Dm Shawn - a dead priestess and a druid Wednesday September 14th, 2016 5:47:16 PM
She is appreciative of the warning, but she like her friends is already prepared. A hero is always prepared.
Pressi tries to think of a story or something that can be tied to this. She is frustrated at recieving more riddles then clues.
No one else is listening on to the convo. " I had them right before i woke up. When i awoke, I was in the woods and followed the road to town. A few days max. "
Bliss comes up with an outline of what needs to be done. " Those are wise choices Bliss " Sarabella says " you might want to also find out if they have a third number picked out."
Graeff comes running in the door, covered in sweat. " There you are... we need you. One of my animal friends spotted some giants to the north. They skirmished with some elves and have them pinned. I need to speak to those elves. Ekron will lead you there. His father is the fastest deer in the woods and he himself is an excellent scout and eyes for the animals. "
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Wednesday September 14th, 2016 8:44:29 PM "Alright, we knew this day was coming! We are heroes. Let's go do this. Ekron, get us there now. Thanks you Sarabella! Maybe you were brought back to be the third member of the Second Breakfast group? The gods ways are certainly mysterious. Think about it," Shel calls out as she rushes out to go save the elves.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51 Wednesday September 14th, 2016 9:05:29 PM "Thank you for the warning, Sarabella. We will keep it in mind and, hopefully, fully understand the premonition when the time is ripe. May I leave Bill, the potted fern, here with you? I am looking for a new home for him; and he is not much use in a fight. Ha! Fare well, and stay safe."
A call to action at last. Tendel has felt a little uncomfortable with the group so far as he quietly learns more about them. He mounts Onalep and dons his shield, ready to fly to battle with Humble's Sword.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Wednesday September 14th, 2016 9:52:36 PM
"You woke up in the middle of the woods?" Pressi asked slowly. "I'm assuming you fell asleep somewhere in town, and then found yourself moved to a different location with no idea how? The location in the same place where your vision was set? See, I feel like that's probably where you should have started."
Pressi remains silent for the rest of the time, but she keeps her eyes firmly locked on Sarabella, even as Graeff comes in.
"Right, everyone saddle up." Pressi asks about the distance, and tries to get as much information as she can. "Alleah, we still have a horse per halfling, right? We're not going to need to spend a couple of hours getting packed? Everyone's packed to be able to move at a moment's notice?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20 Wednesday September 14th, 2016 11:22:22 PM
"To the ponies!" says Kezzem. "And beyond!"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Thursday September 15th, 2016 6:30:30 AM "Sarabella, thankyou, but we have to be off. Could you please leave word back at the house for Murphy should he return before we do? Let him know where we have gone"
Alleah is ready to move out just as quickly as anyone else. The group still have the ponies from earlier, and they should be well rested and ready to go.
Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday September 15th, 2016 8:08:07 AM
Bliss pipes up loudly, "Mister Graff! Mister Graff! How far away is it?
Assuming we will be on the scene in less than an hour, he makes some long duration preparations.
[OOC: Still waiting for my kindly DMs to approve Bliss's Catacombs receipt. Then I can switch to a new post-surgery PC sheet. Thanks!]
"Mookie, you fly high and I'll stick down here in the shadows. Come on, everybody!"
Perceptions checks to come.
Dm Shawn - a dead priestess and a druid Thursday September 15th, 2016 5:51:53 PM
Sarabella smiles at Shel. " Anything is a possibility in this crazy wold we live in."
" Yes, Tendel. I' ll watch the fern. Does he do any tricks?" She asks with a toothy grin.
" Pressi, I didnt wake up from sleep, but from death. "
Kezzem calls to saddle up, and sets out.
Alleah asks Sarabella to leave word for Murphy, and the priestess agrees to.
" Its a few hours to the north." Graeff tells Bliss. " About four to be exact. The deer will lead you there and wait for confirmation of your sucess. "
...............
Supplies are gathered, and the group follows the deer north.
The treck is quick, a handful of hours. Finally the deer stops in his tracks and nods, if you can imagine a deer nodding, in the direction of a copse of trees.
As if planned, a loud voice bellows out... " Make you a deal elfs....( said with a f and not a v). One come out and give up.. we let go. Just eat others."
" C'mon you stoopid jerks..." another voice calls out." We still gotta clean ya before we cook ya...."
Bliss (AC28, HP56of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) d20+11=26 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=10 ; d100=62 ; Thursday September 15th, 2016 7:23:58 PM
About 3.5 hours into the trip north, Bliss pauses to use some magic.
He taps Mookie and himself with a Mage Armor wand (CL1, lasts an hour). UMD 26 and 21, perfect the first two tries.
He reads two scrolls of Magic Vestment (CL5, lasts 5 hours). Another 26 beats the needed DC25. After that, it takes 5 tries to read the second scroll. [No problem there; only fail on a 1 matters.]
He reads two scrolls of Barkskin (CL6, lasts an hour). He has Barkskin on his class list, so he has to roll 1d20+4 to beat a DC6. No problems.
Bliss saves his other consumables. Boosted ACs are included with a new PC sheet link in the header.
===== ===== =====
At the sound of the bellowing voices, Bliss says to Mookie, "Come on, old friend! Just like we practiced in training!" He casts his spell of Beast Shape I, becoming an eagle.
Ley Check: 62 A-OK
Note that magical size effects do not stack, and the BSI spell does not change Bliss's size -- Bliss is naturally small, as is the eagle. So, Bliss's permanent Reduce Person still brings him down one size category to tiny.
Bliss and Mookie fly into the clearing!
Effects on Bliss and Mookie: Mage Armor (CL1), Magic Vestment (CL5), Barkskin (CL6).
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Thursday September 15th, 2016 7:53:05 PM
Once the deer gets them to where they hear the voices, Shel also casts prepatory spells. She casts Shield and Fly on herself, both of which will last for 8 minutes. She waits for one of the others to take the lead in the encounter, and she flies behind them.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 d20+14=25 ; d4+2=4 ; d20+7=22 ; Thursday September 15th, 2016 8:47:15 PM
Seeing Bliss cast preparatory spells Tendel decides to wait a bit longer, and instead casts them with Shel just before the clearing.
He casts Bless for everyone: from his wand and Protection from Evil on himself and Onalep from another wand.
Tendel's first action in combat will be to cast Spiritual Weapon (range 180') from the edge of the clearing, causing a shimmering force-sickle to suddenly attack the nearest giant. Hit AC 25, damage 4
"Hold up, Onalep," he says to his mount, "We will charge in when we have a better idea of what's going on." Perception: 22 (specifically looking to see one of the giants fighting unarmed)
"Good luck everyone, Maab be on our side."
***** Spells in effect: Bless on everyone (8 minutes) (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (8 minutes) (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions) Spiritual Weapon (round 1 of 8)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+14=28 ; d20+18=24 ; Thursday September 15th, 2016 9:14:24 PM
" Pressi, I didnt wake up from sleep, but from death. "
"Oh," Pressi replied. "Well, that's all right then."
-------------
"Ok, listen up. We don't know how many giants or elves are out there, nor do we know anything about the terrain. So before we go charging in with some quip about how they might want to start with an appetizer or how we're the ones bringing the spice, we need to come up with better quips.
"Also, I think we need stealth far more than speed. First, if anyone has a way to contact the elves from range, you may want to do it now. But I'm loathe to send anyone too far even to scout or relay a message. You know, from the last time someone went ahead to scout. Second, we need to make sure not to cast any buffs that, you know, make a lot of light or noise.
"I think we should do a simple pincher maneuver. Kezzem, Bliss and Tendel takes the left flank. The rest of us takes the right. Tendel, Alleah, if you two are uncomfortable sneaking with us, you can hang back and maybe get some trip wires going. And remember, we only get to surprise them once, so we need to make it count."
Pressi makes one last attempt to scan the area for better positioning. (Perception 28, Stealth 24).
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Thursday September 15th, 2016 10:15:34 PM "Good plan, Pressi."
[ooc]Sorry, gotta get my head back into PbP rather than live gaming, where bold plans are thrown about more easily before a group consensus is made, as I'm sure you're aware of.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Friday September 16th, 2016 8:59:08 AM "You know, it wasn't so long ago that we had our own giant. He could have come in handy right about now"
Alleah is happy to go with Pressi's plan. "I'm coming with. If you guys need some healing - and you usually do - I should be close by"
Evidently Bliss has yet to learn that heroes can have plans and be cautious. He has already flown ahead!
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Friday September 16th, 2016 8:33:45 PM
Shel agrees to Pressi's plan. "Remember I can cast Invisihility if someone would want that spell on them for a short period. Let me know quickly if you do," she quickly whispers.
Current buffs: Fly and Shield for 8 minutes each.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20 d20+17=36 ; Friday September 16th, 2016 8:57:15 PM
"I've got a new trick for these brutes", says Kezzem. Kezzem stealths up until he can see the giants.
Dm Shawn - a dead priestess and a druid d20+6=22 ; d10=2 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=24 ; Saturday September 17th, 2016 12:11:45 PM
The group buffs up before some head forward. Pressi suggests a pincer move, which would be wise at this time but Bliss takes the form of a bird and scouts with mookie while Kezzem sneaks up in the tree line. ( I dunno if Shel wants to fly out, or is holding back while the other two remain unseen).
Those that move up see a quartet of big uns. two ogres and two more a little bigger. The group is behind a couple of downed trees that still have green foliage and were obviously perfectly healthy a short time prior. The trees have hundreds of arrows embedded in them. In front of the trees are two dead ogres full of arrows. Behind the baricade are two dead elves with their heads smashed in. Another dead elf is roasting on a spickett roasting over a fire.
In front of the cave, another barricade is set up of down trees, and rocks.
One of the ogres has a parchment folded over on itself to form a cone which he has used to amplify his voice.
"Come out elves...., we have your friends here. you can talk to them if you want. We are treating them real good."
The giants and ogres are turned sideways facing the cave.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20 d20+13=23 ; Sunday September 18th, 2016 12:30:22 PM
Kezzem casts grease on the ground beneath the giants (D11-E12). "Hey, you big stupid fatties, what's the difference between a cave giant and an ogre? Only one of them's dumber than a sack of rocks!"
Bluff: 23 (to distract them from the grease and get them bickering with each other)
----
Bardic Performance 5 rounds/day: 0 used Bard Spells Known (1st level, 2/day): 1 used Hero Points: 2
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear Sunday September 18th, 2016 2:22:52 PM
Pressi frowned. "So much for the subtle approach. Ok, someone here should probably head to the cave and see if they need assistance. Shel, hold on those invisibilities; one of the elves may need it later."
"As for you four," Pressi started as she seemed to slide something out of her sleeve (move action to slide wooden fist on her hands). "Looks like your cooks forgot about the health inspectors."
Pressi grows to a seven foot tall bugbear (standard action). (Bless counters her attack roll hit.)
Bliss (AC28, HP56of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) d20+10=29 ; d20+18=26 ; d3=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=30 ; d3=3 ; d3=2 ; Sunday September 18th, 2016 7:53:37 PM
Bliss charges Cave Giant 1, flying down to attack, aiming to end move in the giant's space at F8. Doing this provokes an attack of opportunity; Bliss's AC with his mobility feat vs that AoO is AC32.
Mookie also flies down to attack, also ending move in the same space. With any luck, the giant can make only one AoO per round, and so Mookie's move will not result in an attack.
Mookie tries to Aid Another to help his master. He successfully helps his master's first attack.
Bliss attacks and hits AC26 for 5 damage with his beak. That attack inflicts 1 damage on himself if it hits. Bliss follows up with two claws, hitting AC15 and AC30, for 2 hp damage and 1 hp damage.
Current ACs noted in header.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Sunday September 18th, 2016 9:11:36 PM
Shel flies into the air and tries to close to within approximately 100'. As she does so, she casts Confusion on as many biguns as possible.
OOC: map link is not working for me. The spell has a 15' burst effect. I'd hope to get at least two of the creatures in the burst. Shel wouldn't target the one that Bliss was currently engaged with. Will DC 20 to avoid the effect.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Monday September 19th, 2016 1:01:06 AM
Tendel's first action in combat will be to cast Spiritual Weapon (range 180') from the edge of the clearing, causing a shimmering force-sickle to suddenly attack the nearest giant (CG2). Hit AC 25, damage 4 (rolled previously, it does attack in the round it is cast)
"Hold up, Onalep," he says to his mount, "We will charge in when we have a better idea of what's going on." Perception: 22 (specifically looking to see one of the giants fighting unarmed)
"Good luck everyone, Maab be on our side."
Tendel will remain mounted on Onalep at the edge of the forest (E18), taking cover if possible.
***** Spells in effect: Bless on everyone (8 minutes) (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (8 minutes) (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions) Spiritual Weapon (round 1 of 8)
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=19 ; Monday September 19th, 2016 4:08:25 AM
Alleah holds her ground, instead casting Hold Person on Cave Giant 2.
She isn't sure if it's going to hold or not, so takes the precaution of retrieving a wand just in case.
---------------------------- Standard Action: Cast Hold Person. Leyline check: 19 = Pass. Perhaps surprisingly, giants and ogres are considered humanoids so can be targeted by the spell. Cave Giant 2 to make a Will Save vs DC21 or be paralyzed. Move Action: Retrieve Wand of Magic Missile from pack
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves d20-1=8 ; d20=12 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+8=21 ; d100=62 ; d8+5=6 ; d100=58 ; d8+6=14 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+7=17 ; 2d6+9=19 ; Monday September 19th, 2016 12:54:53 PM
Kezzem uses his distraction and grease spell to dump the two ogres and one giant on their bums. " You idiots" the one ogre says " them halflings good eats."
Pressi is laying down more of the plan when Kezzem rushes in. She uses the time to change into a seve foot bug bear.
Bliss comes flying in and rakes the giant as well as gets him with his beak. The giants swing misses Bliss.
Shel flies up, and casts confusion on the same giants Kezzem greased. The one giant begins tearing at his face with his dirty fingernails, while the ogre tears at his stomach.
Tendel's spiritual sickle flies in and gouges into the giant that tears at its own face.
Alleah uses her spell and luckily it works on the cave giant. If it was a bigger giant it might not have worked. (I'll allow it due to the humanoid tag, and the fact that cave giants are small. It might not work on a bigger one, but you'd have to attempt to see.... :) )
The giant bliss wounded swings back and just misses taking off Bliss's beaked head with a monstrous swing. (Crit not fonfirmed.) 19 dmg
The ogre who was greased crawls on his belly over his associate tearing at his belly, outside of the grease spell.
Bliss (AC28/30, HP36of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) d20+10=29 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=17 ; d3=1 ; d3=1 ; d3=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Monday September 19th, 2016 1:39:56 PM
Bliss makes an eagle's "RAWK!" and keeps on fighting with Mookie.
Mookie attempts to Aid Another ... and gives Bliss a +2 to AC. He can sense through his telempathic link that Bliss really wanted help to attack, but Mookie wants to keep his master alive! Bliss's AC is 30 vs the giant. Bliss makes his three attacks ... beak / claw / claw hits AC 17, 29, and 33. That last one is a crit threat, and confirms vs AC17.
If the giant's AC is 18 or better, then it takes 2 hp nonlethal damage. If its AC is 17 or less, it takes 7 hp lethal damage and 3 hp nonlethal damage.
[OOC: Can we get the enemy ACs, please?]
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 d20+10=22 ; 4d6=11 ; d20+10=12 ; 4d6=10 ; Monday September 19th, 2016 9:46:17 PM
Shel readies an action to cast a spell on the first unattended ogre attempting to stand.
Cast Scorching Ray. 2 rays at this level. First attack hits touch AC 22 and does 11 points of fire damage. Second attack hits touch AC 12 for 10 points of fire damage.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Monday September 19th, 2016 11:13:08 PM
Kezzem laughs at bumbling giants in the grease and attempts to get the cave giant that struck Bliss to see the humor in it.
OOC: Hideous Laughter (DC 13)
----
Bardic Performance 5 rounds/day: 0 used Bard Spells Known (1st level, 2/day): 2 used Hero Points: 2
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 d20+13=22 ; d4+2=3 ; d20+7=21 ; d4+2=6 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 5:30:50 AM ”Ha! Great idea Alleah. I’ll get the other one then.” Tendel chuckles as he casts the spell, finding great amusement in how successful it was for Alleah, and in Kezzem's jokes.
Tendel casts Hold Person on the other Cave Giant (CG1), seeing as the others are otherwise occupied. (Will DC 17)
He then spurs Onalep towards the cave entrance to see what is going on there, and the jaguar nimbly crosses the clearing around the edge (Speed 50’)
The Spiritual Weapon continues its attack. Attack 1: Hit AC 23 (with Bless) Damage 3 Attack 2: Hit AC 22 (with Bless) Damage 6
***** Spells in effect: Bless on everyone (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)(8 minutes) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions)(8 minutes) Spiritual Weapon (round 1 of 8)
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=62 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 7:55:26 AM "That giant isn't going to stay down for long. If anyone wants to deliver the coup-de-grace, I suggest doing it before he frees himself"
If Giant 1 is still moving after Tendel's spell, Alleah will try to hold that one as well.
---------------------------- Standard Action: Cast Hold Person. Leyline check: 62 = Pass. Cave Giant 1 to make a Will Save vs DC21 or be paralyzed.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+14=31 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 9:20:17 AM
"I've got to be honest," Pressi said. "I almost feel sorry for these guys. Alleah, go heal one of them so I don't feel like we're the biggest bullies on the planet. It's like we're knocking over puppies out there."
Pressi scanned the area. "Good idea, but there isn't really anyone in good position to coup de grace out there." (OOC: it's a full round action).
Pressi runs in an attempt to flank the cave giant 1, while bluffing her god for a spell.
(move 4x40=160 feet.)(Reflex 31).(Swift action +4 AC boost replaces her dex modifier (+4), so she remains at AC 20).
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves d20+3=21 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=24 ; d8=3 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 9:33:56 AM
Bliss again rakes with the claw tearing two superficial scratches in the giants shouder.
Shel waits for the ogre who was on his belly to start standing and blasts him with her scorching ray. The first one connects.
Kezzem tries to get the giant to laugh, but the creature is too dumb to get the joke.
Tendel sees Alleah's spell work and he too holds the other giant. His sickle continues tearing into the giant while he heads for the caves.
Alleah holds her action as Tendel's spell works.
Pressi runs forward and flanks the giant.
As if the giants weren't having a terrible day, two elves emerge from the cave and fire on the standing, held, giant. one of the arrows plunges into the creatures flank.
Th ogre that Shel scorched quoffs a potion and disapears from site.
Bliss (AC28, HP34of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) d3=2 ; d3=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+17=35 ; d3=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 9:54:39 AM
Bliss and Mookie each spend a round coup-de-gracing the prone held cave giant 1.
Coup de Grace: As a full-round action, you can use a melee weapon to deliver a coup de grace (pronounced "coo day grahs") to a helpless opponent. You can also use a bow or crossbow, provided you are adjacent to the target. You automatically hit and score a critical hit. If the defender survives the damage, he must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. A rogue also gets her extra sneak attack damage against a helpless opponent when delivering a coup de grace. Delivering a coup de grace provokes attacks of opportunity from threatening opponents.
Bliss rips at one of the giant's eyes in an attempt to get at his brain. Critical inflicts 1 hp nonlethal plus 12 hp lethal to the giant and forces a Fort save or die vs DC22 or 23, depending on how you count the nonlethal point of damage. Bliss takes 2 damage from his vicious tear.
Mookie cocks his head at Bliss's vicious attack, and caws, "Kid! Whoa!" The raven tries top batter the giant into submission. Critical inflicts 2 hp nonlethal and forces a Fort save of unconscious vs DC12.
They grit their beaks and take any AoOs that they provoke.
When it is the giant's turn, if he is not dead and if he breaks the hold and if he stands up, that will provoke an AoO. If needed, Bliss hits AC35 on the AoO, inflicting 8 more damage and, if it works, taking 4 himself.
Later: Seems that breaking out of a Hold is a full round action that would not leave the prone giant any time to get up. So that AoO is likely to not be needed.
DM Shawn: The giant you are attacking is standing.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless d20+17=37 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 3:31:43 PM
"Huh, I guess big stupid fatties falling on their faces was too high-brow for him."
Kezzem double moves to flank Ogre 1 with Pressi, tumbling to avoid AoOs.
Acrobatics: 37 (natural 20)
Bardic Performance 5 rounds/day: 0 used Bard Spells Known (1st level, 2/day): 2 used Hero Points: 2
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=15 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 6:30:07 PM OOC: did the confused biguns shake off the Confusion somehow? They should still be co fused unless you rolled and they got to act normally this round.
Shel casts Magic Missile at the giant that Bliss is attacking, assuming Bliss didn't finish it, doing 15 points of damage.
DM shawn: forgot to include their actions... will update.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+11=24 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+6=18 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=7 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2016 10:54:01 PM
Pressi attacks the ogre that she is flanking with Kezzem, using a wrist flick to activate her thorns.
(If Pressi can't attack ogre 1 or cave giant 1, she attacks Ogre 2. Ignore the +2 to attack rolls and the sneak damage.)
(Used 1 ki, 1 round of the thorns)
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 d20+14=16 ; d4+2=6 ; d20+8=23 ; d4+2=5 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2016 5:19:25 AM
Tendel enters the cave, expecting trouble. If there is another giant in here he will cast Hold Person on it. Otherwise he is looking to help or free the elves, or something useful.
The Spiritual Weapon continues to attack. Attack 1: Hit AC 16 Damage 6 Attack 2: Hit AC 23 Damage 5
***** Spells in effect: Hold Person on the Cave Giant (CG1) Bless on everyone (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)(8 minutes) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions)(8 minutes) Spiritual Weapon (round 3 of 8)
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+16=23 ; d4+1=2 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2016 9:00:35 AM
Alleah decides to save her spells for the time being.
She first calls out to the elves in elven Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hello there! We're from Humble's Ford. We're here to help. Is everyone ok? What can we do?"}
With a flick of her wrist, she unleashes the poorest excuse for a magic missile the Wold has seen.
----------------------- Standard Action: UMD on the Wand vs DC20: 23 = Pass. Ogre 1 takes 2pts damage
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves d20+9=26 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+3=15 ; d20+3=5 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=12 ; d8=8 ; d20+1=8 ; d100=99 ; d8=3 ; d100=92 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2016 6:45:32 PM
The giant stays silent as Bird-Bliss rips into his eye. He doesn't go down, and isn't dead.
Kezzem rushes forward and flanks with Pressi. Switched to ogre 2, because Ogre one is invisible.
Shel unleashes her magic missle on the giant, who doesn't die and is still held.
Pressi hits the ogre three times... ending the confused ogres life.
Tendel heads to the cave, but the two elves for a split second aim their bows at him before recognizing him as a halfling. They turn back and fire at the standing giant. One arrow connects.(elves emerged from the cave last round.)
Alleah unleashes another magic missle. (Switched to giant, ogre 1 is invisible for the time being.)
Ogre 1 comes into view as he throws his alchemy fire. A smile is wiped from his face as he realizes he is no longer invisible.
The confused ogre bonks the giant with his club.
giant 1 43 dmg, 5 non lethal held giant 2 35 dmg confused/greased/held ogre 1 11 dmg greased ogre 2 dead
Bliss tries another coup de grace! This time his critical hit inflicts 8 damage, forcing a fort save vs DC18. Bliss self-inflicts 1 damage.
Mookie does the same. He inflicts 2 nonlethal and forces a save vs DC12!
Bliss does a little loopdeloop over the giant's head!
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+11=13 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+6=18 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=7 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2016 10:23:38 PM
(OOC: I'm going to assume that Ogre 1 hasn't moved from his pre-invisibility position. Also, we need to know what he threw the alchemist fire at and if he hit.)
Pressi shook her head at Ogre 1. "You're new so I'll let you in on a little secret. The next time you get a chance to move away from me, you should probably take it."
Attack: 13, 30, 18 Damage: 11, 8, 7
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=11 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2016 10:37:27 PM
Shel uses another magic missile at the nonconfused giant.
11ppijts of force damage.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 d20+13=24 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+7=19 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+10=23 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2016 12:39:39 AM
Satisfied that all is well in the cave, Tendel slids off his mount and says to Onalep, ”Go ahead and finish off these brutes. Attack!” He points to Ogre 1 for Onalep as he casts Hold Person on the same Ogre. (Will DC 17).
Onalep runs off and leaps into the frey with Ogre 1, attacking from D7 (move 50’, heading up the map around the trees. Onalep has Mobility: +4 AC moving through a threatened space, risking AoO from CG1 and Ogre 1). Bite: hit AC 20 (rolled +10, should be +7) Damage 10
The Spiritual Weapon continues to attack CG2. Attack 1: Hit AC 24 Damage 5 Attack 2: Hit AC 19 Damage 5
***** Spells in effect: Hold Person on the Cave Giant (CG1) Bless on everyone (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)(8 minutes) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions)(8 minutes) Spiritual Weapon (round 3 of 8)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless d20+17=29 ; d20+15=34 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=12 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2016 7:26:22 AM
Kezzem moves to flank with Pressi (Ogre 1?) and attacks with his dagger. Acrobatics if needed to avoid AoS.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+16=20 ; d4+1=3 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2016 8:13:49 AM
Alleah sends another Magic Missile at the now visible ogre.
----------------------- Standard Action: UMD on the Wand vs DC20: 20 = Pass. Ogre 1 takes 3pts damage
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves d20+9=10 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=12 ; d8=3 ; d100=35 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2016 7:20:10 PM
Bliss's beak punctures thru the giants eye and into his brain. The life drops from his other eye as he is obviously dead.
Pressi charges at the ogre who missed with his alchemy fire. Two of her shots get through.
Shel goes to send her magic missile at the giant, but seeing him die changed to the ogre.
Tendel casts hold person on the ogre, and the creature stops moving. ONalep runs forward and tears into the ogre while the phantasmal sickle continues to carve.
Kezzem's blade finds the ogres heart and the hold person prevents him from dropping.
Alleah also changes her magic missile to the reamaining giant. He is the only one still alive.
One of the elves arrows finds its mark in the giant... but the stubborn creature doesn't die. It just babbles incorherently.
giant 1 dead giant 2 51 dmg confused/greased/held ogre 1 dead ogre 2 dead
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 7:55:06 PM
Shel would have preferred keeping one of the creatures alive for questioning, but she'd rather it have been an ogre. She wasn't sure the group could trust a giant, and handle it, if it tried to attack them. She held her action, knowing the elf and the others would bring down the giant this round. She flies closer, wanting a better look at the scene, and checks to see if there are other giants in the immediate area.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Friday September 23rd, 2016 6:38:08 AM
Allah holds off on using any more charges from her newly purchased wand. She doesn't put it away just yet though. A fight isn't over until it's over.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+11=30 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+6=25 ; d8+4=7 ; d8+4=5 ; d8+4=12 ; Friday September 23rd, 2016 1:42:53 PM
Pressi decides that they probably should keep a creature alive for questioning. She is glad that it will be a cave giant, since she assumed that the giants would be the leaders. She does one more flurry with non-lethal damage, putting away the thorns.
Bliss flies over to fight the remaining giants. He hits AC20 with his bloody beak, inflicting 11 damage to it and 4 to himself.
Mookie asks, "Okay, Kid, are you done yet?"
Bliss looks down at the dead giant and says, "PEEP!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Friday September 23rd, 2016 5:41:26 PM
Kezzem uses prestidigitation to soil the remaining giant's pants.
----
Bardic Performance 5 rounds/day: 0 used Bard Spells Known (1st level, 2/day): 2 used Hero Points: 2
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Saturday September 24th, 2016 4:51:36 AM "Okay," calls Tendel loudly, "Perhaps this one has had enough. If he tries anything… stupid, I will Command him to drop, or something.”
The brown-robed cleric calls off Onalep, who retreats 20’ or so, and halts the attacks of the Spiritual Weapon.
Ready Action: Cast Command and order the giant to Halt any actions other than speech.
***** Spells in effect: Hold Person on the Cave Giant (CG1) Bless on everyone (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)(8 minutes) Protection from Evil on Tendel and Onalep (+2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures, and other conditions)(8 minutes) Spiritual Weapon (round 4 of 8)
OOC: sorry for the delay in posting.
Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) Saturday September 24th, 2016 7:07:29 AM
Mookie's laugh is rough and raucous when he sees Kezzem's joke. And it continues as Tendel delivers his ultimatum.
"Old man," Mookie says to Tendel, "This giant has fallen down, been confused, held, and now my master is trying to bite through to his brain. If he's still alive, he's not going to be talking!"
"Besides, he eats elves!"
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves d100=79 ; Saturday September 24th, 2016 10:39:42 AM
With Bliss' last peck, the giant is so close to deaths door that Pressi easily knocks him out.
The two elves move forward. " Much thanks.. Truly. We thought this would be our last day. My name is Avourel and this is my friend Vartan. There are three more of us in the cave. You're from Humbles Ford or Angel Springs? "
" we are closer to your village. Maybe we should head there and rest up before making the trek back to ours."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Sunday September 25th, 2016 11:48:48 AM
"We're from Humble's Ford," says Kezzem as he "juggles" some dancing lights.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+9=20 ; Sunday September 25th, 2016 4:21:07 PM
"Well, slightly more complicated that that," Pressi said, because she had to be that way.
"I wish we had met under more pleasant circumstances," Pressi began. She thought about what he said about them coming to their village and didn't doubt that they needed more assistance. Bringing them to rest up was the reasonable decision.
Too reasonable.
"First, we need to get a handle on the situation," Pressi began. "Where are you traveling from? How did you come across the ogres? Do any members of your party require medical attention?" (Sense motive 20).
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Sunday September 25th, 2016 9:24:30 PM
Shel waited to see what the elves had to say before issuing an invitation to the village. Pressi was right to be concerned. Maybe all of this was a big giant ruse, she thought.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+13=32 ; d20+10=19 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 8:27:37 AM
Alleah grips her wand tightly still unsure if the battle is over.
She's not sure if the elves are trustworthy or not so listens in to the discussion with them, trying to pick up any nuances or signs they may be withholding something. (Sense Motive: 32)
Alleah will then look over any of the fallen elves to see if there is anything she can do for them (Heal: 19)
Bliss changes back into a halfling. "Did you see that!?" he exclaims. "That was AWESOME! I was flying and fighting and everything."
"Hi friendly elves," says Bliss. "I'm glad we helped you out! Those giants were bad people, weren't they? I think it was a good thing we did to fight them."
He walks over to where there is a dead elf cooking over a fire. He kicks dirt into the fire and puts it out, then helps take the body down for burial.
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves Monday September 26th, 2016 4:27:01 PM
" Three of ours in the cave are unconscence while the other three.. " he drifts off as he motions to the deceased member.
" Trust me.. we are as concerned about you as you are us. It is crazy situation to meet under.. so in gaining your trust. One of our hurt members is Morgan Quidi, the son of one of our leaders." The other elf punches him in the shoulder and gives him a look to quiet him.
" that is a lot of info to share, but it is to help this along."
The elves are not being secretive or lying.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Monday September 26th, 2016 8:49:26 PM
If the others agree, Shel eventually assents and will show the elves back to the town. "Please don't try anything tricky. We need all the friends we can find right now, if what we hear about the biguns is correct. They are going to take over the whole world if we don't work together and stop them."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d6=5 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 9:30:04 PM "I'll see if I can do anything for the unconscious elves" Alleah says to the party "While I do that, does anyone want to search those giants for anything of value? Bliss, do you need some healing too?"
Alleah will stand near the unconscious elves (with Bliss?) and unleash an energy channel, healing them all for 5pts damage. She will then try and assess how badly they are damaged, and whether some more energy channels are needed.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 9:31:27 PM
Forgot to add...
If more energy channels ARE needed, Alleah will use up her daily allotment to heal a further 11pts damage.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 7:23:05 AM
Tendel can also assist with the healing with his wand. He suppresses his usual cheerfulness in the company of the elves. To the elves he asks, "Do you think it likely that there will be more big 'uns arriving soon? Or more elves for that matter? We should do a quick scout, or at least maintain a rear scout as we head back."
Bliss (AC28, HP45of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) Tuesday September 27th, 2016 7:32:38 AM
After his necessary but sad chore, Bliss is happy to stand with the injured and get some healing.
"Thanks Miss Alleah, he says.
Bliss helps this Morgan fellow to his feet after he is cured. "Mister Morgan, I'm Bliss, and that's Miss Alleah who cured you, and my other friends Tendel, Shel, Pressi, and Kezzem. Is that it? Six of us? And of course, my old pal Mookie makes seven."
Mookie bows.
"It sure is nice of you to come and help us fight giants. I'm sorry some of your people got killed. Whereabouts is your home? In the Culverwood, I'd guess?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) d20+14=17 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2016 10:11:06 AM
To the elves, Pressi gave a wan smile. "We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't distrust each other a little. But I'm not merely concerned with verifying your story. Giants have been hitting our scouting parties and coming to our borders for a while now, and we need to ascertain their movements and motivations. I did also want to get an idea of the extent of the damage the giants did to you so we could help better.
"And of course, you are welcome to aid from Humble's Ford. Hero or villain, we couldn't just let you die out here."
As the other members of the team introduce themselves and help out, Pressi checks the site and fallen ogres for signs of what happened (Perception 17). She considers checking out the fallen elves, but she didn't think the elves would appreciate that.
To Tendel, "A rear guard would be a good idea. I'll take the position unless Tendel is volunteering."
Dm Shawn - The one about the ogre, giants and elves Tuesday September 27th, 2016 6:09:42 PM
Sifting through the giants reveals the following: Javelins (3), unholy symbol of marteus 1 MWK Battle Axe, a sack full of 4 dried human and elf heads 842 gp, 176 sp 2 CMW Potions an onyx gem
The lead elf's eyes open slightly as he groggily awakens. " What happened?" He asks as he puts his hand over his face. " Is everyone ok?"
He is quickly told what happens and it obviously shakes him to the core. Healing is dispersed, and the elves who were out are still kind of heavy headed.
The march back to Humbles takes the same time back, plus a little extra due to the slower, injures elves.
Everyone makes it back at night, and the guarda quickly open the gates when they see their treasured group return.
" Fill me in tommorow morning" the Buegomeister says as he helps escort the elves to the temple for rest.
The night goes by with what ever time killer is needed. At the crack of dawn... the trumpets go off alerting everyone someone or something is approaching the gate... Lightly the sound of drums can be heard in the distance... the rat-tat-tat-tat is unmistakable.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Tuesday September 27th, 2016 10:42:50 PM
"Is it too much to ask that it's just a small child who has no presents to jand out other than playing his drum."
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 d20=10 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2016 5:44:44 AM "Good one, Kezzem! Maybe it is a drummer who was ditched by his girlfriend. Ha! More seriously though, I hope Bella doesn't mind looking after Bill for one more morning."
[ooc]Time for pre-battle buffing. What do you all have in mind? Please ignore the roll.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 6:05:01 AM
Shel wakes hearing the drumming. She suspected that was a very bad sign. She rose and went to meet the remainder of the group. "Doesn't sound like we have much time for scouting, does it? They are bringing the fight here, so we have little choice but to take them on right now."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:09:19 AM
Before settling in for the evening, Alleah will attempt to identify the items in the party's possession.
"These elves sure like to keep to themselves, eh?" she observes as they are escorted away.
As to the sound of the drums in the morning "I'm betting it's the dwarves here to help save us poor defenseless halflings"
--------------------------- Cast Guidance and Detect Magic to ID magical items. Spellcraft Check to ID any magical item: 22 = 11 + 1 Guidance + Take 10
Appraise check: 20 = 9 + 1 Guidance + Take 10
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:09:19 AM
Before settling in for the evening, Alleah will attempt to identify the items in the party's possession.
"These elves sure like to keep to themselves, eh?" she observes as they are escorted away.
As to the sound of the drums in the morning "I'm betting it's the dwarves here to help save us poor defenseless halflings"
--------------------------- Cast Guidance and Detect Magic to ID magical items. Spellcraft Check to ID any magical item: 22 = 11 + 1 Guidance + Take 10
Appraise check: 20 = 9 + 1 Guidance + Take 10
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:13:38 AM
"Darn it, how can I possibly practice my dancing with all of this loud music?"
Pressi joined the group that was gathering. "Ok, a couple of things. First, this isn't a battle that will happen right away. They wouldn't be marching here in broad daylight with drums if they didn't want to start with the usual parliamentary procedures. You know, the airing of the grievances, the chance to surrender, you will never take our freedom, those boxes. So we will get a chance to at least look at what we are dealing with, and maybe even buy some time.
"Second, we can't do anything without seeing what the rest of the town is doing. That means finding the leadership, finding our dwarf buddies, and checking on our wounded elves and maybe our giant stray. We should probably also look to see where they are moving the ones who cannot fight."
(Looking for volunteers for who goes where.)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:13:38 AM
"Darn it, how can I possibly practice my dancing with all of this loud music?"
Pressi joined the group that was gathering. "Ok, a couple of things. First, this isn't a battle that will happen right away. They wouldn't be marching here in broad daylight with drums if they didn't want to start with the usual parliamentary procedures. You know, the airing of the grievances, the chance to surrender, you will never take our freedom, those boxes. So we will get a chance to at least look at what we are dealing with, and maybe even buy some time.
"Second, we can't do anything without seeing what the rest of the town is doing. That means finding the leadership, finding our dwarf buddies, and checking on our wounded elves and maybe our giant stray. We should probably also look to see where they are moving the ones who cannot fight."
(Looking for volunteers for who goes where.)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 10:34:17 AM
"Also, Alleah brings up a good point. We don't know whether its the giants, the dwarves or wayward kids who don't understand appropriate gifts for newborns. We may need to be the ones to spot them from afar."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 10:34:17 AM
"Also, Alleah brings up a good point. We don't know whether its the giants, the dwarves or wayward kids who don't understand appropriate gifts for newborns. We may need to be the ones to spot them from afar."
At the site of the battle, Bliss also helps with the horrible heads, making sure that all the dead get a decent burial. He bows his head but does not say his usual prayer.
=====
Once back to town, Bliss spends some time, several hours at least hours, on witchy stuff.
First and foremost, he seeks out a local (NPC) witch in the village who would be willing to make a coven (one-time, occasional, permanent; for a fee or for a favor, etc) with Bliss and Alleah. Now that Bliss is experienced enough to lead a coven himself, even just a 1st level witch would be fine.
If he can find such a helpful NPC witch, he asks the witch and Alleah to make a coven with him tonight.
He'll use Alleah's or the new witch's cauldron, or summon one himself with the Witch's Tool spell (ley check 61 = A-OK).
If this all works out, Bliss uses the coven to help boost Alleah's spellcraft checks ... +2 to each check, please.
And he asks his coven partners to use Cooperation cantrips to boost his Spellcraft by total +4.
Bliss's spellcraft checks (boosted via Cooperation and his own Guidance) are: 16, 21, 20, and 15! Ugh, die roller hates me!
He asks his partners to cast Goodberry with him. If that works, how many goodberry spells are cast?
Ley Line checks to cast Goodberry: 33, 21, 42, A-OK.
He offers to help Alleah cast any spell she wants, including a Sacrifice spell casting to boost CL by up to 4.
=====
In the morning, hearing the the warning drums, Bliss Mookie and himself with a Mage Armor wand
He reads two scrolls of Magic Vestment (CL5, lasts 5 hours).
He reads two scrolls of Barkskin (CL6, lasts an hour).
He drinks an elixer of Sneaking.
Then he heads out of town to do some scouting, keeping to the shadows.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Wednesday September 28th, 2016 11:50:34 PM
"I don't think the dwarves are 'drum' enough to be that stupid," says Kezzem.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Thursday September 29th, 2016 2:51:20 AM
[ooc]I've just learned that my wife has organised a surprise weekend away for my birthday (grandma will look after the kids). All I really know is that I will be back on Monday. So it is very unlikely that I will be able to post. Sorry for the late notice - however it makes for an exciting surprise for me. :-)
Dm Shawn - Marching to the beat of a war drum? Thursday September 29th, 2016 8:06:15 AM
OOC: 800 xp for the fight btw
Alleah looks throught he treasure and besides the potions nothing is magical and the gem is worth 500g.
Bliss isn't able to find another witch(other then Alleah) at night, but perhaps during the daylight.
Everyone gets prepared for the upcoming fight, before heading to the gate. They are wecomed to the site of the gate being opened which is unusual to let an incomoming war party through the wall. Fortunately it is not ogres or giants coming through, but a group of elves. 40 to be exact, marching in perfect unison to the beat of the drum. Once the elves are through the gate, they come to a complete stop before parting to reveal a female elf on the back of a reindeer. She is beautiful.
She comes within twenty feet of the group, moving past the dwarves, mayors and burgomeister.
"My name is Quelius Qunidi and you saved my son and some of my people. it is not wise to travel in war times like this, but the fact you saved them required I come to you personally and offer my thanks. She leans over and whispers to one of the elves who moves forward with a bag, He reaches in and produces a box for each member of the group.
The boxes each have an inscription of an elven family crest and worth some coin. " You will always be seen as a friend of my family with that box in your possesion."
The lead halflings gather up the elves and hand them over to their group. As quickly as the elves came, the marching starts up again and they head back out.
Box Highlight to display spoiler: { Box of Elven Sustenance - Once per day, this box will create a serving of a special Elven waybread which is sufficient to sustain one small to medium person for one day. This food will not last for more than a day once removed from the box. Value 1,500 GP}
ooc: not an evil dm, so if you wasted a charge or an expendable magic item. the elves gave you an exact replica back.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Thursday September 29th, 2016 8:34:07 AM
Once the elves have left, Alleah whispers to the group "You see, this is why I like elves rather than dwarves. There's praise instead of insults, and they even bring gifts" She pauses to look at the box "We should invite them around more often"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Thursday September 29th, 2016 3:00:53 PM
Pressi shook her head as Bliss moved heaven and earth to find another witch, far more desirable than a melee.
"A pleasure to meet you... Qunidi, was it? Your kind words and gifts are much appreciated but unnecessary. That we were able to save as many elves as we could... justice is our reward. I'm just sorry we couldn't have been there when the fight began. I just hope that things don't get worse before they get better."
To the halfling leaders. "We were wrong to assume that this group was giants, but our concern underlies our lack of preparation. I was hoping that we could get a better idea of what movements the giants are currently making and what defenses and strategies are currently in place, and if you wished for us to make any such preparations."
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Thursday September 29th, 2016 5:53:12 PM
Shel looks in her box, thanking the elves. "Id stop with the drums. You don't want the Giants to hear you and sneak up on the whole group. Just a suggestion."
OOC: would one of you be so kind as to post the spoiler of what's in the box for me? I'm out of the office until Tuesday, and I can't access spoilers on my phone. Hanks.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Thursday September 29th, 2016 10:09:44 PM
Box of Elven Sustenance - Once per day, this box will create a serving of a special Elven waybread which is sufficient to sustain one small to medium person for one day. This food will not last for more than a day once removed from the box. Value 1,500 GP
Bliss bows low to offer his thanks for the wonderful gift.
He wonders, if he had had this when he was lost in a broken bag of holding, would he have died of hunger and thirst?
Dm Shawn - Marching to the beat of a war drum? Friday September 30th, 2016 9:56:06 AM
Quidi nods her appreciation of the compliment from Pressi. To Shel she adds before departing " Young woman.. if I was you and had your talent.. I'd play the drums and bring the giants to me."
To Pressi the Burgoneister adds. " I think it is best you gather and back to the north. Botta Birdskipper failed to check in, and we are comcerned he advanced to far into the area the giants control and was capturd. Hopefully thats the worst of it."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Friday September 30th, 2016 1:33:29 PM
"Woo-hoo, free food!" shouts Kezzem.
"Why is he called 'Birdskipper' I wonder," asks Bliss. "I don't even have a last name. Maybe it should be 'Birdshaper.' What do you think, Mookie?"
"Haw!" the raven laughs. "Just don't call yourself Latefordinner!"
Bliss grins, as Kezzem's shout is still echoing in his ear. "No worries. That would not be a very good name for a halfling!"
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Friday September 30th, 2016 8:44:46 PM
Shel blushed at the compliment from the elf leader. She tried to come up with a clever response, but nothing happened other than her face turning red. Once they got out of earshot, Shel whispered to the others, "I like them a lot better than the grumpy dwarves, that's for sure!"
Once she heard about Botta, Shel nodded to the others. "I guess a hero's work is never done," she grinned. "We've met the enemies and survived, so we know what to expect. I hope they are still just groups of big dummies. If they have spell casters, their whole strategy might be different."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Saturday October 1st, 2016 10:55:32 AM
Pressi shrugged. "Maybe these will be more talkative. Honestly, I'm kind of regretting leaving a giant alive to report back."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Saturday October 1st, 2016 11:15:55 PM
Alleah doesn't say much - or anything really - at this point. She listens to what the others have to say, nodding at the growing consensus to investigate Botta Birdskipper.
DM Mark - A discussion Monday October 3rd, 2016 1:43:29 AM
Having received a gift from the elves that can create food, Kezzem is ecstatic that he can now spend his food money on more meaningful pursuits.
Bliss ponders the name of the missing halfling scout.
Shel is honored by the compliment from the elves, and ready to head out to find Botta Bidskipper.
Pressi regrets having left a giant alive, and Alleah says little but nods her agreement to seek out this missing halfling.
------------------------------------ Quelius Quindi speak in elvish, directing others to see to sees to the health of the rescued elves here. They are all quite the spectacle here in Humble’s Ford. From the stares and low whispers, the residents here do not often see elves, much less a group of them this large. You hear whispers about their weapons, their bows, and most certainly the mount that this noble elvish woman rode into town. By contrast, the dwarves feign disinterest, but even a casual observer will note that there is a measure of respect among the dwarves for this troop of elves.
What seems to be an argument breaks out among Quelius, her son Morgan and two of the other elves. The old druid Graff soon enters the conversation, also in elvish. Graff stiffens at some of the remarks of Quelius. Morgan is clearly not happy with the outcome of the conversation, and at odds with his mother. Her eyes flash with a frightening anger as she speaks to him sharply, and he and the others prepare to leave.
For those that speak elvish: Highlight to display spoiler: {Morgan is telling his mother that they have a responsibility to tell these halflings of the giants massing to the North, but she insists that they are ill equipped to deal with this. She says that any such knowledge would surely tempt them to investigate, leading to more unnecessary deaths. Graff will asserts that the halflings that rescued the elves certainly have the ability to investigate and perhaps even penetrate the giant encampment unseen. Quelius tells him that if he thinks these halflings are any match for so many giants, that he is indeed the old fool people think him to be. He should go back to caring for his folk in the woods. The elves may chose to intervene, but while they could snipe and provide a warning, even they would be no match for such a force. As the discussion continues, Morgan asserts that this giant force consists of many different giant clans that do not get along, and a group that could infiltrate their camp may be able to have some effect. Quelius sharply instructs him to prepare to leave.}
All the while, several dwarves watch as the conversation unfolds, and their faces take on a stony resolve.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+9=29 ; Monday October 3rd, 2016 2:27:06 AM
Alleah smiles and says in response "Giants to the north, you say?"
If anyone in the party doesn't speak elven, Alleah will give a wink and whisper "I'll fill you in later". She doesn't want to offend Quelius by letting on what she just said and perhaps embarrassing her.
She stands and bows to Quelius as a sign of respect before she speaks "I do appreciate your concern for our collective wellbeing, however a friend of ours is out there somewhere. Botta Birdskipper. We need to head out to find him. If we happen to sight or scout any giants along the way, we can report back here to help everyone coordinate things. We won't go and try to fight and finish a war on our own.... if we can avoid it"
"Please. I don't want us to be the cause of an argument between mother and son. There are too many other fights to be had in the Wold today. In the spirit of peace and cooperation, would you dine with us this evening?"
---------------------------- Diplomacy: 29!
Bliss (AC28, HP45of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) Monday October 3rd, 2016 7:14:54 PM
Bliss is curious about what the talking in elvish is about, and makes a comment about that ... but Alleah's words quiet him down again.
Then there is an invitation to dinner??
Bliss says, "I'm confused. Is there an elf out there in danger? Better Something? Well, even if we would like out dinner, I think heroes would go help the person in danger first."
"Besides, if we are hungry, we can use our Elf-Lunchboxes for a snack while we are out a-searching!"
Bliss presses the point. Let's go out to rescue the lost elf, eat from our lunchboxes, and find the lost soul.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Monday October 3rd, 2016 8:20:21 PM
Bliss had a point, Shel thought. "If there's someone out there, we need to go get them. There'll be plenty of time for lunch later. Let's go save everyone and come back later and celebrate, How's that sound?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Monday October 3rd, 2016 10:06:30 PM
As Bliss and Shel began to babble, Pressi rolled her eyes deep into her skull.
"The elves felt the need to sit on information that giants are massing on the north. You know, where we were just about to ride in blind." Pressi shook her head. "Still prefer elves over dwarves? When an outstretched open hand is offered, always check the other arm."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Monday October 3rd, 2016 10:08:57 PM
Pressi decides to let Alleah continue with her diplomacy, and files the idea of infiltration for later.
DM Mark - A War Council is Formed Tuesday October 4th, 2016 12:48:59 AM
Alleah picks up on what’s being said by the elves. It’s clearly a disagreement over something. She tries to smooth things over, and invites them all to dinner.
Bliss isn’t sure what was said, but in response to Alleah’s mention of dinner, he is ready to be a hero and head out now. Shel agrees.
Pressi mistrusts these elves, and says as much. She gets an approving glance from one of the dwarves.
-------------------------------------- Quelius looks with some surprise at Alleah, and laughs as she says in elvish, Highlight to display spoiler: {Well, you little ones are full of surprises.} Then, to Bliss and Shel she says in the common tongue, “I appreciate your resolve, but the afternoon grows late - I would not advocate heading out against giants in the dark. And there are worse things in the north than giants, though perhaps not in the numbers that Morgan says these giants are gathering.”
The elderly Graeff replies, “If there are various clans in this gathering, this is bad indeed. Giants of different clans do not traditionally get along. That is their biggest weakness - their tendency to fight among themselves. A clan or two attacking is one thing, but this … this bears further investigation.”
Quelius nods at Graeff as well as the other elves, and looks sidelong at Alleah. “Perhaps we will stay for dinner and discuss plans. Assuming your protector, the good Master Blastmaster, has no objections.”
And just about that time, there is some commotion at the edge of town as Botta Birdskipper strolls in. “What? What are you all staring at?”
------------------------- (This dinner was Alleah’s idea - where does she propose they all eat? Also, good job on the Diplomacy roll!)
Over dinner, various matters are discussed. Several of the more prominent halfling leaders are there.
The dwarves state their resolve to see to the training and protection of the halfling communities here. They share that they know what it’s like to have homes and communities raided and destroyed, and do not want to see that happen here.
The elves are concerned about the giants, and the threat they may post to all beyond just the halfling communities. They intend to ride out and send warning of what is happening here. Quelius says she will leave a few elves here as runners and messengers should that be needed.
Graeff feels he must see to his enclave in the forest, He has vulnerable people there, and believes the preparations for the defense of the Crescent Valley are progressing well. He plans to leave this evening, but promises to return.
Before he leaves, Graeff will work with the others to rough out a map to a small valley where Morgain and the other elves believe these Giants may be gathering.
Do you have any questions for the assembled group?
Bliss (AC28, HP45of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) Tuesday October 4th, 2016 10:35:53 AM
Bliss is excited. "I'll change into a bird and we'll fly in and smash those giants!"
"Wait a minute, Kid. Hold on. You gotta use your head, not your birdbrain! We need you to sneak in and scout and make a map. We gotta find a spot that has cover so we can attack without being seen."
"The man says that giants fight among themselves. So we got a bunch of giants getting along. Maybe we can get them less friendly like. Get them to fight each other."
"Maybe we can use Confusion to make them attack each other. Shellybelly, you can cast that, right? And Confusion is a witch spell. Maybe we can get some scrolls of that. Imagine three or four Confusions and what that could do to the enemy!"
"Maybe we can use illusions to make it seem like giants are attacking. We would need some scrolls for that, right?"
"Meanwhile, Presto, Kezzy and the Kid can be shooting from cover, maybe sniping."
"I'm good at sniping," says Bliss. "Real good."
"I know, Kid," says the raven. "Add in some Fog Clouds and Entangle spells, and things go to heck pretty darn fast. Put up a Tiny Hut for total concealment, and the rogues get their sweet sneak attack damage as enemies come in range of it."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Tuesday October 4th, 2016 12:15:55 PM
"Hey, Mookie, I wouldn't go around calling her Presto like that," says Kezzem. "She does this trick with her hands where she curls them into a ball, and it hurts when she hits you with them."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Tuesday October 4th, 2016 1:06:36 PM
Alleah is glad that any arguments are long forgotten. Halflings, elves and dwarves now look to be working in harmony.
She looks curiously to Botta "Uh, you missed a check-in and people were getting worried. We were about to send out a search party for you. Anything interesting happen?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (20), HP 58, CMD 25 (27); bless; bugbear (speed 40) Tuesday October 4th, 2016 4:56:33 PM
Pressi begins to relax in light of recent developments. That the elves seem to be sharing information now does put her more at ease. (Since nobody else seems to have raised where to eat, Pressi suggests the Dancing Pig.)
To Quelius, back to what passes as Pressi's diplomatic state, she does try to get as much information about giant movements as she can. But something in the back of her mind continues to gnaw, so she asks if Quelius knows anything about the giant's motivations. And more specifically, if Quelius knows anything about the formation of the halfling villages and the towers.
To Graeff, she asks more logistical questions in regards to known entry points, camp fortifications, and so forth. To her town's leadership, she asks what the current mission is, now that the old mission is in place.
To the group, she points out that taking on a valley of giants, even if doable, probably isn't a good idea if the giants themselves are uniting. "This looks like a pure infiltration mission, and I'm not planning on us firing a single shot except to escape. We need battle plans, troop movements, technology assessments - and a better idea of how they are getting organized and why. Scouting missions are a good idea, but we're going to need a way inside the camp and stay there for some time."
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Tuesday October 4th, 2016 8:37:05 PM "Oh yes, Bliss if I could get a couple of confusion spells off on those Giants, there'd be a whole lot of trouble between the tribes. All we'd have to do would be sit bag and watch them tear each other to shreds. And Botta,did you find anything out there? You had us all a bit worried, you know."
DM Mark - A War Council Dissolves Wednesday October 5th, 2016 1:35:48 AM
Bliss and Mookie discuss tactics for dealing with giants.
Alleah asks Botta if anything interesting happened. Shel agrees with Bliss on some tactics, and also asks Botta what she learned.
Kezzem suggests not insulting Pressi.
Pressi ignores Kezzem’s comment. Relative to the giants, she suggests caution and information gathering. She asks Quelius about the giants motivations, and if she knows anything about the formation of the halfling villages and the towers. She asks Graeff about known entry points, camp fortifications, and so forth. To her town's leadership, she asks what the current mission is, now that the old mission is in place.
-------------------------------------- Botta responds that, while he did not see any giants, he did see some evidence of their passing - mostly a few hard to miss trails heading north. “Those giants leave the largest, er, scat piles I've ever seen. Stinky too.”
At Pressi’s suggestion, the group proceeds to the Dancing Pig. As Humble’s Sword come in with about 6 elves, 4 Dwarves and some of the halfling leaders, they seem glad to have you all there. They work to prop up a couple tables and try to provide suitable chairs for the larger folk, but the end result makes the elves look something like giants themselves. The dwarves just look a little uncomfortable, but do not complain. Quelius ignores any inconvenience, and the other elves seem to follow her lead. They move with an unnatural grace in these small spaces and seem at ease. When dinner is served, the dwarves dig in and consume a great deal (especially ale) as the elves seem to pick politely at what is served. They seem to have brought their own wine, which they readily share.
Quelius laughs at the thought of the halflings actually confronting the giants. “Oh little ones, collecting information is one thing, but picking a fight with a giant that has not already been shot with elven arrows will surely get you killed. Even going to see this camp is a bad idea, but I suspect you to be stubborn in your resolve. I advise observing from a distance during the day time. Giants see well in low light, and some can see in the dark.
“Regarding your villages, we know you like your little burrows. Elves do not live underground, preferring clean, open spaces. Perhaps you should ask your dwarven friends if you seek underground advice. About your towers, we know little, save that they have been effective at keeping giants out. If you like, I can send one of our learned elves to advise any wizards you may have. For rebuilding your stone towers perhaps your dwarves can help there too - they are good at that sort of work.”
The dwarves ignore the slight, and Master Blastmaster responds, “I have been talking to your Second Dinner Club. I have some ideas, but neither they nor we are familiar with the magics that created them. That will take some study and research. Perhaps you elves will be able to show some use to these good folk after all. That is, if you will condescend to provide such help after they saved your son.”
Quelius ignores the dwarf.
Graeff responds to Pressi’s question about the giants’ encampment, “I know little of how the giants may be encamped, but I know the valley that was mentioned.” He works with the elves to draw up a rough map to the place. Soon after, he grabs some food and excuses him self. “I have matters that must be attended to. Thank you Quelius and Master Blastmaster for your help to these good folk. And please try to get along - now is not the time for silly disagreements.”
With that he leaves. Not long after, the elves take their leave and retire to tents that have been set up outside of town.
And then you get the bill for the meal. 170 Silver! Wow. (But those dwarves you invited to dinner did drink a lot of ale.) The dwarves are still there drinking, and making elf jokes.
“Why are dwarves broad, ruddy, hairy and useful?” “Because if they were thin, pasty, smooth and useless they’d just be elves!”
“A dwarf and two elves walk into a bar. The waitress seats them and asks to take their order. The dwarf growls: "I'll take a big thick fat bleeding rare steak! And an ale!!" “The waitress says, "Fine, and what about the vegetables?" “The dwarf snarls, "They'll take the steak and ale too, and they'll LIKE IT!!"
“Two elves walk into a bar, the third one ducked. Then a dwarf goes and gets his bar.”
“What’s the difference between elves and dwarves?” “Dwarves like a woman with a nice axe. Elves like a woman with a lot of whine.”
“Why don't dwarves grow as tall as elves?” “Our wisdom weighs us down.”
“Why are dwarves better than elves?” “Because they don’t look down on anyone.”
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 1:55:32 AM
Alleah politely laughs at the jokes. She considers joining in with some elf jokes of her own, but considers such a thing might be insulting to the elven guests - even if they aren't present. Instead she pokes fun at her own race...
"Have you heard this one? How many halflings does it take to replace a door? Three. The first two to argue about which way the door should open and the third to hire a dwarf to fix it properly"
Tendel (Robert) AC 27 (29 vs Evil), hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18 (20 vs Evil), hp 51 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 5:06:24 AM
Tendel quietly slips into the Dancing Pig (after the elves have gone).
"Sorry about the delay; I just ducked back to pick up Bill here," lifting the potted fern cradled in his arm, "and starting talking with Bella. She is quite [s]lovely[/s], I mean chatty, you know. Anyway," Tendel's face has reddened now, he tries to change the subject, "did I see elves leaving here as I walking walking down the street? What did I miss?"
As the others fill him in on the details he adds, "Pressi has a most interesting idea. Who knows what mischief and mayhem we could cause if we were to sneak about their camp. But first of all, reconnaissance I should think. And a coordinated plan for spells; Hold Person and Confusion certainly worked a treat. Ha!"
[ooc]Sorry for the absence - I had a wonderful surprise holiday. Onalep sits quietly by his side as Tendel absent-mindedly treats him to bits of meat from the table.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 5:11:25 AM Header update
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Wednesday October 5th, 2016 11:08:06 AM
"I've always heard elves were flexible, but I never before saw one able to bend so far backwards enough to put his head up his own...."
Kezzem is interrupted before he can finish his statement.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 11:29:33 AM "So, we leave at first light in the morning, then? And the plan is to just do some light scouting? That shouldn't be terrible. I can make us invisible and fly us out, if things get too hairy. What could possibly go wrong," she asks, with a knowing grin.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 2:45:12 PM
Diplomatic agendas aside, Pressi finds herself somewhat relaxed by the company, and rather capable of matching dwarf drinking herself and she does take the time to circulate among the crowd.
She is less enamored that the dwarves are telling elf jokes - the one where "dwarves" don't look down on anyone particularly sticks in the halfling's craw. Frankly, she was always self conscious about her own size, feeling like it meant needing to prove something. She wondered how Bliss could stand to be so permanently tiny, when she felt so much more comfortable being big.
"Your recommendation is appreciated," Pressi replied to Quelius, "and we do appreciate you sending a learned elf. But if we were truly stubborn, we'd be able to stay home."
If there are no objections, Pressi pays the bar tab out of the gold they got from the giants earlier (reflected on the treasure list she started). "Everyone should take the time now to rest and stock up. We'll probably leave in the morning." Almost absentmindedly, she begins to peruse the map of the valley.
Bliss is eager to go explore the valley and map it all out.
"The dark is no problem for me!" he declares proudly. "I can see in the dark! Nighttime is when all the shadows come out and dance! And me too!"
He is eager to head off to the valley, as soon as possible.
Mookie directs him to ask around for anyone who might have scrolls of obscuring mist or minor illusions and silent images.
DM Mark - A War Council Dissolves Thursday October 6th, 2016 12:17:57 AM
Pressi pushes back a bit on the elves, and focuses on the map. She also pays the bill.
Alleah works to get along with everyone, and even cracks a halfling joke. Kezzem adds to the elf bashing.
As the others discuss tactics against the giants, Tindal shows up hugging a fern hamed Bill. He is asked to leave Onlep outside. The big cat seems to make all the halflings pretty nervous.
The night continues, and so do the dwarves. The proprietor of the Dancing Pig keeps the ale flowing, and is happy to present the next bill for another 100 SP to the wealthy adventures of Humble’s Sword as well. The dwarves to not object. Sense motive 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The dwarves seem to be watching if you will pay for their drinking, more out of curiosity than out of need or greed.}
Now that you have a map, do you head out into the night, or do to sleep and go in the morning? Any other action or preparations?
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+13=22 Thursday October 6th, 2016 8:20:43 AM "I'm going to turn in for the night. It sounds like we'll have a busy day tomorrow." Alleah's happy to leave a couple of gold with the innkeeper to cover the cost of a few more drinks for the dwarves "And perhaps some food for them as well? There's no hospitality like halfling hospitality after all"
She farewells everyone and heads home to get some rest.
---------------------- Sense Motive: 22
RobC -- posting for Brian/Kezzem Thursday October 6th, 2016 8:23:33 AM
Kezzem isn't ready to call it a night just yet. As long as someone else from the party is around, he plans on keeping them company in the tavern.
Bliss (AC28, HP45of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) d20+8=10 ; d20+4=17 ; Thursday October 6th, 2016 10:40:04 AM
Bliss Sense Motive check: 10. Mookie Sense Motive check: 17.
Bliss is not ready to go to sleep. "Nobody minds if I cast a spell, right!" he declares. He casts Detect Magic and looks at the dwarves.
While he is doing that, Mookie bumps Bliss and tells him to pay the bill. "Sure thing!" he says, and be gives the innkeeper 45 gp to pay for everyone until they go home. "Keep the drinks and snacks coming," he says, "especially pie and worms." [45 gp removed from sheet]
If any dwarves have any magic items that are not armor or weapons, Bliss says to one, "Hey Mister Dwarf! You guys like to drink, right? I challenge you to a drinking contest! Whoever can drink the most drinks out of mugs the size of their fists wins the bet!"
Bliss fishes out a magic item of his own of the same magical power as something the dwarf has. "I'll put up my ----- against your -----! Whoever can drink the most wins!"
Mookie chokes on a worm or crumb he had just pecked at.
Bliss puts his fists on his hips. "Or how about you or you? Anyone with a decent magic item?"
(He'll put up a potion if that's all a dwarf has, or whatever, except not his bah.)
Bliss looks around to see if any dwarves will accept his challenge.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Thursday October 6th, 2016 1:02:25 PM
Pressi shook her head at the diplomatic destruction Bliss would bring upon them all. (To anyone except Bliss or DM)Highlight to display spoiler: {And at how Bliss forgot to specify that the mugs must be filled.} But she doesn't intervene, curious to see how long it takes before she has to save Bliss from a beating.
She spends a little bit of time thinking about what they might have to do tomorrow. She will need to make sure that she rests enough to avoid fatigue, though she has her full ki points already.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Thursday October 6th, 2016 5:57:01 PM
Shel heads back to her parents' burrow and beds down for the night. She wants to make sure she is fully rested so she has access to all her spells tomorrow. It was looking to be a really big day tomorrow.
Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51 Thursday October 6th, 2016 11:29:47 PM
Tendel is ready to keep company with Kezeem and the dwarves, and willing to chip in some gold coins as needed. He is enjoying the jovial atmosphere, though he would rather the jokes were not at the expense of those absent. He tries to steer the topic of the humour towards anything else.
"Why did the dinosaurs live longer than the dragons? Because they didn't smoke. What do you do with a green dragon?Wait until it ripens! Ha-ha! Surely you dwarves know some more good ones, or are you dragon your feet on the jokes?"
Sense Motive +15
Tendel asks the party about spell preparation and coordination: "Does the party have a plan for spells? Do you plan together?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Friday October 7th, 2016 10:03:36 AM
"Yeah, planning has a bit of... complicated history with us," Pressi began to respond to Tendel.
"Most members of Humble's Sword rather value their lone wolf independence, so it gets tricky to even suggest that someone acts as a leader. So we act as independent units, quick to react to what another halfling is doing or needs, but mostly independently coming up with actions on our own. Every once in a while, someone rises up as a sort of leader like myself or Murphy. But Murphy actually got a backlash or two for trying too hard to plan or order halflings around. Add to that the fact that we know so little about what we are walking into, and it makes it hard to plan.
"Which is a shame, because this seems like our best chance to run a well coordinated complex heist. A plan of disguises, bluff checks, acrobatic maneuvers, funny accents, and a climax where the enemy thinks they caught us only to realize they did exactly what we needed them to do. Bonus points if the giant camp has a casino. But anyway....
"I'd suggest anything that could help with sneaking around, hearing from afar, disguising self, that sort of thing. We want to be ready to retreat, control crowds, maybe get heals and buffs for a fight. To be honest, I can't even open and see this map now for some reason, like some outside force forgot to send a link. So planning is a tad difficult. As Bliss said, the dark may help some giants but they're also known for helping some of us, so call it a wash. And think of some possible backstories in case we have to talk our way out. And relax. We halflings are nothing if not innovative and flexible.
"Also, I am open to plans if you have any you'd like to suggest now."
DM Mark - On the road agan? Friday October 7th, 2016 4:33:36 PM
Alleah give the innkeeper a couple gold to cover costs, and decides to retire. Kezzem, on the other hand, decides to remain and see how the evening progresses.
Bliss casts Detect Magic on the dwarves, which they do not stop but do not appreciate. As he concentrates on the spell for two rounds to gauge the relative strength of their items, he gets some stern looks. “Hey, what’re you trying to do there little wizard?” Mookie reminds Bliss to pay the bill and Bliss gives the innkeeper 45 GP! The innkeeper takes the money, assuming they plan to eat and drink a lot. Then Bliss challenged the Dwarves to a drinking contest, proposing that they put a magic item up for the winner. The dwarves object that such would not be fair, but will take the bet for glory!
Pressi keeps an eye on Bliss, and is comforted that Mookie stays by his side - looking about as disapproving as a crow can. She eventually goes to rest, as does Shel.
Tindal joins in with the jokes, and asks his new friends about group planning on spells. Pressi clarifies that the group is more an autonomous collective. -------------------------------- The next morning, Bliss wakes up in a comfortable pile of mostly clean towels and rags in a corner of the tavern near the fireplace. Bliss is anything but comfortable - he has a terrible headache and does not feel well. He’s not quite sure how he got there. He remembers drinking and some cheering. Mookie is there, keeping watch over his ward. Even with the smaller “cup” he was using, his alcohol tolerance was clearly less than the dwarves. Nonetheless, when he wakes, he sees that beside him are two potion vials that he had not seen before. The two vials are labeled, and each also has an explanatory noteHighlight to display spoiler: {”EVIL” - Protetion from Evil, and “POISON” - Delay Posion}.
Everyone else wakes from their respective places of rest. A study of the map, and prior discussion with Graeff suggest this may be a 3-5 day trip. Graeff has not personally been to this valley for many years. He does recall the valley is small, and there are some caves there as well. The map, hopefully, has enough landmarks noted on it to not get lost. Hopefully.
What now?
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Friday October 7th, 2016 7:17:01 PM "If we are to be gone for up to ten days, we need to be sure we have enough food and water for the trip. Can any of you cleric types summon food or water? That'd be easier than us having to carry all of it and it weighing us down there, and if we have to leave in a hurry on the way back. Alleah, do you have enough camping equipment for all of us in your satchel, or do I need to buy anything else to stock us up? And Tendel, is Bill coming along for the trip?"
Bliss rubs his head but is super glad to have "won" two potions.
Mookie orders him to drink a lot and have a hearty breakfast.
Bliss takes a survey of how fast the party can travel.
Bliss can move at 30, or fly on Mookie at 40. Pressi moves at 30. Tendel can ride Onalep at 50. Shel moves at 20! Alleah moves at 40. Kezzem moves at 20!
If Alleah cast Longstrider on Shel and Kezzem rides Mookie, we could all travel at 30.
Bliss (AC28, HP45of56) & Mookie (AC31, HP28of28) (Cayzle) Friday October 7th, 2016 7:24:16 PM
"Shel! Shel!" says Bliss excitedly, "Don't you remember the elves just gave us magic lunchboxes?!"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Friday October 7th, 2016 9:02:00 PM "Sorry, Bliss. I can only cast Longstrider on myself" Alleah laments that the spell only works on the caster "But I think I have enough camping supplies to last us, Shel. I wonder if the food from the elves tastes any good?"
DM Mark - On the road agan? Friday October 7th, 2016 10:42:29 PM
Bliss will recall that the dwarves declined to make the bet. Bliss will have the sickened condition for the first 4 hours of the day.
Mookie, Pressi and anyone else that was there will inform Bliss that he actually lost the challenge. But the dwarves were so impressed with his effort and attitude, they referred to him as the littlest dwarf the'd ever met. The were also impressed with the generosity of the group in general. They said that Bliss' good attitude was probably an indication that he would use these potions to benefit anyone in need and thought it was a good donation to the party in general for their trip ahead.
Regarding the elven lunch box, it's about 8 inches square and about 4 inches deep. You will find that the elven waybread it produces is quite good. It's almost as big as Bliss is, and would be rather unwieldy for Bliss to actually carry.
RobC -- posting for Brian/Kezzem Saturday October 8th, 2016 6:00:37 AM
Kezzem kept a vigil over Bliss. He wasn't too sure the little guy would still be breathing after all that drink, but hey, it looked like the worst thing for him would be the hangover.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Sunday October 9th, 2016 10:16:39 AM
The first thing Pressi does is start to round up what horses, dogs and carts they have left and/or are available. She also suggests bags of holding for what are sizeable (and probably heavy) bread boxes.
She also takes stock of who has what in terms of seeing in the dark. Pressi herself has a few sunrods and torches - and can see in the dark for an hour. She puzzles over whether the caves are being used by the giants - or worse. Too bad; they would have made a good base of operations.
Pressi also asks Alleah for an updated watch list.
As a final move, she puts out feelers to the rumors of a new member of the team. A particularly promising candidate moves the team towards true animal evolution - bird, cat, and now dog.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Monday October 10th, 2016 7:29:33 AM
"Free food always tastes good, Alleah," says Kezzem.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 Monday October 10th, 2016 8:08:25 AM
Alleah lays out what she understood to be the party watch order. It's weird not having Murphy around. This is the sort of thing he usually got really into.
"Now, we all need to have 8 hours rest every night, but as we're growing in power we also need to be aware that casters need an additional hour to rest and prepare spells. I'm thinking the following watch order gives everyone all the time required:
Basically swapping Tendel and Kezzem around, so that Tendel can get that extra hour he needs to prepare spells. Any objections to the order?"
"And anyone got any ideas for marching order? You guy are better at the scouting, planning, fighting than I am"
---------------------------- OOC: After spending the first watch preparing spells, Alleah uses one of her Calming Touches to remove the Fatigued condition from herself and thus doesn't require sleep.
Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 Monday October 10th, 2016 9:51:18 AM "That sounds fine with me, Alleah. I'm good with taking first watch. As far as marching order goes, please leave me toward the middle to the back of the team. I'm no good if I get caught up front and get mashed by a bunch of giants.".
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 Monday October 10th, 2016 11:31:22 AM
"For me, marching order is simple. Tanks take the front and rear. Pure casters center. One scout up front, everyone else scattered"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless Monday October 10th, 2016 12:11:20 PM
"Uh, Alleah, not that I'm complainig, but you do realize that puts you on three watches."
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