The Leng Ghoul is left to rot, it's ugly misshapen head lolls to one side as it is quickly forgotten in the search for allies and perhaps survivors.
Murphy is quick to compliment his allies on their destruction of the undead, and goes so far as to postulate on the origins of the Leng Ghoul. Neither he nor Pressi were able to get a clear bead on what exactly it was, but it was certainly undead. (Know Religion, DC 20)
Kezzem and Bliss fuss over the recently saved Mookie, and for now the small avian companion seems to be out of the woods.
Lance, most peculiarly, seems to have undergone some sort of spiritual change. His monastic training has been replaced, leaving him with a surge of power that is new to both him, and his companions.
Lance peers down at the sheet of paper. The burned parchment that looks like it used to be a map of Humble’s Ford, with red circles to the west, north, and east of the town.
(Perception DC 25)
Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a final smudge mark, almost completely erased, and it is on the house of Garon!}
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Tuesday August 8th, 2017 11:54:53 PM
Lance turns to Murphy. "Hm? Oh, it was one of my ancestors. He said I was supposed to inherit his legacy and complete his life's work, but due to a temporal flux and blah-blah-blah something-something now I have powers and they had to erase my memory to make it fit." He tapped his chin in thought. "At least he said he was one of my ancestors. Old Granny Foxwell has the family genealogical book on her mantel, and I've never seen 'Rhiaowiok, The Storm That Hungers' in the family tree. No-sir-ee."
Lance shows the paper to everyone. "It looks like a map of town. Hmm... what do you make of it?"
Sky & Cudgle (Marty) HP: 48/61; Ac:22 & Cudgle) Wednesday August 9th, 2017 12:02:45 AM I wish we could break ng Memo back. Gargul does not sit well with me though.
With Lances transformation Sky sighs,
yay! New tactics to disregard hehehe He trys, miserably to make a light joke, in the midst of everything going on...
if those two left, it is what it is, we must press on, figuring if they Leave then they wouldn't have been loyal till the end anyways.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Medium Air Elemental (Kim) AC 24 HP 61/76 CMD 17 [As elemental, Murphy has Darkvision 60'] d20+23=43 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+8=20 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 4:24:36 AM
"Ah, Mookie. You are a sight for sore eyes," Murphy says gently.
"Well, they can't be too far away as of yet," Murphy responds to Kezzem. "I know Alleah was angry at me, but I felt we were wasting time while there may have been someone here who needed help. When I heard that anguished scream, I thought we may be too late - but if we could stop dragging our feet, and come and help, perhaps someone else might be saved." He looks around at all the dead/undead halflings who wear white. "It seems we were too late, after all, for even the last one," he says sadly. He also sorrows to think that it was himself who lead two good friends to leave the group, even if only for a little while, he hopes against hope.
"Perhaps they'll be waiting for us at the farmhouse. Let's clean up here, and then go see. Shall we bury the dead here?" he asks, or where Kezzem buried the others? I can cast the spell I used for Meko's grave, for them as well." Before burying any, Murphy takes time to look at each face of the undead they confronted, looking beyond the contortions to find the person behind. He fixes each in his mind, planning that night to sketch each one. Perhaps someone in the valley may be able to identify some of them.
Further considering Kezzem's words, and rethinking, he says, "Kez, you are right. This creature is of an undead nature. I will draw a picture of it tonight, and perhaps we can ask a cleric or someone knowledgeable about such things exactly what sort of being it is, and what it is called. Since Gargul transformed you, I know you have far more understanding of such things than I." (Knowl (religion): 22)
Seeing Lance offering the partly burnt paper, Murphy asks for a moment to look at it. "Right. Humble's Ford. I wonder what the red circles are meant for?" (knowl (geography): 25) He looks more closely. "Hey, this smudge here - it's the house of Garon. I mean, the smudge is over that house." He tries to see if he can discern what had been written there before it was smudged over (perfect perception, 43 - nat 20). Profession (artistry):11 to try to determine if he can tell who drew the map (apparently not). And knowledge (local): 20 to see if Murphy knows who Garon is.
In his conversation with Lance, he says, "Not sure about 'Rhiaowiok,' but you certainly fit the picture of a storm, Lance."
With Sky: "The reincarnation would be through my patron, Lord Eberyon. Lord Gargul brooks no truck with reincarnation, but also, as far as I know, he does not deal in animals. I may be mistaken on that. Anyway, I'd be willing to cast the spell, if you want me to do so. Say the word, give me time to prepare, and I will do it - though I dare not raise too high your hopes. It is somewhat of a gamble."
Concerning what Sky says about Alleah and Shel, Murphy says, "Do not be hard on them, friend. Perhaps more of the blame lies at my feet. I did not wish to drive any away, yet seem to have done so, without the wish."
Then, thinking of another possibility, he says, "I might dig further into this cave, and see if there be any secret areas, people, or treasure trapped behind the walls. I would need to change into my earth elemental form. Any objections?" If none, he does so. For time's sake, he will penetrate about ten feet into many places along the floor and walls of the cave, and take a few minutes to thoroughly check things. If all he find are dirt and rocks and the occasional root, he reports that. The moment he finds something of help or interest, he quickly reports that.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 25), HP 41/77, CMD 26 d20+14=30 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 4:19:51 PM
Pressi takes some time to search the cave, checking for traps and such on her own, as well as glancing at the paper herself (Perception 30, +2 for traps).
She also takes some time to acknowledge the bird. "Glad you're feeling better and all."
She shakes her head at Murphy's optimism. "It sounded like they made their choices."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 4d6=13 ; d20+1=17 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 7:19:10 PM
Kezzem will assist Pressi in searching the cave. His eyes aren't as sharp as they were before his death, so he prays to Gargul to guide him.
OOC: Detect Evil, Perception 17
"You look pretty beat up there, Press," says Kezzem.
Spells: 1st Level: Cure Light Wounds (x2; both cast), Lesser Restoration 2nd Level: Shield Other (x2)
Bliss (AC20, HP81) (Cayzle) d20+19=37 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 9:48:45 PM
Bliss is sharp of eye and ear -- Perception 37 -- but the smudged mark means nothing to him.
He stays with Mookie as the familiar raven comes around.
"... ugh ... Kid, I'm getting too old for this."
Bliss just hugs the bird.
"Stop yer blubbering, Kid," chides Mookie. "You gotta grow up now." But the bird runs his beak through Bliss's hair affectionately as he says this.
"Don't you want to be a real hero?"
Bliss nods.
"Well then, you gotta buck up."
Bliss nods and wipes his eyes.
DM Ken Wednesday August 9th, 2017 10:31:00 PM
Murphy runs an idea by the others. Several actually, but the first order of business is taking a very thorough search of the remainder of the cave, aided by Pressi and Kezzem.
Nothing unusual is detected, though they does find a rare sort of mushroom that tastes like pure pleasantry when fried with onions and butter.
Bliss and Mookie recover from their ordeal, and once all are certain the cave holds no new mystery, they again are left holding only a map of their town, with little red circles drawn on it, and a red smudge over the house of one Mister Garon, the last member of the Second Breakfast Club.
There's not much else to tell from the map, and the conclusions to be drawn are many. What do the circles mean? The smudge, does it mark a victim, or perhaps a conspirator?
There was also a suggestion to bury the dead.
The group of small heroes seem to sit in apparent indecision.
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Wednesday August 9th, 2017 11:47:33 PM
Lance turns abruptly. "The dead should be buried, but we have more pressing matters. We must go to the village and see Mr. Garon immediately. We can alert the mayor about the dead. The local clergy can see to their burial."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Medium Air Elemental (Kim) AC 24 HP 61/76 CMD 17 [As elemental, Murphy has Darkvision 60'] d8=4 ; d8=6 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 2:46:59 AM
Murphy joins Kezzem in helping to heal Pressi. He casts cure moderate wounds for 19 hp.
Considering what they saw on the map a bit more, Murphy remarks, "Oh, oh - this is where Garron Von Tenninshire must be - though, doesn't he dwell in the tower of the Second Dinner Club, along with Veseley and Tiana? Or, is this smudged spot over where the tower stands? He told us he worked on the teleportals at Floating City and Plateau City. Alemi Himself sent him a dream to come and help us out in the rebuilding of the Giant Towers. No wonder our enemies might wish to plot against him."
Thinking about the positioning of the red circles, he asks, "Bliss, you know about ley lines. Do any of the places on the map have anything to do with what you know of the ley lines through Humble's Ford?"
"Lance, I agree we need to get word quickly to the wizard Garron, and other key people. As we have seen, some people want to delay some things inordinately. Yet other may be inclined to take precipitous action without handling needful things first. Local clergy? We are far from local clergy - and especially now that Alleah has left us. Let us take a span of perhaps fifteen minutes - a short time for such matters - and give the remains of these poor halflings as honorable a burial as we might in that time, then take what action is needful next. To do less would seem a grave slight."
He asks his friends for help in finding a suitable place in the woods for burial, and there casts expeditious excavation, opening a 5'x5'x5' hole in the ground, with the dirt piled up adjacent to the sides of the hole. As he is currently in the form of an earth elemental, he takes advantage of his form quickly to dig down another three feet deeper, to eight feet, tossing the dirt and small rocks to one side of the hole, then earthgliding down, several feet away, then back up to the surface.
"A mass grave will have to suffice. Did anyone know any of these halflings?" he asks. "If so, let us use the names of those we know as we bury them. If not, still, let us commend their souls to Gargul, and Alemi. I doubt any one of them chose voluntarily to become undead. May they find redemption in the next stage of life." He will lower each body into the fresh grave, ask his friends for a word or two on behalf of their recent opponents, then toss a handful of dirt on the individual, until all eight are accounted for. When all are laid in the grave, he invites each person to help cover the bodies - then, once they can no longer be seen, he pushes the rest of the dirt over until the hole is re-filled.
As for the undead master fool - Murphy asks, "May I burn the body of this one? Perhaps in the cave wherein he worked his foul necromancy?" If none object, then Murphy, for the first time in the presence of his friends, wild shapes into a fire elemental, and takes what time it takes to reduce the corpse of the wicked monster to ashes within the cave.
"Shall we return to the farmhouse prior to setting out? Shall we get our sleep, and in the morn renew our spells, or travel at night? Will our animals bear it?"
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Medium Air Elemental (Kim) AC 24 HP 61/76 CMD 17 [As elemental, Murphy has Darkvision 60'] Thursday August 10th, 2017 2:53:01 AM
P.S.: Murphy returns to halfling form after immolating the Leng Ghoul. He does not wish to catch anyone, or anything else on fire.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 Thursday August 10th, 2017 8:10:50 AM
Kezzem assists with Murphy with the dead.
"Gargul, watch over this poor departed souls."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 25), HP 73/77, CMD 26 Thursday August 10th, 2017 1:50:56 PM
"Oh please," Pressi scoffed as both Kezzem and Murphy tended to her wounds. "I've been in fighting condition with far worse attacks than these paper cuts."
Pressi tried her best to think of anything specific regarding the white shirts, but she only saw them as a reflection of the self. They were fans. She sought them out from the day she left home, looking for some recognition of her great heroism, and she cared far more about the dog or the foul mouthed bird. Still, she could at least feel some guilt in how they were targeted, how they looked to the team to save them. Whatever happens now, they let everyone down.
And now, two members of the team had left in a huff, unable and unwilling to even say goodbye. Her boyfriend still held in denial and anger over that - it would be tough for him to forgive two people he thought were his closest friends.
It takes some time to finish burying the zombies, even with the hurry up moves. She asks the group if anyone there might have a way to get a message out in advance, but she suspects she already knows the answer. She does the best she can with the snippets she vaguely remembers, and a few remembered words.
As Murphy finishes, she answers him. "This was a trap. Uthvas wanted us out of the way. Regardless of our commitments, we have to go now, lost spells or no."
Bliss (AC20, HP81) (Cayzle) Thursday August 10th, 2017 8:53:17 PM
Bliss listens to everybody. He has not been listening lately. He helps to the extent he can with the digging, and is ready to go as Pressi says that this is a trap.
DM Ken Thursday August 10th, 2017 10:55:29 PM
The small heroes of Humble's Ford work together, and even though it is both bare bones and very impersonal, the bodies of their fallen undead enemies are laid to a final, peaceful rest.
As the halflings let the weight of the deaths of their fans settle upon them, some feel it much more keenly than others. Pressi in particular feels a sense of failure, and a small bit of guilt in the realization she feels more strongly for two animal companions than those who idolized them.
Lance and Murphy both insist upon warning Garen, after all, he might very well be the next victim of Uthvas and his machinations. The question is posed, "Shall we return to the farmhouse prior to setting out? Shall we get our sleep, and in the morn renew our spells, or travel at night? Will our animals bear it?"
At the very least, Pressi feels the need for action. Unless there are dissenters, the halflings gather their kits and prepare to travel to the residence of Garen.
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Thursday August 10th, 2017 11:36:38 PM "Very well. Burial, then to Mr. Garon. We can rest after we have made sure he is safe and posted a guard."
Bliss (AC20, HP81) (Cayzle) Friday August 11th, 2017 2:02:21 AM
Bliss nods agreement and follows the group as the party heads back to town.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 Friday August 11th, 2017 12:08:08 PM
"Agreed, good Lance. The safety of others should be a primary concern," says Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 25), HP 73/77, CMD 26 Friday August 11th, 2017 1:58:16 PM
Pressi nodded. "Sounds like it is settled. Off we go."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) AC 21 HP 61/76 CMD 17 d20+23=37 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 6:50:28 PM
Murphy uses the wand of cure light wounds to heal 8+9=17 on himself, 7+6=13 on Sky, and 4 on the possibly protesting Pressi (using rolls from Thursday July 20th, 2017 4:16:55 PM, which no one previously applied). Everyone in the party should now be back up to full hit points.
Murphy takes a couple of minutes to grab his ropes and canvas from the roof, quickly double checks to make sure that no one left anything behind. He also looks to see if Alleah left his wand of Hide from Undead that he had lent her.
The last delay - one minute, tops - is to take two small clippings from the large oak near the farmhouse.
As they get underway on the westward road back to Humble's Ford, Murphy comments, "Recall that Mookie, Bliss, Lance and Kezzem had been covered with the remains of the first few undead. I'm inclined to think that you all need to see a cleric - maybe Sarabella - not too long after we return to the Ford, to ensure that none of you change into exploding zombies. Maybe that sounds too cautious, and maybe it is. Better safe than sorry, though, right?"
He is very sad that neither Alleah nor Shel were at the farmhouse. And Shel - a friend from youth - did not even say goodbye, or leave a note (unless she did - Perception 37). He asks quietly among his friends to see if he can learn more about what they may have said in his absence, but does not press if any seem reluctant.
"It took us about five hours or so to get here. Likely we'll be back sometime between midnight and twoish in the morning," he estimates.
On the way, he raises a question. "Would any of you someday like to visit one of the moons of the Wold?"
DM Ken Saturday August 12th, 2017 11:03:35 AM
The small heroes back up their belongings from the farmhouse, to include Murphy's wand of Hide from Undead. It was left laying on a table with no note or explanation, a final and emphatic point that marks the end of Alleah's time with her adventuring party.
Shel left no note, or items behind, and this seems to hurt Murphy a little.
Bliss, Kezzem, Pressi, and Lance all agree that the safety of others is more important than the convenience of rest to their group, and thus the decision is made to trek back presently.
It is a 5 hour ride, which would not be difficult had such a trip not already been made earlier in the day, with a battle to boot. Sleep threatens the halflings as much as the darkness, which slowly creeps in around them as the night carries on.
After some time, they start recognizing the silhouttes and window candles of the settlements in their beloved hometown, which seems ignorant altogether of the myriad of threats that have begun to align against it.
From here it's only a few minutes to Garon's house. His home is a two story affair, with a small picket fence surrounding it's property. There is a front door and a back, a balcony on the second floor, and a well maintained patio on the first. It is pitch black, without a single light to be seen from inside.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 d20+1=5 ; Saturday August 12th, 2017 1:34:35 PM
Kezzem activates Detect Evil and keeps an eye out for trouble.
Perception: 5.
OOC: Kezzem can't find his feet.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) d20+12=21 ; d20+14=23 ; Sunday August 13th, 2017 3:47:16 PM
"You want to go where?" Pressi gasped, astonished. "Honey, I would follow you to the ends of the earth, but you're nuts if you think I'm leaving it. That's the end of the matter.
"Ok, I'm reopening it because otherwise this will keep me up all night. Why, exactly, do you want to take a trip to the moon? And what prompted you to want to do it with Shel?"
-------------
Pressi tensed as they began to enter the house. Pressi quietly took on her surface drow form, attempting to peer into the darkness.
(Perception 21, stealth 23)
Bliss (AC20, HP81) (Cayzle) Sunday August 13th, 2017 9:47:09 PM
A ghost of a smile haunts Bliss's face as he listens to Pressi talk about the moon.
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Sunday August 13th, 2017 11:59:24 PM
Lance is just a little put off by Pressi apparently speaking to celestial objects. He stands ready to blast anything suspicious.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) AC 21 HP 61/76 CMD 17 d20+23=34 ; Monday August 14th, 2017 1:50:48 AM
Wardd and Kerracles "Why to the moon? I've read some of the seventeen-volume set of Lord Karlton Pobberington-Whyte III, 'Journye to the Moones.' I own a few of them. We could visit Wardd. We could visit Kerracles. Maybe some things he wrote were true about his visit. Maybe some things were his own fancies. And maybe, just maybe, we could find out for ourselves!" He reaches into his knapsack, and pulls out a sketchbook. "Look here. This is what I copied from 'Faces of our Moons' - a booklet I came across a while back. See, it has detailed drawings of the surfaces of the two moons of the Wold, Kerracles and Wardd."
He blushes a bit at the 'Why Shel?' query. "Well, see, she had this necklace, right? I'm sure you've seen it. And it had a little stone on it, shaped rather like a - maybe an egg that was long and skinny? And one end always pointed in the direction of Wardd, the moon. Figured that might help us in our navigations. But, hey, we don't need that. Long as the weather is fine, and it's in the sky overhead, it's easy to tell where Wardd is. Also, at Lawni's Lens, just a bit northwest of here, they have telescopes, and charts of where the moons will be at certain times, and a big library. And I've heard that there was this place somewhere on the Wold, on an island, where a boat, or ship, was there that could take you to the moon!"
He takes a breath. And one extra. "So, someday, if it's not totally inconvenient, and we can figure out how to do it, let's go to the moons together." He opens his arms to all his companions. "Let's ALL go there, someday? I mean, how many people can say they've ever done that, eh?" He then says, quickly changing his countenance to an apparently bored passivity, "'Sides, there are s'posed to be beautiful girls up there," followed by a wink at Lance.
Then he holds up his hands in self defense before Pressi. "No, pretty girls are NOT why I want to go there. But, I'd like to go WITH a pretty girl, like... you."
At the house of Garron (with two r's) Once they get near to the new wizard's place, Murphy says, "We might want to let the constable know what's going on. Or, we could try to figure it out, then let him know. Also, these three red circles - should we stop by and see what's there now?"
However, since now they stand before the large abode - Murphy says, "Uh, say, Wizard Garron may have some wards. Shouldn't we just knock? Or find a bell to ring?" He looks around for some sort of external means to signal whom may be within
Kezzem activates detect evil, but peering through the night, he finds nothing of note. The party stops briefly outside of the house, discussing Murphy's desire to see the moons. He explains to the others his reasons, but the conversation seems to fall heavily in the darkness of the midnight hours.
Pressi takes the form of a surface drow, and sneaks up to a window. A quick look inside reveals a well kept commons room, with spots for tea and snacks neatly awaiting guests, books for perusing, and small table games for entertainment.
She spots a couch, various bits of furniture, and nothing else of note.
Murphy, who was searching for some way to announce themselves, finds a bell post just outside the fenced area of the property.
Bliss (AC20, HP81) (Cayzle) d20+12=26 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+19=34 ; Monday August 14th, 2017 2:11:47 PM
Bliss taps himself and Mookie with the Mage Armor wand. UMD 26, 23, no problem.
Bliss looks at Murphy.
If he does not ring the bell, Mookie caws, "Do I have to do everything?" and tugs on it himself.
After the bell rings, if Garren appears, then Mookie flutters over to Kezzem. "Well, pally, what's your x-ray vision say about this guy's soul?"
Bliss looks at Mookie disapprovingly. The raven sighs. "Sorry, SIR pally."
If the wizard is not evil, or if Kezzem does not check for it, then Mookie speaks up. "Hey Breakfast Club Wizard! Did you know that the undead and that Uthvas fellow are out to get ya! Better watch out, and stick with us for now."
If the wizard IS evil, then Mookie challenges him. "HEY! What do you know about this Uthvas fellow and the undead that have been attacking around here?"
After the bell rings, if Garren does NOT appear, then Mookie and Bliss head for the door. Is it easily opened? Locked? Trapped? Perception 34
"We gotta get inside," says Mookie.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) AC 21 HP 61/76 CMD 17 Monday August 14th, 2017 4:10:41 PM
[Note - Murphy brought up the moon excursion along the road early in the evening, shortly after they left the farm - not right in front of the house]
"Thanks, Mookie." He waits to see what, if anything, happens after the bell is rung - a suitable amount of time - not much more than a minute or so.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 Monday August 14th, 2017 4:41:28 PM
"Eyes of Gargul, give me sight beyond sight," says Kezzem.
OOC: Detect Evil, as per Mookie's request, should Garren appear.
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Monday August 14th, 2017 10:58:15 PM
Lance takes a deep breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth.
"We stand at the gate, the ringing of the bell tolls, will our host answer?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) d20+14=29 ; Monday August 14th, 2017 11:15:47 PM
"Ok, so looks like we are all in agreement. There's a strong chance that the guys who sent the werecow are in there, either because this Garren fellow is the next target or a conspirator, and by the way the house seems rather too quiet and ready for us. So our plan is to literally stand here and let all our enemies know our presence. Are you kidding me?!?
"I'm sorry, that was unprofessional. Anyway, back to the plan. All y'all yokels will stand there by the front door as clear bait while I keep crouched and quiet over here. Then, when something comes out to eat you guys, I'll try to keep my laughter respectful. Oh, and it will probably eat Mookie first, what with me all out of distracting tied up zombies. All right, on three. One, two... break!"
(Stealth 29)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) Monday August 14th, 2017 11:21:54 PM
Readied action: sneak attack on the first threat to exit the house.
"Good thinking, Pressi. You may be right, Murphy acknowledges quietly. "Hope not. But, yes, I'll wait here for the moment. Just don't knock down Garron..."
Sky & Cudgle (Marty) HP: 48/61; Ac:22 & Cudgle) Tuesday August 15th, 2017 2:25:34 PM
Trying to keep up when I can guys.... Having trouble getting my phone back.... Going to switch carriers on payday. should be up and posting again by thursday or friday... I know it was short notice, broke phone, no insurance grrr....
Sky & Cudgel (Kim for Marty) d20+13=18 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 2:57:50 PM
"Before we go to the moons, I want to get some sleep," jests Sky.
At Garron's house, still riding Cudgel, he stands off to one side about 25' to the right of the gate, a pair of arrows nocked, but pointing downwards, and not drawn more than a couple of inches. He looks around to see if anyone is up or watching them. (Perception: 18)
As Bliss waits for someone to open the door, he casts his second level domain spell: Aid.
Adds 9 temp hit points.
Aside from the syllables of casting, Bliss remains silent.
"What, cat gotcha tongue?" asks Mookie wearily.
Another slight tug of a smile hints in Bliss's visage.
DM Ken d20+15=16 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 6:50:56 PM
(Sorry, was waiting for everyone to post then got distracted. I'll try again to creep the time up tomorrow.)
The bell is rung, and a few moments later, lights start to appear throughout the house. Eventually, a very sleepy looking Garron appears at his front door, rubbing his eyes.
"Well, what it is at this hour?"
His manner is terse, but he was just woken up. Kezzem scans the man for traces of evil, but nothing shows up.
"Sorry, Meister Garron, for disturbing your sleep," Murphy begins. "We just came from destroying a strange sort of undead creature with necromantic abilities, about five hours outside town. He - she? - it has been turning halflings into fast and somewhat intelligent aggressive undead who can explode when they are severely wounded.
"But, to the point. We found in the creature's cave this map of Humble's Ford, with some sort of indication on it we cannot figure out concerning your house. Also - three red circles marking other places in town. We fear for your safety. The creature served Uthvas Bethud, who enslaved and tortured your two companions on the Second Dinner Club, whom we rescued."
Murphy looks to his friends. "Who has the map? Can you show it to Meister Garron?"
He turns his attention back to the wizard. "Uthvas has chosen to target this town in many ways. We do not want you to become his victim, sir. Nor others in Humble's Ford."
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Tuesday August 15th, 2017 11:51:10 PM
Lance cocks his head to one side. "So much focus on the Second Dinner Club. I wonder..." He openly scrutinizes Garron. "It would be prudent to allow us to protect your home. Wouldn't you agree?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 d20+13=14 ; Wednesday August 16th, 2017 12:33:47 PM
Kezzem stays quiet, trying to gauge the man's responses. He's told enough lies in his life that he should know the tells. However, he finds this man inscrutable for some reason.
Sense Motive: 14 (natural 1).
Sky & Cudgel (Kim for Marty) Wednesday August 16th, 2017 3:17:40 PM
Sky places his arrows back in his quiver. "When should we check out the three red circles on the map?" He scratches Cudgel's ears.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) Wednesday August 16th, 2017 4:40:28 PM
Behind the sleepy Garron, one could see a blur of drow sailing past.
Pressi brushed herself off as she goes ahead to show him the map. "Honestly, we don't know if we can stay and protect you so you may need to fall back. In the meantime, have you had any visitors, or heard anything unusual? Do you know anything about these locations or why a necromacer might be targeting you? Anything at all, even minor, might be relevant."
Bliss locates the map, wherever it is, and reaches up to offer it to the mage.
He looks around for trouble. Perception 21
DM Ken d20+8=16 ; Wednesday August 16th, 2017 7:04:20 PM
Garron takes the offered map from Bliss, and looks at if for a moment, his eyes finally showing some signs of focus. He looks at the locations, then peers at the red smudge over his house.
With a huff, he waves it around.
"So you're telling me that Uthvas is continuing to pick off the Second Dinner Club members? What will it take to stop him, I wonder?"
Garron shuffles inside of his house, offering entrance to any who wish to follow.
"Well, what next, Swordlings? One of you has offered to stay here and help ensure I survive the night. Another has told me you don't think you can stay. I very much would prefer it if you did. Of course, I can help you in your research I think."
Garron stares out of a window into the night, then shivers.
"I can try and use this map to scry the location of your enemies. I also have a little divination at my disposal. I don't mind allotting my home as base of operations for you, and I myself will stay out of your way."
He looks at an old clock, ticking loudly in the room.
"It will be close to two in the morning by the time the scrying spell is complete. I'll also cast some defensive spells on myself, I'm not defenseless, I'll have you know. Flashy explosions however, were never quite my tea or biscuits."
Speaking of which, he disappears into his kitchen, then reappears with both biscuits, and a room temperature tea. A quick cantrip later, and the tea is nice and hot, as it should be. He looks at Pressi.
"To answer your questions, miss elf, no. I cannot fathom why a necromancer would be targeting me. I've had no unexpected contact with anyone, other than the contact I'm having right now."
Picking up a biscuit, the wizard takes a hearty bite. Through smacky mouthfuls, he asks.
"What say you fellows? Whether you stay or go, it seems I need to plan a defense."
Bliss stays vigilant throughout the discussion, and spots nothing unusual. Kezzem detects no subversion from the man.
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Wednesday August 16th, 2017 11:48:02 PM "Hmm..."
Murphy welcomes the hot tea and biscuits. After the tension over the past evening, he finds comfort in the familiar food, and the wizard's hospitality. "Thank you for this kindness," he says, acknowledging the food and drink.
"I believe we would be willing to watch this evening - though, we may want to set watches, and allow some to rest as they are able. Moreover, perhaps a few of us should set out for a half hour trip through the town to see what is at the site of each of the red circled spots, then report back in to the rest of us."
He looks at his friends. "What two or three of you are willing to come with me to make the rounds quickly to the other marked locations, and who will remain here as we take that look?"
[Thanks for the map!]
Sky & Cudgel (Kim for Marty) Thursday August 17th, 2017 4:08:41 AM
Sky waits to see who will go. If less than two offer to go, he will accompany Murphy. If two or more offer to check out the other places, he will remain with Garron.
Bliss (AC20, HP90of81) (Cayzle) Thursday August 17th, 2017 7:58:49 AM
Bliss opens his mouth in a tremendous yawn.
Moolkie bobs his head up and down. "I for one have been a little more than somewhat half dead tonight, and the Kid here is about to fall over. We should hunker down on the spot, protect the wizard, get some rest. We're no good to anyone exhausted,"
Bliss rubs his eyes and blinks.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) Thursday August 17th, 2017 10:39:31 AM
"If you can perform the divinations as you say, that would be of tremendous help, more so that just running around blindly. So I think we are agreed to your plan."
"As for the grouping and splitting up, I would normally agree with that, but we are down to 6 and you want to peel off 3? I mean, with Garron's defenses and no enemies present, I suppose we have a shot in returning before anything happens, but there is a risk...."
Pressi looks around. Murphy and Sky are leaving, Bliss and Lance seem to be staying and Kezzem probably will stay as well. Problem is that all three could probably use the rest to recharge their abilities, so she might have to stay and keep watch as well. (And if one of them goes, she probably needs to stay to make sure Bliss and Mookie recover.)
She lays out her analysis for everyone, letting them know that she probably has to stay and take the first watch.
------------
Ki points 2/4 used stunning fists 2/5 used teamwork feat 1/2 used alter self 1/1 used
(Note - she can recover abilities with 8 hours of meditation - she doesn't necessarily need to sleep.)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (26 vs. Big Mamma Jamma), HP 85/99, CMD 23; Rumpus - AC 24, HP 52/52, CMD 23 d20+14=25 ; d20+13=22 ; Thursday August 17th, 2017 12:27:09 PM
"Uthvas seems quite obsessed with you Second Dinner Club guys," says Kezzem. "Anything you might add as to why that may be would certainly be of help."
Diplomacy: 25. Sense Motive: 22.
DM Ken:
Sense motive breaks into 4 uses. Keep in mind that your initial sense motive on Garron, a 14, will stand until something merits the situation being re-examined.
1. Hunch, flat DC 20: This use of the skill involves, making a gut assessment of the social situation. You can get the feeling from another's behavior that something is wrong, such as when you're talking to an impostor. Alternatively, you can get the feeling that someone is trustworthy.
This was rolled earlier, with a natural one result, if I remember correctly. Note that this doesn't mean anything in particular, as skill checks dont auto fail on a natural one, but Hunch cannot be rerolled.
Sense Enchantment, Flat DC 25: You can tell that someone's behavior is being influenced by an enchantment effect even if that person isn't aware of it. The usual DC is 25, but if the target is dominated (see dominate person), the DC is only 15 because of the limited range of the target's activities.
Discern Secret Message, DC Varies: You may use Sense Motive to detect that a hidden message is being transmitted via the Bluff skill. In this case, your Sense Motive check is opposed by the Bluff check of the character transmitting the message. For each piece of information relating to the message that you are missing, you take a –2 penalty on your Sense Motive check. If you succeed by 4 or less, you know that something hidden is being communicated, but you can't learn anything specific about its content. If you beat the DC by 5 or more, you intercept and understand the message. If you fail by 4 or less, you don't detect any hidden communication. If you fail by 5 or more, you might infer false information.
4. Opposition to a bluff check, DC varies. If an opponent is trying to deceive you with a bluff, you receive a sense motive as an opposed roll. If you need one of these, the DM is supposed to roll it in secret, using your modifiers.
Retry: Generally none, but you can always roll opposed to each new bluff.
"How about this?" asks Murphy. "A few of us just take a quick lap around town just to take an outside look at the three spots. The place is small. We might be able to take the sweep in just ten minutes, maybe fifteen, then be back. We all just traipsed through town already, and everything seems quiet. As they were marked on the map, we will be remiss if we don't at least take a quick glance. So, out, and back again. Not going inside anything. Just walking by so we know a smidge more about what the map represents. Bliss, Mookie, yes, sleep.
"If something starts happening in the short time we are out," he grabs two thunderstones from his haversack, and hands one to Pressi, "toss this on the ground outside, and we should be able to hear it." He holds up the other one. "If we run into trouble we can't run away from, I'll toss this one down. Keep a window open with someone nearby it. I really don't think someone is going to dash out on the street and try to tackle us. I'll ride my dog, and Sky, if you'll come, you can ride on yours. Really, we'll try to keep it to 10 - 15 minutes, tops. Some of us crossed half the town night before last in about 15 seconds when we heard about the orphanage fire. If we can see what's out there and be back in five minutes, we'll aim for that.
"Go ahead, with our host's leave," he says, giving a respectful nod to Garron, then turning his attention back to the fellow members of the Sword, "to get to know the place and get settled in. We will be back before you know it," Murphy asserts, feeling fairly confident that will be the case. "My whole life I have been out in the town at night with a friend or family member, or even by myself, without having any fear that some bogeyman was going to jump out of the shadows and assault me. I do recognize that the situation may have moderated - but we need to know other potential threat, or threatened points.
"Then, I'll need to catch up on some sleep, too."
The druid wonders about who it is who has been spying upon the town. Who would conspire with the enemies of Humble's Ford, of Crescent Valley? What gain? What motivation?
Bliss (AC20, HP90of81) (Cayzle) Thursday August 17th, 2017 3:26:05 PM
Bliss stands on guard at the mage's house, hiding in the shadows. He tries hard to stay awake. Mookie perches on the roof of the house.
DM Ken Thursday August 17th, 2017 7:33:11 PM
Lance, still obviously suspicious, doesn't bother to further explain his line of questioning. Kezzem on the other hand, picks up the torch and runs with it. He asks again about any connection the Second Breakfast Club might have to Uthvas.
"I'm telling you, I can't think of a reason Uthvas would be my enemy. However, if I were some evil mage bent on dominating this small town, my first target would probably be the trio of wizards who are known for keeping giant invasions at bay."
Kezzem, astute as he is, finds nothing in Garrons tone or actions to make him suspect deceit.
While Murphy and the away team gather their belongings, Garron starts to show the others around his estate, taking them to each room on the bottom floor. He points to the stairs.
"All wizards have their secrets, Swordlings, and all of mine are upstairs. I'll be in my room above making preparations. Scry runs about an hour to cast. You are free to establish whatever defenses you wish in the bottom half of my home, or the outside. All I ask is that you do not come upstairs, as it will upset my alarm spells and wards I have in place."
He thinks a minute and then adds.
"Also, leave my carrier chickens alone as well. They are a sensitive breed of bird. Now, I'm heading upstairs in just a moment.
Garron rattles off a number of protective spells, in range and sight of Kezzem and any other spellcasters to easily identify. He starts with Mage Armor, then follows up with False Life, See Invisibility, Resist Energy, and then renews his detect magic spell.
With a smile and a wave, he hovers at the bottom of his stairwell for a final moment.
"Anyone need anything before I become unavailable? Also, which map point are you lot heading off for first? I feel like tonight, communication will be important. Also.." He looks at the map again, then makes some notes on it, before tearing off a tiny piece from one of the corners. "You might need it if you don't have a copy of it. I've notated what I know about those circles."
DM Note: I'm aware this might change some decisions. I've decided that your characters know enough about this town to have an idea of distances and locations on the map.
North- Leads to an older cemetary and funeral site. It's been more or less abandoned, since the church of Flower took over burial rites in the town. 10 minutes from Garrons home.
East- The eastern circle leads out of town, to an area that contains nothing but a popular field of flowers, rumored to have been visited by Flower herself. 15 minutes from Garrons home.
West- leads out of town to a large communal living quarters, unoccupied as far as you know. 20 minutes from Garrons home.
"We'll go to the one first toward the left, then to the one roughly opposite your home, then the one on the right," he says, starting at Garron's house, and using his finger to follow a roughly clockwise path around the town, from a bird's eye perspective.
"We will be sure to look at each side of each dwelling circled, but will try to not be too obvious about it. Like, walk past it on this street, go up past another burrow or two, then return on the far side of the burrow, for example. Say, Lance - you would not happen to be able to cast invisibility, would you? If so, one or both of us could travel invisibly - though we may want to do so on foot, rather than on our mounts."
If invisibility or other option is offered, Murphy will wait until receiving that, then, if Sky is still willing to go along with him, they will head out - on dogs if not invisible, and on foot if still invisible.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) Thursday August 17th, 2017 8:53:38 PM
"Murphy, you understand that this means that it will take well over an hour to visit all three." She quickly draws a couple of triangles, showing the pythagorian theorem. "If we do nothing but straight lines, it takes an hour and fifteen minutes. Add a clockwise path and some time to actually walk past it a couple of times and we're easily talking short of 2 hours, with an enemy that could hit any of the locations including Garron at any time.
"Alternatively, we can send a single scout to each place, avoid engagement at all costs, and have everyone be back within half an hour. Or we can wait the hour and see what our friend Garron says before we all split off.
"I make no recommendations. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood the timetables before we decided on a course of action."
[Any chance we could get an overlay of the three red circles and Garron's house on the game's hometown map?]
ADM Kim` Thursday August 17th, 2017 9:25:14 PM
[Any chance we could get an overlay of the three red circles and Garron's house on the game's hometown map?]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) Thursday August 17th, 2017 9:55:46 PM
(OOC: If it takes 10 minutes from G to N and 15 from G to E, it takes 18 from N to E. 10^2 + 15^2 = 18^2. Likewise, if it takes 20 mins from G to W, then it takes 22 from N to W.
Round trip, then: 22+18+20+15 = 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes). Assuming some time at each node and an arc rather than a triangle and it's at least an hour and a half.)
DM Ken Thursday August 17th, 2017 10:07:32 PM
Because you asked. =D
Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 90 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+9 -- CMD 15 Thursday August 17th, 2017 11:21:50 PM
ooc: Are there any tall trees near his home? Looking for a vantage point.
Finally figuring out what is what on the map (yay maps! - was mistakenly figuring the captured map focused on the heart of the town), Murphy says, "Oh, I know the old cemetery. We had just named our group 'Humble's Sword' at the start of the valley games, and visiting the cemetery, fighting giant rats there, and getting a thunderstone from one of them was part of the contest." The druid finds himself losing himself to memories of that time for a moment - the riddle poem, getting to know his companions, puzzling out solutions together, facing obstacles and opponents - then snaps back to the present.
"Oh. Sorry. Got lost for a moment in my memories. I am tired. Pressi, you are right. Look, I am very tired. Who can take watch? I've got to sleep. Sky, never mind going out now."
Murphy, after the tour of the downstairs, finds a spot to settle in, and soon is dreaming.
Sky & Cudgel (Kim for Marty) Friday August 18th, 2017 7:55:33 AM
Sky, seeing Murphy has changed his mind, shrugs his shoulders. "I can take a watch - now, or I'll take second if someone wants first watch." He gives some food and water to the dogs, then either sets to watch, or sleeps until awakened for second watch.
Bliss (AC20, HP90of81) (Cayzle) d20+14=25 ; Friday August 18th, 2017 10:09:49 AM
Still sitting near the fence, leaning against a post, hiding in plain sight near the bell ... Bliss falls asleep.
Mookie flaps over, lands on the fence, looks at his master, and sighs. "What will he do without me," the talking bird murmurs.
Mookie keeps as alert as he can -- Perception 25.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (current 21), HP 77/77, CMD 26 (currently 28) d20+12=16 ; Friday August 18th, 2017 11:38:35 AM
"We are all a little tired and disoriented. Go ahead and rest up."
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