard both have this idea that, as good as it is to help the hopeless, it's better to give the hopeless the tools to rise up against their oppressor, and I feel as a good member of Domi that getting the town to rise up would make our lives so much easier. Now granted, I can only speculate as the townspeople-necromancer relationship..."
--------------
Pressi wrestles in her sleep, the laughing filling her ears and invading her dreams. "So much for the element of surprise," she mutters.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Thursday March 31st, 2016 11:25:17 AM
"I don't know, Murph," says Kezzem. "If you're willing to torture others like that, you're too far gone in my book to be saved."
Is Bliss asleep when the laughter sounds? Does it wake him up? Well, his perception check in this regard is ... a 19. Hmmm.
If he hears it and is awake, Bliss sneaks out from under his cauldron to investigate. He whispers to Mookie, "Shh. You stay here and pretend to sleep while I check this out." Mookie snores on, which to Bliss means he is doing a good job of pretending to sleep.
Bliss hides behind foliage and flowers, ponies and packs as he sneaks toward the laighter.
Stealth 33
Hopefully he can sneak up, take a peek, then sneak back to report.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 31st, 2016 5:51:29 PM Ooc: Sorry. The laughter sounds menacing AND has an animal quality to it. Well that is a horse of a different color, pun intended. Since the laugh is menacing, and apparently low and growly enough to be an animal, Cameron is worried. He once, briefly, before taking up the mantle of cleric, had to fight some wererats. Breaking their resistance to normal weapons was hard, and ever since he has carried a silver dagger, just in case. Instead of the goblin bow, Cameron pulls that dagger and tosses a rock with a light spell on it into the midst of the ponies. It may startle them, but shouldn't alarm them unless it shows predators already in their midst. He encourages Shel to light another quadrant of the camp if she can. He then quietly steps over to the others and wakes Alleah first, since it was she that spoke to the horses, and explains the situation, hoping if it is some kind of intelligent animal, she will be able to speak to it. The wand of scorching ray is quickly put into Cameron's other hand.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Thursday March 31st, 2016 9:31:25 PM
Alleah nods to Cameron as he explains the situation. Her first instinct is to yell out loud and rally the entire party. Since Shel and Cameron think it better to be quiet right now, Alleah doesn't disagree.
She stands and then wakes Bliss.
-------------------------------- Move action to stand up Move action to wake Bliss
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) d20+9=18 ; d20+9=16 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:29:02 PM
Trill helps set up camp and after her watch is lights out to the wold as she sleeps thought howling and laughter.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:45:40 PM " If they are truly beasts, maybe you can convince them that there is no prey here, only death. If they are what I think they might be, shifters, then we might just BE prey after all."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:45:45 PM "I can count one very plain girl who throws herself at every man she sees, Pressi, and still doesn't get the attention she wants," Shel calls out overhearing the mean girl talking about her unprovoked yet again. "Jealousy is such a bad look."
-----------
Shel continues to quietly wait to see if the laughter begins moving toward the campsite before raising an official alarm.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+17=24 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 1:23:03 AM
"So, mentioning options and possibilities of approach is counterproductive? By the way, if any think I do not think Uthvas is evil, then perhaps subtleties are counterproductive here.
"Rather than repeating what others have said, I thought I would mention other thoughts. We have yet perhaps a day before coming face to face with the death diviner.
"And, could we lighten up on demeaning one another? Let us not allow respect and courtesy to fall into short supply."
===== Murphy is asleep unless someone wakes him, or things get particularly loud.
[Perception: 24]
Plans in motion - Dm shawn d20+4=24 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=22 ; d6+4=10 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 7:07:35 AM
Cameron sends the light spell into the horses. It does startle them but also reveals nothing extra.
As soon as the rock lands everything goes black around Cameron. Spellcraft 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {Darkness }
Shel has three javelins rain down on her. One embeds itself in her shoulder. (Crit confirmed 20 damge )
Two come down by Cameron but miss.
Two hyenas come charging out of the woods. They are still 30' away.
No one else was woken up. The light spell was cast and then attack started
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 53, CMD 24; darkvision d20+11=18 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 11:32:14 AM
Murphy's outburst gives Pressi the time to think things through. After some time considering Murphy's words (and coincidentally how to react to Shel), Pressi bites back her remarks once again.
"Of course, you are right," she replies to Murphy. "My remark, meant just as humor, must have cut far deeper than I intended to elicit a response of my entire worth, and so I apologize.
"And Murphy, you must know that I do quite respect your positions, even if I don't always share them - or quite get subtlety. As Shel so wonderfully pointed out on several occasions, I'm not exactly subtle myself."
After some riding in silence, she rides next to Murphy, further apologetic. Eventually, the talk turns to that of the pressures of the road and of what they might do, the two of them, when they get back. She makes sure to smile and wave at Shel in the meantime.
------------------
"Back, back, get back," Pressi shouts at Shel as she gets up. "Behind me."
If Shel makes any protests, Pressi cuts her off. "We can continue our argument later, when I can better make a remark about the times you've been penetrated, but for right now, this way."
Pressi transforms into a Dwarf (darkvision 60) and peers out into the darkness (Perception 18). She prepares to block herself and Shel from incoming fire. (Ki point for AC.)
dm shawn: Pressi was not awaken. Cameron casts the light spell and then the attacks happened. He didnt get a chance this round and Shel specifically said she wasn't waking anyone.
AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 12:42:55 PM
If Cameron hears the Hyenas and knows what they are, his heart goes cold. He isn't afraid, Avengers know no fear. He is angrier than he has ever been before. The laughter, the hyenas, the taunting mocking laughter. These are gnolls. They instill fear by playing with their food before killing. He has faced them before, and he has killed them before. He hears the javelins land around him, and the meaty thunk of one hitting Pressi. His first instinct is to kill as many of them as he can, but that hit sounded bad. He knows he was within 30 feet of her as they watched so he does what comes naturally, he keeps her in the fight and channels. Channel energy to heal 6 damage to all within 30 feet He then calls out to the gnolls, loud enough to wake the others he hopes. " Gnolls? Really? I hope you brought more than two score with you. Years ago when I was young I managed to kill a pack of over a dozen, by myself. Enough of these games, you can not frighten me. Jancassis has seen to that. Face me, and maybe I will kill you quickly instead of the long suffering you inflict on your prey, and by Jancassis deserve in return." After taunting them hoping to draw their ire while his friends wake up, Cameron moves quickly towards the mounts. (move 20') He also draws the wand of scorching ray. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/1 Goodberry used 0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 1/5 channel energy used for today
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Friday April 1st, 2016 1:27:58 PM
"Huh, what?" says Kezzem as he wakes.
"Hey, look, doggies!"
OOC: I'm assuming waking up counts as my action this turn.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 53, CMD 24; darkvision Friday April 1st, 2016 3:21:44 PM
OOC to Shawn: I am operating under the assumption that the sounds of battle - the spells, the javelins, the not so subtle Hyenas - are sufficient to wake up a bunch of people not sleeping under magic. I shouldn't need Cameron to shake Pressi on the shoulder and let her know that there's a bunch of explosions going on.
If it's that big a deal, then have my move after Cameron's shouting. That has to wake us up, right?
OOC to Kezzem: You get the same number of actions as normal, but rising from a prone position is a move action, and getting a weapon is another move action, so yes. Pressi uses a move action to get up and then has one more standard or move action because she doesn't reach for a weapon.
Plans in motion - Dm shawn Friday April 1st, 2016 4:15:53 PM
Ooc: if they woke Pressi up I'd say she gets her full actions, buthe waking herself, getting up, telling to Shel and then casting a spell.. all in 6 seconds? I don't feel that's right. I agree.. like Kezzem, if you wake yourself you spend the round getting up. If that's was the case there would be no need to wake anyone as everyone would just wake the next round with full actions. If you want to discuss it more let's do so in email.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+17=23 ; d20+22=39 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 5:02:45 PM
Murphy wakes up (perception 23, no eyes of the eagle in play as his eyes are closed), gets up and looks about and listens (perception 39, with eyes of eagle in play).
Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Friday April 1st, 2016 5:49:42 PM
Trill hearing the sounds of intruders and a few raised voices doesnt moves but looks around from where she lies to see what she can see as her hand moves into the opening of her haversack.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+13=33 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 7:39:02 PM
(OOC: replaces second half of my post)
"No, no," Pressi muttered in her sleep. "I asked for the ottoman."
(Perception Natural 20).
"Wha... huh?"
Pressi gets up, continuing to look around (Perception 20 - I'm using the old roll)
"Back, back, get back," Pressi shouts at Shel as she gets up. "Behind me."
If Shel makes any protests, Pressi cuts her off. "We can continue our argument later, when I can better make a remark about the times you've been penetrated, but for right now, this way."
She prepares to block herself and Shel from incoming fire. With a quick flick of her wrist, a number a shuriken appear in her hand (Quickdraw - free action).
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Friday April 1st, 2016 8:33:26 PM OOC: With the damage and the channel, Shel is down 14 points right now.
For once, Shel takes Pressi's advice. "Sorry for earlier, Pressi. We've got to stop fighting so much. Everyone wake up! We are under attack," Shel screams as loudly as she can. She casts Haste on the group, giving them all a bit of armor, and hastening their strikes for the upcoming battle.
OOC: Remember your Haste bonuses, please.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d100=68 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+14=19 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 9:02:42 PM
Alleah's meditation is interupted by the noise of combat.
Things are much darker than they should be. She reaches for a leyline to aid her in removing the source of this unnatural darkness and then gets to her feet to see what is going on
-------------------------------- (Standard Action: Cast Dispel Magic. Leyline check: 68 = Pass. Dispel check: 18. DC = 11 + the Darkness spell's caster level Move Action: Stand from Prone Perception: 19 (once the darkness is dispelled))
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Saturday April 2nd, 2016 12:36:15 AM
Haste - additional move action.
Murphy dons his handy haversack.
Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Saturday April 2nd, 2016 9:22:50 AM
LOG ON